The Jazz Standards

Ted Gioia's first new jazz book since The History of Jazz, The Jazz Standards: A Guide to the Repertoire, is a comprehensive handbook to the 250 most important jazz compositions. The book highlights the most popular jazz standards, tells their story, explains their role in jazz, and serves as a gateway to the historic recordings that made these compositions into the foundations of the art form. The selected standards includes tunes from Broadway shows, written by the great American songwriters; pieces that first appeared in movies or were originated by big bands, or by pop singers outside the jazz world; and, of course, works written by jazz musicians themselves. A unique resource, a browser's companion and an invaluable introduction to the art form, this book suits the needs of new fans, jazz lovers, musicians, and students alike.