Giant Steps: Bebop and the Creators of Modern Jazz, 1945-65

Giant Steps examines the most important figures in the creation of modern jazz, detailing the emergence of bebop through the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Fats Navarro, Bud Powell, and Thelonious Monk. Using this as its starting point, the book subsequently delves into the developments of jazz composition, modal jazz, and free jazz. The music of each of these great masters is examined in detail and will provide both a fine introduction for the large audience newly attracted to the music but unsure of their direction through it, as well as an entertaining and informative read for those with a more substantial background.