Brian Blade Solo – Jazz Crimes

Jazz Crimes drum solo transcription – a note-for-note accurate transcription of Brian Blade’s drum solo on “Jazz Crimes”, from Joshua Redman’s album Freedom in the Groove (1996). Every phrase is written out in clean, print-ready drum sheet music.

About Jazz Crimes drum sheet music

“Jazz Crimes” is a funky, groove-based tune by saxophonist Joshua Redman, recorded with Brian Blade on drums. Blade was a key member of Redman’s band in the 1990s, and his playing on these records is loved by drummers for its feel and musicality.

Brian Blade’s solo is full of musical phrasing, dynamics and creative ideas. He plays the drums like a musician telling a story, using space, contrast and surprising accents. It is great study material for jazz drummers who want to solo more musically.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

The Jazz Crimes drum transcription on this page is written from the original studio recording – not from a live version and not from a simplified arrangement. If you have been searching for Jazz Crimes drum notes that actually match the record, this is the complete part, from the first bar to the last.

Song sections are clearly labelled, so you always know where you are, and the layout follows the song from start to finish. The PDF is professionally engraved, prints cleanly and reads just as well on an iPad or any other tablet.

Song facts

• Artist: Brian Blade
• Drummer: Brian Blade
• Tempo: ♩ ≈ 110
• Style: modern jazz drum solo

What you get

Here is what is included with Jazz Crimes drum sheet music:

• The full song, transcribed note-for-note from the original recording
• Clearly labelled song sections
• Professionally engraved, print-ready PDF
• Instant download after purchase

How to practise Jazz Crimes on drums

Once you have the Jazz Crimes drum sheet music, here is a simple way to learn it:

1. Listen many times. Notice his use of dynamics and space.
2. Learn it phrase by phrase. Play each phrase slowly before joining them.
3. Copy the dynamics. Blade’s solo is as much about volume as notes.
4. Use a metronome. Build up to ♩ ≈ 110 gradually.
5. Play along with the recording. Match his feel.
6. Use the ideas. Bring his phrases into your own solos.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Free versions of Jazz Crimes drum notes online are often tabs typed out by ear, with missing fills and rhythms that don’t match the record. A proper transcription saves you hours of guessing: every part is checked against the original recording, the rhythms are exact, and the layout follows the song so you always know where you are.

Who is this sheet music for?

This transcription is for intermediate to advanced jazz drummers, students and teachers, and any drummer who wants to learn from one of the most musical players of his generation.

About Brian Blade

Brian Blade is an American jazz drummer and composer, best known for his work with Wayne Shorter’s quartet, Joshua Redman and his own Brian Blade Fellowship. He has also recorded with Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Daniel Lanois.

More jazz drum sheet music

Want more than one song? The Modern Jazz Drum Solos Collection includes Jazz Crimes together with other songs, at a lower price than buying them one by one. You can also get other jazz songs one by one: What Is This Thing Called Love, Rhythm, I’ll Remember April and Hard Wired. See them all on the jazz drum sheet music page.

Frequently asked questions

Is this Jazz Crimes drum sheet music the full song?

Yes. It is the full song, transcribed note-for-note from the original recording. Nothing is simplified.

Are these Jazz Crimes drum tabs?

No – it is proper drum notation, which is more precise than tabs because it shows exactly when every note falls. If you are new to reading, it is easier than it looks – each drum and cymbal has its own place on the staff.

When do I get the PDF?

Straight away – the download link appears right after checkout and arrives in your inbox, so you can print it or open it on a tablet.

Which album is Jazz Crimes from?

It is from Joshua Redman’s album Freedom in the Groove (1996), with Brian Blade on drums.

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