Kansas City Jazz: A Little Evil Will Do You Good

The Kansas City jazz style, which emerged in the late 1920s and early 1930s, is a distinctive subgenre of jazz that bridges the gap between earlier African-American music styles like ragtime and blues and later, more modern forms like bebop. It is characterized by its straightforward and direct style and has inspired a museum, a feature-length film, and a sentimental rock song. This book, the first comprehensive work on the subject in over 15 years, delves deeper into the music of the American Midwest that evolved into Kansas City jazz and includes profiles of individual musicians who developed different styles within or beyond the sub-genre.

Format: Hardback
Length: 370 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2023
Publisher: Equinox Publishing Ltd

The Kansas City jazz style, which emerged in the late 1920s and early 1930s, is a unique and influential subgenre within jazz. It represents a crucial transitional period between earlier African-American music styles like ragtime and blues and the more modern forms that followed, including bebop. This style is characterized by its straightforward and direct approach, which sets it apart from other jazz styles developed in New Orleans.

Kansas City jazz has had a significant impact on the music world, inspiring the creation of a dedicated museum and the making of a feature-length film titled "Kansas City" by Robert Altman in 1996. It has also been the subject of a sentimental rock song by Van Morrison titled "Eternal Kansas City."

This comprehensive book, the first of its kind in over 15 years, delves deeper into the origins and development of Kansas City jazz. It features profiles of individual musicians who played a crucial role in shaping the subgenre, highlighting their unique styles and contributions. The book explores the broader themes and narratives that shaped Kansas City jazz, highlighting the significant personalities who came together to create this distinctive style.

Kansas City jazz represents a fusion of various musical influences, including blues, ragtime, and traditional African rhythms. It is known for its lively and energetic performances, featuring intricate melodies, syncopated rhythms, and improvisation. The style has influenced countless musicians and has had a lasting impact on the evolution of jazz.

In conclusion, Kansas City jazz is a significant and influential subgenre within jazz, representing a crucial transitional period between earlier African-American music styles and the more modern forms that followed. Its unique and direct approach, combined with the contributions of individual musicians, has made it a beloved and enduring part of the jazz tradition. This comprehensive book provides a deeper understanding of the origins and development of Kansas City jazz, highlighting its impact on the music world and its enduring legacy.

Weight: 3116g
Dimension: 234 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800502826