Author: Alex Stewart
Publisher: University of California Press
Year Published: 2007
Format / Pages: / 398 pages
Review: Alex Stewart is a former freelance jazz musician who is currently Associate Professor of Music at the University of Vermont. Writing with a smooth style and in a concise, entertaining manner, Alex Stewart successfully gives the reader an in-depth look at big band jazz as it is in contemporary New York City.
Whether you are a jazz fan, or just love a good reading experience, this is the book for you! This book comes with a list of illustrations, list of tables, preface, author's note, introduction, eleven chapters, appendix, notes, sources, selected discography, credits, and index.
This well-constructed and well-written book examines the big band scene in New York City, and looks behind the scenes to reveal the training, rehearsals, and gigs. An excellent discussion of the rise of repertory orchestras and inside the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra is shared with the reader, along with many other topics.
New directions in jazz composition are covered, and a highly enlightening look at the all-women bands is detailed. Baritone saxophonist Claire Daly and others offer insights.
There is much to recommend this book. It is an outstanding, one of a kind look at New York City big band happenings and history. It is entertaining and a sure pleasure to read.
If you are interested in big band, this is a wonderful book to read. If you are looking for a gift for a friend, or an ordering item for your local public library, this is a book to consider. Readers will also take pleasure in the notes, sources, and selected discography material in this book.
Additional Information: Check it out @ Amazon.com
ISBN: 9780520249547
Reviewed by: Lee Prosser