Bringing together Pam Wedgwood’s favourite pieces from her best-selling series Jazzin’ About (over half a million copies sold!), The Jazzin’ About Piano Anthology is the new collection that should be on every piano player’s bookshelf.

The perfect celebration of syncopation, riffs and stylish tunes, it includes six new pieces specially composed for this edition, plus duets and online demonstration audio performed by Pam herself.

We spoke to Pam about this new anthology and it brought back fond memories of Jazzin’ About history…

 

“When I was asked to compile and anthology of pieces from the entire Jazzin’ About series, it transported me back to the beginning of my composing career – the very first Jazzin’ About collection of piano and keyboard pieces was printed in 1989! A memorable start, and an association with my publishers that was to last for many years. Together we produced several Jazzin’ About books, each one carefully crafted to provide playable and enjoyable styles to suit each level of performance and learning.

Jazz, rock and blues styles are all part of our musical heritage and should be experienced alongside more classically orientated works, particularly in the earlier stages of musical development. However, learning to master popular rhythms can be hard work, as well as lots of fun! I have always worked on the theory that if you can offer your student a good solid melody that is accessible at their standard, you will succeed as a teacher and hopefully, your students will respond.

In this anthology you will find pieces that span many different styles and genres, presented progressively from early elementary to intermediate level, to provide both student and teacher a huge choice of music at each stage of progress. The study of varied idioms will encourage your students to progress faster, both technically and musically, whilst hopefully having fun along the way!

I do hope you will dive into this collection with a new enthusiasm and that you will enjoy your musical journey through it.

Keep Jazzin’ About!”

 

Thanks Pam! Let’s take a sneak peak at the new pieces written for this Anthology…

Turn out the lights
This duet is a gentle reminder to save energy and turn out the lights! Play it with a light-hearted swing and a relaxed feel. Try using the audio of the Secondo part to practise…

The odd sock
It’s amazing how there is always an odd sock left after a wash! Where is the other one? Have fun playing (and singing!) this little song.

Rip tide
While this piece explores the dangerous rip tide, luckily all ends happily. Be sure to keep the music flowing and observe all the marks of expression to tell the story.

Bus stop boogie
Play with a strong swing, exaggerating the left-hand boogie bass. Make sure you hold the notes of the walking bass for their full value. Enjoy, but don’t miss the bus!

Snappy dresser!
The instruction for this piece is to play in stylish ragtime – crisp and neat! Familiarise yourself with chromatic scales before you start and play with a gentle bounce.

Charley girl
Charley is the name of Pam’s dog – the most laid-back dog on the planet who loves everybody. Pam hopes this piece sums up her character. Play it in a very relaxed swing tempo.

 

The Jazzin’ About Piano Anthology by Pam Wedgwood presents over 40 pieces for solo piano and duet, progressively from early elementary to intermediate level (Initial-Grade 5).