For over 40 years, the Jazz Man Record Shop was Hollywood's haven and hangout for collectors of jazz records. Through its portals passed music's greatest stars, from Louis Armstrong to the Rolling Stones, as well as some of Hollywood's most famous personalities, including Orson Welles and Mel Torme. In the 1940s, the Jazz Man record label launched a worldwide revival of traditional jazz with its groundbreaking recordings by Lu Watters' Yerba Buena Jazz Band. This book traces the fascinating history of this monument to American entrepreneurship, utilizing interviews, primary resources, and over 150 photographs and illustrations.
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By hammondgarye
May 7, 2010
The importance of the Jazz Man Record Shop in promulgating interest in and knowledge of traditional jazz and blues can't be overestimated. During its near-half century of existence it was the primary source for jazz on the West coast and was almost singlehandedly responsible for the revival of interest in the traditional style through the Jazz Man record label. Its owners, from Dave Stuart through Nesuhi Ertegun to its final owner, Don Brown, were dedicated to spreading the gospel of jazz to generations of listeners and collectors. Cary Ginell's new book is not only comprehensive but cogently written and extensively researched. It is a must buy for anyone who is interested in the history of a bona fide American institution, the musicians who made the music, and the people who promoted and encouraged them. Not least in importance is the collective portrait of the dedicated collectors and enthusiasts who were responsible for the preservation and dissemination of this uniquely American... More > art form. Highly recommended for the music historian, researcher, and for the casual reader who is interested in a fascinating bit of Americana.< Less
