Swing Favorites - Alto Sax: Big Band Play-Along Volume 1 (Hal Leonard Big Band Play-Along)

have to agree, sax is very much in the background and trumpet is out front. A bit odd... almost like these songs were made for the "demo-version" of a trumpet book. However, this is the only place I have found this much music of the style in a book and I can still play with the music which is fun. Maybe this recording is for sax players playing as a part of section of a much larger band - - - so, no real sax solos out-front, just the sax part of the whole. I really enjoy the music and will definitely get these songs down. I don't hesitate to give 4 stars b/c the of the music ---- Song 3. In the mood is a major sax song... so go there if you want to be playing without many breaks and even a fun solo (though it sounds like dueling saxes and they don't have the 2nd part) still great - I might transcri.... and song 7. Stompin' at the Savoy has a great sax solo! :)

Great music, but I do like two tracks of the same number. One with a sample of the tenor play, so you can hear how to play it right and one without to perform by yourself. I think the music is not really good for a solo performance. Lots of trumpet solo's in it and the sax is just one of backgrounds from the band. It's more fun to play for yourself to learn to play with a big band.

Very nice arrangements. You are actually playing with a jazz big band band on this recording. These play along books are wonderful during covid-19 when ensembles are not getting together.

The CD really makes a difference, helps to keep me in time and in tune. I like most of the selections, just wish the set contained more that were familiar. Overall, if you like Big Band music, this is a fun investment!

quite good for practice..the back up tracks do not sound over processed.

Favorite book for my 8th grader! Swing favorites are fun to play and a bit challenging. I would say this is more for a 9th grader but my child is a bit more advanced so it works for them.

Great for getting back in the swing of things

Very easy sheet music for someone getting back into playing. It's nice because I have multiple versions of this book and cd and all overlap nicely. The alto part is unique, the tenor is unique, etc.

Superb book. My grown-up Daughter started to learn the saxophone a few months ago. She is very enthusiastic but has little spare time. This book has inspired her and confirmed her suspicions that this is the type of music she would like to play. At the suggestion of their teacher she is now in the process of setting up a band of the students. All this has come about through the inspiration of this book.

Not really any good as you just sit with a Big band Sound and the part you are playing is already played throughout the pieces. I am a big fan of Hal Leonard publications but find this Edition not challenging, not rewarding, and really of no use. I hope this saves someone some Money!

Great arrangements, fabulous backing tracks. Would highly recommend this series.

The handwritten font is a bit difficult to read - and the songs are a challenge enough without the need for an unclear font for the music script.

Nice selection of songs, bought to practice some small BB pieces for soloing etc. Keeps me smiling and not too expensive!