Jazz is the great American art form; its very essence is predicated on freedom and creativity. Its sound unequivocally calls forth narratives of past struggles and future dreams. Yet jazz can be as inscrutable as it is mesmerizing; especially to outsiders who don't know what to make of improvisation or unexpected shifts in melody or tempo. How does a casual listener learn to understand and appreciate the nuances between the unapologetic and innovative sounds of Louis Armstrong; the complexity of Coleman Hawkin's saxophone; and the exotic and alluring compositions of Duke Ellington? How does Thelonius Monk fit in alongside Benny Goodman and John Coltrane?In How to Listen to Jazz; award-winning music scholar Ted Gioia presents a lively; accessible introduction to the art of listening to jazz. Covering everything from the music's structure and history to the basic building blocks of improvisation; Gioia shows exactly what to listen for in a jazz performance. He shares listening strategies that will help readers understand and appreciate jazz for the rest of their lives; and provides a history of the major movements in jazz right up to the present day. He concludes with a guide to 150 elite musicians who are setting the tone for 21st century jazz.Both an appreciation and an introduction to jazz by a foremost expert; How to Listen to Jazz is a must-read for anyone who's ever wanted to understand America's greatest contribution to the world of music.
#874926 in Books 2014-03-25 2014-03-25Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.50 x 1.00 x 6.50l; 1.15 #File Name: 0465029612320 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Nice Supplement to Operation DrumbeatBy KVKinCLTGood read focused on a human-interest story that evolved out of Operation Drumbeat (U-Boat attacks on the east coast). Other books are available which go in to more detail on the overall attack. The book is well footnoted. Any reading must read the epilogue to complete the story.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Better than expected.By Dave SI had to read this book; being my dad was a merchant mariner in WWII. Most people to this day don't realize that these events happened. Staggering numbers of ships and people lost. Very good details and for me previously unknown battles and events. Enjoyed very much.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. GERMAN U BOATS ATTACKING THE U.S. EAST COAST SHIPPING IN WWII.By P. A. PanozzoI really like this book and the authors approach to telling this fascinating chapter in U.S. history. I had read other books on the topic and thought that this book would not enlighten me any further but I was happily wrong. This book is well-researched and well-written. It is engaging and compelling! Previously I had read Homer Hickham's Torpedo Junction and enjoyed it. Torpedo Junction: U-Boat War Off America's East Coast; 1942 (Bluejacket Books)I highly recommend both of these titles! I confidently purchased this title based on Michael O'Connor's review. He is a thorough and accurate reviewer and I have come to rely upon his reviews before I decide to purchase books! Also available. Operation Drumbeat: Germany's U-Boat Attacks Along the American Coast in World War II
