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Jazz
by André Francis
Grove Evergreen, 1960
CONDITION:
Good vintage copy, solid and unmarked, mild wear.
ATTRIBUTES:
Paperback. No dust jacket.
DESCRIPTION:
André Francis\'s \"Jazz\" is a seminal work that explores the rich history and evolution of jazz music, tracing its journey from its origins to the \"cool sounds\" of the mid-20th century. The book delves into the subject matter by detailing various jazz styles, musicians, and recordings, providing a comprehensive overview of the genre. It covers influential figures such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Gerry Mulligan, and Ma Rainey, highlighting their contributions and impact on jazz. Francis\'s work is considered an introductory but highly influential text on jazz, particularly in France, where it became a favorite for generations of listeners.
André Francis (1925-2019) was a prominent French music journalist, jazz author, and producer, often referred to as \"Monsieur Jazz\" of French radio. He had an extensive career in radio, beginning around 1948 and continuing until his retirement in 1996, during which he hosted numerous jazz programs, sometimes over 200 per year. Francis was known for his personal acquaintance with many great jazz musicians in both France and the United States. His deep involvement in the jazz scene extended to organizing thousands of jazz concert recordings for French radio and presenting at major jazz festivals.
The book holds significant historical and literary importance as one of the most popular and enduring jazz books in France, first published in 1958 and regularly reissued. Its translation into English in 1960 by Martin Williams further broadened its reach and influence. For collectors, this book is interesting due to its status as a foundational text in jazz criticism and history, particularly given the author\'s esteemed reputation and profound connection to the jazz world. Its comprehensive nature, detailing the genre\'s progression and key figures, makes it a valuable resource for understanding the development of jazz music.
FLASHBACK TO 1960 WHEN THIS BOOK WAS PUBLISHED:
When this book was published in 1960, the world was gripped by the Cold War, with the U-2 incident escalating tensions between the US and USSR, while seventeen African nations gained independence, marking a pivotal shift in global power. John F. Kennedy was campaigning for the US presidency, and the first oral contraceptive pill became available, ushering in a new era of social change, as André Francis, a prominent figure in French cinema, continued to shape the cultural landscape.
Location: 01-02-01-543
