Learn to improvise using the techniques pioneered by piano greats Lenny Tristano and Dave McKenna. This methodical approach to learning the art of solo jazz piano improvisation will free your creative sense of music. It begins with a review of chord symbol interpretation, walks through bass line development, and ends with how to play several melodic lines simultaneously in stimulating musical conversation. You'll learn how to develop solos that embellish and support the melody, and use lead sheets to help you generate your own musical ideas. Twenty-one lessons present techniques, practice exercises, and tunes based on jazz standards. Notated transcriptions of sample improvisations illustrate each lesson's technique, and the accompanying audio lets you hear a master improviser put these ideas to work. Packed with hundreds of ideas that will teach you the art of improvisation!
The price of this book includes a unique code that provides access to audio tracks online, for download or streaming. The tracks 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 – available exclusively from Hal Leonard.
“I recommend this well conceived and researched book. The tunes that Neil uses as a base for his etudes are wonderful.” – Dave McKenna, jazz pianist
“Solo Jazz Piano includes a wide variety of techniques and ideas that are certain to captivate students and teachers alike. It shows how to apply these ideas, step-by-step, in a very clear, interesting, and practical manner. I highly recommend it to those aspiring to develop a solid foundation of solo jazz piano playing.” – Joanne Brackeen, composer, jazz pianist, Professor, Berklee College of Music
“At last, a book that gives the student solo pianist insight as to how to break away from stride and explore the more profound aspects of jazz time and improvisation.” – Alan Broadbent, pianist, composer, arranger
Prices and availability subject to change without notice.
