Description
Over the past 25 years, millions of musicians have used Jim Snidero’s books to learn how to play jazz. With this brand-new series The Essence of Bebop (Advance Music), Snidero breaks new ground, unlocking the heart and soul of the most important language in jazz, creating the first true “manual” on bebop.
Using some of the greatest bebop musicians as models, these 10 etudes and play alongs could easily be mistaken for actual works of these jazz giants, providing fertile ground for in-depth study and analysis.
Each etude includes a study guide that covers jazz theory, but also goes well beyond the math, providing insight into how bebop masters mold solos into profound musical statements. Concepts of shape, timing, balance and pacing provide the framework in which ideas unfold and flow. Additional examples, practice suggestions, historical perspectives, listening and reading suggestions (60-plus pages total) result in an instant classic that’s perfect for individual or classroom study. See PDFs below with Study Guide subjects.
Endorsements
“I have a very positive assessment of this book. There are clear explanations of theory and practice techniques, and the soloing concepts are excellent. I highly recommend this material to both students and professionals.”
– George Coleman, NEA Jazz Master, Member of Miles Davis’ Quintet, 1963-‘64
“The Essence of Bebop is perfectly titled, featuring etudes and analysis in a definitive style of bebop masters on their most widely-known compositions and concepts, along with a great play-along. Really effective teaching methodology!”
– Randy Brecker, multiple GRAMMY winner, member of the Horace Silver Quintet, 1968-‘74
“The Essence of Bebop takes a deep look at the intricate harmonic and melodic structures of bebop, allowing students to better understand how these marvelous phrases are assembled. This book will help dissolve the myth of improvisation and help direct your musical mind and fingers.”
– Jamey Aebersold, NEA Jazz Master, legendary jazz educator
How It Works
If you purchase any book in the Essence of Bebop series, you’ll receive a physical book that contains a voucher code to download all audio examples from the publisher.
The downloadable play along has versions with and without the soloist, and features Brian Lynch (trumpet), Mike LeDonne (piano), Peter Washington (bass), and Joe Farnsworth (drums).
PDF Samples
Study Guide Subjects (1) | Study Guide Subjects (2)
View Sample Study Guide Excerpt (PDF) | View Sample Solo (PDF)
