Exciting Dixieland: Guitar Book

Pure jazz joy. These are tunes built for swinging hard and celebrating the music's early, joyful energy. You'll feel the bounce of ragtime influence, the craftsmanship of great songwriting, and the infectious spirit that made jazz America's first truly original art form.

Jazz ensemble guitarists ranging from intermediate to advanced players who want to build repertoire in the traditional and Dixieland idiom. This book works equally well for school jazz ensembles looking to program recognizable standards and for community jazz groups seeking vehicles for front-line improvisation.

• Nail the rhythmic pocket first. These tunes live and die by their groove, so lock in the swing feel before worrying about solo articulation or upper-structure voicings.
• Listen to recordings of the original composers and performers. Hearing how Duke Ellington played 'It Don't Mean a Thing' or how King Oliver approached the ragtime elements in 'Tiger Rag' will anchor your interpretation beyond what's on the page.
• Balance ensemble clarity with freedom in the rhythm section. Guitar in a Dixieland setting thrives on interplay; leave space for the bass and drums to breathe while maintaining your harmonic foundation.

Feature this collection in a concert celebrating jazz history, pairing it with other Dixieland or traditional swing repertoire to create a cohesive set. Alternatively, select individual tunes throughout the year as special features or encore pieces that showcase your ensemble's versatility and warm up audiences who may be new to jazz.

• Reading chord changes and chord symbols in jazz contexts
• Playing with swing feel and triplet subdivision
• Navigating the guitar's role as both harmonic anchor and conversational voice in ensemble texture
• Interpreting rhythmic notation and syncopation typical of early jazz and ragtime
• Comping under and supporting front-line soloists