The Jazz Tradition
by Martin Williams

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Book Reviews of The Jazz Tradition

Book Review: (In which the author shows off his knowledge)
Summary: 2 Stars

If not, you will be repeatedly frustrated by the way he casually tosses off references to people (and musical pieces) that you have never heard of, en route to making his point. The book is organized into chapters, each dealing with a particular musician. It is possible to read a chapter over and over again, with a stack of CDs borrowed from a library, and still not get the point of it. (Yes, I tried). In the end, you come away with the feeling that the author wasn't really talking to you , anyway.

If, like me, you have a basic familiarity with jazz, and want to get a feel for some of the 'technical stuff', a much better book is "What to listen for in jazz", by Barry Kernfeld. The book sticks to 21 pieces, which are provided on an accompanying CD, and guides you precisely to the bar or note or beat being discussed- something which William's book seems to consider beneath itself.

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