Kind of useless as an audiobook.

Unlike the book I just finished about classical music, this audiobook has no music. Descriptions of what I should be hearing would be very useful if I had a PDF that I could go to afterwards. The PDF included with this one gives a list of artists, but no references to what was discussed in the book, or where I could go to in the book to find it again. So essentially what you get is a lot of verbal descriptions of songs.

20 people found this helpful

Not really a "how to"

This is more of a history than a guide to listening. Goia's histories are good.

8 people found this helpful

Loved everything about the material in this book!

The history, advice, and interpretations were all expertly helpful. I did wish there was access to the Pdf of present and future jazz greats.

3 people found this helpful

Perfect for a jazz newbie

I know next to nothing about jazz, so picked up this book after a recommendation from someone else. I found it to be an excellent overview of jazz with great narration by a jazz cat. I would highly recommend this book to provide some basics concerning the different varieties and history of jazz music.

3 people found this helpful

a must for any Jazz listener

I absolutely loved it listening to the Arc of the explanation I was able to recall my own experience listening to all of these great artists

2 people found this helpful

Solid Introduction

This book is a solid introduction to listening to Jazz. I know a little music theory and can play a couple of instruments badly. I wish there was something that had just a little more of a technical aspect to it, which I believe Mr. Gioia could easily provide. His book about Jazz Standards is also good as a reference when listening or playing.

1 person found this helpful

A great book

A great review of the genre, including a discussion of form and major innovators and deviants. Useful even to an intermediate musician just getting into playing jazz. It's easy to get lost, but this book serves as a simple and effective anchor.

1 person found this helpful

Excellent work

An important book that actually teaches listening strategies. passionately read. a must read for anyone who is interested in getting into jazz.

1 person found this helpful

Love Jazz, now I understand why!

I have been listening to jazz for many years now. I even write about local jazz musicians to promote their performances. I loved the way Ted Gioia treated his presentation. His vocabulary is rich and evocative. His enthusiasm infectious. His rich knowledge enviable. Listen. You will be happy you did.

1 person found this helpful

The smooth jazz voice is too much

I am so interested in what the book has to say, but I can’t hear it through the soft porn smooth jazz voice of the narrator. So I guess I’ll never know How to Listen to Jazz since I can’t Listen To This Narrator.