David Baker: A Legacy in Music

by Monika Herzig, Quincy Jones (Foreword), John Edward Hasse (Contributor)

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 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.

445 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Gay Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This inspiring biography of a brilliant jazz musician takes us from his Great Depression years and his European band tours as a trombonist, to his composing and teaching career at Indiana University. Baker’s passion for music and his knack for teaching dominate the writing. Black and white photos, music scores, arrangement techniques and quotes about Baker from other musicians and educators are a few of the unique features of this title. With this biography we come to discover a musician, a composer, a conductor, and an educator not with just text alone, but by listening to his compositions on the CD inside the back cover. So much more can be experienced and learned when you get to listen to Baker’s music.