An Interview with Ben Ratliff (NYT Jazz Critic)

[umum_cypher]

Digressing, but--in scholarly circles, actually, I've been told that many African-American scholars actually prefer the J.C. Thomas bio to the Porter. The Thomas bio is easily the most overtly poetic of the Coltrane books and for all its hagiography actually kind of pretty--and I think it complements the second half of the Ratliff bio nicely.

I know what you (they) mean, but in terms of the extent of its poetry - or poetic intent - Thomas doesn't come close to CO Simpkins mid-70s effort.

[AmirBagachelles]

I think any remaining legitimate role for publishing "critic" was finished for once and all once the social vibe of the internet arrived, 8-9 years ago. I like Chauncey's main point on the necessity of wide and informed perspective, but when he channels Dennis Miller, he loses me.