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Fort Lauderdale, Florida (PRWEB) December 16, 2015
Richie
Gerber’s debut book, Jazz: America’s Gift, named by America’s celebrated
journal of book reviews, Kirkus Reviews, as one of the Best Indie Books
of 2015. Gerber’s lively jazz chronicle will appear in Kirkus Reviews
magazine, Kirkus Reviews email newsletter, and on the Kirkus Reviews website.
In Jazz: America’s Gift, Gerber
draws from his unique perspective as an accomplished musician,
comedian, impresario, and George Gershwin scholar. Kirkus Reviews
writes, “[Gerber] makes a strong, enthusiastic case for Gershwin’s
contributions to jazz, something that many jazz historians, according to
the author, don’t often acknowledge (“As far as George Gershwin
goes—jazz can’t live with him and jazz can’t live without him!”).”
Kirkus Reviews adds “Gerber paints a vivid
picture of jazz’s roots in slaves’ spirituals and minstrel shows; the
music’s popularity in the Storyville section of New Orleans; and the
emergence of Louis Armstrong.”
Gerber’s book is a reminder of the harmony that emerges from the jazz art-form that transcends racial and religious differences. As Kirkus Reviews further states, “[Gerber] unearths some interesting facts, such as shared cultural experiences of African-Americans and Jews: he notes that African-American singers such as Billie Holiday and Alberta Hunter recorded Jewish songs, and that Louis Armstrong so admired Jewish people that he wore a Star of David around his neck.”
Gerber’s book is a reminder of the harmony that emerges from the jazz art-form that transcends racial and religious differences. As Kirkus Reviews further states, “[Gerber] unearths some interesting facts, such as shared cultural experiences of African-Americans and Jews: he notes that African-American singers such as Billie Holiday and Alberta Hunter recorded Jewish songs, and that Louis Armstrong so admired Jewish people that he wore a Star of David around his neck.”
Complementing the witty, engaging narrative of
Jazz: America’s Gift is the signature artwork of the celebrity artist
Miguel Covarrubias. Kirkus Reviews notes, “Covarrubias’ vibrant
illustrations really enhance the text.” Summing up Gerber's book as, “A
lively… overview of jazz’s origins.”
As well as the Kirkus Reviews Best Indie Books
of 2015 literary honor, Gerber has been receiving additional critical
acclaim for Jazz: America’s Gift: “Exceptionally well written . . .
thoroughly 'reader friendly'... a 'must' for all jazz enthusiasts" and
"very highly recommended and rewarding reading,” says The Midwest Book Review, Small Press Bookwatch.
Publisher’s Weekly issued a complimentary review
of Jazz: America’s Gift on BookLife, saying, “Gerber’s deft, energetic
examination of Gershwin’s music . . . illuminates the enormous Jewish
contribution to the great American musical export, jazz,” and “[Gerber]
scores points with his bold commentary about the complicated political
and cultural relationships between Jewish and black communities with
regard to jazz.” The Publishers Weekly review continues, “Gerber… links
the raw power of jazz and the blues to the country’s past of prejudice
and racism,” and “Gerber does well with the life of musical genius
George Gershwin.”
Mediagenic South Florida resident Richie Gerber, is available for interviews and media appearances. Maine humorist Tim Sample says of Gerber,
“[He’s] funny, smart, talented and charismatic . . . the ‘real deal.’
He ha[s] stellar musical chops, tons of experience, plus he[’s] from
freakin’ New York City, man!” Who could ask for anything more?
Visit JazzAmericasGift.com for contact details, review copies, photos, and an author bio.
