Alyn Shipton

Few musical genres inspire the passionate devotion of jazz. Its mystique goes far beyond the melodies and rhythms, with its key players and singers discussed by aficionados with a respect that borders on reverence. Some books on jazz offer little more than theory or dry facts, thereby relinquishing the 'essence' of the music. This book is different. One of the most influential and internationally known writers on the subject describes, through vivid...

Describes various types of percussion instruments--including different drums, xylophones, cymbals, and shakers--discussing how they are played and their use in music around the world.

Text and pictures introduce the woodwind family of instruments, such as flutes, saxophones, oboes, bassoons, and their relatives.

Examines vocal music throughout history, discussing how the voice works, different kinds of singing and songs, and the technology involved in recording and playing back vocal music.