The Definitive Jazz Collection (1994, Paperback)

Printing, paper stock and cover are of excellent quality. The song selection is excellent also, however about 10 - 15% of the songs are in non-standard keys. For that reason these will be problematic for jam sessions or combos. Also the chord changes written above the melody lines are often awkward and not common practice.

Lastly there is, to my knowledge, no corresponding edition for a rhythm section, ie. piano, bass, guitar or drums. I've seen a piano version but it is a disaster, it has all the same songs but often in different keys than the horn versions! Rather useless.

If you teach any of the horns for which these books are printed they would be of good service. If you are actually going to try and perform any of the music therein you will need to create your own rhythm section music.