As Serious As Your Life

[ElginThompson]

Recently finished reading Valerie Wilmer's book and enjoyed it, particularly the discussion of the then lesser known lights. Can folks recommend others along similar lines ... exploring new thing, 70s loft scene, etc. (or link to a previous thread on the topic that I could not find).

Thank you in advance.

[jlhoots]

I also like that book.

You might like:

Valerie Wilmer: Jazz People

David Rosenthal: Hard Bop

[sonnymax]

[The Magnificent Goldberg]

Chuck recommended this one to me.

Point From Which Creation Begins: The Black Artists' Group of St. Louis by Ben Looker.

I found it very interesting. I have the Valerie Wilmer but haven't read it yet. I have gained, from a few TV appearances, the impression of an extremely drearily committed lady. I expect I'll get around to it in due course.

MG

[Christiern]

Having been a close friend of Valerie for over forty years, I can attest to her commitment, but I assure you that there is nothing dreary about her. I like the book very much and, in fact, played a small role in urging Val to write it (at least she says so in the opening paragraph of her acknowledgements).

You might also like her autobiography, "Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This."

[JSngry]

I have the Valerie Wilmer but haven't read it yet. I have gained, from a few TV appearances, the impression of an extremely drearily committed lady. I expect I'll get around to it in due course.

Never have seen/heard her, but I've always enjoyed her writing very much, including the book which is the subject of this thread.

And for an absolutely outstanding collection of her absolutely outstanding photographs, look for this one here:

Very, very very nice stuff.

[brownie]

'As Serious As Your Life' is a must-read for anyone interested in the developments of jazz music!

Another excellent book is Jason Weiss 'Always in Trouble'

[ElginThompson]

'As Serious As Your Life' is a must-read for anyone interested in the developments of jazz music!

Another excellent book is Jason Weiss 'Always in Trouble'

Appreciate all the suggestions. I've read a fair amount and really found As Serious As Your Life one of the more engrossing, satisfying histories on the subject. Wilmer's work is outstanding.

[johnlitweiler]

You might also like her autobiography, "Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This."

Yes, that's another good book, though she's also led a full life apart from music.

[Face of the Bass]

I read her autobiography over the summer and enjoyed it very much. One of the best jazz writers, IMO.