Books by Michael Sparke

I never knew my paternal grandfather, but I was told he loved the music of Bartok, Stravinsky, Hindemith, and above all, Stan Kenton .  My grandfather was a professional jazz drummer in the era of big band, supposedly with more talent than workplace discipline .  Maybe because it's a way of keeping a connection with Grandpa Tom, but I've been listening to the music of Stan Kenton for about thirty-five years.  In any case the best Kenton cuts (download here ) still strike me as underrated.  Despi...