DOC Metric Pattern Cutting for Children's Wear and Babywear by Winifred Aldrich in Arts-Photography

Review

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Bright light shining on a cornerstone of modern jazzBy Eric SedenskyThelonious Monk is one of those jazz icons whose legend precedes him in almost every discussion. It is all the more to Robin credit that he has constructed such a thorough and eye-opening biography as this. This book strips away many of the myths surrounding Monk and the advent of bebop and the avant-garde in jazz; but without dismissing any story or factoid out of hand without at least looking for the kernel of truth from which the plant of hyperbole must have sprouted. The result is an interesting read that explores both jazz and jazz history; but also some history of America and the evolution of music; the music business; and the country in general.But what makes the book so readable for me is the even handedness of the author. The book is at times; excruciatingly detailed; making Monkrsquo;s life look just a little bleaker and darker than we might want to know about. Although each chapter starts with a quote from Monk that gets illuminated in the pages to follow; Irsquo;m sure the author had to fight the urge to give every chapter the exact same title; which would have been; ldquo;The next bad thing that happened to Monk was hellip;rdquo; It really seems that for most of his life; Thelonious just couldnrsquo;t catch a break. Sure plenty of good stuff happened between the insane asylum and prison terms; and there were probably a lot more successful jazz club engagements than there were firings; prohibitions; and not infrequent occasions of ostracizing; but it sure seems that Monk had a harder time bringing his music to the public than most other musicians of the time. The fact that he actually succeeded makes the reading all the more rewarding;Thankfully; this books excels at not dwelling on the misery by always harking back to the music. Each chapter is filled with insight; exploration; and history of recording sessions; studios; producers; backing musicians; song writing; improvisation; performances; club owners; record companies; musiciansrsquo; unions; musical folklore; and everything musical. For me; it is refreshing to know that talented musicians often felt the same way I do about some of Monkrsquo;s pieces; like when they proclaim that a piece is ldquo;unplayablerdquo; or that Monk was uninspired and spiteful for composing the way he did. Once you read about the logic of Monk and the epiphanies of the other musicians; it becomes possible to take heart and really enjoy; and even learn from; Monkrsquo;s music.Personally; as a jazz pianist who only took up the piano a few years ago as a hobby; I admit to having mostly stayed away from playing Monkrsquo;s music; even though I love listening to it. This was partly to avoid frustration; and partly because I didnrsquo;t understand it. Not that I understand it a little more; I find it isnrsquo;t as frustrating and in fact; there is a certain joy in undertaking the challenge; knowing that if I can do Monkrsquo;s music justice; there isnrsquo;t much else that can get in my way. It gives me the feeling that now that I have gotten a look under the hood; Irsquo;m ready to drive the Thelonious car; and I have this five star jazz biography to thank.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. As good a biography as it gets.By SteveThis is one of the finest biographies ever written. If you thought that you knew pretty much all you needed to know about Thelonious; get this superb book. It gives a very detailed account of his life. Most of it was pretty tragic. A collector like me thought of the excellent albums for Prestige; Riverside; Columbia; Black Lion; etc. and never really thought about what life was like for Thelonious. During nearly all of the 40s and 50s; it was a terrible struggle for him; and he had a wife and two small children to support. This book covers all of that; and also brings out what a loving family Monk and his relatives were. And; of course; the rebellious Rothschild; Pannonica; was always there for them; starting in 1954.America sure treats its jazz musicians badly; and the racism has been appalling. As an example; Pannonica was driving Monk to a gig in D.C. in the late 50s; and Monk asked her to stop at a hotel in Delaware; to get a drink of water. Immediately; cops were called; and they searched Pannonicas Bentley without a warrant and found one spliff. They were both arrested for this heinous crime. Pannonica took the rap for it; and the court case dragged on for ages. She was nearly jailed for a year! All of this trouble arose because a black man went into a hotel lobby to ask for a drink of water.I am not the perfect reviewer; but I hope that this has given you a taste of what this book is like. I almost felt that I was hanging out with the Monks; while I was reading it. I saw him live in 1971; when he toured with the "Giants Of Jazz". I am a saxophone player; and I wish I could have played with him. I am certain that I would have gotten on well with him.Get the book!72 of 74 people found the following review helpful. Monk in perspectiveBy a musicianIf youre interested in jazz; post war urban American history or just enjoy reading well written biographies...buy this book. Deftly written; extremely well researched and highly readable this book is a great acheivemment.Being a professional musician I have read many music bios (jazz and otherwise) and this ranks among the best. Robin Kelley clearly has a love for his subject and as an amateur pianist he writes intelligently about Monk and his music. But dont expect this book to be an academic bore. His detailed account of Monk; his circle of musician friends and the clubs he played made me feel like I was there. I could smell the cigarette smoke and hear the jam sessions at Mintons and feel the atmosphere of the San Juan Hill neighborhood where Monk grew up and lived for so many years. Youll find yourself in the back of a TV repair shop where pianists (known and unknown) jammed and shared ideas and eavesdrop on rehearsals at Monks apartment and Hall Overtons loft...and so much more.Kelley had unprecedented access to the Monk family archives and in every step of the book it shows. But more importantly Kelley is a great writer that weaves the details into a saga of post war African American life. Perhaps most importantly; Kelley debunks the myth of Monk as some sort of idiot savant or "noble savage" that inherited his genius by osmosis. Monk worked damn hard to create his art and Kelly takes you along every step of the way. Poignant; funny; sad and triumphant this books got it all covered. Do yourself a favor and check it out."Two is one and one is two".