 Jazz Standards for Solo Guitar is the latest book by solo jazz guitar specialist Jamie Findlay. The book contains thirteen classic jazz songs arranged for solo guitar with intros, chord melodies, improvised solo sections and outros/codas. The amount of detail that Findlay contains in each arrangement is commendable, and the inclusion of a full arrangement, including solos, will allow anyone who learns these pieces to immediately take them onto the bandstand or jam session stage. Though some intermediate guitarists may be able to pull bits and pieces from each song to use in their own playing, the level of the arrangements is geared more towards the experienced, advanced, guitarist.
The tunes chosen by Findlay are a nice mix of medium-tempo swing tunes such as "Take the A Train" and "All of Me" and ballads such as the beautifully arranged "Blame it on My Youth" and "Misty." As well as containing popular jazz tunes there are also a few lesser known songs such as "Younger than Springtime" and the often heard, but seldom played, "Edelwiess" from the movie The Sound of Music. The arrangements of each of the tunes in the book are meticulous in their notation. Findlay makes a point of using a wide variety of technique such as single-lines, chordal passages, basslines as well as plucking and strumming right-hand techniques. By using a diverse set of techniques and harmonic/melodic approaches, Findlay ensures that there is something for everyone to learn from, and enjoy, in these arrangements.
Jazz Standards for Solo Guitar also comes with a CD featuring all of the arrangements from the book as performed by Findlay. Apart from being a valuable learning tool when working through each tune in the book, the CD itself is worth the price of the book/CD package. Findlay shows on each tune why he is a highly-respected performer, as well as arranger/author, as he performs each song with a superb level of musicality. When not working through the book, many readers will simply enjoy putting the CD on in their cars or homes and listening to Findlay's interpretations of these classic jazz pieces.
Hal Leonard has consistently released some of the best solo guitar books on the market today, and Jazz Standards for Solo Guitar ranks up there with the best titles in their catalogue. Findlay's ability to "put his money where his mouth is" by flawlessly performing each arrangement will gain him instant respect as an author and performer from anyone who purchases this book/CD package. While many younger, or less-experience guitarists, may struggle with the book and not be able to learn whole pieces at once, they will no doubt enjoy pulling their favorite licks and passages from the arrangements to use in their own playing. Advanced players will also enjoy this book as it gives them a sets worth of solo tunes to bring to their next gig or concert. With the release of his latest solo guitar book, and three others on the market, this book will leave readers waiting for Findlay's next release.
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