Chop-Monster, Book 2: Baritone Saxophone Book & 2 CDs

Chop-Monster 2 builds exactly where Book 1 leaves off, introducing the ii-V-I progression across three keys without overwhelming students. The call-and-response design keeps the focus on listening and internalizing jazz language rather than reading; baritone saxophonists get to sit in the pocket of the rhythm section and develop the ear and phrasing that define real jazz playing.

The rhythm section swings with purpose and clarity, creating a pocket that invites you in. Each recorded example lands with authority, and the pause for your response feels like a real conversation. The progression moves through keys with natural ease, building from the warmth of B-flat to the brightness of F and the darkness of E-flat.

Baritone saxophonists with a solid command of blues changes and basic chord tones who are ready to expand their improvisational vocabulary to the foundational ii-V-I progression. This book works for high school and college jazz ensemble members, private jazz students, and musicians preparing for jazz auditions or combos.

• Lock into the recorded groove. The accompanying musicians are swinging hard, so match their time feel and articulation before you push any boundaries with your own phrasing.
• Sing the progression before you play it. Know the ii-V-I by ear in all three keys so your fingers follow your voice, not just the page.
• Memorize short phrases early and often. Internalize the call before attempting your own response; this builds the jazz vocabulary you'll use to improvise freely.
• Listen to the full two-chorus accompaniment multiple times before recording yourself. Repetition trains your ear to anticipate harmonic movement and builds confidence in each key.

Use Book 2 as a core method for your school jazz program's improvisation curriculum, assigning pages sequentially across a semester or year. Pair it with your small group rehearsals or sectionals so baritone players can develop this language alongside your big band and combo repertoire.

• ii-V-I harmonic progression in three concert keys (B-flat, E-flat, F)
• Call-and-response improvisation with recorded accompaniment
• Chord-tone soloing and targeting guide tones in major keys
• Swing time feel and rhythmic phrasing with a rhythm section
• Transcription and ear training for jazz language