Playing Through the Blues

This is an introduction to the blues for intermediate/advanced instrumentalists and beginning/intermediate improvisers, although advanced players will also enjoy it. The book and play-along CD include twelve tunes in different time feels — swing, jazz waltz, funk, Latin, ballad, and modal. Composer Lipsius emphasizes the simplicity and feeling at the heart of blues, creating melodies and solos that develop organically from a melodic or rhythmic idea (“riff”). Using space, texture, ornaments (slides, turns, etc.), rhythmic displacement, and other improvisation techniques, Lipsius shows how to get the most from simple ideas and relatively narrow melodic range (two octaves at most) without being predictable or boring. All tunes except the ballad are medium tempo, and are in accessible keys for both string and horn players: C, F, B-flat, E-flat and related minors. The play-along tracks are with rhythm section only, allowing students to develop their own improvisations. Lipsius is a master of melody, and these pieces are fun to play and well worth performing.