Reading Key Jazz Rhythms is a collection of 24 easy to medium level jazz etudes, and 24 simplified guide tone versions of the etudes. They are ideal for learning the basic language of jazz, swing phrasing, and articulation. A perfect tool for preparing for the jazz ensemble or for any other ensemble/orchestra which performs jazz related music (pops orchestras, musical, studio, movie scores, concert and marching bands, etc.).
Each etude is based on a specific rhythm or a combination of rhythmic figures. Some etudes sound like very lyrical improvised jazz solos, while others are more like a melody to a standard. On the accompanying CD the soloist demonstrates the 24 melodious etudes together with a professional rhythm section. You can also improvise along with the play-along tracks using the chord symbols.
The guide tones are the essential or defining notes for each given chord type. So if improvising is new to you and you find yourself getting lost, you can always return to a guide tone and play rhythmically around it. Any etude and its corresponding simplified guide tone version can be played together as a duet (with or without the CD accompaniment) with your teacher or a friend.