Improvising Blues Piano - The basic principles of blues piano explained for the intermediate-level pianist in an easy-to-grasp fashion - Schott ... (ED 12504) (Schott Educational Publications) Paperback – 1 Nov. 1997

I bought this book on the strength of the other reviews and I've not been disappointed.Before starting this book I suppose I would've characterised myself as a beginner - I can read music a bit, play chords with the left and pick out a melody with the right, but that's about it. And I've found this book to be a bit of a learning curve, but that's not to say it is difficult. Each piece introduces a new technique and that is what's been hard. But, with daily practice, I've found that I do get better and before I know it I've managed to learn the piece/technique when I never thought I would upon first listening to it on the CD. I guess that's a testament to the way the book is written and the choice of exercises presented.I've had this book for just over 2 months and I'm still on the first chapter (although near the end of it) and as I said, I practice everyday. So it's not easy, but learning to play decent blues piano isn't going to be is it?I've got other books on piano and I've found them to jump on quite a bit despite what they say. This book takes it step by step and pretty quickly you find you can play some decent blues. And is that not what everyone wants to do? Play some decent music? I don't listen to blues (I do like jazz though), but it's very satisfying to play. And actually, looking further on into the book, I would say there are a fair few jazz pieces in there (looking forward to Blue Monk!)In summary then, if you want to progress your playing, and you are a beginner like me, then you definitely need this book. And some dedication...

I have shelves of tutor books, mainly for guitar, but the problem with them would be the same for any instrument - they just don't work the way people do. This one really works. It takes you gradually through from easier to more difficult pieces so that you can build up your skill and understanding. There's recommended listening and a lot of advice and exercises around the pieces. It's not easy and won't do the work for you, but it's as close as you can get to being taught without an actual teacher and there's the CD that helps you to know how it all should sound. I bought it because one of the pieces in it, On Off Boogie, appeared in my ABRSM jazz piano course at Grade 2 and I wanted to do more in that vein. I haven't got that far through yet as I have to fit it around my jazz exam practise, so it will keep me busy for a very long time.

I've enjoyed using this book hugely in the couple of months since I've bought it. The format, using a new tune to illustrate each concept introduced, works perfectly for me, making learning easy. The initial idea of giving you a very limited palette of notes, but encouraging absolute free expression within them, makes improvisation a lot less daunting. I was enjoying coming up with my own (extremely basic) variations within a few days. It is immediately apparent that the author is an expert in the field, and has put a lot of work and refinement into producing this book. I've been looking for resources to help me improve my piano playing beyond its current level for a couple of years now, and this book has done so brilliantly.

Very detailed, not had the time to get onto all the detail or listen to the CD properly, but suspect given the time to study and listen properly, you could well playing be playing proper blues style quickly.Could do with a download link, so could load on an iPad, as CDs a bit of a hassle, but not the end of the world !!Worth the investment if you have invested a few quid on a decent keyboard/ electric piano.

I have bought many learning aids to piano, especially, blues, jazz and ragtime piano. This book, preferably coupled with, but not essentially, Beale's ABRSM book and associated scale and study books provide everything you could ever need.The accompanying tracks are excellent and an enormous help to getting the groove. One reviewer had a problem unzipping the folder. It is worth persisting or notifying the publisher because this book really is excellent.

This is a really great book. I've been playing piano for 10 years now mainly classical and swing jazz. I've always wanted to get into the Blues and have bought several books on blues and boogie woogie in the past but never been able to get into it. With this book I have a real chance. I'm starting at the very beginning and working my way through. The accompanying CD is really well recorded and a great inspiration to keep on with the steady progress I'm making. Just got to keep trying the improvisation choruses too.

I came across this book after reading the recommendations of which there were many. I wasn't disappointed. I subsequently bought other books on the same subject and there is little or no comparison. This one is way beyong the others.However; I personally liked this book because after an hour or two I could play pieces that actually sounded like what I aspired to do. Other books didn't do this. This to me was the great advantage of this book.As a youngster I learned "classical piano". Great. But I never could do much with it. With this book I can do fun things. Now that I can do fun things I might take an interest in pentatonic scales and flattened sevenths but not the other way round. I had enough of that when I was 10.

I have been trying to play blues for about 20 years. I got some tips and a few bits of yancey music sheets and could play 2 of 3 quite well, but got bored with it. I have searched for some new materials with no avail. Tim Richards book is an excellent resource, so many different styles to try. I am progressing well through the book and have regained my interest in playing the piano. I am really enjoying it and can master many tunes note perfect and hope to get to the end of the book successfully. THANK YOU SO MUCH TIM RICHARDS!!