Soloists and Sidemen: American Jazz Stories

The American jazz musicians who crossed racial and class divisions to tour and record with the great jazz stars all have their stories to tell. Peter Vacher's talent lies in being able to capture their authentic voices, from survivors of the big bands of the 1930's and 40's to modern soloists in many styles. The author is well known for his interviews in British, Canadian and American magazines. This book vividly evokes the backgrounds, life stories and musical styles of many remarkable musicians who played with stars like Louis Armstrong, Coleman Hawkins and Dizzy Gillespie and helped make the music of such famous orchestras as those of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Bob Crosby, Cab Calloway and Lionel Hampton. The musicians include Milt Buckner, Cozy Cole, Sonny Cohn, Willie Cook, Cousin Joe, Kenny Davern, Harry Edison, Teddy Edwards, Art Farmer, Scott Hamilton, John Hicks, Illinois Jacquet, Hank Jones, Herbie Jones, Junior Mance, Eddie Miller, Harold Minerve, Grover Mitchell, Vi Redd, Warren Vache, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Benny Waters and Britt Woodman. The book is lavishly illustrated and includes many rare or previously unpublished photos.