The first thirty pages of this book are devoted to Jazz theory for the pianist. This section is laid out in a clear, concise manner. The remainder of the book, another 100 pages, consists of piano voicings for chords. This part is somewhat confusing, and would probably not assist a beginner, but might be useful for more advanced players.
A number of ideas are discussed in the beginning chapters: the different types of chords, how to play left hand voicings, what polychords are, chord functions and substitutions. The latter part of the book deals with two-handed voicings, and it is divided into three parts: 1) major, minor, dominant, diminished and suspended chords; 2) harmonizing chords by the top melody note, and 3) quartal harmonies.
For the beginner, JAZZ PIANO CHORDS may be too difficult to digest.
However, I would encourage teachers and more advanced students to acquire
this book, as it has a number of possibilities for chord voicings.
by Lucy Galliher, Editor
Lucy Galliher's CD Springboard can be found in Jazz Now Direct mail order catalog.
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