Miles:
The Autobiography There's plenty
of bravado and the usual things Miles says to get a
rise out of folks, but ultimately there are also fascinating
recollections of various recording sessions and breakthroughs
in the career of one of jazz's most innovative musicians.
Miles had plenty of insight into himself, despite his
tendency toward hype and self-aggrandizement. Taken
with a grain of salt this is an informative, interesting
book
Louis
Armstrong: In His Own Words Armstrong
came from a different time and place than Miles, but he
had plenty to say about the music and a variety of other
topics, including American race relations, entertainment,
and bebop. Many don't know that Armstrong produced a large
body of written work, consisting of memoirs, articles,
and letters. This volume goes a long way toward creating
a true portrait of the man who forever changed the way
jazz musicians played.
Satchmo
by Gary Giddens. A colorful and enthusiastic
tribute to the one and only Louis Armstrong. Not only
is Giddens excited about and respectful of his subject,
but the book is also laid out in an interesting fashion,
with plenty of photographs to keep even the most avid
jazz hound happy for awhile.
Beneath
the Underdog: His World as Composed by Charles Mingus
From one of jazz music's most innovative
and iconoclastic performers and composers, this unusual
autobiography is the story of Mingus' career, his obsessions,
and his fears. Of course, Mingus has firsthand recollections
of all the jazz greats, but he also has colorful stories
about prostitution, a trip to Tijuana, and more.
Straight
Life by Art Pepper. The harrowing story
of Pepper's sexual appetites, heroin addiction, and prison
stints presented without holding much of anything back.
Pepper's wife, Laurie, helped to shape the narrative and
give it a literary quality that is rare among jazz artists'
autobiographies. A really interesting book that is more
honest than most artists could bring themselves to be.
Duke
Ellington: A Reader by Mark Tucker. An
incredible anthology of writings about this most important
American composer of the 20th century. Includes critical
analyses, reviews, and memoirs. Myths about Ellington
are laid bare and his music is given the kind of thoughtful
and intelligent analysis that is deserved by truly great
artists.
