Basic Library
The energy core of any jazz ensemble or combo is the rhythm section! It radiates the groove, time and essence of the music. This outstanding and comprehensive series includes introductions, explanations and instructions on the essential elements of performance, such as style, performance tips, and genres required for the solid understanding of what is required of a successful member of this vital part of the jazz group. There is also a play-along piece at the end of each chapter for reinforcement and further development of appropriate skills. The seven genres covered in this excellent method for your rhythm section are: swing, bossa nova, rock, shuffle, samba, funk, and ballad. Additional topics include: volume -- or knowing when not to play; how to keep time as a rhythm section; and effective comping. Each student book includes reproducible pages and a compact disc. The optional DVD is included with the director's book and is also available separately. The CD offers examples of jazz grooves, complex rhythms, and accompaniment tracks for the play-along pieces. Demonstrations of the examples are effectively presented by a driving rhythm section on the DVD. The complete kit includes: the Training Kit plus Bass, Drums, Guitar, Piano and Supplemental Books with CDs. Each book is authored by a professional musician and teacher in the respective performance area. The entire jazz ensemble will reap huge rewards when the rhythm section plays as a cohesive unit and comprehends the elements of the chart being performed! Very highly recommended!

String Groove is for string students, teachers and professionals who want to learn to improvise. It can also work for other musical instruments. If you combine the violin, viola and cello books, each piece can be performed by a trio or larger string ensemble! This system consists of a book and CD of 12 original tunes written in the styles of: Irish Fiddle, Smooth Jazz, Jazz Blues, Rock, Middle-Eastern, Old-time Fiddle, Salsa, Heavy-Metal, Cajun Fiddle, Rock Blues, Swing Jazz, Funk. The 65 minute CD includes two versions of each composition. One version is complete with violinist Edgar Gabriel and the other version is performed by the rhythm section minus violin, so you can play along. After a tune is presented, it is followed up with improvising ideas, scale suggestions, recommended listening for that genre and more! To top it off, there are multiple appendices on the subjects of Intervals, Key signatures, Chords, Swing, and instrument amplification. The viola book includes an additional appendix on playing backgrounds and the cello book includes an additional appendix on bass lines.

Editors' Choice
This classic piece of ragtime music is now cleverly scored for the keyboard percussion ensemble! Using two xylophone and three marimba parts, the arrangement displays the true style of the ragtime era and also challenges the performers musically throughout the piece. An optional string bass part will add even more excitement to the overall performance. Perfect for any concert setting, especially pops concerts.

This Book/CD combination of 24 easy to medium level jazz etudes and 24 simplified guide tone versions is ideal for learning the basic language of jazz, swing phrasing, and articulation. All etudes are based on the chord changes to the tunes that are a jazz musicians' daily language, blues in major and minor, and rhythm changes. Players can also improvise along with the play along tracks using the chord symbols that are provided. A perfect tool for preparing for the jazz ensemble!

Twelve original trios for mixed and matched ensembles or small concert bands with incomplete instrumentation. Titles include: Intrada; Military Air; Mysterioso; Serenade; Syncopated Swing; Blue Funk; Processional and more!

Take your ensemble back to the 1930s with these lively Cole Porter show tunes arranged for string quartet. Written in 1934 as the title song for his Depression-era Broadway musical, Anything Goes has a distinctive rhythmic motif and a playful style that is so characteristic of his music. It's perfect for weddings, Valentine's Day, and other casual gigs or as an unexpected encore piece. Night and Day is a timeless ballad and jazz standard, arranged here as a concert piece, that's been recorded by Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Ringo Starr, U2, and many others. Save the unabashed sentiment of these romantic pieces.

Editors' Choice
Classic jazz for the string orchestra! The introduction allows the strings to become a percussion ensemble improvising or playing the notated rhythms and building intensity with separate entrances for each section. Written solos are provided however, there is room for improvisation using the solos as a point of departure. An ensemble section follows with quotes from other tunes based on this progression before the original melody returns. Also great for community orchestra and soloist.

Editors' Choice
New Orleans is a destination for tourists and the Mississippi River, but it is also the headstream of much of jazz and blues music. This is a setting of two great traditional New Orleans melodies, Joe Turner and Worried Man Blues. The cellos state the first theme and then the chart expands with each section playing an important role. An exciting ensemble section provides a spot for improvisation or performing the written solos that are included. Treat your strings to some American classics!

Editors' Choice
Here's a passionate bossa nova over very familiar chord changes for string ensemble and rhythm section. This piece is accessible for younger players and interesting for the experienced players. Counterpoint is contrasted with ensemble playing and room for improvisation. Beginning improvisers can succeed with the written-out solos while experienced players will enjoy digging into the chord changes. It's a great change of pace!

Improvisation is at the heart of jazz, but knowing how to play stylistically correct in a jazz ensemble is also a necessity. This book offers tips, suggestions, examples and a play along CD to help players put it all together. The repertoire covers many jazz styles from Basie to Latin and African influenced music to ECM and contemporary jazz.