Your General Jazz Theory Library--not guitar specific

[NSJ]

Here's my list of jazz theory books--what am I missing that you all think is worthwhile?

Levine, "Jazz Theory"
John Mehegan, "Jazz Improvisation 1: Tonal and Rhythmic Principles"
Dan Ricigliano, "Jazz and Popular Harmony"
Robert Rollins, "Jazzology:the Encyclopedia of Jazz for all Jazz Musicians"
Bert Ligon, "Jazz Theory Resources, Vol 1 and 2
Bert Ligon, "Connecting Chords with Linear Harmony"
Ed Byrne, "Linear Jazz Improvisation"
Hal Galper, "Forward Motion"
David Baker, "How to Play Bebop, volumes 1,2 and 3

[pierre richard]

so many books...so little time...

Jamie aebersold has many boks...and I see Bert Ligons name...great educator...

Mel Bay also has a few books on the subject...

another one comes to mind..."Jazzology" I think it's called...red cover...amazon has it I know..

time on the instrument...pierre

[FatJeff]

I don't see a fundamental difference between music theory in general, and jazz theory. So, aside from the Levine book, all my theory texts are holdovers from my first two years of music school.

[mangotango]

I never did any kind of music education when I was in school...far too rack'n'rawl for that, maaaaaan ....

So nowadays I have found a theory teacher, who is a great jazz pianist and trumpeter, but more than that, he puts things in a way that I can understand and hass a sense of humour.

Can't find a book that competes with that.

However, on his recommendation, I have the Levine book. I think it was his way of avoiding millions of e-mails from me, all beginning "And another thing....."



Pierre - nice to see you back, not seen much from you of late. You well?

[timscarey]

I going to plug a book that has changed my life...

"Jazz Harmony" by James Knapp. it's heavy, extremely heavy, but very, very good.

Jim Knapp Orchestra: Books & Scores

[el_flamenco]

no english book but in germany one of the best:
Frank Sikora - Die neue Jazz Harmonielehre

a lot of the professors at our music academies recommend it.

[jack_gvr]

Originally Posted by NSJ

Here's my list of jazz theory books--what am I missing that you all think is worthwhile? ...

You've got lots of jazz books... if you've digested all that, you're ahead of me. But my library also has several books on counterpoint from 16th to 18th century perspectives, stuff about figured bass (similar in a way to jazz practice), and books about ancient music theory back to the dawn of history, as well as some occultish stuff. Consider diversifying? Or do you already have theory books outside of jazz? One of the standard textbooks on 19th century harmony such as they use at Curtis or Julliard might also be interesting to you (although they are deadly when you're trying to study them, you can browse them for musical ideas and find things to try).