Four Jazz Lives (Jazz Perspectives) [Paperback]

A.B. Spellman (Author)

Book Description

Series: Jazz Perspectives | Publication Date: January 26, 2004

A revival of a classic oral biography of four nearly overlooked jazz giants

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

A. B. Spellman is a well-known author, poet, critic, and instructor. He has published numerous books and articles on the arts, including Art Tatum: A Critical Biography and The Beautiful Days.

Product Details

• Paperback: 282 pages
• Publisher: University of Michigan Press (January 26, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0472089676
• ISBN-13: 978-0472089673
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,475,991 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A well done book that is important in jazz crticism cannon, October 30, 2008

By 

C. Katz "Chazzbo" (Peoples Republic Of Massachussettes) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Four Jazz Lives (Jazz Perspectives) (Paperback)

Can't say I am big Cecil Tayor Fan and probably would have argued agains "independent lines" approach of Ornette (though I love much of New Thing") this book also included one of my heroes Jack "Mac" McLean.But the reason to pick it up is the piece on Herbie Nichols.Now considered a genius at the time he recoded a few Blue Notes and a few Bethlehem LP's he languished without understanding or even sustenance and in book he is not somber about his need to play commercial Dixieland in dives while writing music of such brilliance that now he has acolytes like the "Herbie Nichols Project" who re-recorded or recoded his material for first time.Again I am going to mention the Jazz Foundation Of America as often as I can who help well known and lesser known artists who devoted their lives to this great American art form and lived in privation because that was the Breaks.The The JFA provides health care,rent and other services for those who have given us so much yet end up in need.To bad there was nobody their at time for Nichols.Send them money to(or look up on web) to 322 W.48th St.6th Fl NY NY.Get The Complete Herbie Nichols on Blue Note and you'll dig what I am laying down.
Peace
Chazz