Jim Hall's playing is characterized as subtle, mellow, gentle, and rich. Unlike others, Hall's playing is more expressive, rather than centralized around licks. Hall was not only known for his playing, but he was also as an excellent composer. Hall was an huge inspiration to the jazz community and is seen as one of the all time greats. As a fun fact, Julian Lage at age 11 became friends with Jim Hall and the two played many shows together.
#1 Jim Hall "Beautiful Love" Lick
Jim Hall plays this line in his solo on Beautiful Love.
This lick is in the key of D minor. There are plenty of chromatic notes.
Click here to listen to this lick on YouTube.
#2 Jim Hall "One Morning in May" Lick
Jim Hall plays this line in his solo on One Morning In May.
This lick begins over a Cmaj7 chord for the pick up and then continues over C7 using the C mixolydian. The lick ends on the slide into the 6th.