Saturday, December 12, 2020

"The Rhythm Changes Guide" now available

In my role as a pubic radio jazz host (KRCB-FM, the first Saturday of each month, 7-11 pm Pacific time), I scour the internet for hip new jazz releases. A few years ago I ran into one of the best CDs I've heard of cutting-edge jazz from Europe entitled, "Evocation" by a one-time ensemble called Generations Unit 2012. A great record. So when the saxophonist on that CD, Lukas Gabric, got in touch and said he had written a book on rhythm changes that he wanted us to publish, I was happy to take a look. Lukas is a saxophone instructor for the Juillard School's MAP program and a great player in his own right, so that's a good foundation, I thought. The manuscript went back and forth between us a half dozen times and the end result is the most comprehensive book ever published on the different approaches one could take to get a handle on this slippery song form. Chuck says, check it out. https://www.shermusic.com/9780997661767.php

Finally, I would like to wish all of us on this beleaguered planet the best of luck getting though the pandemic and rebuilding a sense of normalcy, which has been sorely tested here in the US these last four years. The planet needs us - who else is going to play "Confirmation"? Not the chipmunks.