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Jerry on Jerry: The Unpublished Jerry Garcia Interviews
by Dennis Mcnally Trixie GarciaListen in on hours of revelatory conversations with Jerry Garcia, one of the most beloved and missed figures in the world of music, with JERRY ON JERRY. More than twenty years after his death, at too young an age, Jerry remains a cultural icon whose influence and legacy endure. Now, these never-before-heard interviews reveal a candid and poignant side of Jerry, as he speaks openly on everything from religion and politics to his personal life and his creative process. Carefully selected by former Grateful Dead publicist and the band's authorized biographer, Dennis McNally, and curated with the cooperation of the Jerry Garcia Family, JERRY ON JERRY marks the first time these insightful and intimate archival recordings have ever been made available to the public.Here, Garcia talks about what it was like growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, his obsession with his first guitar, and his first encounters with early R&B, which had a profound and lasting impact on his music. After discussing his brief, but eye-opening stint in the army, Jerry offers up stories of his time spent as a student of the Beats, and his personal and reverent memories of Neal Cassady. He ponders what he sees as the complicated nature of LSD and the oppressiveness of government. He goes on to remember in detail the early days of the Dead, from their first gigs as the Warlocks and their days at 710 Ashbury Street, to the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 and performing on the road with Jefferson Airplane. Throughout he breaks to opine on movies (one of his favorite subjects), to open up about his songwriting process and his prolific collaboration with Robert Hunter, and his admiration for a broad range of musicians from the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan to Scotty Stoneman and Bill Keith. Dozens of rare family photographs, and other art and ephemera, many of which have never been seen before, are included here in a PDF. With an introduction written and read by Dennis McNally, and a foreword written and read by Trixie Garcia, Jerry's daughter, this audiobook is the ultimate complement to any collection. JERRY ON JERRY is one of the most revealing and unguarded portraits of the adored front man of the Grateful Dead and a true, long-awaited gift to his fans.
Jerry Lee Lewis: His Own Story
by Rick BraggNew York Times BestsellerThe greatest Southern storyteller of our time, New York Times bestselling author Rick Bragg, tracks down the greatest rock and roller of all time, Jerry Lee Lewis—and gets his own story, from the source, for the very first time.A monumental figure on the American landscape, Jerry Lee Lewis spent his childhood raising hell in Ferriday, Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi; galvanized the world with hit records like “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” and “Great Balls of Fire,” that gave rock and roll its devil’s edge; caused riots and boycotts with his incendiary performances; nearly scuttled his career by marrying his thirteen-year-old second cousin—his third wife of seven; ran a decades-long marathon of drugs, drinking, and women; nearly met his maker, twice; suffered the deaths of two sons and two wives, and the indignity of an IRS raid that left him with nothing but the broken-down piano he started with; performed with everyone from Elvis Presley to Keith Richards to Bruce Springsteen to Kid Rock—and survived it all to be hailed as “one of the most creative and important figures in American popular culture and a paradigm of the Southern experience.”Jerry Lee Lewis: His Own Story is the Killer’s life as he lived it, and as he shared it over two years with our greatest bard of Southern life: Rick Bragg. Rich with Lewis’s own words, framed by Bragg’s richly atmospheric narrative, , this is the last great untold rock-and-roll story, come to life on the page.
Jerry Herman: The Lyrics
by Ken Bloom Jerry HermanJerry Herman is one of Broadway's most celebrated composers and lyricists, this book includes early lyrics from Herman's first Broadway revues and shows, songs cut from his best-loved shows, and new lyrics.
Jerry Herman: Poet of the Showtune
by Stephen CitronThis revealing and comprehensive book tells the full story of Jerry Herman's life and career, from his early work in cabaret to his recent compositions for stage, screen, and television. Stephen Citron draws on extensive open-ended interviews with Jerry Herman as well as with scores of his theatrical colleagues, collaborators, and close friends. The resulting book--which sheds new light on each of Herman's musicals and their scores--abounds in fascinating anecdotes and behind-the-scenes details about the world of musical theater. Readers will find a sharply drawn portrait of Herman's private life and his creative talents. Citron's insights into Herman's music and lyrics, including voluminous examples from each of his musicals, are as instructive as they are edifying and entertaining.
Jerry Garcia: The Collected Artwork
by Insight EditionsMore than a musician, the Grateful Dead&’s founder Jerry Garcia was also a prolific artist who created hundreds of paintings, drawings, and prints. Get to know another side of this creative legend through his paintings and drawings, and through interviews with those who knew him best.Jerry Garcia: The Collected Artwork is an intimate, playful exploration of Jerry Garcia&’s artistic legacy and creative life. The book opens with a foreword by Grateful Dead percussionist Mickey Hart and features more than 100 full-color reproductions of Jerry's paintings, drawings, and prints—from pen-and-ink drawings to acrylics, watercolors, and digital media. With archival interviews and quotes from the likes of Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Grace Slick, and Carlos Santana, and stunning photography of Jerry and his lifelong collaborators, this is at once a beautifully crafted art book and a celebration of Jerry Garcia as an artist and human being. 100+ IMAGES: Features more than 100 full-color reproductions of Jerry's paintings, drawings, and prints—from pen-and-ink drawings to acrylics, watercolors, and digital media EXCLUSIVE ESSAYS: Edited by April Higashi, art curator and archivist of the Jerry Garcia Estate, each chapter opens with a commentary on the art presented in the context of Jerry's life and times GO BEHIND THE STAGE: Explore candid photographs, interviews, anecdotes, and remembrances by key cultural figures and those closest to Jerry COMMENTARY FROM MUSIC&’S BIGGEST NAMES: Hear from Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Herbert Gold, Baron Wolman, Jon Carroll, Paul Pena, Victor Moscoso, Carlos Santana, and Grace Slick as they recount their memories of Jerry Garcia PERFECT FOR ALL DEADHEADS: Fans of the Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia can enjoy this deep exploration of Jerry&’s life as an artist
Jenni Rivera (Spanish Edition)
by Leila CoboComo una estrella resplandeciente y fugaz, Jenni Rivera iluminó la vida de millones de personas, pero el cielo se la llevó antes de tiempo. Jenni Rivera: La increíble vida de una Mariposa Guerrera: Fotos a todo color La discografía de Jenni Rivera Lista Billboard de los ranking de las canciones de Jenni Entrevistas exclusivas Una biografía completa, entretenida y objetiva Escrita por una de las líderes de opinión de la música latina Jenni fue la artista latina más vendida dentro del género regional mexicano. Con un programa de radio semanal, su propio programa de telerrealidad, una línea de maquillaje y ropa y su propia fundación, estaba en la cima de su carrera y de su vida. Todo lo que había logrado con sangre, sudor, lágrimas y alegría iba, según ella misma decía, de la mano de Dios. Pero su vida, sus sueños y la alegría que le regalaba a millones, llegaron a un trágico final la madrugada del 9 de diciembre de 2012. En Jenni Rivera: La increíble vida de una Mariposa Guerrera, Leila Cobo --pianista, presentadora de televisión y directora ejecutiva del contenido y la programación latina de Billboard-- nos regala una biografía íntima y conmovedora sobre Jenni Rivera, la parrandera, la elegante, la gran diva, la amiga, la mamá y la abuela. Descubrirás los comienzos de la vida y la carrera de Jenni y los momentos emocionantes y a veces turbulentos que conformaron su persona y su espíritu. Como una luz que se apaga antes de tiempo, con la partida de Jenni no solo perdimos a la inolvidable, la reina de reinas, la mariposa guerrera, sino que se fue también una mujer valiente que no temía enfrentar los altibajos de la vida en busca de la felicidad. Jenni nos dejó un ejemplo de vida, que resonará por siempre en cada nota de su voz.
Jenni Rivera: The Incredible Story of a Warrior Butterfly
by Leila CoboLIKE A BLAZING SHOOTING STAR, JENNI RIVERA LIT UP THE LIVES OF MILLIONS OF PEOPLE, YET THE SKY SWEPT HER AWAY BEFORE HER TIME Jenni Rivera: The Incredible Life of a Warrior Butterfly: Full color photos The complete discography of Jenni Rivera Billboard lists of sales rankings of Jenni's songs Exclusive interviews A complete, entertaining, and objective biography Written by one of the country’s leading experts in Latin music Jenni Rivera was the top-selling artist within the Regional Mexican music genre. With a weekly radio show, her own reality show, a makeup and clothing line, and her own foundation, she was at the height of her career and life. Everything she had conquered, with blood, sweat, tears, and smiles, hap¬pened, as she said, with God leading her by the hand. However her life, her dreams, and the joy she shared with so many came to a tragic end just before dawn on December 9, 2012. In Jenni Rivera: The Incredible Story of a Warrior Butterfly, Leila Cobo-pianist, TV host, and Executive Director for Latino content and programming at Billboard-brings us Jenni Rivera’s intimate and moving biography, reflecting on the party girl, the elegant woman, the great diva, the friend, the mother, and the grandmother. Discover the humble beginnings of Jenni’s life and career, as well as the emotional and sometimes turbulent moments that defined her persona and spirit. Like a candle blown out before her time, we not only lost the "Unforgettable One,” the "Queen of Queens,” the "Warrior Butterfly,” we also lost a brave woman who fearlessly faced life’s ups and downs to attain the happiness she so fervently wanted for herself and her family. With Jenni’s departure, we celebrate a shining legacy that will forever reverberate within every note of her voice. .
Jelly's Blues: The Life, Music, and Redemption of Jelly Roll Morton
by Howard Reich William GainesJelly's Blues recounts the tumultuous life of Jelly Roll Morton (ca., 18851941). A virtuoso pianist with a larger-than-life personality, he composed such influential early jazz pieces as "King Porter Stomp" and "New Orleans Blues." However, by the late 1930s, he was nearly forgotten. In 1992, the death of an eccentric memorabilia collector led to the unearthing of a startling archive, revealing Morton to be a much more complex and passionate man than many realized. An especially immediate and visceral look into the jazz worlds of New Orleans and Chicago, Jelly's Blues is a definitive biography, a long overdue look at one of the twentieth century's most important composers.
Jelly Roll Blues: Censored Songs and Hidden Histories
by Elijah WaldA bestselling music historian follows Jelly Roll Morton on a journey through the hidden worlds and forbidden songs of early blues and jazz. In Jelly Roll Blues: Censored Songs and Hidden Histories, Elijah Wald takes readers on a journey into the hidden and censored world of early blues and jazz, guided by the legendary New Orleans pianist Jelly Roll Morton. Morton became nationally famous as a composer and bandleader in the 1920s, but got his start twenty years earlier, entertaining customers in the city&’s famous bordellos and singing rough blues in Gulf Coast honky-tonks. He recorded an oral history of that time in 1938, but the most distinctive songs were hidden away for over fifty years, because the language and themes were as wild and raunchy as anything in gangsta rap. Those songs inspired Wald to explore how much other history had been locked away and censored, and this book is the result of that quest. Full of previously unpublished lyrics and stories, it paints a new and surprising picture of the dawn of American popular music, when jazz and blues were still the private, after-hours music of the Black "sporting world." It gives new insight into familiar figures like Buddy Bolden and Louis Armstrong, and introduces forgotten characters like Ready Money, the New Orleans sex worker and pickpocket who ended up owning one of the largest Black hotels on the West Coast. Revelatory and fascinating, these songs and stories provide an alternate view of Black culture at the turn of the twentieth century, when a new generation was shaping lives their parents could not have imagined and art that transformed popular culture around the world—the birth of a joyous, angry, desperate, loving, and ferociously funny tradition that resurfaced in hip-hop and continues to inspire young artists in a new millennium.
Jelly Roll, Bix, and Hoagy, Revised and Expanded Edition: Gennett Records and the Rise of America's Musical Grassroots
by Rick Lee KennedyIn a piano factory tucked away in Richmond, Indiana, Gennett Records produced thousands of records featuring obscure musicians from hotel orchestras and backwoods fiddlers to the future icons of jazz, blues, country music, and rock 'n' roll. From 1916 to 1934, the studio debuted such stars as Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, Bix Biederbecke, Jelly Roll Morton, Hoagy Carmichael, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Charley Patton, and Gene Autry. While Gennett Records was overshadowed by competitors such as Victor and Columbia, few record companies documented the birth of America's grassroots music as thoroughly as this small-town label. In this newly revised and expanded edition of Jelly Roll, Bix, and Hoagy, Rick Kennedy shares anecdotes from musicians, employees, and family members to trace the colorful history of one of America's most innovative record companies.
Jeliya at the Crossroads: Learning African Wisdom through an Embodied Practice (Palgrave Studies in Literary Anthropology)
by Lisa FederThis book describes the remarkable culture of jeliya, a musical and verbal art from the Manding region of West Africa. Using an embodied practice as her methodology, the author reveals how she and her music teachers live “in between” local and global cultures. Her journey spans 20 years of fieldwork presented through personal and intimate stories, first as a student of the balafon instrument, then as a patron of the music. Tensions build in both the music and in social relations that require resolutions, underscoring the differences between two world views. Through balafon lessons, the author embodies values such as patience, courage, and generosity, resulting in a transformative practice that leads her to better understand her position vis-à-vis that of her jeli teachers. Meanwhile, jeliya itself, despite having been transmitted from teacher to student for 800 years, is currently in peril. Jelis cite modern globalized culture and people like the author herself as both a source of the problem as well as the potential solution.
Jeff Noon's "Vurt": A Critical Companion (Palgrave Science Fiction and Fantasy: A New Canon)
by Andrew C. WenausThis book offers an examination of Jeff Noon’s iconoclastic debut novel, Vurt (1993). In this first book-length study of the novel, which includes an extended interview with Noon, Wenaus considers how Vurt complicates the process of literary canonization, its constructivist relationship to genre, its violent and oneiric setting of Manchester, its use of the Orphic myth as an archetype for the practice of literary collage and musical remix, and how the structural paradoxes of chaos and fractal geometry inform the novel’s content, form, and theme. Finally, Wenaus makes the case for Vurt’s ongoing relevance in the 21st century, an era increasingly characterized by neuro-totalitarianism, psychopolitics, and digital surveillance. With Vurt, Noon begins his project of rupturing feedback loops of control by breaking narrative habits and embracing the contingent and unpredictable. An inventive, energetic, and heartbreaking novel, Vurt is also an optimistic and heartfelt call for artists to actively create open futures.
Jeff Buckley: His Own Voice
by David Browne Mary GuibertThe journals, notebooks, musings, and early song drafts of Jeff Buckley, the late singer best-known for the definitive version of "Hallelujah" and his classic album Grace, including dozens of evocative photos of his personal effects and ephemera.After the release of his acclaimed debut album, Grace, in 1994, Jeff Buckley quickly established himself as one of the decade's most defining talents in pop music: a singer, guitarist, and songwriter with a multi-octave range whose tastes took in rock, blues, jazz, hardcore, Qawwali music, and even show tunes. Hailed by the likes of Bono, Jimmy Page, and Robert Plant, Grace showcased Buckley's voice, passion, and influences and pointed to an inordinately promising future. Three short years later, at the age of thirty, he tragically drowned in Memphis. But his legend and stature have only grown since; in recent years, everyone from Adele to Coldplay to Radiohead has spoken of the impact Buckley's music had on them.For much of his life, Buckley diligently kept journals recording his goals, inspirations, aspirations, and creative struggles. These diaries amount to one of the most insightful life chronicles any musical artist has left behind. Jeff Buckley: His Own Voice marks the first-ever publication of Buckley's handwritten account of his journey from his days in Los Angeles in the late '80s through shortly before his passing. Combined with reproductions of other memorabilia--including letters, notes, and unpublished lyrics--this book takes readers and fans deep into Buckley's mind and life.
Jeff Buckley: The Official Journals, Objects, and Ephemera
by Mary Guibert David BrownePRE ORDER NOW AND BECOME ONE OF THE FIRST TO READ THE OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY OF THE LATE SINGER JEFF BUCKLEY. INCLUDES NEVER SEEN BEFORE HANDWRITTEN LYRICS, JOURNALS AND DIARIES.In 1994, an artist named Jeff Buckley released 'Grace', his debut album. Hailed immediately by the likes of Bono, Jimmy Page, and Robert Plant, as a singer, guitarist, and writer of a generation.Throughout his life, Buckley obsessively kept journals chronicling his goals, inspirations, aspirations, and creative struggles. His diaries amount to one of the most insightful life chronicles any musical artist has ever left behind. Jeff Buckley: His Own Voice will mark the first-ever publication of Buckley's account of his journey through his handwritten diaries and lyrics. Combined with reproductions of other memorabilia, including letters, notes, and unpublished lyrics - the book will take readers deep inside Buckley's creative mind and personal life. For those who grew up listening to Jeff's music and for those who are just discovering it, Jeff Buckley: His Own Voice will be an intimate portrait of one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century in his own extremely vibrant words and never seen before lyrics.
Jean Sibelius and His World (The Bard Music Festival #25)
by Daniel M. GrimleyNew perspectives on the greatest Finnish composer of all timePerhaps no twentieth-century composer has provoked a more varied reaction among the music-loving public than Jean Sibelius (1865–1957). Originally hailed as a new Beethoven by much of the Anglo-Saxon world, he was also widely disparaged by critics more receptive to newer trends in music. At the height of his popular appeal, he was revered as the embodiment of Finnish nationalism and the apostle of a new musical naturalism. Yet he seemingly chose that moment to stop composing altogether, despite living for three more decades. Providing wide cultural contexts, contesting received ideas about modernism, and interrogating notions of landscape and nature, Jean Sibelius and His World sheds new light on the critical position occupied by Sibelius in the Western musical tradition.The essays in the book explore such varied themes as the impact of Russian musical traditions on Sibelius, his compositional process, Sibelius and the theater, his understanding of music as a fluid and improvised creation, his critical reception in Great Britain and America, his "late style" in the incidental music for The Tempest, and the parallel contemporary careers of Sibelius and Richard Strauss.Documents include the draft of Sibelius's 1896 lecture on folk music, selections from a roman à clef about his student circle in Berlin at the turn of the century, Theodor Adorno's brief but controversial tirade against the composer, and the newspaper debates about the Sibelius monument unveiled in Helsinki a decade after the composer's death.The contributors are Byron Adams, Leon Botstein, Philip Ross Bullock, Glenda Dawn Goss, Daniel Grimley, Jeffrey Kallberg, Tomi Mäkelä, Sarah Menin, Max Paddison, and Timo Virtanen.
Jean Sibelius: A Guide to Research (Routledge Music Bibliographies)
by Glenda Dawn GossFirst Published in 1998. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.
Jean-Philippe Rameau: His Life and Work
by Philip Gossett Cuthbert GirdlestoneThe definitive biography and critical study of Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764), this volume deals at length not only with the composer's musical achievements but also with aspects of his life and work that made him one of the most important cultural figures in eighteenth-century France. Fascinating incidents include his central position in a musical controversy that excited the enmity of Rousseau, Diderot, and the Encyclopedists; his friendship and collaboration with Voltaire; and his position as the author of a treatise on harmony that endured for two centuries.This critical evaluation focuses chiefly on Rameau's musical works, devoting entire chapters to his operas and ballets as well as his chamber music, cantatas and motets, and minor works. Additional topics include his links to Lully, his influence on Gluck, and the nature and importance of his acoustic and harmonic theories. Supplements include more than 300 musical examples, numerous useful appendices, indexes, an extensive bibliography, and a new Introduction by the distinguished musicologist and historian Philip Gossett.
Jean 'Django' Reinhardt: A Contextual Bio-Discography 1910-1953
by Paul VernonThis volume gathers together and organizes in an easily accessible format all known information relevant to the life and work of the French jazz musician Django Reinhardt. Together with fellow musician, St ane Grappelli, Reinhardt became one of the twentieth century's most celebrated jazz artists with performances he gave as part of the Quintet of the Hot Club of France. Essentially discographical in format, this book updates the original work compiled by Charles Delauney in 1960, and draws on later work by Gould, Nevers, Royal and Rust, to detail all known recordings by Reinhardt, together with known film, radio and television appearances. For each entry Paul Vernon provides, where known, the location of the recording, the date, the artist credit as it appears on the label of the original issue, the performers and the instruments played by them, the matrix number, the exact timing of the recording and details of 78, LP, EP and CD issues. Interspersed at the appropriate chronological points are biographical details about Reinhardt and the political, social and cultural climate of his time. This is augmented with excerpts from reviews, letters and other documents to provide a vivid context for his recording work.
Jean Cras, Polymath of Music and Letters
by Paul-André BempéchatJean Cras (1879-1932) was a remarkable man by anyone's measure. Twice a decorated hero of the Great War, this Rear-Admiral of the French navy, scientist, inventor and moral philosopher, was also a highly esteemed composer during his lifetime, enjoying the same stature and celebrity as Faur Debussy and Ravel. Since his death, however, both Cras and his music have been almost completely overlooked. In this, the first critical biography of Cras, Paul-Andre Bempechat situates Henri Duparc's proteg‘s a missing link between the French post-Romantic generation of composers and the Impressionists. The book explores, both historically and analytically, the methodology by which Cras evolved his eclectic brand of Impressionism, striking the delicate balance between Celtic folk idioms and exoticisms inspired by his travels. Cras' creative legacy extends beyond the world of music to the world of science. His five patented inventions include the navigational gyrocompass, which bears his name, still in use to this day by the French navy, coast guard and boating afficionados. Bempechat draws special attention to the humanist Jean Cras and his distinguished military career - he is credited with saving the Serbian army from extinction - drawing on primary source material such as family correspondence and wartime diaries to reaffirm this composer as a true Renaissance man of the twentieth century.
Jazzwomen Speak
by Janis Stockhouse Wayne EnsticeA woman in jazz. How was she treated on- and offstage? What was it like to play with Dizzy Gillespie or Charlie Parker? What was the breakthrough moment in her career? How did she balance her personal and professional life? In six illuminating interviews, female jazz musicians answer these questions and more, discussing the challenges of being a woman in a scene historically dominated by men. Jazzwomen Speak gathers the voices of women whose careers highlight the bebop and post-bop era of jazz, as they share stories of their musical training and entrance into the jazz world, relationships and encounters with other musicians, limitations on the bandstand and in the recording studio, and how being a female musician has formed their musical performances over time.
Jazzwomen: Jazzwomen: Conversations With Twenty-one Musicians (Profiles In Popular Music Ser.)
by Wayne Enstice Janis Stockhouse"Their conversations range far beyond the biographical--to their feelings, motivations, musical approaches, and attitudes. These women were obviously comfortable with their questioners. [Enstice and Stockhouse] came prepared, having delved deeply into the music and history of each, bringing them closer to the essence of each musician." --from the Preface by Cobi Narita and Paul Ash"Jazzwomen includes many artists who are not covered in earlier books and also reveals new information about artists who are. In addition, the interview format used in Jazzwomen provides the reader with each artist's own words, permeated with a warmth and immediacy not typically found in author narratives. Jazzwomen is a much-needed book." --David N. Baker, Distinguished Professor of Music and Chairman, Jazz Department, Indiana University School of Music; and Artistic and Musical Director, Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks OrchestraBetween 1995 and 2000, Wayne Enstice and Janis Stockhouse interviewed dozens of women jazz instrumentalists and vocalists. Jazzwomen collects 21 of the most fascinating interviews. The participants discuss everything--their personal lives, musical training and inspirations, recordings, relationships with other musicians, the music industry, sexism on the bandstand--and often make candid and revealing statements. At the end of each interview is a recommended discography compiled by the authors.Every jazz listener, musician, teacher, and student will be captivated by interviews with Marian McPartland, Regina Carter, Abbey Lincoln, Cassandra Wilson, Diana Krall, and their peers. Includes a sampler CD with complete works by several of the artists, including Jane Ira Bloom and Ingrid Jensen.
Jazzocracy: Jazz, Democracy, and the Creation of a New American Mythology
by Kabir SehgalSehgal explores the nature of jazz as it relates to the liberty and freedoms of a democratic nation.
The Jazzmen: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie Transformed America
by Larry TyeFrom the New York Times bestselling author of Satchel and Bobby Kennedy, a sweeping and spellbinding portrait of the longtime kings of jazz—Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie—who, born within a few years of one another, overcame racist exclusion and violence to become the most popular entertainers on the planet.This is the story of three revolutionary American musicians, the maestro jazzmen who orchestrated the chords that throb at the soul of twentieth-century America.Duke Ellington, the grandson of slaves who was christened Edward Kennedy Ellington, was a man whose story is as layered and nuanced as his name suggests and whose music transcended category.Louis Daniel Armstrong was born in a New Orleans slum so tough it was called The Battlefield and, at age seven, got his first musical instrument, a ten-cent tin horn that drew buyers to his rag-peddling wagon and set him on the road to elevating jazz into a pulsating force for spontaneity and freedom.William James Basie, too, grew up in a world unfamiliar to white fans—the son of a coachman and laundress who dreamed of escaping every time the traveling carnival swept into town, and who finally engineered his getaway with help from Fats Waller.What is far less known about these groundbreakers is that they were bound not just by their music or even the discrimination that they, like nearly all Black performers of their day, routinely encountered. Each defied and ultimately overcame racial boundaries by opening America’s eyes and souls to the magnificence of their music. In the process they wrote the soundtrack for the civil rights movement.Based on more than 250 interviews, this exhaustively researched book brings alive the history of Black America in the early-to-mid 1900s through the singular lens of the country’s most gifted, engaging, and enduring African-American musicians.
Jazzing: New York City's Unseen Scene
by Thomas H. GreenlandHow do we speak about jazz? In this provocative study based on the author's deep immersion in the New York City jazz scene, Tom Greenland turns from the usual emphasis on artists and their music to focus on non-performing participants, describing them as active performers in their own right who witness and thus collaborate in a happening made one-of-a-kind by improvisation, mood, and moment. Jazzing shines a spotlight on the constituency of proprietors, booking agents, photographers, critics, publicists, painters, amateur musicians, fans, friends, and tourists that makes up New York City's contemporary jazz scene. Drawn from deep ethnographic research, interviews, and long term participant observation, Jazzing charts the ways New York's distinctive physical and social-cultural environment affects and is affected by jazz. Throughout, Greenland offers a passionate argument in favor of a radically inclusive conception of music-making, one in which individuals collectively improvise across social contexts to co-create community and musical meaning. An odyssey through the clubs and other performance spaces on and off the beaten track, Jazzing is an insider's view of a vibrant urban art world.
Jazz with a Beat: Small Group Swing, 1940–1960 (Excelsior Editions)
by Tad RichardsJazz with a Beat is the first book on the often overlooked but vitally important genre of small group swing jazz. Coming into being in the early 1940s, small group swing answered the need in the Black community for a form of jazz that was more accessible (and more danceable) than the new bebop. An adaptation of the big band Black swing (Erskine Hawkins, Jimmie Lunceford, Chick Webb) of the 1930s to small combos, and with a more vigorous beat for the new generation, this music developed and was beloved through the 1940s, continued to be enjoyed through the rock and roll years of the 1950s, and was a major influence on the soul jazz of the 1960s. Among the many hit artists portrayed in these pages are Illinois Jacquet, Louis Jordan, Big Jay McNeely, Joe Liggins, Nat "King" Cole, Red Prysock, Ruth Brown, Nellie Lutcher, Camille Howard, T-Bone Walker, and Ray Charles. Dismissed as "rhythm and blues," this music has been ignored by jazz historians. Jazz with a Beat honors this music as a legitimate genre of jazz and is a stirring evocation of an era. It should be of interest to lovers of jazz and Americana.