Jazz Books

Charlie Christian is regarded by many jazz historians as one of the major voices who shaped modern jazz in the early 1940s. Even though he tragically died before reaching his twenty-sixth birthday, his brilliant improvisations, phenomenal rhythmic drive, and blues-influenced guitar playing had already changed the course of jazz, and the guitar’s place in jazz, for all time. This book details the full importance of Charlie Christian’s brief life. Peter Broadbent, a talented jazz guitarist himself has studied all Christian’s known recordings for twenty five years. His well-researched biography of the Texan jazz genius reveals many new facts about Charlie Christian’s short life, and career in music. The discography in this book is certainly the most complete and accurate to be published to date. It corrects for the first time, many errors in previous discograpies and books. Also included is an impressive and unique collection of photographs and documents to illustrate this important work. Charlie Christian by Peter Broadbent is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of jazz and the jazz guitar.

Wes Montgomery was unquestionably the most significant jazz guitarist to emerge during the 1960’s. During the 70’s and 80’s he had like Charlie Christian and Django Reinhardt before him, become a major influence on other guitar players. Elements of his style are discernable in many of today’s finest players. Although many musicians acknowledge Wes as one of the finest guitar players of the 20th century there has been until now a lack of detailed biographical and analytical material. The author hopes that this book will be widely read and enjoyed by guitarists and jazz guitar enthusiasts everywhere and that Wes’ achievements, so often narrowly categorised as the development of octave playing, will be more fully understood and appreciated. This definitive work is a must for all guitarists and jazz lovers alike.

A deluxe and extended version of the original and best biography of Django Reinhardt. Updated by Charles Delaunay with a correct and complete LP discography, an appendix with new information, and literally dozens of new, and previously unpublished, photographs and documents. Essential readership for all guitarists. 300 pages, soft cover.