If learning and playing tunes on the spot represents a challenge for you, look no further than Eddie's Landsberg's "Acing the Real Book" series. Volume 1 established a basic system of constructing and connecting chords and harmonizing melodies. This book, Volume 2, puts the theory to practice with an analysis of the chord changes to 12 common standards that Eddie argues have elements of both simplicity and trickiness at the same time. In short essays, Eddie presents methods for memorizing and retaining tunes in minutes, as well as novel ways of getting into the composer's mind and really digging down into the changes. If you've played the same tunes over and over for years and still find yourself struggling to remember them, this book will revolutionize your playing. Experience Eddie's world famous "7 Secrets" approach and begin building your ear and repertoire by leaps and bounds today! Note: This book requires basic chord voicings skills. If you're not good at voicing and resolving chords on the spot, be sure to work through Volume 1 (Chord Construction and Harmonic Mastery for Acing the Real Book) prior to purchasing this book. FAQ: What instrument is this book suitable for? It is meant for working stuff out on a piano or keyboard instrument, but aimed towards players of all instruments. What level is it suitable for? It is for any player who is not masterful at using lead sheets. This is a basic skill, but many players are weak at it. Does the book contain sheet music? No. It contains chord charts. The book aims at teaching you how to use fake books and lead sheets and is recommended as a supplement to publications such as the Real Book. How difficult is the book? The book alternates between analysis of simple and difficult tunes, but even the difficult stuff should be relatively easy to follow if you already worked through volume 1. What is the basic approach of the book? It is based on Eddie Landsberg's 7 Secrets approach which is based on the theory that even the most difficult of concepts should be expressed using the simplest of language. Eddie is a known master of taking very difficult concepts, and explaining them in ways almost anyone can understand.
About the Author: Born and raised in Philadelphia, Eddie Landsberg began classical piano training at the age of 5, starting his Jazz Studies at Settlement Music School in his teens. Switching to Hammond Organ, he received his first organ lesson from the legendary Shirley Scott and studied composition and performance with Big John Patton, with additional guidance from Austin Mitchell (an early Jazz organist who was a favorite accompanist of Ella Fitzgerald.) Eddie holds a B.A. in Music from Thomas Edison State University and has done Graduate Research at Rutgers University. After recording several CDs which received national radio play in the U.S and serving as a studio demonstrator for the Nord Electro organ, he moved to Japan where he spent almost 20 years teaching, leading bandstands and doing studio work. He returned to the U.S. in 2017.