Jazz improvisation can be a confusing and overwhelming subject for musicians, especially when it comes to choosing the right books to help improve their playing.
With so many options available, it can be hard to know which books are worth investing in and which ones won’t provide much value. That’s why, in this post, we’ll be going through some of the most popular jazz improvisation books on the market and giving you our expert opinions on which ones are worth getting and which ones you can skip.
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The Charlie Parker Omni Book: Worth Skipping
The Charlie Parker Omni Book was the first jazz book that many musicians, including myself, ever purchased. Back in the day, it was widely accepted that owning a copy of this book and learning the solos inside was the way to learn jazz improvisation.
However, after spending a lot of time with this book, I realized that it doesn’t actually teach you much about jazz improvisation. Instead, it simply has a bunch of Charlie Parker solos written out for you to learn.
While it’s nice to have a reference of all the solos, reading jazz solos off-sheet music isn’t the best way to learn. The best way to learn jazz is to listen to it and transcribe the solos yourself.
That’s why I would recommend skipping the Charlie Parker Omni Book and instead investing in some Charlie Parker recordings and a pencil.
How to Improvise by Jamey Aebersold: A Worthwhile Investment
How to Improvise by Jamey Aebersold was recommended to me by my saxophone teacher during my time at the Birmingham Conservatory in the UK.
This book provides a comprehensive guide to jazz improvisation and covers everything from the basics of harmony and theory to more advanced concepts.
What sets this book apart from the rest is its hands-on approach to learning. Instead of just reading about jazz improvisation, you’ll actually get to practice what you’ve learned and put your skills to the test.
If you’re serious about improving your jazz improvisation skills, this is a book that you won’t want to miss.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, finding the right jazz improvisation books can be a challenging task, but it’s worth the effort. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, the right books can help you take your playing to the next level. We hope this post has been helpful in guiding you toward the best books for your needs. Remember, the most important thing is to practice, listen, and have fun!”