You could argue that you’re not really a jazz fan unless you’ve read either an article or book by jazz journalist Scott Yanow. I was weaned on his All Music Guide, and his other books about guitarists, vocalists, etc are all essential reading, filled with insight from Yanow’s encyclopedic jazz mind. This book is a bit different, as it goes into the life and jazz mind of Yanow himself, letting you in on how he became one of the most influential journalist in jazz history.
As with all of Yanow’s writings, the book is insightful, well organized, interesting and inspiring. The chapters are all diverse and interesting in their own ways. He gives a brief life and musical biography before getting into the meat of the book, which includes three fantastic interviews with Freddie Hubbard, Chick Corea and Maynrad Ferguson. Also of intrigue is a jaw-dropping list what gigs he covers in the course of a year and how he spends a typical month as he divides up time between writing, covering gigs and reviewing albums. He does get sleep, right?
His memories of various and favorite gigs is both nostalgic and envy producing, while his writings about the various festivals that he has covered shows the width and breath of America’s classical music. And nothing by Yanow would be complete without a set of lists, and he doesn’t disappoint with a set of essential movies, books, dvds, and even future jazz greats.
If you don’t live in LA and can’t get a seat next to Yanow at a gig to pick his brain, this wondrous book is a great second choice. Dig in and dig it.