Jazz

I gave this book to my son, who is a professional jazz guitarist, for Christmas. He really appreciated it, not only for the quality of the illustrations and the thoroughness of the text, but the fact that it included bar charts and additional information that he, as a musician, really valued. I, a non-musician, thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the subject and now am listening to musicians and forms of jazz I did not understand before. It has enhanced both my enjoyment and my appreciation of jazz.

This is the most eloquent book to date on jazz. Gary Giddins and Scott Deveaux , a noted musicologist, have captured the excitement of the unique American art form with words, images, and sound. The book under review seeks to devote its attention to the heart of jazz, namely rhythm and meter. The authors, jazz critics Gary Giddins and Scott Deveaux, both teachers of jazz and story at the University of Virginia, evaluate the social origins of jazz and the historical content of the music. The story begins in the 20th century with ragtime and blues. These scholars follow the music to Chicago and New York in the 1920s with such great singers as Billy Halliday and Ella Fitzgerald who are discussed, along with the development of bebop as a jazz type. In the last chapter, which this reviewer found most intellectualy stimulating, cool jazz and avant garde jazz are discussed. Each of the 19 chapters contain classic jazz shots, including 17 full-page portraits by Hermand Leondard, considered by many the greatest jazz photographer of our time. Quoting from this gem of a book, "This book, along with its listening guide and references to other works, should serve as a fairly comprehensive introduction to jazz , for either you are drawn to particular pieces, and the styles and eras represented, or have an interest in confronting jazz as a whole. Reviewed by Claude Ury

Great read for casual jazz fans and scholars alike. Describes the history of jazz, the music theory behind it, and the major figures involved. Also includes a glossary at the end and 101 discs to start out your best jazz collection. My two favorite parts: 1) commentary on individual tracks, with descriptions of what's going on at each moment in the song; 2) the phrase, "There is much not to like about smooth jazz - like everything."

I received my item very quickly and it was in excellent condition, as promised. Great seller.