Jamey Aebersold Jazz, Volume 80: Indiana and Other American Standards: Book & CD

This volume delivers exactly what makes the Aebersold series indispensable: twelve songs with genuine harmonic substance and melodic elegance, paired with a rhythm section that swings with real musicianship. The inclusion of lyrics opens these standards to vocalists and helps all players connect melody to language, while the arrangement of tunes (from Indiana to When the Saints Go Marching In) creates natural programming opportunities across jazz combos, full ensembles, and mixed-instrument recitals.

These are the songs that built American popular music. They shimmer with sophistication, swing with natural grace, and invite exploration. Playing them feels like you're part of a tradition while discovering harmonies that bebop composers borrowed and reimagined for decades.

Intermediate to advanced jazz students and teachers looking for repertoire that builds improvisation skills on material with real harmonic content. Instrumentalists and vocalists benefit equally; mixed ensembles can use these standards as common repertoire for combo practice or sectional rehearsals.

• Study the melody and chord changes separately before playing along with the recording. Knowing exactly where you are harmonically on the tune matters more than playing fast.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to lock into the rhythm section's feel, especially the drummer's comping and the bassist's time. The pocket is part of the learning.
• Listen to at least one professional recording of each standard before improvising over it. Hearing how great players interpret the melody and phrasing gives you a framework for your own choices.
• Work at a slower tempo first if the recorded version feels rushed. The Aebersold method is about getting the tune solid, not proving speed.

Weave these standards throughout the year as jazz ensemble warm-ups, combo projects, or showcase solos during jazz concerts. Because the collection includes standards familiar to audiences and vocals-friendly material, you can program one with a featured vocalist or instrumental soloist without needing additional accompaniment backing.

• Improvisation over ii-V-I progressions and other jazz standard harmonic patterns
• Recognition of chord changes across multiple keys and song structures
• Rhythm section awareness and listening to bass lines and comping patterns
• Interpretation of melody and phrasing through exposure to lyrical content
• Tempo flexibility and playing at different speeds with professional accompaniment
• Understanding how standards inform bebop composition and later jazz development