Noal Cohen & Michael Fitzgerald
Berkeley Hills Books, 2002
Paperback. 456pp. b&w illustrations
£12.99

Gigi Gryce was a saxophonist and composer who worked with some of the best-known names in jazz during the 1950s, including Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, and Max Roach. His many compositions remain a part of the jazz repertoire today.

His remarkable rise from poverty led to conservatory studies and tours of Europe and Africa, before he established himself as a fixture on the New York scene. His efforts as a music publisher were bold and groundbreaking, and his quiet, unassuming personality set him apart from most of his peers. In only a decade as a professional musician, he earned the respect and administration of his colleagues and served as a mentor to numerous aspiring young players. Gryce's sudden disappearance at the start of the 1960s left the jazz world wondering as to his fate. Few were aware of his change of identity and professional rebirth.

Misinformation about Gryce abounds and rumours have circulated for decades. Years of research and dozens of interviews were conducted for this book, resulting in a biography that, for the first time, tells the true story of this often overlooked figure and illuminates his contributions to one of the richest periods in jazz history.

"There are any number of reasons for someone interested in the story of America and its music to delve deeply into the legacy of Gig Gryce. To begin with, he was a superbly melodic composer who wrote pieces that linger in the memory. He was a master of writing music for larger ensembles and knew the intricacies of all of the instruments. This enabled him to combine them in ways that sounded fresh, and that were both challenging for the players and intriguing to the listener. Gigi Gryce is far too important a figure to remain in relative obscurity. This book will correct that situation." - LOREN SCHOENBERG

CONTENTS: Pensacola Blues; Education - Hartford & Boston; Manhatten Blues; Paris the Beautiful; Laying the Foundation; On the Cutting Edge; In the Laboratory; The Out Chorus; Metamorphosis; Epilogue.
Appendices: Gryce's Compositions; Gryce's Publishing Holdings; Discography; Bibliography.

back to previous page

back to previous page

TIMELINES

Visit our timeline and lifeline sections to view a history of jazz and its leading players.

BOOK SEARCH

Search the descriptions and contents of our stock. Our author index lists authors in alphabetical order.

CD SEARCH

Search using name of artist, title, year of recording, or label. Our CD index lists main artists in alphabetical order.