A marvelous book that should be in the hands of every music lover.
Cadence Magazine
What we have here is a series of entertaining and enlightening sketches of some 39 figures in the jazz world. What distinguishes this book is the source of the information: all of these are people Warren knew personally and interviewed over the years. ... Read more
New Jersey Jazz Society
...Vaché serves as an unobtrusive interviewer, who later places into perspective the autobiographical reminiscences of his subjects...
JazzTimes Magazine
The individual biographies are crammed with intimate detail, and Vaché's prose style is exemplary in its choice of words and inspiration of atmosphere.
Crescendo & Jazz Music
Many of the subjects were prominent in the big-band era...and a few are contemporary musicians who keep the traditional jazz flame burning. All have contributed to a vibrant music which is as underappreciated in its homeland as these performers are. Thanks to Mr. Vache, their histories will live on.
Past Times
Warren Vaché, Senior, is a noted musician, author, and one of America's greatest storytellers. In his work Jazz Gentry: Aristocrats of the Music World, Warren offers articles on 39 of some of the more notable musicians, i.e. Cork O'Keefe, Bill Challis, Joe Tarto, and Dolly Dawn. What a treat to have all of these stories in one book. This book belongs on everyone's bookshelf, for we will want to read it, again and again. Truly a wonderful collection of stories.
Phillip R. Evans, Jazz critic and scholar Freelance writer/jazz musician Vaché collects interviews with lesser-known jazz greats —many of whom were his friends—along with biographical details and his recollections about the jazz scene between World Wars I and II.
Reference and Research Book News
These are first-person interviews that will stand the test of time. Be sure to add this book to your jazz library.
Mississippi Rag
The stories are richly told in an entirely fascinating manner so that when you complete one biography (the average being about 10 pages), it's like potato chips: you have to have more!
Jazz Educators Journal
...all [the articles] are written with affection and admiration arising from extensive knowledge of each individual's work and, perhaps even more importantly, often close personal friendship.
Jazz Journal International
Each article is a keepsake that would not have reached the general audience were it not for this book...It's the perfect book to dip into in-between all others.
Rapport
Very fascinating and enjoyable stuff. All of it. I think that everyone would enjoy reading this book and I recommend it heartily.
Russ Chase
The IAJRC Journal
Very fascinating and enjoyable stuff. All of it... I recommend it heartily.
The IAJRC Journal
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