What do people think of Aebersold books?

[andreimatorin]

What are people's impressions about the Aebersold books and play-along cds? One of my first jazz teachers made me get the minor blues book, but i've never bought another since i moved and changed teachers.

It seems to me that the play-along cds can have a negative influence. The amount of repetition and lack of spontaneity (is that word :) ) seems like it wouldn't really prepare a student for the real music world...

What do you guys think?

[Anyella29]

A lot of players I've talked to feel that way about the Aebersold books, or don't like them for similar other reasons. They say, "Charlie Parker didn't have Aebersold, man!"

But when you're a student, I think playing along with something is better when you're starting out than playing alone. After awhile when your chops are better, you can have the confidence to sit in with people at jam sessions or whatever. And then you learn the things you really need to practice.

I don't think true spontaneity comes until you're in a live situation anyway....so what can it hurt to play along with some square stuff while you're gettin' started?

Help me out, people: Who was it that said ya gotta learn the rules before you can break them???

[andreimatorin]

bump

[Pete B]

They're a pretty good tool. Not a substitute for playing live in a group, but a big help in learning tunes, and good training for blowing at some pretty fast tempos. One of the guys I play with, for whom I have a great deal of respect, says in his opinion if you're not transcribing you should be practicing with Aerbersolds.