If you’ve been following me for awhile, you probably know how much I love what Cecil Alexander does. This is no different. Although I’ve actually gotten this release when it come out last year, I finally made time to share some of my thoughts on it today.
Basically, the book is great. If you like how Cecil plays his double time lines, read no more, just get the book.
In terms of what I wish the book had… to be honest I just wish the book had Cecil’s articulations notated. That’s one thing that I personally spend time figuring out from the videos included with the book. For me, that’s when I learn the most.
I’m glad the videos are included – those are so helpful. You get the phrase videos, audio versions of the same videos and 6 backing tracks (the same ones you hear Cecil play over).
In terms of the actual lines, they are divided into 6 categories:
- Major ii-V-I
- Minor iiø-V-i
- I to Relative Minor
- I to IV
- iii-VI-ii-V
- Backdoor ii-V-I
These are all common harmonic situations that you encounter when playing jazz. Nicely organized I would say!
In conclusion, this is a good addition to the library of Cecil Alexander resource materials. Well done and helpful.
Pros: Good sounding lines, lots of different ideas to build your chops!
Cons: No tutorials, analysis or talk about the concepts behind the lines. I wish the articulation (slurs, hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides were notated)
TLDR: For fans of Cecil’s playing, this is a useful look into his double time ideas!
You can get this at: https://www.jazzlessonvideos.com/product-page/treble-clef-57-double-time-lines-tab
Also… if you enjoyed this review and want to read my past reviews of Cecil’s works, do check out my review of his excellent Picking Masterclass and reviews on his musical exercises (Pentatonic Licks (Static Harmony) & Pentatonic Licks (II-V-I) by Cecil Alexander, Assorted Licks & Minor II-V Lines by Cecil Alexander and Musical Exercises Review: Bebop II-V Phrases, All The Things You Are Etude, Solar Etude (Melodic Minor Modes) and Green Dolphin Street Solo Arrangement by Cecil Alexander
You can read my previous reviews in this series featuring Cecil Alexander here:
Book Review: 56 Hip Licks by Cecil Alexander
Book Review: 50 ii-V-I Licks by Cecil Alexander
Book Review: 20 Bebop Etudes by Cecil Alexander
Book Review: 30 Exercises on Static Harmony by Cecil Alexander
For my thoughts on his work on the pickupmusic website, check out:
Licks Package: 10 Advanced II V I Licks by Cecil Alexander
Licks Package: 10 Must-Know Bebop Licks by Cecil Alexander