[Dixielandjazz] David Littlefield's Fake Books

[d. sleeman]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve Barbone" <barbonestreet at earthlink.net>
To: <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
Sent: Friday, December 15, 2006 4:38 PM
Subject: [Dixielandjazz] David Littlefield's Fake Books

Steve wrote:

> First the disclaimer. I swear that I have no financial interest in David
> Littlefield's Fake Books. . .
> 
> Now the opinion. Sheik's books are at the top of the heap because they are
> EXCELLENT. They are not only as accurate, if not more so, than any I have
> seen, but reproduced beautifully in large sized, easy to read lead line
> format with the chord notations.
> 
> I was reminded of this when Graham Martin asked how others play Muskrat
> Ramble, and whether the A & C STRAINS used the same chords. After answering
> off the top of my head, I then consulted David's Fake Book as well as Tex
> Wyndham's Chord Chart Book to make sure what I said was as accurate as I
> thought it was. (Old memory banks often err)
> 
> If you are a band leader and/or player who seeks to expand your repertoire
> and/or polish up you tune arrangements, you really should have Sheik's set
> of books. Or if you frequently use subs on gigs, they are invaluable in
> getting the new man on board. Even the best of us sometimes use different
> chords on familiar tunes and all in the band should be on the same page.
> 
> My only piece of advice is to use the "C" books, learning how to transpose
> to the concert key, treble clef if you play an instrument tuned to another
> key, or clef. Saves a lot of confusion in the long run.
> 
> Cheers,
> Steve Barbone

I second that!

Dick Sleeman, Lelystad, Holland. <d.sleeman at hccnet.nl>

"...Of all the musical instruments in use today, the trombone is one of,
 if not THE most difficult of instruments. I know, 'cause I have one..."

  (Dewsnap in "THE TROMBONE", December 10, 2002)