🎁 Joe Henderson – “A Shade of Jade” – First Chorus (Live, 310 BPM) – FREE PDF Transcription

🎷 Joe Henderson – Fearless First Chorus on “A Shade of Jade”

Joe Henderson’s opening chorus on “A Shade of Jade” from the live album In Pursuit of Blackness (1971) is a masterclass in courage and imagination. At a blistering 310 BPM, Henderson doesn’t ease into the solo — he explodesinto it. From the first beat, he’s already outside the harmony: superimposing shifted dominant shapes, carving intervallic lines, and throwing himself into the music with complete conviction.

This transcription captures that entire first chorus note-for-note — letting you study how Henderson starts a solo with momentum, risk, and razor-sharp melodic clarity.

🎼 This PDF Lets You Explore Henderson’s Fearless Opening Language

The PDF gives you the complete first-chorus transcription, cleanly engraved and formatted for your instrument. With chord symbols included, you’ll see exactly how Henderson plays around the harmony — and how he snaps back inside with precision.

You’ll also notice how he uses substituted dominant sounds, half-step displacement, and intervallic cells to create intensity right from the start.

📘 What You’ll Get in the PDF:

✅ Full transcription of Joe Henderson’s first chorus on “A Shade of Jade”

✅ Notated in Concert, B♭ and E♭ versions

✅ Clean, easy-to-read engraving for practice or study

✅ Chord symbols included for harmonic context

✅ Perfect for saxophonists, improvisers, and serious jazz students

🎯 Why Combine the Video with This PDF?

The video shows the energy — the PDF shows the details.

Use it to:

• Study how Henderson superimposes outside shapes

• Understand his intervallic vocabulary at fast tempos

• Learn how he creates momentum at the very start of a solo

• Explore modern ways of connecting D-minor harmony with displaced dominants

• Bring fearless phrasing into your own improvising

🙌 Why This Resource Is for You:

Designed for saxophonists, improvisers, and educators:

• A rare look at how a master begins a solo at extreme tempo

• Ideal for building rhythmic stability and clarity at fast tempos

• A real-world example of outside playing rooted in strong harmonic sense

• Great study material for lessons, transcription practice, or personal growth

💬 What Musicians Are Saying:

““This opening chorus is wild — but seeing it written out made everything click. It’s fearless, but logical. Studying this helped me rethink how to start a solo.”

— Daniel K.

📥 How It Works:

1. Set the price to 0 → click “I want this”

2. Enter your email and download instantly (free!)

3. Open the PDF and start exploring the lines

4. Rewatch the video — or use the solo as your own study material

👤 About the Author:

Martin Uherek is a jazz saxophonist and educator dedicated to helping musicians improve their fluency, vocabulary, and confidence. His lick packs, transcriptions, and solo studies are trusted by jazz learners and teachers worldwide.

🔗 Stay Connected:

• YouTube Channel: Full solos, breakdowns & tutorials

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🎷 Download the PDF and explore one of Joe Henderson’s most fearless openings — outside shapes, raw momentum, and masterful control at 310 BPM.

⚖️ Educational Use Disclaimer:

This transcription is offered for educational and informational purposes under fair use. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the original copyright holders. All rights remain with their respective owners. Optional payments support transcription work and jazz education efforts only.