Title
Jazz: A History of America s Music
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A masterpiece that brings to life the fascinating story of the quintessential American musicjazz. Visually stunning, with more than five hundred photographs, this companion volume to the acclaimed tenpart PBS TV series is an exploration of the music that celebrates all Americans at their best.Here are the stories of the extraordinary men and women who made the music: Louis Armstrong, the fatherless waif whose unrivaled genius helped turn jazz into a soloist s art and influenced every singer, every instrumentalist who came after him; Duke Ellington, the pampered son of middleclass parents who turned a whole orchestra into his personal instrument, wrote nearly two thousand pieces for it, and captured more of American life than any other composer. Bix Beiderbecke, the doomed cornet prodigy who showed white musicians that they too could make an important contribution to the music; Benny Goodman, the immigrants son who learned the clarinet to help feed his family, but who grew up to teach a whole country how to dance; Billie Holiday, whose distinctive style routinely transformed mediocre music into great art; Charlie Parker, who helped lead a musical revolution, only to destroy himself at thirtyfour; and Miles Davis, whose search for fresh ways to sound made him the most influential jazz musician of his generation, and then led him to abandon jazz altogether. Buddy Bolden, Jelly Roll Morton, Dizzy Gillespie, Art Tatum, Count Basie, Dave Brubeck, Artie Shaw, and Ella Fitzgerald are all here; so are Sidney Bechet, Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, and a host of others.But Jazz is more than mere biography. The history of the music echoes the history of twentiethcentury America. Jazz provided the background for the giddy era that F. Scott Fitzgerald called the Jazz Age. The irresistible pulse of bigband swing lifted the spirits and boosted American morale during the Great Depression and World War II. The virtuosic, demanding style called bebop mirrored the steppedup pace and dislocation that came with peace. During the Cold War era, jazz served as a propaganda weaponand forged links with the burgeoning counterculture. The story of jazz encompasses the story of American courtship and show business; the epic growth of great citiesNew Orleans and Chicago, Kansas City and New Yorkand the struggle for civil rights and simple justice that continues into the new millennium.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the page count of the book? A: This book has five hundred twelve pages. It provides an in-depth exploration of jazz and its historical significance.
- Q: What are the dimensions of this book? A: The book measures nine point four one inches in length, one point three inches in width, and eleven point one inches in height.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book features a hardcover binding. Hardcover books are known for their durability and longer shelf life.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of this book is Geoffrey C. Ward. He is recognized for his contributions to American music literature.
- Q: What is the main genre of this book? A: The main genre of this book is History and Criticism. It provides a comprehensive overview of jazz music and its impact.
- Q: How do I read this book? A: You can read this book just like any other paperback or hardcover. It is suitable for anyone interested in jazz history.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in jazz? A: Yes, this book is suitable for beginners. It introduces key figures and concepts in jazz music.
- Q: What age group is this book appropriate for? A: This book is appropriate for adults and older teenagers. It includes discussions of historical events and figures.
- Q: Can I use this book for academic purposes? A: Yes, this book can be used for academic purposes. It provides valuable insights into the history of jazz and its cultural significance.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: You should store this book in a cool, dry place, upright on a shelf. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Q: How do I keep the book in good condition? A: To keep the book in good condition, handle it with clean hands and avoid excessive bending of the pages.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: No, there is typically no warranty for books. However, you can check with the retailer for return policies.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact the seller or retailer to initiate a return or exchange.
- Q: Is this book a good gift for a jazz lover? A: Yes, this book makes an excellent gift for jazz lovers. It offers rich historical context and engaging stories.
- Q: Can I find this book in libraries? A: Yes, many libraries carry this book. You can check your local library's catalog or request it through interlibrary loan.