The Real Book is the answer to the fake book. It is an alternative to the plethora of poorly designed, illegible, inaccurate, badly edited volumes which abound on the market today. The Real Book is extremely accurate, neat, and is designed, above all, for practical use. Every effort has been made to make it enjoyable to play. Here are some primary features:
1. Format
a.The book is professionally copied and meticulously checked for accuracy in melody, harmony, and rhythms.
b.Form within each tune, including both phrases and larger sections, is clearly delineated and placed in obvious visual arrangement.
c.All two-page tunes remain true to their original harmonies with little or no reharmonization. The exceptions include a handful of jazz interpretations of popular songs and Broadway showtunes, as well as some modifications using modern notation and variation among turnarounds.
2. Selection of Tunes and Editing
a.Major jazz composers of the last 60 years are highlighted, with special attention given to the 1960s and 1970s.
b.While some commonly played tunes are absent from the book, many of the classics are here, including bop standards and a fine selection of Duke Ellington masterpieces.
c.Many of the included arrangements represent the work of the jazz giants of the last 40 years- Miles, Coltrane, Shorter, Hancock, Evans, Mingus and Monk, as well as a variety of newer artists.
d.A variety of recordings and alternate editions were consulted to create the most accurate and user-friendly representations of the tunes, whether used in a combo setting or as a solo artist.
3. Source Reference
a.The composer(s) of every tune is listed.
b.Every song presented in The Real Book is now fully licensed for use.
Sixth Edition
As we ventured into the 21st century, the same Real Book that has served us so graciously for last 30 years was in need of a facelift. This new edition contains tunes that are re-arranged, re-transcribed and most importantly, licensed, so that you may study and play these works more accurately and legally. Enjoy!
452 pages of music!!!
