Customer Reviews

Hazel Scott: The Pioneering Journey of a Jazz Pianist from Cafe Society to Hollywood to HUAC

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I was happy that through my Amazon.com profile that the biography on Hazel Scott was recommended to me. I could not put the book down. I had heard bits and pieces about her life but did not know how much respect that she got from the "hardcore" jazz musicians; the likes of Mingus and Max Roach. It is no easy task to be accepted in my these cats. Being a jazz "purest" I totally dug that fact. The story, written smoothly, by Karen Chilton, wonderfully balanced family life routine of Hazel Scott with the challenging outside tensions - race, class, sex - of her heyday. All of this with a son and a famous husband to boot! Hazel Scott, a complicated and an important American Story.

Just finished 'HAZEL' and I LOVED IT! Celebrity bios are my favorite literary genre and this is amongst the best I've ever read. Thanks to Karen's awesomely descriptive way with words, I feel like I've been on a fantastic journey through infinite possibilities and the pitfalls that come with them (especially during the time in which Hazel Scott reigned supreme). What HIGHs and LOWs - all at once. Sounds like my own life sometimes and yet I know the core to Hazel's essence is RESILLIENCE... and Karen tangibly outlined the depths of her FIERCENESS --- to perfection. This book should have a long-shelf-life to ensure that the millions who are into DIVAS know on whose shoulders they stand in large order. I've blogged about it a couple of times via "A DAY IN THE LIFE OF RILEY: POP CULTURE & POSSIBILITIES":[...]

Karen Chilton has masterfully written a book that has fused a genre of jazz and African American history. Moreover, Karen complements the story of her subject (Hazel Scott) by demonstrating scholarly prowess as writer. The book supplies the reader with necessary factual background to understand Scott's story, as well as supplying appropriate references to a variety of external primary and secondary sources. In sum, this is the kind of book that requires the reader to maintain several bookmarks at once for ready reference: one to keep one's place in the text, another to reminisce of a time of creativity, joy, and passion in the midst of racism, segregation, and upheaval, and a final one to mark the notes/bibliography. A must read for everyone, and gratefulness to Karen Chilton for resurrecting another African American icon.

Quite a pleasant surprise, could not put the book down. Historically accurate yet entertaining. Wonderfully written with abundant wit and humor. Compelling yet complicated story of this female Jazz Pianist.

When the book focuses on Hazel it is excellent. But, the author puffs it up with pointless "laundry lists" of black artists. Certainly, Scott was a force in the artistic world and political arena. In some ways she was over the top and unreasonable. In the balance, however, her record is positive.

I lived through the Adam Clayton Powell era. Again, from one standpoint he was an admirable leader, but in others, a clown.

A well written Bio with a few negative aspects.

Wow,Wow, I just finished reading this book and it is really an excellent book. First of all let me tell you a little about me, I am a senior who loves Jazz, The Harlem Renaissance, and history. This book brought all of the above subjects to light while telling the story of Hazel Scott. Like so many Americans, I knew of Ms. Scott, however; I was unaware of all of her contributions. Ms. Chilton does an excellent job of letting us know the real Hazel Scott.

This is the kind of book that can be used in an undergraduate or graduate class at any University. Ms. Chilton research is effective and it appears as if at times it is Ms. Scoot actually speaking.

This book has come on the scene at a real interesting time in our history. The fact that we have our first Black President is in real contrast with the kinds of experiences that Congressman Powell and Ms. Scott both experienced in their various careers. In fact, many students and average American citizens would really be shocked at what was going on in race relations 40 or 50 years ago. This book gives an illustrative account of race relations from the 40's up until Ms. Scott made her tranisiton in 1982.

This book will be gifts for my love ones who love to read.

Thank you,

Mrs. Beverly L. Jones

Hazel Scott's compelling story writtten by Karen Chilton captures you
immediately through adventure, extraordinary perseverance and
determination exhibited by the female characters. Karen has woven this
narrative of history, culture, gender and explicitly demonstrates how a
black woman was brave, courageous and determined to fight for her ideals
and beliefs. Hazel Scott endures pain and obstacles, yet remained
steadfast and purposeful exhibiting her talent as a child prodigy,
an unselfish wife, a devoted mother and a fierce civil rights fighter.
Karen Chilton weaves the threads that will conquer the attention,
applause and vicarious experiences with an anticipation that keeps you
reading and wishing for more as the story concludes. Book clubs will be able to have enlightening, meaningful chats after reading "Hazel Scott, The Pioneering Journey of a Jazz Pianist from Cafe Society to Hollywood to HUAC". A must read!

As a lover of artist biographies, I can say this book did not disappoint. While I was not previously familiar with Hazel Scott, this story was told with such richness and depth that I ended the book as a fan. Hazel Scott was truly a treasure. A big "thank you" to Karen Chilton for this beautiful account of Ms. Scott's life.

This novel was truly Hazel Scott's journey, but as I delved further into it, I realized that it was more importantly, a remarkable journey for me. I was thrust into a world that is so different from mine, and introduced to a woman who was lightyears ahead of her time. I found it interesting that she touched the lives of so many individuals we read about in our history books. They were her friends, fans, supporters, teachers and lovers. They recognized her natural talent, admired her beauty and adored her creativity as she fused classical piano with jazz, be-bop and her own personal, glamorous style.

The author does a great job of portraying her in such a fashion that the reader feels a part of Hazel's life, and experiences the trials and tribulations of this woman who answered the door and paid her mother's bills as a small child, to the woman who was nearly bankrupt living abroad and away from her husband's troubles that plagued both of their lives for years.

Hazel Scott was a class act, and I highly recommend that everyone learn more about her by reading this fascinating story of her life.

The author has written an interesting portrayal of a prodigy whose talent was tapped and allowed to flourish. Yet the book goes beyond the musical talents of Hazel Scott to interest the reader in a compelling story of life, love, friendship, marriage, motherhood, politics and much more. It is a remarkable journey into the life & times of an era which was rich with talent and political savvy. This book is timely and topical as one may compare the life of Hazel Scott & Adam Clayton Powell to what is happening in history today.