The contributions of this late pioneering jazz vibraphonist; composer; arranger and bandleader Cal Tjader have largely been undervalued. This book is a major corrective. The greater part covers the Grammy winners 40-year professional life; and his explorations of both Latin and jazz music. His personal life is remembered by those who knew Cal best. The extensive research going into this book features many interviews with family; friends and colleagues both in the Bay Area and elsewhere; all the liner notes throughout Tjaders prolific recorded output; and interviews with the man himself; as well as relevant articles and books. An exhaustive discography chronicles all his sessions.
#319534 in eBooks 1995-03-29 1995-03-29File Name: B00EK4Y468PDF # 1
Review
28 of 29 people found the following review helpful. Not bad but nothing exceptional!By Gypsy_WitchA decent read; however I knew already many of the things posted in this book. I think the author may have wanted to beat Stephen Davis to the press by getting this out before his bio of Ms. Nicks is released in October of this year.There wasnt anything earth shattering about this book that warrants 5 stars. I actually didnt finish it there were about 4 chapters I just stopped reading due to already knowing what was going to be said.When reading a celebrity bio a reader wants the meat and potatoes; the unknown facts of a famous persons life and work; so while not an awful read; hey at least she can spell which is an exception on kindle these days and Im very serious when I say that. I try to be fair regarding book reviews and while Zoe Howe obviously did investigate Ms. Nicks life it felt rushed and did not have the depth one would want in a bio; especially since Stevie Nicks will probably never write her own life story.In this book Stevie comes across as selfish; narcissistic; and the typical me; me; me that many famous people end up believing in their own hype. I at times found myself not liking Stevie Nicks the person and I am a huge fan of hers.There is a part in this book where Stevie tells one of the (I believe producer/sound engineers) that she was happy his dog died because his dog was the one featured on the Tusk cover because according to Stevie Nicks that should of been her cover; not cool if true and extremely telling of the personality.I liked Carol Ann Harris book much better. I found out things I didnt know about Ms. Nicks and Fleetwood Mac. There simply was not enough details in this book to keep me entertained and while I did appreciate the sense of humor that went into this book added by the authors perceptive most of what was written about regarding Ms. Nicks life; Stevie has talked of in interviews and has already been written about.If youre a new fan this book will serve you well; older fans who already know the Stevie-Lindsey love hate etc. etc. with tons of filler Id say wait for Davis book.8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Delivers with a rare glimpse behind the scenes of this elusive rock iconBy MonicaI initially wondered if this book would offer me any new information on Stevie Nicks; as I have been an avid fan since 1975. I must say I was pleasantly surprised and found this book to be a wealth of information; as well as a delightful read that kept me interested! The beginning of each chapter was prefaced by the authors notes in italics; which were fun facts; quotes and other anecdotes. These could range from one line to several paragraphs; and I found this somewhat distracting. Also; the author is very fond of footnotes....some were useful bits of information and others bordered on pure silliness. Other than that; a great read on the fabulous mystique that is Stevie Nicks!3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Good for a newbieBy blondewriter99This is more 3 1/2 stars; but; ya know; .... For a Mac newbie like me; it did the trick; I got to know the background of the band and Stevie in particular. But the book doesnt seem to be a book but rather a collation of previously published articles and books about the band - though; oddly; it seems to occasionally slip into primary source interviews but its really hard to tell as the author only occasionally gives her sources. Were there any primary interviews? Journalistic integrity aside; it was a good background on the band for someone who knew very little about them; and gave me ideas about what songs/records Id want to listen to next. I definitely wouldnt call this in depth by any means; however; so hardcore Macophiles will probably be disappointed. The author can write but often seems to want to get snarky/funny; which is just annoying. Stevie herself comes across as sort of a nutty but very determined and talented lady - I have to say her relationship with Lindsey is interesting; but I got the feeling she was just using it for material and because she knew what stoked the fans. Could she have really thought that it was "only over" between them after hed had his first child? What?! Theyd been broken up for years and hardly spoke for much of that time. Strange.