This book presents a concise history, or “survey” of jazz piano. In 13 hands-on lessons and 4 bonus performances, Dick Hyman explores the styles, musical vocabulary, and performers who have defined and shaped this elusive American art form over the last century. Starting with the pre-ragtime music of Louis Moreau Gottschalk and ragtime of Scott Joplin, and ending with the advanced scale types of Nicholas Slonimsky and music of McCoy Tyner, Mr. Hyman discusses and demonstrates the astonishing variety of jazz piano improvisation and the people and techniques that have shaped its evolution. The included video, with all 13 lessons and 4 bonus performances, is filled with closeups of Mr. Hyman's hands as he plays and discusses these techniques. This fascinating package also features a preface and autobiography of Hyman.
“From the pre-ragtime genesis of Louis Moreau Gottschalk to the modal post-bop of the great McCoy Tyner, this may be the finest lesson book not only in depth of material but in ease of use ... when you combine the publishing genius of Hal Leonard with the artistic brilliance of Dick Hyman then a five star recommendation is easy!”
– Critical Jazz Audio is accessed online using the unique code inside the book and can be streamed or downloaded. The audio files include PLAYBACK+, a multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow down audio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and pan left or right.
As I continue to attempt to change the rules if not focus for critical review, I wanted to inform you of a marvelous new transcription book from legendary pianist Dick Hyman. The highly respected and world renown publishing giant Hal Leonard has just released a 160-page book with accompanying DVD chronicling the history of jazz piano.
This work is a concise history of jazz piano and the key players as dicussed in each of the 13 hands-on lessons and four bonus performances. From the pre-ragtime genesis of Louis Moreau Gottschalk to the modal post bop of the great McCoy Tyner, this may be the finiest lesson book not only in depth of material, but in ease of use. The DVD is full of close-up shots of Hyman's hands while he performns and analyzes these techniques.
For the uninitiated, Dick Hyman has recorded over 100 albums under his own name. He has played with icons such as Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie and on one auspicious occasion, Igor Stravinsky. Hyman's talent is equal to his resume with the New York Times writing that he “can do practically anything on piano.”
I rarely if ever review books, but when you combine the publishing genius of Hal Leonard with the artistic brilliance of Dick Hyman, then a five star recommendation is easy!
--Brent Black, CriticalJazz.com
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