The Jazz Book: From Ragtime to the 21st Century - Hardcover

Berendt, Joachim-Ernst; Huesmann, Günther

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1556528205 ISBN 13: 9781556528200

Publisher: Lawrence Hill Books, 2009

Synopsis

Considered the most encyclopedic interpretive history of jazz available in one volume for more than 50 years, this reference has been completely revised and expanded to incorporate the dominant styles and musicians since the book’s last publication in 1992, as well as the fruits of current research about earlier periods in the history of jazz. In addition, new chapters have been added on John Zorn, jazz in the 1990s and beyond, samplers, the tuba, the harmonica, non-Western instruments, postmodernist and repertory big bands, how the avant-garde has explored tradition, and many other subjects. This survey of past and current styles, elements, instruments, musicians, singers, and big bands of jazz continues to showcase an art form widely regarded as America’s greatest contribution to the world’s musical culture.

For fifty years The Jazz Book has been the most encyclopedic interpretive history of jazz available in one volume. In this new seventh edition, each chapter has been completely revised and expanded to incorporate the dominant styles and musicians since the book’s last publication in 1992, as well as the fruits of current research about earlier periods in the history of jazz. In addition, new chapters have been added on John Zorn, jazz in the 1990s and beyond, samplers, the tuba, the harmonica, non-Western instruments, postmodernist and repertory big bands, how the avant-garde has explored tradition, and many other subjects. With a widespread resurgence of interest in jazz, The Jazz Book will continue well into the 21st century to fill the need for information about an art form widely regarded as America’s greatest contribution to the world’s musical culture.

About this title

About the Author:

Joachim-Ernst Berendt (1922–2000) was an internationally known authority on jazz and the author of more than 20 books. His Jazz Book was first published in 1952 and has been translated into many languages. Günther Huesmann studied musicology, film and television, and pedagogy; a festival organizer and writer for jazz radio shows, he was responsible for the previous revision of The Jazz Book.

Review:

Absolutely superb, probably the best organized book on jazz that I have ever read. Invaluable for reference and truly scholarly as well as entertaining.”  John Hammond, legendary record producer, Columbia Records

The largest selling jazz history ever . . . Berendt thoroughly covers styles and musicians along with blues, harmony, melody, and other elements of jazz, instruments, vocalists, big bands, and combos.”  Booklist

A marvelously erudite yet readable encyclopedia of jazz . . . It could serve as a good introduction for someone just getting interested in the music. And it could also satisfy the omnivorous taste of even the oldest aficionado . . . A worthy addition to anyone’s music library.”  Hartford Courant

About this edition

• Publisher: Lawrence Hill Books
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 1556528205
• ISBN 13: 9781556528200
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 816