[PDF] The Last Balladeer: The Johnny Hartman Story (Studies in Jazz) by Gregg Akkerman at Arts-Photography

Review

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. An Outstanding Look at Johnny Hartman the Music BusinessBy Tom PierceIve been a passionate lover for well over 50 years of Jazz. the Great American Songbook Johnny Hartman. who I greatly enjoyed seeing live several times in New York City in the 1960s to early 1980s in New York and have purchased over a dozen of his recordings. On a personal level. "The Last Balladeer" that I just completed reading. was enormously valuable meaningful. This well-annotated 320 page book (including comprehensive bibliography multiple appendices) effectively covers all significant aspects of Hartmans life from birth to death. with dozens of in-depth contributions from experienced artists (e.g. Billy Taylor. Tony Bennett. Kurt Elling. etc) who either performed with or were very familiar with him. as well as family close friends. The value of this extremely well-researched biography stems from its thoroughness balanced approach. despite the author (a professional pianist vocalist himself. in addition to being a music professor) clearly being an admirer of Hartman. Akkermans telling of Hartmans story also has a broader meaning in that it logically clearly delves into a number of related cultural. musical commercial aspects that are important to understanding the context in which his career existed. with the high points. challenges frustrations he experienced. These considerations provide valuable background for those who raise the often voiced question of "why wasnt Hartman. with all his obvious talent. better known". But it should be emphasized that this biography. despite its seriousness. awesome documentation and lack of salacious incidents (as Hartmans very pleasant. laid-back. well-grounded personality and life-style was essentially scandal-free) is still done in a very interesting. well-written style. This is definitely not some boring. dry. academic exercise; but an engrossing. almost conversational rendering of Hartmans life and times. Besides being delivered in an easy to read style. it does not hesitate to be critical or questioning of Hartman in those situations the author feels is appropriate. And devotees of vocals by Jazz Great American Songbook artists will also appreciate the extremely knowledgeable details that Akkerman is able provide regarding phrasing. styling. arrangements. lyrics approaches to many songs. The author draws on his own considerable personal resources taste as a performer and experienced music educator. as well as that of those who contributed to this highly recommended book. Tom Pierce - Webmaster [...]4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Excellent read about an amzing manBy C. CravensI just finished reading this book. and I thought it was awesome. Great writing. interesting subject. thoroughly researched. and thesessionography at the end was a godsend to someone like me. who was trying to get all of the Hartman that he could find. The detailed sessionography alone was worth half of the price of the book. I should know; Ive searched high and low for a good session or discography. and there is no good one to be found. Now there is. thanks to the author.Of special interest to many jazz fans is the chapter on the famous "John Coletrane-Johnny Hartman" recording. This recording often makes many peoples "desert island" list for music. and for good reason. The author does a good job of giving us session details. and putting to bed some false rumours and notions about the session and what was recorded.It is SO refreshing. after reading so many biographies of musicians(Miles Davis. Bird. Townes Van Zandt. Bill Evans. Chet Baker. etc.) to read of an artist who was also genuinely a nice person. and not affected by addiction of some sort. or who put their "art" ahead oftheir families. JH is a guy you can truly root for. and the author does an excellent job of letting this come through.My hopes are that this book does for JH what the "Bridges of Madison County" movie did: revive interest in one of the greatest singers of his generation.A great read and a great experience. This book does the memory of JH proud. and since he was such a great guy. thats a good thing.Kudos!3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. The Last BalladeerBy PatriciaJ CiancuttiA marvelous insight into the life of an exquisite talent long overlooked by the recording community. Unfortunately. his timing was side by side with others who gained more notoriety. not necessarily because they were more talented but better managed. One of lifes greatest tragedies. His talent was unmatched. Wish more people could know about him and grow to love his music. Hope his family is receiving some compensation from those of us who are purchasing and cherishing his music. Those notes in the lower register are unmatched by any of his contemporaries !