I was alerted to these comprehensive and very readable guides to Jazz Rock (covering the 1968-1980 period) in the ‘What are you reading now?’ thread in the Way Off Topic forum. I bought both volumes immediately.
This is great stuff, in two volumes: one nearly-700 page guide to jazz rock in Europe and a smaller volume on the same in the Americas, Australasia, and Japan.
Adam’s musical sensibilities will likely align with those of many PE members but, more importantly, the sheer volume of obscure but worthy entries he describes is mind-boggling. Remember a few years back when Nosebone Chris posted a number of ‘obscure Jazz rock from Serbia’ type threads? Well, this guide has detailed entries on all those bands... and then some.
If you have Asbjornson’s Scented Gardens Prog guide and the Freeman Bros Crack in the Cosmic Sky Guide to Krautrock, this set will nicely round out your collection.
Adam freely admits not being a musician but he certainly has a good ear and a taste for accurate and rich description delivered in an unlaboured style. The man knows both his shit and his audience.
Most of all, Adam’s 4 and 5 star ratings on artists I’m familiar with generally cohere with my own views - which means that I can trust him on those entries I’m not so familiar with.
Highest recommendation.
https://www.amazon.com/Elastic-Rock-...p%2C503&sr=8-1
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