Cymbal Press is proud to publish the following books. Click on a title below for more information or to purchase a copy.
Customers interested in bulk purchases and wholesale clients should click here.
The Jazz Omnibus: 21st-Century Photos and Writings by Members of the Jazz Journalists Association
Available October 15th!
The Jazz Omnibus: 21st-Century Photos and Writings by Members of the Jazz Journalists Association is a spectacular anthology of works by 90 international experts in jazz and related music. Covering a broad spectrum of artists, recordings, events and scenes, it stands alone as a compendium of reportage and analysis of an art form embarking on jazz’s second hundred years offering pleasure and insights, building communities that celebrate creative individuality and ensemble play.
The book’s contributors represent the finest music writers and photographers alive today. Their skill, wisdom, insight, and generosity converge to produce a timeless contribution to music criticism, history, and scholarship. The Jazz Omnibus: 21st-Century Photos and Writings by Members of the Jazz Journalists Association is an indispensable resource for curious newcomers to jazz, casual listeners, aficionados, educators, students and researchers.
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Pity the Genius – A Journey through American Guitar Music in 33 Tracks
NEW!
Pity the Genius – A Journey through American Guitar Music in 33 Tracks is a deep dive into the often-tumultuous lives of 33 extraordinary guitarists, capturing their brilliance, triumphs, and struggles through biography and musical analysis of seminal tracks. From Arthur Rhames’ volcanic performances to the introspective elegance of Pat Martino, Joel Harrison encapsulates the essence of these musicians in a way that is both intimate and illuminating. The tracks he selects tell the story of American music across time and genre, representing jazz, rock, blues, country, folk, roots music, and more.
Beyond the music, this book delves into the personal challenges and societal obstacles these artists faced. Whether it’s the tragic early deaths of guitar prodigies like Danny Gatton and Jimi Hendrix or the enduring influence of genre-defining musicians like Prince and Joni Mitchell, Pity the Genius presents a vivid tapestry of musical stories that have shaped the sound of America.
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The Landfill Chronicles – Unearthing Legends of Modern Music
NEW!
For over four decades, Dan Ouellette has been at the forefront of music journalism, chronicling the lives and careers of the legends who shape modern music. His interviews and writing about giants of jazz, blues, rock, and pop have graced the pages of magazines like DownBeat and Billboard, and newspapers from coast-to-coast. While some of these articles are available, many of them had been lost forever, destined to be remain buried in landfills. Part memoir, part archive, and wholly entertaining, these articles shed light on musicians’ innermost thoughts at crucial points in their storied careers.
Musicians profiled range from jazz greats like Wayne Shorter, Carla Bley, and Wynton Marsalis to rock legends like Lou Reed, David Byrne, and Elvis Costello. Inside you’ll find Frank Zappa’s last interview and relaxed conversations with Joni Mitchell.
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Ruminations & Reflections – The Musical Journey of Dave Liebman and Richie Beirach
New York City Jazz Record Best of 2022!
NEA Jazz Master saxophonist Dave Liebman and pianist Richie Beirach have enjoyed a fifty-year friendship on and off the bandstand. They’ve performed with Miles Davis, Elvin Jones, Stan Getz, Chet Baker, Freddie Hubbard, and their own bands. Ruminations and Reflections takes readers on a rollicking journey through their musical lives. Along the way, they share their views on jazz education, prominent musicians, and musical preparation. Liebman and Beirach pay tribute to their musical mentors, tour their discography, and suggest essential recordings to study. The book’s conversational style will delight students, professionals, and music lovers alike.
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Life in E Flat – The Autobiography of Phil Woods – Jazz Journalists Association Book of the Year!
Phil Woods was an American original. One of the greatest saxophonists of all-time, he was the first call for Quincy Jones, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, and Oliver Nelson. His iconic improvisation on Billy Joel’s record, “Just The Way You Are,” is quite likely the most played instrumental solo in the world. Woods’ popularity soared while an expat in Europe during the cultural revolution of the late sixties and early seventies. Upon his return to the States, Woods formed a band that would perform together for four decades. Grammy Awards, dozens of Downbeat Readers Poll victories, and designation as a National Endowment of the Arts Jazz Master would follow. Life in E Flat is the unvarnished self-portrait of an artist who loved and lived a life of bebop. (Publication date: 10/1/20)
Foreword by Bill Charlap • Afterword by Brian Lynch • with Ted Panken
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Jazz Dialogues
Backstage, on the bus, or in the studio, saxophonist Jon Gordon, winner of the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone competition, chats with several generations of great musicians. From Cab Calloway to Maria Schneider, Jazz Dialogues lets the reader hang out with dozens of jazz artists to learn about their careers, influences, and the dues they’ve paid. These candid, poignant, and often hilarious conversations paint a first-person portrait of jazz history. (Publication date: 10/15/20)
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