Really The Blues by Bernard Wolfe, Milton Mezz Mezzrow
- 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) Clarinet
B) Trumpet
C) Piano
D) Drums
- 3. Mezzrow was known for his strong association with which group of musicians?
A) The Beatles
B) Nashville session players
C) The Vienna Philharmonic
D) Chicago jazz musicians
- 4. A significant theme in the book is Mezzrow's:
A) Plan to invent a new instrument
B) Hatred of all music
C) Identification with Black culture
D) Desire to become a politician
- 5. Mezzrow's record label was called:
A) RCA Victor
B) Columbia
C) King Jazz
D) Blue Note
- 6. Mezzrow was a close associate of which legendary trumpeter?
A) Miles Davis
B) Louis Armstrong
C) Wynton Marsalis
D) Dizzy Gillespie
- 7. In the book, Mezzrow often expresses admiration for:
A) The political establishment
B) Silent film actors
C) European classical composers exclusively
D) Black musical expression and culture
- 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) 1980s
B) 1920s
C) 1940s
D) 1960s
- 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) Historical accuracy and authenticity
D) Cover art
- 12. The book had a significant influence on:
A) The Beat Generation writers
B) The Romantic poets
C) Modern architects
D) Renaissance painters
- 13. Mezzrow's legacy is that of a:
A) Colorful and controversial jazz figure
B) Strict music teacher
C) Powerful record executive
D) Forgettable one-hit wonder
- 14. Mezzrow was a well-known proponent and distributor of what?
A) Opium
B) Bootleg alcohol
C) Marijuana
D) Cocaine
- 15. 'Really The Blues' was first published in what year?
A) 1956
B) 1936
C) 1926
D) 1946
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