InfoGuides: Jazz Studies Guide: Find Books

Jazz Culture and History Books

The library has many books about jazz, including its history, culture, and sub-genres.

Browsing the stacks: Most broad books on jazz are found in the ML3506--3509 range.

Using the Library Search:

Here are some examples of keywords you might type in the search box to find books on jazz history and culture:

Bebop

Kansas City Jazz

Afro Cuban Jazz

Swing Era

Below are a few e-book examples to get you started!

Blue Nippon: Authenticating Jazz in Japan by E. Taylor Atkins
Publication Date: 2001-09-06
Japan's jazz community has been begrudgingly recognized its talent, knowledge, and level of appreciation. Underpinning this tentative admiration has been a tacit agreement that Japanese jazz "can't swing." Engagingly told through the voices of many musicians, Blue Nippon explores the true and legitimate nature of Japanese jazz.
Latin Jazz by Christopher Washburne
Publication Date: 2020-05-18
Acclaimed musician and jazz scholar Christopher Washburne traces the roots of Latin jazz back to 18th and 19th century colonial New Orleans, and follows its evolution to the 21st century global stage.
Jazz: the Basics by Christopher Meeder
Publication Date: 2007-12-19
Jazz: The Basics gives a brief introduction to a century of jazz, ideal for students and interested listeners who want to learn more about this important musical style.

Jazz Composer and Musician Biographies

Biographies are a great way to start learning about a particular composer, musician, or person of note within jazz!

Browsing the stacks: Composer biographies are found under the ML410 section of the Music Library (Fenwick 2B), in alphabetical order by composer last name. Try finding your composer in the library, then browsing the books you find!

Using the Library Search:

Here are some examples of names you might type in the search box to find books on jazz history and culture:

Miles Davis

Diana Krall

Sonny Rollins

Below are a few examples of jazz composer and musician biographies in e-book format!

Softly, with Feeling by Edward Berger
Publication Date: 2014-04-28
Trumpeter Joe Wilder is distinguished for his achievements in both the jazz and classical worlds. Yet Wilder is also known as a pioneer who broke down racial barriers, the first African American to hold a principal chair in a Broadway show orchestra, and one of the first African Americans to join a network studio orchestra.
Ella Fitzgerald by Stuart Nicholson
Publication Date: 2004-06-17
Stuart Nicholson's biography of Ella Fitzgerald is considered a classic in jazz literature. Drawing on original documents, interviews, and new information, Nicholson draws a complete picture of Fitzgerald's professional and personal life.
Soul on Soul by Tammy L. Kernodle; Tammy Kernodle
Publication Date: 2004-03-18
Pianist, composer, and arranger, Mary Lou Williams (1910-1981), was one of the most significant and influential artists in the history of jazz. A versatile musical genius who experimented with and mastered most of the emerging styles in jazz's evolution, Williams wrote and arranged for such greats as Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman.

Jazz Skills & Education

The library also has books to help you sharpen your technique and understanding of jazz.

Here are some keywords you might try:

jazz technique

jazz theory

jazz arrangement

jazz pedagogy

Browse:

MT68: Improvisation methods
MT73.5: Jazz arranging & orchestration for jazz ensembles
MT733.7: Instrumental techniques for big band and jazz ensemble
Jazz methods for voice and other individual instruments (e.g., trumpet, piano, guitar) are shelved with the other method/technique books for that instrument.

Here are some examples of books on these topics!

Exploring Jazz Arranging by Chuck Israels
Publication Date: 2011
Perfect for both new and experienced arrangers, this book covers concepts that guide the beginner and stimulate new thinking among more seasoned musicians.
Jazz Pedagogy by J. Richard Dunscomb (Composed by); Willie L. Hill (Composed by)
Publication Date: 2002
A comprehensive guide that opens the doors to the world of jazz education. Find practical solutions to challenges such as the jazz concept, understanding the rhythm section, jazz improvisation and jazz styles, including a great section on Latin jazz.
Jazz Theory by Dariusz Terefenko
Jazz Theory: From Basic to Advanced Study is a comprehensive textbook for those with no previous study in jazz.It provides a strong theoretical foundation from music fundamentals to post-tonal theory, while integrating ear training, keyboard skills, and improvisation.
Why Jazz? by Kevin Whitehead
Publication Date: 2011
Why Jazz? is a Q&A handbook for novice listeners, a concise history of jazz's major figures and trends, and a plain-English guide to many musical techniques. As in his jazz reviews for NPR's Fresh Air, Whitehead crams a lot of information into compact, accessible prose.