The Blackwell Guide to Recorded Jazz

by Barry Kernfeld

Book Overview

The first edition of the Guide was widely praised for identifying 150 key recordings that should form the basis of any jazz collection, backed up by a series of detailed critical commentaries unrivalled in any competing book of its kind for their depth and critical insight. This new edition broadens the scope of the Guide , looking at recent developments and styles and suggesting almost 250 discs as the core collection.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0631195521
• ISBN13: 9780631195528
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Length: 588 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Indispensible book for both novice and seasoned enthusiasts.

Barry Kernfeld's book of recommended jazz recordings is without peer not only for its depth of coverage for individual artists and recordings, but also for its sense of historical perspective and scholarly approach. While I may consult other sources, Kernfeld et al consistently offer a more thorough and thoughtful discussion of each of the recordings it covers. Strongly recommended.

The title index is not completely alphabetical.

After extended use of the title index, I find that it is not well alphabetized. On page 560 for example, At a Dixie..., At the Half..., At Harmony. There are other examples.