AZZ LINES 2 is a collection of 24 melodic lines on the chord changes to classics by Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Thelonious Monk, Henry Mancini, George Shearing, Bronislaw Kaper, Gene de Paul, Jerome Kern, Arthur Schwartz, Ray Noble, George Gershwin, Richard Rogers, Cole Porter, etc. Each line is presented in 4 formats: Concert G and F clef, Bb, and Eb. Also included are piano parts with a walking bass in the left hand and a simple right hand comp. These melodic studies include phrases with “outside” concepts but are mainly based on a bebop and post-bop linear vocabulary. Also included is a Phrase Bank of selected ideas from each study, each fully analyzed in the Linear Analysis section. The Structural Analysis section functions as a course on composition, delineating the harmonic bases of North-American popular music song construction (popular music as in Tin Pan Alley, Broadway musicals, and 52nd Street!).
This is a multi-purpose book. Pianists can practice these studies in double octaves, gaining flexibility and two-hand coordination, read the F clef examples with the left hand alone, or play the line with the right hand, using left hand voicings with and without roots. More advanced piano students may harmonize these lines in block chords (double lead being the simplest). The Bb and Eb parts allow the student to read these studies in more than one key, hear and memorize melodic devices and hone your transposing skills. Instrumentalists who usually read G clef should try reading in F clef, and vice versa - a good way to improve that aspect of your sight-reading. Transposing instrumentalists should also read the lines in the concert versions. Beginning improvisers can arpeggiate the 4-note right hand voicings in the piano parts. This is an excellent starting point for "running changes". The right hand chords are written in whole and half notes without syncopation for beginning piano students and non-pianists. More advanced students can add syncopation and different inversions. The same voicings can be used in the left hand while playing the line with the right or under an improvised right hand line. A more advanced application is to improvise lines with the right hand over the walking bass.

Besides being one of the great pianists of our time, a brilliant composer, Jeff has released a series of books over the years that are important to the development of every pianist, non-pianist, and educator. His latest book, Jazz Lines will help the beginning or advanced improviser retain and expand their ideas. I highly recommend this book for all serious students and educators!!!
Donald Brown - Associate Professor of Music - University of Tennessee Knoxville.

Jeff Gardner’s new book Jazz Lines is a welcome addition for all who are interested in studying jazz performance and composition. The examples are useful and most enjoyable to play. I fully anticipate adding Jazz Lines to material I use with all my students. Michael A. Tracy – Director of Jazz Studies - University of Louisville

The engaging etudes in Jeff Gardner’s new book, Jazz Lines, feature tasteful excursions through a select group of jazz standards that highlight advanced harmonic thinking in highly refined melodic lines. Players of all levels will find a treasure trove of sophisticated vocabulary that is both accessible and cutting edge.
Tony Dagradi - Professor of Music - Loyola University New Orleans

Jeff Gardner has again written a comprehensive method book both for aspiring student and the seasoned professional. The etudes in Jazz Lines explore the most common progressions with melodic and harmonic content that can expand your vocabulary beyond the typical patterns, phrases, and voicings.
Michael Pellera - Head of Jazz Studies - New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA)