Robin D. G. Kelly's Thelonious Monk: The Life & Times of an American Original---to me one of the truly stellar jazz biogs.
Anything by David Hajdu; especially Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life and his biog on Nat Cole. (I've also corresponded w/him and he seems truly nice).
Frank Buchman-Moller's You Just Fight for Your Life---the Story of Lester Young. (All the Pres biogs are worth reading).
Art Pepper's autobiog (written with Laurie Pepper); and Miles (written with Quincy Troupe) are self-gratifying and hampered by loads of BS, but I've read them both numerous times. Pepper is a spellbinding raconteur, and his insight into other musicians' work is interesting to read (if his comments about his own 'genius' are slightly delusional). Miles talking about music has been great food for thought.
The Benson book was mentioned. One thing that cracked me up: some poetic justice. I knew Eddie Diehl for years, and he had a bug up his ass about Kenny Burrell. It had to do with a record date where he was sent home and replaced by Kenny b/c the company wanted a 'name'. He neither ever forgot nor stopped bad-mouthing Kenny's playing til it came out of your ears. I guess it's SOMEWHAT understandable. Eddie WAS one of the best, and a truly good-hearted guy underneath it all. We're all sensitive, and rejection---perceived or real---can really hurt.
Anyway, in George's book when he got the call to go with McDuff he was to replace Eddie. His comments---and they were respectful---were (paraphrasing): '(Eddie) was a formidable musician----not on the level of Kenny Burrell...., but he definitely could play'. Eddie was still alive when that came out. I hope he read it---it MAY have shut his mouth. I doubt it though---shutting Eddie's mouth about ANYTHING, especially guitar players he was jealous of (their stature in the biz, not their playing), was a tall order. But I had quite a chuckle over that one...
I have booked a jazz guitar weekend in Huddersfield and will stay 2-3 June in Manchester. Could you tell me the shipping costs to Ibis Styles Manchester Portland? How will you pack the amp, as I plan...
Ben Webster had a real voice on the instrument. His breath informed each note in a way that a spoken or sung voice brings a lyric to life. It's dynamics and space as much as note choice. I've been...
Usenet was created from its precursors in 1980, "personal computers" in 1981 if you consider the original IBM PC to be the 1st of that class though there were already "home computers" by 1977...
I am looking for a Moffa Mithra, I prefer to buy the "semi hollow" as opposed to the "semi solid" model, but would consider either one.
I am in Europe and could possibly travel to buy it if the...
Ok I am having second thought because of the stick-to-stomach comment.... so maybe 4?
As per popularity: this is a poll from one of our previous threads
Ll.
New-ish because I have now had the guitar for a few months.
This is #55 of the Schorr guitars (and my #1 good 7-string guitar, but another interesting instrument is coming soon).
This one...
I ended up finding a PM120. I really love the quality (and sound) of the high end japanese archtops and really missed having a pm120. It sort of bridges the gap between something like a sadowsky...
I wonder if those who own a vintage Type 1 (1923-1924) or Type 2 (1925-1930) 16” L5s could provide me with some measurements. I see different #s online depending on where I look.
Body Length - Not...
Least popular?! But it is the only right place! My thumb has never touched it while playing, but hands are different I guess.
The place 2 might be good but if You use straplock it sticks to Your...
Didn’t known about this one yet. Interesting. Really like what I’m hearing here. Really like what I’m seeing, too.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yjZKRd4YA-U
Details here. Lollar P90. Fishman...
Moffa Mithra
Today, 08:31 AM in For Sale