Andy Kirk describes his life as a travelling jazz musician. Twenty Years On Wheels is Kirk's engaging account of his life, beginning with his childhood in predominantly white Denver. In 1925, Kirk moved to Dallas, where he joined Terrence Molder's Dark Clouds of Joy. He became leader of that band when they moved to Kansas City in 1929. As Kirk's Clouds of Joy, they toured the United States from coast to coast for the next twenty years. For much of this time, Mary Lou Williams was the band's pianist, and many other outstanding soloists, including Kenny Kersey, Howard McGhee, Fats Navarro, and Charlie Parker, played with them.

Throughout the book Kirk provides a valuable perspective on black/white relations in the years 1920-50, telling of the rigours of travelling in racially divided America. He tells of the jobs he and his musicians played - from extended engagements to one-nighters - the styles they mastered, the demands of their audiences, and the expectations of the record companies. It is a fascinating story, told with vigour and intelligence.

CONTENTS:
The First Music I Ever Heard; I Quit School In My Sophomore Year; "Ever Think About Playing An Instrument?"; Twelve Clouds of Joy; The First Big Date In New York; Until The Real Thing Comes Along; Those Wheels Were Still Rolling
Discography by Howard Rye

AMY LEE was a writer, reporter, and reviewer for the New York Times, Metronome and Downbeat. Lee was a consultant on the Time-Life series of jazz records. A pianist and music teacher, her pupils included such jazz musicians as Bob Wilber. She died in January 1989.

"…a vitally important contribution to jazz history…as direct, honest, and involving as a fine jazz solo." DAN MORGENSTERN, Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies

back to previous page