2010 DVD /Book / Software Wish List
2010 was a great year for educational DVD's, books, and terrific music software. Click on the title to read my review. Links at the end are to order the item from the most convenient location. Other ordering options are included in some of the reviews.
DVD's
Ticket To Improv Volume Three - Robert Conti
Robert Conti outdoes himself with this terrific introduction to playing real jazz blues lines. By taking you from basic chord progressions to quite complicated ones, Mr. Conti demonstrates that even a beginner can improvise over virtually any changes. If you are looking to start improvising, start here. RobertConti.com
Wooden Horses - Laurence Juber
Laurence Juber teaches you his compositions from the Wooden Horses CD. This is LJ's finest collection of compositions yet, and he takes you through each one demonstrating how he plays them. Acoustic Music Resource
Beyond the Lighted Stage - Rush
One of the finest music documentaries ever, Beyond the Lighted Stage presents the band in concert and real life from their beginnings to the present. Humour, insight, inspiration, and great music. Could you ask for more?
Amazon.com
Classical master Roland Dyens shares his philosophy, influences, and some great performances on this unique DVD. An unusually candid self-portrait of a modern master.
Amazon.com
Adam Rafferty Teaches the Music of the Jackson Five
Wonderful arrangements of songs that you thought you knew taught in manageable chunks to ensure that you can play them. Adam's best so far! Buy it from Adam Rafferty's web site.
MUSIC SOFTWARE
Gary Garritan provides an unprecedented level of quality at an amazing price with this premiere sound library. He also hosts a great free orchestration course to help you get the most out of the software. Your own personal orchestra just waiting for you 24 hours a day! garritan.com
Gary Garritan delivers gold a second time with this incredible jazz band sound library. Packed with all of the instruments and techniques needed to create stunning combo or big band scores at an amazing price. Gary also provides an excellent course on jazz arranging authored by jazz legend Chuck Israels. garritan.com
NOTE: Both Garritan libraries are on sale for $99.99 from Dec. 13 - 20!
Books
The Musician's Money Book - Tracy Rice
Essential for any working musician, this book can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars at tax time. An added bonus of excellent tips for succeeding in the business of music.
Amazon.com
The Comping Expo - Robert Conti
I've asked everyone from local guitarists to Tommy Emmanuel and Frank Vignola for tips on making a living with the guitar, and the consistent answer is: "Learn to play rhythm - to "comp" - and you'll never lack for work! There are never enough good compers." But how do you learn? Robert Conti teaches you everything you need to know in this thorough, authoritative and fun book & DVD set. You will learn how to form great jazz chords, to create interesting progressions, and to use rhythm to give life to your playing. RobertConti.com