Book Reviews

The liberal arts and the sciences may not be as far apart as you think. In his new book, The Jazz of Physics, physicist and jazz musician Stephon Alexander finds remarkable connections between improvised music and the laws of the natural world. As Thomas Cunniffe notes in his book review, Alexander’s dense text is sometimes slow-going, but it leads to a group of astonishing theories.

Neither jazz historian Ed Berger nor trumpeter Joe Wilder were prone to publicize their own triumphs, but a few years ago, Berger realized that Wilder’s story needed to be told. Softly With Feeling reveals Wilder’s breakthroughs in integrating studio and symphonic orchestras. Thomas Cunniffe reviews the biography.

Ralph J. Gleason was a pioneer in music criticism. He published his first reviews in 1934, when he was a student at Columbia University, and by 1950, he was the first full-time jazz critic working for a major newspaper. Gleason’s interests extended beyond jazz into comedy, folk, rock and politics. Thomas Cunniffe reviews two new collections of Gleason’s work which cover the late journalist’s astounding range and perception.

Marian McPartland is a survivor. At 95, she has outlived her contemporaries, and has only recently retired from performing and broadcasting. Paul de Barros’ new biography Shall We Play That One Together offers a thorough history of McPartland’s life and work, written with the full cooperation of the lady herself. Thomas Cunniffe presents his reactions to the volume in this month’s Book Review.

One of the most original vocalists in jazz history, Mark Murphy never stopped experimenting with his sound, style and repertoire. His artistic restlessness and uncompromising attitude may have kept him from achieving the fame due him. Peter Jones’ new Murphy bio This is Hip explores the fascinating life and career of this jazz icon. Guest reviewer Mick Carlon offers his thoughts on the volume.

Educator and author Mick Carlon has found a unique way to introduce young people to jazz. He writes novels which juxtapose adolescent fictional characters with realistic portrayals of past jazz masters. His first two books featured Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, and in his new novel, Girl Singer, he explores the worlds of the Count Basie Orchestra and Nazi concentration camps. Thomas Cunniffe reviews the book.

One of the greatest challenges in keeping jazz alive is introducing its most famous artists to children. The music programs in public schools rarely delve into jazz history, and music appreciation classes are usually only available to high schoolers. English teacher Mick Carlon may have found a solution to this problem with his jazz-themed novels for young adults. Thomas Cunniffe reviews two of these volumes in this month’s Book Review.

For author Gary Carner, chronicling the work and music of baritone saxophonist Pepper Adams has become a lifetime career. In the past months, Carner has released an enormous amount of material, including an annotated discography, and a digital box set containing new versions of Adams’ 43 compositions. Thomas Cunniffe reviews the collected materials in this month’s Book Review.

From his start as a child prodigy in Indiana through his long dual career of musician and educator, Gary Burton has been an important force in jazz for the past five decades. His new autobiography, Learning to Listen tells of his career, his sexuality and, as Thomas Cunniffe notes in this review, an eloquent chapter on the creative process.

Ted Gioia’s new book The Jazz Standards is an invaluable guide to the standard repertoire of working jazz musicians. Thomas Cunniffe reviews the volume, which includes essays on 252 songs by Tin Pan Alley and jazz composers. And if you’re wondering why we’re featuring this book in a Women in Jazz issue, it’s because Gioia recommends recordings by women musicians on nearly every page of the book.

Over the past several decades, jazz oral history projects have preserved the stories of great musicians. While the Filius Jazz Archive from Hamilton College may not be as well known as other jazz oral history projects, a new book Jazz Tales from Jazz Legends reveals that the Filius Archive holds several unique treasures. Thomas Cunniffe reviews the book, sales of which support the ongoing work of the archive.

Up until a few years ago, John F. Goodman’s best-known work in jazz journalism was his nine-year tenure as the music critic for Playboy magazine. Jazz has been a passion for Goodman ever since his childhood, and in his new self-published memoir, “Jive Colored Glasses” he relates how jazz was a constant part of his life, even when he was not writing about the music. Thomas Cunniffe reviews the book.

Most jazz fans know the vocalist Johnny Hartman for his intensely romantic album with John Coltrane. In his new Hartman biography, The Last Balladeer, Gregg Akkerman sorts through all of the myths about this misunderstood singer. Thomas Cunniffe reviews the results.

Jazz’s coexistence of styles allows any musician of any age, gender or race to pursue any genre they wish, even if it’s not currently in style. Still the late 1970s appearance of Judy Carmichael, a white, blond and stunningly beautiful stride pianist turned several heads. In her new memoir, Swinger!, Carmichael offers a compelling narrative that jumps between various points in her life, and alternates between comedy and tragedy.