Books in the North Texas Lives of Musician Series series

Johnson's former students hold positions in universities, orchestras, and military ensembles in over a dozen countries. In The Art of Trumpet Teaching, his students describe Johnson's teaching approach and tireless work to help each person succeed. Along with Johnson's biography and studio stories, Leigh Anne Hunsaker presents an extensive collection of pedagogical concepts from Johnson's six decades of teaching. Also included are some of his later expositions on the value of music in education, motivation, and the idea of "music as metaphor." Johnson's hallmark pedagogical tenets, along with much practical advice given to his UNT students, provide a teaching and reference handbook for a new generation of teachers and players"--

Provides an intimate fly-on-the-wall peek into legendary pianist Bill Evans's life, critical recording sessions, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes of life on the road. Joe La Barbera tells this story with love and respect, free of judgment, showing Evans's humanity and uncanny ability to transcend physical weakness.

Stan Kenton (1911-1979) formed his first full orchestra in 1940 and soon drew record-breaking crowds to hear and dance to his exciting sound. This title sums up the mesmerizing bandleader at the height of his powers, arms waving energetically, and, his face a study of concentration as he cajoled, coaxed, strained.

The musical career of Alexander Tumanov extends from Stalinist and Soviet Russia through contemporary Canada, and as such provides an inspiring portrait of one person's devotion to his art under trying circumstances.

The only book in English about the Argentine conductor and composer Hector Panizza (1875-1967). Known all over the world by his Italian name - Ettore - the maestro was in fact born in Buenos Aires and developed an astonishing international career.

Mel Lewis (1929-1990) first picked up his father's drumsticks at the age of two. At 17 he was a full-time professional musician. The View from the Back of the Band is the first biography of this legendary jazz drummer. For over 50 years, Lewis provided the blueprint for how a drummer could subtly support any musical situation.

Jade Visions is the first biography of one of the twentieth century's most influential jazz musicians, bassist Scott LaFaro. Best known for his landmark recordings with Bill Evans, LaFaro played bass a mere seven years before his life and career were tragically cut short by an automobile accident when he was only 25 years old. Told by his sister, this book uniquely combines family history with insight into LaFaro's music by well-known jazz experts and musicians Gene Lees, Don Thompson, Jeff Campbell, Phil Palombi, Chuck Ralston, Barrie Kolstein, and Robert Wooley. Those interested in Bill Evans, the history of jazz, and the lives of working musicians of the time will appreciate this exploration of LaFaro's life and music as well as the feeling they've been invited into the family circle as an intimate.