Customer Reviews

Vol. 1, How To Play Jazz & Improvise (Book & CD Set)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

One good improv book is worth years of learning and this is one. You dive into the new references required for jazz with a proper emphasis on playing as the result of understanding. "How to Play and Improvise" imparts that understanding concisely, without the excursions into side topics that detract from my other favorite jazz improv book. As I enter my third quarter of saxophone classes I expect that this book, which was recommended by my instructor, will take me from being a competent player to being a competent improvisor. Thank you Jamey!

I had read the previous version of this book over a decade ago, and this book is a huge step forward. If I had had this version back then, I probably would've been much better at jazz improv today. The only downside of this book is the information architecture (e.g. page layout); it's a bit arcane, but it's charming I guess, like that disorganized folder of important papers your music teacher might have given you when you were starting out. Content-wise, this book is filled with jazz improv gems. A must-have.

Anyone considering becoming a good Musician needs to take an approach of this nature. Great info for the beginner, Intermediate, or Pro Player that wants to improve.
Starts from the basics and progresses.

I first met Jamey Aebersold in Louisville, KY. He was conducting a Jazz workshop there & saw me playing at a club in downtown Louisville many years ago. At that time, his Play-Along concept was a new idea in Jazz Improvisation. Since that time, He has come out with about 140 CD & book sets. I have about 40 I still use for practice. Anything Jamey does is worth 5 stars. He is a tenor saxaphonist, & also does a lot of the piano on the play-a-long. He was good enough a jazz musician to play with J.J. Johnson & many more jazz icons. I recommend anything that Jamey Aebersold does.

I am glad I purchased this book. I haven't gone too far in it yet but lots of things are covered in a clear concise fashion. Starts out rudimentary and progresses to more advanced subjects. It gives helpful insight into jazz improvisation.

An outstanding guide and resource for anyone interested in beginning to understand the art of musical improvisation. In this first volume of his Play-Along Series, Jamey Aebersold covers the basics in a systematic and creative way -- the way these basics should be covered! There is much to learn and do in this volume. If you want to expand your musical horizons and creativity while having fun along the way, get this book with its accompanying CDs and use them.
(Caveat: This volume assumes a rudimentary knowledge of reading standard musical notation -- or, that you are willing to acquire this knowledge.)

"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." -- Aldous Huxley