• Good entry into blues soloing, but a little cheesy

  
  As reviewed by SnarkyGoat on 11/1/2006

  Blues Jam Trax is a collection of about a dozen different blues backing tracks over which one can practice blues soloing and improvisation. This particular collection, using the same tracks, has been around for at least fifteen years now. In fact, when I was a beginning player, this was my introduction to playing blues lead guitar. Without doubt, these tracks can be extremely helpful in teaching the new blues player how to play basic blues over different blues progressions, in a number of different keys, at different tempos, and in several different blues styles, many of which are based on famous blues songs like "Stormy Monday." Different scales are suggested for each track and each track is introduced with a brief description of the track's key and tempo. In the absence of an experienced backing band, these tracks are great for figuring out the basics of how to solo with a backup band, especially for those - like me back in the day - who don't even know how to play in 12/8 time. Unfortunately, however, these tracks sound a little dated (one wouldn't have thought that possible, given that the blues have hardly changed in the last 15 years...) and somewhat cheesy. Of course, it might be that my ear and playing have developed over the last decade and a half, and that I pretty much wore out the Jam Trax cassette back in the early 90's (I got it before they issued it on CD, but they haven't changed the tracks.). In any case, this CD is great for a beginner or for any player looking to get their feet wet playing the blues.

  4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
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• Never Play Alone Again

  
  As reviewed by Blind Puddin' on 10/25/2006

  You'll never have to play alone again! Ten excellent cuts that allow you to play (and sing lead if the mood strikes you) with a real band. (See, it was the other guys holding you back.) These are good solid tracks in a variety of styles and keys that allow you the freedom to jam without having to share your beer. Your wife or parents will hate it, but you'll have a ball. A must buy for those challenged finding musically inclined friends. The cd comes with a book outlining suggested / appropriate scale patterns and chord progressions for each track. I run my cd player through one amp, flip on a mic, plug in my Strat and pray the neighbors don't call the cops.

  1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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