Know Before You Blow * Blues for Tenor

The blues has many dialects, not unlike any spoken language. If music is considered the universal language, then these many dialects are distinguished by their articulation, feel and rhythmic interpretations. The “blues” can be defined in literal terms as an emotion; one that is distraught, defeated or emotionally devastated due to misfortune. While the lyrics may often deal with personal adversity, the music itself tells a much deeper story. Most blues tunes are actually about overcoming hardship and adversity while expressing perseverance and optimism. From sadness, to persistence, to unbridled joy, no other form of music communicates these emotions with such clarity.

All types of jazz are derived from some form of the blues. It is created from a basic I-IV-V chord progression, but it also lends itself to an array of complex substitutions. After all is said, played and done, every tune returns to the I-Chord. This simple progression is found in jazz, rock, swing, shuffle, country and even popular music. It is the lowest common musical denominator other than the rare, one or two chord tunes. Learning to improvise over the blues provides the essential foundation that every musician draws from when playing jazz and/or improvising over many different styles and genres.

The premise of Santorella's “Know Before You Blow” Music Plus (+) One™ breakthrough jazz series is based on a call and response approach to improvisation. Every scale, lick, exercise and tune is first played by the best studio professionals in Los Angeles and then repeated by the student. This phenomenal method written by Chris Tedesco is arranged in accommodating keys for alto sax, tenor sax, clarinet, flute, trumpet and trombone. This blues volume includes a conductor's score and an edition for the entire rhythm section. “Know Before You Blow” is ideal for any jazz educator teaching students to play jazz at any level for any ensemble and is also extremely effective for individual private study.