By Jim Snidero, Jazz Conception offers an innovative approach for musicians of all skill levels to master the language of jazz. Each book/CD set contains 21 solo etudes based on the chord changes of jazz standards and blues, with the same etudes transposed and tailored for the primary jazz instruments. Musicians can observe and emulate the phrasing and articulation of a renowned soloist, playing along with or without the soloist featured on the CD.
The sets feature performances by a top-notch New York rhythm section, including Mike LeDonne on piano, Dennis Irwin on bass, and Kenny Washington on drums. The material begins at a manageable level and gradually increases in complexity. These etudes serve as a pathway to the more intricate solos of jazz masters, helping players develop a robust jazz vocabulary and musicality. The book/CD sets are suitable for private lessons, self-study, or group settings, including ensembles with flute and clarinet. Advanced players may utilize the book to enhance their sight-reading skills, transcribe etudes from the CD for comparison, or simply enjoy playing along with an exceptional jazz rhythm section.
The series can also be employed as a tool for improvisation study, teaching musicians how to construct coherent and engaging solos, particularly when used alongside the Study Guide. The Jazz Conception Series is ideal for classroom settings, aiding in the development of younger students' jazz styles in both big band and small group formats. In improvisation classes, instructors can use the etudes as practical studies. The Study Guide offers an analysis of each etude, complete with practice assignments.
Additional features of the editions include:
- Drum Edition: Exact transcriptions as performed by Kenny Washington, along with 21 drum lead sheets, allowing drummers to play along with or without the soloist on the CD.
- Vocal Edition: Amy London scat sings the etudes to illustrate phrasing and articulation, with written syllables for the first two etudes to assist aspiring vocalists in matching her sounds.
- Bass Lines Edition: All bass lines from the CD are transcribed in the book, and the CD includes special tracks without the bass line for bassists to join in.
- Piano Comping Edition: All of Mike LeDonne's comping is transcribed, with special CD tracks enabling pianists to sit in and accompany the band.
- Sax Section Charts: Individual parts for Alto 1 & 2, Tenor 1 & 2, Bari, and three rhythm section parts with chord symbols and written bass lines are included. The CD features special play-along tracks of the rhythm section only, as well as full-performance tracks of the quintet.
- Study Guide: This guide breaks down each etude into its fundamental components, including guide tones, blues riffs, and delayed/anticipated resolutions, helping musicians understand the effectiveness of the phrases and apply these concepts to their own solos.
The collection includes titles such as "Groove Blues," "Amen," "A Doll," "Total Blues," "Grease," "Rose," "Joe's Thing," "Proxy," "Father Song," "Ind Line," "Miles," "Blue Minor," "Autumn," "Friends," "Great Love," "Two Plus Two," "Lunar," "Tunisia," "Bird Blues," "Somewhere," and "Passage."