Thesaurus of Intervallic Melodies - Inside Improvisation, Vol. 5

"Practicing out of this book by just reading the melodies has changed and expanded my playing," says Jerry Bergonzi. He offers a number of suggested uses and applications for this intervallic system including ear training, composition, improvisation, improving technical facility, intonation, sight reading, breaking finger habits, and pitch retention. This book is accompanied by a play-along CD with 19 tunes as well as 8 vamps featuring Jerry Bergonzi and Allan Chase, saxophones (soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone); Renato Chico, piano; Dave Santoro, bass; and Tom Melito, drums. The intervallic system presented in this book is a means for creating original lines and themes - a modern thesaurus of intervallic melodies. Each page concentrates on three, four, or five specific intervals. Combining these intervals with all of the possibilities for moving in ascending or descending direction creates an infinite variety of very distinctive melodies. Although these melodies were composed independent of any particular harmony they can sound quite effective when played over chord changes. Chord changes and heads are included for C concert, Bflat, Eflat, and bass clef instruments.

"In his Thesaurus of Intervallic Melodies, Jerry has created a wonderful and most unusual tool which will expand any musicians musical endeavors. These challenging exercises are very enjoyable to play and can be absorbed in a relaxed and natural manner. The melodies take the player�s ears and fingers into refreshingly unfamiliar territories. Very inspirational... highly recommended for students and professionals alike." Mike Brecker

"I have all of Jerry Bergonzi's books: Vol. 2, Pentatonics, Vol. 3, Jazz Line, and Vol. 4, Melodic Rhythms. All of these books are musically amazing. Now, Jerry has come up with another book, Vol.5, Thesaurus of Intervallic Melodies, which is truly astounding. My advice to any musician, regardless of his or her instrument, would be to get ALL of Jerry’s books. There is a wealth of information in each of these books. Musicians, do yourselves a favor. Get them!! I did! I�m truly happy, but I see that I have a lot of work to do. Thank you, Jerry, for all your musical lessons." James Moody

"Volume 5, Thesauraus of Intervallic Melodies is put together by one of the most generous and inspired musicians of our time, Jerry Bergonzi. It is a collection of beautifully crafted phrases that will open up your ears and minds to develop into a creative improvisor. Imagination is everything in jazz and if you study with a free open approach you can develop from these pages as your own player. It’s up to you to put your own ideas together and these interval studies willl give you an amazing springboard into your future improvisations. Developing your technique, ears, sight reading, etc. is a lifelong journey as a musician and exploring all of the possibilities within this book will open up your conception about creating music and not just trying to recreate what someone else has already played." Joe Lovano

"Man, this book is really great! Jerry is investigating all the possibilities of intervallic and chromatic improvisation. A very refreshing concept." George Garzone.