Improvising Blues Piano Method by Tim Richards, 264 Pages, Schott Music

The forerunner to the awarded-winning Exploring Jazz Piano books, Improvising Blues Piano examines the harmonic, rhythmic and melodic aspects of the blues, assuming a basic competence of around grade 3. All styles are covered from the 1920s to the present, from the early boogie pioneers via swing, gospel, jump-jive, New Orleans, Chicago and Kansas City schools, to the more sophisticated jazz and funky blues of the current scene.

Each chapter is graded within itself, providing some challenging pieces towards the end. Improvising is encouraged at all stages, with assignments giving ideas and guidance. The accompanying audio tracks include all the pieces, and some play-along tracks, performed by Tim Richards. This title presents over 60 pieces, including many original compositions by the author, together with new arrangements of well-known standards such as 'Ain't No Sunshine', 'Blueberry Hill', 'Blue Monk', 'Got My Mojo workin', 'Honky Tonk Train Blues', 'How Long Blues', 'Just a Closer Walk with Thee', 'Pine Top's Boogie Woogie', 'St Louis Blues' etc.

Richards' guidance includes:
• Authentic left-hand patterns and bass lines
• Professional chord voicings, blues scales, licks and riffs
• Co-ordination exercises for both hands
• Suggested listening