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In Bb - -work Full- 557 Jazz Standards

15.12.2019

In Bb - -work Full- 557 Jazz Standards

This report assumes the context of a Bb Instrumentalist (such as a Tenor Saxophonist, Soprano Saxophonist, or Trumpeter) playing from a "Concert Key" Real Book, or an ensemble analyzing the characteristics of the keys that result from this transposition.

What Exactly Is “-FULL- 557 Jazz Standards in Bb”?

At its core, this is a comprehensive, encyclopedic collection of lead sheets. A lead sheet contains the bare essentials: the melody (written in standard notation), the chord symbols (e.g., Cmaj7, D-7, G7), and the song form (AABA, ABAC, etc.). The “Bb” designation means the music is transposed for instruments whose written C sounds like a Bb on a piano.

The “-FULL-“ prefix is crucial. Many jazz collections offer “highlights” or “top 100” lists. The “FULL” version of the 557 standards claims to be exhaustive. It attempts to include not just the obvious Miles Davis and Charlie Parker classics, but also obscure B-sides from Broadway musicals, forgotten Tin Pan Alley gems, and modal explorations from the 1960s.

The number 557 is specific because it strikes a balance. It is large enough to be intimidating, but finite enough to be mastered over a career. Contrast this with “The Real Book” (6th edition), which has roughly 400-500 tunes but often excludes older standards. The 557 list is curated to avoid redundancy while embracing diversity.

4. How to Use This Collection Effectively

Owning the PDF or physical book is only step one. Here is how to turn this collection into a tool for musical growth: -FULL- 557 jazz standards in bb

6. Recommendations for Practice

To master the 557 standards with a focus on Bb:

  1. Master the "C" Scale: Since Concert Bb is the most common jam key, Bb instrumentalists must have total mastery of the C Major scale and its modes (D Dorian, G Mixolydian).
  2. Interval Training: The interval from the 3rd of the scale (E) to the 7th (B) is critical in the key of C for Bb instruments. This defines the "jazz sound" on Tenor/Trumpet.
  3. "The Real Book" Navigation: If using the legal Real Book (6th Edition), be aware that many charts are written in Concert Key. A Bb player must transpose "on the fly" or use a Bb Edition.
    • Note: If you own the "Bb Edition," the book has already done the transposition for you. "Autumn Leaves" (Concert G Minor) becomes A Minor for you. "All The Things You Are" (Concert Ab) becomes Bb for you.

7. Limitations & Tips

The Ultimate Treasure Trove: Exploring the -FULL- 557 Jazz Standards in Bb

For the modern jazz musician, the journey from student to seasoned performer is often measured in repertoire. You need to know the tunes—the timeless chord changes, the memorable melodies, and the history behind them. But for players of Bb instruments (tenor sax, trumpet, clarinet, soprano sax, flugelhorn), there’s an additional hurdle: transposition. What is concert C is your D. What is concert F is your G.

That is why the collection known as “-FULL- 557 Jazz Standards in Bb” has become a legendary, almost mythical, resource in practice rooms and green rooms worldwide. It is not just a book of songs; it is a roadmap to the American Songbook and the Jazz canon, tailored specifically for the Bb soloist.

In this article, we will dissect what this collection contains, why the number 557 is significant, how to use these leadsheets effectively, and why having the “full” version changes your musical trajectory. This report assumes the context of a Bb

Why “557”? A Historical Footnote

Why not 500? Why not 600? The number 557 is rumored to originate from a specific library compiled by a group of Berklee College of Music professors in the late 1980s. They cross-referenced the Top 100 charts from DownBeat magazine, the ASCAP songbook, and every tune played at the Village Vanguard over a 10-year period. The final tally was 557 unique compositions that had been recorded at least three times by major jazz artists.

That list has proven resilient. Even as new standards emerge (Robert Glasper’s “Cherish the Day,” Esperanza Spalding’s “I Know You Know”), the original 557 remain the bedrock of the jazz education system.

The "Page Turn" Problem

With 557 songs, finding a tune quickly during a set is a skill.

557 Jazz Standards in Bb is a specialized fake book and PDF collection highly valued by jazz musicians playing transposing instruments What Exactly Is “-FULL- 557 Jazz Standards in Bb”

such as trumpet, tenor saxophone, and clarinet. Unlike standard "Real Books" usually found in the key of C, this 445-page resource transposes melody lines and chord symbols into Bb, allowing these instrumentalists to play classic repertoire without mental transposition. Core Content & Repertoire The collection spans the transition from Swing to Bebop

, covering a vast range of styles including Hard Bop, Cool Jazz, Modal, and Latin Jazz. It features works by legendary composers such as Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and Thelonious Monk. Notable standards included are: A-M Favorites:

"All the Things You Are," "Autumn in New York," "Body and Soul," "Fly Me to the Moon," and "In a Sentimental Mood". M-R Essentials:

"Mack the Knife," "Milestones," "Misty," "Night and Day," and "Ornithology". S-Z Classics:

"Satin Doll," "Stella by Starlight," "Summertime," "Take the 'A' Train," and "Yesterdays". Key Features for Musicians To Bb or not to Bb - Skrivarna Software