The Annual Review of Jazz Studies (ARJS) is a journal providing a forum
for the ever expanding range and depth of jazz scholarship, from
technical analyses to oral history to cultural interpretation. Addressed
to specialists and fans alike, all volumes include feature articles,
book reviews, and unpublished photographs. This 14th issue contains four
intriguing articles that to some degree contravene accepted precepts of
jazz orthodoxy. John Howland traces the connection between Duke
Ellington's extended works and the 'symphonic jazz' model of the 1920s
as exemplified by Paul Whiteman and his chief arranger, Ferde GrofZ.
Horace J. Maxile Jr. takes an unfashionably broad perspective of Charles
Mingus's 'Ecclusiastics, ' applying recent developments in cultural
theory as well as the formal tools of traditional music theory. Brian
Priestley's exploration of the ties between Charlie Parker and popular
music challenges the canonical depiction of Parker as a lone
revolutionary genius, instead underscoring the saxophonist's ties to the
popular music of his time. Finally, John Wriggle presents an extensive
examination of the life and work of arranger Chappie Willet, an unsung
hero of the Swing Era. The book reviews cover a cross-section of the
burgeoning jazz literature, and Vincent Pelote has again compiled a list
of books received at the Institute of Jazz Studies.
