Singers and the Song II

Gene Lees is probably the best jazz essayist in America today, and the book that consolidated his reputation was Singers and the Song , which appeared in 1987. Now this classic volume is available in an expanded edition that retains a number of famous pieces from the original volume, including his marvelous essay on lyric writing, his piece on the art of Edith Piaf, and his admiring look at the genius of songwriter Johnny Mercer. In addition, this edition offers seven new essays that are no less accomplished. Here readers will find a wonderful tribute to "the sweetest voice in the world," Ella Fitzgerald; a moving interview with Jackie and Roy Kral; Lees's account of his involvement with Bossa Nova music and his collaboration with Antonio Carlos Jobim. We also read about Julius La Rosa, the lyrics of "Yip" Harburg, Harry Warren's unforgettable compositions, and the elegant Arthur Schwartz, writer of "Dancing in the Dark" and many other memorable songs.

Gene Lees is a former editor of Down Beat and publisher of Gene Lees Jazzletter.