Cookin': Hard Bop and Soul Jazz, 1954-65 (A Michael Neugebauer Book) [Paperback]

Kenny Mathieson (Author)

Book Description

Series: A Michael Neugebauer Book | Publication Date: March 27, 2002

Cookin' examines the birth and development of two of the key jazz styles of the postwar era, hard bop and its offshoot soul jazz. Hard bop was the most exciting jazz style of its day, and remains at the core of the modern-jazz mainstream even now. It drew on the twin poles of bebop and the blues for its foundation, spiced up with gospel, Latin, and rhythm-and-blues influences. It is characterized by greater technical proficiency as well as more elaborate harmonic structures. The work looks at the founding fathers of the form, Art Blakey and Horace Silver, and goes on to trace the music and its performers through its peak decade. The second installment of Kenny Mathieson's series of jazz histories provides a fine overview to one of the most exciting periods in the music's development and features profiles of Cannonball Adderley, Donald Byrd, Lou Donaldson, Grant Green, and J.J. Johnson, among others. "Mathieson writes well, and his insights into the music are keen." -- Jazz Times "This book will make readers want to return to ... the recordings which the author describes in clear and enthusiastic terms." -- Jazz Journal International

Editorial Reviews

Review

Mathieson's descriptions of what they brought to the bandstand and the recording studio are fondly graphic, in well-chosen phrases... It is extremely readable. - Jazz Review --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Kenny Mathieson is a freelance writer who specialises in music; he writes regularly for The Scotsman and The List among other publications. Cookin' is his second work, although he has contributed to a number of reference books.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Canongate U.S. (March 27, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841952397
• ISBN-13: 978-1841952390
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,689,530 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightfulee inspiring....., July 13, 2003

By 

Discowarp (Nova Anglaterra) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cookin': Hard Bop and Soul Jazz, 1954-65 (A Michael Neugebauer Book) (Paperback)

This overview of the hard bop universe is compellingly written. Superb thumbnail bios of the great hard-boppers (lotsa Blue Note guys here)---with on-the-money descriptions of their recorded output. If you were on the fence about this one---don't be: it's f*a*n*t*a*s*t*i*c. A significant improvement over the rather over-worked ground of Mathieson's "Giant Steps"---"Cookin'" has got to be one of the ten best jazz books available (full of heart, soul---and smarts---just like the music it describes!!!). Keep two eyes out for his next volume---on the more "out" post-bop/modal explorers---keep up the great work Kenny, m'laddie!!!

5.0 out of 5 stars A "must-read" for all true jazz lovers, October 10, 2002

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cookin': Hard Bop and Soul Jazz, 1954-65 (A Michael Neugebauer Book) (Paperback)

Cookin': Hard Bop And Soul Jazz 1954-65 by freelance music writer is an informed and informative study, analysis, and history of two of the major jazz styles that grew to flourish after World War II: hard bop and soul jazz. An engaging presentation that traces the rhythm and cultural influences contributing to the growth of jazz, and offers song recommendations for the devoted jazz enthusiast to listen to while pondering theories and evaluations of the music itself. Cookin' is a "must-read" for all true jazz lovers who ardently desire to learn more about the history and character of jazz.