Rhythm Is My Beat: Jazz Guitar Great Freddie Green and the Count Basie Sound (Studies in Jazz)

Out of Print: Future availability is unknown
Notify Me When Available
Hardcover Book
item number:  69477
Brand New

Hardcover Book Details

  • Hardcover
  • 323 Pages
  • Released: August 6, 2015
  • Originally Released: 2015
  • Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Authors:

Author:
Subject:

Description by OLDIES.com:

The author tells the story of his father, rhythm guitarist Freddie Green, whose guitar work served as the pulse of the Count Basie Band.

Product Description:

In Rhythm Is My Beat: Jazz Guitar Great Freddie Green and the Count Basie Sound, Alfred Green tells the story of his father, rhythm guitarist Freddie Green, whose guitar work served as the pulse of the Count Basie Band. A quiet but key figure in big band jazz, Freddie Green took a distinct pride in his role as Basie's rhythm guitarist, redefining the outer limits of acoustic rhythm guitar and morphing it into an art form. So distinct was Green's style that it would eventually give birth to notations on guitar charts that read: “Play in the style of Freddie Green.”

This American jazz icon, much like his inimitable sound, achieved stardom as a sideman, both in and out of Basie's band. Green's signature sound provided lift to soloists like Lester Young and vocalist Lil' Jimmy Rushing, a reflection of Green's sophisticated technique, that produced, in Green's words, his “rhythm wave.” Billie Holiday, Ruby Braff, Benny Goodman, Gerry Mulligan, Teddy Wilson, Ray Charles, Judy Carmichael, Joe Williams and other recording artists all benefited from the relentless fours of the man who came to be known as Mr. Rhythm. The mystique surrounding Freddie Green's technique is illuminated through generous commentary by insightful interviews with other musicians, guitar professionals and scholars, all of whom offer their ideas on Freddie Green's sound. Alfred Green throughout demystifies the man behind the legend.

This work will interest jazz fans, students, and scholars; guitar enthusiasts and professionals; music historians and anyone interested not only in the history of jazz but of the African American experience in jazz.

Product Info

  • ISBN: 9781442242463
  • Shipping Weight: 1.5/lbs (approx)
  • International Shipping: 1 item

To place an order or for customer service, call toll-free 1-800-336-4627 or outside the United States, call 1-610-649-7565
Open Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm, (Eastern Time)