Product Description

This comprehensive book and CD package will teach you the basic skills you need to play smooth jazz piano. From comping to soloing, you'll learn the theory, the tools, and the tricks used by the pros. The accompanying CD features many of the examples in the book performed either solo or with a full band. Specifically, you'll learn: scales and chords, harmony and voicings, progressions and comping, rhythmic concepts, melodies and soloing, characteristic stylings, the history of jazz, and more. THE HAL LEONARD KEYBOARD STYLE SERIES provides focused lessons that contain valuable how-to insight, essential playing tips, and beneficial information for all players. Comprehensive treatment is given to each subject, complete with a companion CD.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #91178 in Books
• Published on: 2004-12-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 80 pages

Customer Reviews

I finally Played My own short composition with this Book!
I'm a big fan of Smooth Jazz and I read just about everything on the subject. I bought this book with the view towards developing my very own unique jazz rhythm. I'm not a very accomplished pianist but my husband is a super player. Unfortunately, he is not a big fan of Jazz. So, I just winged my lessons from this book alone and here are my thoughts on the book.
I thought the book worked very well for me. I easily understood the how to create various rhythms. The CD that came with it was super and an excellent learning tool. I now play my own style of smooth jazz. I'm sure I won't be cutting a CD for a recording studio, but I'm happy. My husband just shakes his head.

Great book!
If you have some experience with Jazz this book is excellent! It is very logical and methodical in it's lay out and easy to understand. If you go through it step by step you will come out at the end with a much better understanding of how to identify and voice chords for any jazz application.

Excellent Choice For Improving Jazz Phrasing
Before buying this book I have to say: It helps to have some keyboard experience and to know how to read music. Smooth Jazz Piano does a good job of introducing theory, harmony, voicing and melodies (not riffs). You'll get a nice helping hand in soloing or improvising but you'll probably want to get another cd or transcribe to improve in these areas. I HIGHLY recommend this book for the student of contemporary/smooth jazz.