I’ve seen several superb publications this year, and am running short of hyperbolic compliments, but Classical Jazz is an absurdly good collection. I find it extraordinary that Brent Edstronm is able to churn out such a quantity and wealth of jazz arrangements year after year, and this new addition to the Jazz Piano Solos series really is no exception. ![]() I have no doubt it will stand the test of time, and bring pleasure for years to come. This particular volume has 96 pages, and is as usual staple bound the thin paper is high quality though and the book itself is sturdy. Hal Leonard have a well-established look and feel for this ever-growing series, so those who have previous volumes will know exactly what to expect: Heres Bill Evans on 'Witchcraft,' from Portrait in Jazz (1959) with Paul Motian and Scott LaFaro: And heres Hand Joy on 'Confirmation,' from Meister Class (1977) with Sam Jones and Mikki Roker. ![]() I’ve certainly enjoyed having this collection to hand over the last couple of weeks, dipping in regularly for relaxed personal enjoyment. Piano enthusiasts will of course also enjoy playing this music as an entertaining diversion, and again these arrangements will make deliciously attention-grabbing fare at piano gatherings and adult piano clubs. Across the board, Edstrom’s wry reinventions are impeccable, with a slick professional sophistication which will undoubtedly delight listeners. ![]() In pretty much every case, the difficulty level could be described as Advanced, suitable from around UK Grade 8 or above.įor the pianist about town, performing in restaurants, hotels and other venues, these good humoured and ingenious trifles are pitch perfect as a sourcebook of material for such gigs, the book is an essential purchase. In some cases (for example To A Wild Rose) Edstrom’s fresh adaptations are disconcertingly subtle, while in others he spins mood-setting introductions before recognition sets in, or even entirely reimagines the piece (Tchaikovsky’s twinkling Sugar Plum Fairy is newly conceived as a fabulous swing number here, to superb effect). In all cases the signature content of the original pieces is easily discernible, but has undergone varying degrees of jazzification.
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