Playing Changes: Jazz for the New Century
Nate Chinen
Rave
Positive
Mixed
Pan
Playing Changes: Jazz for the New Century
Nate Chinen
Rave
Positive
Mixed
Pan
Rave
Positive
Mixed
Pan
Nate Chinen has written a terrific book about the shape of contemporary jazz, and right now is a terrific time to read it.
[Chinen's] new book, Playing Changes: Jazz for the New Century, is a loud, clear refutation of the misguided opinion that 'jazz is dead,' preserved in amber like an archeological artifact.
His criticism and reporting shy away from grand pronouncements yet amply reflect jazz’s present vitality.
Chinen’s book opens big enough, with a volley of plunger-muted trumpets.
His book, like a great trumpet solo, arrives perfectly timed, just behind the beat, because the past couple of years have suggested that 21st-century jazz could start commanding broader attention.
It is not an easy book to evaluate because it is so up-to-the-minute, and Chinen is setting a new standard. His chapter on jazz education, consistent with this stance, is informative and welcome, as is his expansion of his coverage to include an international focus.
...a brilliant and wide-ranging new history of jazz.
Chinen gets bogged down with repeated references to the awards many of the cited artists have won, but jazz fans will find much to enjoy. Anyone looking to start a jazz collection will be happy to know that each chapter concludes with five recommended recordings. The author has a gift for memorable lines.