Customer Reviews

Musichound Jazz: The Essential Album Guide (Text)

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

 

 

While there is much information in this book, it is more of a jazz encyclopedia than a guide. I say this because it does a good job of summarizing the artists - the entries are well written. But, it's a bit weak on the recording reviews. It tends to review only those recordings that are currently available. With the labels re-releasing so many old recordings, you will find that many recent re-releases are not covered. I would prefer a comprehensive list of an artists original releases (as much as possible - at least all of an artist's major releases should be listed, whether they are currently available or not).

The entries should be listed or highlighted with bold text - instead they are burried in the paragraph making quick reference difficult.

Like many guides they are too liberal with the 5 star (they use bones) ratings.

This book covers all forms of jazz including fusion and crossover, a positive for those who want to learn about all types of music related to jazz. Personally, I could do without the Kenny G. reviews.

Even with my reservations, I will admit its a fun book to have and for the price you get much useful information and an accompanying CD with very well chosen titles. -GR4

This is one complete and fun to read guide to jazz albums. Very intelligent (but not overly scholarly) biographies and well stated, easy to understand reviews of albums. I have the All Music Guide and Penguin jazz books, but this one is much more accessible and interesting. I especially like the section that lists all of the 5 star albums. Any music lover would be proud to own this hefty book. And it includes a nice Blue Note CD in the back. I heartily recommend this book!

As someone who is just discovering the jazz genre, I found it very helpful in pointing me in the right direction as to what makes up a good collection. Just about everyone you could think of is reviewed, plus some you didn't. If you are just getting into jazz, I highly recommend this book !!!

I was astounded to find that a good percentage of the jazz albums in my collection aren't even mentioned in this book. With all the re-releases of classic albums of the 40's, 50's and 60's over the last couple of years, this book is sorely behind. At the time of its printing (1998), it took into account only those items in print at that time rather than reflecting the entire catalog of any given artist. Thus, a good number of recordings are completely ignored.

There is some entertaining information here, but it is missing way too many albums to be considered the "Essential Album Guide".

This is a must-have reference book that is of great use to the jazz aficionado. It does have one glaring flaw, though -- not enough coverage of bossa nova and jazz influenced by Brazilian music (think of the hundreds of jazz interpretations of Jobim's compositions). For that I would recommend "The Brazilian Sound," which includes 1,000 titles in its discography.

It's true that this guide is screaming to be updated, as far as the buyer's guide part goes, but it's really the bios on the musicians that are the strength of this book. Plus, the albums mentioned are often good(if not the BEST) options for purchase. I mean, although there are newer and newer generations of earlier releases hitting the market, just be aware of this and shop smart. The direction of CD(and DVD) now is moving swiftly, as far as digital restoration. Just always keep this in mind. Still, this guide is perfect when it comes to explaining what NOT to get. Most of these warnings hold up, I've found. Yes, it's also probably true that reviewers can be elitist, too. However, the competitive guides, like AMG, are no better in this. Not to mention, these are not near as detailed. The albums these guides have referred are much more OFTEN not near the best. One guide out there, Penguin, has kept up and just updated a few years ago. However, Musichound does great bios & decent picks of CDs. Penguin will probably be the better decision, though, for buying, since its recent update is within a few years.

I sometimes use this book to check out CDs after I purchase them, but like a lot of the other reviewers I notice plenty of glaring omissions like Mulgrew Miller, a great pianist and former Jazz Messenger. Also the editors have some elitist tastes. They tend to dis and underrepresent genres that they find low-brow like Lou Donaldson's funky jazz. They include a pretty good sampler CD and overall Im glad I bought this, but I probably will invest in another swollen jazz book soon.

I started playing trombone in 1943 (age 13) -- I was with Mel's band in 1980-82--- I PLAYED w. Mulligan's CJB and wrote -- I now line in NH and teach at New England Conservatory, still working in Europe with my New Art Orchestra (Challenge Records)--- no excuse for all the errors -- my bio is at bobbrookmeyer.com on Jazz Corner. thanks -- bob brookmeyer