Mel Bay's "Getting into Jazz Mandolin" is one step closer to reality! After a two-year silence, we just sent Priority Mail, corrections on what we hope to be the final proof. The project was started in 2003, but this is agonizingly typical of most publishing time frames, especially from a progressive company as prolific and broad as Mel Bay. The accompanying CD is in its final mixing stages, and if our good buddy Don Stiernberg can fit it in his schedule when he gets back from his East Coast tour, we hope to include some incredible last-minute bonus audio tracks.

We also requested a special "Foreword" from mentor and sister website Mandolin Cafe author, Scott Tichenor. We can at least give you a peak of that:

"It wasn't so long ago that a bootleg copy of an an old Homer & Jethro recording or the work of Tiny Moore with the Bob or Billy Jack Wills bands pretty much summed up the term "jazz mandolin." No longer. Jazz's influence is a vital part of the today's scene and found in just about every conceivable music genre. Mandolin players are busy venturing into musical territory that 30 years ago, few dared attempt. And while there are a few resources in print, a truly comprehensive jazz mandolin method was waiting to be written. Until now. With Getting Into Jazz Mandolin, Ted Eschliman has given us the gift of a no-nonsense practical guide to help us incorporate some simple and effective ideas into our musical vocabulary. Let the mystery be no more. I can't wait to dig into this one."

Scott Tichenor
Mandolin Cafe

Thanks Scott, and thanks to those of you who have been patiently awaiting!

Sneak Peak: 20835BCD Table of Contents

Posted by Ted at April 17, 2008 03:08 PM