Description
Book SynopsisA fascinating look into the new generation of jazz legends, Contemporary Cat is a welcome addition to Scarecrow Press''s Studies in Jazz Series. Living legend Terence Blanchard''s life and work are thoroughly examined through interviews with his contemporaries and colleagues, including jazz greats Wynton and Branford Marsalis, Nicholas Payton, and filmmaker Spike Lee. Magro cleverly ties jazz to the social upheavals of the civil rights movement, to black film, and to southern African-American ideologies. From Blanchard''s early influences to his future projects, never has a more detailed and personal portrait been conceived of the man and his genius on stage and in the recording studio. This book will be welcomed by students of music, jazz, and popular culture, and will be a useful addition to African-American studies collections as well.
Trade ReviewThorough...clever...never has a more detailed and personal portrait been conceived of the man and his genius on stage and in the recording studio. * Music From The Movies *
A fascinating survey of Terence Blanchard's life and work through interviews with his colleagues. * Jazzwise *
Magro augments the conversations with background and connecting material, so that the text flows nicely. History will view Blanchard as an important figure in jazz, and this volume makes the case compellingly. Recommended. All collections. * CHOICE *
Well crafted and researched…ideal for students researching jazz subjects. * Jazz Journal International *
Well worth reading for those who want to know what it's like to survive in the jazz world today. * Just Jazz *
Contemporary Cat doesn't disappoint in covering all of Blanchard's film work, his years with [Art] Blakey, and the formation and dissolution of his various groups. But [it] is more than just a jazz musician's bio. The book could be called a bio-flick, not only in its unique format, but also in the fact that because of the breadth of Blanchard's career, this is also a very important book on Black movie history….everyone involved is quite open and honest in the book, particularly, and as always, Branford Masalis….At just over 200 pages, the book is a quick read. -- Mark Ruffin, writer * N'DIGO *
Author Anthony Magro examines the career of Terence Blanchard through a series of straight-up interviews with the trumpeter and composer as well as his family, fellow musicians, teachers and those with whom he's worked in the film industry. Interviewees include all of the musical Marsalis clan, saxophonist Donald Harrison, bassist Christian McBride, director Spike Lee, actor Denzel Washington and a host of others. For the most part, the author stays out of the mix, quoting his subject directly. He quite successfully interweaves responses on a given topic, such as the controversial breakup of the Blanchard-Harrison band, the trumpeter's struggles when forced to change his embouchure, jazz's viability and the factor of race. By employing this technique, the reader is offered differing points of view minus possible misconstrued interpretations. * JazzTimes Magazine *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Acknowledgments Chapter 2 Preface Chapter 3 Introduction Chapter 4 CHAPTER ONE The Birth of a Jazzman Chapter 5 CHAPTER TWO Little Cats Chapter 6 CHAPTER THREE Sending a Message: The Art Blakey Years Chapter 7 CHAPTER FOUR Carrying on the Tradition Chapter 8 CHAPTER FIVE Forming the Jazz of Tomorrow Chapter 9 CHAPTER SIX Mo' Better Makes It Mo' Better Chapter 10 CHAPTER SEVEN Terence Gets the Fever Chapter 11 CHAPTER EIGHT Back on the Block Chapter 12 CHAPTER NINE Nice Work If You Can Get It Chapter 13 CHAPTER TEN Malcolm and Martin: A Common Dream Chapter 14 CHAPTER ELEVEN By Any Means Necessary: The Making of Malcolm X Chapter 15 CHAPTER TWELVE Absolut-Lee Spike Chapter 16 CHAPTER THIRTEEN Central Focus Chapter 17 Dedicated to Joseph Oliver Blanchard Chapter 18 Chronology Chapter 19 Discography Chapter 20 Filmography Chapter 21 Index Chapter 22 About the Author
