Stuart Nicholson

Excellent book about a subset of jazz and rock, jazz rock. It takes the reader from its beginnings in the late 1950s with Miles Davis and Gil Evans through the 1970s and the John McLaughlin-led Mahavishnu Orchestra to the late 1990s and jazz-funk. A discography in the back of the book lists key artists and albums, many of them out of print. Stuart Nicholson is very knowledgeable about jazz and presents the subject well, though I had to look up some of the terms, such as "hard bop" and show more "head". Recommended for those interested in this jazz subgenre. show less

A very good perspective (even if not exactly up to date since it’s from 2005) on the health of jazz music. The part which criticize the conservatism of American jazz (and especially targets Wynton Marsalis) is pretty good, as well as that on the European jazz. All in all, a comprehensive orientation guide to the contemporary world of jazz, helpful to go beyond the ‘60s and understand a music which is definitely worldwide - rather than just American.

Early jazz rock was radical and uncompromising. I love this book because it uncovers musical treasures too adventurous to go mainstream. And with streaming music services, I can hear it all first hand.

Interesting read on the development of both traditions and business if not the least the current status of the music.