Coltrane: A Biography

Rating:
Summary: Captures the spirit of the music and the dignity of the man
Review: Simpkins' "Coltrane" is an insightful narrative of the life of the jazz giant. Mr. Simpkins convincingly informs us and clearly captures the unique spirit of this music and time; Eloquently portrays the dignity and character of the man. A wonderful effort at defining the mystique surrounding John Coltrane.

Rating:
Summary: A colorful portrayal of this incredible man and musician
Review: This is a book for those of us who find something majestic in John Coltrane's music. Simpkins does well in carrying the reader through Coltrane's life, starting with his childhood, and finishing with his death. Even though the author seems to show great excitement in telling us Coltrane's story, he fails to fully backup his research, reciting quotations from Coltrane's childhood which for all we know, could be utter nonsense and simply the author's imagination taking over to make the story more interesting. Additionally, the author, in this humble critics opinion, might have done better by perhaps discussing Coltrane's relationships with both Miles Davis and heroin, rather than attempting to verbally describe his music in many sections of the book, a feat that even Shakespeare would be unable to perform. Nevertheless, it is a book which most Coltrane enthusiasts should pick up at one point or another to fully appreciate the roots of Coltrane's music!!!! -Bravo, Mr. Simpkins

Rating:
Summary: A colorful portrayal of this incredible man and musician
Review: This is a book for those of us who find something majestic in John Coltrane's music. Simpkins does well in carrying the reader through Coltrane's life, starting with his childhood, and finishing with his death. Even though the author seems to show great excitement in telling us Coltrane's story, he fails to fully backup his research, reciting quotations from Coltrane's childhood which for all we know, could be utter nonsense and simply the author's imagination taking over to make the story more interesting. Additionally, the author, in this humble critics opinion, might have done better by perhaps discussing Coltrane's relationships with both Miles Davis and heroin, rather than attempting to verbally describe his music in many sections of the book, a feat that even Shakespeare would be unable to perform. Nevertheless, it is a book which most Coltrane enthusiasts should pick up at one point or another to fully appreciate the roots of Coltrane's music!!!! -Bravo, Mr. Simpkins