
The definitive guide to jazz harmony and improvisation.
Widely regarded as the most comprehensive resource on the subject, The Jazz Theory Book by Mark Levine is a must-have for any serious jazz musician or student. With over 500 pages of in-depth theory and 750+ musical examples, this book covers everything from the basics of chord construction and II-V-I progressions to advanced reharmonisation techniques, bebop scales, and lead sheet interpretation.
Written in clear, accessible language, Levine bridges the gap between theory and practice using the language of working musicians. Whether you're studying jazz at school or learning independently, this is your all-in-one guide to understanding and mastering the building blocks of jazz.
Ideal for jazz students, teachers, improvisers, arrangers, and anyone looking to develop a deep and functional understanding of jazz theory.
"This could be the single finest music book of any type I've ever seen. It's certainly the best explanation of the mechanics of jazz, and the amazing depth of the content is matched by the care and accuracy of the presentation. An invaluable resource for all improvising musicians regardless of instrument." - Bass Player Magazine
"Finally, a book on jazz theory and harmony that is very easy to understand yet still covers in great depth just about all of the basics anyone would need to know in order to get started or, in the case of the more advanced player, wonderful information on areas such as playing "outside", reharmonization, keyboard fundamentals, etc. I wish I'd had this book 40 years ago. I think this is the book every musician should own." - Bobby Shew