Practical Jazz stands as an eloquent tribute to the work of Lionel Grigson, for many years Professor of Harmony and Improvisation at London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama. A usable theory of the subject that grows naturally out of practical experience yet is understandable in classical terms, it is an ideal guide for students who have a natural feeling for jazz but find conventional harmony tuition to be dull and academic.

Rapid progress is made from simple jazz chords in various voic...