New Book Celebrates Women in Jazz – Freedom of Expression: Interviews With Women In Jazz

Freedom of Expression: Interviews With Women In Jazz by Houston author and composer Chris Becker

Houston, TX – November 16, 2015 – Freedom of Expression: Interviews With Women in Jazz, a collection of interviews with 37 female musicians of all ages, nationalities, and races, and representing nearly every style of jazz one can imagine, is now available for purchase online at https://www.createspace.com/5765001

The interviewees, including Terri Lyne Carrington, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Eliane Elias, Anat Cohen, Helen Sung, Diane Schuur, Ellen Seeling, Val Jeanty, Carmen Lundy, Mindi Abair, Cheryl Bentyne, Jane Ira Bloom, Sharel Cassity, Connie Crothers, Jane Monheit, and Sherrie Maricle, speak about their earliest experiences playing music, the years of practice and study required to become a professional musician, and what it means to be a jazz musician in the 21st century. The 328-page book includes 42 photographs, a 24-page history of jazz, and individual introductions to each interview. The interviews are presented in a traditional Q&A format.

“In the years since the arrival of the second millennium, jazz has evolved into a truly cross-generational, multicultural musical art form that is assimilating an unprecedented array of musical styles and techniques. At the same time, the male-dominated paradigm that has defined the historical narrative of jazz is no more. Women are shaking up the music industry while the general public is becoming much more aware of the contributions female musicians have made to the art of jazz since its inception. Freedom of Expression: Interviews with Women in Jazz documents this profound evolution.” — Chris Becker

“At long last, an in-depth recognition of the female contributions to jazz.  As Dr. Billy Taylor said about the lack of awareness of female musicians: ‘If it isn’t written down, it didn’t happen.’ Now everyone will know that it did happen and continues to happen. What a great gift to the history of women and music.” — Judy Chaikin, director of the award-winning documentary The Girls in the Band

“This is a truly welcomed work to be added to the annals of jazz’s oral histories. Chris Becker shows great care, respect and benevolence for women artists, too often ignored, who have contributed much to creation of this music and who continue to push the genre forward by all means necessary.” – Janice Rhoshalle Littlejohn, journalist and director-producer of But Can She Play?: Blowin’ The Roof Off Women Horn Players and Jazz

“Finally, a comprehensive HERstory of jazz music! Each of the women interviewed in this book have created strong musical identities while operating under the radar for far too many years. Thanks to Chris Becker, the world can discover the inner workings and creative lives of these fine, deserving jazzwomen. This book is a riveting read . . . an exciting journey into the mind of female genius.” – Rachel Z, composer, keyboardist (Steps Ahead, Larry Coryell, Wayne Shorter, Peter Gabriel)

“These ladies, each in their own way, are true pioneers. This book is a very important contribution to the music world and the world at large.” – Mike Garson, composer, keyboardist (Stan Getz, Stanley Clarke, Freddie Hubbard, David Bowie)