Internationally renowned authors musicians and recording artists Frank Villafranca and Andrew D. Gordon have composed a collection of grooves and melodies in the Smooth Jazz Genre creating an exciting supplemental jazz study series for beginner intermediate and advanced jazz students and musicians. The smooth jazz grooves in this 46 page book feature a variety of contemporary rhythm section styles including R

Imagine someone who has worked as an international saxophonist, an educator, a technician, a consultant, and as a designer, and you can imagine Peter Ponzol. For the first time, Peter offers details from his famous Saxophone Workshops. Learn about: ? Maintenance ? Reeds ? Mouthpieces ? Ligatures ? Sound ? Flexibility This exciting and informational pocket book will be a much needed addition to your musical library! Convenient pocket-sized book - 3.5 x 5.5 - perfect to toss in your gig bag! 64 pages. Peter has been around saxophones for decades, doing it all from manufacturing horns to reeds to mouthpieces. As well, he is a seasoned player. What he discusses in this book is coming from one of the sources-read carefully! - David Liebman, Sax artist/ author/ clinician. Read this review from Sax On The Web: The information in this book is right up SOTW?s alley, with answers regarding reeds, necks, mouthpieces, saxes, maintenance, and the like. I would assume that the number of redundant threads started could be reduced almost in half simply with a reading of this book and those owning it could refer back to it at their leisure, as needed. And there is enough info in this book which contradicts some of our SOTW urban legends to make an episode of MythBusters. If you catch the right posts at the right time, much of the info in this book is already posted here on SOTW. But you have to see it and if hunting for it, you have to find it. OTOH it?s all conveniently gathered and organized here in this primer - plus more. There are suggestions such as replacing the neck cork once or twice a year, which I would, if posting a response, say is not necessary. But here?s the difference. Many of us on the forum are experienced musicians but few have the experience and depth that Ponzol has. We can write with credibility - Ponzol writes with authority. And this is based on decades not only as a top-echelon player, but as a successful and innovative sax, neck and mpc designer. The book is a 61 page pocket reference booklet which, in addition to topics mentioned above, include thoughts on ligatures, sound and flexibility. It is based on items of interest asked by attendees at workshops he has given over the years, hence the title. He begins by pointing out that at these workshops one of the first things he does is look at the condition of attendees' equipment with the observation that at least 90% of them need some kind of work and adjustments. What follows in the book?s 61 pages are recommendations generated by this observation. Included are interesting comments such as: aging store-bought reeds by letting them sit for several years is fairly useless since the aging process stops once the bark has been cut away from the reed; not earth-shattering but interesting and certainly myth debunking. Again something that fits right in with many of the conversations on this forum. Interesting thoughts follow regarding the future of natural cane reeds, or how to select and get the most from your reeds - things I wouldn?t think of like sanding the heel of your reed. SOTWers might also get a kick out of, and relate to, the title of his section on mouthpieces, ?Now the Fun Begins?. There are also interesting side comments we don?t often hear like: in the 70s so many young players like Ponzol were trying to get Trane?s recorded sound by working on metal Links because that?s what they saw in photos and yet, Trane often recorded with hard rubber mpcs because, in Trane's opinion, it didn?t have as much spit in the sound for him. It?s interesting how some things come around back to you. There are two exercises I recommend to my students and have recommended on the forum regarding volume and embouchure control and flexibility. I?ve never heard anyone else recommend these exercises and yet here they are in Peter?s book. Then it hit me. The only other one I know who uses them is a former teacher of mine and I remembered that years ago he said he had had some lessons with Ponzol. So ?the circle is unbroken? LOL. I would highly recommend it for beginners and intermediates, as well as for more advanced players to recommend to their students. It has made me re-think even some of my most basic assumptions regarding equipment and maintenance, which has made the read well worth it. I wish every SOTW newbie would start out their Forum time with this booklet at their disposal.

by Walt Weiskopf. From the popular performer and composer, here are 16 solos based on well-known standards designed to improve your time, melodic sense, and harmonic awareness. They sound like ?real? solos because they were designed the way real soloists think and play. Chord changes are written above each measure, allowing instant analysis of how and why a particular lick or pattern sounds great. Tempos are moderate to moderate-fast, so they are very approachable for intermediate level players. The CD includes both play-along/practice tracks and demonstration tracks with Walt playing the etudes on either tenor or alto sax (depending on the book). Playing these solos with solid time, tone, and conviction will have you sounding professional, mature, and polished.

Intermediate Jazz Conception is another addition to the popular series of etude books created by Jim Snidero featuring some of the finest jazz musicians in the world. This book/cd set includes 15 etudes based on standards modal tunes and blues demonstrated by Jim Snidero on alto sax with the incredibly swinging rhythm section of Dave Hazeltine on piano Peter Washington on Bass and Kenny Washington on Drums. New to Intermediate Jazz Conception is an appendix dedicated to style and improvisation including a scales syllabus nomenclature and over 95 lines and ideas extracted for the study of improvisation! The recording features two separate versions of each etude; one withthe soloist and rhythm section and one with the rhythm section only. Hear how the soloist performs the etudes play with or without the soloist on the cd and learn about both jazz style and improvisation from some of the best. Other series available by Jim Snidero: Easy Jazz Conception and Jazz Conception.A talented musician musical advocate and educator ... a genuinely significant figure in jazz composition Penguin Guide to JazzA master musician Down Beat Magazine

Beginning intermediate Level Jazz Phrasing for Saxophone features ten melodic pieces which are easy to play, yet convey the essence of mainstream (Swing/Bebop/Bossa) jazz vocabulary. The pieces are catchy and melodic, demonstrating the use of sequence and voice-leading to make a musical statement. The book includes two play-along CDs (one for alto and one for tenor) featuring a world-class rhythm section, plus Greg Fishman demonstrating each piece. In addition, there are play-along tracks with just the rhythm section, so students have the option of playing along with Greg Fishman or with just the rhythm section. Jazz Phrasing for Saxophone is the prequel to Greg Fishman's more advanced books, Jazz Saxophone Etudes and Jazz Saxophone Duets, and will provide valuable insights into a melodic approach to jazz improvisation. This book is recommended for saxophonists of all levels who wish to improve their tone, articulation, phrasing, and understanding of thematic development.

Jazz-Style Arrangements with a Variation-Broadway by Special Arrangement is a collection of eleven songs arranged for the instrumentalist wanting to play in a Jazz style -without the need to learn to improvise. The 'classically' trained amateur or professional performer or the intermediate-level student (III-IV) will enjoy playing these expertly arranged Broadway melodies just for fun or to include as a light piece on a recital or solo-feature concert performance. The ballads and medium-tempo and up-tempo swing tunes are arranged with a play through of the melody followed by a written-out 'variation chorus a return to the melody and an ear catching ending. The piano bass and drumaccompaniment CD will put you right in the band. The CD includes both the solo instrument with the accompaniment track and an accompaniment-alone track for each selection. The inexperienced performer can learn the appropriate style of playing and be comfortable playing in the jazz style before playing along with the rhythm section track. All of the instrument books are for the most part compatible with only minimal changes in the 'variation' section to accommodate the ranges (sometimes including octave options) and unique characteristics of the instruments -but all can be played together. The three-line piano accompaniment book provides a rhythmic 'comping' with chord voicing written out plus the flute part to help in following the soloist or even for the pianist to take a chorus. For the jazzer here is a chance to learn Broadway tunes and to explore playing ballads and the swing style of popular standards. Chord symbols are included to allow for improvisation. By combining his jazz-keyboard chops his 25 years as an instrumental instructor and his superb composing and arranging skills Carl Strommen presents a fully playable exciting and tastefully arranged collection of these immortal and memorable Broadway titles.

Broadway by Special Arrangement is a collection of eleven songs arranged for the instrumentalist wanting to play in a Jazz style -without the need to learn to improvise. The 'classically' trained amateur or professional performer or the intermediate-level student (III-IV) will enjoy playing these expertly arranged Broadway melodies just for fun or to include as a light piece on a recital or solo-feature concert performance. The ballads and medium-tempo and up-tempo swing tunes are arranged with a play through of the melody followed by a written-out 'variation chorus a return to the melody and an earcatching ending. The piano bass and drumaccompaniment CD will put you right in the band. The CD includes both the solo instrument with the accompaniment track and an accompanimet-alone track for each selection. The inexperienced performer can learn the appropriate style of playing and be comfortable playing in the jazz style before playing along with the rhythm section track. All of the instrument books are for the most part compatible with only minimal changes in the 'variation' section to accommodate the ranges (sometimes including octave options) and unique characteristics of the instruments -but all can be played together. The three-line piano accompaniment book provides a rhythmic 'comping' with chord voicings written out plus the flute part to help in following the soloist or even for the pianist to take a chorus. For the jazzer here is a chance to learn Broadway tunes and to explore playing ballads and the swing style of popular standards. Chord symbols are included to allow for improvistation. By combining his jazz-keyboard chops his 25 years as an instrumental instructor and his superb composing and arranging skills Carl Strommen presents a fully playable exciting and tastefully arranged collection of these immortal and memorable Broadway titles.

Move up to the next step of Jazz Conception with this terrific book by Lennie Niehaus! The exercises and pieces inside are of intermediate standard and build on the concepts and techniques found in the two previous Basic Level books. All 45 studies tackle a different Jazz feel with melodies that reflect the styles of swing cool bop and more.While focussing on technique this splendid method is one which clearly stresses the fundamental rhythms articulations and phrasings commonly used by Jazz groups. These are the keys that unlock proper Jazz conception and are the elements which usually requires the most time. This method can save you months or even years!The first section of this book consists of twenty Jazz exercises each stressing different rhythmic patterns which reinforce important elements. The second section consists of twenty-five tunes which utilise the material initiated within the exercises making this an invaluable source for the young saxophone player.

15 great solo etudes for jazz style and improvisation [with a new appendix included]-Intermediate Jazz Conception is another addition to the popular series of etude books created by Jim Snidero featuring some of the finest jazz musicians in the world. This book/cd set includes 15 etudes based on standards modal tunes and blues demonstrated Ted Nash on tenor sax with the incredibly swinging rhythm section of Dave Hazeltine on piano Peter Washington on Bass and Kenny Washington on Drums. New to Intermediate Jazz Conception is an appendix dedicated to style and improvisation including a scales syllabus nomenclature and over 95 lines and ideas extracted for the study of improvisation!The recording features two separate versions of each etude; one with the soloistand rhythm section and one with the rhythm section only. Hear how the soloist performs the etudes play with or without the soloist on the cd and learn about both jazz style and improvisation from some of the best.

Improvisation - Stilistik - Spezialeffekte-Following on from the best-selling Jazz Method for Saxophone Developing Jazz Technique for Saxophone will help intermediate players take their jazz skills to a new level. This method bridges the gap between beginning tenor sax students and Jamey’s Play-A-Longs with basic but hip solos and a swingin’ rhythm section. The 22 pieces are written in a variety of jazz styles including reggae jazz waltz bossa nova calypso New Orleans South African salsa samba blues and swing. Special emphasis is given to helping students improvise over chord sequences such as the II-V-I progression. Idiomatic effects such as vibrato subtone glissandi and ‘bending’notes are dealt with and there is a special chapter on overtones. Several new scales are introduced including the whole tone and diminished scales and a special section on patterns contains many ideas for practising in all 12 keys. A superb rhythm section provides backing for all the pieces and exercises on the accompanying CD.

10 Jazz Standards - Authentic Jazz Playalong-Part of the Authentic Jazz Playalong series This volume brings together Gershwin Porter Ellington and other legends of 20th Century Jazz. It Don't Mean a Thing features ten absolute classics of jazz repertoire idiomatically arranged for the intermediate (grades 4-6) Tenor Saxophone player. Melody lyrics and chord symbols are provided offering opportunity for improvisation with suggested solo phrases notated to aid the beginner. There is also a brief guide and biographical note to each song in the collection. In addition the playalong CD comprises a live trio of piano bass and drums for truly authentic performance.

This inspiring collection celebrating black composers has been selected and edited by the renowned saxophonist, YolanDa Brown. Suitable for intermediate-level alto saxophone with piano accompaniment, plus commentary from YolanDaand downloadable backing tracks.
1. Blinded By Your Grace (Part 1) [Stormzy]
2. Blue And Sentimental [Count Basie]
3. I Can See The Change [Celeste]
4. I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free [Nina Simone]
5. In A Sentimental Mood [Duke Ellington]
6. Lady [Fela Kuti]
7. Million Billion Love [YolanDa Brown]
8. Misty [Erroll Garner]
9. TokYo Sunset [YolanDa Brown]
10. Total Praise [Richard Smallwood]
11. Wishing On A Star [Rose Royce]
/ Partitions jazz