Dear masters and pros,

I went and bought the ultimate fake book 1200songs by Hal Leonards. I didn't like it, thinking of returning it tomorrow.

Personally I didn't like the chord progressions. Either they are not close to the original songs, or I have already figured the chords already (for example: I think my version of unforgettable is better than theirs).

Any ideas what other book I should be getting? or perhaps a website link? I was told that a (jazz) singer may be in contact with me for a future wedding gig, so I need to brush up on some songs.

Thanks
KN

KN_Fan -

I hear what you are saying. I also bought that Hal Lenoard Ultimate Fake book with 1200 songs and hated it. The chord progressions were funky and I was unhappy with the song selections. That's my fault though, because I didn't check the links that had the complete song list.

I just bought the Hal Leonard Real Jazz Standards Fake Book and LOVE it. The chord progressions make sense and it seems to cover most of the popular jazz standards (it has 240 of them). I highly recommend this book. There's another one out there called the Real Little Ultimate Jazz Fake Book or something like that, and it has 600 tunes but I didn't like the reviews I read about it.

There's nothing more I hate than a fake book song where my own rendition sounds better. Then again, I really butcher songs so I'm not sure what that means. (I'm weird though - I love it when after I finish a song somebody comes up to me and says "What was that last song?" and I say "It was Misty".)

Thanks Accordionist.

That's what I thought. I tried "Caravan" by Duke Ellington. Boy, either my reading is bad, or they totally messed up the song! (I'd like to think it's the latter )

I remember the other two books, similar to the Hal Leonards. Each has about a few hundreds and they published book 1 and book 2, I don't remember the title but I played a few songs from there and they're pretty good.

As for now- the fake book goes back to the store.

http://psrtutorial.com/Resources/R_FakeBooks/r_fakebooks.html

Gary

Ihave the two regular Hal Leonard fake books and the Jazz book. I find them very useful because if I'm not familiar with the tune they're a great help, wrong chords and all. You can always substitute your own chords anyway. There are differences between the Jazz and the other books but I play the chords that suit me. Maybe they're no good if you're picky but for the average guy they're a lot better than nothing.

Bryan

http://www.songtrellis.com/changesPage

... and it doesn't cost you a penny.

I have picked up several good fake books and a lot of good music books at our local flea market for little money. Usually on my offer of 2 or 3 dollars for a 40.00 fake book. Check out your flea markets or have your friends/relatives in bigger citys do it for you. You may be pleasantly suprised.
Best to all
Bebop

Hi Jonas,

The fake books that I HIGHLY recommend are the Chuck Sher Fake Books. They were painstakenly edited and reviewed to insure that the chords are accurate and reflect what was 'actually played' by the hit recording artist on the record. The 'specific recording' is often credited as well. Perhaps I'm a little biased in my praise because the editor of many of the books in the Chuck Sher fake book series was none other than my former piano teacher, Larry Dunlap. - Scott
http://www.shermusic.com/newrbv1.htm
http://www.shermusic.com/newrbv2.htm
http://www.shermusic.com/newrbv3.htm
http://www.shermusic.com/standard_real.htm
http://www.shermusic.com/ajrb.htm
http://www.rambles.net/sher_alljazz.html
http://www.shermusic.com/latrealb.htm

I don't think you can return music books once you've purchased them so good luck returning your Hal Leonard's.

I can highly recommend the Warner Brothers "Just Jazz Real Book" and/or "Just Standards Real Book". They can be found at Amazon.com.

These books are MUCH easier to read and have better selections than the Hal Leonard variety. They are also well-made, spiral bound and feature alternative chordings. I hated fake books until I found these - now I only wish that WB made more. I haven't seen better.

[This message has been edited by The Pro (edited 09-15-2003).]

I just returned it (the same day)...must be my lucky day! Thanks guys- I'll check out your other suggestions.

KN