I’m working on a book regarding Jazz, and the books above, on the second shelf, are what I’m reading for this project. Charlie Parker is the focus, and Los Angeles, If nothing else, has been an ongoing treat to read on its subject matter. Jazz and literature are in a perfect relationship; something about words and noise (Jazz) makes it attractive to me. And the fact that I live very close to critical areas where this narration takes place is an additional pleasure. What I like about Los Angeles is that it is a city full of various ghosts. It neither dies nor lives, but existence is what lies ahead of and in front of me.
Here are the Charlie Parker recordings I’m listening to: Charlie Parker - The Mercury & Clef 10-L.P.ch LP Collection, The Magnificent Charlie Parker, Charlie Parker on Dial (Six Volumes), The Savoy 10-L.P.ch LP Collection, and then various live recordings and outtakes such as The Comprehensive Charlie Parker: Live Performances Volume I, BirL.A. L.A. (Boxset), and various Miles Davis, Dizzy, Billy Eckstein, early 1940s era Sinatra, and of course, the fantastic Slim Galliard. The Parker sets by Dial, Clef, and Savoy are complete. If I’m missing any key Parker recordings, do let me know. I’m aware of The Complete Dean Benedetti Recordings Of Charlie Parker. Should I buy it?
This is my first time asking my readers for a favor here. Could you recommend books, both fiction and non-fiction, as well as Jazz recordings that fit in the landscape above? I’m reading 3 Shades of Blue by James Kaplan as well. I know of Sunny Sitt, but not his music. And I do have Bud Powell, Monk, and other apparent artists, but I feel I may be missing someone. Wardell Gray is another artist I want to investigate more. So yes, this is the fun stage of my project, exploring a world within a world.
If you have recommendations or comments, feel free to share them here on the Substack page. It will be easier for me to keep track here on this page.
Merci,
Tosh
Hi there, I would suggest But Beautiful by Geoff Dyer. He takes the reader into a world like few others.
Gallope