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Essays on Music from Pianist/Composer/Educator Jeff Colella, "LOVE MUSIC AND IT WILL LOVE YOU BACK"

"Love Music and It Will Love You Back" is a book by acclaimed pianist Jeff Colella about how we hear, learn and understand music. While Jeff does discuss ideas specific to jazz music and improvisation, the book is about musical concepts that transcend style. The goal of this work is for the reader to gain a deeper understanding of music and a broader, more conceptual perspective that will aid in playing, teaching and developing one's own musical voice. Since this book is conceptual (with very little notation), it is applicable to all instruments, so dig in and get started on your musical journey!



Jeff Colella is an endlessly inventive, post-bop pianist, and one of Los Angeles’ busiest jazz musicians. Besides performing as a solo artist and with his trio, he maintains a very active schedule as an accompanist, recording artist, composer, arranger, producer, clinician, educator, and now author. His long stints include 16 years as pianist/musical director for the legendary Lou Rawls; seven years touring worldwide with the Jazz Tap Ensemble; and several years as vocalist Jack Jones’ pianist/musical director. He has recorded and toured with a broad range of artists, including Diane Schuur, Gregory Hines, Savion Glover, Sheila Jordan, Kenny Washington, Anita O’Day, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Peter Gallagher, the Bill Holman Big Band, Stacey Rowles, Larry Koonse, Judy Wexler, David T. Walker, Bobby Shew, Scott Whitfield, and Kevin Mahogany, among many others. His compositions have been recorded by other jazz artists, most recently on Close Your Eyes, the BFM Jazz release from renowned saxophonist Bob Sheppard. His four albums as a leader include trio albums So Tender (2013, Self), Alone Together (2007, Sea Breeze), and Letting Go (1997, Sea Breeze), plus his latest release, Lotus Blossom (2014, American Jazz Institute), a critically acclaimed duo recording with renowned bassist Putter Smith that was named #3 on NPR’s Jazz Critics Poll. He is presently on the faculty at the Musicians Institute and the World Mission University, both in Los Angeles, California. www.jeffcolella.com



Praise for Lotus Blossom by Jeff Colella & Putter Smith
“The playing is exquisite and atmospheric throughout, without a single misstep or moment of hesitation.” -- Downbeat

“Like Jarrett and Haden, Colella and Smith are frugal minded virtuosos who intuitively comprehend each other’s deepest artistic intentions. Making music, achieved by the mysterious interaction of two like-minded artists, rather than the prowess of the individual musician, is the exalted goal. – JazzEd Magazine

“A work of finesse and focus that deserves and rewards attentive, uninterrupted listening.” – All About Jazz

 
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