David Berkman is one of the top jazz pianists in New York with seven records out under his own name. He has performed or recorded with countless jazz stars including Sonny Stitt, Joe Lovano, Eddie Henderson, Brian Blade,Dave Douglas, Chris Potter, etc. An in-demand jazz educator on three continents, he is an associate professor of music at Queens College in NY.

This is a definitive study of harmony from someone who knows harmony. The Jazz Harmony Book is a great way for musicians to completely understand and implement harmony in their music. He makes a great point that jazz has evolved mostly rhythmically. And while he pays full tribute to rhythm and the excitement of this modern music, he makes the very true point that while rhythm has evolved, harmony in modern music seems to have devolved. Perhaps if up-and-coming jazz musicians follow David s insightful path to harmony, that might change! KENNY WERNER --Private correspondence

This book is very comprehensive and well-organized and one of the better books I have seen on this subject. The Tips for Composers alone are worth the price of the book. FRED HERSCH --Private correspondence

Since David Berkman was appointed to the Aaron Copland School at Queens College, the difference in the level of sophistication of our graduates in both performing and composing has been tremendous. Musicians get much more value from all of our courses because of the understanding they gain from the material contained in this book. When musicians understand harmony they hear more detail in the music and can participate at a much higher level. David has a gift for explaining complex ideas and guiding musicians along the path of learning jazz harmony. This book is invaluable! MICHAEL PHILIP MOSSMAN --Private correspondence