Mel Bay Swing to Bop: The Music of Charlie Christian

Countless musicians have been inspired upon hearing Charlie Christian for the first time. In this exciting book, the author has compiled 39 precise solo transcriptions (in notation only), as well as a thorough analysis of each. There is also a complete "how to" section that is a book in itself. The author has recorded each transcription in slow and fast versions on two CDs. The book contains some of Charlie's best work including the Jam Sessions at Minton's, John Hammond's Spirituals to Swing concert and the Celestial Express Blue Note Recordings. Charlie Christian was the first to popularize the use of the electric guitar in jazz. He was the pioneer who led the way.