Nothing exists in a vacuum…
As a college freshman entering the jazz program at Manhattan School of Music, I had a philosophy professor who asked us newbies an interesting question. In a rough paraphrase, he said, “Do you think there is any point in a bunch of aspiring musicians being required to take non-music (i.e. liberal art) courses?” We all thought about and discussed this for a while. Eventually he said, “If you want your music to speak to or about human experience, then you need to know what it is that you’re talking about. One way to do that…aside from living consciously…is to study and read widely.” This idea has always stuck with me.
So to share, here’s a short list of books from my own shelves and which I’d recommend to anyone who has the interest to explore them.
(*** = highly recommended.)
BIOGRAPHY
Ascension: John Coltrane and His Quest (Eric Nisenson. Da Capo Press, 1995)
A “musical biography” of one of jazz music’s greatest saxophonists. Nisenson’s writing centers around Trane’s musical development and his lasting influence. A must read.
Chasin’ the Trane: The Music and Mystique of John Coltrane (J.C. Thomas. Da Capo Press, 1988)
Good introduction to Trane’s life.
***Open Sky: Sonny Rollins and His World of Improvisation (Eric Nisenson. Da Capo Press, 2000)
Sonny Rollins is considered by many to be the “world’s greatest living improviser,” and this book is a wonderful exploration of his musical philosophy. Plenty of implications for the place of improvisation and variation in traditional music.
CREATIVITY
***Art and Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking (David Bayles and Ted Orland. Consortium Book Sales & Dist., 2001)
The authors present a very insightful look at the process of “artmaking” – painting, music, writing and other forms are all addressed – from the point of view of “the working artist.”
The Courage to Create (Rollo May. W.W. Norton & Co., 1994)
One of the first formal “studies” on creativity from a psychological perspective. A bit of a Freudian slant, but a good read regardless.
Creative Spirituality: The Way of the Artist (Robert Wuthnow. Univ. of CA Press, 2001)
An anthology of case studies of numerous musicians, artists, writers & performers, exploring the connection between creative endeavors and the spiritual life
***Free Play: Improvisation in Life and Art (Stephen Nachmanovich. Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam, 1990.)
Improvisation: Its Nature and Practice in Music (Derek Bailey. Da Capo Press, 1993)
FICTION
***Dreams Underfoot (Charles De Lint. TOR, 1993) The first of De Lint’s “Newford” short story collections. Other volumes include, The Ivory and the Horn, Moonlight and Vines and Tapping the Dream Tree.
***The Merro Tree (Katie Waitman. Del Rey, 1997) An excellent study of art and censorship in a sci-fi setting.
***Someplace To Be Flying (Charles De Lint. TOR, 1998) My favorite De Lint novel
IRISH TRADITIONAL MUSIC
Bringing It All Back Home (Nuala O’Connor. Merlin Publishing, 2001)
Written originally as a television series in the UK, this is an interesting study of the history and influence of traditional music, both in Ireland and abroad. Packed with great information and reads a bit like a survey course textbook
Folk Music and Dances of Ireland (Brendan Breathnach. Ossian Publications, 1971)
A standard work.
A Pocket History of Irish Music (Gearoid O hAllmhurain. Obrien Press, Ltd., 2003)
A small little tome, just packed w/ information! A great beginning resource.
PHILOSOPHY / PSYCHOLOGY / SPIRITUALITY
Finite and Infinite Games (James P. Carse. Ballantine Books, 1994)
The Resilient Spirit: Transforming Suffering Into Insight and Renewal (Polly Young-Eisendrath. Perseus Publishing, 1997)
An excellent discussion of “resiliency,” that set of traits that allows one to endure hardship and suffering and not be destroyed by it.
MUSIC – GENERAL
Mental Practice and Imagery for Musicians (Malva Freymuth, D.M.A. Integrated Pr., 1999)
Freymuth presents some interesting ideas to enhance performance and optimize practice time.
Music, The Brain and Ecstasy: How Music Captures Our Imagination (Robert Jourdain. Avon, 1998)
A very thorough account of the experience of music from the neurological, biological and psychological perspectives. A bit of a “heavy” read, but fascinating when you get into it.
***The Touring Musician (Hal Galper. Watson-Guptill Publications, 2000)
A look at the business end of things written by a musician, for musicians. Great practical, step-by-step guidance on every aspect of “serious” performing.
