Jazz

Jazz Ensemble Google Classroom Code:
Jazz Collective Google Classroom Code: 

A Note from Mr. A......

WATCH THIS VIDEO TO HAVE YOUR LIFE CHANGED FOREVER

I thought I would share some resources with you that you might find useful and FUN. I love playing solo transcriptions of the great jazz players. Doing your own transcriptions is the ultimate, but there is no shame in finding a collection of transcribed solos, listening to the recordings and learning to play along. Your technique, your sound and your jazz vocabulary will go through the roof. 

On saxophone, I have been playing transcribed solos from Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, Michael Brecker and Joshua Redman. FUN!! Of course you can just google “jazz solo transcriptions” for your instrument, but here are some suggestions to get you started. If you feel like spending a few bucks on these books I promise you will not regret it.

Saxophones

The Charlie Parker Omnibook is a MUST for any saxophone player. It is the Bible, the Torah and the Quran all rolled into one spiral bound package. It is available in Eb for Alto, Bb for Tenor/Trumpet and even in bass clef for trombones/bass. Here is a link to the Eb version. Make sure you get the right transposition for you.

The John Coltrane Omnibook is another great option. It is also available in various pitches for various instruments, so get the right one. 

Trumpets

Staying on brand, The Miles Davis Omnibook is fantastic. Also available in different keys for saxophones, bass clef, etc.

If you want to wiggle your fingers a bit more, this Dizzy Gillespie collection is awesome.

You can also grab a Bb version of the Charlie Parker omnibook and you’ll be happy for the rest of your life.

Trombones

The JJ Johnson Collection is a terrific start. 

Another great idea would be to grab the Miles Davis omni book for bass clef, or the Charlie Parker omni book for bass clef if you really want a technical challenge.

Piano

The Bill Evans Omnibook is a fantastic option. (I just bought one for myself!) 

Guitar

Wes Montgomery is the place to start. Killer stuff. 

Bass

There are TWO volumes of Ron Carter Solos you can get for $13 each on Amazon!! They’re basically FREE JAZZ SOLOS!! 

Drums

Yes, there are jazz drum transcriptions. There are Kindle versions of solo transcriptions from Roy Haynes, Tony Williams and Elvin Jones for $3.45 each. It’s even worth buying a Kindle if you don’t have one!