[Dixielandjazz] Re: 2005 Bix bio.

[Bill Haesler]

> Apparently, there is a new bio out on Bix, by a Frenchman.  ...........
Should I buy it?,<

Dear Mike,
I think so.
The reviews are very enthusiastic. Albert Haim and Norman Field helped with
the English Translation.
Here is a review from Rick Kennedy (Ohio).
Google for others.
I am about to order it.
Amazon have goods price deals on it at the moment.
In haste, as I have to go shopping.
Kind regards,
Bill. 

'BIX: The Definitive Biography of A Jazz Legend' by Jean Pierre Lion.
 If Bix was there, Jean Pierre Lion was there too! , July 22, 2005
Previous Bix Beiderbecke biographies were marred by too much trivia and
speculation. The late Philip Evans was the ultimate Bix biographer, but his
books overwhelm you with minutia. Jean Pierre Lion depends heavily upon
Evans' landmark research; in fact, he is quick to acknowledge all of the
great Bix research by Richard Sudhalter and others.

But Mr. Lion, a French business executive with a deep passion for early
jazz, has taken a very refreshing approach to the Bix story. As a Frenchman,
he's able to stand back and put Bix in the context of the American Roaring
'20s. The book is biography, part social history, part travel book. It's
great reading, and not ruined by self-indulgent musical analysis. Lion wrote
the book on the assumption that his readers already know a fair bit about
Bix's musical contribution.

Mr. Lion traveled to virtually every single spot in America where Bix had an
important moment. Given that Bix died at age 28, it was possible. And his
book is full of his wonderful little photographs of these historic sites
(old hotels, city streets, private homes, ballrooms, etc.) as they appear
today. That may prove to have the greatest appeal to Bixologists. You can
toss Jean Pierre's book in your car and go on one heck of a across-country
field trip. 

Like almost all jazz histories, this book won't sell well, and Mr. Lion
obviously didn't create it for money. But it's a little treasure for jazz
buffs - so don't let this one slip away! I immediately read it from cover to
cover, and because of its beautiful visual appeal, it will be pulled from my
book shelf for many years to come. Felicitations, Monsieur Lion!