Woodwind Doubling for Saxophone, Clarinet & Flute by Ed Joffe is a wonderful documentation of this musical art form. I particularly enjoyed the opening chapters involving the history of doublers dating as far back as the 1300’s to present day. I found this opening section very detailed and informative. Part 2 deals with the nuts and bolts including useful practice tips and focused study habits. Ed captures the full scope of the responsibilities players must achieve to guarantee success. No stone is unturned with his detailed pedagogy. Part 3 is dedicated to “hands on” examples of many musical phrases and concepts woodwind doublers will see as a professional. Some very famous pieces and solos are addressed here involving both historic and modern works. Included are numerous helpful tips to survive treacherous musical situations as a woodwind doubler. Ed also makes it very clear that the quality of technique and style is of utmost importance in the current musical climate. This is extremely important as work in this field is declining.
I highly recommend this text for anyone interested in making woodwind-doubling part of his or her musical career. The information in this book goes to the heart of musical woodwind doubling.