Clark: The Autobiography of Clark Terry (UC Press)
The great trumpeter, flugelhornist and mumbler writes with joy about the good times in his long life and with frankness about the rough patches. His humor and generous spirit are intact whether he is telling of his love for Basie and Ellington, his triumphs as a performer, his legions of friends, or encounters with racists and bottom feeders in and out of the jazz world. Terry’s ear, eye and memory for detail provide insights into not only his remarkable career but also the trajectory and development of jazz as an art form and a social force during his many decades in music.
The nonagenarian pianist presented de Barros with every biographer’s hope, unrestricted access to his subject’s personal papers and nearly unrestricted access to her private thoughts. He made the most of it, turning exhaustive research and hundreds of hours of interviews into a true story with the sweep of a novel. From the early discovery of McPartland’s musical gift through her wartime service, her ecstatic and stormy marriage to Jimmy McPartland, her growth as a pianist, her deep affair with Joe Morello, and the radio show that made her a national figure, she has had a fascinating life. It makes a splendid read.
Mulligan’s Concert Jazz Band had three fewer musicians than most big jazz outfits. Its size permitted precision, flexibility and subtlety, yet the band had the power of sprung steel. In this concert from a half century ago, the CJB is as fresh as yesterday. Arrangements by Mulligan, Bob Brookmeyer, Al Cohn and Johnny Mandel set standards to which big band writers still aspire. Bassist Buddy Clark and drummer Mel Lewis inspired Mulligan, Brookmeyer, Conte Candoli, Gene Quill and Zoot Sims to some of the best soloing of their careers. This beautifully produced issue of the complete concert is a basic repertoire item.
Not every remarkable person comes up with a remarkable book. But this vividly told story of Clark Terry’s life in and beyond music is truly extraordinary. It’s full of insight and wisdom, generous, humorous — just like CT. Gwen Terry, Mrs. Clark, apparently asked the right questions about many of his various troubles and triumphs — making sure he would tell how things came about as they did, and why. Together the Terrys have captured a uniquely valuable story that celebrates a rich life, generously lived. Look at clarkterry.com forglowing reviews of the book, and, in the website’s Guestbook, messages from hundreds of his musical and other friends, colleagues, students. This outpouring of affection and thanks shows why Clark Terry is such a valuable mentor and inspiration to thousands, worldwide..