Jazz, Rags & Blues for Clarinet: Book 1: Clarinet Book & CD

Mier's jazz and blues writing captures the real sound of the idiom without sacrificing playability for early-intermediate clarinetists. Jane Sebba's arrangement brings the series' signature syncopation and harmonic color to the clarinet with an ear for what the instrument does naturally; these pieces sit well on the horn and sound genuinely idiomatic. The included CD backing tracks transform solo practice into something that feels like ensemble playing, making this both a pedagogical tool and a genuine musical experience.

Stepping into an American musical landscape rich with personality. From the laid-back swagger of Lazy Days to the jumping energy of A Neat Beat, these pieces swing and sway with genuine jazz character, inviting clarinet players into a style that values expressiveness and rhythmic nuance over technical display.

Early-intermediate clarinetists ready to explore jazz and blues idioms with pieces that sound authentic and feel rewarding to play. This book suits students in school band programs, private studios, or casual ensemble settings who want repertoire beyond classical solos.

• Let the swing feel breathe. Clarinet Blues and Seventh Street Blues need air around the eighth notes; lock in rhythmically with the accompaniment track but resist playing metronomically tight.
• Shape the blues melodies expressively by playing with subtle dynamics within phrases. Mier writes simple melodic lines that gain sophistication through inflection and phrasing choices.
• Use the CD accompaniment as your rehearsal partner. Record yourself playing along, then listen back to hear where your releases align with the rhythm section and where phrasing needs adjustment.
• Approach the rag rhythms (Jelly Bean Rag, Downright Happy Rag) with clarity and rhythmic precision. These pieces demand clean articulation so the syncopation reads clearly.

Program a piece or two on a concert centered on American music, pairing these solos with band arrangements or choral selections in jazz or popular idioms. The lighter, more playful rags work well at pops concerts, while the blues pieces fit nicely in a more intimate recital or studio event.

• Reading and performing swing rhythms and blues syncopation
• Interpreting jazz articulation and phrasing conventions
• Accompanying yourself confidently with recorded rhythm sections
• Intonation control in jazz context, particularly bent notes and blue notes
• Musical expression through dynamics and tone color within simple melodic lines