The Jazz Pilgrimage of Gerald Wilson (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781496816023)

Jazz great Gerald Wilson (1918-2014), born in Shelby, Mississippi, left a global legacy of paramount significance through his progressive musical ideas and his orchestra's consistent influence on international jazz. Aided greatly by interviews that bring Wilson's voice to the story, Steven Loza presents a perspective on what the musician and composer called his "jazz pilgrimage."

Wilson uniquely adapted Latin influences into his jazz palette, incorporating many Cuban and Brazilian inflections as well as those of Mexican and Spanish styling. Throughout the book, Loza refers to Wilson's compositions and arrangements, including their historical contexts and motivations. Loza provides savvy musical readings and analysis of the repertoire. He concludes by reflecting upon Wilson's ideas on the place of jazz culture in America, its place in society and politics, its origins, and its future.

With a foreword written by Wilson's son, Anthony, and such sources as essays, record notes, interviews, and Wilson's own reflections, the biography represents the artist's ideas with all their philosophical, historical, and cultural dimensions. Beyond merely documenting Wilson's many awards and recognitions, this book ushers readers into the heart and soul of a jazz creator. Wilson emerges a unique and proud African American artist whose tunes became a mosaic of the world.

Author: Steven Loza
ISBN-10: 1496816021
ISBN-13: 9781496816023
Publisher: University Press of Mississippi
Language: English
Published: 04/12/2018
Pages: 176
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.05lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.63d

About the Author
Steven Loza is professor and chair of ethnomusicology at University of California, Los Angeles. He is author of Barrio Rhythm: Mexican American Music in Los Angeles and Tito Puente and the Making of Latin Music, as well as multiple musical anthologies. In addition to his extensive research and publications, Loza has performed jazz and Latin jazz, recorded two CDs, and produced numerous concerts and arts festivals internationally.