The Baroness: The Search for Nica, the Rebellious Rothschild and Jazz's Secret Muse

Per documentarmi su un personaggio poco conosciuto dell'ambiente jazz

Hannah Rothschild perhaps, at times, feels impaired by her own Rothschild legacy, but, she is an amazing talent! -A friend of mine was in London and purchased a more recent book by Ms Rothschild, "The Improbability of Love". Had I seen this paperback at my local Barnes & Nobles I would not picked it up because the cover makes it appear to be a trashy modern romance. But that little paperback was simply delightful embracing the art world through one historical painting, and capturing the contemporary London scene. I was so enthused that I searched for other books by this author (whom I'd never heard of). Thus I found "The Search for Nica". After reading it, I am totally in awe of Ms Rothschild's talent! I'm sure it was cathartic for Ms Rothschild to trace her own family history through her great-aunt's life, but, she did it beautifully and in a balanced way. I'm grateful that she took the enormous time to do the interviews and documents research, and I am deeply grateful that she allowed the book to go to print. It allows us to understand the richness and tragedy of one person's life. -- Thank you Ms Rothschild. Please write more; you have a wonderful gift.

I enjoyed reading this book as it filled in a few blanks about the music I love.

Excellent

My interest in music is extremely eclectic and my interest in Thelonius Monk has happened slowly over the last decade. I am ambiguous about labelling Monk a genius but acknowledge his importance in the evolution of music (jazz if you must apply a label) So the main reason for buying the book was to learn more about Monk and the music that he composed, played and also influenced in the period of the 1940's and 1950's. What I experienced in the reading was much more than an insight into Monk and that period. The majority of the book focuses on the period from the mid 19th century to the mid 20th century. The succinct history of the Rothschild Empire is mixed with the landscape of Europe, United Kingdom, America and other countries impacted by in particular the great wars. Overlaying this is the evolution of Jazz music set in context of the era and the geography. It is not limited to but flows from Louis Armstrong through Duke Ellington onto Monk, Miles and Bird. Yet whilst it is an excellent historical summary on many levels it also is an emotionally engaging read. I connected with Nica and her family and the musicians - the connections with Nica and the musicicains was more often than not uncomfortable. The connection however was raw and real. I came away with an ambivalent feeling about Nica - suspended with feelings of admiration,empathy and frustration but still wanting to know more. Highly recommended