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The Real Story on Fake Books
By Pete BarenBregge
Jazz Editor
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What is a Real Book?
A Real Book is also known as a Fake Book. Either way, it is a collection of song lead sheets. The term “fake book” comes from the original idea that with the fake book, you could “fake” your way through a tune you may not actually know.
What do you do with a Real Book or Fake Book and why do you need one?
There are many Real Books available, so select the one that serves your stylistic or genre needs—but make sure it is a legal version that has all the copyrights clearly notated at the bottom of the first page of each song. A jazz Fake Book is simply a collection of jazz lead sheets with the melody and the chord progressions. Usually it will contain a mix of standards both new and old, bebop, more contemporary jazz tunes, various Latin tunes and styles, and lyrics and a verse on many of the standards. Books are sometimes available transposed for B-flat or E-flat instruments, but usually the C edition is the most common and therefore the default.
The uses are varied, for example:
- For use on jazz gigs, jam sessions, club dates/casuals.
- For combos or individuals.
- For teachers, or instrumental/vocal groups.
- To study and analyze compositions.
- Educational—learn essential jazz tunes.
- A reference of jazz repertoire.
- Style guidelines are provided for each song, such as swing, ballad, rock, salsa, bossa nova, and so on. Suggested tempos are usually included as well.
- Learn the form of various songs. The lead sheets are often notated with rehearsal letters to assist with understanding the form and musical phrases.
- Play through tunes on piano (or guitar) with right-hand melody and left-hand chords. Practice comping as well.
There's MORE! Click here to read the full article. |
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