Featured Book: Jazz Consciousness: Music, Race, and Humanity

Author: Paul Austerlitz

Publisher: Wesleyan University Press

Year Published: 2005

Type: Non-Fiction

Format / Pages: / 260 pages

Review:

A scholarly book which entertains as well as educates, it serves to reveal what has made jazz such an enduring and creative force in American music.  The book is based on extensive fieldwork by the author.  He explores jazz from a variety of contexts.

A look at the chapters show the depth of this fine work as the author approaches each subject with insight and understanding.  Among the topics are "Jazz Consciousness in the United States," "Machito and Mario Bauza: Latin Jazz in the U. S. Mainstream," "Rhythm-Music: Jazz ln Finland,"and "My Teacher is the Human Heart." The book contains a fine introduction, notes, videography and discography, bibliography, and index. There are color plates and photographs.

Paul Austerlitz gives a fine account of jazz drummer Milford Graves.  Graves was one of Austerlitz's mentors.

Paul Austerlitz is a musician, and he is also a gifted ethnonmusicologist. His insights and ability to connect sensitively with his readers make this book a memorable reading experience.  There is much to be learned from this book as it touches upon the very soul and philosophy of jazz.

If you are looking for something different to read about jazz, this would be a great choice. You will find many gems of thought in this book to share with others.  Highly recommended.

Additional Information: Check it out @ Amazon.com

ISBN: 0819567825

Reviewed by: Lee Prosser

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