Not Just Another Christmas Book, Book 2: Piano Book & CD

These arrangements range from the infectious momentum of driving swing to the sophisticated sway of a jazz waltz, all built on holiday melodies you already know. There's a genuine joy in hearing yourself sound like part of a band rather than practicing alone, and the intermediate-level writing respects your growing technical ability while keeping the music fresh and engaging.

Intermediate pianists ready to explore jazz beyond straight-ahead classical repertoire, whether for holiday recitals, studio showcases, or simply expanding their musical palate. This book works equally well for the student seeking fun seasonal material and the teacher wanting to introduce jazz language and ensemble awareness without requiring live rhythm section musicians.

• Lock into the groove with the recorded drums before worrying about note perfection; the rhythm section will carry you through rough patches if your sense of time is solid.
• Adjust the playback tempo during practice weeks to build technical security, then return to performance tempo once the arrangement is secure.
• Listen to how the bass player voices the changes in each tune; you'll learn valuable left-hand voicing by ear that transfers to all your jazz playing.
• For recital performance, rehearse with the CD several times to internalize the pocket and develop comfortable eye contact or gesture cues with your audience.

Book 2 seats comfortably in a winter recital program alongside more traditional repertoire, offering a stylistic break that delights audiences and energizes performers. These arrangements also work beautifully as performance vehicles for studio holiday parties or as supplementary material for a student working through jazz fundamentals during the fall and early winter months.

• Reading jazz chord symbols and improvisation-friendly notation
• Playing swing eighth-note rhythms and jazz phrasing conventions
• Left-hand jazz voicings and comping patterns
• Listening and synchronizing with recorded bass and drum parts
• Maintaining groove and pocket in a trio context
• Interpreting a jazz waltz versus straight-ahead swing feels