How do four instrumentalists with strong individual tastes and temperaments manage to forge a distinctive approach to the music they play? This extraordinary book ushers readers into the workshop of one of the worlds most accomplished string quartets. In rich and probing conversations with their longtime friend and musicologist and conductor David Blum; the members of the Guarneri String Quartet; both individually as a group; tell what it is like to play together.
#267101 in eBooks 2012-08-23 2012-08-23File Name: B00BGPKCO2
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Getting in-touch with my musical mentor.By Richard AyersI have been wanting to purchase this book; since I first became aware of its existence. I (myself) am a Vibraphonist musician; myself. And; Cal Tjader (the subject of the book) has been my musical mentor; since I was (about) 12 or 13 yrs. old. I was fortunate enough to have met Mr.Tjader; on at least 5 of his engagements; in New York city; and the surrounding area where I grew-up!Since; I have been reading the book (on KINDLE); I have been thoroughly happy and enlightened to find-out so many things about my man; Cal Tjader. I have almost ALL; of his recordings. Many of which I have played; with my own bands; back in the 70s thru the 80s; while I was involved in performing in jazz venues; and well as doing some studio recordings; with other artists. I was actually working at one of the major record companies; back in May 1982; when the news came over the radio of Cals passing; while he was on-tour in the Philippines. It was one of his favorite places to play. And; he served there as a Medical Corpsman; during WWII. And; I have even been in touch with his daughter; Elizabeth; by way of the internet.Cal Tjader; was a tremendously talented musician; composer; and bandleader. And; a very humane individual.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. If youre a Tjader fan.....this is the definative book!By Michael SchwartzOne of the most innovative musicians in American jazz. After being exposed to Latin music; Cal had the vision of mixing Latin music with Jazz. Duncan Reids book gives the club dates; musicians; recording dates; and all that made Cals vision; a reality. His greatest quality; as quoted by many of the musicians that played for him was; he was never afraid to feature a "sideman"; or another musician in his band. He was always ready to have the listeners acknowledge these men; who many other bandleaders always kept them in the dark; and always felt that "their band" was about them; and not the entire musical sound that was created. A very unselfish feature in an industry made up of very egotistical players. That was not Cal.The downside of this great quality was; many of the sidemen he employed; were sought after by other bands; or the Cals management of the band looked so easy; they went off on their own. Mongo Santamaria; Willie Bobo; Vince Guaraldi are just a few who were with Cal in his greatest Latin/Jazz days; before they went off on their own.This book is a great endeavor; done as a tribute to a great American musician. Terrific insight into a musicians career.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Just a few more pages............By Phyllis MortensenThats what I kept saying when reading the biography about Cal Tjader. I heard his name many times in my earlier years; but was not familiar with Latin jazz. Music is a big part of my life; so I was interested in reading about the life and music of this jazz musician. I kept being drawn to the book and learned more about his musical career; the vibes he played; and the stories about his family life. Reading the interviews with his children was a nice addition and gave readers insight into their lives and also shared the closeness and humor they enjoyed. I felt that I was traveling along in this journey because the author gave us such a detailed look into the life and career of Cal Tjader. I downloaded some of his songs which I am thoroughly enjoying. I would highly recommend this book to all music enthusiasts.