Jazz gift idea - The Jazz Ear
Written by Michael Vass
It’s the holiday season and everyone is searching for the perfect gift for everyone on their list. Considering that I decided to see what might be of interest out there for Jazz music enthusiasts. But I also wanted to see if I could find something that was a bit different than a favorite album or video of a favored artist. So I went to books, which to me often encompass the innovation that is Jazz music.
To that end I have seen nothing but positive reviews for The Jazz Ear by Ben Ratliff. Mr. Ratliff has been reviewing jazz for the New York Times for some 10 or so years now, so yu would expect a respectful and knowledgeable book. But this is different.
Unlike books that interview various artists about their inspirations and motivations, Ratliff sought a different path. To understand the artists via the music that they listen to and to discuss that. In such a manner we get more of the soul of the artists, in a more relaxed manner than traditional interviews might provide.
As I stated the book is held to be an accomplishment worth of the subject matter and those involved.
The book has been on sale for a while now, and can be found among numerous online retailers. The cost is hardly prohibitive for the hardcopy, even in this economy. And I think this is something that any jazz enthusiast might find enjoyable. Perhaps even taking the time to sit back and listen to the songs that are selected by the musicians interviewed even before reading their thoughts.
Interviewees include Sonny Rollins, Ornette Coleman, Branford Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Wayne Shorter, Joshua Redman, Pat Methany and more.
For an original gift idea I think you could do far worse, and this will likely bring the smile you were hoping for.
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December 9th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Sounds excellent! i WILL CHECK IT OUT! Jazz and art is groovy too… I think it goes perfect with coffee table books… I’m a jazz artist and people always tell me that they don’t get enough of jazz “imagery” so… check me out cool cats! http://www.the-jazz-cat.com
can u dig it?