The Real Philadelphia Book

“As far back as I can remember, The Real Book has been a must-have for jazz musicians. It brings me great joy that this particular version features the music of Philadelphia musicians. Philadelphia has always had a wealth of wonderful composers, so this is another must-have version of The Real Book for gigging cats. I’m honored to have a few of my own compositions included.”—Joey DeFrancesco, Grammy-nominated organist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, multiple DownBeat poll winner

“Philadelphia is steeped in jazz culture and has made significant contributions to the many sounds of jazz, dating back to its early pioneers, Joe Venuti and Eddie Lang. Many, including Jimmy Smith and Lee Morgan, helped shape the idiom known as hard bop, while others, most notably John Coltrane, forged new frontiers. All left their compositional mark on the music, and many are highlighted in this splendid edition of The Real Philadelphia Book .”—Michael Ricci, Founder of All About Jazz

“Thank God for The Real Philadelphia Book and the Heath Brothers. Celebrating the gifts and talents of Philadelphians is incredible. The concert I performed with them was filled with love, laughs, tears, joy and celebration. Jimmy Heath’s music takes you on an emotional journey as both performer and listener. The gift is to look back and reflect upon the high level of musicianship demonstrated on stage and documented in this book.”
—Terell Stafford, Grammy-winning trumpeter and Chair of Instrumental Studies and Jazz at Temple University

“The Real Book is perhaps the most widely used publication amongst jazz musicians. It’s a great idea to present a version of your hometown. My pride is overflowing as I share with my homies to keep that Philly Love and bond strong.”—Duane Eubanks, trumpeter, composer, educator

“The Real Philadelphia Book is now a staple in the jazz community. It serves as a resource while supporting the outstanding composers from the Philadelphia area. Philadelphia has always harvested a wealth of talent on so many levels—it grows stronger with each generation. Jazz Bridge is a great supporter, always shining a light on Philadelphia musicians. The Real Philadelphia Book is the real deal.”
—Monnette Sudler, guitarist, composer, vocalist, recording artist, educator

“In years to come, this will be seen as a gift of musical ancestry and a historical documentation of stories you could only attribute to jazz. I am overjoyed that I sit in this circle of the most honored Philadelphia jazz griots and get to share my story! Embracing this book is a reminder that we each have a story to tell. The griots would say, ‘A story, a story, bring it!’”—Rhenda Fearrington, vocalist and President of the Jazz Bridge Project

“The Real Philadelphia Book is an amazing project that celebrates the way in which a jazz community can be made up of a beautiful harmony of similarities and differences. Philadelphia, like so many other great cities in our country, has produced a plethora of great jazz composers, and, with such well-edited charts, it is clear to me that this book will become an immediate treasure in the jazz education community.”
—Dr. Angelo Versace, pianist and Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Arizona