Singers and the Song II
Published on 3. February 2000
Book
Paperback/Softback
272 pages
978-0-19-512208-4 (ISBN)
Description
Gene Lees is probably the best jazz essayist in America today, and the book that consolidated his reputation was Singers and the Song, which appeared in 1987. Now this classic volume is being rereleased in an expanded edition.
The new edition retains a number of famous pieces from the original volume, some in expanded form, such as Lees's classic profile of Frank Sinatra. Lees has also retained his marvelous essay on lyric writing, his piece on the art of Edith Piaf, and his admiring look at the genius of songwriter Johnny Mercer. The expanded edition offers seven new essays that are no less accomplished. Here readers will find a wonderful tribute to "the sweetest voice in the world," Ella Fitzgerald; a moving interview with Jackie and Roy Kral; Lees's account of his involvement with Bossa Nova music and his collaboration with Antonio Carlos Jobim. We also read about Julius La Rosa, the lyrics of Yip Harburg, Harry Warren's unforgettable compositions, and the elegant Arthur Schwartz, writer of "Dancing in the Dark" and many other memorable songs.
Here then is an engaging volume that weaves together colourful portraits of major performers and insightful glimpses into the art of singing and songwriting.
The new edition retains a number of famous pieces from the original volume, some in expanded form, such as Lees's classic profile of Frank Sinatra. Lees has also retained his marvelous essay on lyric writing, his piece on the art of Edith Piaf, and his admiring look at the genius of songwriter Johnny Mercer. The expanded edition offers seven new essays that are no less accomplished. Here readers will find a wonderful tribute to "the sweetest voice in the world," Ella Fitzgerald; a moving interview with Jackie and Roy Kral; Lees's account of his involvement with Bossa Nova music and his collaboration with Antonio Carlos Jobim. We also read about Julius La Rosa, the lyrics of Yip Harburg, Harry Warren's unforgettable compositions, and the elegant Arthur Schwartz, writer of "Dancing in the Dark" and many other memorable songs.
Here then is an engaging volume that weaves together colourful portraits of major performers and insightful glimpses into the art of singing and songwriting.
Reviews / Votes
"If the words 'They don't write songs like that anymore' have ever crossed your lips, this book is for you."--The New York Times Book Review"Each of these profiles is filled with personal details and anecdotes that could only come from a true insider."--The Nashville Times
"If the words 'They don't write songs like that anymore' have ever crossed your lips, this book is for you."--The New York Times Book Review
"Each of these profiles is filled with personal details and anecdotes that could only come from a true insider."--The Nashville Times
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight
382 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-512208-4 (9780195122084)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
Gene Lees is the author of many books on jazz and popular music, including Meet Me at Jim and Andy's, Waiting for Dizzy, Cats of Any Color, and Leader of the Band: The Life of Woody Herman. He was formerly an editor of Down Beat and is the publisher of Jazzletter.