88: The Giants of Jazz Piano

by Robert L. Doerschuk

This handsome, insightful hardcover volume delves deep into the music of 88 visionaries who have made an indelible mark on the world of jazz through their mastery of the piano's 88 keys. This engaging collection describes the intriguing personality and performance characteristics of each pianist. Seven major figures are covered in depth: Jelly Roll Morton, Earl Hines, Art Tatum, Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Keith Jarrett and Cecil Taylor. Other featured...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0879306564
• ISBN13: 9780879306564
• Release Date: November 2001
• Publisher: Backbeat Books
• Length: 341 Pages
• Weight: 2.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 7.3" x 9.7"

Customer Reviews

Thank You Robert L Doerschuk!

I've been playing the piano for most of my life, though only in the past 3 or 4 years have I really started listening to jazz. This book is a revelation for anybody wanting to get an overview of the great players in jazz history, beyond a just a few paragraphs about when and where they were born, a discography etc. The author is a jazz pianist himself and understands the genre well. He is insightful, and refreshingly candid about the performances turned in by the artists, and points out their flaws along with their strengths and unique contributions. For the most part, it made made me appreciate even more all these giant talents that I already held in high regard.

88 Masters of Jazz Piano

With a chapter each and running to 324 pages, this is one of the best books you can buy on Jazz Piano. The author Robert L Doerschuk is a Jazz pianist himself and writes with authority on his subjects. Starting with Jelly Roll Morton, though stride (James P Johnson, Fats Waller), Mainstream (Errol Garner Oscar Peterson) and finishing with contemporary artists such as Brad Mehldau and Geoff Keezer all the artists are given a fair analysis. All the main players are covered: Tatum, Powell, Monk, Evans, Brubeck, Tristano, Hancock, Tyner, Jarrett etc. What I like about this book is that its not all praise. Yes he likes these guys as musicians, but its an honest appraisal, so when he listens to a recording and hears flaws we're told. For example when writing about Monty Alexander: "then stumbles moments later with an awkard figuration that disrupts the momentum". Now in fairness to Monty Alexander most of this appraisal was as compared to Oscar Peterson at the height of his powers. But at least its honest and not just blind hero worshipping. If you're buying this book it'll certainly help if you're a musician, but its not essential, and there is plenty of interesting material here for non-musicians as well. Most noteably a CD with 11 tracks including pianists such as Mary Lou Williams, Teddy Wilson, Earl Hines and Adam Makowicz.

A veritable encyclopedia of jazz piano

Raised in a Communist country, listening or playing jazz was forbidden. It was considered decadent. Yet, we craved it. So we would listen on short wave radio and hear with whatever Radio Free Europe or Voice of America would regale us. I tried to copy the great piano players the best I could, but not having the talent to emulate them, I rejoiced at listening to them. So, I have heard the music of Oscar Peterson, Art Tatum, Bill Evans, George Shearing, Erroll Garner, Dave Brubeck, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, etc., but until I read this book I never heard of James P. Johnson, Mary Lou Williams, Sir Roland Hanna, Roger Kellaway, or Lennie Tristano. Clearly my loss. Of the 88 masters (one for each of the piano keys) I knew of no more than half, at best. The writing is erudite without being pompous and certainly very informative. Mr. Doerschuk is a pianist himself and it shows, as he gives us the unique insights of someone who is not only a music journalist, but also "tickles the ivories." As a result of reading this book, I have started listening to jazz piano music in both historical and social contexts. I am also learning to associate styles with groups of artists in ways that I could not, before reading this book. I like Mr. Doerschuk's organization and his titles for the various chapters such as "Deep in the Mainstream," "Back to the Fountain," "Improvisation as Revelation," since they provide yet another means for organizing jazz piano in one's mind. One can use this book as a permanent reference or just for the pleasure of reading it. I, for one, don't even bother putting in back on the shelf since it feels at home right in my hands as I am discovering "new" and old masters of jazz piano. This book is timeless, just like the marvelous musicians to whom it clearly pays homage.

Positively absorbing

A bonus 11-track cd comes with this portrait of eighty-eight pioneers and players of jazz piano, from Jelly Roll Morton to Benny Green. Here are insights on lives, techniques, and changing perspectives on jazz piano styles and artistry, enhanced by the author's personal experience as a jazz pianist and his original interviews with many of the players. Avid fans of the genre will find The Giants Of Jazz Piano positively absorbing.