JIM TRAGESER REVIEWS THREE NEW BOOKS FOR MUSIC LOVERS
Sunday, November 16th, 2008Read the North County Times - Californian original
Content of staff writer Jim Trageser’s reviews copyright © 2008 by the North County Times - Californian
 
“1,000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die”
by Tom Moon
Any music guide is going to be, by its very definition, subjective. It’s the nature of the beast. So to criticize a book like Tom Moon’s new guide by arguing that this record shouldn’t be here when this other one isn’t is pretty petty - and if that argument were to be adhered to, we’d simply not have any music-buying guides. But if one claims to be offering a basic guide to the best recordings in history, to be creating, as the book’s cover itself says, “A Listener’s Life List,” then there ought to be some sort of adherence to offering at least a foundation of what are generally considered to be the most influential and best recordings. And on that score, Moon’s book comes awfully close to failing. While the majority of albums on his list are worthy, and he shows an admirable willingness to list lesser-known albums that are wonderful listens, a series of blind spots in his selections are so egregious and so utterly misrepresent the history of 20th century music, that ultimately they leave this a deeply flawed book. (Read full review.)
“Moving to Higher Ground: How Jazz Can Change Your Life”
by Wynton Marsalis with Geoffrey C. Ward
Wynton Marsalis is one of the most influential musicians in the United States today. Through his role as leader of the Jazz at Lincoln Center program, through his numerous recordings and constant touring and lectures, Marsalis is leading much of our ongoing discussion about the role of art in our culture. A new book, written with Geoffrey C. Ward, is written in such a way that its main purpose seems to be as a jumping-off point for the next round of that discussion. Marsalis argues persuasively and passionately that jazz is unique among musical styles for its blend of improvisation and structure, with swing at the heart of it all. (Read full review.)
“Jazz Idiom: Blueprints, Stills and Frames”
Photographs by Charles L. Robinson; poetry by Al Young
Charles Robinson doesn’t have the name recognition of a William Claxton, William Gottlieb or Chuck Stewart. But like his better-known associates, the California-based Robinson has spent his adult life taking photographs of jazz musicians. Some of his best are collected in a new book from Heyday, “Jazz Idiom: Blueprints, Stills and Frames.” It’s an intriguing collection presented here, a mix of performance shots and more relaxed, backstage candids. Robinson clearly had access – the multiple photographs of a recording session with saxophonist Illinois Jacquet and pianist John Lewis shows both men relaxed and utterly indifferent to the camera; that’s the mark of a good photog, there. (Read full review.)
by Al Young. The title probably already tipped you off to the fact that every one of the 120 poems has a relation to the blues, whether it is about the groupies, the gigs, the music itself, people who play it, or the lifestyle of those who live it. Most of the poems span two pages; occasionally a poem will reach as many as three pages or only one page in length. I appreciated the thoughtful choice of font size that is large and very easy on the eyes, allowing the reader to concentrate on the feeling the words invoke, rather than on trying to read them. The author also includes a 16-page short story near the center of the book entitled “Silent Parrot Blues.”
Young covers thoughts on society, music, genres of the blues, black culture and making love. He displays light humor in “Elevator Over the Hill,” and observations on life, people or situations in the city. I particularly enjoyed “April in Paris,” Potato Head Blues” and “You do All This For Love.” Some of the poetry opens with a setting for the piece or quotations.
