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Bjorn, Lars & Gallert, Jim. Before Motown: a History of Jazz in Detroit, 1920-1960. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press. 2001. 239p. $24.95 [ISBN 0472067656]

Detroit is known worldwide as the birthplace of the Motown sound, but many individuals might not associate the city with a rich history of jazz. Lars Bjorn and Jim Gallert have produced a fascinating account of the history of jazz in the Motor City during the first half of the twentieth century.

The authors bring this period of history in Detroit alive by integrating the musical and social environment that shaped the development of jazz in the city. The authors have categorized the progression of jazz in Detroit into three stylistic periods. The years up to 1923 are defined as the period of early jazz, followed by the big band jazz era, with bebop developing in the 1940s. Each period is thoroughly explored, and the descriptions are enhanced by stories of individual musicians, bands, and club owners.

The story of jazz in Detroit begins at the turn of the century, with an exploration of the musical and social environment within the black community that was centered in Black Bottom, located just east of downtown. The big band jazz era follows with emphasis on both black and white orchestras and the major ballrooms. The excitement of the 1930s when jazz flourished in Paradise Valley, and the development of bebop in the 1940s follow. Descriptions of the 1950s, called the "Golden Age of jazz in Detroit," largely center on the west side of the city, with the Blue Bird Inn being particularly significant. The last chapter discusses the development of rhythm and blues in the city, before the Motown sound took hold.

The evolution of jazz in Detroit is brought alive with numerous black and white photographs, appealing club advertisements, and historic articles from local newspapers, particularly the Michigan Chronicle and the Detroit Tribune. The abundant use of interviews with musicians, fans and club owners provides the reader with a sense of what it was like to experience the historic Detroit jazz scene.

Readers familiar with Detroit will particularly like the detailed maps depicting the geographic location of clubs within the city. The placement of footnotes on the outer margins of each page is convenient, eliminating the need to flip back and forth to check references. Several appendixes enhance the usefulness of this work. A list of people interviewed, as well as street addresses for major jazz spots which were in operation between 1920-1960, are provided. The authors have also included a list of recommended CDs of individuals and bands mentioned in their book. Both a subject and name index provide good access to the text.

Both authors bring a wealth of expertise to the subject of jazz in Detroit. Lars Bjorn is a professor of sociology at the University of Michigan Dearborn and has authored several articles and publications in the field of jazz. Jim Gallert has over 25 years affiliation in the jazz scene in Detroit and is a veteran jazz broadcaster. He is currently Vice President of the Jazz Alliance of Michigan.

Before Motown is a well-researched, interesting account of an exciting period in the history of Detroit. The book will be appreciated by researchers, Detroit area residents, and those who simply love jazz. This work is recommended for academic and music libraries, as well as Detroit area public libraries.

Reviewed by James Petrucella, Adult Services Librarian, Rochester Hills Public Library, petrucej@rhpl.org

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