This great new series from Hal Leonard now has seven titles under its belt. It was first brought to my attention earlier in the year and it got me really excited (doesn’t take much, I know) because I knew this was something teachers have been asking for!

Another similar series: the VERY popular, Hal Leonard Jazz Piano Solo series (also highly recommended by fellow TPT contributor, Elissa Milne in her article Jazz Resource File 2) has a massive following but generally sits at a more advanced level (around grade 6-8 AMEB equivalent). The new ‘All Jazzed Up!’ titles are at an easier ‘intermediate level’ (around grade 3 AMEB equiv.) hence teachers have been loving its accessibility for younger players.

In this series, pop hits receive unexpectedly fresh treatments – uniquely re-imagined and crafted in a jazzed up style. The nuances of jazz are spot on, but much simpler for younger players to realise. Whilst the writing is intentionally ‘thinner’, with chords being less ‘gooey’, the style is easier for younger players to adapt to: more accessible keys, with fewer accidentals throughout.

I’ve only had a chance to play through the Bach, Stevie Wonder, Coldplay and Nirvana but I can’t wait to play through the Ozzy Osbourne and the Billy Joel…

Looking forward to more releases in this series!

Click here for a list of the series