"...provide[s] a wealth of jazz repertoire...to play, from the great African-American tradition to the vibrant, dynamic and multi-cultural nature of jazz today...[includes] a huge range of styles: funky rock grooves, up tempo swing tunes, calypsos, a bossa, latin pieces, jazz waltzes, modal pieces, bebop, gospel, rag and free jazz. There are classic tunes by the jazz greats including Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Bill Evans and Thelonious Monk...brand-new pieces...commissioned from professional British jazz pianists and educators...Within each album there are 15 pieces presented in three categories: blues, standards, contemporary jazz. Each piece provides a head which contains all the characteristic voicings, phrasing and rhythmic patterns needed for a stylish performance. An improvised section follows, where guideline pitches and left-hand voicings are given as a practical starting-point for your own solos..."--back cover.