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.
