Jazz: A Listener's Guide (3rd Edition) - Softcover

McCalla, James

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0130145459 ISBN 13: 9780130145451

Publisher: Pearson, 1999

Synopsis

Drawn from the author's on-air and in-person seminar, this introduction to jazz is written in a personal, informal style and requires no musical background. Focuses on guiding the beginning listener's ear, not on memorizing musical facts. Introduces musical terms and concepts only as needed, and always in connection to specific musical compositions. Discusses "what happens" and "when it happens" to alert listeners to various musical features. Offers almost 200 musical selections—many new to the Third Edition—compiled from Smithsonian anthologies like The Jazz Singers and from currently available commercial recordings. Perfect for musicians looking to brush up on jazz history, or for any music/jazz enthusiast who wants to learn more about the subject.

About this title

From the Publisher

The first edition went through the beginning of free jazz and jazz-rock fusion; this second editon, which emphasizes listening, continues into the 1980's and early 1990's. Written in a clear, personal, informal style, the book requires no prior knowledge or experience in music. Musical terms and concepts are introduced as needed, and always in connection with specific musical compostitions. The principle focus of the book is on guiding the beginning listener's ear, not the students' memorization of names, style, periods, titles, dates, and other facts.

From the Back Cover

Key Benefit: The principle focus of the book is on guiding the beginning listener's ear through free jazz and jazz-rock fusion from the 1980's and early 1990's. Key Topics: This book includes a large number and variety of selections, focusing on listening to specific performers and recordings in addition to readings. Offering information about the place of jazz in U.S. society, this edition follows an historical organization by offering a brief orientation to each of the five sections as background to understanding the music of that period. An updated chapter on Fusion includes Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, and Sonny Sharrock. Also, contains a chapter dealing with recent trends, including discussions of Wynton Marsalis, Bobby McFerrin, David Murray, and others. Market: Beginning jazz students and those wishing to develop an ear for jazz.

Edition details

• Publisher: Pearson
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0130145459
• ISBN 13: 9780130145451
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 224