Jamey Aebersold Jazz, Volume 126: Play the Music of Randy Brecker: Book & Online Audio

Brecker's originals offer advanced players real jazz vocabulary without resorting to well-worn standards or fusion clichés. The variety of moods and styles across these 13 tunes means your group won't fatigue on repetition, and having Randy himself play the melody on the recordings gives students an unambiguous model for phrasing and articulation. This is the rare play-along where the composer's intent comes through the speaker.

These pieces inhabit the contemporary jazz landscape Brecker helped shape: some have the angular modernism of fusion, others settle into straight-ahead groove and blues feeling. The melodies are memorable without being obvious, and the rhythmic language keeps players alert. There's a genuine elegance to this music.

Advanced jazz ensembles, combo sections, and serious private students ready to tackle modern jazz composition with harmonic and rhythmic sophistication. This collection demands secure fundamentals and the ability to listen closely to recorded models.

• Listen to Randy's recorded rendition of each melody multiple times before playing your part. Note his breathing points, his vibrato placement, and where he lays back versus pressing forward in the phrase.
• The rhythm section on these recordings is conversational and responsive. Leave space for the accompaniment to breathe rather than filling every moment with sound.
• Study the harmony parts in addition to your assigned line. Understanding the chords underneath will sharpen your rhythmic placement and intonation on longer notes.
• Record yourself soloing over these tracks. Playing 'cold' with the rhythm section teaches you things that rehearsal with piano or written changes cannot.

Feature a single tune as part of a faculty jazz recital where the scoring flexibility lets your strongest players shine on their primary instruments. Alternatively, work one tune per week into your advanced ensemble's repertoire rotation, using the recorded rhythm section as a rehearsal tool when a live pianist isn't available. These originals also serve well as starting points for improvisation study.

• Reading and performing melody against modern jazz harmony (extended chords, chromatic movement)
• Listening to recorded reference material and matching articulation, vibrato, and phrasing
• Interpreting lead sheets that blend straight-ahead and fusion idioms
• Soloing with security over unfamiliar chord progressions
• Ensemble balance and responsiveness with recorded rhythm section accompaniment