One of the most celebrated sections of The Jazz Harmony Book details Berkman's systematic approach to reharmonization. He teaches readers how to take a simple, standard melody (like a Broadway show tune or a blues) and completely transform the underlying harmonic landscape. He breaks this down into actionable steps:
: Deals with advanced tritone substitutes and the harmony of minor tunes. Key Features and Content
Berkman introduces a simple but profound concept: the feeling of "3." He categorizes chords not just by their letter name, but by their relationship to the tonic. He breaks down how the major 3rd, the minor 3rd, and the "blues inflection" between them dictate the emotional gravity of a progression.
Berkman famously rehabilitates the concept of "avoid notes." While classical jazz pedagogy screams that a natural 4th over a major chord is a cardinal sin, Berkman shows you how to use it as a passing tension. He argues that harmony is fluid, not static. The "Full" version of his argument includes specific musical examples where the "wrong" note becomes the most "right" note due to rhythmic placement. The Jazz Harmony Book By David Berkman Full
David Berkman is a pianist, composer, and educator with extensive experience in jazz and classical music. He has performed with a range of artists, including Dizzy Gillespie, Gary Peacock, and Toots Thielemans, and has taught at institutions such as the Berklee College of Music and the Manhattan School of Music. Berkman's writing style is clear and concise, making complex concepts accessible to musicians of all levels.
The book has received endorsements from major jazz figures such as Kenny Werner, Fred Hersch, and Mark Levine.
Berkman visualizes harmony as a series of "guide tones" moving a half step or whole step. He provides 50+ exercises specifically designed to isolate these two notes (the 3rd and 7th) across the progression. Once you internalize that movement, you can play any scale you want on top of it because the "structure" is solid. One of the most celebrated sections of The
Wanting to write rich, modern harmonic backgrounds.
He never presents a chord in a vacuum. Every chord alteration or substitution is explained in relation to where the music just came from and where it is going next.
) on dominant chords to create dramatic tension and smooth voice-leading pathways to the target chord. 4. Tonicization and Secondary Dominants Key Features and Content Berkman introduces a simple
This is where the book shines. Berkman teaches you how to take a simple standard (like All The Things You Are or Autumn Leaves ) and:
You can purchase The Jazz Harmony Book directly from or major retailers like Amazon, Sheet Music Plus, and Hal Leonard. Look for the spiral-bound edition for easy use on your piano stand.
He strips away the intimidating jargon of advanced jazz theory to reveal the simple logic underneath. Key Concepts Covered in the Book
This section introduces modern, often "non-functional," approaches.
"The Jazz Harmony Book" by David Berkman is a comprehensive guide to jazz harmony that offers a thorough understanding of the subject. With its clear explanations, practical applications, and comprehensive coverage, it's an essential resource for musicians looking to improve their jazz harmony skills. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced musician, this book has something to offer. So if you're looking to take your jazz playing to the next level, be sure to check out "The Jazz Harmony Book" by David Berkman.