Jazz Combo+ Bass Book 1: Bass Method Book

The collection spans several moods: groovy blues changes, bright uptempo swing, introspective ballad pacing, and modern harmonic movement. Each tune gives the bass a chance to lock into the pocket while learning distinct regional flavors of jazz comping and soloing.

Jazz combo bassists working at the intermediate level (grades 3-4) who need guided exposure to swing feel, blues changes, and contemporary jazz idioms. This book works equally well for students in a school jazz program and those studying privately who want structured method-book learning alongside real ensemble charts.

• Study the transcribed demonstration solos in both versions. Start with the easier transcription to internalize the phrasing and vocabulary, then gradually work toward the full version.
• Use the play-along tracks in rehearsal to lock in your comping feel with the rhythm section. Pay attention to how the bass interacts with the drums and piano on each tune.
• Record yourself playing along with the tracks and listen back. You'll hear exactly where your time or feel drifts relative to the ensemble.
• Transpose and practice the figures from each chart in different keys. This builds real jazz fluency, not just repertoire.

Use individual charts as the core repertoire for your jazz combo class or ensemble, spacing them across the semester so students have time to absorb both the written parts and the transcribed solo vocabulary. The play-along tracks make these charts accessible for beginning-of-year assessment or concert preparation when not all combo members can rehearse together. Contest or festival seasons benefit from having six contrasting tunes ready to rotate into your program.

• Swing feel and ride cymbal/drum lock (bass and drums together)
• Blues walking bass patterns and reharmonization options
• Reading jazz chord changes and comping against horn players
• Transcription skills (from both full and simplified solo examples)
• Transposition and key center awareness
• Solo construction and phrasing using provided transcribed examples
• Ensemble timing and communication without a conductor