Hal Leonard Corporation The Real Book - Volume II: Bb Edition

The Real Book - Volume II (Bb Edition) from Hal Leonard Corporation is a cornerstone reference for jazz musicians who play Bb transposing instruments. With 400 jazz standards spanning decades of the genre, this volume picks up where Volume I leaves off, offering an entirely new collection of essential tunes that working jazz musicians are expected to know. Each piece is presented in fake book format—melody, chord symbols, and lyrics where applicable—giving players everything they need for jam sessions, gigs, and personal study.

What sets this edition apart from earlier, unauthorized versions of The Real Book is its fully legal status. Hal Leonard worked directly with publishers and rights holders to produce accurate, properly licensed charts, meaning the composers and lyricists behind these standards receive the royalties they are owed. For Bb instrument players—trumpeters, tenor and soprano saxophonists, clarinetists, and others—this edition eliminates the need for on-the-spot transposition, letting musicians focus on interpretation and performance rather than mental arithmetic.