The Jazz Real Book

(66) “Como en Vietnam" and Gary Burton Standards Rating 2 Difficulty Rating 6 Gary Burton, a pioneering jazz vibraphonist, is celebrated for his groundbreaking four-mallet grip, which revolutionized vibraphone technique and became a standard in modern jazz. His career began at a young age, self-teaching on marimba and vibraphone, and studying at Berklee College of Music. Burton's early work with Stan Getz and his formation of the Gary Burton Quartet in the late 1960s set the stage for his influence in jazz fusion. His collaborations with musicians like Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, and Herbie Hancock solidified his status as a jazz icon. Burton also had a significant role as an educator at Berklee College of Music, where he taught for over three decades."Como En Vietnam," composed by Steve Swallow, comes from the album Gary Burton and Keith Jarrett  and features a latin feel, and an early jazz fusion feel. While not a particularly popular tune it is well constructed with a unique harmonic landscape. Gary Burton and Keith Jarrett Thomas ClausenSpotify Playlist 

(65) “Come Sunday” and Johnny HodgesStandards Rating 7 Difficulty Rating 3 Johnny "Rabbit" Hodges was a master of the alto saxophone, renowned for his expressive solos and smooth, emotive tone. A central figure in Duke Ellington's Orchestra, Hodges was instrumental in shaping the "Ellington sound," with memorable contributions to ballads and blues, such as his work on "Prelude to a Kiss" and "I Got it Bad and That Ain't Good." While often overshadowed by Ellington's legacy, Hodges' influence on future alto saxophonists, including Charlie Parker, is undeniable. "Come Sunday," a ballad composed by Duke Ellington, is a perfect showcase for Hodges' delicate phrasing and vibrato. The song’s straightforward melody, rich with emotional depth, allows Hodges to express the soulful quality that defined his playing. His ability to convey feeling through subtle nuances in tone and phrasing is exemplified in his rendition of "Come Sunday," a beautiful moment within the larger context of Ellington's visionary work.Duke EllingtonEric Dolphy Spotify Playlist

(64) "Chitlins Con Carne" and Kenny Burrell Standards Rating 7  Difficulty Rating 4Kenny Burrell's "Chitlins Con Carne," from his 1963 album Midnight Blue, is a masterful blend of blues and jazz. The track features a groovy bassline and a relaxed tempo, with Burrell and Stanley Turrentine sharing the melody. Burrell's first solo highlights his clear, bluesy phrasing and rich jazz guitar tone, while Turrentine’s soulful tenor saxophone adds depth during his solo. The song follows a 12-bar blues progression, infused with  jazz inflections, including the signature C7#9 chord. Burrell’s unique style bridges the gap between genres, making the track a timeless favorite. Covered by artists from blues legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy to jazz icons like Horace Silver, "Chitlins Con Carne" remains an enduring classic that showcases Burrell's profound influence on both blues and jazz guitar.Kenny BurrellStevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble  Spotify Playlist

Dan Pugach, an Israeli-born composer, drummer, and bandleader, is pushing the boundaries of big band jazz with his Grammy-winning album Bianca Reimagined: Music for Paws and Persistence. The album, inspired by Pugach and his wife Nicole Zuraitis' love for rescue animals, combines personal stories with a tribute to their late dog Bianca. Pugach's unique journey from rock drummer to big band leader has shaped his innovative style, which blends influences from jazz greats and rock music. His Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble places him alongside legendary jazz figures, and his compositions reflect both personal and cultural narratives. Pugach's drumming and leadership in big band music reflect his deep understanding of rhythm and tradition. As he continues to write and perform, Pugach is dedicated to pushing the genre forward and staying connected with his audience, performing regularly in New York and worldwide with his big band and nonet.Website https://www.danpugach.com/Dan Pugach Big Band: Bianca Reimagined: Music For Paws and Persistence https://youtu.be/hGX65TdtkGQ?si=FHQKEO6s2tcQc4iB

(63) :Chippie " and Don Cherry Standard Rating 2 Difficulty Rating 8 Don Cherry (1936–1995) was a groundbreaking jazz trumpeter known for his role in pioneering free jazz alongside Ornette Coleman. Born in Oklahoma City and raised in Los Angeles, Cherry was influenced by Clifford Brown before joining Coleman’s quartet in the late 1950s. His work on The Shape of Jazz to Come (1959) and Free Jazz (1961) helped redefine jazz by embracing spontaneity and rejecting traditional harmonic constraints. Beyond his collaborations with Coleman, Cherry explored world music, blending African, Indian, and Middle Eastern sounds into his work. His group Codona and projects like the Organic Music Society in Sweden exemplified his adventurous approach. Cherry’s impact on jazz remains profound, inspiring generations of musicians."Chippie" is a hard-swinging tune from Ornette Coleman’s 1958 album Something Else!!!!, featuring Cherry on cornet. It is structured around a 32-bar AABA form and draws from “I Got Rhythm” chord changes but introduces modern harmonic twists. The angular melody, reminiscent of Charlie Parker, poses challenges with its speed and rhythmic complexity. Cherry’s solo on the recording is fluid and well-connected, staying closer to the harmonic framework than Coleman’s more exploratory approach. The rhythm section, with Walter Norris on piano, Don Payne on double bass, and Billy Higgins on drums, drives the piece with intensity. “Chippie” highlights Cherry’s ability to balance bebop traditions with his evolving avant-garde sensibilities.Ornette Coleman Stefano Bollani Spotify Playlist 

Tal Yahalom, a Brooklyn-based jazz guitarist and composer, is set to release his highly anticipated ensemble-focused album Mirror Image on March 21, 2025, following the singles Hymn for Tomorrow (Feb. 24) and Tri-Tonal (March 10). Known for his intricate compositions and virtuosity, Yahalom brings together a stellar group of musicians, including David Leon (alto saxophone and flute), Ledah Finck (violin), Irene Han (cello), and Rogerio Boccato (percussion), to create a blend of chamber music and jazz that defies traditional boundaries. For more on Mirror Image, check out its official release on Bandcamp, and catch Yahalom live at the album release show on April 10 at Jazz Gallery, NYC.https://www.talyahalom.com/

(62) “A Child Is Born” and Thad Jones Standards Rating 8 Difficulty Rating 4Thad Jones (1923–1986) was a pioneering jazz trumpeter, composer, and bandleader. A key figure in Count Basie’s Orchestra (1954–1963), he crafted classics like The Deacon and To You. In 1965, he co-founded the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, establishing it as a premier big band through legendary Village Vanguard performances. Moving to Denmark in 1979, he revitalized the Danish Radio Big Band and formed Eclipse. He briefly led the Count Basie Orchestra before health issues forced his return to Copenhagen, where he passed away in 1986. Thad Jones’ most famous composition, “A Child Is Born” (1969) is a jazz ballad later given lyrics by Alec Wilder. Its 30-bar form in 3/4 time features lyrical phrasing and rich harmonies. A staple of jazz repertoire, the tune has been recorded by artists like Tony Bennett,  Bill Evans, and Dianne Reeves, embodying Jones’ melodic brilliance and harmonic depth.Thad Jones and Mel Lewis Dianne ReevesSpotify Playlist 

(61) “Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White” and Pérez Prado Pérez Prado (1916–1989), known as "The King of the Mambo," was a Cuban bandleader, pianist, and composer who popularized mambo music worldwide in the 1950s. He blended Cuban danzón with energetic brass arrangements and syncopated rhythms, creating hits like Mambo No. 5 and Qué Rico el Mambo. Moving to Mexico in 1949, he signed with RCA Victor, where he found success with Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White (1953). Featuring trumpeter Billy Regis, the instrumental topped the U.S. charts for 10 weeks in 1955 and became a defining mambo classic. Originally a French song (Cerisiers Roses et Pommiers Blancs), Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White is a 32-bar AABA tune, commonly played as a mambo or boogaloo. Its melody follows a question-and-answer structure, with a memorable call-and-response phrasing. Harmonically, the song follows a simple ii-V-I progression in Eb major, with smooth voice leading and a connecting diminished chord. Pérez Prado’s innovative brass arrangements and rhythmic drive cemented the song’s lasting appeal. Though his popularity declined in the 1960s, his contributions to Latin music endure, influencing salsa, Latin jazz, and popular dance music worldwide.Pérez Prado Lou Donaldson Spotify Playlist 

(Ep 60) “Cherokee” and Clifford BrownStandards Rating of 9  Difficulty rating of 7 Clifford Brown’s rendition of “Cherokee” is one of the defining moments in jazz trumpet history, showcasing his virtuosic technique, impeccable articulation, and deep harmonic understanding. Originally composed by Ray Noble in 1938, “Cherokee” became a bebop staple due to its rapid tempo and harmonic structure. Brown’s version, recorded with Max Roach and released in 1955, is particularly notable for its blistering speed and precision as he navigates the tune’s shifting ii-V-I progressions with remarkable fluidity. His solo on the track is a masterclass in phrasing, blending bebop’s intricate lines with a warm, lyrical tone that set him apart from his contemporaries. Despite his tragically short career, Brown’s influence on jazz remains profound. His compositions, including “Joy Spring” and “Daahoud,” are jazz standards, and his approach to trumpet playing—clean, expressive, and technically flawless—became a model for future generations. Clifford Brown helped shape the hard bop movement, emphasizing both sophistication and accessibility. His untimely death in a car crash at just 25 robbed the jazz world of one of its brightest talents, but his recordings continue to inspire and define the essence of bebop and modern jazz.Clifford Brown and Max Roach Bud Powell Trio Spotify Playlist

Steve Bryant is a fantastic jazz guitarist who lives and works near the New Jersey shore. His band, RED 123, showcases his masterful compositions and dynamic guitar playing. But beyond performing, Steve is also a dedicated educator, sharing his deep musical knowledge with the next generation. His journey began on French horn before discovering guitar in middle school—a passion that soon became an obsession. Jazz lessons with Vinny Corrao refined his technique, leading to six years in the Navy band. Then came rock and roll—tours, hotel rooms, and thousands of hours of dedication. All of these experiences—discipline, artistry, and life itself—have shaped Steve into the polished musician he is today. His music tells that story, blending skill with soul. Listen to RED 123, and you’ll hear his mastery and journey.Website: https://red123music.com/homeNew Townhttps://open.spotify.com/album/2nalE8WWE2xOjVk4hyihkP?si=T3lirZy-QH220-LGWaz6IA