Latin Jazz Piano Improvisation : Clave, Comping, and Soloing

Latin Jazz Piano Improvisation: Clave, Comping, and Soloing by Rebecca Cline is a structured piano method designed to teach authentic Afro-Cuban and Latin jazz improvisation. This instructional book focuses on developing rhythmic, harmonic, and melodic fluency at the piano/keyboard through guided exercises and stylistic analysis.

Ideal for jazz pianists, students, educators, and self-directed learners, the method centers on understanding and internalizing the clave as the rhythmic foundation of Latin music. You’ll explore how syncopation, phrasing, groove placement, and chord movement shape both comping and soloing, helping you build stylistically accurate and confident improvisation skills.

What’s Included

Clear explanations, written exercises, and musical examples presented in standard notation. Each copy includes online audio access via a unique code inside the book. The recordings feature demonstration and play-along tracks to reinforce timing, groove, and stylistic accuracy. Audio files include PLAYBACK+, allowing you to slow audio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and adjust stereo balance for focused practice.

Why It’s Valuable

Drawing inspiration from influential Cuban pianists such as Rubén Gonzáles of Buena Vista Social Club, Pedro “Peruchín” Jústiz, and Lilí Martínez Griñán, this guide breaks down the essential techniques that define authentic Latin jazz piano. You’ll strengthen rhythmic independence between hands, refine comping patterns, and develop solos that lock naturally into Afro-Cuban grooves.

Whether used in private lessons, university jazz programs, or independent study, this Berklee Guide offers a focused and practical pathway to mastering Latin jazz piano improvisation.

Rebecca has compiled a great resource for answering many questions that arise in the study of Latin and Afro-Caribbean piano. In an efficient and well-organized manner, Cline has achieved a comprehensive summary of this information. She provides practical examples and methodical ways of approaching the idiomatic ideas, giving anyone the opportunity to explore and develop this powerful music. I have no doubt that this book will open and facilitate the path to many students, professionals, and anyone interested in the Afro-Cuban tradition. --Luis Marín, Pianist (Gilberto Santa Rosa, Cheo Feliciano, Ismael Miranda, Andy Montañez, Victor Manuelle, Tito Nieves, Humberto Ramírez, Jimmy Bosch, and many others)

This book is an excellent, methodical exploration of how to play Latin jazz. The explanations and exercises about understanding the concept of the clave are very clear and thorough, and will help you learn to create solos and accompaniment parts that capture the range of Latin grooves combined with the expressive breath of jazz. The accompanying recording sounds fantastic and is an excellent practice tool. Very highly recommended for any pianist who wants to play Latin jazz. --Rebeca Mauleón, pianist, composer/arranger, producer, author, and editor (The Salsa Guidebook, Latin Real Book, 101 Montunos, and Latin Real Easy Book)

Rebecca has put together a very informative and well researched method for the study of Afro Carribean piano. From Peruchín to Palmieri, she presents a lot of useful information in a very practical and organized way. The examples and exercises are all excellent and should be very helpful to anyone looking to delve deeper into the rich history of Latin American music. --Miguel Zenón, performer/composer/bandleader, multiple Grammy® nominee, Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellow (SF Jazz, Antonio Sanchez, Guillermo Klein, and many others)