Here’s a classic!

When I have students who are starting to show an interest in jazz, Lennie Niehaus’ Basic Jazz Conception is one of the first books that I introduce in their lessons.

This book offers simple melodies that introduce a rhythmic theme with each exercise, and brings it all together with some singable tunes at the end of the book.

I love the fact that the melodies are not technically challenging, so that my students can focus on playing with a good swing feel, and don’t get overwhelmed with chromatic passages.

Another benefit is that the material in the book allows my students to integrate the rhythms into their early improvisations. For example, when they play with only the blues scale over the blues, they can be confident in their rhythms, and feel.

Most saxophonists are aware of the fact that Lennie Niehaus has a plethora of incredible material for saxophone, and I find the Basic Jazz Conception for Saxophone to be a particularly useful resource for musicians who are looking to explore jazz.