A Wonderful Look At A Great Musician
919883
A delightful book that chronicles Buffett's travels across the world and the musical landscape of his life.  The many star performers and songwriters that are interviewed for the book could all have their own books with the stories they tell. I'm almost the same age as Buffett and have seen his shows multiple times (1975, 1976 (with the Eagles), 1986 (in Hawaii), and at Six Flags in Arlington, TX. And hopefully at the Jazz Festival in New Orleans this Spring.  Ryan White brings understanding to Buffett's background, what makes him tick, and shows how he has a genuine love for music that gave rise to a new genre of music.  This book is one great read.
3797360
I watched this DVD and then I realized what a TRULY talented musician he really had been. I realized the early loss of his presence to us these few more years. It would have been exciting to be a part of the audience of this performance live. It was so good on the DVD.  think we would have enjoyed his musical performances for years to come. It is always hard to let go of great artists.
1499599
There's much more to the man than I had previously thought. He really is the brains behind the Who and his talents are more than that of "only" a guitar player. A talented principled and at times outspoken individual who has collaborated and advised many of the greats, he is one of a number of iconic figures to emerge form Britain in the '60s
4859050
A good read that hits a number of key notes in telling the story of a great artist. Musicians at every level in particular will appreciate the description of the to and fro of the business.
3498420
A superb introduction to a fascinating musician--violinist, conductor, raconteur, teacher and family man.  lots of great insights  on other famous musicians--not always flattering, but  honest.  A genuine pleasure for me, a professional musician, to read.
1571182
I was a student of Malcolm Bilson's at the University of Illinois.  He is one of the finest musicians and wonderful performers I have ever met.  I am delighted that he has put out this DVD.
3221125
Between the CD's and the liner notes, this two-disc set gives a wonderful picture of Guraldi's career.  I knew he had had a big hit with "Cast Your Fate to the Wind", but I didn't know that Guaraldi had played with so many great musicians before he became famous himself for the pieces he wrote for the Peanuts TV series.  Especially enlightening to me was the placement of "Linus and Lucy" so close on the heels of "El Matador", which was obviously its inspiration.  This is a wonderful collection for both jazz fans and for fans of the Charlie Brown TV shows.
2006524
The album was wonderful. A glimpse into the soul of an extremely talented artist. His music is so evocative and dramatic, yet tendet and enigmatic. Its interesting to think what would have happened had he not discovered acting and kept studying music. His waltz is particularly memorable.
1994465
I enjoyed reading this book about one of my favorite musicians.  I learned that Billy Ray made a lot more albums and movies then I ever knew.  I will have to look up some of them and catch up.
2571601
Beautiful music the greatest man in history of music
1932056
Jack Chambers has done a very hard task and that is to present the life of the legendary Miles Davis to readers in a very interesting, yet complex style which was reflective of the way Miles Davis led his life and music.
Miles Davis was the premiere jazz musician of his time along with John Coltrane, Charlie "Bird" Parker, Herbie Hancock, etc, yet while you can love Davis's music, to know the man was very hard to do, since Miles Davis was a standoffish and sullen individual.  Chambers describes Davis's behavior as being sullen and hard to know because Davis's was a very shy man.  I am sure that Davis lived a tough life because of injustice, yet it is sad that he didn't trust his fans and those who cared for him.  Davis certainly lived the life of a "star", he over-indulged in sex, was an abuser of drugs, and had split personalities later on in life, yet his musical vision was almost always focused and clear, whether it be in the pinnacle of his talent (1950-1962), or his creating fusion (1967-1973), or the later part of his life.
Chambers does an excellent job of detailing the relationship Miles had with his fellow musicians such as the love-hate relationship with Theolonius Monk, the admiration and jealousy between Coltrane and Miles, as well as Miles being a mentor to such jazz greats as Herbie Hancock, John McGlaughlin, Chick Corea, etc.
I am a tremendous fan of Miles Davis jazz visions, I love his music and his musical style, yet after reading this book I feel sadness because I don't know if I pity Davis or just not liking him altogether, or admiring him no matter what, his final years were spent in paranoia, suspicion and feeding his ego, that is sad because if he would of just relaxed and enjoy his fans admiration I believe he might have lived longer.  Anyways, this is an outstanding book and is highly recommended to all jazz lovers and fans of the immortal Miles Davis.
1912578
Excellent, entertaining and insightful look into the life of one of the greatest boogie woogie pianists the world has ever known. You get a feel for both the man and the motivation behind the music. Fantastic. Great pictures as well.
1418749
I ordered this book because I've been a fan of Paul Simon since the first time I heard "The Sound of Silence". I have everything that I've ever found by Paul and his old partner Artie. This book is a well written biography that goes back to his first relative to come to America and tells about his various failures and successes. I feel that I understand his complicated relationship with Art Garfunkel much better now. I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes any of Paul Simon's music, or if you just want to understand how a talented artist deals with life and creates his art.
1609428
It was so refreshing to read a biography on one of America's greatest musicians from the perspective of an African American historian who had access to Pres' former colleagues and family members relative to what Pres was really like and what made him tick.  What intimate family and peer relationships during his childhood, teenage years and adult years contributed to how he expressed himself through his music can only be told by a family member or a very, very close friend.  Only African American colleagues of Pres can give us some insight as to how he really felt about America's Jim Crow practices which were actually sanctioned by the US Governmentprior to the Civil Rights Acts of 1954 & 1964) and how these Jim Crow practices may have influenced his mindset.
The Life and Times of Lester "Pres" Young is not for the faint hearted.  It is a scholarly work!  It is not "Lester Young Goes To Disneyland."  Art forms depict what the artist sees as reality.  Despite Jim Crow - the Pres was able to deliver.  This book tells us about the character of the Man by the people that really knew him. Daniels has provided society with something we didn't have before  - a look at Pres through the eyes of the people closest to him who "opened up" to an African American historian over a period of twenty years because they trusted him and believed that he understood the cultural nuances that exist in African American families that are different from many non African American families.
3298772
Excellent documentary about a great recording pioneer--if you're interested in music you'll be interested in this dvd--dickb
1391522
This book is everything I thought it would be and more. I am so grateful to have a look at the life of a Musical Legend.
1868754
This biography of Lenny Breau shines for its scope of presentation, musical insight and an honest and compassionate portrait of one of the greatest guitarists of all time. The book was exhaustively researched and the fact that Mr Forbes-Roberts is himself an accomplished guitarist adds immeasurably to the high water mark of detailing the great innovations that Mr Breau brought to his instrument. The organization of all the material herein is marvelous and a benchmark of clarity. Lenny's personal difficulties in having huge difficulties in looking after himself are explained in painful detail - yet yield an understanding of the ravages that are endemic to the music business, and especially as the industry pertains to very gifted and sensitive musicians.
I cannot see the need for another Breau biography after this one. For those that love and admire Lenny's music, we should all be in gratitude for Forbes-Roberts contribution to a first class biography. Two thumbs up, and for those who play guitar, this book will inspire you to play more often!