Miles Davis (Impact Biographies) [Library Binding]

George R. Crisp (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1997 | Series: Impact Biographies

A biography of the noted jazz trumpeter who gained fame performing at the first Newport Jazz Festival in 1955.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up. In this extremely depressing read, Crisp doesn't shirk from discussing the incredibly tawdry aspects of his subject's life. In fact, he dwells on them, giving readers a graphic litany of drug abuse, spousal abuse, alcohol abuse, mental illness?the works. By not only describing Davis's behavior, but also that of his jazz cronies, the author gives the impression that a self-destructive bent is a prerequisite for musical genius. Ultimately, this makes the narrative wearisome rather than compelling. Despite a few creative flourishes, the writing is utilitarian. The only color comes from the unvarnished use of quotations from Davis, filled with his favorite profanities. Black-and-white photos appear throughout. Biographies of musicians should inspire readers to seek out the subject's music; this book probably won't.?Tim Wadham, Dallas Public Library, TX
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 9^-12. As a young student in 1944, Miles Davis headed from his family's Midwest home to the Juilliard School and dazzling New York, where, once he found his classes uninteresting, the legendary jazz trumpeter-to-be "began spending more and more time at the University of Bebop under the tutelage of professors Bird and Diz." Davis would go on to spectacular success, most notably in the fifties and sixties. None of this came without a price, however: Davis joined the list of jazz greats who succumbed to the drug scene, and Crisp spares few details about its horror and influence on musical genius. Several musical terms could be explained better, and the text suffers from some poor editing and proofreading. Drawn heavily from Davis' 1990 autobiography, many of the quotes feature graphic street language. Nevertheless, Crisp's narrative is informal, with a funky air, and young jazz enthusiasts will appreciate the story. Recommended for music collections where demand warrants. Black-and-white photos; discography; bibliography; source notes. Anne O'Malley

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
  
• Library Binding: 144 pages
• Publisher: Franklin Watts (March 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531113191
• ISBN-13: 978-0531113196
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,066,922 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:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read for all jazz lovers, September 2, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Miles Davis: An Impact Biography (Impact Biographies) (Paperback)

Mr. Crisps's biography of Miles Davis stands out not only for its incisiveness, which is unusual in biographies of jazz musicians, but also for its deft treatment of the musicians from whom Davis drew his inspiration, including such unforgettable (though all too often forgotten) greats like Jeffrey Ellenberger. How refreshing it was to read about Davis's assimilation of Ellenberger's groundbreaking "Cathedral Parkway Blues" and "Suite 5F" in his later work.

5.0 out of 5 stars An Interesting Outlook on the Life of Miles Davis, May 1, 2004

By 

Jorge Ayala (Port Deposit, MD USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Miles Davis: An Impact Biography (Impact Biographies) (Paperback)

"Miles Davis" by George R. Crisp is a biography on the life of jazz great Miles Davis. This is a well put biography of the life of Miles Davis that also branches of into the lifestyle of many other jazz musicians. This book covers everything from Miles Davis's early childhood, to his move to New York, and to his sad death. Although I disagree with some of the negative comments about certain players, I still enjoyed how clearly and easy to follow the author describes Miles Davis's life and the jazz scene of the time. As a young jazz musician I strongly recommend this book witch is why I rate it a five.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Beware the foul language, February 16, 2005

By 

MoMoran (Chicago) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Miles Davis: An Impact Biography (Impact Biographies) (Paperback)

Classified as juvenile biography, this text pulls no punches with f__, f__ing, motherf---king, "pimps, whores" and someone having casual sex on the kitchen floor. Not a good choice if your child needs a biography for Black History Month!