Benched: Jazz Stories

If you’re a jazz musician or fan, there’s a good chance you’ve read some of Bill Anschell’s darkly hilarious jazz stories without knowing it. Two of them—“Jazz Jam Session Primer” and “Careers in Jazz”—have been posted on countless websites in numerous languages, often with his name removed. “Careers in Jazz” was also the centerpiece of a Wall Street Journal column on the disappearing jazz audience, and is one of the most-read stories on allaboutjazz.com. Anschell has worked as a jazz pianist for more than forty years, playing literally thousands of gigs both on concert stages and in the trenches. He’s performed at the Kennedy Center, at the Monterrey Jazz Festival, and in a Kroger checkout lane. He’s also accompanied renowned vocalists and instrumentalists, as well as a hand-fart artist (aka, a “manualist”) and a faith healer. Benched makes the most of his wildly diverse experiences, and is also his coming-out as the author of a previously anonymous column, Mr. P.C.’s Guide to Jazz Etiquette and Bandstand Decorum. Anschell selected the very best installments from the column’s 14-year history, along with eight of his favorite stories, for this long-awaited book. Collectively, the pieces offer an entertaining entry into the unique mindset and milieu of the jazz musician. Benched is highly recommended reading for jazz musicians, listeners, and anyone with a taste for well-crafted satire. View Less