Customer Reviews

The Billboard Illustrated Encyclopedia of Jazz and Blues

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The innovative user-friendly touch of the Internet links is integrated into the sections of many of the artists (i. e., not put in an appendix or resources section at the back of the main text) by graphics with a web address. Another reader-friendly touch is a graphic noting the most representative recording by a particular musician. This is especially helpful considering the long careers, many recordings, and evolving styles of many of them. Most of the photographs show the artists in performance. Blues and Jazz are taken decade by decade from the early years through the nineteen twenties down to the eighties and the contemporary era, with a closing section on the instruments and equipment going with the two long-lasting and changeable types of music. Profiles of each artist cover biographical background, music career, and the artist's influences on or contributions to the field. For historical overview, comprehensive treatment of all the leading jazz and blues performers, and primary references cited, the "Illustrated Encyclopedia..." is an ideal introduction to these interrelated fields of music.

This well-illustrated book makes for an intriguing reference on some of the greatest American artists of the 20th century. Lots and lots of books and studies fail to join jazz and blues at all, and none do as clearly or as effortlessly as this much-needed and very worthwhile volume. It is both comprehensive and sensible.It covers a lot of ground. Though I wish it had more information on specific solos, which is where we really get a grasp of the depth of artistry here, this is the best book of its kind I have seen and I am grateful for it.

Dear AMAZON,

Thank you very much for this book.

Excellent, very good printed and beautiful book.

Very usefull for musicians and other intellectual people.

Vakhtang,

Georgia