Empire Of Sin

[Chazro]

I'm reading this book by Gary Krist - Empire Of Sin - A Story Of Sex, Jazz, Murder, And The Battle For Modern New Orleans. What a great book! Although historically factual, it reads like a novel. Covering the 30-yr period of time during the beginning of the 20th century. Effortlessly covering the politics, scandals, socio-economics, racism, crime, ranging from Mafiosi to prostitution, to an infamous serial ax killer, AND the birth of Jazz. When he writes about the beginnings of the music, prior to it even being called Jazz, it's a dynamic thrillride. Buddy Bolden, Jelly Roll Morton, Kid Ory, and the chapter I just finished reading introduces this 'kid'; Louis Armstrong! The thing that's so striking to me is the element of danger, of being an 'outlaw' music, of it being 'butt-shaking' music! As wonderful as the music is today, sometimes I feel it's a step away from being as stodgy and 'correct' as classical music. Book's a great read, meticulously researched, highly recommended!