Moving to Higher Ground: How Jazz Can Change Your Life

As one who conducts research, gives lectures, and writes about the psychology of musicianship (see my book "Social Psychology of Musicianship" on Amazon. Social Psychology of Musicianship com), I assiduously study the viewpoints on the subject set forth by others. From his early days on the National music scene, I have followed the "teachings" of Wynton Marsalis. Whether in a master class, a concert, or this book, Mr. Marsalis has become increasingly competent at scholarly analysis of musicianship. Although done with the assistance of another writer, Mr. Marsalis offers unique insights into the world of jazz. Far more than storytelling (albeit there are plenty of anecdotes), the information explores the "musical elements" that pave the way to knowledge about musicianship. For any student music (in addition to a copy for myself, I bought a copy to my eleven year-old granddaughter), this book is enlightening.

I love this book!! As someone who has played jazz and loves the music, I only wish I had read this sooner. Not only does Wynton Marsalis clearly bring a great deal of knowledge to the subject, but he articulates it with such clarity and readability. Marsalis captures the essence of the music and the musicians who play it making the music he loves relatable to people even if they do not play music at all. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who plays jazz, wants to play jazz, or just wants to learn more about jazz!

Although written for kids, it's excellent for all ages. Wynton is both a good storyteller and a great jazz educator. This should be required reading for any aspiring musician or music lover! We used it for a book discussion group in an urban kids after school program. Great tool to teach kids (and us) how to listen better and how musicians differentiate themselves.

I really enjoyed reading "Moving To Higher Ground - - How Jazz Can Change Your Life."I especially like the statement "Be proud of being you." The introduction, and the entire book grabbed me. Reading about the trials/tribulations, discipline and endurance of musicians was the motivating force I needed to pull out my hand drum and start drumming again...........Not just daydreaming about drumming! I'd forgotten how good drumming made my heart feel in the past. ... Motivating!

I had a lot of fun reading this book. Marsalis has obviously spent a lot of time thinking about jazz and its relation to larger cultural issues. The result is a book that is deep and yet conversational/accessible. The point of a book like this isn't indoctrination; it's provocation. Marsalis wants us to think about what jazz is (and is not) and why the answer to those questions matter.

Very good book. Mr. Marsalis is quite the intellectual. Makes great points in a clear manner. Lots of humor.

Great book for beginners to Jazz (young adults or adults newly opening their mind to jazz).

Wynton is clear and concise, and his passion for the music shines through every page of this book. He may wax a little poetic at times, but it shows how much he thinks about the philosophy behind jazz.

An intelligent read, Moving to Higher Ground: How Jazz Can Change Your Life has to be guilty of one of the most hyperbolic titles I have ever come across. Neverthless, the narrative provides the reader with some insight into what it is that makes Jazz such an important part of a musician's life and into the thoughts and feelings that a player has when approaching the music. It provides a window onto the world of America's most important export and onto the processes that make it work. There is a lot of use of Jazz as a metaphor and the author's thoughts on the ways in which the thinking behind it can be carried over into other aspects of our lives. But 'change your life'?If you want to know what Jazz is all about, then this work will help a lot. If you want to change your life, there may be other works that are more readily applicable!

Absolutely brilliant book. If you're into Jazz, or music, this is an interesting and insightful book

Interesting bits but rather obsessive and self-regarding. Gave it to Oxfam.

Mr Marsalis, plays the trumpet, and plays it well. He has a place (with his brother) in the exclusive club of the masters of Jazz.When it comes to writing, Marsalis gives a candid, at times angry and intellectual, view of what a Jazz musician is and is not, should and shouldn't become.From a guy who played with the top players in the history of music, this is a worthwhile effort, albeit slightly elitarian and, only at times, plainly boring.

Todo perfecto, el envío tardó inclusive un poco menos de lo esperado y llegó en perfectas condiciones