Completely revised and enlarged third edition! Jazz Composer's Companion is divided into three main sections: Melody, Rhythm, and Harmony. Dozens musical examples as well as compositions by Bill Evans (pianist), Jaco Pastorious, Jim Hall, Ralph Towner, Steve Swallow, Pat Metheny, Michael Gibbs, and others are included in order to illustrate specific compositional techniques.

An extensive chapter on the compositional process features interviews with jazz composers including Bill Evans, Carla Bley, George Russell, Horace Silver, Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, Lyle Mays, Anthony Davis, Herbie Hancock, Richie Beirach, Ralph Towner, and more.