My latest book is about Earl Bostic, an influential alto saxophonist whose hard driving playing style encompassed rhythm and blues, rock 'n' roll and jazz. Although popular in his heyday in the 1950s and cited by musicians from Bill Haley to David Bowie, he has become obscure. Nevertheless, with his innovative approach, Bostic blurred the boundary lines between genres and was a mentor to upcoming musicians, notably the great John Coltrane. Moreover, the Bostic orchestra was, in the words of Art Blakey, a "university of the saxophone" whose influence in popular music can still be felt today. Sixty years after his death, Earl Bostic King of the Alto Sax is the first ever biography of a talented but neglected musician, and is published by McFarland & Co. of Jefferson, NC. With details here
