Comments on: RIP, Nat Hentoff

By: Joseph

Joseph — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 04:56:46 +0000

It’s amazing how many times you see the name “Nat Hentoff” on Jazz Lp’s.
I always got great pleasure reading these reviews.
RIP

By: Rich DG Mono

Rich DG Mono — Sun, 15 Jan 2017 01:52:43 +0000

It’s very interesting to learn of Coltrane, especially pre-Giant Steps, being worried that his playing sounds like ‘academic exercises’, and it makes a lot of sense…never read the Giant Steps notes before.

By: geoffrey wheeler

geoffrey wheeler — Sat, 14 Jan 2017 04:23:41 +0000

Hentoff was born in 1925, as was another legend of the jazz world, George Wein, who thankfully is still with us. Whereas Hentoff influenced me through radio and print, Wein influenced me through the wonderful musicians he featured in his two Boston clubs, Storyville and Mahagony Hall!

By: geoffrey wheeler

geoffrey wheeler — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 18:16:07 +0000

I first discovered Nat Hentoff on Boston radio in the early ’50s on AM station WMEX when I was in high school. His theme song was the Bluebird 78 by Rex Stewart called “Mobile Bay.” I never heard him identify it on air. There were times when Hentoff came off as pedantic and had a dictionary at his elbow. Next, I began reading his articles and reviews in Down Beat. The late IAJRC member, Chuck Sweningsen, worked at Down Beat at the time. He told me he had to heavily edit Hentoff’s copy. I faithfully read his material in Down Beat because I liked his writing and found him challenging. He also pointed the way on what to listen to and for. Even when I disagreed with what he said, I took note and proceeded to see if I was mistaken. Most of the time, I found I still disagreed with him. After he diverged from jazz writing, I parted ways with him. I vehemently disagreed with his views on abortion.

By: David J

David J — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 05:33:55 +0000

Some of Hentoff’s work has been collected in book form. It should be considered essential reading for any lover of jazz. The king is dead; long live the king.

By: Jack Bee

Jack Bee — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 17:57:12 +0000

I found Nat Hentoff and his contemporaries at the sge of 13, learned jazz and the art of a wordsmith, thanks is not enough.

By: GST

GST — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 17:18:11 +0000

Great reviewer.

By: Clifford Allen

Clifford Allen — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 17:31:28 +0000

Nat was a huge influence on my listening and understanding of the music. He will be missed.

By: Sean

Sean — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 00:15:29 +0000

Wow! That seller from Germany is getting some nice prices. Someone just paid $637 for Andrew Hill “Point of Departure” He mentions Ear in other listings but on this one he just says “1st original US plastilite pressing.” Also $461 for Larry Young “Into Something” and $480 Wayne Shorter “Night Dreamer” on these two he clearly states Ear.

By: Gregory The Fish

Gregory The Fish — Sun, 08 Jan 2017 23:48:24 +0000

I wish more white jazz fans were more like Nat. I try to be.