I have enjoyed listening to Jazz for several decades. I was particularly interested to understand a little better the Jazz that has been produced in the 20th century. I have read books like Ted Gioia’s History of Jazz and How to Listen to Jazz; the later an excellent book.
There is very little out there about what is happening in Jazz now. Thousands of books about old chestnuts like Miles and Coltrane. But close to nothing on modern trends.
I managed to dig up two or three books.
First off Playing Changes, by Nate Chinen, an American critic explores the music from the Wynton Marsalis “Jazz wars” onwards. As well as the music, it offers some pretty interesting insights about what is going on behind the scenes in the US mainly. It has eye opening the parts on how record companies pick up on trends, as well as the Jazz education and funding system in the USA. A lot of my records, made a lot more sense after reading this book. Not always in a positive way. I also now know why so many US musicians are so keen to play in Europe.
Ugly Beauty by Phil Freeman is mostly a series of magazine articles put together in a book. It is a pretty good overview. His monthly column in Stereogum is recommended.
Unapologetic Expression by André Marmot is about the London Jazz revival
Perhaps a bit too hagiographic and has perhaps too many social justice concerns. But worth reading. It helped me explore the Jazz coming out of the UK.
Anybody found anything else to read about current trends in Jazz?