Exercises for Developing Jazz Improvisation Volume II

This method book covers a further 2 techniques to help the developing jazz player expand their jazz skills. These can also be purchased individually:

Examining Diminished Scales

This section looks at Whole/Half and Half/Whole step diminished scales. It includes ascending/descending broken chord exercises plus scale patterns for both Whole/Half and Half/Whole step diminished scales. There are also 2 written sample solos with audio demonstration and backing tracks to accompany the exercises.

Triad Pairs and Hexatonic Scales

This section focuses on 4 common triad pairs and their related hexatonic scales - 2 major triads a whole step apart, 2 major triads a tritone apart, major/augmented triads a whole step apart and 2 minor triads a whole step apart. There are exercises and patterns for each triad pair/hexatonic scale plus suggested chord applications for each. There are also 2 written sample solos with audio demonstration and backing tracks to accompany the practice exercises and sample solos.

Although originally created for sax students, all books have now been adapted for C, Bb, Eb and Bass Clef instruments.

Color-coded Lead Sheets for Jazz Combo. Separate lead sheets for Concert instruments and Bb instruments included with purchase. Color allows quick understanding of the sections and form of the tune, the rhythmic hits, and the counter-melodies. Special care has been taken to clearly indicate intros, sections, solos, and codas/outros. These form-based markings are in GREEN. Special care has also been taken to notate the rhythmic hits. Hits are often partially or completely missing from standard fake book versions of the tune. Hits are notated above the staff, in RED. Finally, any counter-melodies or harmonies appear in reduced size, in BLUE.

Melodies often written in straight rhythm in standard fake books have been rewritten in a swing style, or ?As Played By? some of the all-time jazz greats. Some of the tunes have been transposed from their standard fake book keys to an easier, better-sounding key for Bb saxophone.

Slurs have been added to all the Bb parts for smooth and consistent jazz articulation on the Bb saxophone. A duplicate Bb part, without the slurs, is also included (marked with an asterisk for Bb* Instruments), for Bb players who would prefer to customize their own articulation.

All tunes have been vetted for playability and accuracy.

The arranger, Rob Ames, is a soprano saxophone player from New Hampshire and the Boston, MA area. His album of original tunes, ?Sounds From the Boardwalk?, is widely available.

Color-coded Lead Sheets for Jazz Combo. Separate lead sheets for Concert instruments and Bb instruments included with purchase. Color allows quick understanding of the sections and form of the tune, the rhythmic hits, and the counter-melodies. Special care has been taken to clearly indicate intros, sections, solos, and codas/outros. These form-based markings are in GREEN. Special care has also been taken to notate the rhythmic hits. Hits are often partially or completely missing from standard fake book versions of the tune. Hits are notated above the staff, in RED. Finally, any counter-melodies or harmonies appear in reduced size, in BLUE.

Melodies often written in straight rhythm in standard fake books have been rewritten in a swing style, or ?As Played By? some of the all-time jazz greats. Some of the tunes have been transposed from their standard fake book keys to an easier, better-sounding key for Bb saxophone.

Slurs have been added to all the Bb parts for smooth and consistent jazz articulation on the Bb saxophone. A duplicate Bb part, without the slurs, is also included (marked with an asterisk for Bb* Instruments), for Bb players who would prefer to customize their own articulation.

All tunes have been vetted for playability and accuracy.