This readable book looks at jazz through the evolution of instrumental styles with chapters on pre-modern jazz, modern jazz from the ’40 to the ‘60s and from the ‘60s to the ‘90s, and jazz-rock fusion. Essentially a text book on jazz appreciation, it gives tips on how to listen to improvisation and describes the elements of the music such as blue notes and chord voicings. The appendix includes guides to albums, videos, and supplementary reading, with a special section for musicians dealing with chord progressions, comping, modes, etc.

With regards to jazz standards, if you are relatively new to the jazz field then this excellent text will bring you up to speed on the musical principles, the music’s evolution, and the major players. The index includes song titles.

Mark C. Gridley is a musician and educator whose research has taken him to the major jazz centers in America and to the Caribbean and Africa. He has also contributed articles to several periodicals and encyclopedias.