The History of Jazz by Ted Gioia Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The History of Jazz
Book Review: A History for the intermediate listener.
Summary: 5 Stars
The back cover of this Oxford paperback claims that the book is suitable as an introduction to jazz or as an authoritative reference. I must admit that I am neither a jazz officianado nor a complete novice to the world of swing, bebop and fusion, making me incapable of confirming the cover's claims. However, for me, this book filled in the gaps quite nicely.
Most of my knowledge of jazz has come from the radio. The big names keep popping up but lesser known lights get little air time and I am at the whim of the dj's tastes. "The History of Jazz" covers them all, starting at the very beginning - drum circle dances in pre-abolition New Orleans. It then discusses the roots of early dixie land jazz (ragtime, Joplin, and the blues) and then describes the movement of jazz from New Orleans to Chicago and New York. It intersperses lively anecdotes about the fathers of jazz -Jelly Roll Morton was a procurer (pimp?) early on- with music theory and analysis. Buddy Bolden, Louis Armstrong and Morton all have a section devoted to them. A chapter on the jazz age pays special attention to Armstrong's Hot Five and subsequent career. Bix Beiderbecke's biography is given in detail along with notes on many other famous players of his day. A chapter is devoted to Harlem, stride piano, Waller, Ellington and the advent of the big bands, ending with a description of society and music at the Cotton Club. The Swing era gets a chapter to itself with even more in-depth treatment of big bands and those who led them (Goodman, the Dorsey's etc.). Kansas City style jazz, and european jazz traditions (Django Reinhardt) are also covered. The details of Billie Holiday's life, although well known, make for a sad story.
The second half of the book, which covers modern jazz, the fragmentation of jazz styles and recent jazz developments, is much less coherent than the first. The section on bebop with its lengthy discussion of the life and influence of Bird and Gillespie continues to be readable and thorough. However, as the author approaches the present day, the writing, like the jazz, seems to fragment. This is not to say that it isn't enjoyable reading, just that the sheer number of names and styles begins to pull the book in too many directions. California jazz, trad jazz, cool jazz, hard bop, post-bop and soul, free jazz, post-modern jazz and the various fusion forms leave the reader gasping for air. It seems clear to me that I will need to go out and listen to a lot of things to round out my education. Fortunately the book is well supplied with notes, further readings and, best of all a recommended listening list.
While I might not have understood everything the author had to say about the subtleties of the music, this book has made me a much keener fan of jazz. It has created in me the desire to seek out new and different forms of the music and to listen more carefully to the old stuff. For this, I gladly give it five stars.
Book Review: A Truly Great Book!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have listened to jazz for over 30 years. I thought I knew the history of jazz quite well, but was throroughly impressed with the careful attention to detail in Gioia's book. I learned something new on nearly every page. Gioia covers everything from the early beginnings of jazz as well as Free Jazz. What most impressed me about his style is how he was unbiased toward or against any of the movements. This book inspired me to dig deeper into Dixieland and become more open to Cecil Taylor. I highly recommend this to someone just starting the journey of listening to America's greatest music or to someone who has enjoyed listening to jazz for years!Book Review: Amazing Read
Summary: 5 Stars
If you are interested in the history of Jazz this one is for you. It is written really well and keeping my attention at every moment.
It might not be a really scientific book but it lets you get close to geniuses behind the music. Absolutley recommended.
Book Review: BOOORING!!!
Summary: 1 Stars
I don't question that this book covers complete history of jazz. I don't question that author is competent, actually super-competent. I don't question that this book is great. But reading this book is as much fun as reading Webster's Collegiate Dictionary or telephone directory. It is BORING, actually, super-boring. I gave up after 20 pages...If you are looking for scientific dissertation about history of jazz, this is The One. If you are looking for a book for someone that knows nothing about jazz and wants some fun, go elsewhere.
Book Review: Bravo! Bravo!
Summary: 5 Stars
Pianist Ted Gioia offers a plethora of musicality and vivid portraits of artists ranging from Joe King Oliver to Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Wynton Marsalis and more. One can hear the music! Well written, concise. A musical feast. A historical Jazz concerto. Bravo! Bravo!