Customer Reviews

Concise Guide to Jazz

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

It was unclear in the description of this book that the cd's for the listening portions were not included. This was a huge inconvenience as I could not purchase the cd's separately.

Tells what jazz is, how it originated, how it is made, who is important and why, how to locate the best recordings. Optional CD of historic recordings is available. Optional CD of narrated demonstrations for jazz instruments, jazz methods and how to listen is also available. This is the abridged edition of the best-selling, critically acclaimed JAZZ STYLES by Gridley.

I bought the book used, with CDs, and it turned out to be the best guide to understanding jazz I've read. The CD's are really important to have, but even without, one can understand the structure of jazz from the clear explanations in the text. My particular interest is jazz before the sixties, and I thought there was less emphasis in that area than should be. The main strength is the discussion of bop to modern forms of jazz. The book requires a little study if one is not a musician, and some of the concepts might be off-putting. However, with the help of the CDs and the listening guides, even the non-musician can understand what is going on while listening to modern jazz.

I agree with the reviews regarding the lack of c.d.'s. Unfortunately, I was in a panic to get this book with c.d.'s and did not read the reviews. Amazon should have this information in their text regarding the book. Could there be some liability attached? I now have no idea how I'm going to get the information that is included on those c.d.s. This has definitely affected Amazon's credibility in my eyes.

DO NOT purchase this unless you don't need the cds for class. Hopefully, I can download all of the tracks and listen to them, as Amazon was too lazy to inform me that the product did not include the cds.

I kept trying to order the 2 CDs that go with this book, and, despite repeated assurances I was doing that, my repeated purchases still have not resulted in me getting the CDs I ordered. I very disappointed.

Text book doesn't add too much fluff, just the important moments of jazz history. Quick read. I gave it a 4 because it didn't come with the CD. I had to buy it separately.

Prompt shipping and cd's included although not originally in price. Very satisfied. Thanks!