With Louis and the Duke [The Autobiography of a Jazz Clarinetist] [first edition]

The autobiography of a major jazz clarinetist, With Louis and the Duke tells Barney Bigard's own story of life at the top of the jazz world. Bigard recounts his fourteen years with the Duke Ellington orchestra, from its formation in 1927 to its widespread fame in the early 1940s, followed by his long association with Louis Armstrong's newly-formed band, the All Stars. Bigard also recollects his early days in New Orleans, considers the influence of Lorenzo Tio on the "creole" school of jazz-clarinet playing, and discusses his associations with "King" Oliver, "Kid" Ory and other major jazz musicians. Full of witty and loving remembrances, as well as classic "backstage" stories, With Louis and the Duke contains Bigard's personal collection of photographs, many published here for the first time.