Elastic Rock: A Survey of Jazz-Rock in Europe, 1968-80

'Elastic Rock' is an appraisal of jazz-rock in Europe during its most vibrant period, 1968-1980. One of its principal aims is to throw light on an often neglected aspect of European jazz and rock history. Another is to promote the view that the jazz-rock produced in Europe during the period still has much to offer the modern listener and, in some instances, stands aside from the familiar American models. The major part of the coverage consists of an A-Z survey of 400 bands from across the continent, East and West. Here, we consider each band's take on the genre via an account of its best recordings. Fairly well-known groups are covered as well as many obscure bands that existed for only a short time and/or whose music had very limited circulation. In a number of cases, there are entries on groups that failed to release a record at the time but whose work has become known via airshots, private tapes and so forth. Preceding the A-Z are sections on the rise of jazz-rock, its defining features and sub-genres. The book concludes with a chapter on jazz-rock's decline in the '80's and partial rehabilitation in the '90's and beyond. There is also a brief discussion of its prospects in the present age as well as a list of 101 Essential European Jazz-Rock albums. The book is written in an accessible style and is aimed at both seasoned jazz-rockers and newcomers to the genre.