Introduction

What is it that makes this series of books uniquely useful as a learning tool for aspiring jazz improvisers and saxophonists?

In many books on jazz improvisation information is presented in the form of theory that is to be understood and written exercises that are to be played. Players are given the tools for thinking theory and repeating licks to create a solo. Unfortunately they are not often given the tools to help them listen/understand and synthesize, to make the jump to playing without written music.

In this series of books the player internalizes the "theory" by playing. They create their own technique exercises which are from the beginning played without reading. It is not the authors purpose to down play the importance of reading music but to give the students a bridge to playing by ear, mind and heart. The big leap to improvisation isn't a leap of faith but a leap from the written page to the music that is created as an expression of what you have internalized.

Brand New!

Perfecting Intonation
Play-Along CD plus 100 pages of easy exercises to improve the players ability to blend and play "in tune". Download book intro and first exercises.

Available through: Jazzwise Publications UK

Beginning Improvisation 1 & 2 are a series of modal play-alongs having tracks in every key that correspond to pretty much every chord you will find in jazz music.

New - Available August 05
Beginning Improvisation 3 (book & 2 CD's) is a chord workout that gets the player to improvise triadic movement through most harmonic situations.

Sound, Modality & Movement is a saxophone "method" that covers tone production, jazz theory and technique as it applies to improvisation.

Sax Lessons on CD is a series of inexpensive CD's covering important aspects of jazz saxophone playing. You are encouraged to play with the teacher.

On the following pages you will find excerpts, explanations, samples and lessons to be experienced. If you have any questions about the learning tools offered here please feel free to email me personally for more information. Of course if you wish to order anything the ordering page is there to make it easy, no matter where you live.

David Beecroft