The Jazz Piano Book

Product Information

The CD features a first-rate New York rhythm section: Mike LeDonne (piano), Peter Washington (double bass) and Kenny Washington (drums). It is generally very well reviewed, although some less advanced readers have reported that its difficulty gradient is rather steep when it moves from general basic theory into the more advanced realm of jazz harmony.

Jazz piano book by Mark Levine, review and study guide Jazz piano book by Mark Levine, review and study guide

Despite their popularity, however, many jazz standards can be challenging to play. These tunes often feature complex chord progressions and melodies that can be difficult to navigate for even the most experienced players. Topics covered include syncopation, which is essential to becoming a good jazz player, and finger independence, which is important for any pianist. While the exercises and pieces in the book are relatively simple, they are still only appropriate for pianists who have been learning for at least one year. Each book contains concert pitch, bass clef, E flat and B flat parts, while the CDs are panned so that the bass or piano parts can easily be removed from the mix, making them useful for nearly all instruments. Jones in particular is known for quoting some of these rudiments in his solos, and when he in turn began to teach he would encourage his students to utilise this book. The listening guides! The book has an exhaustive appendix of great records of pianists as leaders or sideman/sidewomen, sometimes with examples of particular tunes and what to listen for. Even better, throughout the book, after Levine discusses a style or technique, he'll include footnotes of particular recordings to listen to for examples. If you love jazz, even if you never plan to play jazz piano, this forms an amazing listening guide to the world of jazz.

This clearly written, well-paced book contains challenging exercises to help the student soak up the language of bebop rhythm, and is accompanied by a play-along CD. Peter Erskine (who made our list of best jazz drummer of all time) calls it “the definitive book on bop drumming”. Pretty good book... Gives an OK insight into some of the harmonic, rhythmic and melodic concepts that you will have to wrap your head around if you're entering the Jazz world. Don't get too caught up on some of the semantics and history because a lot of it isn't 100% accurate (for example, Mark constantly espouses major scale harmony as the best way to learn changes, claiming that the chord tone/non chord tone based approach that Dizzy and Bird used is inferior). The listening suggestions are exceptional. Covering everything from theory to improvisation, this book is perfect for those who are just starting out on their jazz piano journey.

Book - Kent Hewitt Book - Kent Hewitt

Most famous for his role in the Oscar Peterson Trio, he also played with Ella Fitzgerald, Sonny Rollins, Dizzy Gillespie and led his own popular trio. It ranges from legends of the swing era like Jimmy Blanton and Milt Hinton, through to 1950s favourites Paul Chambers and Sam Jones, and fusion players like Stanley Clarke.An incredibly thorough and yet personal look at the vast subject of jazz piano. The scholarly historical perspective combines with excellent practical examples of different styles and approaches to the keyboard. Applause for one of the truly fine pianists of our time for putting his vast expertise, experience and musicality into book form.” Additionally, you should take the time to study the chord progression and melody closely so that you know exactly where you need to place your fingers when soloing or improvising. With a little practice, you’ll be able to perform any jazz standard with confidence. Advanced techniques for playing jazz piano This book is dense and covers a lot of material, so it will take some time to work through it. But if you are willing to put in the effort, The Jazz Piano Book is an invaluable resource that will help you develop your skills as a jazz pianist. In addition to learning the theory behind jazz piano, you will also get plenty of practical advice and tips on how to improvise, practice effectively, and perform like a pro.

The Jazz Piano Book - Wikipedia

If you’re an intermediate jazz pianist looking to improve your skills, there are a number of great books that can help you on your way. An Approach To Comping: The Essentials By Jeb Patton Looking for more? We published a dedicated guide to the best saxophone method books here. Jazz Drum Books Modern Rudimental Swing Solos for the Advanced Drummer by Charley WilcoxonFor many people, learning to play the piano is a lifelong dream. And while it takes years of practice to become a virtuoso, it’s never too late to start learning. For those just starting out, there are a number of excellent jazz piano books for beginners. Jazz Exercises, Minuets, Etudes & Pieces For Piano By Oscar Peterson Meticulously researched, well-structured and stimulating... a tremendous teaching resource... demands to be in the library of every Music Department that teaches jazz." - Hugh Johns, TIMES EDUCATIONAL SUPPLEMENT