New Randy Vincent book just released!

Randy Vincent is perhaps the most respected author alive of jazz guitar instruction books. But his new book, MAJOR IS HARMONIC, is pure jazz theory, useful to any musician. I've played in bands with Randy for many years and am always amazed at his dedication and devotion to continually improving his musicianship. Between sets you'll often find him sitting in a corner working on his already formidable chops. This new book is designed for serious musicians only, as it delves into "the most underrated scale" - the Harmonic Major Scale, and how it is the best scale choice in numerous situations. If you are serious about being a complete musician, you'll appreciate all the work that went into creating this little gem of a book. See https://www.shermusic.com/9781883217105.php for more information, sample pages, etc. Happy Holidays! - Chuck Sher

Chuck Israels' "Bass Foundations" released!

 I'm a long-time, big Bill Evans devotee. His music touches me in a way no one else's does. So when Chuck Israels sent me the beginning of a bass method book, the lights bulbs went off big-time. I knew that combining Chuck's own wisdom with presenting his improvised bass lines on a bunch of songs he recorded with Bill would give people an invaluable insight into the workings of Bill's trio conception. In addition, it also allows people to play along with the recordings with Bill's changes there. An invaluable combination! I hope all the jazz bassists in the world pick up on this historic publication and have a ball with it. Peace - Chuck Sher

The Hits Keep Coming!

 Just released at the end of July are two more Sher Music books - Contemporary Latin Jazz Guitar, Vol.2, by Neff Irizarry and The Jimmy Raney Book written by Jimmy Raney and his son Jon.

If you are familiar with Neff Irizarry's first volume, you won't need any encouragement to check out Vol.2 - it's even more amazing than his initial book and includes transcription and analysis of over 50 classic solos in the genre. 'Nuff said.

Jimmy Raney was a legendary bebop guitarist in the '50s and '60s, playing with Stan Getz, Bob Brookmeyer and many more. He wrote a book on his conceptions of what makes bebop such an exciting form of music but it was unfinished after his death until his son, pianist Jon Raney decided to complete, edit and expand the book earlier this year. Among other things, it is the most detailed look at the rhythmic aspect of creating fluid bebop lines that I've ever seen. Definitely worth your time to check it out. 

On a personal note, our local newspaper here in Petaluma, CA, the Argus Courier, did a feature article on me and the free, outdoor jazz concert series I started at the beginning of the pandemic - still going strong in our fourth season (many thanks to Jamey Aebersold and Music in Place for their crucial financial support) - Despite spinal injury, bassist Chuck Sher keeps the music playing - The Petaluma Argus-Courier (petaluma360.com). They spelled my name correctly but refused to put photos of Leonardo di Caprio in there instead of me - can't have everything! - Chuck Sher

P.S. The quartet with Michael Spiro, David Belove, Ken Cook and Kendrick Freeman will return on Sunday, October 6th - fantastic music!

Two More Great New Sher Music Books Released!

 It wasn't exactly planned but we now have four new books for 2024. Just released today are the following:

1. "The Bob Mover Jazz Lexicon" - veteran saxophonist and practicing buddy of Michael Brecker, Bob Mover has compiled in this Lexicon over 400 hip phrases to expand your musical vocabulary. Bob is an old school bebopper and the book can certainly be used in that style, but, like Mike Brecker, Bob is convinced that moving these phrases around by various intervals is an important key to musical freedom and his introduction spells out how to do just that. 

This book has some of the most impressive endorsements of any book I've seen, including ones by Tom Harrell, Kenny Barron, Jerry Bergonzi and David Berkman. As Eddie Daniels says, "I love it… it makes me think in a different way and gets me back to practicing! P.S. I hope that's enough… if not, I will say it a half step higher!!”

 

 2. "Logic and Critical Thinking in Jazz Improvisation" by Vincent Herring is a unique book that will give you a firm and logical foundation for your soloing. Take a listen here for an example of where Vincent's method can lead you - https://youtu.be/Ab58wusI_iw. Like Bob Mover's Lexicon, Vincent's book is also endorsed by some of the greatest players in jazz. I'm proud to be the publisher of this outstanding addition to jazz literature!

Keep it swinging! - Chuck Sher

Rest in Love - Michael Aragon

 For those of you who might not have heard, our brother Michael Aragon voluntarily left his body behind yesterday, heading on to Brighter Moments. We loved him like the brother he was - a real mensch, a loving friend and a superb drummer to boot. Thanks to the Universe for bringing him into our lives - Chuck

Two New Sher Music Books for 2024!

We are thrilled to have just released two cool new jazz books, "365 Days of Practice" by saxophonist Rick Margitza and "Walking Bass Line Construction - F Blues" by Bob Sinicrope. Both can be seen at www.shermusic.com and both have audio files on our website to accompany the books.

Rick's book is some high-level jazz educational material, consisting of short exercises for each day of a year. As Richie Beirach wrote: "This book is a great idea because it makes practicing a kind of ritual. It can be so interesting to practice using Rick’s method!" One of the valuable things in the book is that Rick has an 11-page introduction outlining in detail the practice method both he and Mike Brecker learned from their teacher in Miami, Gary Campbell. The examples themselves are often totally unique sounding and it will definitely open up your ears and musical mind to work on each one.

I have been friends with Bob Sinicrope for many years since he was one of the founders of the Jazz Education Network, JEN, and its past president. His book is part of a series of beginning methods for learning how to walk correct bass lines, starting from playing just roots up to sample choruses in the style of bassists from 'Pops' Foster to Ron Carter. Band directors will find this to be super useful in getting their rhythm sections up and running in a hurry.

I have to give a shout out to my webmaster and bandmate, Bob Afifi, who is crucial to Sher Music's ability to function in the modern world. I'm pretty much a technophobe but Bob is super conversant with that world. I couldn't function without his invaluable assistance. Thanks, Bob!

Finally, thanks to all of you who are supporters of our work here. I feel that we have been given a mission to keep jazz (and Latin Jazz) moving forward into the 21st century. There have been too many fortuitous events in the last 45 years for our successes to have been merely accidental. So a heartfelt thanks to the Universe for letting us serve the greater good by helping to keep our beautiful art form alive and well. Have a great 2024! - Chuck Sher