BOOK REviewS

This section includes reviews of books on jazz subjects by a number of writers. Reviewers interested in contributing are welcome to contact the editor by filling out the form in the CONTACT tab. When contributing please include the title of the book and its author, the name of the publisher, the date of publication, the book’s ISBN number, and the number of pages in the book. Please also provide, if possible, a high resolution scan of the book’s cover. Readers can click on the INDEX button for a list of reviews in this folder.

BACK TOGETHER AGAIN! THE STORY OF THE PORT JACKSON JAZZ BAND

by Jack Mitchell

Reviewed by Peter J F Newton

JazzChord, Summer 95/96

These days it would be a truism to say, I think, that the heyday and decline of the Australian traditional jazz revival paralleled that of the British and European revivalist movements. Inspired by recordings by American white musicians seeking to recapture the sounds of the classic black bands, and also by those of rediscovered veterans of the early days in New Orleans, bands formed in Australia’s cities and country towns and, by their spirited performances and with laid- back informal dance sessions, drew receptive audiences…

SERIOUS FUN: THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF MIKE NOCK

by Norman Meehan

Reviewed by Tony Mitchell

Music Trust of Australia website September 3, 2014

Mike Nock has been a stalwart of the Sydney Improvised Music Association and was a star turn at its August celebration of its 30th anniversary. In the general spirit of reminiscence, he offered The Music Trust this biography, published in 2010, for review. It was published around the time of Mike’s 70th birthday celebrations so in the span of a longish life, what’s a few years?

JIM McLEOD'S JAZZTRACK

by Jim McLeod

Reviewed by John Shand

Jazz ‘n’ Blues, Vol 2, No 1, 1995

Jim McLeod’s book, which shares its name with his ever-popular ABC Classic FM radio show, is a collection of 17 interviews with jazz luminaries, half of them Australian. All are presented in transcription format, preceded by a half-page introduction…