The Wonder of Jazz not only shares the history, influences, and impact of jazz music but explores its true origins, development and impact on out culturak, historical, art, fashion, societal and political outlooks. Jazz has influenced us in ways we may not realise - but this book finds out and delivers eye-opening information with the helps of input from over 100 of the authors wide connections within the music industry. This award-winning author, columnist and reviewer shares her knowledge generously and with authority.
So much more than a visit down jazz's memory lane, this compendium is as compelling and informative to jazz novices and the music makers of the future as it is to those totally at home with the genre's complex harmonies, intricate rhythms, and creative arrangements.
The book takes the reader from jazz's beginnings to the present day - but with a twist.
Most jazz books are written from an observer's viewpoint, but this book comes from the heart of jazz. DUe to Sammy;s ability to connect with a wide range of people in the jazz indusstry, whe was able to ask questions and got honest responses.
What exactly is jazz, how do you know you are listening to jazz? Do we truly know when and how jazz first originated? Who was really the first jazz musician? How does jazz link to other genres and arts? How has it affected society, culture, art and fashion and how does the future look? What about women in jazz? And writers and journalists? Addictions? Do reviews make any difference? Is the story of jazz more complex than the accepted chain of events? What does the future of jazz look like?
This book is a deep dive into jazz's impact, and future. It discusses the social, cultural, and political influence of jazz - the music that changed the world - its influences on hip hop, the connection to third stream, classical, and other art forms are all discussed as well as the future, the impact of young people and how they are changing established canons from within.
Some of the information comes from research by the author but much comes from those in the music, those who teach, witness the reactions of an audience, and understand how relevant jazz is right now.
The book looks at jazz's game changers - the people after whom the music was never the same, civil rights, gender, jazz dynasties, and how jazz musicians have lent their power to deliver political messages in subtle and not so subtle ways.
Whether jazz is something which is of passing interst ofr whether you are familiar with jazz this book will engage and provide captivating information, snippets, insights and a revelation into the importance of jazz music and the people who create it. Jazz is not elite, it is for all of us in its many different forms. From free jazz to traditional, to modern to fusion, there is jazz music for everyone and it is increasingly popular. Ordinary people make jazz music - ordinary people playing in extraordinary ways.
