There have been huge strides in jazz education over the last 30 years or so. When I went to high school in the late 70’s, Jamey Aebersold records were just coming out and they were all the rage.
There were very few books on learning jazz. With the exception of Jamey’s records and maybe Patterns for Jazz: Treble Clef, that was about it.
In a way it was nice, because it forced us to just listen to records and transcribe solos. In high school I transcribed alot of solos by Clifford, Sonny Rollins, Sonny Stitt, etc.
Today, there are tons of books on learning jazz - every aspect of it - from improvising, to arranging, to even the mental aspects of the craft (i.e. Effortless Mastery: Liberating the Master Musician Within by Kenny Werner)
I have most of the arranging books that are available, but I’m noticing that there are now books coming out that include arrangements inside the book - for the price of the book alone.
Case in point…. I just ordered a Horace Silver book called: Horace Silver - The Art of Small Jazz Combo Playing Since I’m interested combo playing, and I like Horace Silver tunes, this one really caught my eye.
The editorial review is brief:
Invaluable text outlining the “art” of combo playing from master leader, player, and composer, Horace Silver. Includes sections on jazz philosophy, group and solo playing, composing and arranging, the music business, and 7 of Horace’s combo arrangements.
I paid $11.66 for a book with 7 combo chart inside! (And I thought my combo prices were cheap!)
I’ll check out the book and the 7 charts and report back here and let you know. If you are remotely interested in jazz combo playing then this is pretty much a no brainer though. You won’t find 7 Horace Silver charts any cheaper than this.
