Bennie Maupin's 'Tears'

Like many, I was first introduced to Bennie Maupin through Miles’ Davis’ famous ‘Bitches Brew.’ Later I was enthralled by the notes below Eb (If you are a clarinet player, you know what I mean) on Herbie Hancock’s Butterfly.

Later on, a friend introduced me to Maupin’s solo album ‘Jewel in the Lotus.’ This album really fascinated me as it was different than anything I had really listened to in the past.

In a totally different vein, Maupin is the woodwind player on Lee Morgan’s seminal ‘Live at the Lighthouse’ record playing tenor, flute, and bass clarinet.

Years later, I was introduced to some of Maupin’s work from this century: ‘Early Reflections’ and ‘Penumbra.’

This tune ‘Tears’ had an impact on me from the first time I heard it, so I transcribed it for an upcoming gig here in Philly. It is perhaps my favorite track from the album ‘Early Reflections.’

See it here.