i've been practicing classic music for a long time, but i decided to take a break and do something that i actually enjoy.
i thought about trying blues, but i don't know a good book.
i was able to play beethoven's sonata, and i'm all up for working hard (as long as it's not pointless)
i also want a good etudes book so my techniques won't rust up.

suggestions please??

i'll be ordering on amazon btw.

Hi Yuuki
Are you looking for a book of blues tunes ?

hi.
yeah, that's it.

I've really enjoyed working from this book, though it's a little hard for me (I'm just a late-elementary level player, and it assumes I'm intermediate. So I go slowly).

http://www.amazon.com/Improvising-Blues-Piano-Tim-Richards/dp/0946535973/
I enjoy the music on the cd, and find that the book is good at presenting chunks of theory along with music that demonstrates what you just learned, and then gives various ways to mix things together and take off on your own.

Hi Yuuki
Some of us on this forum are using Dave Frank's Joy of Improvisation. You will find 52 blues tunes, the are great for classical people who wish to learn the blues language. You will catch the blues feel in no time.

http://www.amazon.com/Joy-Improv-Book-Dave-Frank/dp/0793578779

Thanks for reminding me -- I keep meaning to get that one too!

You're welcome Tangles. And you might wish to join us on the Join the JOI Jazz Joint where students receive a lot of support from Knotty a past student and Dave Frank himself.

I would like to recommend the Blues Hanon, if you prefer group stuff, and the Boogie Woogie Hanon, if you are more about solo work.

These books contain 60 etudes that start out very simple, and introduce concepts of the blues with extremely short pieces.

They won't teach the blues by themselves, but they're a good way to expand what you're learning.

What blues piano players are your currently listening to? It is very important that you learn from listening to other players as well.