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Jazz Phrasing for Beginners is the perfect introduction to jazz for all aspiring saxophonists. The book features ten melodic pieces which are easy to play, yet convey the essence of mainstream (Swing/Bebop/Bossa) jazz vocabulary. The pieces are all short, and demonstrate how to use sequences and voice-leading to make a musical statement, while clearly outlining the chord progression, without the need for advanced technical or reading abilities.

The book includes two play-along CDs (one for alto and one for tenor) featuring a world-class rhythm section, plus Greg Fishman demonstrating each piece. In addition, there are play-along tracks with just the rhythm section, so students have the option of playing along with Greg Fishman or with just the rhythm section.

This book is the "prequel" to Greg Fishman's more advanced books, Jazz Saxophone Etudes and Jazz Saxophone Duets, and will provide valuable insights into a melodic approach to jazz improvisation. The book is also recommended for all players, beginning or advanced, who wish to improve their tone, phrasing and understanding of thematic development.

Page Samples:

Sample Page - Belden Avenue

Sample Page - Narragansett Avenue

Sample Page - Milwaukee Avenue

Sound Samples:

Belden Avenue - Alto Sax

Belden Avenue - Tenor Sax

Milwaukee Avenue - Alto Sax

Milwaukee Avenue - Tenor Sax

Narragansett Avenue - Alto Sax

Narragansett Avenue - Tenor Sax

"Greg has done it again. Great melodies, interesting rhythms and beautiful chord progressions. This is the perfect foundation for learning jazz." -- Jamey Aebersold

"This book is a monument to Greg Fishman's superb teaching skills, as well as his clear understanding of the jazz student's early needs. He has purposefully selected accessible tempos, significant melodic rhythms (with their appropriate phrasing) and sensitive note choices, utilizing commonplace chord progressions within the jazz repertory, all impeccably demonstrated by Mr. Fishman on the accompanying compact discs. This book is a must for the early conditioning of jazz students!" -- Jerry Coker

"These melodious etudes are technically accessible to the beginner, who also gets the opportunity to blow alongside a very tasty professional rhythm section. Combine that with excellent performance tips and Greg's on-the-money demonstration tracks and you have the perfect book for the novice jazz saxophonist." -- Gary Keller, Professor of Saxophone, University of Miami

"Greg’s compositions are the perfect vehicles to illustrate how to connect simple phrases with good voice-leading. They clearly show beginning and intermediate improvisation students the best way to understand the process of speaking the jazz language." -- Mark Colby, Saxophone Professor, DePaul University and Elmhurst College

"Greg Fishman has created a book of fun, well-written, catchy tunes in a variety of styles for developing jazz players---highly recommended." -- Dr. Gregory W. Yasinitsky, Regents Professor of Music & Coordinator of Jazz Studies, Washington State University