"Their conversations range far beyond the biographical—to their feelings, motivations, musical approaches, and attitudes. These women were obviously comfortable with their questioners. [Enstice and Stockhouse] came prepared, having delved deeply into the music and history of each, bringing them closer to the essence of each musician." —from the Preface by Cobi Narita and Paul Ash
"Jazzwomen includes many artists who are not covered in earlier books and also reveals new information about artists who are. In addition, the interview format used in Jazzwomen provides the reader with each artist's own words, permeated with a warmth and immediacy not typically found in author narratives. Jazzwomen is a much-needed book." —David N. Baker, Distinguished Professor of Music and Chairman, Jazz Department, Indiana University School of Music; and Artistic and Musical Director, Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra
Between 1995 and 2000, Wayne Enstice and Janis Stockhouse interviewed dozens of women jazz instrumentalists and vocalists. Jazzwomen collects 21 of the most fascinating interviews. The participants discuss everything—their personal lives, musical training and inspirations, recordings, relationships with other musicians, the music industry, sexism on the bandstand—and often make candid and revealing statements. At the end of each interview is a recommended discography compiled by the authors.
Every jazz listener, musician, teacher, and student will be captivated by interviews with Marian McPartland, Regina Carter, Abbey Lincoln, Cassandra Wilson, Diana Krall, and their peers. Includes a sampler CD with complete works by several of the artists, including Jane Ira Bloom and Ingrid Jensen.