Jazz: An Introduction to the History and Legends Behind America’s Music

by Bob Blumenthal

“Bob Blumenthal has been an excellent and principled jazz writer for many years. I respect his views and I recommend his new book.” -- Sonny Rollins The supreme illustrated guide to every aspect of jazz and jazz culture If you’ve heard of the Cotton Club, but you’re not quite a “hep cat” yet, this is the perfect introduction to jazz, complete with a detailed history of the genre, features on the legendary artists, and everything else one needs to become a jazz connoisseur. From the music’s beginnings and the cities where it all started to the artists and independent record labels that spread it around the world, Jazz shows how the musical style evolved into a major contribution to the cultural world, and • Breakdowns of key elements—improvisation, blues, swing, solos, and interplay • In-depth accounts of musicians from Duke Ellington to Dizzy Gillespie • History of the various eras and their development • Jazz dictionary and slang usages

Genres: Music, Jazz, Nonfiction, History

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Nika · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this isn't the "funnest" read, I liked it for what it was. This isn't about your mom's Kenny G albums. This is a truncated reference book on the history of jazz, from its origins all the way up to present day. I had a lot of fun reading through this with my laptop and Spotify at hand, researching more on certain artists and terms and combing through the music, listening to pieces and albums both mentioned and unmentioned. Reading history is interesting, but being able to actually hear the gradual transformation of jazz is freaking amazing. I reaffirmed the love I felt for my idols, gained an appreciation for those I never paid much attention to, and learned about others I'd never heard before. What I really wanted to gain from this book was the ability to see the general growth and evolution of jazz through the ages and that's what I got. The last third of the book started to get a little muddy, understandably, because history isn't perfectly linear and the freedom of the genre caused it to branch out considerably. Then closer to the end when he got to present-day jazz, the author started name-dropping like he really had to go bathroom.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, short, but information-packed primer on jazz music. I knew a lot of the usual names associated with jazz and this book put all of that scattered knowledge into a timeline that helped my understanding and appreciation. The first two-thirds or so was great, but I lost interest during the 1961-1980 section where it got into fusion and the influence of rock in jazz. That era is not really my thing as I enjoy more traditional and bebop.

Recommended if you have an interest in jazz and just want to learn a little bit more without drowning in a full-scale history.

[L.A. Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Jazz: An Introduction to the History and Legends Behind America’s Music" by Bob Blumenthal is a comprehensive guide lauded for its accessibility and depth. Blumenthal skillfully navigates the intricate history of jazz, shedding light on pivotal elements such as improvisation, blues, and swing with clarity and insight. Through his engaging prose, he brings to life the dynamic energy and innovation inherent in jazz, making its complexities understandable to readers of all backgrounds.

The book presents detailed portraits of iconic jazz figures, from the legendary Duke Ellington to the pioneering Dizzy Gillespie, offering valuable glimpses into their lives and their profound impacts on the genre. Blumenthal's meticulous research and evident passion for the subject shine through in these biographical sketches, enriching readers' understanding of jazz's vibrant history and the diverse personalities that shaped it.

L.A.Review

Jazz: An Introduction to the History and Legends Behind America's Music

[arjen k. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a different expectation from this book and got disappointed but it is totally on me. It is all in the title. The book just covers the development of jazz and lots of jazz musicians. There are so many musicians mentioned that it is impossible to keep track. Would enjoy it more if there was a bigger emphasis on current jazz trends and players.

[Jessica Beck Caissie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not an exciting book, but I enjoyed reading it with Apple Music. I found a ton of artists that I wouldn’t have otherwise known about to enjoy.

[RA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reference for the historical threads of so-called "jazz." Blumenthal does a really good job of covering the different threads which make up this wide-ranging music.

[Jaime A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent source for those that want to go deeper into Jazz. A great companion is the documentary Jazz by Kenn Burns. Your Jazz playlists and Jazz collection will get bigger.

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

I get my love of jazz from my family. About 90% of the music I keep in my car is jazz.

My mother, brother & I recently agreed these are our five favorite albums:

Miles Davis: Kind of Blue
Charles Mingus: Ah Um
John Coltrane: A Love Supreme
Charlie Parker: Now’s the Time
Art Pepper: Art Pepper meets the Rhythm Section

[David]

"single best compact introduction to jazz currently available... 200 pages of engaging, clearly written prose" -- Wall Street Journal, 27/28 Sept 08