Len Lyons

I owned a copy of this book forty years ago. Seeing it in the library catalog, I thought it might have been updated. Nope. So there is nothing here about any jazz made since 1980. However, it's a pretty good introduction to key artists and albums in the periods of jazz before that time. There are a few glaring omissions (no Benny Carter?), but a good representation of key albums, plus some pretty substantial info about the artists and their styles, and a few entertaining anecdotes.

Generally interesting anthology, though lacking a little something. What I appreciated most was learning the background of the Ethiopian Jews who made aliyah, and the challenges they've faced in adapting to the reality of Israel (as opposed to the paradise many fantasized it would be). There's a fair amount of repetition, as most of the interviewees discuss the same problems -- most notably lack of acceptance, education and employment --and most recount similar immigration experiences. I show more also found it a little odd that some of the people only get a picture and a few paragraphs of biography, while others get a fuller interview and an additional (but often not different enough) picture accompanying the interview. If another follow-up is ever conducted, I'd hope it would have either more range or more depth (and ideally both). show less

A cool collection of interviews. Nothing earth shattering here, but some interesting takes from these all-timers.

A good starting point for exploration for jazz novices.