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| Listening to Prestige a Blog by Tad Richards Tad Richards' odyssey through the catalog of Prestige Records: an unofficial and idiosyncratic history of jazz in the 50s and 60s. With occasional digressions. A one-of-a-kind reference book, that will surely take its place in the history of this music. -Dave Grusin The 1950s and 1960s were a vital era in the history of jazz, and the music was nourished and advanced by the independent labels which gave a platform to established artists and nourished and developed new artists. Dial and Savoy led the way by recording Charlie Parker in the 1940s. These would give way (Dial folding, Savoy switching its focus to rhythm and blues) to the labels of the 1950s: Pacific Jazz and Contemporary on the West Coast, Argo/Cadet in the Midwest. But New York was the epicenter, and it was a breeding ground for young entrepreneurs who wanted to record jazz: Riverside, Bethlehem, Atlantic, the Norman Granz labels (Verve, Clef, Norgran). Blue Note, which had begun operation in the 1930s. And Prestige, founded in 1949 by 19-year-old Bob Weinstock, in operation until 1972. The history of Prestige is a history in microcosm of the jazz of this legendary era, and its story has never been told. In my multivolume Listening to Prestige, I take a look at every recording session from beginning (Lennie Tristano) to end, with critical appreciation of the music, biographical information on the artists, historical context, and personal reminiscences. The most interesting book of its kind that I have ever seen. If any of you real jazz lovers want to know about some of the classic records made by some of the legends of jazz, get this book. LOVED IT. – Terry Gibbs write your comments about the article :: © 2019 Jazz News :: home page |