What Is This Thing Called Jazz?

About the Book

There is no better authority on jazz than the creators, educators, and writers who have made this enigmatic musical style a major force internationally as well as in American history. The answer to the question “what is jazz?” is as complex and diverse as those involved in it. This book takes the question to noted musicians, scholars, and composers, creating a documentary style of oral history that makes you feel as if you are actually in the room as they put the sounds they know as music into words. The ideas from these authentic, personal voices of authority provide a unique perspective that will enlighten the novice and stimulate the professional. Ron Carter, Bassist-“Because they are improvising does not necessarily mean that it is jazz” Buddy Rich,Drums-“Trane to Bird, Diz to Miles, all in the family of jazz, just different children.” Ray Charles, Singer/Pianist-Jazz is the freedom to do what you want within the confines of the chord structure.” Milt Jackson, Vibraphonist-"The era of bebop represents jazz to me.” Chet Baker, Trumpet-Paris “Jazz is a hard swinging rhythm section with everybody playing with the same time feeling.”

About the Author

The Author Batt Johnson is an award-winning actor, award-winning broadcaster, and teacher at New York University and Cornell University. He wrote for Swing Journal Jazz Magazine (Tokyo); the Kansas City Star newspaper; national host and writer for VH-1 Music Television; and is the author of Powerful Principles for Presenters and Rich and Famous in Thirty Seconds.