Really The Blues by Bernard Wolfe, Milton Mezz Mezzrow - Quiz
- 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) Classical
C) Country
D) Jazz
- 2. Which instrument did Mezz Mezzrow famously play?
A) Piano
B) Drums
C) Clarinet
D) Trumpet
- 3. Mezzrow was known for his strong association with which group of musicians?
A) Chicago jazz musicians
B) Nashville session players
C) The Beatles
D) The Vienna Philharmonic
- 4. A significant theme in the book is Mezzrow's:
A) Desire to become a politician
B) Plan to invent a new instrument
C) Identification with Black culture
D) Hatred of all music
- 5. Mezzrow's record label was called:
A) Blue Note
B) RCA Victor
C) King Jazz
D) Columbia
- 6. Mezzrow was a close associate of which legendary trumpeter?
A) Miles Davis
B) Wynton Marsalis
C) Dizzy Gillespie
D) Louis Armstrong
- 7. In the book, Mezzrow often expresses admiration for:
A) Silent film actors
B) The political establishment
C) Black musical expression and culture
D) European classical composers exclusively
- 8. The narrative is famous for its use of:
A) 1930s jazz slang and vernacular
B) Elizabethan English
C) Legal terminology
D) Technical scientific jargon
- 9. The book was first published in what decade?
A) 1940s
B) 1960s
C) 1980s
D) 1920s
- 10. Later in life, Mezzrow moved to:
A) London, England
B) Paris, France
C) Havana, Cuba
D) Tokyo, Japan
- 11. Critics have debated the book's:
A) Use of punctuation
B) Page length
C) Cover art
D) Historical accuracy and authenticity
- 12. The book had a significant influence on:
A) The Beat Generation writers
B) Modern architects
C) Renaissance painters
D) The Romantic poets
- 13. Mezzrow's legacy is that of a:
A) Powerful record executive
B) Forgettable one-hit wonder
C) Strict music teacher
D) Colorful and controversial jazz figure
- 14. Mezzrow was a well-known proponent and distributor of what?
A) Marijuana
B) Cocaine
C) Bootleg alcohol
D) Opium
- 15. 'Really The Blues' was first published in what year?
A) 1946
B) 1936
C) 1956
D) 1926
|