"The Jazz Standards" (A Guide to the Repertoire) - By Ted Gioia - Oxford University Press. Just out.
Over 500 pages of meticulously-researched information on 250+ of the greatest Jazz standards. Roughly 2 pages is devoted to each (alphabetically arranged) tune with fascinating insight into it's genesis, subsequent "fate" and significant cover history. A "Recommended Versions" column follows each description; useful in itself to see how it moved through genres - and if your favorite artist(s) may have recorded it.
It's one of those books that will end up on the coffee table (what's that?) with probably a LOT of little placemark stickies. Pick it up; open it to any page; and enjoy!
Merry Christmas
Charles
ps. and for us real old farts - an accompanying nostalgia CD would be "Fred Astaire - Let's Face the Music and Dance". ASV (mono) CD AJA 5123. Boy could this guy interpret a song. The tunesmith that had the most songs written FOR him to perform. And as I remember - he could also dance.
Over 500 pages of meticulously-researched information on 250+ of the greatest Jazz standards. Roughly 2 pages is devoted to each (alphabetically arranged) tune with fascinating insight into it's genesis, subsequent "fate" and significant cover history. A "Recommended Versions" column follows each description; useful in itself to see how it moved through genres - and if your favorite artist(s) may have recorded it.
It's one of those books that will end up on the coffee table (what's that?) with probably a LOT of little placemark stickies. Pick it up; open it to any page; and enjoy!
Merry Christmas
Charles
ps. and for us real old farts - an accompanying nostalgia CD would be "Fred Astaire - Let's Face the Music and Dance". ASV (mono) CD AJA 5123. Boy could this guy interpret a song. The tunesmith that had the most songs written FOR him to perform. And as I remember - he could also dance.
