Russell Haight

Odd-Meter Etudes for Alto Sax

This collection of ten jazz etudes with accompanying audio provides intermediate to advanced alto sax students with a fun and effective way to learn to play in the specific odd meters: 3/4, 5/4, 7/4, and 9/4. Each etude is based on the chord progression of a different jazz standard, and includes an in-depth analysis of the melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic devices used. The addition of the odd-time ingredient, along with completely original melodies and improv lines, converts what would be mere academic etudes to a delightful jazz listening and playing experience. If you want to improve your fluency in reading, performing, and improvising in odd time signatures, this is the bookfor you! A generous number of preparatory exercises gradually introduce the student to not only reading music, but also 'hearing how phrases land within a measure' of odd time. Play-along audio tracks featuring a professional rhythm section (piano, bass, and drums) minus the sax track allow you to play as the soloist. Includes access to online audio.