In the Mood: Big Bands Hardcover – Import, 1 August 2002

Need to start by putting this book in context. It is not a reference book - more of a coffee table taster - something to dip into. There's little detail. No chapter is more than a couple of pages long and the book is laid out in magazine format, the text heavily laden with graphics and interposing photographs. And there are some unforgivable omissions. The book profiles most of the greats (Goodman, Basie, Ellington, Shaw etc) - and some pretty obscure guys. But it somehow manages to get from cover to cover without a single mention of Woody Herman! Similarly - back in Blighty - Ambrose, Geraldo, Ted Heath - even Billy Bloomin' Cotton get a chapter - but John Dankworth merits not a word.The writer appears to have a background in rock music and internet authorship (according to the sleeve note) so I'm guessing that much of the subject matter derives from the latter and this is pretty much a labour of love. There are a few personal opinions presented as facts - for example, "Nobody, but absolutely nobody played the clarinet as well as Benny." Well ... some of us favour Artie! So there are many better reference books for those interested in the history of the Big Band Era.But there are plenty of positives. The book's thick pages are crammed full of fabulous photos - beautifully reproduced. It's worth its money for these alone - the reason why I bought it. And it's excellent for those looking to gain a little knowledge of the subject - for those who don't want to be bogged down in a quagmire of information, heavy discographies and detailed biographies. And it does span the period pretty well with some nice little anecdotes along the way. I liked Hoagy Carmichael's comment about Bix Beiderbecke's perfect pitch - "His ear was so precise he could identify the pitch of a belch."And it's well written text - clear and to the point - for the most part intelligently crafted. A free CD is included in a sleeve on the back board - nice listening though enthusiasts will own most of the music. So all in all, in spite of its limitations and given its attractive presentation, the book represents excellent value for money.