Behind the Mic with Scott Hollis

New AACM Book

Trombonist George Lewis has authored a new history of the Association For The Advancement Of Creative Musicians, the musicians collective founded in Chicago in 1965 and still active today.   Looks interesting! 

Coltrane: The Story Of A Sound

You could fill an entire shelf with the numerous biographies and writings about John Coltrane that have been published since the great saxophonist's death, and I've just finished reading the latest, Ben Ratliff's "Coltrane: The Story Of A Sound," published last year. The book is divided into two parts. The first half traces Trane's musical development, from some very early amateur recordings all the way through the free jazz experiments of his last years, with a good bit of space devoted to musical analysis of specific solos and performances. The second half examines Coltrane's influence in the jazz world and the culture at large, including the long shadow his legacy casts on players and listeners even today. This is definitely a musical biography, with less attention paid to the personal details of Coltrane's life, and more devoted to the specifics of his remarkable creative development. For that reason, it would probably not be the first Coltrane biography that I would suggest to a new or interested fan. Still, for those looking for a thoughtful and insightful look into the musical and creative process of this jazz giant, this is a good read, and the second half makes it especially distinctive among Coltrane biographies. "Coltrane: The Story Of A Sound" is certainly a worthy addition to the ever-expanding library of John Coltrane literature.

Jazz Writer Richard Cook Dies

Just heard that British jazz critic and writer Richard Cook has died of cancer, far too young at the age of 50. Cook is co-author, along with Brian Morton, of the Penguin Guide To Jazz Recordings, for my money the most useful and engaging jazz record guide on the market today.  Currently in it's 8th edition, the Penguin Guide is mammoth, and I'm always amazed that there's enough time in your average human lifespan for a mere two individuals to have listened to the thousands of recordings covered in the book - and not to have merely listened casually, but with enough attention to carefully evaluate the music.  Even when you don't agree with them, you definitely come away with a healthy respect for the opinions of Cook and Morton.  Perhaps even more importantly, the Penguin Guide is not only informative, but just plain fun to read, with a sly sense of humor and a real love for the music evident throughout.  I must also add that it contains, on it's back cover, one of the most accurate blurbs I've ever come across, courtesy of Fortune magazine: "It's the kind of book that you'll yank off the shelf to look up a quick fact and still be reading two hours later."  Yep.  Been there, done that.  More times than I can remember.  R.I.P Mr. Cook.