An Introduction to Swing, Blues, Latin and Funk Part 2 - Harmony, Improvisation, Accompanying and Reading from Lead Sheets This book is aimed at players with some piano experience who wish to develop a grasp of the basic tools required to play and improvise in a jazz style. Chapter 1: Harmony and Improvisation - Builds on the concepts covered in Part 1 to help you deal with typical situations such as 32-bar sequences, II V I, playing in 3/4, etc. Develop your improvisation skills using techniques such as pentatonic scales, modes, arpeggios, broken chords, horizontal and vertical improvisation Online resources include downloadable audio files of every piece, backing tracks, and interactive replay tracks featuring scrollable music and adjustable tempos Chapter 2: Accompanying - An essential skill for anyone playing in a duo situation, or for vocalists wishing to accompany themselves at the piano. Build your own bass lines in a range of styles, including two-feel, walking bass, blues, funk, bossa nova Add chords in the right hand and learn how to comp in the style of tunes such as All of Me and One Note Samba Chapter 3: Interpreting Lead Sheets - Follows the Lead Sheet Protocol to help you get away from reading sheet music and start creating your own arrangements like professional jazz pianists. Explore a variety of left-hand styles including shells, rootless chords, stride piano Learn how to play melodies using two-handed voicings in four- and five-part harmony Beginning Jazz Piano includes seven original compositions alongside traditional standards such as St James Infirmary, When the Saints Go Marching In and Indiana. This is the ideal book to use with your piano teacher, but the backing and Replay tracks make it equally accessible to those studying on their own.
