Improvising Blues Piano

Description

The forerunner to the awarded-winning Exploring Jazz Piano books, Improvising Blues Piano examines the harmonic, rhythmic and melodic aspects of the blues, assuming a basic competence of around grade 3. All styles are covered from the 1920s to the present, from the early boogie pioneers via swing, gospel, jump-jive, New Orleans, Chicago and Kansas City schools, to the more sophisticated jazz and funky blues of the current scene. Over 60 pieces, including many original compositions by the author, together with new arrangements of well-known standarts such as 'Ain't No Sunshine', 'Blueberry Hill', 'Blue Monk', 'Got My Mojo workin', 'Honky Tonk Train Blues', 'How Long Blues', 'Just a Closer Walk with Thee', 'Pine Top's Boogie Woogie', 'St Louis Blues' etc. * Authentic left-hand patterns and bass lines * Professional chord voicings, blues scales, licks and riffs * Co-ordination exercises for both hands * Suggested listening Each chapter is graded within itself, providing some challenging pieces towards the end. Improvising is encouraged at all stages, with assignments giving ideas and guidance. The accompanying CD contains all the pieces, including some play-along tracks, performed by Tim Richards. "A very useful and comprehensive survey of different blues styles. Tim's clear demonstrations on the accompanying CD make this the essential book for all aspiring blues pianists" (Jools Holland) "This book leaves any possible competition standing at the post." (Brian Priestley, Jazzwise Magazine) "I highly recommend the book. It's the best I've seen yet... Helpful features include a grat Cd by the London-based Richards, who is a top-notch performer, recording artist and educator. It's almost like having your own personal instructor." (Blues Review, USA) "The presentation is immaculate, the method is logical and friendly. This book feels good..." (MOJO) "A brilliant new publication from Schott. Each chapter extends the player's harmonic knowledge and gives clear instructions how to progress... You learn not just how to play the blues but also its history and major exponents. Tim Richard's enthusiasm for the subject is both infectious and inspiring." (Piano Journal) "For blues piano, it's about as thorough as any book I've seen." (Jamey Aebersold, USA) "Beautifully presented, it has clarity, heart and comprehensiveness." (Michael Garrick) About the Author......Page 2 Contents......Page 4 How to use this book and CD......Page 6 Abbreviations and symbols......Page 9 Chapter 1: Triads......Page 10 Beginner's Blues......Page 12 Beginner's Blues (Melodic)......Page 15 Beginner's Boogie......Page 18 Blues Third Blues......Page 22 New Orleans Triplets Workout......Page 25 Bluesberry Hill (part 1)......Page 28 Five-Finger blues......Page 31 Trill Blues......Page 35 On-off Boogie......Page 37 Happy Blues......Page 40 Sad Blues......Page 42 Blues for Booker......Page 46 Chapter 2: Sixth chords......Page 49 Sixth Blues......Page 50 Jump Shuffle......Page 53 C Jam Blues......Page 56 Riff Blues......Page 59 Sunday Afternon Blues......Page 61 Barrelhouse Blues......Page 63 Blues with Pick-Ups......Page 66 Slow Blues in D......Page 70 Blue Fifth Boogie......Page 74 Syncopated Boogie......Page 77 Back in the Alley......Page 80 Chapter 3: Seventh chords......Page 83 Seventh Blues......Page 84 Blues for Sal......Page 88 See See Rider......Page 90 Smooth Blues......Page 93 Blues in Thirds......Page 96 Bouncy Boogie......Page 99 On-off Boogie #2......Page 103 Blue Monk......Page 108 Slow Blues in G......Page 114 Tritone Blues......Page 117 Got my Mojo Workin'......Page 122 E Blues Scale Workout......Page 126 Chapter 4 : Ninth and thirteenth chords......Page 129 Ninth Blues......Page 130 Slow Guitar Blues......Page 134 Mary Ann......Page 140 rolling Blues......Page 145 Pine Top's Boogie Woogie......Page 150 Bag's Groove......Page 153 F Blues Scale workout......Page 156 Comping Blues......Page 163 Down Home Funk......Page 168 The Oter Side......Page 172 Chapter 5: Minor and diminished chords......Page 177 Ain't No Sunshine......Page 179 Medium Jump......Page 182 Blueberry Hill......Page 186 How Long Blues......Page 190 Just a Closer Walk With Thee......Page 194 St Louis Blues......Page 200 Slow 12/8 Blues......Page 208 Four Finger Blues......Page 214 C Jam Blues (second version)......Page 216 Blues in Three......Page 220 Minor Blues Workout......Page 224 Rockaboogie......Page 226 Back Street Blues......Page 230 Honky Tonk Train Blues......Page 235 Appendix I: Pentatonic scales......Page 242 Appendix II: Left-hand patterns used in this book......Page 244 Appendix III: Blues licks......Page 246 Appendix IV: Suggested listening......Page 248