Training the Ear:

Any suggestions, i.e. books, websites, or just advice?

Ricci Adams' Musictheory.net for simple intervals etc.

teor

i always suggest transcribing. I've used books for several years and have had proper education on this field,but none has taught me as much as transribing myself. that be solo/melodies or harmonies.

just pick any cd you like, and start writing the melody down on paper. if it gets dull try writing it without the support of an instrument. It can take a long time to get the first bar right, but after a while you see yourself writing whole phrases in one take

I have found Bruce Arnold, a New York Based (somewhat)free-jazz guitarist's method to be quite excellent. His web site is muse-eek.com. Starting from the beginning of his series has been really enlightening for me. He focuses on the sound of each note in a key. For instance, you learn to identify the m6 of a key not by comparing it to something else, but actually by knowing that specific sound. It has opened many doors for me, as I now hear and feel the music. The differences between each of the notes have become so clear to me, and these differences suggest so many things to me that I didn't hear before.

Sorry for the overwhelming praise...I just think this guy is great!