Bluesy Jazz: Jazz Play Along Series Volume 35 [Paperback]

Hal Leonard Corp. (Creator)

Book Description

Series: Jazz Play Along | Publication Date: October 1, 2004

For use with all Bb, Eb and C instruments, the Jazz Play-Along Series is the ultimate learning tool for all jazz musicians. With musician-friendly lead sheets, melody cues and other split-track choices on the included CD, this first-of-its-kind package makes learning to play jazz easier than ever before. FOR STUDY, each tune includes a split track with: * Melody cue with proper style and inflection * Professional rhythm tracks * Choruses for soloing * Removable bass part * Removable piano part. FOR PERFORMANCE, each tune also has: * An additional full stereo accompaniment track (no melody) * Additional choruses for soloing. Includes 10 songs: Angel Eyes * Bag's Groove * Bessie's Blues * Chitlins Con Carne * Good Morning, Heartache * High Fly * Mercy, Mercy, Mercy * Night Train * Sugar * Sweet Georgia Bright.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Founded in 1947, Hal Leonard Corporation has become the worlds largest print music publisher, representing some of the greatest songwriters and artists of all time. We are proud to publish titles of interest to all musicians as well as music lovers, from songbooks and instructional titles to artist biographies and instrument price guides to books about the music industry and all the performing arts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 52 pages
• Publisher: Hal Leonard (October 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0634079905
• ISBN-13: 978-0634079900
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #672,551 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Tracks for improvisors, June 9, 2008

By 

Guitar Guy "Marty" (Newcastle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bluesy Jazz: Jazz Play Along Series Volume 35 (Paperback)

I've used the Jamey Abersold backing tracks in the past as they are the gold standard for improvisors. But as a guitarist they pose more of a challenge when I don't know the melody of a given piece, and they tend to be more complex. What I liked about these tracks is that they have both a professional-quality reference melody track and a track of the same tune without a melody instrument. I dropped these onto my multi-track recorder and played an obligato line along with the melody and then played along with the choruses on the provided tracks. I've been playing for 30 years, the last 10 years focusing more and more on improvising. I bought 4 books from this series and I have been impressed with each one. They are worth far more than the price, so I would say you can't go wrong with any of these that suit your style--the best investment is your own education...and these provide both--an education and hours and hours of enjoyment.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Really diggin' this, February 2, 2010

By 

David Porter (Tucson) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bluesy Jazz: Jazz Play Along Series Volume 35 (Paperback)

I'm having so much fun with this series. Trouble is I've gone overboard here and bought several of the books: It's hard to stay with just one. My time is spent going from "Angel Eyes" and "Bags' Groove" in one book to "Spain" in another, and "Windows" in still another. It's a nice problem to have though.

What I like about these books (Bluesy Jazz vol. 35, Jazz-Rock Fusion vol. 62 and Great Jazz Classics vol. 50) are the following:
* You get a straight forward, no frills melody on a CD (you can embellish all you want).
* You get a decent section to solo over.
* You get a good backing track to play the entire song over, without the recorded lead instrument.
* You get each song written separately for "C" treble instruments, "Bb" instruments, "Eb" instruments and "C" bass instruments. This is great if you know reed or brass players.
* You get real songs, not just someone's jamming and soloing.
* You get a simple and readable layout, fake book style.

You'll need to have reasonable reading skills (guitarists, like me get spoiled with tablature). You'll also need to be able to read the changing key centers and understand how to apply scales and arpeggios. To me that's not work; it's fun. Some folks might wish for commentary about about harmony or soloing strategies. That would be nice. Some folks might wish for a solo section to learn and analyze. That would be nice,too. Some folks might wish for songs recorded at slow and fast tempos. Again, that would be nice. There are already countless books like that out there. It's the no nonsense simplicity that I like here. DIY!

What I enjoy is playing songs I know and love with a great rhythm section and figuring out my own solos (jazz is hard, but FUN). I'm extremely interested in approaching the melodies chord melody style, and having the lead instrument there helps me get it up to speed until I'm ready for the backing track.

If you're learning theory or taking lessons, apply what you know here. This jazz play-along series is extensive. All my students want to rock. If I get any who want jazz, they'll love what they can do with this. Who says you can't rock out on the backing tracks?