- 1. Really The Blues is a captivating autobiography written by Milton 'Mezz' Mezzrow, co-authored with Bernard Wolfe, which chronicles the vibrant life of Mezzrow, a Jewish white clarinetist and saxophonist who found his calling in the heart of the African American jazz scene during the early to mid-20th century. Through his unique narrative, Mezzrow provides an insider's perspective on the culture of jazz, the struggles of artists, and the complexities of race relations in America. The book is infused with Mezzrow's passion for music and his love for the many African American musicians who influenced him, revealing how he navigated the worlds of both music and societal expectations. He describes his experiences with legendary figures such as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, while also reflecting on his own identity and the paradoxes inherent in a life devoted to jazz. With vibrant prose and rich anecdotes, 'Really The Blues' stands out not only as a memoir of a musician's life but also as a poignant exploration of the themes of belonging, artistry, and the blues as an enduring form of expression.
What is the primary musical genre associated with Mezz Mezzrow?
A) Rock and Roll
B) Jazz
C) Country
D) Classical
- 2. Which instrument did Mezz Mezzrow famously play?
A) Clarinet
B) Piano
C) Trumpet
D) Drums
- 3. Mezzrow was known for his strong association with which group of musicians?
A) Nashville session players
B) Chicago jazz musicians
C) The Vienna Philharmonic
D) The Beatles
- 4. A significant theme in the book is Mezzrow's:
A) Desire to become a politician
B) Plan to invent a new instrument
C) Hatred of all music
D) Identification with Black culture
- 5. Mezzrow's record label was called:
A) Columbia
B) Blue Note
C) King Jazz
D) RCA Victor
- 6. Mezzrow was a close associate of which legendary trumpeter?
A) Louis Armstrong
B) Miles Davis
C) Dizzy Gillespie
D) Wynton Marsalis
- 7. In the book, Mezzrow often expresses admiration for:
A) Black musical expression and culture
B) European classical composers exclusively
C) Silent film actors
D) The political establishment
- 8. The narrative is famous for its use of:
A) 1930s jazz slang and vernacular
B) Technical scientific jargon
C) Legal terminology
D) Elizabethan English
- 9. The book was first published in what decade?
A) 1920s
B) 1940s
C) 1960s
D) 1980s
- 10. Later in life, Mezzrow moved to:
A) Havana, Cuba
B) London, England
C) Tokyo, Japan
D) Paris, France
- 11. Critics have debated the book's:
A) Cover art
B) Historical accuracy and authenticity
C) Page length
D) Use of punctuation
- 12. The book had a significant influence on:
A) The Romantic poets
B) Renaissance painters
C) Modern architects
D) The Beat Generation writers
- 13. Mezzrow's legacy is that of a:
A) Colorful and controversial jazz figure
B) Powerful record executive
C) Strict music teacher
D) Forgettable one-hit wonder
- 14. Mezzrow was a well-known proponent and distributor of what?
A) Marijuana
B) Bootleg alcohol
C) Opium
D) Cocaine
- 15. 'Really The Blues' was first published in what year?
A) 1946
B) 1956
C) 1936
D) 1926
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