Mark Levine: "Jazz Piano Book"

[hans]

Hello,

what do you think about Mark Levines "Jazz Piano Book"? Is it recommendable, recommendable also for beginners (after 2 years playing)?

Thanks
Hans

[pianiststrongbad]

This book is wonderful in my opinion.  It starts with the basics and moves to some pretty advanced stuff by the end of the book. 

[hans]

Hi pianiststrongbad,

thanks for your answer. I found the book yesterday in a bookshop in a german version and I think I will buy it though it is really not cheap.

Greetings
Hans

[Bob]

I've heard it recommended many times.  The player needs to know some music theory first though.

[lucasdopandeiro]

I have it and have studied it. Every now and then I pick it and discover some new ideas.

It's great for learning chord "voicings" that we hear more often in Jazz, and the theory behind them. But it's not the book that will give you material to learn how to improvise - a vital part of Jazz.

I hope I've helped,
Lucas

[ptmidwest]

"But it's not the book that will give you material to learn how to improvise - a vital part of Jazz.

I hope I've helped,
Lucas"

Jazz teachers?  And what book for improv would that be?

[lucasdopandeiro]

And what book for improv would that be?

I don't know yet any book, but if I have learnt by just reading Ted's posts, it sure can be possible!

Of course a good teacher would be better than any book.

My recommendations when learning to play popular music is to listen to as many music as possible, and, when you like something you hear, go to the piano and try to transcribe it. All the answers are in the recordings when it comes to jazz.

Lucas

[Bob]

Yes, I think improvisation is learned by doing it.  Listen and imitate.  Try new things and develop your own style.

[shannon piano girl]

Hello,

what do you think about Mark Levines "Jazz Piano Book"? Is it recommendable, recommendable also for beginners (after 2 years playing)?

Thanks
Hans

Hello,
I think it is a great book I started playing the piano 1 year ago.
I have used 2 of his books and they were very easy to understand and were fun to play!

[bodleyev]

I've been using this book recently, and I must say it seems like a very good book. I'm learning the jazz voicings now and although there is a lot of information to learn and practice, I have really enjoyed it so far.

[hans]

Hi all,

I've bought it and like it. Much stuff for the next days  .

@ptmidwest
For starting improvisation of my saxophone I use the Aebersold-series. There you can easy try your first steps to improvise with an excellent Jazz Trio on play-along-CD. The stereo-channel of the pianopart can be separatly faded out.

Bye
Hans

[hans]

@ptmidwest

Also recommended by my sax-teacher is: John LaPorta: "A Guide to Jazz Improvisation". I think with play-alongs too.

Greetings
Hans