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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
PHILOSOPHY / PSYCHOLOGY / SPIRITUALITY
The Camino Letters (Julie Kirkpatrick. Pyxis Press, 2010) Julie Kirkpatick’s record of her walk along the Camino De Santiago De Compostela is part travelogue, part biography, part spirituality, and full of insights into the “big lessons” in life.
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.
Solid Ground: Buddhist Wisdom for Difficult Times (Syliva Boorstein/Norman Fischer/Tsoknyi Rinpoche. Parallax Press, 2011). A small but powerful collection of writings by three recognized Buddhist teachers on suffering and living well through difficult times. Fischer’s portion, “Suffering and Possibility,” was very helpful for me.
A Year With Thomas Merton (Jonathan Montaldo, ed. Harper San Francisco, 2004) This book of daily meditations gleaned from Thomas Merton’s journals was a welcome companion during my hospital stays this year (2011), offering comfort, wisdom and much peace.
