Jazz for String Players
A bibliography by Renata Bratt and Paula Zeitlin for the IAJE String Caucus. Information on publications from 2002 and beyond were submitted by the authors and have not been edited.
Contents
Jazz
History
Jazz Strings Instruction Books
Other Useful Methods and Jazz Studies, non-string specific
Until you find a band: play-along recordings
Standard Equipment: Fakebook
Arrangements for Jazz String Ensembles by Publisher
Equipment
Here is the format used for an individual entry:
title
author(s)
publisher
comment
Jazz History
Mark Chung's Jazz Strings website contains a fine bibliography, discography, and a wealth of historical information. You can find it at:
http://shoko.calarts.edu/~chung/jazzviolin.html
In addition to biographies of individual musicians and to general books on jazz styles and periods, there are three very useful tape or CD sets:
The Talking Violin (audiotape series)
by Julie Lyonn Lieberman and Dr. Billy Taylor
Improvised Music Collective, P.O. Box 495-A, NYC, NY 10024
This set of five tapes covers Blues Fiddle, Early Jazz Violin, String Bands, New
Age Strings, and Violin of the Eighties.
The Instrumental History of Jazz
by Dr. Willie L. Hill, Jr.
N2K Encoded Jazz, N2KE-10004, 1997
This enhanced two-CD set is an excellent compilation of examples from different
jazz periods. It will play on all stereos and most Macintosh and Windows
computers.
Smithsonian 2100
currently distributed by Rounder Records, Cambridge
Jazz Strings Instruction Books
A New and Innovative System for Learning to Improvise for
Strings
by David N. Baker
Jamey Aebersold Jazz Inc., 1211 Aebersold Drive, New Albany, IN 47150
1-800-456-1388
A method for all strings by a master jazz educator.
Stringed Instruments Improvisation, Vol. l (Violin and
Viola) and Vol. II Cello and Bass)
by David N. Baker
Van Nuys, CA: Alfred Publishing, 1976
All levels.
Salsa Violin: How to Play Salsa, Charanga and Latin Jazz
Violin
by Sam Bardfeld
Gerard & Sarzin
Features the history of the violin's role in Afro-Cuban music, discussion of
technique and clavé, transcription and analysis of 16 solos by major artists,
with a CD of the solos and play-along tracks.
Jazz Improvisation Made Easy
by John Blake and Jody Harmon
1993
Box 186, 301 Littleton Rd., Westford, MA Intermediate levels. For violin, viola
and cello. Book and CD with four sections, each with a jazz composition, scale
patterns, call and response, improvised solo by John Blake, solo transcription,
and play-along track. Each section uses a different major scale, so that
students can improvise immediately. Both swing and Latin styles are included.
Fiddling Chord Book
by Craig Duncan
Mel Bay Publishing
Helpful guide to chord voicings for the violinist.
Jazz Violin
by Matt Glaser and Stephane Grappelli
New York: Oak Publications, 1981
History, discography, and transcribed solos of six great violinists.
Intermediate and advanced.
Jazz Chord Studies for Violin
by Matt Glaser and Joe Viola
Boston: Berklee College of Music, 1984
Intermediate-advanced studies and etudes.
Get Your Band Together for violin (The Berklee Practice
Method)
by Matt Glaser and Mimi Rabson
Berklee Press.
This book is part of a series that includes volumes for guitar, bass, drums,
keyboard, and horns. It teaches
beginning players tunes that they can play with their friends in a band context
and teaches young violin players how to function in a band, helping them
to develop skills in jazz and rock.
Creative Ability Development (for violin, viola, cello, or
piano)
by Alice Kay Kanack
Summy-Birchard Inc./Warner Brothers Publications
Entry-level/beginning improvisation method using jazz, blues, Latin, and
classical styles, with accompanying CD.
Improvisation for Children
by Alice Kay Kanack
Warner Brothers
Book and CD method for pre-schoolers, contains 27 different songs and games to
help children expand their creative musical abilities.
Reading Key Jazz Rhythms
by Fred Lipsius with Evan Price, violin
Advance Music, 1997
Distributed by Sher Music Co., P.O. Box 445, Petaluma, CA 94953
A book and two CD set of jazz etudes based on blues and jazz standards, each
emphasizing an important jazz rhythm. Includes play-along tracks. Other versions
are available for other instruments. Use trombone version for bass clef readers.
Rockin' Out With Blues Fiddle
by Julie Lyonn Lieberman
Huiksi Music, New York
History of blues fiddle and tunes "in the style of".
Beginner-intermediate. Good discography. Comes with a practice CD.
Improvising Violin (revised ed.)
by Julie Lyonn Lieberman
Huiksi Music, Box 495, NYC, NY 10024
Also available as instructional audio series through Homespun Tapes:
1-800-33-TAPES.
A survey of improvised violin styles.
The Creative Band and Orchestra
by Julie Lyonn Lieberman
Huiksi Music, 2002. JulieLyonn.com
The first book of its kind in the world, The Creative Band and Orchestra
provides conductors, directors, and educators with over one hundred ideas,
techniques, exercises, and musical examples designed to introduce
improvisation, creativity, ensemble interaction, heighten listening skills,
stimulate new brainstyles, and more.
The Contemporary Violinist
by Julie Lyonn Lieberman
Huiksi Music, JulieLyonn.com
This book and practice CD focuses on teaching improvisation in 16 Styles.
You will be guided through exercises and tunes designed to help you develop a
feel for playing Latin, Flamenco, Gypsy, Tango, Klezmer, Cajun, Blues, Rock,
Swing, Bebop, Country, Irish, Old-Time, Bluegrass, Franco-American, and
Scandinavian. Includes inspiring advice from major players in the field.
Tonic to Chromatic, Tonal Structural Patterns of Stringed
Instruments Tuned in 4ths and 5ths. Vol. IV--Violoncello
by Jeffrey McFarland-Johnson
Johnsong Music, P.O. Box 3646, Napa, CA,
www.johnsong.com
Basic jazz theory and a lexicon of intervals, chords, and scale forms as they
fit on the cello fingerboard.
Jazz Fiddle Wizard - A Practical Guide To Jazz
Improvising For Strings
by Martin Norgaard
Mel Bay Publishers 2000
A step-by-step jazz violin instruction book and CD. For intermediate/advanced
violinists. This method teaches improvisational patterns and principles while using tunes and
chords from standard jazz repertoire. www.jazzfiddlewizard.com
Jazz Fiddle Wizard Junior
By Martin Norgaard
Mel Bay Publishers
A step by step jazz improvisation method for all strings with CD. For
Elementary, Junior High or all beginning improvisers.
Jazz Viola Wizard Junior
By Martin Norgaard
(see Jazz Fiddle Wizard Jr.)
Jazz Cello Wizard Junior
By Martin Norgaard
(see Jazz Fiddle Wizard Jr.)
Jazz Philharmonic
by Randy Sabien and Bob Phillips
Alfred Publishers
For string orchestra students who are learning their instruments and/or at the
same time learning basic jazz concepts. Each of the books presents original
tunes with interchangeable parts, backgrounds, bass lines, and solos. Any
combination of string instruments will work using this format. Beginning
improvisation is handled with preparatory rhythms, scales, call-and-response,
with musical listening examples on the accompanying CD (purchased separately).
Swing Set
By Thom Sharp
Sharp Mountain Music (323) 343-9196
www.sharpmountainmusic.com
56 written-out etudes of “Bowing and Scale Technique”
for all string instruments which the teacher can use to introduce melodic
improvisational concepts within the chords of four easy jazz tunes. These are
very simple motif or “lick” based exercises, “using a limited range of
notes within the key of D”. All parts come with an accompanying CD.
Standards of
Excellence: Jazz Combo Sessions.
By Dean Sorenson
Kjos Publications
CD with each book. Violin, viola, cello,
rhythm section and band instruments.
A collection of original jazz compositions for intermediate
players for groups of any size or instrumentation. Rhythm section books include
an accompaniment part and a melody/harmony part. Jazz articulation and notation
with chord glossary in each part.
Jazz Cello, Viola, or Violin, a book and CD
by Chris White with Amy Merrill
Cello Works, 501 Linn St., Ithaca, NY 14850
Toll free (877) 665-5815 (phone/fax with credit card) or
www.newdirectionscello.com (go to "Store")
Three jazz tunes (blues, jazz standard, and Latin) are
featured in this method for strings. Includes good advice on improvisational
techniques (note choices, accompaniment patterns, etc) and jazz string history.
Musical
Inc.
By
Ed Zunic
EZ Music Publishing, EeZe@aol.com
For
all strings.
Rote
games as an introduction to Improvisation, Notation, and Composition (that's the
INC). Fun improvisation exercises for beginners, often finishing given musical
ideas using limited notes on a given string. Comes with CD.
Other Useful Methods and Jazz Studies, non-string specific
There are hundreds of jazz methods books, etude books, and transcriptions, but a few we have found very useful and clear are:
The Charlie Parker Omnibook, bass or treble clef
by Jamey Aebersold and Ken Slone
The great alto saxophone player's transcribed solos.
Excellent for the advanced string player as jazz etudes and source of ideas.
Improvisational Patterns: the Blues
by David Baker
New York, Colin Publishers, 1980
An important jazz educator (and cellist), Baker has many
more books, distributed through Aebersold.
How to Play Bebop, for all instruments, vol.1-3
by David Baker
Alfred Publishing Co. Inc., 16380 Roscoe Blvd. POB 10003,
Van Nuys, CA 91410
A set of books for intermediate through advanced improvisers
wishing to learn basic "bebop licks".
Inside Improvisation Series: Vol. I Melodic Structures,
Vol. 2 Pentatonics, Vol. 3 Jazz Live
by Jerry Bergonzi
Advance Music.
Each fully explores an important improvisation concept and comes with CD.
How to Improvise
by Hal Crook
Advance Music, 199l
Includes 2 CDs. A very clearly organized methods book,
covering almost all improvisational topics.
Approaching the Standards, Jazz Improvisation Series Vol.
1-3. Treble Clef or Bass Clef book and CD
by Dr. Willie L. Hill, Jr.
Warner Bros. Publications
A very friendly format for any instrument, these three books
each feature eight classic jazz tunes with accompaniment, discography, and
composer information. Nice jazz language examples for each piece as well as very
clear chord charts are included. Recommended for good junior high players and
above.
Teaching Jazz, A Course of Study
by the International Association of Jazz Educators
MENC, 1806 Robert Fulton Drive, Reston, VA 20191-4348
A basic book for all teachers interested in teaching
improvisation. Particularly useful is the chapter on jazz in general music, with
many ideas for incorporating improvisational concepts when teaching young
children.
Ten Easy Jazz Duets (for C instruments or Bass Clef)
by John LaPorta with Greg Nielsen
Miami: Warner Bros. Publications, 1996
Beginner-intermediate, with CD. Good for learning to read
jazz rhythms.
The Jazz Theory Book
by Mark Levine
Sher Music Co., PO Box 445, Petaluma, CA
A 552 page book written in a straightforward and easy to
understand style, with many musical examples. It starts with the basics and
moves on. For teachers, advanced high school and college students.
A Chromatic Approach to Jazz Harmony and Melody
by David Liebman
Advance Music,1991
An ear-opening approach for experienced improvisers, and a
classic. Includes CD of examples and practice tracks.
Comprehensive Technique for Jazz Musicians
by Bert Ligon
Houston Publishing Inc. distributed by Hal Leonard
Very useful for musicians with basic understanding of jazz
tunes and materials.
Muy Caliente
by Rebeca Mauleon
Sher Music, 1999
Afro-Cuban play-along CD and book with great rhythm section.
Stereo separation for cello/bass. See also Mauleon's Salsa Guidebook and 101
Montunos (with CDs) for thorough exploration of this style, also published
by Sher Music.
14 Blues and Funk Etudes, (for C or bass instruments), with
two CDs
by Bob Mintzer
Warner Bros. Publications. (Aebersold dist.)
Etudes and jam tracks, intermediate & fun!
Until you find a band: play-along recordings
Again, these are only a few of many play-along materials available. (alas, viola players have to read treble or bass)
A New Approach to Jazz Improvisation
by Jamey Aebersold
Jamey Aebersold Jazz, Inc., P.O. Box 1244, New Albany, IN,
47150
1-800-456-1388
More than 90 volumes of a book plus CD or tape. These are
the most popular play-along books, with a complete rhythm section playing
several choruses of each tune, giving you a chance to take long solos. The books
cover blues, jazz standards, Latin jazz, contemporary jazz, and jazz by specific
composers. The best ones for beginning and intermediate players are:
Vol. 2 Nothin' But Blues - blues in several keys, tempos
Vol. 24 Major and Minor - for scale pattern work using different jazz rhythms
Vol. 42 Blues in All Keys
Vol. 54 Maiden Voyage - jazz standards and modal tunes
Vol. 70 Killer Joe - standards
Books of transcribed bass lines are available for all volumes.
Backup Trax, Swing
& Jazz Vol. 1
By Dix Bruce
Mel Bay Publications, Inc.
In Treble Clef only, but fun to play with especially if you
know the tunes already. The back up band is a hot swing band and sounds great
with your own string sound. Includes 12 tunes based on the chord changes of
Honeysuckle Rose, Lady be Good, How High the Moon, and etc.
CD Metronome, Live
Drumming for Practicing Jazz, Vol. 1: 4/4
By Paul Carman
Available at www.cdbaby.com/cd/cdmetronome
A 2 CD set (51 tracks) of live drumming, at incremental
metronome markings, for practicing jazz improvisation and developing a good
sense of swing. Good for all levels.
Playalong Solos
for violin or trombone (bass clef)
Pub. Hal Leonard
This series includes tunes with a back-up CD and a written
out solo with chords provided so that the more experienced player can improvise
their own solo: Jazz and Blues. 14
solo arrangements including A Night in
Tunisia, Fly me to the Moon, Satin
Doll, Take the A Train.
Play the Duke. 11
Ellington classics including Caravan, In a
Sentimental Mood, Don’t Get Around Much Anymore
New Real Book Play-Alongs
Sher Music Co, Petaluma, CA
Intermediate. This is a series of three CDs/tapes, each with
ten songs, from the New Real Book Volume I
(a popular "fake book" for jazz improvisers). They are: Jazz
Classics, Jazz Standards, and Pop-Fusion. Also, play-along CD for tunes from The
Latin Real Book.
Rock and Roll Backup
Tape/CD
Homespun Tapes
1-800-33-TAPES
It's not exactly jazz but it's a lot of fun. 15 different
rhythm grooves, several blues tunes. Homespun also carries videos by Matt
Glaser, Darol Anger and Julie Lyonn-Lieberman, and backup tracks for David
Grisman's Dawg Grass/Jazz.
If you're serious about playing jazz with all kinds of musicians, it's good to own a fakebook (melody and chord symbols only) that is used by lots of people. The oldest one is the Real Book (not legal nor always easy to get) but also useful are the New Real Book Vol. 1, 2 and 3, the Standards Real Book and The Latin Real Book, all published by Sher.
Arrangements for Jazz String Ensembles by Publisher
All include at least one section for improvisation.
On the web: www.stringscentral.com - A website dedicated go connecting string players and educators to non-classical compositions for strings. Lists alternative string scores, publishers and CDs.
Alfred Publications
Jazz Philharmonic
by Randy Sabien and Bob Phillips
Twelve original jazz compositions scored for any combination
of stringed instruments. Available for Violin, Viola, Cello and Teachers Manual,
including full score. Excellent for beginning strings, and beginning improvisers
at any level.
August
Watters Music Publishing
124 Chestnut St. #1
Brookline, MA 02445
www.augustwatters.com
awatters@berklee.edu
Publisher of arrangements of jazz originals and standards for jazz string
quartet. Write for complete listing. Intermediate-advanced.
Compositions by Bert
Ligon
University of South Carolina, School of Music, Columbia,
South Carolina 29208
Original compositions arranged for jazz string quartet or
string orchestra with a rhythm section, many based on standard jazz chord
changes. Intermediate-advanced. Complete listing available with sample pdf files
for viewing at:
http://www.music.sc.edu/departments/jazz/JazzStringsMusic.HTML
E&R Music Engravers
17 Iris Way,
Haverhill, MA 01830-1595
(978)373-2918
eandr@eudoramail.com or www.angelfire.com/ma/eandr
Publisher of originals and arrangements for jazz string
quartet and jazz string ensembles by Miriam Rabson, as recorded by the Really
Eclectic String Quartet (RESQ). Selections range from jazz standards to klezmer/jazz
fusion. Write for complete listing. Intermediate-advanced.
Fiddlistics Music
POB 19297
Oakland, CA 94619
Publishers of originals and arrangements by Darol Anger,
David Balakrishnan, Mark Summer, Tracy Silverman, and Danny Seidenberg, as
recorded by the Turtle Island String Quartet and others. Includes pieces for
solo cello, jazz string quartet, and jazz string orchestra. Useful performance
notes, suggested solos and suggested bass lines are available as well. Styles
include rock, R&B, fiddle/jazz fusion, jazz standards, and more.
Intermediate-advanced. Some of these are now carried by Shar Publications.
Huiksi Music
P.O. Box 495
New York, NY 10024
Publishers of originals and arrangements by Julie Lyonn
Lieberman, including suite for strings and rhythm section.
Note: there are other arrangements for jazz band and combos with string sections which do not include string improvisation. Many of these have been out of print for many years, but are gradually coming back into circulation.
There are also new arrangements for improvising strings which are available over the internet. You can use the information presented here as the starting point for a search. Here's how: use your favorite search engine (google.com is a particularly good one) and enter the name of one of the authors or the title of one of the publications; you should then see a list of related items.
Equipment
TIPBOOK VIOLIN & VIOLA
($9.95; The Tipbook Company; 134 pages; ISBN 90-76192-391; distributed by Hal
Leonard).
From the publisher: "A handy, accessible, thorough, and
convenient guide for violinists and violists who want to get the most out of
their instrument. This Tipbook offers you a truckload of information, delivered
at the right pace, including topics such as selecting and play-testing violins
and violas, buying strings, bows and accessories, maintenance and tuning, as
well as the history and the family of the instrument, and a string player's
glossary. Written in collaboration with and proofread by musicians, teachers,
technicians, and other experts, for beginners, students, and advanced players."