Black Nationalism and the Revolution in Music

by Frank Kofsky

Book by Kofsky, Frank

Genres: Music, Jazz, Politics

280 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

Reviews

[Eric]

This book is definitely a product of its time (1970), with a lot of overheated Marxist rhetoric and more than a few arguments directed at straw men. Kofsky favors anecdotes and hyperbole over research and data. Which is a shame, since the book's main argument seems sound: White club owners, label heads and promoters make a more stable living than black jazz musicians, and this is directly related to the racist culture of the United States. His point that most critics are essentially publicists due to their fear of losing favor with record labels and management is surely as true today as it was in the late '60s, if not more so. The last third or so of the book deals more with aesthetics, particularly John Coltrane's music, and the tone is more measured. The themes of this book are ones that needed addressing, and to some extent most remain relevant today, but this is a polemic, a screed, not scholarship, and as history I'd approach it with caution.

[Graeme · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved his condemnations of the racist jazz critic press of the 60s, linking the New Music with socialism and Black Nationalism, and his great interviews with McCoy Tyner and Coltrane… and including his essay on Malcolm X at the end:)

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Includes a lot of diatribes, but also an illuminating interview with Coltrane.

[Naeem · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in 1975 while listening to "free jazz." I can barely remember it and will need to read it again. I do recall that it feed my need to connect music, racism, political economy, and politics. I had never read anything like it and still don't recall with as much fire and volatility.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

kofsky manages to combine his background in sociology & his passion for the then new music to provide a solid & well-informed look at the social and political dimensions of jazz, c.1969. nice little mccoy tyner & coltrane interviews in the back.