In the 1940s and 1950s, a young Ernest McCarty Jr. lived in a world awash with music. His mother conducted Thomas A. Dorsey's Soloists Bureau-made up of Chicago's best gospel singers-and the city's nightclubs were home to jazz royalty such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Miles Davis. A classically trained bassist himself, McCarty dreamed of playing with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra-but his hopes would eventually be dashed when he was barred from auditioning because he was African American.
Recollections recounts McCarty's triumphant story of breaking free from society's stringent boundaries to achieve remarkable successes in the world of jazz and beyond. Full of tales about his time playing with legendary pianist Erroll Garner, his memoir also includes escapades with Ike and Tina Turner, a humorous incident while on tour with Gloria Gaynor, and much more. Present throughout is the fervor of the Civil Rights Movement, making Recollections a unique historical account of a pivotal time in US history.
Passionate, funny, and told with the melodic cadence of a born storyteller, Recollections takes you on an unforgettable adventure through an age that's all but forgotten.
About the Author: Ernest McCarty Jr. is an accomplished bass player, pianist, playwright, producer, and director. Growing up in Chicago, his goal as a teen was to play bass in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, but when discrimination barred his way, he turned to jazz, eventually touring the world with performers such as Erroll Garner and Gloria Gaynor.
Throughout his career, McCarty has won numerous awards, including an Emmy for his appearance on the WABC show Like It Is, a Joseph Jefferson Citations Wing Award for the Madame Hortense musical score, and three AACTA Onyx Awards-two for best production of Blue and American Menu, and one for best direction of Purlie Victorious. Even now in his seventies, McCarty continues to play the string bass.
