This Is Bop: Jon Hendricks and the Art of Vocal Jazz (Popular Music History)

Das Buch ist ein guter Quell für Jazz-Local-Interessierte.

I already knew a LOT about L, H & R. But this book had details I've never known before. I haven't finished reading the book yet. But the chapters on the short life of L, H & R are essential. Putting all their albums into context. I didn't know there was racial tension between Lambert and Hendricks. I didn't know neither Hendricks or Ross could read music. I didn't know Harry Edison was angry about Hendricks trying to steal the royalties from "Centerpiece". I didn't know that Hendricks wanted to muiltitrack the Ellington album but Lambert didn't. I didn't know there was even tension about the name of the group and that the name "Lambert, Hendricks & Ross" wasn't settled on until their third album! Ok, no more spoilers, but this book has lots of detail. I only wish it had given more space to Lambert's earlier work and to earlier jazz vocal groups like Mel Torme and the Meltones. But hey, its really just supposed to be about JON. And for that it tells you a lot.

Joni Mitchell once said that "Lambert Hendricks and Ross are my Beatles" and so it is for me as well. Jon Hendricks was not only the epitome of a Jazz singer but he also wrote the lyrics that help us define the American jazz canon and he was an inventor of the art of vocalese. I am so glad that his life and memory were shared in this wonderful, well-written book.