... which transcends questions of race against those who contend jazz is a black product which, therefore, "belongs" to black people. The latter position has, not surprisingly, has been actively embraced by black nationalists. "Bebop," as used in the title of DeVeaux's book refers to the modern jazz pioneered by alto saxophonist Charlie Parker, trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, pianist Thelonius Monk and other young jazz musicians during the early 1940s. An onomatopoetic play on the quick staccato rhythms that sometimes appeared in its melodies, the name was meant sarcastically of course. But however, it managed to stick and is used respectfully by musicians today, often in its shortened form of "bop." When bebop exploded on the scene just as World War II was ending, the rhythmic details, advanced harmonies and sometimes frantic tempos of its genius improvisers, primarily within small combos, seemed a huge departure from the big dance bands that took ...

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