Being Prez (Popular Music History) - Softcover

Gelly, Dave

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1845536045 ISBN 13: 9781845536046

Publisher: Equinox Publishing Ltd, 2007

Synopsis

Very good paperback, light shelf wear only. Internally, in 'as unread' condition. CN

About this title

About the Author

Dave Gelly is the weekly jazz critic for The Observer and contributes to many other British periodicals. Named Jazz Writer of the Year in the 1999 British Jazz Awards, Gelly has hosted a weekly radio show, has contributed to many books on jazz, has written liner notes for most major jazz record labels, and is the author of Stan Getz: Nobody Else But Me. He was invested with the MBE by HM The Queen in 2005. He is also professional saxophonist.

Review

"For those looking for an introduction to Young's life and music, Gelly offers the virtues of a thorough, book-length liner note, which, to his purpose, integrates life, times, and music."--John McDonough, Downbeat

"An outstanding book, covering the life and music of a truly unique musician, by one of the most perceptive and literate jazz writers. Eminently readable from the first page to the last, Being Prez is an essential addition to the jazz library."--Alun Morgan, Jazz Journal International

"This exemplary and concise study is illuminated by the author's straight-ahead prose. While fully aware of the musical and biographical details, Gelly wears his knowledge lightly in a way that will appeal to general readers as well as specialists." --Brian Priestley, author of Chasin' The Bird and co-author of The Rough Guide to Jazz

"Lester Young, one of the most glorious but elusive figures in jazz history, is brought to life by Dave Gelly in this splendid introduction, which combines a brief yet layered biography with insightful musical commentary. Old and new fans alike will find illumination in Gelly's first-rate discussion of 'Shoe Shine Boy,' his account of Young's dealings with Fletcher Henderson and Norman Granz, and his description of Young's notorious stint in the army."--Gary Giddins, author Natural Selection and Weather Bird

"A masterful new biography."--Nat Hentoff, The Weekly Standard

"Tracing an odd life and elusive legacy with exactitude, Gelly writes with a rare reserve--a concision and perception, really--that his subject would have appreciated. In so doing, Gelly shows his own modernist stripes: playing only the right noes, embracing contextual space, emphasizing the song above all esle."--The Atlantic

"For those looking for an introduction to Young's life and music, Gelly offers the virtues of a thorough, book-length liner note, which, to his purpose, integrates life, times, and music."--John McDonough, Downbeat

"Lester Young, one of the most glorious but elusive figures in jazz history, is brought to life by Dave Gelly in this splendid introduction, which combines a brief yet layered biography with insightful musical commentary. Old and new fans alike will find illumination in Gelly's first-rate discussion of 'Shoe Shine Boy,' his account of Young's dealings with Fletcher Henderson and Norman Granz, and his description of Young's notorious stint in the army."--Gary Giddins, author Natural Selection and Weather Bird

"This exemplary and concise study is illuminated by the author's straight-ahead prose. While fully aware of the musical and biographical details, Gelly wears his knowledge lightly in a way that will appeal to general readers as well as specialists."--Brian Priestley, author of Chasin' The Bird and co-author of The Rough Guide to Jazz

"An outstanding book, covering the life and music of a truly unique musician, by one of the most perceptive and literate jazz writers. Eminently readable from the first page to the last, Being Prez is an essential addition to the jazz library."--Alun Morgan, Jazz Journal International

"A masterful new biography."--Nat Hentoff, The Weekly Standard

"Tracing an odd life and elusive legacy with exactitude, Gelly writes with a rare reserve--a concision and perception, really--that his subject would have appreciated. In so doing, Gelly shows his own modernist stripes: playing only the right noes, embracing contextual space, emphasizing the song above all esle."--The Atlantic

"Highly readable." --Ellingtonia

Edition details

• Publisher: Equinox Publishing Ltd
• Publication date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1845536045
• ISBN 13: 9781845536046
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 184