Jazz: What It Is!

What is jazz? Answers to that question will range from "a sublime musical expression" to "utter cacophony." Jazz musician Randy Sabien tackles the question, and delivers the best overview and introduction to jazz we've ever seen. Citing improvisation as the key element in jazz, Sabien likens jazz to football: there are some basic rules, but within the regulations, there's also a lot of room for individual expression. With a group of students, Sabien demonstrates how simple 3-note progressions (or even a single note) can be played with in order to create a basic jazz rhythm. And sitting in with a young jazz band, Sabien dissects the band into its component parts from drummer to lead player, explaining the function and effect of each player to the overall piece of music. The tape concludes with Sabien's own band, The Randy Sabien Quartet, performing a swinging rendition of "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." People who are confused by jazz (which is a great number) will not only gain a greater appreciation of the form through this excellent program, they may also become more adventurous in their musical choices as a result of a clearer understanding of jazz. Highly recommended. (Available from: Chip Taylor Communications, 15 Spollett Drive, Derry, NH 03038; 1-800-876-CHIP.)