Myself Among Others: A Life In Music Reprint Edition
Author(s): George Wein (Author), Nate Chinen (Author)
Publisher: Da Capo
Publication Date: April 14, 2004
Edition: Reprint
Language: English
Print length: 576 pages
ISBN-10: 0306813521
ISBN-13: 9780306813528
Book Description
George Wein, who pioneered the idea of bringing jazz to people beyond the club circuit, looks back on his long career and unforgettably describes his relationships — sometimes smooth, sometimes tempestuous — with the great figures he’s known: Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Thelonious Monk, and Miles Davis, among many, many others. Beginning in 1950 with the opening of his legendary Boston club Storyville, Wein presented jazz in a setting that respected both the musicians and the audience while still earning a profit. Since its founding in 1954, the Newport Jazz Festival has always reflected Wein’s vision and grit. Wein opened up a whole new venue to musicians, attracting music immortals as well as aspiring young artists to his outdoor stage. Over the years, Newport became synonymous with jazz festivals in the United States, and it has become the model for similar events worldwide.Through his work, George Wein has expanded the audience for jazz more than anyone else living today, and has received France’s Legion d’Honneur and numerous other awards. Myself Among Others illuminates the personalities, legends and performances of jazz’s greatest era.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“A fascinating personal memoir from the premier producer of jazz events throughout the world…a page turner.” — Jazz Notes March/April 2004
“A music lover’s treasure trove.” —
New Orleans Times-Picayune
“Wein is one of the two or three most important people in the history of jazz…Fascinating…Essential.” —
Choice December 2003
“Wein preside[d] over hundreds of memorable performances, some of them-like Duke Ellington’s career-reviving appearance in ’56-now legendary.” —
Jazziz April 2004
“Wein’s prose is active, direct, and unflinchingly honest…A tale worth telling-and reading.” —
Jazziz January 2004
“[A] charming, informative, conversational and opinionated memoir…filled with fine stories and colorful personalities…Heartfelt and highly readable.” —
January Magazine December 2003
“[A] welcome addition to any jazz lover’s bookshelf.” —
Hartford Courant 12/07/03
“[This] autobiography has the musical pulse of a great concert. It’s a literary festival, a feast of fascinating information.” —
Wow! eBook
