Just for Two Easy Jazz: 2 Alto Saxophones Part(s)

Gassi knows exactly what beginning jazz players need: accessible material that doesn't feel like a compromise musically. These duets strip away unnecessary complexity while keeping the rhythmic and harmonic flavor that makes jazz rewarding to play. You get 16 pages of variety without the headache of finding compatible repertoire.

Fun and conversational. These duets invite you to play off each other with straightforward melodies and grooves that sit comfortably under the fingers. There's a lightness here that comes from smart arranging rather than simplification.

Beginning jazz students who are paired up and ready to explore duet playing without overwhelming technical demands. It's ideal for middle school and early high school musicians working through their first experience with jazz phrasing and rhythm.

• Lock the rhythm section groove first. Make sure both saxophones agree on the underlying pulse and style before worrying about melody or embellishment.
• Emphasize the style cues within each duet. If one is swing and another is Latin, the contrast between them will matter more than perfection in any single piece.
• Balance the two parts dynamically. These are duets, not featured soloist plus accompaniment, so listen across the partnership.
• Use the stylistic variety to build comfort with different jazz idioms. By the end of the book, your students will have worked in multiple contexts.

Use these duets as centerpieces in jazz ensemble warm-ups or in sectional rehearsals to build confidence and partnership. They also work beautifully in student recitals or pep band settings where you need solid, engaging material that doesn't require a full ensemble.

• Reading and executing swing eighth-note phrasing
• Playing in unison and in counterpoint with a partner
• Recognizing and responding to different jazz styles and grooves
• Balancing melody and harmony as equal duet voices
• Building ensemble listening and rhythmic synchronization without a conductor