Clifford Brown

Although he died in a tragic car accident at twenty-five, Clifford Brown is widely considered one of the most important figures in the history of jazz--now, in this absorbing work, Nick Catalano gives us the first major biography of this musical giant.
Based on extensive interviews with Brown's family, friends, and fellow jazz musicians, this is a fascinating portrait of a remarkable musician. Catalano colorfully depicts Brown's life, showing how he developed a dazzling technique that few jazz players have equaled. We read of his meteoric rise in Philadelphia, his tour of Europe with Lionel Hampton, and his formation of the Brown-Roach Quintet with prominent drummer Max Roach. The book also features an informed analysis of Brown's major recorded solos, highlighting his originality and revealing why he remains such a great influence today.

More than just a colorful account of the legendary trumpet player, this book also features an informed analysis of Brown's major recorded solos, highlighting his originality and revealing why he remains a great influence on trumpet players today. 20 illustrations.

This study of a vitally important artist is a book for all jazz collections.--Choice

The Life and Art of the Legendary Jazz Trumpeter is the first full biography of the man known as 'Brownie' and should be required reading for any serious jazz fan. Catalano's account will definitely have you, to paraphrase Benny Golson's famous composition, 'remembering Clifford'.--Alabama Times

A generation before Wynton Marsalis, Clifford Brown exhibited a similar mastery of modern jazz phrasing, tone control, and trumpet technique. Alas, Brown was never destined to achieve the fame and rewards such rare talents deserved. His moving story with its wry mixture of triumph and tragedy is now told with rich detail in Nick Catalano's highly readable Clifford Brown: The Life and Art of the Legendary Jazz Trumpeter.--Ted Gioia, author of The History of Jazz and West Coast Jazz

The author's enthusiastic and well-researched summary of Brown's career should send jazz buffs back to their record collections for serious listening.--Kirkus Reviews