{"product_id":"african-rhythms-9780822347989","title":"African Rhythms","description":"\u003cb\u003eBook Synopsis\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfrican Rhythms is the autobiography of the important jazz pianist, composer and band leader Randy Weston. He tells of his childhood in Brooklyn, his six decades long musical career, his time living in Morocco, and his lifelong quest to learn about the musical and cultural traditions of Africa.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTrade Review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“. . . Part memoir, part travelogue, part philosophical treatise. Mr. Weston is especially informative about how he briefly fled New York in his early 20s to escape the drug scene that was becoming endemic among young jazzmen, as well as about the making of classic albums like \u003ci\u003eUhuru Africa\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eBlue Moses\u003c\/i\u003e.\" -- Will Friedwald * Wall Street Journal *\u003cbr\u003e“\u003ci\u003eAfrican Rhythms\u003c\/i\u003e is perhaps the next truly wonderful jazz autobiography. It succeeds so fully not because of hyperbole or personality but because Weston—a pianist and composer criminally underappreciated even among serious jazz fans—has a unique musical story to tell. This story is highly recommended to jazz listeners, in large part, because it makes you want to dive back into one of the most gripping discographies in the music. . . . If you haven’t heard Weston’s music, really listened to it, then \u003ci\u003eAfrican Rhythms\u003c\/i\u003e is the strongest possible incentive to tune in. Is there any higher praise for a book about music than that it got you to start listening?” -- Will Layman * PopMatters *\u003cbr\u003e“No one has done more to explore and celebrate the African roots of jazz than pianist\/composer Randy Weston. Weston demonstrates a pride in his ancestry and culture that is both the primary source of his artistic inspiration and the central theme that suffuses this fascinating autobiography. . . . Weston refers to himself as ‘a storyteller through music’ rather than a jazz musician. He's unsurpassed as a goodwill ambassador.” -- Jay Trachtenberg * Austin Chronicle *\u003cbr\u003e“Now in his 80’s, Weston, in this book, sounds eternally optimistic and full of wonder about his life. He comes off as joyous and spiritual as his music. Reading this is enough to make you want to dig out whatever Weston CDs you might have and listen to them again with a greater understanding of what went into the music. This book is worthy of his expansive talents.”\u003cbr\u003e -- Jerome Wilson * Cadence *\u003cbr\u003e“Randy Weston is a monumental figure in contemporary jazz, a man whose creativity remains undimmed at the age of 83. He is a living link with the golden era of the 1950s and 60s, a time during which trailblazing musicians and revolutionary thinkers wholly energised African-American arts and politics. As this absolutely fascinating biography reveals, Weston. . . has lived a very full life that has seen him not only excel as a musician but also make hugely important cultural and political statements that had the intent and effect of uplifting blacks in America during a time of second class citizenship. A recurrent theme in the text is thus Weston’s focus on concrete initiatives to improve civil rights. . . . Essential reading for anybody interested in learning something of a great man as well as a great musician.” -- Kevin La Gendre * Jazzwise *\u003cbr\u003e“Randy Weston knows more about jazz and more about Africa than most of us. Hence this book—more musical, philosophical and spiritual, with a more personal voice than most jazz autobiographies—is loaded with knowledge and insights about both topics. . . . From Stearns to the Gnawa musician healers of Morocco, from poet Langston Hughes to Dizzy Gillespie, Weston’s fascinating journey is well worth the read.” -- George Kanzler * All About Jazz *\u003cbr\u003e“Weston has dedicated his life to spreading African music throughout the world and forging a bond with his identity as an African American musician. \u003ci\u003eAfrican Rhythms\u003c\/i\u003e ably recounts his sometimes arduous journey to becoming a true cross-cultural ambassador.” -- Jon Ross * DownBeat *\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTable of Contents\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eArranger's Preface \/ Willard Jenkins        xi   Acknowledgments        xix   Introduction        1   1. Origins        5   2. Growing Up in Brooklyn        18   3. The Scene Shifts to the Pacific        28   4. Postwar: Escaping the Panic        37   5. Post-Berkshires: Succumbing to the Irresistible Lure        55   6. Enter Melba Liston        70   7. Uhuru Afrika: Freedom Africa        82   8. Making the Pilgrimage        102   9. Touring the Motherland        114   10. Making a Home in Africa        135   11. Connecting with the Gnawa        171   12. Building a Life in Tangier: The African Rhythm Club        183   13. Festival Blues, Then Divine Intervention: Blue Moses        194   14. Post Morroco and the Ellington Connection        206   15. Compositions and Sessions        220   16. The African Rhythms Quintet        235   17. The African Queen        252   18. The Adventures of Randy Weston        262   19. Ancient Future        278   Conclusion: Randy Weston ... Philosophically Yours        299   Discography        305   Awards and Citations        323   Index        325","brand":"Duke University Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49406062100823,"sku":"9780822347989","price":20.69,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0817\/1739\/5799\/files\/9780822347989.jpg?v=1730494397","url":"https:\/\/bookcurl.com\/products\/african-rhythms-9780822347989","provider":"Book Curl","version":"1.0","type":"link"}