There was a thread about which Fake Book to use, but I cannot find it. So, which Fake Book for Jazz, Top 40, etc is the best. I am trying to get my repertoire in shape. Later.
I don't know about Top 40 fake books, but for jazz standards what you want to get is called "The Real Book". Make sure you get the key of "C" version, not the "B Flat" (for Trumpet, Tenor Sax, etc.) of "E Flat" (Alto Sax) versions, unless your sight transposition skills are outstanding. The next question is where do you find it? I've had mine for 20 years, and when I bought it it was illegal, and probably still is, it's just that nobody enforces it. There was a music store in town that was able to order an E Flat version for me not too long ago, so I know that it's possible. Make sure it's "The Real Book"...not something called "The Real Fake Book", that ain't it. "The Real Book"'s charts are all hand-written, and among the standards you will find are: Autumn Leaves Blue Bossa Confirmation Donna Lee Footprints Four Girl from Ipanema Giant Steps Satin Doll Wave Spain etc. etc. etc.
Chuck Sher publishes the "New Real Book"(LEGAL); IMO, it's the S***. Book 1, IMO, is the "better" of the 3(there's also a Latin Real Book & a new Standards Real Book by Sher). Aebersold may have it; check http://www.jajazz.com
Thanks all, and especially Ed. I went to the old thread and was lead to the waters of enlightenment. Later.