Joe Venuti was the first and greatest jazz violinist. In 1954 an impromptu recording session in duet with guitarist Tony Romano produced, in the words of respected jazz critic Leonard Feather, "music of the highest and purest order." British Jazz violinist and teacher Aidan Massey has meticulously transcribed Venuti's breathtaking solos from this session, the audio available online. Paul Anastasio who studied with Venuti says this represents Joe's "best recorded work" and that Massey "has done a terrific job of writing spot-on, highly accurate transcriptions." The book contains an introduction by Richard Niles Romano with a brief biography of his father Tony Romano and Venuti and the circumstances surrounding this rare historic recording.


Displays all the key elements of Joe Venuti's style.

Written in English, all musical examples in standard notation with bowings and fingerings for violinists (and guitar cues where needed).

Each solo annotated by Massey with detailed explanation of Venuti's swing phrasing and unique techniques such as his double-stooping, pizzicato, "fearsome" off-the-string staccato and his 4-string bowing. Extra exercises are included in these annotations.

Medium to advanced in difficulty, this method is designed not only for jazz violinists but as Pat Metheny says, study of these fine solos will benefit players of all instruments and styles. Venuti's solos include quotes from Fiorillo, Tschaikovsky's, Hubay and Albanian folk-songs.

The back cover contains endorsements from Pat Metheny, Bob James, Leonard Feather, Martin Taylor, Tim Kliphius, Gavyn Wright and Paul Anastasio.

Includes access to online audio

Almost Like Being In Love      
Autumn Leaves      
Feeling Free and Easy      
I Remember Joe      
I Want To Be Happy      
Summertime      
You Know You Belong To Somebody Else       Trans. by Aidan Massey