Alfred Jazz Play-Along Series, Vol. 5: Freddie Hubbard & More: Rhythm Section (Piano, Bass, & Drumset) Book & DVD

This collection showcases jazz standards at a level that honors the music without overwhelming rhythm section players still building their comping and soloing vocabulary. The written-out parts, sample solos, and improvisation tips for each tune transform what could be a passive listening experience into active learning. You get professional-quality demo tracks paired with the flexibility to isolate instruments, adjust tempos, and loop sections, making it genuinely useful for self-directed practice and small ensemble coaching.

Energetic and swinging, anchored by Freddie Hubbard's authoritative tone and the steady professionalism of a working rhythm section. The tunes breathe with the phrasing of seasoned jazz musicians, and the medium tempo range keeps things accessible without sacrificing sophistication. You're hearing musicians who know these standards inside out, giving you a model of clarity and intention to aim for.

Rhythm section players (pianists, bassists, and drummers) at the intermediate level who want to develop improvisation and comping skills through practical, song-based learning. This is ideal for small jazz combos, large ensemble rhythm section coaches, and any player looking to move beyond basic accompaniment into conversational soloing and responsive comping.

• Solo over a looped 8 or 16-bar chorus first before tackling a full head-solo-head arrangement; this lets you hear your phrasing in context without feeling rushed.
• Study the written-out sample solo for each tune to understand how the featured soloist navigates the chord changes, then use that as a departure point rather than a blueprint.
• Isolate your instrument in the TNT2 mixer and play the melody against the full rhythm section before you attempt any comping or soloing.
• Use the tempo control to slow tempos by 10-15 percent during your first week with a tune; muscle memory and ear training both benefit from this approach.

Deploy these nine standards as the core repertoire for a dedicated jazz combo unit in your program, using the written-out parts and solos as teaching material for section rehearsals before students perform. The DVD-ROM tools make this equally valuable for independent practice: students can work on a tune all week, master the melody and changes, and return to the band ready to collaborate. Consider pairing specific tunes with your ensemble's concert calendar once rhythm section players have solidified their parts.

• Comping rhythms and chord voicings for piano, with model patterns from professional players
• Walking bass lines and harmonic awareness for double bass players
• Jazz drum accompaniment patterns, including brush and stick interpretations
• Improvisation over 12-bar blues and 32-bar song forms
• Listening and response skills when accompanying or reacting to other soloists
• Chord-change navigation and harmonic analysis through practice with standard progressions
• Tempo control and time-feel consistency in a rhythm section context