The purpose of this series is to introduce the improvisational idiom associated with jazz of the 1920s and 30s. Despite the stylistic changes that occurred as Hot Jazz developed into Swing, the examples provided demonstrate an underlying unity of approach to the melodic interpretation of harmony, and one which continued within Boogie Woogie, R&B, Rock ‘n Roll, Skiffle and Country music, even if modern jazz took a different route.
Early Jazz Practice provides over 60 examples with audio accompaniment, based on repertoire from jazz tunes and improvisations by W.C Handy, King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Johnny Dodds, George Lewis, Sidney Bechet, Benny Goodman and many others. These are organised into sections of individual chords, two-chord progressions, and three or more chords.