In Jazz Son, Elliot F. Bratton makes a powerful contribution to creative Jazz literature. A Jazz scholar, one-time New York Jazz DJ, and practicing Jazzpoet, his poems are celebrations of the Jazz life in all of its spirituality, sensuality, pathos, and joy. There are poems dedicated to several Jazz legends, as well as original lyrics to classic melodies by such composers as John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, and Thelonious Monk. Bratton has also included one work of fiction, "The Wider World," a fantasy that takes the idea of the power of music to inspire writers into a different dimension.

A survey of a lifetime’s passionate involvement with jazz, this unique book traces the experiences of one man as enthusiast, listener, player and, on a modest scale, commentator on America’s chief contribution to the world’s music. It renders in a fresh and original way the actual experience—including the mechanics—of listening to jazz and of playing it, with special emphasis on various lifestyles in the minor leagues, where the majority of jazz is actually played. Though essentially a book of personalities and anecdotes, Heaven On the Side also traces the development of the writer’s tastes from narrowly partisan to broadly inclusive. Its concluding chapters take a close but deeply affectionate look at the state of jazz after a century of existence, and offer constructive suggestions about its future

“Jazz takes all kinds,” writes James Leigh. “Going on sixty years ago it took me, and never let go, and it was mutual.” Earning his living variously as a journalist, a teacher, a writer of novels or—for several years—as a musician, Leigh has known, heard, and played with many scores of players, a few of them famous, but mostly unknown. His close acquaintances among jazz musicians have ranged in style from Turk Murphy to Bill Evans. As listener and player he was immersed in the San Francisco Bay area jazz scene through the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. The ‘80s saw him in Europe, writing, teaching and playing music, in the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland and Sweden. He lives now in Southern California, where he plays with five bands. He writes reviews, articles, and a monthly column, for the Mississippi Rag™.

This unique book is especially designed for traditionally trained classical pianists who are interested in learning the rudiments of jazz piano. It uses a systematic, a step-by-step approach to learning to read jazz lead sheets, and provides simple techniques for beginning jazz and blues improvisation. The book is based on many years of successfully teaching classical pianists and piano teachers to overcome their notation dependency and conquer their fear of improvisation. A special feature is the inclusion of complete lead sheets for several popular jazz tunes (Satin Doll, Lover Man, Summertime, Autumn Leaves, Birth of the Blues).

In Jazz Son, Elliot F. Bratton makes a powerful contribution to creative Jazz literature. A Jazz scholar, one-time New York Jazz DJ, and practicing Jazzpoet, his poems are celebrations of the Jazz life in all of its spirituality, sensuality, pathos, and joy. There are poems dedicated to several Jazz legends, as well as original lyrics to classic melodies by such composers as John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, and Thelonious Monk. Bratton has also included one work of fiction, "The Wider World," a fantasy that takes the idea of the power of music to inspire writers into a different dimension.

The Poconos In B Flat shines a warm and loving light on the incredible jazz culture of the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Through personal interviews, the book brings to life the unique insights, observations and motivations of a group of very talented musicians – including acclaimed National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Phil Woods and David Liebman; Bob Dorough of Schoolhouse Rock! fame; and many others. This jazz microcosm is sure to have wide appeal outside its woodland borders, as the movers, shakers and future stars have already impacted the global community.

The Poconos In B Flat shines a warm and loving light on the incredible jazz culture of the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Through personal interviews, the book brings to life the unique insights, observations and motivations of a group of very talented musicians – including acclaimed National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Phil Woods and David Liebman; Bob Dorough of Schoolhouse Rock! fame; and many others. This jazz microcosm is sure to have wide appeal outside its woodland borders, as the movers, shakers and future stars have already impacted the global community.

The Poconos In B Flat shines a warm and loving light on the incredible jazz culture of the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Through personal interviews, the book brings to life the unique insights, observations and motivations of a group of very talented musicians – including acclaimed National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Phil Woods and David Liebman; Bob Dorough of Schoolhouse Rock! fame; and many others. This jazz microcosm is sure to have wide appeal outside its woodland borders, as the movers, shakers and future stars have already impacted the global community.