December 7th, 2009 4:15 am

I want to learn cool jazz things on my saxophone, but am not sure what book to buy.

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4 Responses to “What Is A Really Good Alto Saxophone Jazz Book?”

  1. Anonymous Says:

    It all depends on your level of playing. The Omnibook is very good and Charlie Parker is one of the greatest jazz musicians ever, but the book is extremely advanced and difficult technically and musically. It is not the best starting point for learning how to play jazz.
    If you are a beginner or intermediate student, here is a good book to learn the basics of jazz rhythm and articulation. It has free online recordings of etudes and master classes and two volumes to help you get started and learn how to swing.http://www.skyleapmusic.com/Beginning-Ja…
    If you are more advanced, the Jim Snidero Jazz Conception series is excellent. There is an easy, an intermediate, and a more advanced book (the easy book is not really that easy). It comes with a CD of Snidero playing along with rhythm section. Snidero swings as well as anyone and the recordings are great.http://aebersold.com/Merchant2/merchant.…
    To get yourself started with jazz, focus on music that is more simple technically, so you can learn how to swing and play jazz articulations. Most importantly, listen to jazz a lot! Check out recordings of alto great players like Charlie Parker, Phil Woods, Canonball Adderley, Benny Carter, and Johnny Hodges and discover what players you like the most.
    Good luck.

  2. Marc Says:

    The Charlie Parker Omnibook is a book I myself have used when I was starting to learn the jazz repertoire, but pretty soon found too many mistakes and so I began transcribing the solos myself. I have transcribed over 200 Charlie Parker solos and have learned a lot more by doing them myself.
    As for Etudes and Classical studies, there are dozens of good books but it depends on what you are looking for and what your level of skill is at the present time with regards to sight-reading ability and technical proficiency. One book that has been a consistent classic book to study from over the years is the Klose’ method. I think it is still in print and it is called Klose’ 25 daily exercises for the saxophone.
    I hope that helps you somewhat.
    Adam Brennerhttp://saxophoneinstrument.com

  3. d(-_-)b Says:

    Get the Charlie Parker Omnibook. This contains transcriptions of many of Bird’s solos. One of the best resources you can have as a jazz musician, and especially as a saxophonist. The solos are very difficult up to tempo, so especially if you are beginner/intermediate make sure to practice them slowly and in pieces. And I mean slowly. But learning this solos will be fun, they will sound AWESOME, and you will improve a TON. Good luck! :)

  4. learn bass guitar Says:

    Just practice:
    The Charlie Parker Omnibook is great. I agree.
    The serious Jazz Practice books.
    http://www.amazon.com/Serious-Jazz-Practice-Book-plus/dp/B000MTTKSC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237957804&sr=8-1
    Improv: Jamey Abersold Jazz Series (Start with the Getting started and Major and Minor Scales and go from there)
    http://aebersold.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=JAZZ&Category_Code=AEBPLA
    Just Lead Sheets
    Eb Real Book Volume one from hal Lenard
    http://www.amazon.com/Hal-Leonard-Real-Book-Sixth/dp/B000B6FCYM/ref=pd_bbs_sr_11?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1237957712&sr=8-11
    Most importantly, Listen a whole lot!
    Good Luck