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The co-op bookstore for avid readers
Music Makes Me: Fred Astaire and Jazz
Fred Astaire: one of the great jazz artists of the twentieth century? Astaire is best known for his brilliant dancing in the movie musicals of the 1930s, but in Music Makes Me, Todd Decker argues that Astaire's work as a dancer and choreographer -particularly in the realm of tap dancing-made a significant contribution to the art of jazz. Decker examines the full range of Astaire's work in filmed and recorded media, from a 1926 recording with George Gershwin to his 1970 blues stylings on television, and analyzes Astaire's creative relationships with the greats, including George and Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, and Johnny Mercer. He also highlights Astaire's collaborations with African American musicians and his work with lesser known professionals-arrangers, musicians, dance directors, and performers.
Book Details
- Publisher: University of California Press
- Publish Date: Jun 24th, 2011
- Pages: 392
- Language: English
- Edition: undefined - undefined
- Dimensions: 8.90in - 5.90in - 0.90in - 1.00lb
- EAN: 9780520268906
- Categories: • Entertainment & Performing Arts• Genres & Styles - Jazz
About the Author
Todd Decker is Assistant Professor of Music at Washington University in St. Louis.
Praise for this book
"Mr. Decker digs deeply into Astaire's creative process, anatomizing what went into each production. . . . Illuminating, richly detailed analysis."-- "Wall Street Journal" (7/9/2011 12:00:00 AM)
"Delving into production schedules, credit sheets, cast lists, and other studio paraphernalia, Decker gives us a good look at Astaire-related activity behind the scenes."-- "New York Review Of Books" (3/19/2012 12:00:00 AM)
"Fascinating. . . . Much in Decker's account of Astaire's musicianship and the range of this talents in Music Makes Me may come as a surprise."-- "Times Literary Supplement (TLS)" (12/9/2011 12:00:00 AM)
"A worthy addition to the books that have been inspired by the genius of Fred Astaire."-- "Reelzchannel Maltin On Movies" (8/4/2011 12:00:00 AM)
"A worthy resource. . . . Highly Recommended."--C. Wadsworth Walker "Choice" (12/1/2011 12:00:00 AM)
"Illuminating. . . . There is something of an unabashed joy in watching and hearing Astaire's routines, and Decker's book reflects that joy."--Sarah Caissie Provost Clark University "Notes (Music Library Assoc)" (12/1/2012 12:00:00 AM)
"Decker offers . . . fascinating observations to underscore the idea of Astaire as ardent listener and lover of all things 'jazz.'"--Jennifer R. Jenkins "Film & History" (11/23/2012 12:00:00 AM)