To a Young Jazz Musician: Letters from the Road

In To a Young Jazz Musician: Letters from the Road one encounters wisdom about music and life, skillfully interwoven and candidly presented through personal letters Marsalis addresses to a young jazz musician. Key themes and metaphors headline each chapter, with content on: humility, what is means to be human, rules and freedom, facets of playing jazz, arrogance, jazz in an era of unchecked decadence and decline of intellectual rigor, morals, innovation, and healing of our culture.Musicians, philosophers, and social thinkers alike would appreciate Marsalis’ remarkable depth of insight into the humanity of music-making, as well as his commentary on social and political issues—including on the African-American experience, which may be eye-opening for some. The book more than meets its intent to present meaningful reflections on the life of music-making (jazz in particular) and how these reflections have everything to do with how one lives. For example, around the larger notion of integrity and “selling out” Marsalis gives all of us something to consider as he contrasts the thinking of older generations of musicians (“we want to play some music so powerful that it’ll actually change the world for the better”)—noting that kind of impulse and goal—versus what he laments in some of the thinking of today (“I want to make sure I can get me an SUV”) (81). He also comments about having an objective when playing, and later refers to activities of life in general needing to have “objectives of the soul” because that’s what “can heal our whole nation” (97).As a musician, and for other musician readers, this book provides helpful stimulus on the pathway toward breaking free of mechanistic, competitive thinking about one’s own performance, creativity, and how one stacks up against others. Marsalis’ depth of illumination inspires one to consider larger questions such as the degree to which one is committed to the art as a form of beauty and expression, the humility or arrogance we bring into ensemble playing, and, ultimately, who we are in the world.The format of letter-writing, in its casual writing style, effectively supports an intimate feeling of wisdom being passed to the young. It also provides a natural, integrated flow and important weight to what might otherwise come across as mere side-comments about society in general and America in particular.There’s a great deal of depth to consider in this small book, which packs a big punch. In this way one could be drawn to reading it again and again, letting the messages wash over you like a sweet jazz melody.

I've never been in America. I was born and raised in Greece, I leave in Paris and I make a living doing "this and that" and I'm trying to play some Jazz. I don't have much in common with mr. Marsalis except... the Jazz.Having said that, you see why I might not fully understand (or, to put it better, "feel") everything that Mr. Marsalis writes in his book about the American society, the situation of the black americans, the segregation etch, but I understood well that he is a man of great dignity and taste and I deeply respect that.He has a deep knowledge of Jazz and through the pages of his book the reader can sympathize with the writer, with the difficulties and the anxieties that are involved in studying and playing music but also feel the great joy of it.The book was very interesting, fun to read (I read it in 2 days time) and it spoke deeply in my heart and soul.The last 10 years I've been thinking that when I'll reach 50 (in about 20 years), I would like to write a book according all the difficulties and joys, the pressure and joys, the frustration and joys of studying Jazz (if you know what I mean)... ;)But Mr. Marsalis has already done it. And he has done an excellent job!Oh well... perhaps I'll think of something else! Mean wile BUY THE DAMN BOOK! IT"S GREAT!

After hearing Wynton Marsalis speak this summer, I got this book from the library. I loved it and want to give it as a gift to a couple of young musician relatives. He is writing about life here in an accessible manner. The book is not long and is divided into separate letters. Teens and young adults will find much to think about here. He is wise.

I really enjoyed reading Marsalis' reflections about key questions artists face in the pursuit of excellence within an American art form: Jazz. Whether you play or just enjoy to listen, I recommend reading it because many of his reflections translation either to your profession or personal life.

If you are a Wynton fan you know that he enjoys teaching, particularly teaching young musicians. This book is like listening to his musings and advice to a young musician. If you are a Wynton fan, you'll like this book. You may even find yourself following some of his advice.

I got this as a gift for someone and he really loves Wynton and plays the trumpet. He wants to be a musician like Wynton so I thought this would inspire him and it did.

I can relate to the boy Marsalis is talking to in this book. It contains some solid advice and allows you some insight into how Marsalis views jazz.

I wish I had a book /letters like that when I was a young musician! Excellent read!

Brilliant book. If you play a musical instrument, buy this book and apply it - NOW!

Merci Wynton ! Heureusement que quelqu'un se donne la peine d'écrire ce genre de document, trop rare parce que tellement riche de choses qui doivent se transmettre.

ótimo livro. Recomendo !!!!