Baby Steps to Giant Steps is a complete instructional jazz play-along package with a unique twist. The included minus-drums CD features 11 tracks that gradually step up in tempo from 100 to 310 BPM. Based on classic jazz standards, these play-along tunes give the drummer the opportunity to work on increasing his/her jazz drumming facility in a real-world musical fashion. The package contains drum charts and suggested patterns for each song, as well as a lead sheet for each song, helping the drummer to understand what he or she may encounter on a real jazz gig. Written by two jazz pros, Peter Retzlaff and Jim Rupp, Baby Steps to Giant Steps also includes a complete instructional method for learning how to play jazz, covering such topics as developing your jazz ride cymbal pattern, feathering the bass drum, learning comping patterns, and playing with brushes. All of the songs and educational topics are accompanied by clear text that explains the concepts, along with an extensive recommended listening discography. Peter Retzlaff has performed with Kenny Werner, Greg Osby, Diane Schuur, Ray Vega, Maynard Ferguson, Pete McCann, Loren Stillman, and Kim Bock, and teaches at Drummers Collective in New York City. Jim Rupp has performed with Diane Schuur, the Woody Herman Orchestra, Ray Charles, Joe Lovano, Buddy DeFranco, Tony Bennett, the Smithsonian Masterworks Jazz Orchestra, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Hank Marr, Clark Terry, Joe Williams, Rosemary Clooney, and Natalie Cole.