Jazz Alto Flute
I'm primarily a saxophone player but I have played flute for years as a doubler and have lately found myself gravitating more towards the flute and wanting to get better at improv on flute. I just joined this forum and I'm excited about working through Adrian's courses. A more specific question: I recently purchased an Alto Flute inspired by some of the great Bossa Nova albums that feature the Alto. I'm wondering how to make the best out of the Alto flute in Jazz. Does Adrian or anyone else has Alto specific suggestions, especially repertoire recommendations? I'm assuming it is better for ballads. Other than some of the Jobim classics, I'm not sure what to focus on with Alto Flute. Perhaps some of the standard Ballads to take advantage fo the more lyrical tone?
Hi Raymund,
The alto flute is definitely at home on ballads and bossa novas, but don't feel limited to them. Standards like Body and Soul, Skylark, Darn That Dream, and In a Sentimental Mood work beautifully, as do modal tunes like Maiden Voyage and Blue in Green.
My biggest suggestion is to lean into the instrument's warm, vocal quality rather than treating it like a bigger C flute. That's where its real character comes through.
Looking forward to hearing you play it!