Book review: Peter Jones: This is Bop - Jon Hendricks and the Art of Vocal Jazz

As an accomplished jazz singer himself, I can think of few people better qualified  than Peter Jones to write this well-researched biography of the legendary Jon Hendricks. 

The research via magazine articles, interviews with Hendricks' family, friends and fellow musicians, with sources all indexed, has set a bar so high that it would be nigh impossible for any future biographers to surpass or even to come close.

Further proof, if indeed proof were needed of the author's credentials, can be found in his previous book This is Hip - The Life of Mark Murphy. In many ways the two books complement each other due to Jones' meticulous approach and the fact that the two singers' paths frequently crossed. I can't imagine anyone reading This is Hip not wanting to read This is Bop - and vice versa.

Needless to say the background to the groundbreaking Lambert, Hendricks, Ross - arguably the greatest jazz vocal group ever - is given plenty space as is his relationship to the other two members, Dave Lambert and Annie Ross (later Yolande Bavan). The group survived circa 10 years which may seem a lot until you realise that Jon Hendricks' own career lasted over 70 years!

The background to the records and concerts is detailed and, amazing. Given the complexity of the lyrics on top of the already complex solos they were based on, Hendricks' cavalier approach, particularly to newcomers coming in as last minute deps and expecting them to carry it off with little or no rehearsal is quite amazing!

The discography is comprehensive and already has me writing notes to Santa!

Not that this is a mere listing of concerts and recordings, but equally an insight into the man himself. That, like so many great artists, he had his flaws aren't overlooked or covered up, Jones lays them bare - the drug abuse, the putting his name to other composer's works etc. - but he does it without sensationalism.

I was fortunate in hearing LHR with the Basie Band at Newcastle City Hall but I deeply regret that I didn't take up the opportunity to catch Jon Hendricks at Ronnie's during the 2010 London Jazz Festival. I thought to myself - he's 89 he'll be past it. I rather think I was wrong!

To sum up This is Bop - This is Top!

If you don't think it will fit into your Christmas stocking them buy a bigger stocking!

Lance.

Peter Jones: This is Bop - Jon Hendricks and the Art of Vocal Jazz. Equinox Publishing. ISBN-13 9781178179874. (Hardback). 272 pages, 30 photos.