About the Author

Director of Jazz in July Summer Music Programs at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Mark Baszak was associate director of the Black Musicians Conference and Festival from 1994 to 1999.

Reviews

"Featuring transcripts of talks and panel discussions, along with Edward Cohen's evocative black-and-white photos of innovators like Art Blakey, Betty Carter, Ella Fitzgerald, Max Roach and Sarah Vaughan, this book offers a compelling oral history of a most noteworthy event . . . a vital gathering place for artists and educators of all stripes. Though the focus of the conference varied from year to year--one year focused on black music and social change, one on the legacy of Count Basie, one on women in jazz--ongoing themes emerged. Indeed, many of the lectures collected in Such Sweet Thunder explore how music has been a 'soundtrack of survival' in African American culture."--Valley Advocate "An essential exposition of the evolution of black American music. . . . I have been inspired and enlightened by this book."--Yusef Lateef, composer and musician "A handsome and informative book. . . . I have long considered jazz and film to be our nation's most unique contributions to international art."--Dana Gioia, chairman, National Endowment for the Arts "I would highly recommend Such Sweet Thunder for anyone who wishes to grasp the true meaning and significance of black music in America and beyond."--Cheryl L. Keyes, associate professor of ethnomusicology, UCLA "Such Sweet Thunder is a triumph."--Jean Bach, director of the film A Great Day in Harlem