Antonio Carlos Jobim and the Art of Bossa Nova: Jazz Play-Along Volume 8

I purchased this book / CD combination, and I must say that Hal Leonard has done it again. The CD played through a theatrical sound system or keyboard amp provides an excellent background for practicing jazz improvisation. Book has all songs in keys C, Bb, Eb and Bass clef, so one can play any common band instrument with it. I've used my Bb clarinet; soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones with it. Through a good sound system with ample volume, it's like playing with a live band.I like it because one can practice the whole spectrum of instruments. The CD has 2 tracks for each song, one with an instrument (varies from alto, tenor and trumpet/flugel horn), the other as minus one (no melody). There are no sample rides provided, you are one your own.About the only thing that might detract from using the background live is the spoken one-two-three-four voice intro, although I think except for the most stringent perfectionist, one could squeak by.The books has all the chords as well, which helps the improvisationalist follow along.I recommend this book to anyone who seriously wants to study Carlos Jobim's music, as it has the popular Bossa Nova standards on it.

This book is exactly what it claims to be. 10 tunes and 21 CD track (includin tuning notes). The book is a fake book with all ten tunes, with no text. The book is in three parts, first a fake book with all tunes for C-instruments, then for Bb instruments and then for Eb instruments. No lyrics.On the CD each tune is recorded twice. The first recording (split track/melody) is with a solo instrument and typically runs like this: First with a solo-instrument playing the tune once, then one repetition of the backing without the solo instrument, so you may solo, and then the solo instrument returns for the last repetition of the melody (no improvising). It is possible to remove bass or piano by turning down volume on one of the channels, but I have had no need for it, and my stereo does not allow it. The second recording (full stereo track) is the same backing, but with no solo-instrument.I found this a perfect companion to learning these tunes.My main complain is: while the tempo is fine when I have learned the tune and am familiar with the chords and arpeggios, it is too fast in the inital stage until I become familiar with the tune. I solved this problem by ripping the CD and using software to reduce the tempo without altering the pitch and use a 20% slower version in the beginning. I would have preferred the first track to be slower, but those who want to use that track for practicing comping may have other preferences. The first track is also intended as a "learning tool for melody style and inflection". I'd prefer a version closer to the written melody and later use my favorite recodings for ideas about style and inflection, but that is also a matter of taste.I use these books a lot and love them (I own vol 27 too). Excellent value for the money, highly recommended.

Superb version of Girl From Ipanama too! Haven't tried the rest but the CD sounds good. These books deserve 7 or more stars.

I love these arrangements. They're tough, and will require soloists to have a few years under their belts before doing them justice. In my case, some of the key signatures for E-flat alto sax are a challenge, with some of the charts in five or six sharps; not all that unusual when playing with guitar-driven arrangements, but good practice. All the arrangements include choruses for improvisation. All in all, a lot of fun. On the CD, the final track is a tuning pitch. And the vocal count-off at the beginning of every track is a little annoying. Perhaps clicks or rimshots would have been better.

It has all his great songs and it comes with a great CD that you can play to. I bought this because I am trying to acquaint myself with the harmonic elements of bossa nova compositions which are unorthodox compared to traditional music theory. This book doesn't dumb the harmonies down and the CD recordings allow improvisers to explore to their hearts' content.Minus one star because I wish it were spiral-bound. I hate stapled music books. Of course I knew it wasn't spiral bound before I bought it, so it's not their fault.

This is a well done collection of 10 Jobim compositions, with transcriptions in four different keys. Typography is good. Pagination is good. Accompaniment is fairly plain but not dorky. It is what it should be. Exciting? No. It's up to you to provide the excitement and emotion.

This Volume # 8 is one of my favorite Hal Leonard Books , The music is awesome I enjoy playing with the CD Book combo the most out of all my Hal Leonard Book CD combo Thanks Hal you did a good one on this one.. Tyrone Rivera

Best baground music and this book made for C,B flat, E flat, C Bass instruments.

This is a competently put-together product, comparable to the Jamie Aebersold books, but cheaper. In an earlier version of this review I stated that the stereo separation of bass in one channel and piano in the other was not followed through. I need to revise this statement as it is actually true though masked somewhat because there is a guitar across both channels. Pianists and bass players can therefore "kill" the playback of their respective instruments in order to play along, though you will have to put up with the guitar. Great for front line players.

First class backings and full parts with C, Eb, and Bb leadsheets and chords. What else do you need? Rhythm section has to content themselves with using the stereo part and sliding over to one channel but that's more than most. Good selection of tunes.

This is for advanced players that already know the chords.They are not showed in the book just F#mi7(b5)/A etc...but no chord schemes in the fretboard etc...Suggested positions would make this book a lot easier.

The delivery just took about 2 day. I love the song in that book. It was a great purchase.