Jamey Aebersold Jazz, Volume 23: One Dozen Standards by Request: Book & Online Audio

Twelve standards chosen by request means these are the tunes people actually ask for at gigs, weddings, and jam sessions. The rhythm section (Weiss, Goldsby, Higgins) plays with the kind of relaxed professionalism that makes learning feel like playing rather than practicing. Lyrics included is a genuine advantage for understanding the melodic intent and phrasing behind each tune.

Sophisticated without being fussy. These are standards that swing and breathe, with harmonic depth that rewards close listening but enough melodic clarity that beginners won't feel lost. The rhythm section supports rather than leads, creating space for you to find your voice.

Intermediate and advanced jazz students who are tired of learning obscure changes and want to build a working repertoire of songs that will actually come up in real situations. Musicians preparing for professional engagements, sidework, or serious jam session participation will find these twelve tunes indispensable.

• Sing the melody through at least once before playing it on your instrument. The lyrics reveal the natural phrasing and emotional weight that informs how pros voice these standards.
• Lock into the rhythm section's groove rather than fighting it; if your solo feels stiff, dial back your note density and listen to where John Goldsby plants the foundation.
• Record yourself soloing over these tracks and listen back within an hour while the harmonic movement is fresh in your ears. You'll hear phrasing habits you'd never catch in real time.
• Slow the online audio down to 80% or 90% for the first few run-throughs of tunes you don't know well yet. The changes remain clear without rushing your ear.

Assign one tune per week during a unit on jazz standards, pairing each with listening to classic recordings by singers or soloists who've recorded it. This volume works especially well for mid-year motivation since the standards are familiar enough to sound rewarding fast, yet challenging enough to sustain engagement through spring. Consider using it as preparation for school jazz combos or end-of-year performance showcases.

• Navigating ii-V-I progressions in multiple keys
• Connecting melody to chord changes through lyrical phrasing
• Building vocabulary for standards with 32-bar AABA forms
• Listening to and responding to rhythm section cues in real time
• Developing sight-singing across middle-register melodic material