Melodic Structures

This is the first in a series of books and audio/video recordings which describe a simple and pragmatic approach to improvisation. While focusing on the jazz idiom, the techniques discussed are applicable to many styles of music and all instruments, be it rock guitar, jazz saxophone, or the solos of the fusion keyboardist. The system presented in this volume offers a tangible pathway to inside the creative imagination by getting inside harmony, inside the changes. Chord changes are included for C Concert, B flat and E flat instruments. In addition the book includes transposed examples for all instruments (C treble clef, B flat, E flat and bass clef). The accompanying recording has been designed for use in conjunction with each of the chapter assignments. There are nine tunes for you to play along with, each played at a slow and then medium tempo featuring Garry Dial on piano, Dave Santoro on bass and Alan Dawson on drums, plus 12 demonstration tracks performed by the author on piano and/or tenor saxophone.

Instrumentation:

melody instruments (C or Bb or Eb or bass clef)