December 2007

December Newsletter

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Hello again from ejazzlines!

As the year is rapidly drawing to a close, here we are again with our last newsletter of 2007, offering some great items for the remaining blank spaces on your holiday gift lists. We wish to take the time to extend our sincere gratitude to our wonderful customers all over the world who have helped make 2007 our best year ever. We continue to sharpen our focus on what you have let us know your focus is, and we have now proudly rolled out the first four Jazz Lines Publications charts. This series will continue to offer classics which are sure to enhance any band's library. We also now have over 1500 DVD offerings, and we believe that no one has the selection of jazz-related live performance, documentary/history, and educational DVDs that we have. We of course will also continue to bring you the latest and greatest CDs from Japan and Europe, be it the newest Venus releases, the latest Harry Allen, lesser-known classics by the great Beverly Kenney, and both old and spanking-new releases from the legendary Hank Jones. During the season of giving, we hope we are conveying our thanks to the many thousands of you who have given us so much and made ejazzlines what we are, and we aspire to continue to grow into what we hope will truly be the one-stop Global Source for Jazz.

As the perfect holiday gift for any fan of holiday music, we have a brand new book from Hal Leonard, The Ultimate Christmas Companion Fact Book, filled with chapters on the composers of the holiday classics we enjoy year after year. We again suggest the Jazz Icons Series 1 and 2 DVDs which feature giants of jazz for music fans of all levels of dedication. All sixteen of these DVDs are packaged with vintage photos and extremely informative liner notes by some of the greatest and most knowledgeable writers the music knows, ranging from Michael Cuscuna to Dan Morgenstern to family members of the musicians themselves. Both Series 1 and 2 DVDs are available in beautiful boxed sets, and we have a specially-priced offering of both sets as well. As we have previously mentioned, we could not recommend anything more sincerely than these wonderful DVDs.

In our truly obsessive and non-stop effort to present all that is new and interesting, as of this newsletter we have added a total of 10 new big band arrangements for the month of December 2007 and 59 for November 2007; 11 new DVDs for the month of December 2007 and 42 for November 2007; 12 new music books for December 2007 and 58 for November 2007; 128 new CDs for the month of December 2007 and 74 for November 2007.

If you haven't visited our our Imports and Rarities section lately, please check it out. We are now stocking more and more obscure, rare, and hard-to-find titles from Japan and Europe, including many titles that you may not be able to find elsewhere.

In our DVD section, we now carry nearly 1,500 jazz DVDs!

As always, please keep in mind that many of our new releases are available in limited quantities. We do our best to predict demand and fill orders as quickly as possible, but we do run out of new releases. Even if we run out of stock, everything featured in this newsletter should be available to ship within 3 weeks.

We thank you all again very sincerely for your continued support, and we hope everyone has a truly wonderful and happy holiday season - see you again soon!

Doug and Rob at ejazzlines


FEATURED NEW CDs:
MAYNARD FERGUSON: BIRDLAND DREAM BAND In 1956 Maynard Ferguson put together his dream band and recorded two albums: this CD presents that material. Featured performers and arrangers include Al Cohn, Bob Brookmeyer, Herb Geller, Jimmy Giuffre, Bill Holman, Willie Maiden, Johnny Mandel, Marty Paich, and Ernie Wilkins. This is one of Maynard's most exciting and inspiring sessions.	KITTY WHITE: A NEW VOICE IN JAZZ Kitty White for years has been a nightclub favorite among audiences in Los Angeles, frequently singing sophisticated songs with well-traveled lyrics. This CD combines two sessions, one in 1955 and the other in 1958, both recorded in Hollywood. Personnel includes Harry Sweets Edison, Benny Carter, Ted Nash, Larry Bunker, Jimmy Rowles, Red Callender, and Alvin Stoller.
GREAT JAZZ TRIO: LIVE AT BIRDLAND JULY 5TH, 2007 Hank Jones just keeps going and going. One of jazz' busiest and in-demand piano players (at age 89) Hank along with John Patitucci and Omar Hakim recorded two sets for the Japanese Village label this past July, both of which are presented here. Volume 1 (July 5th) features Have You Met Miss Jones; Lush Life; Rosetta; All Blues; St. Thomas; Oleo; and more.	GREAT JAZZ TRIO: LIVE AT BIRDLAND JULY 6TH, 2007 Volume 2 (July 6th) features the same Great Jazz Trio lineup as Volume 1. Songs include: Blue Monk; In a Sentimental Mood; Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise; Waltz For Debby; The Sidewinder; Moose the Mooche; and more.
FRANK WESS: WESS POINT - THE COMMODORE RECORDINGS Frank Wess, a first-class multi-reedman, arranger, composer and notable soloist in Count Basie's great '50s big band, is presented here in this special compilation of his complete 1954 sessions for Commodore, his first as a leader. Sidemen include Joe Wilder, Thad Jones, Henry Coker, Benny Powell, Urbie Green, Hank Jones, Oscar Pettiford, Charles Mingus, Osie Johnson, and Kenny Clarke.	DAVID AMRAM: JAZZ PORTRAIT David Amram was already a versatile composer and accomplished French horn player when he was 25. Both these qualities are evident in the first recordings he did as leader while living in Paris in 1955. By the end of the year he had returned to the United States and hit New York's exciting jazz scene. This CD combines sessions he recorded in 1957 and 1961 and features Bobby Jaspar, George Barrow, and Harold Land.
ALL DECEMBER 2007 CDs ALL NOVEMBER 2007 CDs
FEATURED NEW BIG BAND ARRANGEMENTS:
HOW ABOUT YOU: AS RECORDED BY FRANK SINATRA Late in 1955 and early in 1956 Frank Sinatra went into the Capitol Studio with Nelson Riddle and recorded one of the best and most famous albums of all-time: 'Songs for Swingin' Lovers.' We are very proud to offer the closing track of that disc, which swings as heartily as the rest of the cuts on the record, which might be the very best album from the strongest period of Frank's long career. This chart brings one of Sinatra's very best and timeless recordings sparkling to life. This classic version of 'How About You' is a particularly famous arrangement crafted by the brilliant arranger Nelson Riddle. This chart is instantly recognizable from the first few notes and swings like mad. This has been adapted to suit a big band lineup of 5 saxes, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, guitar, piano, bass, drums, and vocals.	I WON'T DANCE: AS RECORDED BY FRANK SINATRA Jazz Lines Publications presents this classic Neal Hefti big band arrangement from the 1962 Frank Sinatra and Count Basie collaboration 'Sinatra-Basie.' This is vintage Neal Hefti: mellow, but swinging lines and enough space to afford the vocalist some freedom of interpretation. The chart really 'breathes' well. The arrangement calls for alto 1 to double flute (Frank Wess was the flautist on the record). An alternate alto 1 part is included that avoids the flute double in the event that you don't have a flutist available. The chart features a couple of short tenor sax solos, which have been written out.
WHO CARES: AS RECORDED BY HELEN O'CONNELL This is a tremendous chart from master arranger Marion Evans, recorded by Helen O'Connell for her 'Here's Helen' album. This is not a transcription, the original handwritten manuscript was used to produce this arrangement. This arrangement moves at brisk pace of approx. 240 b.p.m (quarter note) and features a lot of beautifully crafted, syncopated unison lines. The drummer can really shine on this chart as crisp accents can help carry the band during the shout sections. The trombones open on plungers. There is a brief interlude that originally featured someone in the band calling out "Just one more once, baby!" We have included this part as a 'band yell' as it is a nice break in the action and can provide a bit of humor. There are no doubles. Trumpet 1 goes to a high E once but doesn't get higher than C# otherwise. Vocal Key: F modulating to Gb.	BYE, BYE BLACKBIRD: AS RECORDED BY DEAN MARTIN This is a great Dean Martin number, transcribed from the original recording and augmented up to full big band voicings. The original band was 3 saxes (C/A, A, T), trumpet, trombone and rhythm. The chart has been written so that it will sound as per the original when only played with these instruments, giving you a choice of a full or small band performance. The vocal chart is written 'as sung' by Dean Martin, and the trombone solo is transcribed 'as played', though your player can improvise from the chords if preferred. Lead alto doubles clarinet and the vocal keys are Eb (1st chorus) and F (2nd chorus).
CALL ME IRRESPONSIBLE: AS RECORDED BY BOBBY DARIN Here is Bobby Darin's famous version of this Cahn & Van Heusen classic tune, transcribed in full. It swings gently at around 120 beats per minute and is instantly recognizable. The brass ranges are moderate and there are no sax doubles. The vocal line has been written out 'as sung' by Bobby Darin. This is a sure crowd pleaser. The vocal key is G throughout.	DREAM A LITTLE DREAM OF ME: AS RECORDED BY HELEN O'CONNELL Here is another original Helen O'Connell chart as played by her on her many concert tours. This is not a transcription. The arrangement is written in a very laid back, bluesy style, and the short intro sets the tone perfectly. This is a true vocal feature, and there are no instrumental solos or tutti passages. Everything supports the singer. The lead brass voices are writen quite high in a couple of places. The vocal key is Db throughout.
AT SUNDOWN: AS RECORDED BY HELEN O'CONNELL, ARRANGED BY HAL MOONEY Here is another original Helen O'Connell chart as played by her on her many concert tours. This chart is not a transcription - this is based on the original manuscript. The arrangement opens big and brassy, yet leaves plenty of instrumental space in the chart for the singer to express herself. This is not a long piece, and at the indicated tempo only runs to about 1 minute 45 seconds. However, it is as long as it needs to be. There are no sax doubles and the vocal key is Ab, modulating to Bb for the final chorus.	AULD LANG SYNE: AS RECORDED BY GUY LOMBARDO Well, here is one of the most famous holiday season arrangements of all time! You can't close out a New Year's Eve performance without this song. This version was arranged and recorded by Guy Lombardo in 1939. This is a syrupy sweet arrangement featuring alto saxophones all the way. It was originally scored for 2 altos, 2 tenors, 3 trumpets, 2 trombones, piano, celeste, and arco bass (no drums or guitar). We have expanded the arrangement to suit most bands and it is now scored for 3 altos (baritone on alto), 2 tenors, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, guitar, piano, arco bass. The only drums are at the very end. While this is technically one of the easiest arrangements out there, the tricky part is getting the band's sax section to have that sweet, heavy vibrato, 1930s sound.
ALL DECEMBER 2007 BIG BAND ARRANGEMENTS ALL NOVEMBER 2007 BIG BAND ARRANGEMENTS
FEATURED NEW DVDs: December's DVDs feature a brand new portrait of the legendary keyboardist Joe Zawinul, who was at the forefront of jazz from his early days with the great Adderley brothers to his days with Weather Report and beyond. We also have recently added three Frank Gambale DVDs, which will be welcomed by guitarists aspiring to improve their playing. These DVDs are loaded with excellent instruction, and bonus live performances from Frank with guests such as Joe Pass, Allan Holdsworth and John Scofield. We also suggest the fast-selling new release of Pat Martino's classic videos, both on one DVD, Creative Force Complete. To complete the guitarist's holiday, we have a brand new Hal Leonard DVD titled Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitar, which appears to be a well-rounded approach covering many styles and techniques. November's DVDs also include many great choices, including the DVD release of the classic Benny Carter portrait Symphony in Riffs; a great new compilation of blues and jazz legends, Blues Masters; and a new DVD with two vintage performances by the Mahavishnu Orchestra.
JOE ZAWINUL: A MUSICAL PORTRAIT Here is a brand new portrait of the legendary keyboardist Joe Zawinul, who was at the forefront of jazz from his early days with the great Adderley brothers to his days with Weather Report and beyond.	FRANK GAMBALE: CONCERT WITH CLASS This exciting new undertaking from the legendary Frank Gambale, the "Thunder from Down Under," brings you up to speed on his never-ending musical quest. With a host of new material, and some of today's top session musicians, Gambale continues to push the boundaries of music to the edge and beyond through his extraordinary guitar playing and songwriting skills. This great program includes an amazing live concert performance followed by an exclusive instructional segment with the legend himself, breaking down several songs featured in the live show.
FRANK GAMBALE: MODES - NO MORE MYSTERY Frank presents a clear and easy-to-understand guide to using modes in soloing. Frank takes a subject that guitarists often find confusing and explains it in simple terms. He covers all seven major modes and demonstrates the use of each in the context of some extraordinary solo work. Intermediate to advanced. DVD special features include a tuning segment and a bonus video performance (Allan Holdsworth, Joe Pass).	FRANK GAMBALE: MONSTER LICKS AND SPEED PICKING This DVD details Frank's innovative speed/sweep picking technique and presents a method for developing "monster licks." He demonstrates his picking technique in the context of scales, pentatonics, arpeggios, and triad examples, playing each slowly and then at lightning speed. DVD special features include a tuning segment and a bonus video performance (Allan Holdsworth, John Scofield).
PAT MARTINO: CREATIVE FORCE COMPLETE Pat Martino is one of the finest jazz guitarists in the world, having played with artists like Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Joe Pesci and many, many more. This DVD combines Pat Martino's best-selling videos Creative Force and Quantum Guitar on a single DVD. Pat explains his unique concepts for advanced improvisational techniques, focusing on incorporating simple substitution principles. Prepare to be stunned by this rare opportunity to learn from one of the great masters. This DVD includes note-for-note PDF transcriptions of the companion books and includes lots of great performance footage featuring Pat's quartet.	ACOUSTIC FINGERSTYLE GUITAR Rick Ruskin's remarkable style captures all the nuances of a band/rhythm-section and transforms the parts into amazing, in-the-pocket fingerstyle grooves like you've never imagined on a single guitar! Split-screen video format covers: right- and left-hand technique, walking-bass and counterpoint lines, open-voiced triads, simultaneous bass/rhythm/lead parts, pedal-steel effects, double-stop bends, harmonics, and more.
ALL DECEMBER 2007 DVDs ALL NOVEMBER 2007 DVDs
FEATURED NEW BOOKS: November and December's books have dozens of excellent new choices, including Jamey Aebersold's newest, the Bobby Watson play-along and a new book of Ron Carter bass transcriptions. Mel Bay just published a West Coast Blues Guitar play-along, and Hal Leonard just released a book, Blues Cruise, highlighting their Essential Elements guitar repertoire. The above-mentioned Ultimate Christmas Music Companion Fact Book looks like one of the most interesting Christmas-related books we have seen in years. We also have one of the Web's finest selections of holiday songbooks as well.
BOBBY WATSON PLAY-ALONG Includes 12 classic compositions from the long time "Jazz Messenger" altoist Bobby Watson, recorded by the famous Horizon rhythm section. Many of these are on numerous classic jazz recordings. This is your chance to sit-in with Horizon!	RON CARTER SOLOS 22 fantastic bass solos (in bass clef) from various recordings over Ron Carter's legendary career as a first-call bassist for many jazz greats.
WEST COAST BLUES PLAY-ALONG This booklet/2-CD set has been designed to help the guitarist with soloing studies. These 36 play-along rhythm tracks embody the electrifying feel of the West Coast Blues and provide you with the ability to place new licks and soloing concepts into context. They include slow blues, fast blues, jazzy blues, rumbas, songs with breaks, swings, marches, minor blues, boogies, and many more.	BLUES CRUISE Hal Leonard's Essential Elements Guitar Repertoire Series features great original guitar music that is carefully graded and leveled for easy selection. The songs are presented in standard notation and tablature, and are fully demonstrated on the accompanying CD. Blues Cruise features 10 original songs with bluesy chords, rhythms, and riffs.
ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS MUSIC COMPANION FACT BOOK This book provides comprehensive biographical sketches of the men and women who wrote, composed, and translated the most famous traditional Christmas songs of all time. Their true-life stories and achievements are fascinating and inspirational for anyone wanting to know more about the people behind the music.	JAZZ EARS From Thom Mason comes a fun and interesting guide to help you develop aural skills. This book focuses on improving your technique in hearing pitches, rhythms, melodies, and chord progressions, as applied to the jazz repertoire. The text will help you to hear music in your head from the written page, transcribe, and sight sing, all the while making it musical through appropriate jazz phrasing and articulations. The valuable lessons learned can be applied to any instrument or voice, with skills that transcend jazz, useful in all styles of music.
ALL DECEMBER 2007 BOOKS ALL NOVEMBER 2007 BOOKS