Jade Visions: The Life and Music of Scott LaFaro (North Texas Lives of Musician Series)

Scott LaFaro, one of the most influential Jazz bassists in the history of the music, achieved his stature in only 5 years and, this book fills in so much information about him as a person. I, for one, enjoyed his sister's memories and the chronicling of his childhood through his untimely death. It's a very moving story and inspiring as well. I also enjoyed the comments made by musicians he worked with, and their impressions of his immense talent and professional work ethic.

Helen does a wonderful job of describing her and Scott’s upbringing. The additional selections from other musicians make this an excellent source of information on one of the most influential Jazz Bassists of the 20th Century.

While most jazz bassists maintain the pulse of the music from the harmonic cellar of the musical tapestry, Scott LaFaro filled his musical chair and went on to create a whole new suite of "up from the basement" furnishings. His contributions to the bass and to jazz in general have yet to be surpassed, even now, more than forty years after his death and extraordinary (though far too short) career.This easy read, lovingly put together by LaFaro's sister, includes numerous passages by notable jazz musicians who worked with and knew LaFaro. This book is, at least, an important historical compilation of jazz anecdotes: at best, a warm, and loving tribute to a ground breaking, perhaps unsung hero of jazz.In addition to the fascinating anecdotes, several musical examples are included that give a real insight to the artist behind the recordings. Bits of handwritten chord changes and sketches for new compositions taken from LaFaro's notebook made this reader feel as if I were viewing ancient sea scrolls for the first time.Jazz bassists- this is required reading. Jazz enthusiasts- this will bring you a new depth of understanding for the music you love. All others- you will find a story, though tragic, of artistic expression of the highest level. Find inspiration here.

............This is a remarkable book about a very special man. The book gives valuable insights into Scott LaFaro's early life, his musical education, his total devotion to his bass playing(often to the discomfort of his hotel room-mates on tour). It makes ample reference to his relations and friendships with many musicans and influences especially, Victor Feldman, Charlie Haden and many others. Also,rather eerily, following the sudden death of his father, he spoke of his belief that he himself would not live for many years. The fatal car accident proved only too well how prescient this belief would be. The book covers many comments about his playing and influences from some of the major jazz musicians such as Stan Getz,Bill Evans(with whom he performed for those magical recordings at the village Vanguard only days before his death) Ray Brown, Stanley Clarke, Eddie Gomez to mention only a few. I recommend this book to any aspiring musician who might be then able to realise how a combination of musical genius and total dedication enabled Scott LaFaro to reach the heights he did in such a short, but vivid life.

Written by Scott's sister. Not the best prose, but this brief, family bio is okay. The REAL reason to read it is the FANTASTIC interviews she did with a whole host of musicians who knew and worked with LaFaro. HIGHLY recommended for that reason.

Excellent book for the jazz lover.

Excellent and well-thought out book on one of the most influential jazz bassists. Very surprising that so little has been written about such a great player, yet those concerns fall to the wayside with this great tome. It's also a nice change from the usual biography with dense "blue language" and drug stories; Lafaro seemed to be quite a healthy and positive guy, on and off the stage. A true inspiration and a must read for any young, aspiring jazz bassist.

Scott LaFaro is one of the most influential bassists in the history of jazz. Dead at 26 with 2 years as Bill Evans bassist with Paul Motian his life didn't leave much to be told. To this point little has been. Scott's sister, Helene, with the help of some of the jazz community provides us with an account of a driven artist who lived life to the fullest. In the space of 5 years he became a great player through an extraordinary practice regimen and love of music. The human side of the man is lovingly told through anecdotes of what he did to keep his family together after losing his father. Who knows what he could have accomplished given the time. Now we have something that makes "Long Live Scott" true in words as well as in his music. Thanks, Helene et al.

Scotty was a meteorite in the night sky. He flew by us all way too fast, but his legacy shall live on for generations to come. All bass players, all musicians in general, should know about the incredible things he acheived in raising the level of bass playing during his short time on earth. Most of us a lucky enough to live full lives and take practicing for granted-- he wasn't.Buy this book- especially for the inspiration you'll derive from the outpour of Lafaro's work. It will change the way you think.

I've always loved LaFaro's playing and the difference he made to the development of jazz is underrated.The book is great, it's an intimate study by his sister but she wisely speaks through the voices of dozens of big names in the jazz world.

Great insight into Scotty's life and times.

Excelente libro biográfico del contrabajista Scott Lafaro que revolucionó el arte del Contrabajo y la manera de interactuar con los demás instrumentos como lo hizo con el trío de Bill Evans !

Very nice book, full of informations and arrived in less than 2 days in Italy.