Bob Porter, Soul Jazz: Jazz In The Black Community, 1945-1975, Xlibris
Sometimes it’s good to get back to the basics. Bob Porter’s new book guides you there. For decades, Porter has disseminated the jazz basics by way of records he has produced, liner notes he has written, and radio programs he has hosted. He is active today on WBGO, a leading jazz station. Among the many artists he has brought to public attention are Gene Ammons, Hank Crawford, Jimmy McGriff, Horace Silver, Harold Mabern, David “Fathead†Newman and Houston Person. An example from among the extensive list of Porter’s productions is the 1969 Person album Goodness, which included the soul hit, “Jamilah.†(You can listen to “Jamilah” here). Porter writes clearly and comprehensively, incorporating his vast knowledge of leading soul jazz musicians and personal experience with them.