Jazz. History, instruments, musicians, recordings

by John Fordham

From Dixieland to swing, bebop to fusion, and hip-hop to funk, jazz has been the constant and ever-changing soundtrack to 20th-century American life. Sometimes hot, sometimes cool, this raucous, quixotic, and fiercely improvisational force of nature was born in the joyful shouts of camp meetings and the hymns of segregated Southern churches, in the work songs of the railroad and the ring calls of the cotton fields, in the soulful wail of itinerant blues and the chugging ragtime rhythms of riverboats and sporting houses. It came of age alongside dance crazes, the movies, the record industry, and worldwide broadcasting. And with today's new crop of innovative "young lions" of jazz, this quintessentially American music shows no signs of slowing down.
This essential guide documents all aspects of the world of jazz, from its fascinating history and landmark recordings to key instruments and techniques and influential musicians. All the "greats'' are here, from Scott Joplin to Winton Marsalis, Bessie Smith to Cassandra Wilson. Illustrated with evocative color and black-and-white photos, timecharts, and jazz memorabilia, Jazz is the essential reference for beginners and connoisseurs alike. 10" x 12".

Genres: Music, Jazz, Reference, History, Nonfiction

216 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

John Fordham is a British jazz critic and writer. For the illustrator see John Fordham (with two space characters) between first and last name.

Reviews

[Gilles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un magnifique livre de référence sur le Jazz.

Il est découpé en différentes sections ;

L'histoire du Jazz et son évolution
Les instruments
Les géants du jazz
Les techniques
Et une sélection de disques classiques par sous-genre

Un livre assez fouillé accompagné de magnifiques photos.

Par contre, j'ai déploré une prédilection pour les formes de Jazz plus récentes alors que mon Jazz préféré est le Jazz classique et le Bebop ainsi que le peu de considération pour le Jazz vocal que j'adore pour ma part. Mes préférés sont Louis Armstrong (musicien) et Ella Fitzgerald (chanteuse).

Mais, somme toute, j'ai beaucoup aimé et c'est un livre de référence que je vais garder près de moi.

[Donald Glover · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Fordham's Jazz is an informative, compelling, and comprehensive study of the art form. It plants a seed and offers sunshine and a steady mist for anyone new to jazz. Simultaneously, the book provides a steady rain that encourages deeper, stronger roots and higher, wider crowns for those well-versed in the genre. This book is a must-read for anyone who desires a better understanding of jazz and its history.

[Robert Kemp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good history of the development of jazz, the important players, how jazz progressed over the years, etc. Also listed quite a few of the important recordings, many of which landed on my want list.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, colourful introduction to the history, characteristics, styles and musicians of jazz - not biased by the British perspective.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great history and pictures of Jazz muscians and their origins!