Customer Reviews

Charlie Christian

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The book is filled with lists of dates, recordings, details that overshadow the relatively brief narrative section. It reads like the good research that someone, a novelist or creative reader might use to write a really interesting biography of this fascinating character. Charlie Christian is THE seminal electric jazz guitarist. He grew up in the mid-west, journeyed to NY after being "discovered" as were so many other talents, by John Hammond. After a famous and dramatic audition for Benny Goodman he joined the quintet and changed jazz forever. Numerous sides from the Goodman bands illustrate his formative style in brief solos, but for the truly innovative pre be-bop, we go to the amateur recordings made after hours at Minton's -- where he held his own with Dizy and Monk at the birth of bop. His career ended shortly before his death at 23 -- yes he did all this in less than 2 years ! The story is incredibly romantic, the book is more research than romance.

This book is a great reference for anyone interested in the recoding history of Charlie Christian. The book also touches on his background and roots in music, detailing his childhood experiences and following his path to success. Unfortunately, the book offers little about his personality or personal life outside his musical career.