What exactly are the steps that lead to ability? In which order should they been taken? What will be required to master each one? These are questions the author has explored in this book, resulting in a rather unique one-thing-at-a-time approach to studying improvisation - one that incorporates discipline, technique, creativity and musical intuition. Each topic is explained and demonstrated using written musical examples and it is accompanied by suggested exercises and a sample daily practice schedule, which can be modified to fit your own needs or liking. The book has been used by the Performance Studies Department of the Berklee College of Music in Boston for teaching improvisation since September 1988. This book brings significant new insight to the art of jazz improvisation and should be an important addition to jazz pedagogy. Hal’s approach to improvisation is a refreshing alternative to the usual ‘learn your scales and good luck’ methods. This book addresses the elements of rhythm, melody, and harmony in a manner that truly provides the student with a process and practice routine which enables the development of an improvisational technique so essential to the creative jazz musician.
Larry Monroe (Chairman, Professional Performance Division, Berklee College of Music)