The Art of Jazz Essays on the Nature and Development of Jazz

Although jazz is generally considered to be among America's important contributions to the arts, intelligent criticism in this field is very rare. Here, at last, is a collection of the best writing on the subject; an anthology that examines jazz as an art form worthy of serious consideration and treats such notable jazz musicians as King Oliver, Duke Ellington, Bix Beiderbecke, and Bessie Smith as artists in their own right. Much jazz reviewing has been biased, publicity-conscious, and hysterical. These, however, are critical articles of lasting value. They deal with every phase of jazz - from Ragtime to Bop, through Dixieland, the Blues, and Modern Jazz Quartet - in a manner which helps the enthusiast listen to jazz more intelligently and with a greater understanding. Written at various periods ranging from the first World War to the present day, the articles include Swiss conductor Ernest Ansermet's tribute to Sidney Bechet; Marshall Stearns discussing folk blues; and an analysis of Art Tatum by André Hodeir. There are also many illuminating descriptions of such great personalities as Billie Holiday, Thelonious Monk, and Jelly Roll Morton. Aided by comments from Mr. Williams, these significant essays serve as the best possible introduction to a form of music which has influenced the Western cultural world for the past four decades. Martin T. Williams, a graduate of the universities of Pennsylvania and Virginia, is co-editor of The Jazz Review. He has been an instructor in English and the Humanities at Columbia College, and has contributed articles on music to The Record Changer, The Saturday Review, American Record Guide, and Downbeat.