A Living Jazz Legend, musician and composer David Baker has made a distinctive mark on the world of music in his nearly 60-year career-as player (chiefly on trombone and cello), composer, and educator. In this richly illustrated volume, Monika Herzig explores Baker's artistic legacy, from his days as a jazz musician in Indianapolis to his long-term gig as Distinguished Professor and Chairman of the Jazz Studies department at Indiana University. Baker's credits are striking: in the 1960s he was a member of George Russell's "out there" sextet and orchestra; by the 1980s he was in the jazz educator's hall of fame. His compositions have been recorded by performers as diverse as Dexter Gordon and Janos Starker, the Beaux Arts Trio, the Composer's String Quartet and the Czech Philharmonic. Featuring enlightening interviews with Baker and a CD of unreleased recordings and Baker compositions, this book brings a jazz legend into clear view.

From studio to stage with one of the world's best-loved jazz musicians

About the Author

Monika Herzig is a recording artist for Owl Studios and a touring jazz pianist. Her music has received awards from DownBeat Magazine, ASCAP, and Billboard. Herzig teaches classes on the music industry and community arts organizations at Indiana University as a member of the Arts Administration faculty.

Reviews

The musical legend is nearing his 80th birthday, and this book serves as a testament to his long career. It's a pleasure to have Baker's stories gathered in one place.July 17, 2011

* Bloomington Herald-Times *

[A] fascinating and well-documented book. . . The book is rich in detail and stories, personal and musical.

* Hoosier Times *

Congratulations to Monika Herzig and the team of experts she assembled to contribute to a thorough look at the musical values and achievements of David Baker . . . [It's] a worthy 80th birthday tribute to a unique musician-educator.

* Indianapolis Star *

Each chapter and contributor to the book is effusive in praise of Baker's personal touch. The reader is reminded that Baker is humble, funny, self-effacing, passionate and of great conviction. It may seem a hagiography at times but Herzig's book serves to inspire.

* JazzTimes *

Books about musical artists often do a good job of telling us about the artist's life or about the artist's music; only rarely do they do both well. Monika Herzig's new book David Baker is one such book.

* Bloom *

With the help of several key contributors, Herzig carefully traces Baker's career as a player, composer, educator and artist. It reads like the lives of several wrapped into one amazing person. . . . [T]his book is for anyone who wants to read about a class act, as well as a nice guy who wins in the face of great odds.

* Down Beat *

Overall, this is a fine tribute to the Indianapolis native and Living Jazz Legend, illuminating his 60-year career as performer, composer, and educator.

* Black Grooves *

Unlike many other examples of the [Festschrift] genre, this one has real substance. It is a fine tribute to this extraordinary man and a valuable contribution to the history of jazz for the last half-century. I recommend it highly.

* JJA News *



Book Information
ISBN 9780253356574
Author Monika Herzig
Format Hardback
Page Count 448
Imprint Indiana University Press
Publisher Indiana University Press
Weight(grams) 771g