Leslie Gourse

Louis' Children

Leben und Geheimnis des Nat King Cole ; [das Pianowunder mit der Samtstimme]

Nat King Cole, unforgettable

Nadine Jansen, a flugelhornist and pianist, remembers a night in the 1940s when a man came out of the audience as she was playing both instruments. "I hate to see a woman do that," he explained as he hit the end of her horn, nearly chipping her tooth. Half a century later, a big band named Diva made its debut in New York on March 30, 1993, with Melissa Slocum on bass, Sue Terry on alto sax, Lolly Bienenfeld on trombone, Sherrie Maricle on drums, and a host of other first rate instrumentalists. The band made such a good impression that it was immediately booked to play at Carnegie Hall the following year. For those who had yet to notice, Diva signaled the emergence of women musicians as a significant force in jazz. Madame Jazz is a fascinating invitation to the inside world of women in jazz. Ranging primarily from the late 1970s to today's vanguard of performance jazz in New York City and on the West Coast, it chronicles a crucial time of transition as women make the leap from novelty acts regarded as second class citizens to sought-out professionals admired and hired for their consummate musicianship. Author Leslie Gourse surveys the scene in the jazz clubs, the concert halls, the festivals, and the recording studios from the musicians' point of view. She finds exciting progress on all fronts, but also lingering discrimination. The growing success of women instrumentalists has been a long time in coming, she writes. Long after women became accepted as writers and, to a lesser extent, as visual artists, women in music--classical, pop, or jazz--faced the nearly insuperable barrier of chauvinism and the still insidious force of tradition and habit that keeps most men performing with the musicians they have always worked with, other men. Gourse provides dozens of captivating no-holds-barred interviews with both rising stars and seasoned veterans. Here are up-and-coming pianists Renee Rosnes and Rachel Z., trumpeter Rebecca Coupe Frank, saxophonist Virginia Mayhew, bassist Tracy Wormworth, and drummer Terri Lynne Carrington, and enduring legends Dorothy Donegan, Marian McParland and Shirley Horne. Here, as well, are conversations with three pioneering business women: agent and producer Helen Keane, manager Linda Goldstein, and festival and concert producer Cobi Narita. All of the women speak insightfully about their inspiration and their commitment to pursuing the music they love. They are also frank about the realities of life on the road, and the extra dues women musicians pay in a tough and competitive field where everybody pays dues. A separate chapter offers a closer look at women musicians and the continual stress confronting those who would combine love, marriage, and/or motherhood with a life in music. Madame Jazz is about the history that women jazz instrumentalists are making now, as well as an inspiring preview of the even brighter days ahead. It concludes with Frankie Nemko's lively evaluation of the West Coast jazz scene, and appends the most comprehensive list ever assembled of women currently playing instruments professionally.

Contemporary Women Instrumentalists

Madame Jazz

Examines the life of the Indian princess Pocahontas and her contact with English settlers, especially John Smith.

Young Peacemaker

Pocahontas

Biographer Leslie Gourse chronicles Blakeyâs colorful life and career, from his hard scrabble childhood in Pittsburgh to his final years as an international jazz icon.

Jazz Messenger

Art Blakey

A detailed, informative biography of legendary singer Nat King Cole.

The Life and Mystique of Nat King Cole

Unforgettable

Offering an exciting opportunity to meet some of the most talented women in jazz today, a comprehensive look at female jazz instrumentalists includes interviews with rising stars and veterans and discusses the rewards and challenges facing women musicians today. UP.

Thelonious Monk was one of jazz's towering figures. Monk's piano playing--widely emulated and praised--was so unique that it has never been equaled. His persona life was also unique, including a battle with depression and mental illness. This book tells Monk's story based on first-hand interviews with the musicians who worked with him, along with the participation of his son, T.S., and other family members. 50 photos.

The Life and Genius of Thelonious Monk

Straight, No Chaser

This biography of the legendary pianist/composer tells the story of the tragic life and creative genius of Monk, based on scores of interviews with his family, friends, and compatriots.

Louis Armstrong

Based on dozens of interviews, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse performers who inherited Stachmo's legacy and made it their own.

Leslie Gourse

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