Jazz 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Jazz

Author - John F. Szwed ... [Goo?] [Posters]

This Paperback Book item from Hyperion was reviewed on 11-Dec-2008.

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1) Paperback Book Jazz 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Jazz by Hyperion. I´d actually give this 3 and a half stars, sort of a C+ in my opinion. Anyway- I´ve learned a lot from this book and use it more as a reference material than as a "can´t wait to read more" type of thing. The author sometimes is a little circular in his opinions too- especially when he tries to define Jazz or a given era. Plus, with something like this, it almost screams for a companion sampler CD, or a publishers website or something. Many times he refers the reader to hard to find or out of print CDs/records (for instance making use of Smithsonian recordings which are not easy to get). On the other hand, I have made a good list of recordings and artists I haven´t heard yet, and I feel like I listen with a much more educated ear now- even though I´ve been a big fan of Jazz for many years. So- it´s recommended, but be prepared to do some home work along side the reading in order to actually hear what the book is discussing.¤

2) Paperback Book Jazz 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Jazz by Hyperion. Informative and easy to read. This book offers a background history of jazz trying to explore in the genre roots. The styles descriptions have a lot of vital information and the album reviews and recommendations are great. It´s not a jazz guide, it´s more a book for jazz starters who want to introduce in the jazz world. Highly recommended.¤

3) Paperback Book Jazz 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Jazz by Hyperion. I actually read this book from the beginning since I fell in love in it, as to me I´m a singer, rapper, artist and musician. This book tells it all from ragtime started, how swing & big bands got all over across the country, when Miles, Dizzy, Bird, Coltrane, Duke, Count, Satchmo, Billie, Ella, Sarah, Clifford, etc. came out 2day´s hottest pioneers of jazz, and how jazz-rap or jazz hip-hop was made. I can´t even put it down ´cuz it´s good tho. This is recommend who want to know the whole history behind it. Even tho u like jazz, blues, bebop, rap, hip-hop or both. A must.¤

4) Paperback Book Jazz 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Jazz by Hyperion. Professor Szwed´s book is aptly titled and provides a fairly comprehensive history of jazz from it´s beginnings to the present. He clearly states that no book covering such a diverse genre can escape being incomplete when it comes to recognizing individual artists, nor escape the inevitable opinions and prejudices of diverging thought on direction and contribution. To this end he suceeds handily.

The novice who is interested in jazz, and not yet opinionated enough to have adopted one of the contentious theories of "what jazz is", will find much information on the origins and stylistic forms of jazz music, jazz art and ultimately, jazz life. However, the more seasoned jazz fan might just as easily find himself in mental arguement with the author almost from the git go. This is regretable since it leads to rejection of much of the foundation material important in having a true understanding of the music. To those of us who believe jazz is devinely connected to the blues, much of Szwed´s commentary could be viewed as heresy. But, to others who feel jazz includes almost all forms of improvisation the author´s keen insite on sociological and twentieth century demographics play particularly well. He goes so far as to dip his toe in the muddy waters of Kenny G´s authenticity, though slyly demurs from opining on just what this cretin is actually blowing through his horn (there, I told you jazz opinion can be contentious!).

My only criticism of this work is Szwed´s listening examples which are carefully detailed and highlighted throughout the book. While they specifically meet the example criteria he is aiming for, many more accessable (read enjoyable) substitutes exist.

All in all, an excellent intro and the best $10 item in the jazz supermarket.¤

5) Paperback Book Jazz 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Jazz by Hyperion. This is a great example of how to write an introductory book on a topic that might daunt some people. Szwed presents the major styles, players, and even some of the controversial issues of jazz with clarity and infectious enthusiasm. Just as importantly, he´s not afraid to keep it intelligent, unlike a lot of introductory books. Like the subtitle promises, this book really can help you learn and love jazz. It sure fueled my passion for the music.¤

6) Paperback Book Jazz 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Jazz by Hyperion. Anyone interested in learning about a distinct musicjazzwill welcome this newest addition to the popular 101 reference series. Noted anthropologist, critic, and musical scholar John F. Szwed takes readers on a tour of the musics tangled history and explores how it developed from an ethnic music to become North Americas most popular music and then part of the avant garde in less than fifty years. Jazz 101 presents the key figures, history, theory, and controversies that shaped its development, along with a discussion of some of its most important recordings.¤

Page Updated: Robert N. Goolsby, 8-Jan-2009, , 3X0-270-970-480-321-VGB-HUB-CRB-8

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