Piano

Suggestions on how to use this play along:

1. Listen to the recording with the full band and follow along with the printed music.

2. Make note of the touch, feel, note choices, and sparseness of the piano. Then play along with the recording, minus the Piano part. Experiment with doubling the horn lines or playing octaves or glissandos in the holes between ensemble phrases.

3. You will notice many instances where the band is roaring through a shout chorus. This is where the art of sparseness is most effective. Try playing the bare minimum during these sections.

4. There is plenty of room to solo on these charts and sometimes it can be fun to use the big band ensemble behind you to inspire new improvisational ideas. Try not to play too hard or pound the piano just because you are playing with a huge ensemble. Think of playing around 80% of the pressure on the keys. Never lose the beauty of the piano which always sounds better with a lighter touch.

5. And finally, dig in, swing hard, and have some fun playing these charts with some of the best in the business. I hope you have as much fun playing them as I did recording them.

- Tom Kubis