At the jazz band ball
Subtitle: sixty years on the jazz scene
By: Nat Hentoff ; foreword by Lewis Porter
Publisher: University of California Press
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Berkeley
Language: eng
Number of pages: 246
ISBN-13: 9780520261136
Description: A collection of essays, interviews, and personal recollections in which Nat Hentoff reflects on the inside history of jazz music and the people who shaped its development. "Nat Hentoff, renowned jazz critic, civil liberties activist, and fearless contrarian -- 'I'm a Jewish atheist civil-libertarian pro-lifer' -- has lived through much of jazz's history and has known many of jazz's most important figures, often as friend and confidant. Hentoff has been a tireless advocate for the neglected parts of jazz history, including forgotten sidemen and sidewomen. This volume includes his best recent work -- short essays, long interviews, and personal recollections. From Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong to Ornette Coleman and Quincy Jones, Hentoff brings the jazz greats to life and traces their art to gospel, blues, and many other forms of American music. At the Jazz Band Ball also includes Hentoff's keen, cosmopolitan observations on a wide range of issues. The book shows how jazz and education are a vital partnership, how free expression is the essence of liberty, and how social justice issues like health care and strong civil rights and liberties keep all the arts -- and all members of society -- strong."--Jacket.
Notes: "Roth Family Foundation music in America imprint"--Prelim. p.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 223-226) and index.
Table of contents: title: What am I here for? The rules of my jazz odyssey; title: In the presence of Ellington; title: Jazz credentials; title: The jazz life on and off the road; title: Who is a jazz singer?; title: The life force of the music; title: Finding the first amendment groove; title: Roots; title: The survivors; title: The regenerators; title: The master teachers.