Charlie Christian: Solo Flight - The Seminal Electric Guitarist

by Peter Broadbent, Charlie Christian

(Book). Charlie Christian is regarded by many jazz historians as one of the major voices who shaped modern jazz in the early 1940s. Although he made only a few records before his tragic death at age 25, his brilliant improvisations, phenomenal rhythmic drive, and blues-influenced guitar playing had already changed the course of jazz and the guitar's place in jazz for all time. The first major soloist on the electric guitar, Christian elevated the instrument from its meager role in the rhythm section to a spirited force to be reckoned with. Updated and expanded, Peter Broadbent's second edition of this book details the full importance of Christian's brief life, from the start of his fortuitous encounter with John Hammond, to his role in the Benny Goodman Big Band and Sextet. Illustrated throughout with great photos and important documents, the book also features a new authoritative discography. A must-read for anyone interested in the history of jazz and the jazz guitar.

194 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Maggie Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

If it weren't for Charlie Christian there would be no jazz guitar and certainly no rock n roll. That's because no one before Charlie came close to improvisation and rhymtic drive on the electric guitar.

This book really imparts the genius of Charlie. No one in the 1930's had heard anything remotely like him. Although he died at age 26, his playing riveted the music scene of the time.

The book is a compliation of first-hand accounts of those in Charlie's life from birth to death. At times the chronological line of events is blurred by a lack of narrative. However, this book takes you right into the middle of life in the rough section of Oklahoma City, where Christian was born in 1916, and follows with a first-hand accounting of what is was like to be a black performer in the early age of jazz.