The Jazz Handbook

Library Journal

Like The Opera Handbook (reviewed above) this is intended to be ``a stimulus and a springboard for further exploration.'' In this respect it succeeds very well. The book is divided into seven periods covering jazz from the pre-Twenties to the present. Each is introduced with a short overview followed by main entries consisting of brief biographies of jazz musicians, a unique ``media'' listing for each, a ``lineage'' section (showing who influenced and who was influenced by the artist), and suggested listening. The British slant is obvious and opinion and choice of artists is undisguisedly personal. Keith Jarrett's style is described as ``ultimately foppish,'' for example, and there is only passing mention of many artists who deserve fuller coverage, but the excellent photos, good indexing, and wealth of hard facts make this a good choice as an additional resource. Also reviewed in Reference are The Film Handbook (above) and The Dance Handbook (below).--Ed.-- Mark Woodhouse, Gannett-Tripp Lib., Elmira Coll., N.Y.

Booknews

Provides biographical information on 200 musicians and groups that have been significant to jazz. Arranged alphabetically within chronological chapters. No bibliography. Originally published in 1987. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)