Kind of Jazz - Books

Our Editor

Matthew Ruddick

Editor
Author of Funny Valentine, an acclaimed new biography of the jazz trumpet player and singer, Chet Baker.

Book Reviews

Jazz themed books on the music, the musicians or that will appeal to jazz fans...

1

Kosher Jammers - Mike Gerber

By Matthew Ruddick

Fascinating insight into the Jewish influence on jazz over the years, from musicians to composers, critics…
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Jazz and Death: Reception, Rituals, and Representations - Walter van de Leur

By Fiona Ross

A fascinating study showing how jazz and death have intertwined over the years.
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Rhythm Man, Chick Webb and the Beat that Changed America - Stephanie Stein Crease

By Fiona Ross

An essential exploration of the work of the King of The Savoy, drummer and bandleader Chick Webb.
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Ain’t But A Few Of Us: Black Music Writers Tell Their Story - Edited by Willard Jenkins

By Fiona Ross

A ground breaking collection of interviews and articles with over two dozen inspirational black jazz journalists.
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Tomasz Stanko: Desperado, An Autobiography

By Fiona Ross

A fascinating exploration into the mind of Tomasz Stanko.
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She Raised Her Voice! 50 Black Women Who Sang Their Way Into Music History – Jordannah Elizabeth

By Fiona Ross

A book that should be on the curriculum of every school across the world.
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John Tchicai: A Chaos with Some Kind of Order - Margriet Naber

By Fiona Ross

Personal insights into the life of Danish free jazz saxophonist John Tchicai.
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Barbara Thompson MBE - Journey To A Destination Unknown

By Fiona Ross

The inspirational story of Barbara Thompson, in her own words.
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This Is Hip, The Life of Mark Murphy - Peter Jones

By Matthew Ruddick

Engaging biography of innovative US jazz singer, Mark Murphy.
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All That's Jazz - Sammy Stein

By Matthew Ruddick

Kind Of Jazz contributor, Sammy Stein, explores the passion that goes into jazz music.
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What Happened, Miss Simone? – Alan Light

By Matthew Ruddick

New biography captures the unique spirit of Nina Simone.
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The Miles Davis Lost Quintet And Other Revolutionary Ensembles – Bob Gluck

By Matthew Ruddick

New book analyses Miles Davis's so-called lost quintet, 1968-1970, with mixed results.
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DAVE GELLY (EDITOR): 30-SECOND JAZZ

By Rob Mallows

Subtitled the 50 crucial concepts, styles and performers, each explained in half a minute, this book…
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Laurie Pepper - Art: Why I Stuck With A Junkie Jazzman

By Matthew Ruddick

The life of Art Pepper - one of the greatest jazz stories, now told from his wife's…
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Our Contributors

Rob Mallows

London Jazz Meetup owner and fan of ‘plugged in’ jazz.

Simon Cooney

By day a full time Londoner in tv news. By night jazzaholic

Fernando Rose

I love my jazz and I bless the funk. I play percussion for all and sundry and go by @Mr Cool.

Grae Shennan

Laboratory scientist with a love of evolving music that defies boundaries.

Hilary Robertson

Jazz-obsessed freelance writer and saxist.

Kim Cypher

Saxophonist, vocalist, composer, band leader and radio show presenter. Follows dreams and loves to celebrate great music and musicians.

Fiona Ross

Fiona is the founder of the award winning organisation Women in Jazz Media. She writes for many publications across the globe.

Wendy Kirkland

Jazz pianist and singer with wide musical tastes spanning latin through fusion to bebop and swing. Cat fanatic.

Elana Shapiro

From Manchester, currently living in Berlin. Lover of jazz, RnB, and soul inspired music.

Award-winning journalist and author. I write about music, jazz in particular, but music of all kinds.

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