Nica's Dream: The Life and Legend of the Jazz Baroness
“The Baroness Pannonica de Koenigswarter was a cultural bridge, and source of understanding for an enormously important generation of jazz musicians. This book is a must read.” (T. S. Monk)“Starred Review. This is an essential read for jazz enthusiasts and strongly suggested for those interested in new perspectives on jazz culture and its historical framework. Kastin is an exceptionally fine writer who compellingly blends rare interviews, in-depth research, and masterful storytelling in this first biography of a legendary individual.” (Library Journal)“David Kastin has written the definitive biography of one of the most elusive, beguiling and pivotal personalities in 20th Century music.  The story of Pannonica is essential reading for all fans of art, culture and jazz.” (Robert Kraft, President, Fox Music Inc.)“Nica’s Dreamis a brilliant and incisive addition to the history of jazz. The Baroness Nica is portrayed in such a truthful fashion that those of us blessed to have known her now can introduce her to anyone by giving them a copy of this outstanding biography.Nica’s Dreamreads like a picaresque novel. But it’s all true.” (David Amram, American composer, musician, author)“A stunning biography of Monk’s patron. What a story!” (Phil Schaap, curator and jazz historian, WKCR-FM, New York City)“With a journalist’s dedication to research and a storyteller’s passion for historical context, Kastin relates the most unusual life of Baroness Pannonica de Koenigswater—the woman who left behind a family and a fortune to dedicate herself to the maestri of modern jazz.” (Ashley Kahn, author of The House that Trane Built)“Finally! Nica’s story told in Technicolor, with the grandeur to match her own.  David Kastin penetrates the myths and legends about the Jazz Baroness.  In doing so, he gives us a stunning cultural biography of New York City and a riveting portrait of one of the most fascinating figures of the 20th century. Bravo!” (Robin D. G. Kelley, author of Thelonious Monk: The Life and Times of an American Original)