In Love With Voices: A Jazz Memoir

Title

In Love With Voices: A Jazz Memoir

Files

Document Type

Book

Description/Summary

In the early 70s, an idealistic young man – Brian Torff – arrived in New York to pursue his passion for music. During an excursion to Long Island, Brian found his dream instrument: a 1775 re-built Nicola Galliano bass.

Such was the beginning of a career that led Torff from Café Carlyle to Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and the White House. He has toured worldwide with the greatest: from Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, George Shearing, and Erroll Garner to Stephane Grappelli, Benny Goodman, Mary Lou Williams, and Marian McPartland.

As Brian notes, “bass players do a lot of observing from the back of the bandstand.” It is this supportive role that qualifies Torff to share his insight into jazz music, and its many personalities. Torff takes us beyond the music by adding depth with his vision of American music, and paints vivid portraits of the musicians with whom he played.

Torff’s memoir is one of creativity, and determination mixed with timing, and plain good luck. His sharp narrative not only brings the legends of jazz to life, but reading about them here will certainly motivate you to add some music to your collection.

Streaming Media

ISBN

9781440112850

Publication Date

2008

Publication Information

Torff, Brian Q. (2008). In Love With Voices: A Jazz Memoir, [Foreword by Nat Hentoff] New York: iUniverse

Comments

Copyright 2008.

In Love With Voices: A Jazz Memoir

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