[ebooks] Hacks fuuml;r die Digitale Fotografie (German Edition) by Peter Recktenwald at Arts-Photography

Review

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Speaks volumes about the man; much less about the drummerBy Mike TarraniIm going to immediately set expectations about this book: if you are searching for information and opinions about drumming and other drummers; this is not the book for you. I suggest that; instead; you read the information-rich chapter on Papa Jo Jones in Drummin Men: The Heartbeat of Jazz The Swing Years. Next; augment that excellent book with Drums By Jo Jones. Then marvel at how he gracefully moves around the drum kit in the second segment of this video: Jazz Icons: Coleman Hawkins Live in 62 64.On the other hand; if you are seeking to understand Papa Jo Jones the man; along with his views on a myriad of topics then this book is a treasure. And as you come to understand him you may get a glimpse into how he came about and what molded him.Most folks describe the book as having three parts: Paul Devlins Preface that discusses the trials and tribulations of transcribing interviews that Albert Murray conducted with Papa Jo; then Rifftide - Jo Jones in Jo Jones own words; and an Afterward by Phil Shaap. I would like to add the Editors Notes; which comprise 28 pages of invaluable information that is like the Rosetta Stone for the preceding sections.Of the principals involved in creating this book; the editor - Paul Devlin - never met Papa Jo in person. That does not diminish his importance because transcribing and making sense of the interview tapes were daunting tasks. That is not to say that Albert Murrays interview sessions were easy either. For a taste track down the 1973 interviews that Milt Hinton conducted with Papa Jo (there is a complete set of audio files on a site named Music for Drummers dated February 26; 2010). Milt and Jo went way back and Milt also knew a lot about his family; yet Jo Jones had moments of evading or deflecting. Plus his accent - known as Lucust Valley Lockjaw after an upper class section of Long Island - takes some getting used to.The Rifftide section is what will separate those who are seeking knowledge from those who are seeking facts. The writing (especially if you hear it in Jos voice) is akin to receiving enlightenment from Yoda. You know there are important lessons in the words; but those lessons seem to be doled out in some oblique manner.What I got from this section is how well read Jo was; and that he was an astute observer who could synthesize a wide array of facts and observations into some unified philosophy and way of life. That same gift for synthesis; I am sure; enabled him to make not just one - but two - major contributions to the art of drum kit playing. He moved time to the hi-hat and did things that that piece of the drum kit that nobody before him could have conceived; he took the art of brush playing to a level that is still part of every jazz drummers vocabulary.Another thing that struck me was his love of books and voracious reading habits; which was not only indicative of an amazing intellect; but probably alienated him from his peers; especially in later life. I am sure he lived in a world apart from others. One clue was his own statement that he did not know there were racial differences until he was 19. In his era and geographic location where lynchings were common that is an odd statement. All the more so because he was such an astute observer. It only reinforces my own opinion that he lived in a world of his own mind.His recounting of names; associations and places in this section of the book painted a vivid picture of his era and influences. Indeed; I recall that on the last track of Drums By Jo Jones he exclaims "Butterbean and Susie" when playing a duet with Willie The Lion Smith. I had no idea who or what he was talking about until I read his account of how they took him in. Its the small details that portray the drummer as the man; instead of the other way around.The final section is the Afterward by Phil Shaap. Not only is Phil a musician; but he spent a lot of time with Jo and shares insights that neither Albert Murray nor Paul Devlin would have. He is frank and exposes many facets of Jo - flattering and not so flattering. Again; it fills in who Jo was as a man; and from Phils vantage; also as a musician. The stories and observations are similar to Michael Steins firsthand account titled Smiling Jo Jones.What I gained from this is a deeper insight into one of my idols; plus a rich backdrop of history to satisfy my avocation as an amateur historian. As a drummer; this book gave me a deeper appreciation for the man upon whose shoulders we stand upon. That; to me; is priceless.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Another book by Albert Murray leaves a lot to be desired....By U.B. WarePapa Jo and as the way it was told to author; Albert Murray leaves a lot to be desired...Murray wrote another book on Ellington a few years back and both seem to have many; many foot notes all located in the back of the book you keep referring to to keep the thought alive...back and forth gets a little tiresome. Even the referencing to other books (by Mr. Murray) on the written few lines described within this book one would have to have perhaps 4 o 5 books opened just to find out the footnote youve had to look up somewhere. I did finish this Papa Jo book only because Ive always admired his brush work and his drums. Many times following all that was written here seemed lost and mis-directed nothing led you to the next period in time. Papa rumbles on at times perhaps some of this is contributed to how and when certain interviews where scheduled and collected...they where for the most part taped-recorded...and maybe didnt make sense when one thought there might be a book to be written.14 of 14 people found the following review helpful. Really Great Book About a Great Musician;; Drummer Jo JonesBy suezenne fordhamI heartily recommend this book to all who are even remotely interested in Jazz;Grande ICON Jazz Musicians and Drummers in general. I can honestly say that I played Piano many times opposite Jo Jones at the Embers; a posh East Side Boiterie in New York City. Occasionally he was Drummer with my Jazz Trio in New York at other venues..However; the Jo that the Author knew was not the Jo that I knew; meaning the Jo I knew had not an ounce of resentment of any people of other races. He was totally in love with life; and with performing on Drums; and if it was intermission he would go to the Bar [at the Embers] and get a "taste" He would use a swizzle stick or anything at hand and start playing something like the "Poet and Peasant Overture on a leatherette barstool.... Just with those very primitive tools.... And the amazing thing was that the sound was there albeit hushed; and I had NO problem knowing what he was playing... Oh yes the stories about his "Lucky Shoes" are totally true...Like I am very surprised the author did not know about that collaberation and the writing of the Bop Dictionary. One of his favorite buddies was Slim Gaillard; outrageous Bop Guitar-Piano player.... Slim and Jo invented a whole new Bop language and called it McVoutie; which the true meanings of the words were only known by those two and they would put us on with carrying on whole conversations using this totally unique lexicon. Like "Reet; Vout. and Mel-oh-roon-ee-oh meant great! AND together they wrote a rather short Lexicon of their invention! It is still on the internet if you look it up1 They show the original.Jo loved all people and Musicians in general.... He was very educated about Classical music; and Truth be known.... he forever changed the way Drummers approached and played their instruments! We were worried about him when the Jazz music Biz started to slide... He loved performing in the great clubs or the occasional Carnegie Hall All Star Concert... He was one of the funniest human beings I have ever hung out with... Everyone in that inner circle was devastated when Jo died... the end of an era... He was a true poet. Again I thank the Author of this book for telling a lot of Jos story! suezenne fordham