ISBN 9781619114418. Mandolinists who wish to expand their improvisational vocabulary and spice up their rhythm accompaniment are invited to try some Jazz Mandolin Appetizers. This book and accompanying audio, prepared by chef Don Stiernberg, include a batch of etudes that address the challenges every improvising mandolinist faces. These include common issues such as selecting notes that sound good with chord progressions and finding them on the fretboard. In the first section, new melodies are presented for chord progressions that are often played at swing and jazz jam sessions. These tunes will benefit players of any style. Concepts are discussed at the beginning of each tune such as harmonic analysis and the effects of certain intervals (useful groups of tones). The tablature suggestsfingerings for the melodies. The chordal section shows how chords and progressions can be made more interesting by adding color, tension and movement. Chord substitution is also demonstrated. Working through this section will prepare the player with commonly played progressions and will expand their chord voicing vocabulary up and down the neck. Lastly, a study of chord-melody style playing is presented. Playing the melody and harmony at the same time yields full sounding solo arrangements. Don Stiernberg is a leading proponent of the jazz mandolin style. He has eight available recordings, performs coast to coast and abroad, writes a column for Mandolin Magazine and teaches at several mandolin events.

Take your blues playing to the next level with the MandolinBlues Book. A collection of 101blues riffs and solos ideal for all mandolinists looking to get a good grasp ofjamming the blues.

The book covers all the essential tools needed to playblues mandolin. Start by learning the 40stylistic riffs, then the 25 one and two bar blues riffs in multiple keys, andmove on to the longer 12 bar blues rhythm riffs and extended solos.

Most of the longer rhythm riffs and solos follow thestandard 12 bar blues form, so they are readily applicable to many genres,including country, rock, jazz, folk and bluegrass, to name a few.

To further deepen your mandolin skills, study themajor, minor, blues scales and arpeggios, as well as the library of mandolin chordsand blues chord progressions in all 12 keys.

No book covers everything, but with some practice, youwill be ready to take your mandolin, jam the blues with confidence, and showoff your new skills.

For free mandolin lessons, audio tracks and videos, pleasevisit my website:

http://www.brentrobitaille.com

or

Mandolin BluesBook - Kalymi Music (brentrobitaille.com)