Customer Reviews

Living with Jazz: A reader edited by Sheldon Meyer

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have been waiting a long time for this book, speaking as someone who has often bought reissues of records I already owned, just to have Dan's liner notes.

From his days at Down Beat to the present, he has maintained the highest standards of critical integrity, tempered with kindness. Unlike many "critics" he is not a slash and burn operator, seeking to trash some performers to enhance the reputation of others, or praising one school of jazz to denigrate another.

He has his favorites, of course. The book is heavily weighted toward more mainstream performers, which is fine with me.

In particular, his appreciation and love for Louis Armstrong comes through in the 81 pages devoted to his live performances and recordings, as well as critical reviews of two biographies. There are insights into his true character, some of which will be surprising to readers who know only his show business face.

Jumping forward a few generations, he says this in a 1958 review of Ornette Coleman "...whatever may happen, this music is not the jazz of the future but a sincere and somewhat raw attempt to chart new tributaries." Do you see what I mean about "kindness?"

So, from Bessie Smith and Louis to Ornette and Bill Evans, there is a lot to savor in this collection, one any jazz fan will enjoy.

Otherwise, 5 stars. Bravo to Morgenstern and his editor, Sheldon Meyer.

What I love about Morgenstern is that not only is he the greatest critic since John Hammond, but he never interjects himself or his emotion into his writing. While sometimes dry, this is the greatest collection of essays, reviews, liner notes, etc. A must for any fan of jazz or jazz scholor.

Someone please tell me why Morgenstern, in the Table of Contents and within the section on "Liner Notes", does not provide album titles. This also happens occasionally throughout other parts of this tome. It is very irritating and for this reason I give "Living with Jazz" four stars instead of five. Otherwise, a very exhaustive and interesting reference.