Tim Richards - Exploring Jazz Piano Vol 1 & 2

Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Schott (June 1, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 190245524X
ISBN-13: 979-0220123214

(Schott). Volume 1 introduces the intermediate pianist to the basic chord-types used in jazz, from major and minor triads to seventh and ninth chords. Other topics include: Chord/scale relationships, modes, broken chord and scale patterns, pentatonic and blues scales, walking bass lines, Latin rhythms and bass lines, the diatonic cycle, secondary dominants, II V I sequences, horizontal and vertical improvisation, tritone substitution, two-handed voicings, rootless voicings, technical exercises and fingering, accompaniment styles, ear-training, discography (suggested listening). 28 pieces by the author appear alongside special arrangements of well-known jazz standards, including: Autumn Leaves * Fly Me to the Moon * In a Sentimental Mood * Mannenberg * On Green Dolphin St (Part 1) * Ornithology * Song for My Father * Straight No Chaser * Take the A Train. Also included are transcribed solos by Thelonious Monk and Horace Silver, an invaluable source of authentic jazz techniques.

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Schott (June 1, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1902455258
ISBN-13: 978-1902455259

(Schott). Volume 2 deals with more complex and colorful harmony, from suspended fourth, sharp eleven and thirteenth chords to diminished and altered scales. Advanced voicing, accompaniment and improvisation techniques are examined in detail, including the following topics: Quartal harmony, modal improvisation, long and short II V patterns, altered dominant chords, polychords, stride piano, Bossa Nova, clave and Partido Alto, Lydian and Locrian modes, how to make scales swing, building bebop lines, bebop scales, R235 patterns, the b3 pentatonic scale, rhythm changes, turnarounds, minor II V I, playing in 3/4 time, playing in double-time, tension and release, transcribing, practice routines. 32 pieces by the author appear alongside special arrangements of well-known jazz standards, including: Beautiful Love * Blue Bossa * Blue in Green * Caravan * Impressions * Ladybird * Misty * On Green Dolphin Street * Softly as in a Morning Sunrise * Summertime * Tune Up and Yesterdays. Also included are transcribed solos by Oscar Peterson, Wynton Kelly and Hampton Hawes.