Back in 2021, I reviewed a book called Practical Stuff for Survival by Adam Larson. That was an honest guide to approaching a career as a jazz musician. At that time, I also purchased another eBook, which is this one that I’m reviewing today.
This 40-page eBook by jazz saxophonist Adam Larson includes 180 different lines that are a mix of bebop and more modern ideas.
The lines are over different 17 typical jazz chord progressions including:
- ii-V7-I Lines Access points
- Quick ii-V7
- Half-Step ii-V7
- Tritone Lines
- Tritone ii-V7 Lines
- ii-7-V7b9-I
- ii-V7alt-I
- Minor ii-V7-i, using V7alt color
- Minor ii-V7-i, using V7b9 color
- iii-VI7-ii-V7
- iii- VI7b9-ii-V7b9-I
- iii- VI7alt-ii-V7alt-I
- ii-V7-1-VI7
- Coltrane Matrix
- Back Door ii-V7
- Tadd Dameron Turnaround
- I-VI7-ii-7-V7-I
It’s an interesting volume because of the different kinds of lines that Adam Larson includes in the book. Some “lick books” might focus on a particular concept like the Coltrane Matrix or bebop lines, but Adam gives us a nice melodic buffet to explore. In that regard, this book is potentially a good way to learn different kinds of lines in one volume.
It is important to note thought that there is no accompanying recording, video or backing tracks. You only get the PDF. In a day and age where it’s become increasingly common to get at least an audio portion with these kinds of books, I believe it’s important to mention this.
That being said, as long as you have been listening to classic jazz recordings, these melodic ideas should remind you and introduce you to a good variety of playing through chord changes.
All in all, this is a good book to open up, learn a line and come back for more daily (or over time). The lines sound good and are idiomatic! These are not academic or dry ideas. From a visual perspective, the book’s design and layout is clean and great to read through. If you’re looking for some new ideas to practice, Adam Larson’s book might just fit the bill.
Pros: A nice generous mix of jazz lines for practice.
Cons: No accompanying audio or video resources.
TLDR: Want some jazz lines for practice in different settings? Consider this book as an option!
Get the Book here from his online store:
PDF version
Physical copy
[Submissions for Review Consideration]
- Are you an author who wrote a jazz, guitar or music book?
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OR…
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Depending on whether I dig the book/course/product, I’ll let you know if I do plan to review it!
I cannot guarantee a review for every submission & if I’m not too into it, I may opt not to review it. I mean, it’s better to get a good review that for me to write a bad review just because it’s not a match for the kind of stuff I dig right? :p
NOTE: All reviews reflect my honest personal opinion so be aware that I will point out both cool Pros and Cons that I see in the work. You dig?
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