Customer Reviews

To a Young Jazz Musician: Letters from the Road

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

 

 

I am neither particularly young, nor able to justifiably call myself a jazz musican and yet I found this book to be both enjoyable and enlightening. It is rich in wisdom and brimming over with the love Wynton Marsalis has for Jazz and Jazz Musicians. It contains much practical advice and covers his philosophy on music and life.

The book comprises ten letters; each is amusing, stimulating, thought provoking and most engaging. It is particularly well written. He has a way with words that makes the reader feel a conversation is being conducted face to face.

The letters cover defining a musical objective, retaining humility, being yourself, freedom vs rules in music, the importance of swing, avoiding arrogance, being a custodian of taste and morals, music as art, leadership and friendship. In my view his ideas are masterful and inspiring.

It is not written for children, but rather is directed at teenage and young adult musicians. I recommend that those who enjoy this book also buy Wynton's book "Sweet Swing Blues on The Road".

I've never been in America. I was born and raised in Greece, I leave in Paris and I make a living doing "this and that" and I'm trying to play some Jazz. I don't have much in common with mr. Marsalis except... the Jazz.

Having said that, you see why I might not fully understand (or, to put it better, "feel") everything that Mr. Marsalis writes in his book about the American society, the situation of the black americans, the segregation etch, but I understood well that he is a man of great dignity and taste and I deeply respect that.

He has a deep knowledge of Jazz and through the pages of his book the reader can sympathize with the writer, with the difficulties and the anxieties that are involved in studying and playing music but also feel the great joy of it.
The book was very interesting, fun to read (I read it in 2 days time) and it spoke deeply in my heart and soul.

The last 10 years I've been thinking that when I'll reach 50 (in about 20 years), I would like to write a book according all the difficulties and joys, the pressure and joys, the frustration and joys of studying Jazz (if you know what I mean)... ;)
But Mr. Marsalis has already done it. And he has done an excellent job!

Oh well... perhaps I'll think of something else! Mean wile BUY THE DAMN BOOK! IT"S GREAT!

If you are a Wynton fan you know that he enjoys teaching, particularly teaching young musicians. This book is like listening to his musings and advice to a young musician. If you are a Wynton fan, you'll like this book. You may even find yourself following some of his advice.