play-along album

[Cookies0090]

Hi,

If the mass commercialization of jazz instruction has a decisive moment, it would probably be the arrival in 1967 of a play-along album and guidebook called ''How to Play Jazz and Improvise.'' The recording featured a rhythm section only, leaving room for anyone to fill in the blanks. Though not the first effort of its kind -- a company called Music Minus One was already in business -- it was quickly the most successful, and influential.

(Jazz Is Alive and Well. In the Classroom, Anyway. The NY Times)


What is the meaning of "play-along" in the above?

[SoothingDave]

The recording featured a rhythm section only, leaving room for anyone to fill in the blanks.

The recording featured the rhythm section only. It was made for people to use their own instruments to play along with the record.