Lullaby of Birdland: The Autobiography of George Shearing
Bloomsbury Academic, April 2004. First Edition. Hardcover. Used - Very Good / Very Good. Item #278120 Pianist George Shearing is that rare thing, a European jazz musician who became a household name in the US, as a result of the "Shearing sound"--the recordings of his historic late 1940s quintet. Together with his unique "locked hands" approach to playing the piano, Shearing's quintet with guitar and vibraphone in close harmony to his own playing revolutionized small group jazz, and ensured that after seven years as Melody Maker's top British pianist, he achieved even greater success in America. His compositions have been recorded by everyone from Sarah Vaughan to Miles Davis, and his best known pieces include "Lullaby of Birdland," "She" and "Conception." His story is all the more remarkable because Shearing was born blind. His candid reminiscences include a behind the scenes experience of New York's 52nd Street in its heyday, as well as memories of a vast roll-call of professional colleagues that includes all the great names in jazz.
ISBN: 0826460151
Apparent first edition. Black cloth with gold title along the spine. Minor creasing on jacket. Two lightly bumped corners on the boards.
Used Book
Price: $8.75
