Reviews

Featuring a collection of classic compositions from the jazz repertoire, Playin' Through The Real Book is the latest educational production by Todd Johnson, one of the world's finest bass educators. In this series, Johnson breaks down each song into small pieces by improvising bass lines, chordal accompaniment, and solos at both performance and slower tempos. Filmed at multiple viewing angles, these videos capture the techniques, hand positions, and exact fingerings that Johnson uses to play each note on the fingerboard. All of the videos in this series vary in length, but most run approximately 8-14 minutes in duration. Along with the video presentations which include an analysis of what he is playing, Johnson also provides MP3 play-along tracks with each song as well as complete transcriptions of every note written in standard notation. Although Johnson performs each composition on his signature model 6-string Zon bass, all of the notes are contained within the range of a 5-string bass with a high C-string, and most of the material can be played on a standard 4-string electric bass. While it would be useful to have a fundamental understanding of essential theory such as the construction of chords and scales before working through this series, Johnson's organized and concise style of teaching makes the learning process effortless so that anyone, regardless of playing level or prior experience, can achieve their goals. Unlike most bass methods which focus on only one or two aspects of playing, this series really excels in that it teaches you every part of the song including bass lines, chordal techniques, and soloing. Whether you are a beginner with no formal music education or a seasoned professional looking to expand your vocabulary, this series will provide you with all the requisite tools needed to understand and perform jazz music on bass guitar. Learning jazz has never been easier, and at a price of only $1.99 per download, it doesn't get more affordable than this. Available by download directly from Johnson's web site, new songs are added to this video series every month. A partial listing of tracks includes "All The Things You Are," "Autumn Leaves," "Bb Blues," "Blue Bossa," "C Minor Blues," "Footprints," "Impressions," "I Got Rhythm," "Just Friends," "Ladybird," "One Note Samba," "Solar," "Stella By Starlight," "Summertime," and "Watch What Happens."

Artist Contact: ToddJohnsonMusic.com

Reviewed By: Cliff Engel - July 18, 2011