The James Booker Collection

There would have been little possibility of providing a negative review for a volume mostly dedicated to transcriptions from this late New Orleans legend. But, Joshua Paxton's appreciation of not just the notes being played and his very perceptive introduction of breaking down the various grooves of Booker's makes this a step above most books comprised of transcriptions. As a lot of jazz/blues players realize, simply commiting to memory a solo or complete interpretation of a tune can be pointless and sometimes injurious to one's development. But here, you have the very important breakdown at the beginning of Booker's approaches to ballads, boogie, and rock grooves that can actually proove to be useful in understanding an enigmatic artist. Then to throw in a contradiction, I find his playing perfectly suited to transcriptions as he belonged to the school of player where technique was essential and although he may have not realized it (or possibly was very conscious of it) some of what many have heard to be rambling exercises in brilliance stand up with great impromtus of the past. A background in classical form is ideal for understanding the execution of these pieces as is a good background in New Orleans piano traditions that are sometimes only hinted at but effectively and subtly woven throughout.Always obtain the original recordings to grasp the meaning behind the curtain. And many kudos to Joshua Paxton for his efforts.

This collection gives a good idea of the intricacy of James Booker. While the transcriptions are not COMPLETELY accurate (which ones are?), they are close enuf to know that Booker was a master. His feeling is incredible, so check out the transcriptions but, as always, try to make them your own.

This guy was amazing I'm an advanced piano player and these arrangements are challenging to say the least.Wish I was able to see him play at the peak of his career, it must have been an amazing experience.

A lot of it is somewhat above my level, but it's all very well put together and the songs are chosen well (although I always wish I had more of his music!)

Ordered this hoping I could learn to play the piano just a tad like James Booker but am pretty sure that won't happen. The transcriptions are not easy to play at first read but I'm not giving up. His unique and amazing keyboard skills are not to be duplicated, at least not by me. Oh well, I can dream.

Was Gonzo from the muppets based on James Booker? This is a great series of collections...regretful that I didn't find these artists when I was a kid.

This is a marvellous volume of Piano Transcriptions by the late James Booker. Booker was one of the great New Orleans pianists, who was able to play classical music as well as New Orleans Piano.These transcriptions are tough to play, mainly because Booker had a number of unique left hand patterns that he used that are very difficult to play correctly and smoothly. Some of the performances are vocal and Piano. However unlike some sheet music books the vocal line is printed separately and Bookers unqiue accompaniments are shown complete in both the right and left hand.The transcriptions are:Junco PartnerCome Rain or Come ShineMedley: Blues Minuet/ It will have to do until the real thing comes along/baby won't you please come homeGonzo's Blue DreamLet's Make a better WorldPapa was a RascalPixiePop's DilemmaPut out the lightTell me how do you feelAll of the performances are available on CD - mainly on Junco Partner (Hannibal HNCD 1359), which itself is a brilliant solo recording by Booker.

Purchased in error.

Gives a good indication of what is going on. You still need to listen to Booker playing and use your ears and the music. There's only one Booker

grate

私、楽譜読めませんけど、JBものならなんでも欲しい！わからん音符の羅列みてるだけでも楽しい。簡単な略歴（英文）も参考になりました。ピアノ習ってる小学生の娘になんとか弾かせてみたいものです。JBの音楽が楽譜になるのか不明ですが、P・ロングヘアーのも買ってしまいました。