Volumes 11-20 Jamey Aebersold Play-A-Longs
Detailed Descriptions

Volume 11 HERBIE HANCOCK

Beginning/intermediate level. This set contains much variety . . . rock, modal, and swing tunes. Eight songs written by Herbie Hancock that range from the funky “Watermelon Man” to the modal “Maiden Voyage.” Beginning improvisors will find many of the songs on this set a real treat with many containing only 3 or 4 chords at relaxed tempos. Intermediate players will enjoy the variety of styles to choose from and advanced players can get into the unusual changes and faster tempos on other tunes. This, like Volumes 5, 17, and 54, is another great “transitional” set to take you from learning your scales and chords to actually improvising on real jazz standards. The rhythm section is Kenny Barron, piano; Ron Carter, bass; Billy Hart, on drums.

Volume 12 DUKE ELLINGTON

Intermediate level. Nine all-time classics! This set includes some of the most famous jazz standards in the world . . . ballads to swing. Every jobbing musician should know these tunes. The ballads are rich and lush while the swing tunes are crisp and light. Each tune “feels” great! An inspiring way to practice. Makes a great gift for any musician who wants to learn standards, or who plays just for the fun of it! Everyone should learn these songs. Duke Ellington has probably single-handedly influenced more music and musicians than any other jazz musician. Rhythm section is the finest - Kenny Barron, piano; Ron Carter, bass; Ben Riley, drums.

RELATED PUBLICATIONS: Vol. 48 “In A Mellow Tone.”

Volume 13 CANNONBALL ADDERLEY

Intermediate level. This is an album with a happy sound! The rhythm section really takes charge and points the way, which makes each track really swing. All three ryhthm section members have played with the Cannonball Adderley quartet, so you are getting it from the authentic source ! Catchy melodies, bluesy riffs, and hip changes are the hallmark of this set . Find out what “groovin” is really all about! This is truly a fun set and it isn’t hard to strike a groove while playing with the recording. Ronnie Mathews, piano; Sam Jones, bass; and Louis Hayes on drums have all played with Cannonball’s quintet.

RELATED PUBLICATIONS: “Jazz Solos” by David Baker.

Volume 14 BENNY GOLSON

Intermediate/advanced level. This set gives you something to think about and can help raise your playing to a higher level of proficiency. Benny is one of the most popular jazz composers. This set was produced by Benny Golson, himself, in a New York Studio with his own hand-picked musicians, so you know the feel and general approach is 100% authentic . Benny even counts off the tunes! There’s no better way to learn these important jazz standards, inside and out! Rhythm section Patrice Rushen, P.; Bob Magnuson, B; Ron McCurdy, Drums.

Volume 15 PAYIN' DUES

Intermediate/advanced level. Don’t overlook this one! Most musicians agree, this is a much needed set! If you work on these tunes and chord progressions (which are based on standard chord progressions) you will be on your way to learning much of the standard jazz repertoire harmonies and root movements. Chord progressions similar to Stella By Starlight, Body and Soul, Cherokee, I’ll Remember April, There Will Never Be Another You, What Is This Thing Called Love, It’s You Or No One, The Song Is You. Here is a set of nine familiar chord progressions with original melodies written by Jamey Aebersold. The tempos are medium to up-tempo. The rhythm section of Kenny Barron, Ron Carter, and Grady Tate really lights a fire.

RELATED PUBLICATIONS: “Ron Carter Bass Lines.”

Volume 16 TURNAROUNDS, CYCLES & II/V7'S

SUGGESTED PREREQUISITE: VOLUME 3

Intermediate/advanced level. If you have been working on playing scales, chords, and harmony in general, this set is the next step towards getting your ears and fingers coordinated. This set is a continuation of Volume 3, but in much more depth. Set contains 5 Turnaround Tracks, 6 Cycle Tracks, Coltrane Blues, Some of The Things I Am (an exercise in substitute II/V7’s), Joy Stick, 6 II/V7 Tracks, Coltrane Changes in All 12 Keys, Bb Rhythm Changes (slow tempo), and Guess What Key I’m In. Twenty-three tracks in all and almost all go through all 12 keys!! Rhythm section is Jamey Aebersold, piano; John Clayton, bass; Mike Hyman, drums; and others.

Volume 17 HORACE SILVER

Beginning/intermediate. This set contains some of Horace’s most famous songs. Tempos are all slow to medium and musical styles/grooves represented include slow 2-beat, rock blues, lush ballad, 32 bar shuffle, bossa and swing. Many of these can be heard on Horace’s break-through albums of the sixties and seventies with Joe Henderson, J. J. Johnson and Woody Shaw. The rhythm section is Kenny Barron, Ron Carter and Al Foster and they are takin’ care of business!

Volume 18 HORACE SILVER

Intermediate/advanced level. This set is a challenger but is worth your every effort. With this set and Volume 17 a total of 16 Horace Silver songs are at your disposal. Ron Carter and Al Foster have made numerous recordings with Horace Silver and know his music well. The tempos are faster on this set and provide the type workout that any aspiring musician should welcome. The tremendous feel of the first class rhythm section lifts your playing to new levels, making even the most difficult tunes managable. The rhythm section on this set is the same as Volume 17.

Volume 19 DAVID LIEBMAN

Intermediate/advanced level. If you are looking for something a little different, try this one! This set is unusual because it contains no II/V7’s. The tunes are fresh and the chord progressions are not the usual found in standard jazz songs. These songs are not typical bebop tunes. They are a step in a new direction with a fresh sound. The rhythm section is Richie Bierach, piano; Frank Tusa, bass; and Al Foster on drums, recorded after they had just worked a week at the Village Vanguard in New York City, so each song on this recording is “tight” and intense!

RELATED PUBLICATIONS: “David Liebman Tenor Solos From the Vol. 19 Sessions.”

Volume 20 JIMMY RANEY

Intermediate level. This is a great way to study bebop! This outstanding set includes transcribed solos written and played by Jimmy on the guitar. Regular tracks are used for play-a-long purposes... the special demo track has Jimmy soloing with the rhythm section and he plays all ten solos from the booklet. A NEW CONCEPT in transcribed solos . . . you can actually hear and see what is being played on the demo track. All the chord progressions are based on standards and Jimmy has written solos over them. The rhythm section is Jimmy Raney, guitar; Steve Rodby, bass; Mike Hyman, drums.

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