The Great Courses does a great job. It was nice to have this in audio book. That way you can hear the music and the variations as described. ( )

I think that Bill Messenger is more of a musician than a historian, or even maybe than a music theorist. I feel like I learned a lot but there were also a few things that seemed lacking or that were confusing to me in this course; I think it was a great starting point, however, and I'm excited to learn more. ( )

This is a great introduction to the history of jazz music in its different forms throughout the decades. The instructor is very knowledgeable and has some fascinating insight into how certain sub-genres reflect and inspired the times in which they were popular. All the examples you can listen to in the audiobook version are a big bonus. The only con I can think of is I wish it were longer. ( )

Not a comprehensive treatment of jazz in theory or history—for that see Ted Gioia and Gunther Schuller—but a gentle introduction that's valuable in its own right. Messenger illustrates each point with examples at the piano, making his presentation a perfect complement to more academic treatments of the subject, and making it especially accessible to those who can't read music. Since Messenger proceeds in historical order, I'd recommend listening to this audiobook alongside Gioia's _History of Jazz_. ( )

Great intro to jazz. I appreciated the structure of these lessons, taking one type of jazz at a time and discussing it (and how they built on each other). What was explained in this audible has always eluded me in the past. Not being knowledgeable about music (I love it but don't know the terminology, etc.), this was mostly still understandable...but I can't swear I've got it permanently. It'd be a good one to listen to again in the future after more music listening. ( )