Lullaby of Birdland: The Autobiography of George Shearing [With Braille Bookmark]

By George Shearing

Book Overview

Pianist George Shearing is that rare thing, a European jazz musician who became a household name in the US, as a result of the "Shearing sound"--the recordings of his historic late 1940s quintet. Together with his unique "locked hands" approach to playing the piano, Shearing's quintet with guitar and vibraphone in close harmony to his own playing revolutionized small group jazz, and ensured that after seven years as Melody Maker's top British pianist, he achieved even greater success in America. His compositions have been recorded by everyone from Sarah Vaughan to Miles Davis, and his best known pieces include "Lullaby of Birdland," "She" and "Conception." His story is all the more remarkable because Shearing was born blind. His candid reminiscences include a behind the scenes experience of New York's 52nd Street in its heyday, as well as memories of a vast roll-call of professional colleagues that includes all the great names in jazz.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0826460151
• ISBN13: 9780826460158
• Release Date: April 2004
• Publisher: Continuum
• Length: 259 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Great biography

Well written, laced with subtle humor and offering a true insight into the world of the blind and the misconceptions that seem to plague it! The work reflects not only Shearin's human qualities, but the remarkable beauty of his music. Great book! Enrique Renard

Lullaby of Birdland

Having heard George Shearing play in person in the early 1950's I was well aware of his talent & his impact on the jazz scene then and now. Like George, I too had played the accordion as a youth and was always interested in the sounds that could be created by any talented musician. The book shares with the reader the many espisodes in George's musical career with the many well known musicians and singers that he crossed paths with over the past 60 years. The book brought back many fond memories from the past. David L. Morris

A charming and often funny autobiography

This is a delightful book by one of the finest jazz pianists in the world. Born blind in Britain, in a poor neighborhood in London, who would have guessed that Mr. Shearing would end up becoming one of the true jazz greats? It's a remarkable story, made all the more enjoyable by his boundless sense of humor. The book is full of stories of practical jokes and delightful reminiscences of the other fine musicians Mr. Shearing has had the pleasure of playing with. There is not a huge amount of in-depth history or musical theory in here, this is a fun, light read, but Mr. Shearing's character shines through as does his relentless optimism about life. In a delightful touch, my copy of the book includes a braille sticker on the third page, which has Mr. Shearing's name on it. If you close your eyes and run your fingers over the sticker, and then try to imagine playing the piano, it makes Mr. Shearing's life and achievements all the more remarkable.