Chevigny, an attorney and former civil rights activist, recounts his successful efforts to repeal New York's "cabaret laws," which restricted jazz entertainment from 1926 to 1990. The laws limited where jazz could be played, as well as the sizes of the bands and the kinds of instruments used in bars and restaurants. Chevigny argued that the laws, ostensibly designed to control noise and traffic, discriminated against minority groups and denied musicians' First Amendment rights. Since the subject is entertainment law, the reading is technical, and will interest only specialists.
- Paul Baker, CUNA Inc., Madison, Wis.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
Chevingy has a wonderful story to tell about the precarious world of New York City jazz clubs, and his own role in the story as well as this book do him great credit. He weaves together a complex and revealing tale of jazz musicians and their music, legal activism and New York City politics.
from reviews of the first edition
–Stuart S. Scheingold, University of Washington
Gigs offers essential insights into the complex relationship betweem law and politics while telling the absorbing narrative from the perspective of a central participant. It demonstrates that litigation can make a difference but is only one element in a constellation of social, economic and political forces.
from reviews of the first edition
–Richard Abel, UCLA Law School
The book proves that lawyers can swing too--at least lawyers like Paul Chevigny. This is public service law come alive.
from reviews of the first edition
–Nat Hentoff, columnist, The Village Voice, Washington Post --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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