http://practicalpsychic.com/metaphysicalstore/beyond-category-the-life-and-genius-of-duke-ellington/
Product Description
Unlike other great bandleaders, Ellington personally created nearly all the music played by his orchestra. Using family papers, sheet music, and original recordings, Hasse provides a complete portrait of Ellington’s great achievements. 119 photos. Tie-in with the October 1993 Duke Ellington Photographic Exhibition at the Museum of New York.Amazon.com Review
One of the 20th century’s greatest composers, Duke Ellington (1899-1974) led a fascinating life. Th… More >>
Beyond Category: The Life And Genius Of Duke Ellington
5 Comments
No sentimentality here. Just warm, rich story telling of a great man. I’m actually embarrassed to say that after lifetime of jazz I just dicovered The Duke. This is a very well written and balanced portrayal of a man,his music and his times. If there’s more to say I don’t want to read it; it’s time to listen.
Rating: 5 / 5
I felt like this book skipped around too much and wasn’t really well written. I wanted more analysis of the music and less of why and when Duke was popular and how many records he sold and how much money he made. David Hadju’s Lush Life about Strayhorn is PHENOMONAL. Perhaps my expectations were too high? Still waiting for a great bio of the King of All – Sir Duke….
Rating: 3 / 5
His music has resonated all around us for nearly a century. We almost unconsciously react to the melodic rhythms of his brilliant compositions as we watch television or listen to the radio. Often the arrangements are backdrops to our daily lives…soothing our mood or stimulating us to tap our feet or simply sway to its almost spiritual cadences. Such is the music of the Great Duke Ellington. In “Beyond Category” we find an outstanding biography of arguably the greatest composer the world has ever known. From his early days as an aspiring composer/bandleader in Washington, D.C.; through his New York days at the Cotton Club; and onto his unprecedented tours of Europe, Africa and the Far East, this book takes you on a delightful journey into the creative mindset and personality genius of Ellington. Unlike many writings of this nature, Hasse manages to avoid sentimental veneration in conveying many of Ellington’s talents in regards to people, business dealings, and his relationship with women. The book is a well-written, enjoyable composition that draws the reader into Ellington’s world. Additionally, the author grants appropriate respect to the musicians, artists and businessmen who aided Ellington throughout his career, thus balancing the text superbly. I highly recommend “Beyond Category”, not only for the Ellington fan or even a Jazz fan, but for anyone interested in the life and times of a musical genius and an icon of American history.
Rating: 5 / 5
As an old time lover of Jazz, but rather new to really examining the lives behind its great musicians, and particularly Duke Ellington, I started out with “Duke Ellington: A Spiritual Biography” by Janna Tull Steed (great book (and just 192 pages) for anyone new to the Duke & jazz). It was Steed’s book that really built the interest to explore Ellington in more depth and, Hasse’s book is just what I was looking for. It is a hefty book but it is absolutely and completely accessible, just what is required to approach this great man of Jazz.
Rating: 5 / 5
This is a thoroughly enjoyable story of the life and times of one of America’s greatest and most prolific composer/musicians. It characterises the “Duke” as a caring, people loving person with close family ties, and a quest for excellence against all odds. The Forward by Wynton Marsalis is clear and insightful. The author has accomplished an easy to follow sequence of events enhanced by photos and drawings. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the genre.
Rating: 5 / 5