LibGuides: Jazz: Library Resources

Histories and Criticism

Jazz by Scott DeVeaux; Gary Giddins
Call Number: 781.65 GI
ISBN: 9780393068610
Publication Date: 2009-10-26
A respected critic presents an intellectual history of jazz that explains the origins of the genre within a context of America culture, covering everything from the styles that informed jazz and the heated protests of the avant-garde to its most influential contributors and the radical diversity of today's artists.
The Jazz Ear by Ben Ratliff
Call Number: 781.65 RA
ISBN: 9780805081466
Publication Date: 2008-11-11
An exploration into the musical achievements of fifteen living jazz artists profiles jazz as one of the most ephemeral and improvisational performing art forms, in an account that offers insight into the conceptual nature of jazz while drawing on interviews with such figures as Sonny Rollins, Ornette Coleman, and Branford Marsalis.
Why Jazz Happened by Marc Myers
Call Number: 781.655 MY
ISBN: 9780520268784
Publication Date: 2012-12-10
A comprehensive social history looks at the many forces that shaped this most American of art forms and the many influences that gave rise to jazz's post-war styles.
Visions of Jazz by Gary Giddins
Call Number: 781.65 GI
ISBN: 0195076753
Publication Date: 1998-10-22
An outstanding voice in the field, the jazz critic for The Village Voice leads readers through the first century of the music in a voluminous, expert account of the great jazz artists past and present and their distinctive contributions

Reference Books

The Billboard Illustrated Encyclopedia of Jazz and Blues by Howard Mandel (Editor)
Call Number: 781.6503 BI
ISBN: 9780823082667
Publication Date: 2005-10-01
A comprehensive one-volume resource on jazz and blues includes a historical overview, A-to-Z artist biographies and key recordings, and illustrative MP3s, all organized chronologically by decade.
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music by Colin Larkin (Editor)
Call Number: R 781.64 EN
ISBN: 9781846098567
Publication Date: 2007-09-01
Provides entries giving birth date, musical summary, and a discography and filmography for individuals or groups associated with such types of popular music as country, rock and roll, jazz, blues, reggae, Latin, and African pop.
Jazz Recordings by Richard Cook; Brian Morton
Call Number: 781.65 CO
ISBN: 9780141034010
Publication Date: 2008-12-02
An updated listener's guide to recorded jazz features reviews of thousands of jazz recordings, organized by performer, and includes biographical details about and discographies for the musicians.

Biographies

Coltrane by Ben Ratliff
Call Number: B COLTRANE
ISBN: 9780374126063
Publication Date: 2007-09-18
A study of jazz saxophonist John Coltrane and his musical development looks for the sources of power in Coltrane's music and examines his important influence and legacy in shaping the course of modern jazz music.
Deep in a Dream by James Gavin
Call Number: B BAKER
ISBN: 0679442871
Publication Date: 2002-05-14
Django by Michael Dregni
Call Number: 787.87 DR
ISBN: 019516752X
Publication Date: 2004-11-01
The first major critical biography of the great jazz musician chronicles the colorful life of guitarist Django Reinhardt, including his long musical relationship with violinist Stephane Grapelli and his wanderings around Europe and the United States.
Pops by Terry Teachout
Call Number: B ARMSTRONG
ISBN: 9780151010899
Publication Date: 2009-12-02
Draws on previously unavailable sources, including hundreds of private recordings made throughout the second half of the jazz master's life, to assess his artistic achievements and personal life.
So What by John Szwed
Call Number: B DAVIS
ISBN: 0684859823
Publication Date: 2002-10-29
Based on interviews with family and friends, this account of the jazz great's life reveals the influence of Miles Davis' life on his work as well as the musician's persistent desire to re-invent himself.
Thelonious Monk by Thomas Fitterling; Robert Dobbin (Translator); Steve Lacy (Foreword by)
Call Number: B MONK
ISBN: 0965377415
Publication Date: 1999-07-08
Presents a study of the pioneering jazz pianist, covering his career and highlighting his work in composition, performance, and arrangement

Electronic Resources

Grove Music Online
This extraordinary database offers a wealth of information about all types of music. Full-text search with advanced capabilities is available and the site features over 3000 links to related sites, including sound archives and illustrations. In addition to the regular programme of revisions and new articles, Grove Music Online has grown to include The New Grove Dictionary of Opera (published in print in 1992 and online in 1999) and The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz, second edition (2001).

Periodicals

DownBeat