Die Jazzmusiker Und Ihre Drei Wünsche

by Pannonica de Koenigswarter

An unprecedented, behind-the-scenes look at jazz legendsIn the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, Pannonica de Koenigswarter, known as Nica, was a constant and benevolent presence on the thriving New York jazz scene. Known as the Jazz Baroness (she was born into the wealthy Rothschild family and later married a French aristocrat) she befriended such giants as Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Barry Harris, Art Blakey, Miles Davis, Bud Powell, and many more. She inspired over twenty jazz compositions, bailed musicians out of jail, and even acted as a booking agent.She also collected wishes. Over the course of a decade, Koenigswarter asked three hundred musicians what their three wishes in life were, jotting them all down in a notebook. At the same time she took hundreds of candid photographs, saving them all. In Three Wishes, Koenigswarter’s forays into the psyches and lives of these legendary jazz artists are made available in America for the first time.With a foreword by celebrated jazz critic Gary Giddins, and a introduction from Nica’s granddaughter, Nadine de Koenigswarter, providing rare insights into the mysterious baroness’s life, this funny, eclectic, and moving compilation is a uniquely intimate look into the immortals of the classic era of jazz, and a must-have for any fan or afficianado.

Genres: Music, Jazz, Photography, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Robert H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really special book, primarily a photo journal containing never before seen photos. All shots were taken by Pannonica de Koenigswarter of so many well known jazz artists who she had over at her place or captured live at clubs. She asked them all what their three wishes were and there were all kinds of great responses. Money being the most common of course but it was interesting reading Coltrane talk about wishing to feel unstuck in his playing for example or Bill Evans saying he’d like a wishing ring so no need for the other wishes! Highly recommended for the photos alone though the wishes are also alot of fun.

[Chris Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really lovely book. The images are beautifully off the cuff, as are some of the texts but the real sense you get is that everyone involved just feels very comfortable around de Koenigswarter and is able to open up. Some people are goofy, some people are horny, some want to get high, almost everyone worries about money, a lot of them worry their music will never be considered art… And occasionally it’s genuinely moving. Bud Powell clearly is tremendously worried about his health, unsurprisingly, and so many are very concerned about matters spiritual. It’s a genuinely lovely collection

[HHS Staff · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Nica," a Rothschild, thumbed her nose at her aristocratic raising and became one of the greatest patronesses in jazz history. Besides furnishing room to woodshed, offering encouragement and artistic advise, and providing funds, she was simply a great companion to geniuses like Charlie Parker and Thelonious Monk (both of whom died in her residence). When musicians happened to come to her flats and apartments, she loved snapping candid photos of them and recording their three wishes. Selections of both make up this beautiful, simple, moving book. Along with Geoff Dyer's BUT BEAUTIFUL, it is my favorite book about jazz. Truly cool.

Reviewed by:
Phil Overeem
Language Arts teacher

[Happyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nica's granddaughter's introduction perfectly conveys the breadth of her grandmother's warmth and generosity. This book of candid photos of Nica's jazz friends is the perfect accompaniment to Thelonious Monk The Life and Time of an American Original. My favorites are of Monk, including a great shot of Monk with Coleman Hawkins revealing the deep affection between the two. Favorite wish is from Dizzy Gillespie: "A world where you don't need a passport."

[Jean-denis Crouhy]

Si vous pouviez réaliser trois vœux, lesquels choisiriez vous ?

300 musiciens de jazz parmi les plus grands répondent à cette question posée par celle qui fut leur amie, confidente et mécène : la baronne Pannonica de Koenigswarter.

Ces réponses, accompagnées des photos personnelles de Pannonica, devaient faire l’objet d’un livre du vivant de la baronne mais les éditeurs pensaient que le jazz n’avait pas assez d’audience pour publier un tel livre…

L’erreur est enfin réparée, vingt après la mort de Pannonica, et, ce livre est l’un des plus touchant témoignage sur ces géants du jazz.

À acheter, lire et relire absolument !

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love jazz, or you simply enjoy it, I urge you to add this historical document to your library. The photography alone pairs well with bourbon and be-bop, but the content of the desires will entangle you with the history of jazz.

For everyone here wants what we all crave, to be loved, to care for our family, and to have our life sag with the weight of meaning. And for these artists, for these musicians, that meaning is the universal recognition of JAZZ.

While their wishes may not have been fulfilled, the transcription of their wishes reminds us of why we love their contributions so, and why their efforts have not been in vain, and while we must continue listening to them, so long as we can.

[Linus Wyrsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great must read for jazz aficionados

[Cheng-Chung Tsai · Rating 4 out of 5]

沒讀這本書前，還真的對一般爵士樂書籍不會提及的妮卡夫人，一點概念都沒有。但從書中陳列的珍貴拍立得相片可以觀察出，爵士樂手們和妮卡間，有著最真摯與毫無拘束感的友誼，而受訪記錄的三個願望，則真切地呈現出那個年代爵士所遭遇的不平等，大多數我們熟識的爵士樂手，還是會將財富及健康擺在首位。一本很珍貴的書籍，除了一窺爵士年代歷史外，也認識了許多未必知名但絕對扮演重要角色的爵士音樂家。

[Chetty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains an impressive series of photographies done by "Nica" of jazz legends or lesser-known jazzmen in their private time.

Pannonica had asked each of the jazzmen she was interviewing to announce her their three wishes. Most of them are desiring money, fame or peace in the world, however some of them have added to the addition that jazz would be more recognised as part of the American culture or that they would improve the way they play.

Some jazz aficionados wouldn't expect some kind of wishes by some well-known figures of the genre (let's not spoil anything...). and some will smile or even giggle about what they're wishing for.

On some pictures Nica shows such admiration because of the way she looks at them and after them as if she was looking after them until they would learn how to find their ways to exit the nest with their own wings. The intensity of her gaze is so intense that you would think that she was more than a mere protector, but a mother.

In a nutshell: jazz fans, go and take a glance at those great pictures!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be very inspiring. The photos of jazz musicians are fascinating and their answers as an aggregate give a picture of what the musicians had on their minds during that time period.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating for a someone who loves the music of the jazz musicians the Baroness knew -- especially because the book includes many wonderful candid photos of musicians (most of them taken by Nica herself)

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good insight into the racism and prejudices dealt with by jazz musicians in the 40's-60's. Also, some pretty good candid photos.

[Russ Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique photo essay-style journal that provides an inside look into the private lives of some America's greatest jazz legends of the past.