- Paperback: 240 pages
- Publisher: Da Capo Press Inc; New Ed edition (April 1998)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0306808137
- ISBN-13: 978-0306808135
- Product Dimensions: 27.9 x 21.1 x 1.3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 2,763,521 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Review
"A valuable, jubilant look at a great man and artist." - New York Times Book Review
--This text refers to an alternate
Paperback
edition.
Product Description
"A valuable, jubilant look at a great man and artist."-New York Times Book Review. Gary Giddins has been called "the best jazz writer in America today" ( Esquire ). Louis Armstrong has been called the most influential jazz musician of the century. Together this auspicious pairing has resulted in Satchmo, one of the most vivid and fascinating portraits ever drawn of perhaps the greatest figure in the history of American music. Available now at a new price, this text-only edition is the authoritative introduction to Armstrong's life and art for the curious newcomer, and offers fresh insight even for the serious student of Pops.
--This text refers to an alternate
Paperback
edition.
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First Sentence
GENIUS IS THE TRANSFIGURING AGENT. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
GENIUS IS THE TRANSFIGURING AGENT. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Louis Armstrong is one of the central figures along with Duke Ellington of Giddins's incredible Visions of Jazz, and that sent me to Satchmo, a mindblowing collection of photographs and a biographical and musical discussion that brings the man and his work to life. Although Giddins covers some of the same ground here as in Visions, it is a far more expansive study built on the idea that Armstrong was at once a great artist and a great entertainer and that his role in one area did not diminish his role in the other. The pictures are remarkable, and numerous excerps from Armstrong's own writing show what a decent and joyful man he was. Highly recommended.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
6 reviews
28 of 28 people found the following review helpful
purejoy - like the man himself
21 Dec 1998
Format:Paperback
Louis Armstrong is one of the central figures along with Duke Ellington of Giddins's incredible Visions of Jazz, and that sent me to Satchmo, a mindblowing collection of photographs and a biographical and musical discussion that brings the man and his work to life. Although Giddins covers some of the same ground here as in Visions, it is a far more expansive study built on the idea that Armstrong was at once a great artist and a great entertainer and that his role in one area did not diminish his role in the other. The pictures are remarkable, and numerous excerps from Armstrong's own writing show what a decent and joyful man he was. Highly recommended.
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Embrace the Genius
25 Aug 2003
Format:Paperback
Shouldn't the term "genius" be reserved for names like Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven? Does the term even come close to fitting Louis Armstrong? Absolutely. If you have any doubt as to Armstrong's place in music history, pick up this book and dive in. Giddins embraces not only the talent and genius of Armstrong, but also the humor, warmth, and generosity of the man. `Satchmo' is not so much a biography of the jazz pioneer as it is a celebration of the man's gift to the world: his music.
Giddins follows Armstrong's early days in New Orleans to his final days of touring and recording. The book focuses heavily on Armstrong's music, but readers won't need a degree in music to understand what Giddins is saying. The author quotes copiously from Armstrong himself, giving us an in-depth look at who Armstrong was and how he thought about music, race relations, friends, wives, and his philosophy on life.
`Satchmo' is a perfect introduction to the wonderful world of Louis Armstrong. If you want to know if a piece of non-fiction works, ask yourself after reading if you'd like to learn more about the subject. I warn you - after reading `Satchmo' you'll want to read more AND listen to each recording mentioned by Giddins...over and over and over. And you'll do it. And the songs won't ever grow stale. And you'll hear something different each time. That's the sign of genius.
190 pages
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
written with love and understanding
4 Dec 2002
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is one of the best books about Louis I've read and the reason is simple. Giddins clearly lays out the reasons why Pops was the greatest influence on modern music that this country has produced. His love for the man and the music comes through on every page. This is a wonderful almost poetic homage to a great and deserving artist. I loved the Bergreen biography and rated that 5 stars as well. That book is a fine chronological story of a fascinating life. This book is a musical biography that truly captures the essence of Louis Armstrong as well as anything written posthumously can be expected to. If you're a fan of Louis Armstrong you cannot afford to miss this. If you are curious as to why Louis Armstrong has become such an American icon this book will provide the answer.
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