HOW TO LISTEN TO AND APPRECIATE JAZZ

Kenyon College Associate Professor of Music Ted Buehrer covers the history, techniques, and development of this uniquely American musical genre. The 14 lectures begin with the basics, bringing non-musicians up to speed on the fundamentals of music and musical terminology. Buehrer then launches into a broad survey of the art form and its most influential practitioners, tracing the story of jazz from ragtime through swing, bebop, and a profusion of other styles into the modern era. The lectures are supplemented by a two-CD compilation, "Jazz: The First 100 Years," which provides musical examples of points covered in the lectures. Buehrer's presentation is a bit stiff, but the content is superb and will enhance any jazz lover's listening experience. M.G. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 07]