The Rhythm Changes Guide (Sher Music, 2020) Endorsements Lukas has put together an amazing, much needed book on one of music's most universal forms. It is very clear and concise and can be used on several different levels. Whether you are a beginning or an advanced improviser, there are many things to be learned here. I plan on using it for my classes and lessons as well as for my own playing and practicing. Five stars and highly recommended!” — Rick Margitza This is the most thorough and useful method on the subject of "rhythm" changes I have seen. I would recommend this book to everyone who wants to improve their ability to negotiate tunes based on "rhythm" changes; always a challenge to jazz musicians. The Rhythm Changes Guide will be a tremendous asset to anyone interested in this subject.” — Walt Weiskopf The Rhythm Changes Guide by Lukas Gabric has everything you need to know about playing the time-honored song form.The author,a master musician,offers detailed insight into his harmonic concepts and gives everyone the chance to learn more about the art of jazz improvisation by sharing this deep knowledge of the subject matter. A must have!” — Thomas Gansch Blues and rhythm changes are important milestones in jazz music. I personally know some research on playing the blues but not much on rhythm changes. This book by Lukas is a great study on this very important part of jazz. I warmly recommend it to everyone who wants to dive deeply into rhythm changes.” — Tony Lakatos This book works well as a kind of encyclopedia of rhythm changes, and that's a valuable thing for serious, committed mainstream jazz improvisers (certainly including myself ) to have as a kind of reference work. It's well organized, and so thorough that even though I've spent a few hundred hours myself on rhythm changes, I can still find pathways that I haven't yet explored.” — Dan Greenblatt
Five Strategies for Developing Jazz Language (Mel Bay, 2021) Description According to musician and musicologist Gunther Schuller, 75% of all harmonic movement in jazz consists of ii-V-I progressions. Consequently, for the jazz improvisor, it is extremely important to be capable of playing a coherent phrase based on any member note of the ii chord and its extensions, in any key. In this book, music educator and world-renowned jazz saxophonist, Lukas Gabric focuses on helping you develop this essential skill. The five strategies outlined in Jazz Course for All Instruments are specifically designed to enhance your vocabulary and fluency as a jazz improviser. In a key segment, Gabric explains how longer phrases can be generated by combining minimal source materials. He also seeks to further your transposition and memorization skills as well as instrumental technique—all of which are required for effective improvisation. For those familiar with other styles of music, this reasoned, incremental approach could well open the door to the exciting world of improvised jazz.
Double Standard (Alessa Records, 2022) "Lukas’ level of artistry does not come easy, it’s the product of raw talent combined with persistence, hard work, and the evident and apparent love for an artform. Lukas has mastered the tenor saxophone with seemingly flawless technique, a rich big warm sound, and great notes streaming out of the horn. All of Lukas’ compositions on this album make for excellent listening. Beautifully crafted and satisfying to the ear, Double Standard is a terrific collection." Walt Weiskopf, September 2021
The Double Standard saxophone solo transcriptions book for B-Flat instruments.
Labor of Love (Alessa Records, 2019) Liner Notes by Joel Frahm When Lukas Gabric asked me to write a bit about this excellent new recording, I knew it would be a pleasure to sit and listen to his playing before I had heard a note, I’ve known Lukas for more than a handful of years at this point, and have had the pleasure of observing his growth from a young saxophonist of great potential to a fully developed mature artist. That maturity is possibly what strikes me the most about his playing on this recording. I hear the beautiful richness of his tone, the seamlessness of his phrasing, the consistency and mastery of time and swing. He shows admirable restraint and tenderness on the lovely string arrangements of ballads such as “Nancy” and “I’m Glad There Is You”, and then some jaw-dropping tenor virtuosity on “Monochrome” and “Momentum”. This is a saxophonist in full control of what he wants to project with the chops and confidence to do it. He shows the wisdom to really vary the mood of the program of the record which keeps me intrigued as a listener and highlights the dynamics of his playing in a dramatic way; a strategy I truly appreciate. Lastly, and most importantly, I hear him playing with real heart and gusto, which is what I always want to experience the most when listening to a great jazz player. I am proud of the musician that Lukas has become, and I know this recording will be a wonderful reaffirmation of his artistry to those who already know his playing, and an exciting introduction for new fans as well. Enjoy the lovely music.
The Labor of Love saxophone solo transcriptions book for B-Flat instruments.