September 25, 2006: Preliminary Notes

Most jazz biographies are about performers — singers and instrumentalists. Not only are they usually more famous than, say, arrangers or recording engineers, but their work is something that the public understands. Some composers become famous enough to merit a biography (even a movie) – think Cole Porter, George & Ira Gershwin… — but not often does an arranger get the spot light. Still there are a few including Peter Levinson’s “September in the Rain : The Life of Nelson Riddle” and Stephanie Stein Crease’s “Gil Evans: Out of the Cool“). One of the many challenges I face is how to give the reader a real understanding of the nuances of musical creativity, defining the fine lines between writing a melody, hearing a harmony, arranging for appropriate instruments, developing themes, orchestrating, composing, and re-imagining.

I have already completed the preliminary research and book proposal for Seeking Harmony, which Scarecrow Press has slated for publication in 2008. But I will flash back so you can appreciate the full journey. Here’s the most basic sequence of steps:

Look for the story

Assemble the basic chronology

Write proposal

Conduct research and interviews

Deepen the chronology and create lists of people and events themes and issues

Chapter outline – identify the conflicts

Consider the best approach. point-of-view, and voice for the story

Write and rewrite drafts

Edit drafts and “polish”

This may seem like a sequential list, but the process is never strictly linear. To begin with, I had to do a significant amount of research just to assemble the initial chronology of Luther’s life. I say “initial” for two reasons. First, because it is not by any means complete. And second, even when it becomes more complete, it will only be a timeline from which I will select what is to be included in the story and what will not make the cut.

Read the rest of this entry