15 Easy Jazz, Blues & Funk Etudes by Bob Mintzer

Written for a wide variety of musicians, 15 Easy Jazz, Blues & Funk Etudes will appeal to both aspiring players and to more experienced musicians. For the younger player, particular care is given to range, rhythmic figures and overall playability. The more accomplished musician will appreciate the high level of musicality, the lyrical compositions and the opportunities to improvise.

Either way, the format is simple: Bob Mintzer plays and demonstrates each etude with a stellar rhythm section on the included CD. You learn each etude slowly. When ready, you play the etude with the CD accompaniment.

This is a good book for the transition from reading music to improvisation. The 1st track of each selection uses a well written solo for the intermediate player with Bob playing the tenor sax lead. The second track cuts the lead solo allowing the learning improv player to play with the band on the chord changes. This is a very good book for the player looking to start learning to improv over chord changes. Fun songs to play whether you find them easy or hard. Alto version is a bit harder than the tenor version, the tenor one is written in a easier nicer key. Be prepared for up to 3 sharps (a major). Bobby is the man!