Book reviews & comments
| Musicianship In the Digital Age |
| "Brent Edstrom's Musicianship In The Digital Age, for example, goes beyond simplicity to delve into what it takes to be a musician in the digital age - which involves computers, production savvy, and technical skills beyond playing an instrument. Computer-based music production is the focus here, with chapters addressing digital editing, sequencing, setting up a studio and using MIDI, and more. There is a section on musical concepts such as scales, chords and composition; but it's the focus on technological enhancements that makes for an invaluable guide." |
July 4, 2006 Midwest Book Review |
| "No matter what level you're at, this book will aid you in composing with the latest music technology. This is an approachable book with understandable explanations." |
February 28, 2006 Elisa Grebnrets on Amazon.com |
| Bill Evans: A Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Piano Styles and Techniques of a Jazz Legend |
| "The transcriptions are incredible and the accompanying CD was remarkably helpful. May 17, 2007, A reader on Amazon.com This very well done book is not only features transcriptions of some of Evans' most influential material, it also has a great CD to go along with it. Each tune has a track with a full trio playing. And it's not the cheese midi accompanying you get with some play along books. These are real jazz musicians and sound great. Also each tune has certain sections slowed down on the recording to hear tricky parts better. And if that wasn't enough, there's also a third track of just bass and drums to play along to. The author icludes very insightful summaries before each transcription highlighting the particular aspects of Evans' style that can be heard on the particular tune which makes this truly a "step-by-step breakdown." If you spend time and work through this book you will definitely come away with a greater technical as well as theoretical understanding of Evans' music. A must for any jazz pianists library." |
April 24, 2004 Amazon.com customer |
| "Perfect piano transcriptions and lots of fun to play. The CD is very helpful and makes learning the music easier. Obviously challenging but well worth the money." |
September 24, 2003 Sheet Music Plus customer "T.C. from Evansville, IN" |
| The Very Best of Oscar Peterson: Piano Artist Transcriptions |
| "Oscar is an inspiration and a fascination for jazz players and listners alike. These are superb transcriptions and offer a chance for the mere mortals among us to have a taste of what it's like to play like Oscar. If you have the patience, it will be well rewarded. The quality of the publication is excellent as well with large easy to read font. If you can read piano music, this will be among the best $20 you ever spent - incredible value - enjoy!" |
February 23, 2006 Ian Munro, Houston, Texas |
| "Any transcription of OP is worth serious attention especially when we should be doing our own... However, this book is a gem and kudos to the guy(s) who did the transcriptions. The Hal Leonard series of Artist Transcriptions are all uniformly excellent (I have many) and are absolutely indispensible for learning from the greats. What's more all the books are beautifully produced. For what it contains this book is essential. So, do not hesitate. Buy it now!" |
February 23, 2006 "Baz" a reader from Manchester, England |
| "Oscar Peterson Plays Duke Ellington: Piano Artist Transcriptions This book is great for anyone who listens to an Oscar Peterson recording and wants to try it out. The transcriptions are fantastic-- great way to begin to understand how OP would perform a piece. Also gives you insight into how talented this man truly was. Perfect for the aspiring jazz pianist." |
August 30, 2005 Marc Manara, Washington DC-USA |
| The Art Tatum Solo Book |
| "One of my dreams would be to play like Art Tatum for an evening. This book kind of let's you do that, if you have the time, dedication and a broad enough left hand (or a pre-modern narrower keyboard). As another reviewer said, not for the faint of heart, but almost anything is possible if you are willing to spend the time. The selection of pieces by Edstrom is excellent, including the classic Tatum version of Cherokee and an early Tatum recording of Stormy Weather - probably the most accessible and mild-tempo'd piece in the group. I've learned more about jazz piano from this collection than anything I have played. And, the thing with Tatum is that you can slow down the tempo several-fold and it still sounds great." |
June 28, 2004 M. Lamphier, North Andover, MA-USA |
| "What can I say there was only one Art Tatum. I even enjoy following the sound tracks with the transcription in this book. The Chord symbols help out a lot. One thing is for sure you will end up making up your own jazz runs up and down the keyboard. The man is just unbelievable and amazing. This book is great for learning jazz piano period. Even when the music is slowed down by us mortals it still sounds great and rich." |
January 2, 2007 J. Rodriguez, Rochester, New York |