These 12 brand new jazz piano solos vividly evoke the days when popular songs where built around sophisticated melodies and harmonies. Each piece has been composed to suggest a certain mood or atmosphere which encourages the intermediate level player to perform it with maximum feeling. With chord symbols included, this memorable collection combines an enjoyable celebration of a timeless genre with an invaluable opportunity for the pianist in search of expressive interpretation to master melody and harmony. 'For anyone looking for more substantial pieces than EasiJazz in John Kember's thoroughly delightful style, I'd recommend his brand new 'Original Ballads'. Each of the twelve jazz piano solos contained between the colourful covers is a perfect two- or three-page 'song without words'. You can even imagine the lyrics for yourself, too, as the titles give suggestive starting points. John Kember writes so idiomatically and gratifyingly, relishing the rhythms, harmonic richness and tunefulness of the medium. This is music to teach and play for sheer pleasure. It will reward any exploration.' John York - Pianist and Teacher www.yorkpiano.co.uk 'As always, Kember thinks of the pedagogical in his music and this selection of pieces will do much to develop a pupil's chord-voicing skills' Hilary Garrett, Music Teacher Magazine / Piano
