Good Things Happen Slowly

A Life In and Out of Jazz

De: Fred Hersch

Narrado por: Steven Jay Cohen, Fred Hersch

Jazz could not contain Fred Hersch.

Hersch’s prodigious talent as a sideman—a pianist who played with the giants of the twentieth century in the autumn of their careers, including Art Farmer and Joe Henderson—blossomed further in the eighties and beyond into a compositional genius that defied the boundaries of bop, sweeping in elements of pop, classical, and folk to create a wholly new music.

Good Things Happen Slowly is his memoir. It’s the story of the first openly gay, HIV-positive jazz player; a deep look into the cloistered jazz culture that made such a status both transgressive and groundbreaking; and a profound exploration of how Hersch’s two-month-long coma in 2007 led to his creating some of the finest, most direct, and most emotionally compelling music of his career.

Remarkable, and at times lyrical, Good Things Happen Slowly is an evocation of the twilight of Post-Stonewall New York, and a powerfully brave narrative of illness, recovery, music, creativity, and the glorious reward of finally becoming oneself.

"I'm a very lucky man."

I have loved jazz since the late 50s so could not resist Free Hersch's memoirs. He did not disappoint, charging not only his own musical career and the influences which helped inspire him but also giving insight into what it must have been like to live through those early and terrifying years of AIDS. He writes with a subdued passion and Steven Jay Cohen gives voice to his narrative with beautifully narrated sensitivity. At the end, there is a brief contribution from Herschel himself, and it is apparent that his voice must have been similar to that of Cohen before the illness which later assailed him and, for a whi!e, took away his ability to speak.

It is a wonderfully evocative story of music and also very life affirming. My only personal regret is that a little more of Hersch's work was not included, especially in sections where he was explaining his personal deve!opments. There are, however, two musical inclusions. This is a book to be enjoyed by so many, not only those who love of have loved jazz, but all who have found themselves struggling to survive, whether because of illness or emotionally. Times and certain attitudes have changed but people stay the same.

a wonder and a delight

Very well written. This book allowed us non- musicians an introduction into the process. Beautifully done! an inspiration to read.

Wonderful

Mr. Cohen did a fine job with Mr. Hersch's story. Both the addition of music from Leaves of Grass (why don't memoir productions from musicians do this?) and actually hearing from Fred Hersch himself were very memorable moments. I would also add that I really enjoyed the chapter that describe the physicality of piano playing.

An excellent memoir about a fabulous pianist

I've liked Fred Hersch's music for many years. I knew nothing about him as a person. I recently found out he wrote this book and decided it would be interesting to learn more about him and hopefully get more insight into what inspires his playing and composing. This book gave exactly what I was looking for in terms of his inspiration and drive, but also so much more. I had no idea his life was so "full". I enjoyed the book and relish the insights I acquired that help provide me a deeper appreciation for what I hear in his music.