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Jazz Resources in the Library: Fake Books & Artists' Transcriptions

This guide describes many of the jazz resources available from the UNC Libraries and explains how to find them.

Artists' Transcriptions

The Music Library also owns many collections of music transcribed as recorded by the artist. Some of them include biographical and discographical information on the artist.

Search the Library Catalog

Advanced Search | New Books | WorldCat

To find jazz music scores, use ALL FIELDS search in the catalog

  • Note the Auto-Suggest feature as you type
  • Refine your search with limiters on the left side of the screen

Ex. ALL FIELDS: Coltrane transcriptions    
     RESOURCE TYPE: Music score

Ex. ALL FIELDS: jazz fake books
 RESOURCE TYPE: Music score

Pay attention to the item's location; there are several collections on campus that have music materials.

When you find a score you are interested in, click on its Subject tab to find similar items.  If the item you want is checked out or we don't own it, you can request it through Interlibrary Loan.

Fake Books

The Ultimate Jazz Fakebook, compiled by Herb WongThe Music Library owns hundreds of fake books for jazz and other kinds of music. These books contain a "shorthand" for working musicians of the lead sheet with chord changes and lyrics.

Jazz Fake Books