A Practical Approach to Harmony of Jazz

Harmony of jazz and related forms of music - music that originated from the fusion of European and African musical cultures on the American continent - is a very complex subject. Significant for these forms of music is the culture of improvisation and interpretation. A melodic theme, created by the composer with a limited harmonic structure and annotated with only a few chord symbols, has to be re-created into a complete musical product by the performing musician or arranger (in this book, both joined in the pianist), based on his own interpretation, and, importantly, without affecting the specific character of style nor straining the ideas of the composer. This requires knowledge and insight, and a huge dose of creativity and musicality as well. This method is explained in this book and is designed to make a complex subject accessible in a very practical way. The book is for those who - whether on account of study, profession, or pure interest - want to improve their knowledge and skills of harmony and chords in jazz and related forms of music. *** Founded on the classical theory of harmony and chords, this uniquely practical manual follows accepted jazz traditions. The real gold to be mined in A Practical Approach to Harmony of Jazz and Related Forms of Music for Piano is prominently displayed (or buried) in the exercises and examples of progressions, harmonizations, and theme developments. The dedicated jazz performer can learn much from material presented in [this book]. Jazz performance and experimentation can open up the senses to new experiences in enjoyment and performing piano music. - Midwest Book Review, MBR Bookwatch: May 2015, Lorraine's Bookshelf [Subject: Musicology, Jazz]