Featured Book: The Abyss of Jazz

Author: Richard V. Duffy

Publisher: 1stbooks.com

Year Published: 2002

Type: Non-Fiction

Format / Pages: / 153 pages

Review: THE ABYSS OF JAZZ by Richard V. Duffy is a fine contemporary analysis of jazz. Well-written and entertaining, this nonfiction work will hold your interest from beginning to end.

There are 20 chapters in this fine book, plus a summary. A close look at the titles of each chapter reveals the topic, such as "Philosophy of Being A Musician," which should be must reading on everybody's list. Other in-depth topics covered include "Duke Ellington," "Dexter Gordon," "Dizzy Gillespie," and "Billy Holiday," among others.

Two chapters of special interest for readers are "Gerry Mulligan" and "Big Band Jazz." "My Personal Experiences" and "Two Feet Off The Floor" are other insightful chapters and reflect the author's clear writing and imaginative approach to jazz motifs.

"Jazz And The Architects" is a philosophical look at jazz. It is a straight-ahead look at jazz and what jazz is capable of achieving. It is a gem!

What is exceedingly good about this book is its honesty and attention to factual detail. This book should be read by those interested in contemporary jazz, and would make a nice gift for those who enjoy reading about the giants of jazz music such as Gerry Mulligan and Louis Armstrong.

Richard V. Duffy has written a 5-star book about jazz. THE ABYSS OF JAZZ is a 5-star winner! Excellent.

Reviewed by: Lee Prosser

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