Lyrics, Chords and More
Learning how to move smoothly between chords.
Berkman’s book is the remedy. It forces you to think like a composer, not just an improviser. It treats harmony as a liquid, moving force rather than a static grid.
Endorsed by masters like and Fred Hersch , this book is not just a collection of rules; it is a pedagogical approach to understanding how to voice, reharmonize, and truly play jazz harmony. 1. The Philosophy: Why "The Jazz Harmony Book" is Essential The Jazz Harmony Book By David Berkman Full
While traditional classical harmony focuses heavily on strict voice leading and resolution rules, jazz relies on a fluid mix of functional (major/minor keys, ii-V-I progressions) and non-functional harmony (modal shifts, parallel movement, and constant structures). Berkman demystifies how these two worlds interact, giving musicians the tools to navigate both traditional standards and modern, through-composed jazz pieces. Roadmap of the Book: From Triads to the Avant-Garde
Establishing a solid foundation in chord function (ii-V-I progressions, tonic, subdominant, dominant). Learning how to move smoothly between chords
by David Berkman, focusing on its departure from traditional instruction and its emphasis on reharmonization as a living creative process. Beyond the Lead Sheet: A New Approach to Jazz Harmony
To play a great solo, you must understand the harmonic grid underneath you. This book trains your ears to map out those grids in real-time. Final Thoughts It treats harmony as a liquid, moving force
Chords of high tension that demand resolution back to the tonic. 2. The Power of the II-V-I Progression
David Berkman’s The Jazz Harmony Book is the exception.
Written with the witty, conversational voice of a veteran New York gigging musician, the text avoids dry academic jargon, making complex topics approachable. How to Study This Book Effectively
"The Jazz Harmony Book" is a comprehensive guide to jazz harmony that covers a wide range of topics, from basic chord progressions to advanced harmonic concepts. The book is divided into several sections, each of which explores a different aspect of jazz harmony.