Lennie Tristano was one of jazz's most extraordinary innovators, possessing a superb piano technique and an awesome musical imagination. Unheralded by the general public, the blind pianist's work was revered by many jazz greats including the legendary Charlie Parker. Tristano's persuasive personality made him an ideal teacher, and he proved that (against the accepted theory of the time) jazz improvisation could be taught. His guidance played a big part in the development of many instrumentalists including saxophonists Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh and double-bassist Peter Ind. It is Ind's long, direct involvement with his subject that makes this such a revealing book: the story of an English musician going to New York to study with a neglected jazz giant. In the process, Tristano's genius is examined and his reputation revalued, with Ind making a persuasive case for the pianist to be placed at the centre of jazz developments in the mid-twentieth century.

CONTENTS:
Preface
PART I - Lennie: The Man and His Music
1. My Early Contact with Jazz - the Sounds of Lennie Tristano and of Charlie Parker (Bird)
2. My Early Experiences of New York Jazz
3. Living in New York - Working with Lennie in the Early Days
4. Other Influences on Jazz Musicians and Artists During the Fifties
5. Lennie and the Changes in Jazz from the Fifties
6. Lennie's Influence and What Happened to His Associates from Those Fifties Days
7. A Reflection on Lennie as I Knew Him - the Man and Musician
PART II - Lennie: A More Technical Consideration of Jazz Improvisation and His Legacy
8. What Do We Mean by Jazz?
9. Appreciating Jazz Improvisation
10. The Technical Base of Jazz and Lennie's Approach
PART III - A Reconsideration of Lennie's Legacy
11. Mythmaking About Lennie
12. Lennie Tristano and the Enigma of Non-recognition
13. Mythmaking and Prejudices in Jazz
14. Reappraisal
Bibliography
Select Discography
Index

"Jazz Visions is a remarkable book which presents a fascinating double portrait of the subject and the author" - JOHN CHILTON, professional jazz trumpeter and writer on jazz

"This book is just what is needed to inform musicians, students, teachers, and historians around the world with an 'up close and personal' view of the genius of jazz pianist/composer/teacher, Lennie Tristano. Bassist, Peter Ind describes vividly how exciting it was to be living in New York City as a creative musician. Peter's writing skills throughout will also enlighten and entertain the novice and non musician as well. The best part for me, is that it was written by a great player who was there right in the thick of it all. What can be a better source for the real truth? Bravo, Peter!" - RUFUS REID, jazz bassist

"The Lennie Tristano story has needed telling for a long time. Who better than Peter Ind who knew Lennie and his music probably better than anyone" - IRA GITLER

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