My Life In E Flat

A memoir of the Jazz Age and a life profoundly influenced by it My Life in E-flat is the remarkable memoir of a woman who witnessed some of the most important movements in the history of jazz. Through her autobiography, Chan Parker provides intimate insights into the music and into life with Charlie Parker, the key figure in the development of bebop and one of the most important of all jazz musicians. Born Beverly Dolores Berg in New York City at the height of the Jazz Age, Parker's father was a producer of vaudeville shows and her mother was a dancer in Florenz Ziegfeld's Midnight Frolic. Parker became part of the jazz culture as a nightclub dancer and later as the wife of jazz saxophonists Charlie Parker and then Phil Woods. In a moving and candid portrait of Charlie Parker, the author describes in harrowing detail a man of incredible talent besieged with addictions and self-destructiveness. She painfully recounts his death at the age of 35 while married to her and its effect on her life as well as on the musical world. Parker's honest portrait of one of the most gifted musicians in jazz provides unique insight into the history of the music and the difficulties faced by African American performers during the 1940s. Parker also reflects on her struggle to find her own voice and on her work with Clint Eastwood on the film biography of Charlie Parker, Bird (1988).

Phil Woods was an American original. One of the greatest saxophonists of all time, he was the first call for Quincy Jones, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, and Oliver Nelson. His iconic improvisation on Billy Joel's hit song "Just the Way You Are" is quite likely the most played instrumental solo in the world. His popularity soared while an expat in Europe during the cultural revolution of the late sixties and early seventies. Upon his return to the States, Woods formed a band that would perform together for four decades. Grammy Awards, dozens of DownBeat Readers Poll victories, and designation as a National Endowment of the Arts Jazz Master would follow. Life in E Flat is the unvarnished self-portrait of an artist who loved and lived a life of bebop. "I would have to give Phil Woods' sax solo on "Just The Way You Are" credit for making that a hit record." - Billy Joel "Life in E Flat is a gift, a compelling and entertaining memoir by one of the leading alto saxophonists in jazz for 60 years. Woods is a charismatic storyteller-literate, funny, insightful, self-aware, with a keen eye and ear for details that reveal character and wise observations about the music business and the jazz life laced with sardonic wit." - Mark Stryker, author of Jazz From Detroit ""Someone spotted me fondling the saxophone and misinterpreted my avaricious intent as musical interest..." So Phil Wood's lifelong journey began-a saga he relates with an irreverent, self-deprecating wit, from his earliest days in Western Massachusetts to recording timeless music and traveling the world with jazz legends. Time and again, he sets up a story like a punchline's coming, and often they do. What you always get is history rich in detail and long in feeling and self-honesty - the personal stumbles and the musical triumphs. Phil left us in 2015; this book he left us is a gift that shows how so much of him is still here." - Ashley Kahn, music historian and author of A Love Supreme: The Story of John Coltrane's Signature Album & Kind of Blue: The Making of the Miles Davis Masterpiece "Growing up a New York jazz fan, Phil Woods was always a favorite. He was straight ahead, personal but in control, brimming with ideas: solid in every way. This account of the late jazz man's American journey, assembled with a loving, light touch by the always discerning critic Ted Panken, is like a Woods' gig. Full of the right information, things you thought you knew but didn't (the stories of often being the only white man in the room especially after marrying Charlie Parker's widow are instructive), heartbreaking and triumphant, Life in E-Flat is 100% solid." - Mark Jacobson, author of The Lampshade and Pale Horse Rider, former staff writer of the Village Voice and New York Magazine, and contributing editor for Rolling Stone and Esquire

The locations on which the Nature Viewing Guide focuses were nominated by people from across the state, and final selections, along with technical support in the research and development of the guide, were responsibility of a panel of natural resources experts.

"My Life" by Richard Wagner is a captivating autobiographical work that offers readers an intimate glimpse into the life and mind of one of the most influential composers in music history. In this engrossing memoir, Wagner traces his life's journey from his early years to his artistic triumphs and personal trials. Wagner's writing is both introspective and eloquent as he reflects on his musical inspirations, creative process, and the challenges he faced in realizing his operatic masterpieces. His encounters with fellow artists, intellectuals, and rulers of the time provide a fascinating historical backdrop. The memoir is not only a personal narrative but also a window into the artistic and cultural milieu of 19th-century Europe. Wagner's passion for music and his unyielding dedication to his artistic vision shine through every page. "My Life" is a testament to the power of art and the unrelenting pursuit of one's creative calling. It delves into themes of love, ambition, and the transformative impact of music on the human soul. This memoir remains a captivating read for music enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates the profound influence of art on our lives. Discover the extraordinary life and artistic legacy of Richard Wagner in his own words, as he takes you on a journey through the highs and lows of a life dedicated to the pursuit of musical greatness. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Richard Wagner (1813-1883) was a German composer and conductor whose influence on Western classical music is immeasurable. Born in Leipzig, Germany, Wagner is best known for his epic operas, including "Tristan und Isolde," "Parsifal," and the monumental four-opera cycle "Der Ring des Nibelungen." Wagner's music is characterized by its emotional intensity, innovative harmonic structures, and the use of leitmotifs—musical themes associated with specific characters or ideas. His operas often explore themes of love, destiny, and the human condition. Beyond his musical contributions, Wagner was a controversial figure due to his nationalist and anti-Semitic beliefs. Nevertheless, his impact on the world of opera and classical music remains undeniable. His works continue to be performed and studied by musicians and music enthusiasts worldwide, making him one of the most influential composers in the history of music.

From My Life is the autobiography of Eduard Hanslick, one of the most noted and honored music critics in nineteenth-century Vienna who made his mark with his relatively brief disquisition On the Musically Beautiful first issued in 1854. His highly informative autobiography has never appeared in complete translation to English or any other language.

Chuck Anderson takes you on a fascinating journey through his life in music. Never having a ""day"" job, he managed to develop a successful, full time career in music without being a ""star"" in the traditional sense. From his work with celebrity singers to jazz guitar concerts to private music education to writing jingles, this book paints a vivid picture of work in the music business. Over and above the musical anecdotes and his work descriptions, ""My Life in Music"" will be relevant to anyone who wants to go their own way. There's great advice about following your heart and loving what you do in your life's work. It also points out the importance of change and adaptation. Musicians and non musicians alike will find this story interesting and inspiring!