Vocabulary

I've been playing around in the studio a lot lately.
There are several songs that I've sketched out over the last year or so. I'm really interested in fleshing them out now. One is almost done.
The problem is, the solos all tend to sound the same.
I've got to come up with some fresh melody ideas. A friend suggested listening to a particular jazz artist. I can't remember the name, but one of his songs contains what is considered the quintessential jazz solo. Instructors at music colleges have their students learn and transcribe this piece. He suggested I do the same.
It makes sense really. Thoroughly learn solos from different sources and then reconstruct the ideas into a new coherent... statement.
That's i: Expand my vocabulary so I can express myself more completely, so that through my music I may compel the listener.

KoP