The Essence of the Blues

The Essence of the Blues sheds light on one of the most important forms in 20th century music. From jazz, rock, pop, hip-hop, country and other genres, the sound of the blues has had an enormous impact on modern music.

Created by best-selling author (Jazz Conception Series) and NY recording artist (Downbeat Magazine critics and readers polls) Jim Snidero, The Essence of the Blues contains 10 etudes focusing on various types of the blues, an in-depth analysis of blues styles and music theory. Each etude includes specific techniques used by some of the all-time best jazz/blues musicians, including Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, BB King, Stanley Turrentine and others.

The accompanying play along features world famous NY recording artists including Eric Alexander, Jeremy Pelt, Jim Snidero, Steve Davis, Mike LeDonne, Peter Washington, and others. Recorded at a world-class studio, these play alongs are deeply authentic, giving the user a real-life playing experience to learn and enjoy the blues.

- Each of the 10 pieces are based on the style of a historic jazz/blues musicians; Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, BB King, Sonny Rollins, Blue Mitchell, Stanley Turrentine, Milt Jackson, Lou Donaldson, and John Coltrane.

- The style of each artist is represented by incorporating their personal preferences regarding rhythm, harmony, melody, timing and overall musical attitude (e.g. playful, serious, sparse, dense, etc…)

- There are a variety of grooves, including swing, bebop, hard bop, modal, soul jazz, blues shuffle and funk. Tempos are generally medium.

- Depending on the instrument, the level of difficulty is generally moderate. Techniques such as turns and double-time are optional, as well as upper brass ranges and saxophone altissimo.

- All articulation and effects are indicated to give the user precise guidance on the crucial art of authentic phrasing.

- Each piece includes comments on musical effects (e.g. tension and release, shape, chord substitutions, etc…) providing the user deep insight on improvisation techniques.

- The appendix includes basic jazz/blues theory and collated ideas from the pieces on various chords, all presented in one single key for easy study and comparison.

- The included play along has a world-famous soloist and rhythm section performing each piece, giving the user an excellent model to study tone, time feel, style and execution. The user can play along with the rhythm section with or without the soloist.

- Further listening opportunities are recommended for specific historic recordings related to each piece and jazz/blues artist.