Finally got some jazz stuff for my Sax, well I've got a few copies of a few tunes. Basically, out of the Real Book Eb edition (I've got Take Five, Say a Little Prayer, Feeling Good & Killing Me Softly with His Song) and I just don't get it!

It's all perfectly sight readable and I've been counting properly but it sounds out of time with recordings?? Really don't know what I'm doing wrong and just really don't get this whole Jazz thing, HELP!!

Are you playing it straight rather than swinging it?

Which Real Book? The ABRSM one (which could be different) or one of the many others?

The thing about Real Books is that the dots are usually just a guide. Nobody really plays the tune as it's written down because that sounds square, the exception being some of the be-bop tunes. You tend to move the timing about a bit, maybe add in some extra notes or ornamentation until it sounds right. I'd have thought Take Five would be pretty much as written though.

I'd agree one factor might be straight/swung quavers

Except that only Take Five out of the tunes Pixie has listed should be swung, the others are all straight.

Oh yes, hadn't spotted that. Musicstand had Say a Little Prayer in one of those play a long soul books. It sounded very nice with the backing CD.

Going to have another go today, OH said the pieces sounded OK, I think a part of it may have been me thinking of different versions with more than just a lonely saxophone.

Ain't really got a clue what to do for the improv. sections though!! I have used the chords indicated added in a couple of passing notes to add some interested and messed about with the rhythm, going to have fun with that getting something that sounds good.