The Real Book Volume 1 Sixth Edition – C Instruments Jazz Fake Book vs The Jazz Theory Book by Mark Levine
Overall winner: The Real Book Volume 1 Sixth Edition – C Instruments Jazz Fake Book
Key Differences
Choose The Real Book (Hal Leonard) if you want a large collection of jazz lead-sheets and a practical fake-book for performance and repertoire study (noted for extensive song selection and readable charts, though chart quality is mixed). Choose The Jazz Theory Book (Mark Levine) if you need in-depth, clearly explained jazz theory and teaching material rather than a broad set of lead-sheets
The Real Book Volume 1 Sixth Edition – C Instruments Jazz Fake Book
Jazz standard lead sheets with chords and melodies. Includes extensive song selection and original notes for 100 songs. Readability noted even in dim light
Pros
- extensive song selection
- original notes for 100 songs
- readable in dim light
- teaching-friendly format
Cons
- chart quality mixed
- some charts missing
The Jazz Theory Book by Mark Levine
A comprehensive guide to jazz theory with clear explanations and examples from jazz material. Helps musicians understand music theory in an easy-to-understand and readable format, aided by a larger, eye-friendly layout. Customers praise its readability and structured breakdown of jazz concepts
Pros
- clear explanations
- comprehensive coverage
- easy-to-understand writing style
Cons
- N/A
Head-to-Head
| Criteria | Winner |
|---|---|
| Price | Hal Leonard Corp |
| Durability | Tie |
| Versatility | Hal Leonard Corp |
| User Reviews | Tie |