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Hi guys, my dad's birthday is coming up, and I'm on the lookout for a suitable present. He said he's interested in a book about African American music (i.e. Jazz, Blues, Soul etc...), but so far my research has turned up nil.
Hi guys, my dad's birthday is coming up, and I'm on the lookout for a suitable present. He said he's interested in a book about African American music (i.e. Jazz, Blues, Soul etc...), but so far my research has turned up nil.
Anyone got any recommendations?
Well it partly depends upon what about those genres of music you're looking for books on. Do you want a book that describes the African musical roots and influences of these genres? The history of Jazz/Blues/etc. ? From the perspective of a music critic? Performer? Music historian? Musicologist? Heavy reading or light reading?
Unfortunately he was very vague in describing what it is that he wants. I think a historical or biographical account would probably be it, although not on any single musician.
I'm also pretty sure he hates improvised or freeform jazz, so that should be avoided.
flay, you're in sydney - have you been to kinokuniya in the city? it's bound to have something inspiring
as someone getting into this music myself, something like this would be wonderful: not too broad to be meaningless, but a studied look at one part of the movement that would be crammed with anecdotes and stories from a specifically relevant time and place. but i also love stax records so it might not appeal to everyone.
Mm, I was actually going to head in to Kinokuniya some time today; I figured it'd be better to go in looking for something specific. If I see that while I'm there I'll give it a look!
Unfortunately he was very vague in describing what it is that he wants. I think a historical or biographical account would probably be it, although not on any single musician.
I'm also pretty sure he hates improvised or freeform jazz, so that should be avoided.
Jazz is by nature improvisation off of Jazz standards, the book I mentioned is not about freeform Jazz. If your father doesn't like improvisation he doesn't like Jazz :P.
this is listed on kinokuniya's website and it looks pretty good, too.
not all books are as nice as others when you get your hands on them, though, which is why it's probably a good idea not to have your mind totally set. but do go in to kinokuniya, it's a rad store and it'll have something that will jump out at you for sure
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Well it partly depends upon what about those genres of music you're looking for books on. Do you want a book that describes the African musical roots and influences of these genres? The history of Jazz/Blues/etc. ? From the perspective of a music critic? Performer? Music historian? Musicologist? Heavy reading or light reading?
In my opinion, the best Jazz book you'll ever find is Berliners "Thinking in Jazz: The Infinite Art of Jazz Improvisation"
I'm also pretty sure he hates improvised or freeform jazz, so that should be avoided.
as someone getting into this music myself, something like this would be wonderful: not too broad to be meaningless, but a studied look at one part of the movement that would be crammed with anecdotes and stories from a specifically relevant time and place. but i also love stax records so it might not appeal to everyone.
Jazz is by nature improvisation off of Jazz standards, the book I mentioned is not about freeform Jazz. If your father doesn't like improvisation he doesn't like Jazz :P.
I gave him a call and he seems more interested in blues than jazz. He's also not a big fan of Miles Davis apparently.
not all books are as nice as others when you get your hands on them, though, which is why it's probably a good idea not to have your mind totally set. but do go in to kinokuniya, it's a rad store and it'll have something that will jump out at you for sure