Book Reviews

Review of “Triad Pairs for Jazz” By Gary Campbell

September 20, 2009 By Paul Maine

According to the author Gary Campbell “The focus of this book is on mastering the manipulation of triad pairs while presenting a general guide to determining chord applications”.

Before I read this book I read Walt Wieskopfs Intervalic Improvisation book. I’m glad I read Intervalic Improvisation first because the explanation of how triad pairs are derived and applied seemed to be more detailed. The author recommends his book “Connecting Jazz Theory” for an in-depth study of applications.

This book has a wealth of exercises using three and four note triad pairs. The exercises are designed to show how the triad pairs can be mixed up to provide additional interest and variety. The author has sections in the book that provide examples of how triad pairs can be linked together. Also included is the use of “Approach Tone Variations” ( e.g. using the lower neighbor tones), Triad pair mutation ( e.g. two notes from one triad and four notes from another triad ). The book ends with several example solos that are based upon using triad pairs.

If you are interested in studying triad pars in jazz improvisation – this book is for you.

You can purchase the book from the following:

You can purchase the Connecting Jazz Theory book from the following:

You can purchase Expansions from the following:

Review of “The Ultimate II-V-I Primer” by Steve Neff

June 9, 2009 By Paul Maine

“The Ultimate II-V-I Primer” is another excellent publication from Steve Neff. This book targets the beginning improvisor but the material is beneficial to any aspiring jazz improvisor.

The book begins with an introduction and a few test progressions. If you can’t play through all of the test progressions, you need to take time to work through all exercises and internalize them.

The exercises are well conceived. The exercises begin with ultra simple exercises and then add rhythmic variety. One of the goals is to be able to play through the progressions and not lose your place. As the book progresses you are asked to improvise over changes limiting your note selection. For example only use the 1, 3 and 5 of each chord. As the book progresses the parameters are expanded thus providing you with more tools to choose from.

The book is targeted to beginners but many intermediate improvisors could also benefit by learning their chords inside out in all 12 keys. Benefits are also gained on how to connect the notes from one chord to another in a smooth flowing manner.

I highly recommend this book. It can be purchased from Neff Music.

This website has backing tracks that work well with the exercises in the book

Long Sequence Major II-V-I Backing Tracks in All 12 Keys

You can also use the techniques you learn in this book and apply them to the following:

Jazz Standard Workout in All 12 Keys – Backing Tracks

You can also use the techniques in this book to improvise over much faster jazz backing tracks such as the following:

Bebop – Anthropaulogy ( Anthropology contrafact ) in All 12 Keys – Backing Tracks

Have fun improvising!

Review of “The Saxophone Survival Kit” by Eric Daniel

April 6, 2009 By Paul Maine

I recently began following Eric Daniel on Twitter. Eric is seasoned professional musician currently based in Rome, Italy.

In addition to being a wonderful musician, Eric is very forward thinking and is learning and using the new internet technologies to their fullest. A very important part of a professional musicians toolkit will be their ability to promote themselves on the internet.

Eric has written a book entitled “The Saxophone Survival Kit”. The 64 page book is full of sage advice for any saxophonist and also has many bits of wisdom that anyone can benefit from reading. I read the book and would recommend it to anyone. For a limited time, you can cet a FREE copy from the following link:

The Saxophone Survival Kit by Eric Daniel

While you are at it check out Eric’s CD:

Old Sax New Soul by Eric Daniel and Friends