Joe Harriott: Fire in His Soul [Paperback]

Alan Robertson (Author), Gary Crosby (Preface)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2003

'Parker? There's them over here can play a few aces too.' Measuring himself alongside Charlie Parker, Jamaican alto saxophonist Joe Harriott had no doubts about his talent and abilities - and with good reason. A brilliant instrumentalist, he gained legions of admirers for his fiery playing in Britain and beyond before embarking on a quest to extend the limits of the music. His unique conception of free form heralded the emergence of contemporary European jazz. Later, with John Mayer, he pioneered fusions of jazz and Indian music. Neglected in his lifetime, Harriott's work is increasingly influential and widely acclaimed. Alan Robertson's book, based on extensive interviews with many of those who knew Joe best, gives for the first time a full account of the triumphs and tragedies of Harriott's remarkable life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Kevin Le Gendre, The Independent on Sunday: 'Robertson's research is meticulous and far-reaching and his panorama of comments - provides a valuable insight into a towering and tragic figure. Fire in his Soul is an important work: a detailed assessment of a seminal but long neglected artist.' Stephen Graham, Jazzwise: 'Robertson tells Harriott's story warts and all and has produced a wonderful read.' Derek Ansell, Jazz Journal International: 'This is a long overdue and welcome homage to a sadly neglected and original musician.' Ron Simpson, Jazz Rag: 'Fire in his Soul provides a vivid picture of Joe Harriott and, incidentally, of some of his fellow-musicians.' Chris Searle, Morning Star: '[This] hugely compelling biography - opens up Harriott as a musician and man and shows him as a proud, self-directed and lonely seer of jazz, a black musical prodigy in a white British underworld of the music where it was so much more easy and comfortable to be an imitator.' Chris Parker, JARS: '[This book] should be read by anyone interested in the survival of the artistic impulse in a largely indifferent, sometimes overtly hostile environment.' Bill Smith, Coda: 'A compelling and rather sad story of the life of one of Britain's most important jazz musicians - also, an inside view of the British jazz scene of the fifties and sixties.' Ben Watson, The Wire: 'This text - is fighting fresh, - heroic amounts of research - The sparky and unpretentious attitude of working musicians shines through, providing a stream of canny observations.' Steve Millward, Manchester Evening News: 'Robertson's fine biography follows Harriott from childhood prodigy to emigration from Jamaica into a UK that welcomed, but ultimately failed to nurture, his massive talent. The clear style combines with thorough research to give valuable insight into this complex and innovatory musician.' 'Un libro davvero importante!' Enrico Betteinello, http://www.allaboutjazz.com/italy

About the Author

Edinburgh writer Alan Robertson first became interested in Joe Harriott through reading Ian Carr's book on contemporary British music, 'Music Outside'. He listened to Harriott's music and became fascinated by the man, his life story and his aesthetic achievements. Following his interest to its logical conclusion, he interviewed dozens of people and, with the support of his wife Lorna and son Grant, he wrote his first book: the biography of Joe Harriott. The preface is by Gary Crosby, a leading British jazz bass player who has done a great deal to develop young jazz talent through his bands 'Jazz Jamaica All Stars' and 'Tomorrow's Warriors'.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Northway Publications (November 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0953704033
• ISBN-13: 978-0953704033
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,953,726 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Essential!, May 17, 2007

By 

Matthew Endahl (Ann Arbor) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Joe Harriott: Fire in His Soul (Paperback)

"Fire in his Soul" is the only significant work documenting the life of Joe Harriott. The book is heavily researched, profoundly revealing, and absolutely essential to understanding the music and life of Joe Harriott. The only complaint I have is with Robertson's writing style, which at times is a bit too informal and disorganized. This is just an issue of personal preference however; I still highly recommend this book for anyone interested in Harriott's music.