"I'm really pleased with this book.
My sax teacher recommended getting something by Jamey Aebersold & I have played one of his pieces to a backing track at a lesson and really enjoyed it, so thought I'd give this one a try.
I bought this book from Boosey & Hawkes online - thanks guys - best price around and speedy delivery.
The book is aimed at beginner / intermediate, which I would say is right as I'm able to play most of it.
The backing tracks make practice so much easier - if you're struggling away in your spare room going up & down the scales and getting bored, buy something like this.
It's not just that practising is easier with a backing track, it's also much more fun - sorry metronome, but you're dull by comparison!
The quality of the music is excellent & you can accompany it in a number of ways. Jamey provides the notation to play a tune to the track, but you can also improvise to it from the scale and based on the chord changes.
Each piece has the scale you need written out and the chord changes on the music give you the root notes you need, if you want to base your improvisation on the chords.
There's a lot of theory in the book too, but written in a way even an eejit like me can understand.I haven't got to grips with it all yet, concentrating more on jamming to the CD.
I particularly like Jamey Aebersold's philosophy, with the main emphasis on 'enjoying' music and practice - something many people lose sight of for various reasons.
There are three blues tracks and a number of other styles too - I nearly opted for one of the 'just blues books' but thought it would be good to learn something else too! I will certainly buy another of these playalong books - think I'll go 'all blues' next time, but I have no regrets at all about buying this one.
This latest edition also has examples of Jamey playing to the tracks which is really helpful.
I highly recommend this book....."

Rating: 11/07/2012 By: Andy