Jon M. (musicmaven) reviewed on 9/13/2016 + 13 more book reviews

A little more than half way thru this tome, but far enough in to form opinions. Giddins has researched his subject well (with voluminous footnotes), of that there's no doubt. I've learned quite a bit about Crosby from it that's been surprising, thoughtful, and eyebrow raising. But it seems clear that Giddins has also written this thing with an eye toward impressing his audience with his own erudition. Lots of $5 words that don't seem to enhance the telling of Bing's story that much. Alternatively, Giddins seems to use certain words obsessively, e.g., "mordent" (quick alteration of principal tone with tone just below it). I didn't count, but it seems like I've read the word a hundred times already. I knew that Giddins had written other musical bios and I thought I wanted to read them, but after reading this, I don't think I could endure them. Wish Giddins had just told Bing's story without the over-emphasis and studiousness, which is great when scholars talk to one another, but I'd imagine most of 'this' audience will not be in that category. Worthwhile, but rather tedious, too.

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