[Dixielandjazz] Re Swing to Bop

[Ken Mathieson]

Hi Steve et al,

No need to speculate about how bop started: there's a fascinating book about exactly that called "Swing to Bop" by Ira Gitler, published by Oxford University Press ISBN # 0-19-503664-6 (hardback) and #0-19-505770-3 (paperback). It consists of interviews with musicians, so the story is told by the actual participants in their own words. Gitler's role was simply that of editor: placing the interviews in a logical sequence, supplying introductory comments and clarifications.

It's a fascinating book as, for once, you get the story of a jazz development from the musicians, including some OKOM players in the opening chapters which describe the early developments. Highly recommended to anyone with an interest in the music and the era.

Cheers,

Ken Mathieson