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pemuth59's review against another edition
4.0
We all probably know a jazz buff. I've known a few. Nice people in general, but their complete submersion and downright (sorry) snobbery about all other forms of music can be more than a little off-putting. For this and other reasons (no lyrics, difficult listening at times), jazz never seemed quite worth the effort.
If only a great book like "Jazz" was around 25 years ago. Gary Giddins and Scott DeVeaux tell what is truly a fascinating story of artistry and beauty and tragedy and, well, love, in their highly accessible new history of this most misunderstood of American art forms. You can't help but get caught up in the drama. This is 20th century American cultural history at its finest.
And the authors don't stop with powerful character studies. The book includes dozens of carefully written, yet non-condescending, measure-by-meaure explanations of dozens of songs and peformances key to the story. Heck, they even explain what a "measure" is! With a little effort, the reader comes to understand what jazz is trying to do, how its genuises advanced the form and why it all matters.
Best of all, the authors avoid the usual snide remarks about "simple" music (i.e., anything that isn't jazz). There are even some laudatory comments about landmark rock albums. There's also a healthy respect for the blues tradition, which is quintessential to both jazz and rock.
This isn't to say that jazz is for everyone, but this book sure makes it sound inviting. "Come on in," Giddins and DeVeaux seem to be calling from every page, "the water's fine!"
If only a great book like "Jazz" was around 25 years ago. Gary Giddins and Scott DeVeaux tell what is truly a fascinating story of artistry and beauty and tragedy and, well, love, in their highly accessible new history of this most misunderstood of American art forms. You can't help but get caught up in the drama. This is 20th century American cultural history at its finest.
And the authors don't stop with powerful character studies. The book includes dozens of carefully written, yet non-condescending, measure-by-meaure explanations of dozens of songs and peformances key to the story. Heck, they even explain what a "measure" is! With a little effort, the reader comes to understand what jazz is trying to do, how its genuises advanced the form and why it all matters.
Best of all, the authors avoid the usual snide remarks about "simple" music (i.e., anything that isn't jazz). There are even some laudatory comments about landmark rock albums. There's also a healthy respect for the blues tradition, which is quintessential to both jazz and rock.
This isn't to say that jazz is for everyone, but this book sure makes it sound inviting. "Come on in," Giddins and DeVeaux seem to be calling from every page, "the water's fine!"
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