Archive: 'books'

blues for bird

Wednesday, November 8th, 2006

Blues For Bird -A Charlie Parker Bio

Martin Gray’s epic biographical poem chronicles the life of one of the twentieth century’s most pivotal musical figures, from his humble beginnings in Kansas City through his pioneering of the breakthrough musical form of bebop to his early tragic death in the Park Avenue apartment of a European countess. Writing in iambic trimeters and syncopated hexameters, Gray dances nimbly along in a way that echoes Bird’s blazing, fast-fingered solos. Gray’s use of the poetic form reflects the rhythms of jazz and the beat that lies at the heart of bebop. Blues for Bird is like a piece of jazz itself: exciting, innovative, and constantly surprising. This book not only functions as a primer on Bird, but as an introduction to the musical nature of jazz.

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52nd street beat

Wednesday, November 8th, 2006

52nd Street Beat - Joe Hunt

Joe Hunt has taught Drums at the Berklee School of Music for 20 years and has played with Bill Evans, Stan Getz, and many others. Here, he presents a historical look at the greatest jazz drummers from 1945 through 1965 with in-depth biographical information for each and a listing of their most famous recordings. Well written, informative, and to the point. A marvelous study of the bebop era and its drummers. Makes enjoyable reading for everyone interested in Jazz history.

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books | Comments (0) | 306 Views

duke’s bones

Wednesday, November 8th, 2006

Duke’s Bones - Ellington’s Great Trombonists

The purpose of the study recorded in this book is to focus on the work of the members of the trombone section that was at the heart of Ellington’s acclaimed orchestra from its beginnings until Ellington’s death in 1974. Much of the study focuses on the three giants who were the section in the 1930s and early 1940s: Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol and Lawrence Brown. by Kurt Dietrich

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in conversation with david liebman

Wednesday, November 8th, 2006

In Conversation With David Liebman

A one-of-a-kind look into the life of a well-known performing jazz artist via interviews and commentary. David, well-known for his articulate manner and ability to translate concepts into easily understandable terms, offers not only insight into his own life, but also a historical perspective of contemporary jazz in general by covering topics such as Coltrane’s influence, teaching approaches, lessons learned from Miles Davis and others with musical demonstrations. Enjoyable and informative!

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miles - the autobiography

Wednesday, November 8th, 2006

Miles - The Autobiography

Miles Davis with Quincy Troupe. Thick, 450 page paperback. In this blunt narrative, Miles Davis addresses the drug addiction he overcame, the racism he encountered in the music business, the women in his life, and other musicians who helped pioneer jazz.

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kind of blue

Wednesday, November 8th, 2006

Kind of Blue - The Making of the Miles Davis Masterpiece

by Ashley Kahn. The complete inside story of the creation of the legendary jazz album Kind of Blue. Critics call it the one jazz album every fan must own. Decades since its recording in 1959, it has sold millions worldwide and sits near the top of any list of most important records of the century. How did two impromptu sessions produce such a timeless acknowledged masterpiece?

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know the man, play the music

Wednesday, November 8th, 2006

Django Reinhardt - Know The Man, Play The Music

The music of Django Reinhardt is as important today as it has ever been. Blending jazz and gypsy influences, his exuberant solos and incisive rhythm playing have fascinated – and tantalized – guitarists for half a century. In this book, leading jazz writer Dave Gelly considers Django’s life and recordings and explains exactly why he sounded the way he did. Meanwhile, guitarist and teacher Rod Fogg shows you how you can achieve that sound yourself, with the help of detailed transcriptions of six of Django’s most celebrated and exciting numbers. Includes CD wth all six numbers accurately recorded from the transcriptions for you to follow along. by Dave Gelly & Rod Fogg

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power, passion and beauty

Wednesday, November 8th, 2006

Power, Passion and Beauty - The Story of the Legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra

Starting in 1971, and lasting in one form or another for five years, the Mahavishnu Orchestra exploded onto the popular music scene. The band trashed all existing conventions and forged a new musical direction that is still controversial to this day. The loudest and fastest band in the entire world, the MO literally could “scare” people - yet also could create music of great beauty.

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