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

Stepping into a real big band rehearsal. The piano sits comfortably in the middle register where you can voice chords with flexibility and react to the band's dynamics, supported by a tight rhythm section that locks in solidly behind you.

Jazz pianists at the intermediate level who want to develop their comping skills and jazz articulation in a real ensemble context. Students working toward jazz proficiency exams or those in jazz combos who want additional practice material with professional-quality backing tracks.

• Listen through the entire CD before playing to absorb the ensemble's swing feel and rhythmic pocket; this prepares your ears for where to sit in the groove.
• Use the performance tips provided in the book for each chart; they address style specifics that sheet music notation alone cannot capture.
• Work through voicings slowly without the CD first to build confidence with chord changes, then play along to develop your sense of time with the full band.
• Pay attention to dynamics in the recording and match the ensemble's energy; big band piano requires both sensitivity and drive.

Deploy this alongside your jazz ensemble curriculum as supplemental material for students who need extra reps with swing style and harmonic navigation. The 10 charts provide variety for practice sessions throughout a semester and can be used as building blocks for a future combo performance or jazz recital.

• Comping in swing style with accurate articulation and rhythmic placement
• Voicing jazz chords across the keyboard with voice leading
• Listening and responding to ensemble sound while keeping steady time
• Blending dynamics and tone with a recorded rhythm section
• Phrasing and punctuation in a big band context
• Developing time feel and pocket playing with professional musicians