John S. Davis is Director of Jazz Studies and Associate Dean for the College of Music at the University of Colorado Boulder. He has been a jazz educator for more than 20 years and maintains an active schedule as a jazz clinician and guest conductor.
In compiling this useful research tool, Davis (Univ. of Colorado,
Boulder) draws on a deep knowledge of jazz. The 1,500-plus entries
include important musicians, terms, places, and events. While terms
such as "Blues" and "Bebop" are afforded short entries, "Jazz" does
not appear in the dictionary proper. Instead, Davis provides a
brief but informative introductory essay outlining the origins and
history of jazz. Typical entries are short, highlighting careers of
various figures, discussing the importance of places and events,
and offering general descriptions of concepts. Longer entries, such
as "Armstrong, Louis," can run several paragraphs, detailing
performances, contributions, and influence. Content spans the gamut
of jazz from its early influences in blues and popular
entertainment to its contemporary manifestations. The work
commences with a chronology starting with jazz's vaudeville roots
in 1881 and ending with milestones through 2011. Davis caps off the
dictionary with a short bibliographic essay and a useful
bibliography arranged by subgenres and artists, including general
works. Cross-referencing is done via boldface type and see also
indications. The author draws on a rich background as trumpeter,
conductor, and university teacher. Summing Up: Recommended.
Lower-level undergraduates, practitioners, and general readers.
*CHOICE*
With more than 1,500 brief, alphabetically arranged, and
cross-referenced entries, this book covers
everything from slave songs to brass bands to contemporary jazz.
Also featured are the influences of Afro-Caribbean rhythms,
European classical music, and the Mississippi blues. Entries are
devoted to influential performers and bandleaders, noteworthy
venues, seminal recordings, popular record labels, and various jazz
styles—bebop, swing, etc. The volume begins with a chronology
starting in 1881, is followed by an introductory essay, and ends
with an extensive bibliography. Recommended for most library
collections.
*Booklist*
This book would be better suited to a circulating rather than a
reference collection.
*American Reference Books Annual*
[T]his is a solid,. . . worthy reference book, with basic
information of a wide variety of topics. It is up to date. The
bibliography is substantial.
*s*
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