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Jazz
- A History of America's Music
- Narrated by: LeVar Burton
- Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins
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Publisher's Summary
But Jazz is more than a mere biography. The history of the music echoes the history of twentieth-century America. Jazz provided the background for the giddy era that F. Scott Fitzgerald called the Jazz Age. The irresistible pulse of big-band swing lifted the spirits and boosted American morale during the Great Depression and World War II. The virtuosic, demanding style called bebop mirrored the stepped-up pace and dislocation that came with peace. During the Cold War era, jazz served as a propaganda weapon - and forged links with the burgeoning counterculture. The story of jazz encompasses the story of American courtship and show business; the epic growth of cities, and the struggle for civil rights and simple justice that continues into the new millennium.
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What listeners say about Jazz
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall
- Denise
- 04-12-04
Packed with information
I love to hear the history behind the music, and this book is very detailed. It is my first download, and first audio book. I find Mr. Burton's voice very distinct, and animated. Contrary to a previous review, I have no trouble understanding what is being said. I recommend any one read it, not only is it the story behind the music, it is a seeminly decent portrayal of the culture of the periods covered in the book. IF you enjoy jazz, I suggest you download this book for a better understanding of its development and key artists. Enjoy, I did, and will again!
9 people found this helpful
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Overall
- David
- 01-21-08
Captivating...
Full of information and short stories about the musicians that contributed to the genisis and evolution of jazz. I found myself struggling to pause my listening due to available time constraints. However,I always looked forward to pick up where I left off. The only improvement suggestion I could offer is some additional samples of some of the compositions that the narrator was describing throughout this book.
8 people found this helpful
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Overall
- Ken
- 02-07-03
Good content but reading not clear
The book is very interesting, but I find it hard to follow: the reader drops his voice at the end of sentences or phrases, often does not pronounce names clearly, and does not pause at major transitions. I find myself needing to backspace the player to try to hear something I missed, often without success.
21 people found this helpful
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- Jordan
- 06-02-21
Loved it then and now.
Initially I read this book while struggling to finish a music degree, now years later I loved going through it again as it inspires me to continue teaching music.
1 person found this helpful
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- bookswithheart
- 01-19-21
Fantastic book and loved, loved the narration
I thought I was playing this for my musician husband to enjoy, but I was so taken with the story and the excellent narration that I stayed up to the wee hours, enthralled by the fascinating details of the lives and music of so many of the jazz greats.
One of my fave non-fiction books ever! Thanks for the wonderful and fascinating journey!
1 person found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 10-10-19
Levar Burton
He has a stupendous voice. My children grew up with his Reading Rainbow and loved it. The subject is fascinating as well & better for me than some of the other jazz books I listened to.
1 person found this helpful
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- Michael Creech
- 12-29-17
loved it
great great book. Very comprehensive, particularly in the early years. It put together a history that I had not quite been aware of. Highly recommended.
1 person found this helpful
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- Julio
- 02-11-13
Buena historia y pobre ilustración musical
La historia de la música de America me pareció muy completa.
Me hubiera gustado que hubiese contenido mas muestras musicales relacionadas con los protagonistas.
1 person found this helpful
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- Jonathan Taylor
- 03-23-21
Appreciate your music collection more!
Blown away by the full story of the music I’ve enjoyed listening to since the mid-90’s. If you love jazz, you will hear it more deeply after listening to this narrative. Levar Burton’s reading is spot on, with “just right” voicings for Louis Armstrong & Miles.
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- Douglas Braun
- 01-29-20
Entertaining but narrative was lacking some depth.
I appreciate LeVar’s narration, but feel he may not have been the perfect choice for this one. His reading lacks a certain character or depth. It’s not a deal breaker for this version, but it could have been better with a different reader. (For the record, I love Levar Burton as an actor)