Concepts of Jazz

CONCEPTS OF JAZZ for all musicians VOL 1 - 2ND Edition
”...just about the best we've seen in terms of demystifying the art of jazz and teaching the theory in easy-to-swallow mouthfuls..."
Australian Guitar Magazine August 2005
”...Bill Palmer's book Concepts of Jazz has been hailed as one of the best in its field..."
Northern Beaches Weekender, Sydney Australia
"...I recommend it to musicians of all levels interested in exploring the topic of jazz further..."
Music Teacher Magazine
The revised and updated 2nd edition of Concepts of Jazz (August 2007) has corrected some spelling, grammatical and layout errors and also re-worded and expanded some important concepts thereby making the volume more accessible and much easier to read - approx 5 extra pages of text have been added in the process.
One of the criticisms of the first edition was that there was no accompanying CD for non-harmonic solo instruments to be able to “hear” the corresponding changes. Rather than go ahead and print thousands of cd’s and thereby drive the cost of the book up, we have opted instead to offer the notated examples within the book as a free audio and midi download from the website.
The audio is in mp3 format and may be streamed or saved to disk. MIDI files can also be downloaded freely and may then be used for improvisation practice by playing them back through a host sequencer or sampling program. You don’t have to purchase a copy of the book or enter a special serial number to access the download page - anyone can download and save these files.
Concepts of Jazz is non-instrument specific publication meaning that any instrumentalist or musician with a basic grasp of notation and theory can begin to learn and apply the concepts contained in this book. The intention behind the book is to de-mystify the ideas and concepts that underpin Jazz music in a sensible, easy to read manner. With that in mind, the author (Bill Palmer) has dispensed as much as possible with any theory 'lingo' or 'jargon' and gone for a more conversational writing style. The book is broken into 2 distinct sections.
The first section is the written or theory part and is 46 pages long. There are 4 main principles discussed: The 2-5-1 and associated topics, chord substitution, improvising - playing through changes and standard progressions. Within each of these are a number of sub-headings. Examples are given throughout and readers are encouraged to play them on their respective instruments.
The second section is the appendix. This contains 60 pages of scales, chords, patterns and 'standard progression' charts for the reader to put into practice and get under their fingers.
Another thing the author insisted on was ring binding. How many music books do you have that just won't sit flat on a music stand? 'Concepts of Jazz' is professionally ring-bound so you're free to play whilst keeping your eyes on the page.
'Concepts of Jazz' is an independent publication and is currently available for purchase from the author's website www.conceptsofjazz.com or www.amazon.com
Single copies are available to ship worldwide for $27.50 AUD + postage and handling. Bulk orders, depending on the quantity, will incur a discount.