Sittin' In with the Big Band, Volume I: Piano Acc. (Instrumental) Book & CD

You are part of something larger. The rhythm section swings behind you, the horns enter on cue, and your comping matters. Each tune carries its own character, from the funk groove of "Play That Funky Music" to the Latin heat of "Fiesta Latina" and the ballad intimacy of "Goodbye My Heart." Playing with these musicians teaches you what swing actually sounds like when it's played well.

Pianists at the easy to intermediate-easy level who are ready to move beyond solo practice and experience ensemble playing in a jazz context. This works for students transitioning into jazz programs, players looking to build comfort with big band voicings and rhythm section expectations, and anyone wanting to develop improvisation and stylistic flexibility alongside recorded professionals.

• Listen to the demo tracks on the CD before playing along so you understand the style, tempo, and feel of each arrangement. This trains your ear before your hands take over.
• Play with the recorded ensemble multiple times, focusing first on locking in with the bass line and drums, then on phrasing and dynamics. The backing tracks will hold you accountable in ways a practice routine alone cannot.
• Study the performance notes included for each chart; they highlight style-specific challenges like the swing eighth-note feel or Latin rhythmic patterns that differ from what's written on the page.
• Use slower tempos on the CD if available, or revisit individual charts until you feel comfortable with the harmonic changes and comping patterns before moving to full tempo.

Pair this with your jazz ensemble rehearsals to give pianists specific material to work on independently, or assign individual tunes as supplemental repertoire throughout the year as your ensemble studies different jazz styles. It also serves as a bridge resource for pianists entering a jazz curriculum for the first time, letting them build confidence and ear training before joining the full rhythm section.

• Comping and voicing in swing, Latin, ballad, and rock idioms
• Playing in time with a recorded ensemble and locking with bass and drums
• Recognizing and executing big band jazz style, phrasing, and articulation
• Reading jazz chord charts and understanding chord substitutions
• Listening and responding to ensemble sound rather than focusing on individual performance
• Introduction to jazz improvisation over familiar standards and original big band charts