Real Book

The Real Book is a collection of transcribed jazz compositions and is also referred to as the bible of jazz. The various editions of the Real Books contain lead sheets of many jazz standards. Since the 1970s a number of different editions appeared, which differ both in content and in terms of their quality, their faithfulness and their copyright status. Such collections are called Fakebook. The concept of fakebooks is already much older than the Real Book, but which is the most common representative.

History

The first real book originated in the 70s at Berklee College of Music, bassist Steve Swallow and pianist Paul Bley created on the help of many students a collection of transcribed jazz compositions. It comprises mainly pieces from the vicinity of these two musicians, but also many other jazz standards and pop songs. The first two issues were mainly handwritten, only the third edition was created typographically.

The concept of the Real Book was well received in the jazz scene, so that the first editions have long been sought after and extremely find. A special feature of the Real Book is that it ( [ It ] and B ♭ [B ] C, E ♭ ) and a vocal version is available and also by musicians who play a transposing instrument, can be used as a rule in three transpositions. This has meant that the Real Book has been indispensable foundation of many sessions since the announcement of a particular page from the book was enough to set the next song.

Licenses

The collection originated in the Real Book, without regard to copyright interests into account and is therefore illegal. The composers of the recorded pieces were in no way intended compensated (with behind closed doors, the view is expressed that the inclusion of a composer in the Real Book in a sense an accolade comes, for it is worth it to give up some royalties. Finally, by other musicians are able to perform a piece, so yes again may result in a claim for royalties ).

The Real Book has been revised several times over the years, so today is the sixth -to-date version that contains no copyright infringements and can therefore be acquired and included legal. In addition, some bugs have been fixed that were included in the previous versions.

Soon the " New Real Book " from Sher Music appeared. This compilation was created with the approval of their respective owners, and therefore, is also likely to the original compositions ( the tedious transcription could be avoided in many cases if the composer presented his original notes available ). Also the print quality has greatly gained with this issue. The typography used here is now a kind of de facto standard in the field of jazz dar.

Imitator

Since the term " Real Book " has become a generic name, it is used by many other publishers, to name a compilation of transcribed pieces. For example, there is also the "Latin Real Book ", the " All- Jazz Real Book " or the " Real Jazz Standards Fake Book " and many more.