"Blue Note Records: The Biography" By Richard Cook

[xricci]

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/news/bluenoterecords.jpg

For all you Blue Note fans, I posted this announcement to the AAJ News section today...

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/news/ft/20030411/2636/Blue_Note_Records_The_Biography_By_Richard.html

We'll be posting an interview with Richard Cook and hopefully follow-up interviews with Michael Cuscuna and Bruce Lundvall soon.

[Philip]

More striking cover than the British edition garnered; no assertion that it was printed on acid free paper either.

[montg]

I liked this book. I read it on vacation last summer sitting on the beach. Good overview of the Blue Note years and I'm always interested in RC's opinions.

[JohnS]

I expected a lot more from this book. There's not much there that will be new to BN lovers. Sorry I can't be more positive.

[BeBop]

I'm with JohnS. I didn't find much of interest. I anticipate that it will sell more based on its ties to the famous brand, rather than on its own merits.

[Leeway]

I understand that Cook did not have access to the BN archives. Is that so? If so, why has BN been so stingy in allowing researchers access to their records? It does a disservice to its fans, and others who might find the BN history interesting. Most jazz bios suffer from a lack of original research; many read like a collection or collation of liner notes. What I'd like to see in a bio is new material, freshly presented; that is, with taste, sense, and an ability to put forth some thoughtful evaluations and perspectives. I suspect Cook might have some of that British ability to state a case, succinctly and provocatively. I'll probably buy the book - it's Blue Note after all :) (Evered be da---d!). :p

[Brad]

Originally posted by Philip
More striking cover than the British edition garnered; no assertion that it was printed on acid free paper either.

What did you mean by the the "acid free" reference :confused:

[Philip]

Books printed in the USA in my possession usually have the assertion on the copyright page that they were printed on "acid-free paper", while those printed elsewhere do not. Acid-free paper is less likely to yellow or become brittle with age, although the use of rags over wood pulp is also a factor in the quality of the paper.

I'm with the majority over a feeling of disappointment with Cooks volume. Since all of the USA books on BN appear to have Michael Cuscuna's direct involvement, this may be as near to an independent view as we will get.

[Hardbop]

Originally posted by Leeway
I understand that Cook did not have access to the BN archives. Is that so?

Blue Note -- and its financially ailing corporate parent EMI -- no doubt didn't cooperate because they wouldn't get a cut of the profits.

[Bag's Groove]

I really dug it, though I left it wanting more.