How to Listen to Jazz

Synopsis

A "radiantly accomplished" music scholar presents an accessible introduction to the art of listening to jazz (Wall Street Journal)

In How to Listen to Jazz, award-winning music scholar Ted Gioia presents a lively introduction to one of America's premier art forms. He tells us what to listen for in a performance and includes a guide to today's leading jazz musicians. From Louis Armstrong's innovative sounds to the jazz-rock fusion of Miles Davis, Gioia covers the music's history and reveals the building blocks of improvisation. A true love letter to jazz by a foremost expert, How to Listen to Jazz is a must-read for anyone who's ever wanted to understand and better appreciate America's greatest contribution to music.

"Mr. Gioia could not have done a better job. Through him, jazz might even find new devotees." -- Economist

Summary

Chapter 1: The Basics of Jazz

This chapter introduces the fundamental concepts of jazz, including its origins, improvisation, and swing. It provides a brief overview of the different instruments used in jazz and explains the basic harmonic structure of a jazz tune.

Example:

A jazz ensemble playing a blues tune in the key of C major might follow this basic chord progression:

```
C7 | F7 | C7 | G7 | C7
```

Chapter 2: The History of Jazz

This chapter traces the evolution of jazz from its roots in African-American music to its emergence as a distinct musical genre in the early 20th century. It discusses the major styles of jazz, including ragtime, Dixieland, bebop, and cool jazz.

Example:

"Take Five" by Dave Brubeck (1959) is a classic example of cool jazz, known for its laid-back tempo, intricate harmonies, and saxophone solos.

Chapter 3: Listening to Jazz

This chapter provides practical advice on how to listen to jazz more effectively. It suggests listening for the melody, harmony, rhythm, and improvisation, and explains how to identify the different instruments and their roles in the ensemble.

Example:

In the Miles Davis classic "Kind of Blue" (1959), pay attention to the interplay between Davis's trumpet, John Coltrane's saxophone, and Red Garland's piano.

Chapter 4: The Great Jazz Musicians

This chapter highlights some of the most influential jazz musicians of all time, including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker, and John Coltrane. It provides biographical sketches and discusses their unique contributions to the genre.

Example:

Ella Fitzgerald's "Mack the Knife" (1958) showcased her extraordinary vocal range and scat singing abilities.

Chapter 5: Jazz in the 21st Century

This chapter explores the current state of jazz and discusses how the genre is evolving in the digital age. It highlights contemporary jazz artists who are pushing the boundaries of the music.

Example:

Kamasi Washington's "The Epic" (2015) is a sprawling, three-hour masterpiece that incorporates elements of jazz, funk, soul, and spoken word.