The Great Jazz and Pop Vocal Albums

This invaluable book is a veritable treasure trove of scholarship, criticism and insight for any fans of the American Songbook and its finest interpreters. Will Friedwald is an entertaining, affectionate and frighteningly well-informed guide to 57 classic albums which represent some of the best singing of this classic music. I am a huge fan of this music and have listened to many of the albums he discusses, yet I have to say a number of these recordings were new to me. There were also several others I’d forgotten about and it was a pleasure to put them on once more. Like all good music writers Mr Friedwald educates you in “how” to listen as much as “what” to listen to, and he opens your ears to all the beauty to be found in these wonderful albums. As you begin to read each entry you can’t help but want to listen to the album, such is the author’s enthusiasm.The selection is drawn mainly from a period around 1950-1965, give or take. Frank, Ella, Billie, Sarah are all here, but you’ll also rediscover the greatness of Lee Wiley, Steve and Eydie, Matt Dennis, and many others.Certainly a book for connoisseurs, and a brilliant, mature collection from a true master of his field.

Cannot fault any of Will Friedwald's writings , but the inclusion of Tiny Tim baffles me .I am the proud owner of all of the other CDs.

This is an impressive and very attractively produced book. The author's knowledge is clearly vast, but he writes very accessibly. Sometimes it can seem more information than one really needs to make up one's mind about a featured album and singer, but the writing is always entertaining and informative. The book is for someone who wants to go that bit deeper into the subject, having already formed an enthusiasm for the topic.

the book is in good condition and a fantastic read.prime delivery was as ever what was promised-next day-even be it easter sundaywell done

I love this book. In a world (very often my world, these days, alas) in which one skims albums and scoots through discographies, Will Friedwald invites you to sit down, listen, and learn about a wonderfully rich selection of mid-century records. He’s smart, knowledgeable, and passionate. And he writes very well, too. Thank you, Will Friedwald. I’m most grateful for this magnificent publication.

I have been in the music business working with talented Vocalists and Recording Artists most of my life. Will Friewald's book "The Great Jazz and Pop Vocal albums" is a must read if you want to understand the famous and often overlooked best Vocalists and albums. The writing style is fair and even handed and while you may not agree with all of Will's opinions you will not be able to fault his scholarship and research. You will also get a window on the complicated world of recording and the interpersonal issues that shaped many off the finest records.

It's about pop,not really jazz. Mainly what's known as "the great American song book."A real fun read. Recommended. Inclusion of Tiny Tim still a head scracher.

This book is a masterclass on critique, an incredible recipient of information and knowledge, all of it written as if he and I were just holding an amenable conversation. What an incredible intelectual this man is, with no poses of pseudo-artistry, with no baroque pseudo-insights as you find in most of art critiques nowadays, always so, so subjective try9ing to pass as the only truth. Kudos, applauses, honors, my hat off to Friedwald.

Got this as a gift for a music teacher, and needed to get a copy of my own after looking at it.It's introduced me to so much great music.

Will Friedwald is the acknowledged master of jazz and pop music. He not only tells the history of the performers, albums, and songs but has wonderful and informed insights. The book is a pleasure to read especially if you can follow along by listening to the music. Certainly a must-have for all fans of classic American Popular Song.