What is a Real Book?
A Real Book is a collection of jazz standards, typically in the form of lead sheets. These books provide musicians with the essential information needed to play a song, including the melody, chord changes, and sometimes lyrics. They are widely used by jazz musicians for learning, practicing, and performing. Real Books are often referred to as “fake books” due to their informal nature and the fact that they are not always officially authorized by the original composers.
A Collection of Jazz Standards
Real Books are essentially a compilation of lead sheets for popular jazz standards. These standards represent a core repertoire of melodies and chord progressions that have become ingrained in the jazz tradition. They range from classic tunes like “Autumn Leaves” and “Fly Me to the Moon” to lesser-known gems that are still cherished by jazz musicians. These books provide a readily accessible resource for learning and performing these timeless melodies, fostering a shared language and understanding within the jazz community.
The History of Real Books
The origins of Real Books can be traced back to the early days of jazz, when musicians would create their own collections of lead sheets for popular tunes. These informal compilations were often passed around among musicians, facilitating the spread of new melodies and chord progressions. The first commercially published Real Book, simply titled “The Real Book,” emerged in the 1970s, quickly becoming a staple for jazz musicians. It was followed by numerous editions and volumes, catering to different instruments and musical styles. These books have evolved over time, incorporating more accurate arrangements and expanding their repertoire to include a wider range of jazz standards.
Why are Real Books Popular?
Real Books are popular among jazz musicians due to their convenience, accessibility, and utility for improvisation and practice.
Convenience and Accessibility
Real Books offer a convenient and accessible way for musicians to access a vast library of jazz standards. They are typically compact and portable, allowing musicians to carry them to gigs, rehearsals, or practice sessions. The availability of Real Books in PDF format further enhances their convenience, making them easily downloadable and accessible on electronic devices. This digital format eliminates the need for bulky physical copies, making it easier for musicians to access and refer to the music they need.
Improvisation and Practice
Real Books are essential tools for jazz musicians who want to develop their improvisation skills. The lead sheets provide a framework for improvisation, allowing musicians to explore different melodic and harmonic ideas over the given chord progressions. By practicing with Real Books, musicians can learn to navigate complex chord changes, develop their ear for harmony, and experiment with different musical ideas. The accessibility of Real Books in PDF format makes it easier for musicians to practice whenever and wherever they want, furthering their musical development.
Types of Real Books
There are numerous Real Book editions available, each with its own unique selection of songs, arrangements, and instrumentation.
The Real Book ─ Volume 1
This is perhaps the most well-known and widely used Real Book. It features a vast collection of jazz standards, covering a wide range of styles and eras. It is often considered the “essential” Real Book for any jazz musician. “The Real Book ─ Volume 1” is frequently available in PDF format online, making it easily accessible to musicians worldwide. The PDF version allows musicians to download and print the lead sheets for convenient practice and performance. The availability of this volume in PDF format has significantly contributed to its popularity and accessibility among jazz musicians.
The Real Book ─ Volume 2
Following the success of “The Real Book ─ Volume 1,” a second volume was released, expanding the collection of jazz standards. “The Real Book ー Volume 2” includes a diverse range of tunes, often focusing on more contemporary jazz compositions. This volume is also available in PDF format, allowing musicians to access and utilize the lead sheets digitally. The availability of “The Real Book ー Volume 2” in PDF format provides musicians with a convenient and readily accessible resource for expanding their repertoire and exploring a wider range of jazz standards.
Other Real Book Editions
Beyond the two main volumes, there are numerous other Real Book editions tailored to specific instruments, genres, or keys. For instance, “The Real Book ─ Volume 1 Bass” and “The Real Book ー Volume 1 Bb” cater to bass and Bb instrument players, respectively. Additionally, specialized editions, like “The Real Book Sixth Edition” and “Brazilian Jazz Real Book,” offer curated selections of tunes for particular musical styles. These specialized editions, often available in PDF format, provide musicians with targeted resources for their specific instrumental and musical needs.
Where to Find Real Books
Real Books can be obtained through various online platforms and physical retailers.
Online Resources
The digital age has made finding Real Books incredibly convenient. Numerous websites offer free and paid downloads of various Real Book editions in PDF format. These online resources often include different versions for various instruments, such as piano, guitar, bass, and saxophone. Websites like Berklee College of Music provide free downloads of select standards, while dedicated online platforms like “The Real Book ─ Free download” offer complete volumes for purchase or free download. These platforms provide a vast selection of jazz standards, making it easy to find the specific tunes you need.
Physical Copies
While online resources are plentiful, many musicians still prefer the tangible experience of a physical Real Book. These books are typically found in music stores specializing in jazz and sheet music. They offer a more traditional approach to learning and practicing, allowing musicians to annotate directly on the pages. Physical copies are also less prone to technical issues like software compatibility or internet access limitations. Some publishers, like Hal Leonard, offer official Real Book editions in bound volumes, ensuring quality and accuracy. These physical copies, often available in different instrument keys, provide a reliable and familiar format for musicians who prefer a traditional learning experience.
Legality and Ethics
The widespread availability of Real Books online raises concerns about copyright and ethical considerations.
Copyright Considerations
Downloading Real Books from the internet without proper authorization can be considered copyright infringement. These books often contain copyrighted material, including melodies, chord progressions, and lyrics. Musicians and publishers who hold copyright to these works are entitled to royalties for their use. Downloading unauthorized copies deprives them of these rightfully earned revenues. While some argue that Real Books are essential tools for learning and practicing jazz, it is crucial to understand and respect the legal and ethical implications of using them.
Alternatives to Downloading
If you’re concerned about copyright infringement or simply prefer a more legitimate and ethical approach, there are several alternatives to downloading Real Books from questionable sources. Many reputable music publishers offer official editions of Real Books, which are often available in various formats, including physical copies and digital downloads. These editions are typically accurate, well-organized, and come with legal permission to use the material. Additionally, online music libraries and streaming services can provide access to lead sheets and sheet music for a wide range of jazz standards. These services are often subscription-based, offering a more convenient and affordable way to access the material you need without violating copyright laws.
Using Real Books Effectively
Real Books are a valuable tool for jazz musicians, but it’s important to use them effectively to maximize their benefits.
Reading and Understanding Lead Sheets
The core of a Real Book is its lead sheets, which provide a concise musical blueprint. Understanding these sheets is crucial for effective practice. The lead sheet typically includes the melody line, chord symbols, and sometimes lyrics. It’s important to learn to decipher these elements. Chord symbols indicate the harmony and provide a foundation for improvisation. The melody line guides the player through the song’s structure. While Real Books offer a valuable foundation, it’s also essential to explore recordings and other resources for a deeper understanding of the original compositions.
Practicing with Real Books
Real Books are a valuable tool for practicing jazz improvisation. By focusing on lead sheets, musicians can develop their ear for chord progressions, learn to anticipate changes, and experiment with different melodic approaches. Practice with Real Books can be structured, involving focused work on specific sections or songs. It can also be more free-flowing, allowing for exploration and improvisation. The key is to use Real Books as a starting point, not a rigid constraint. Listening to recordings and exploring different interpretations can enrich the practice experience and lead to more nuanced playing.
Beyond the Real Book
While Real Books offer a solid foundation for jazz musicians, they shouldn’t be seen as the sole source of repertoire or musical inspiration. Exploring original compositions, transcribing solos, and immersing oneself in the rich history of jazz through recordings and biographies can broaden musical understanding and inspire new ideas. Collaborating with other musicians, attending live performances, and engaging in workshops or masterclasses can also provide invaluable learning experiences that extend beyond the confines of a Real Book.