I just starting to practice piano jazz fundamentals. I've been playing scales (root to seventh, or root to ninth) over ii-V-I (Evans forms) in all keys.
That practice is coming along just fine, but what bothers me is the improv transcripts I see for the great pianists don't seem to show scale based improv. To me it looks like broken chords with passing notes and embellishing turn are the real material of improv. At least the vast bulk of linear improv.
Below is a page from a transcript (https://ethaniverson.com/reds-bells/) that I think illustrates my point.
Bars 124-127 show a clear scale-based passage.
But the rest of the transcript seems chord-based. Bars 142-153 are a good example. That type of line seems the norm.
Can someone point me to some scale-based piano examples, or maybe help me understand scale v. chord melody in jazz and how I should think about my practice routine?
One thing I believe the scale drills has done is get my ear better tuned to jazz harmony. I can hear when I hit a flat sixth when it should have been natural, etc. Also, I get the idea that scales will get my hand coordinated for fluid movement between scale and chord melody elements. Suffice to say I am not looking for a way to get out of practicing scales. I just want to put it in context for how to apply it.