Jazz: The Basics gives a brief introduction to a century of jazz, ideal for students and interested listeners who want to learn more about this important musical style. The heart of the book traces jazz's growth from its folk origins through early recordings and New Orleans stars; the big-band and swing era; bebop; cool jazz and third stream; avant-garde; jazz-rock; and the neo-conservative movement of the 1980s and 1990s.

Key figures from each era including: Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and Wynton Marsalis are highlighted along with classic works. The book concludes with a list of the 100 essential recordings to own, along with a timeline and glossary. Jazz: The Basics serves as an excellent introduction to the players, the music, and the styles that make jazz 'America's classical music.'

Jazz: The Basics gives a brief introduction to a century of jazz, ideal for students and interested listeners who want to learn more about this important musical style. The heart of the book traces jazz's growth from its folk origins through early recordings and New Orleans stars; the big-band and swing era; bebop; cool jazz and third stream; avant-garde; jazz-rock; and the neo-conservative movement of the 1980s and 1990s.

Key figures from each era including: Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and Wynton Marsalis are highlighted along with classic works. The book concludes with a list of the 100 essential recordings to own, along with a timeline and glossary. Jazz: The Basics serves as an excellent introduction to the players, the music, and the styles that make jazz 'America's classical music.'

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Fundamentals; Chapter 2 Pre-Jazz; Chapter 3 Early Jazz Recordings; Chapter 4 Louis Armstrong; Chapter 5 The 1920S; Chapter 6 The Swing Era, Part I; Chapter 7 The Swing Era, Part II; Chapter 8 Bebop and the Moldy Figs; Chapter 9 Charlie Parker; Chapter 10 Thelonious Monk; Chapter 11 The 1950S; Chapter 12 Miles Davis; Chapter 13 Avant-Garde Jazz of The 1950s and Early 1960s; Chapter 14 John Coltrane; Chapter 15 The 1960s, Part I; Chapter 16 The 1960s, Part II; Chapter 17 The 1960s, Part III; Chapter 18 Postbop Pianists; Chapter 19 Fusion; Chapter 20 The 1980s and New Conservatism; Chapter 21 The Genre Busters; Chapter 22 Lately;