The Gentle Giant

I so wanted this to be much better than it was. He mentions Coltrane for a few sentences but doesn’t elaborate. Same with others. He does list his gigs and who he played with but very little data about the gigs. I was disappointed. I’ve read several jazz artist biographies and this one doesn’t even compare to the worst of them. I love the guy and his devotion to his work and faith but this book doesn’t represent his best work.

Clear and concise by a sentient being...Yusuf takes you along and makes you a part of his journey learning about life, music being the vehicle.

I have followed Yusef Lateef's career since the 60s. He inspired me to study the flute and Islam. I approached his book with the same enthusiasm, but was disappointed by its brevity. I wanted to know about his art work, his stay in Bulgaria, his family, (as he mentioned his son and daughter),etc. But perhaps these topics were too personal, so they were left out. I am looking forward to hearing his piano sonata no.2 which I am going to order.

Well worth reading. Am familiar with his music from years ago.

Excellent book.

This is a great story of a brilliant musician and a beautiful human being. Very good read. Concise yet interesting.

Boy, did I learn so much