Book description
A Living Jazz Legend, musician and composer David Baker has made a
distinctive mark on the world of music in his nearly 60-year career-as
player (chiefly on trombone and cello), composer, and educator. In
this richly illustrated volume, Monika Herzig explores Baker's
artistic legacy, from his days as a jazz musician in Indianapolis to
his long-term gig as Distinguished Professor and Chairman of the Jazz
Studies department at Indiana University. Baker's credits are
striking: in the 1960s he was a member of George Russell's "out
there" sextet and orchestra; by the 1980s he was in the jazz
educator's hall of fame. His compositions have been recorded by
performers as diverse as Dexter Gordon and Janos Starker, the Beaux
Arts Trio, the Composer's String Quartet and the Czech Philharmonic.
Featuring enlightening interviews with Baker and a CD of unreleased
recordings and Baker compositions, this book brings a jazz legend into
clear view.
"In a society that most commonly rewards glamorous careers
with a focus on highly visible personalities, the choice to dedicate
one's life to helping others achieve their aspirations denotes a truly
selfless and kind person." -from the Foreword by Quincy Jones
Monika Herzig is a recording artist for Owl Studios and a touring
jazz pianist. Her music has received awards from DownBeat Magazine,
ASCAP, and Billboard. Herzig teaches classes on the music industry and
community arts organizations at Indiana University as a member of the
Arts Administration faculty.
