"Both as a person and as a musician, he was number one in my book."
-Benny Carter Bassist George Duvivier (1920-1985) was one of the most
universally respected musicians in jazz. His impeccable musicianship
graced the big bands in the 1940s and led to musical associations with
virtually every important jazz and popular artist. His prolific
recording career spanned all styles of music, from Eubie Blake to Eric
Dolphy, Billie Holiday to Barry Manilow. Duvivier was a most astute and
articulate observer of the musical scene. A large part of this book is
devoted to his own reflections on growing up in Harlem in the 1920s and
1930s, the evolution of the bass, life in the commercial studios, and
his memories of close associates-Coleman Hawkins, Jimmie Lunceford, Bud
Powell, Lena Horne, and many others. In addition, twenty of Duvivier's
colleagues, including Louie Bellson, Ron Carter, Milt Hinton, Ed
Shaughnessy, Arthur Taylor, and Joe Wilder, have contributed, covering a
variety of musical and social issues, as well as providing a loving
portrait of an extraordinary artist. Duvivier's musical style is
discussed by David Chevan, who has included transcriptions of several
solos. An extensive discography/solography traces Duvivier's incredibly
diverse recording career. With dozens of previously unpublished photos.
