Customer Reviews

The Uncrowned King of Swing: Fletcher Henderson and Big Band Jazz

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In this world of mass-market trade publications on jazz, it is really refreshing to read such a musically literate book. This fascinating and engaging text is in no way beyond the general reader (i.e., one without an extensive musical background) but it is refreshing to actually see written music in a book on music, and an important jazz volume not written by a critic or journalist (not that there isn't room for the latter too, of course).

I read mostly music biographies and autobiographies and was glad to come across this book about Fletcher Henderson. However, it didn't take me long to realize this book was not a typical biography. The author states very early in the book that "This book is not a biography but a portrait of musical collaboration with Henderson at the center (p. 3)." There is enough background information presented to tell you where Henderson was from, who is family was, where he was educated, etc., but no deep examination about any character or emotional development; no reports of drama - in other words this is definitely not a "kiss and tell" kind of biography.

What the reader will find is a thorough examination of Henderson as a musician, band leader, and arranger. For the latter, the book is full of musical examinations with not only written explanations, but also musical examples that show specific part writing.

This book may not interest the average music fan. Because it is so specific explaining musical examples with music vocabulary, I think reading this book does require some knowledge and understanding of music terminology. It was a slow read for me and I have a degree in music! Those with more formal training in music should appreciate the manner in which the author did not hesitate to write to a specific and potentially narrow audience.

Great expose about a pivotal, though not as well known, musician.