Review
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In Fabulous Female Musicians, author Sammy Stein presents engaging interviews with 21 notable female artists from the international jazz scene and beyond, exploring their individual forays into a multitude of musical styles and instruments. Among those featured are established and rising talents like Amina Figarova, Simone Baron, Anjelica Cleaver, Destiny Muhammad, and Emma Rawicz. These artists open up about their unique paths within the music world, highlighting the obstacles they've surmounted within an industry traditionally dominated by men.
This insightful work gives a platform to these artists, allowing them to candidly share their experiences with discrimination and overcoming adversities, all the while holding a hopeful gaze toward what the future holds for women in the field. There's a palpable sense of optimism and a collective endeavor to foster progressive change that courses through the narrative.
Stein's Fabulous Female Musicians stands out for its rich diversity. It showcases the voices of pianists, harpists, vocalists, and producers alike while Stein diligently preserves the integrity of each musician's commentary. This commitment results in a vibrant and dynamic tone throughout the pages, echoing a concert of authentic voices.
Beyond the personal accounts, the book serves as a source of encouragement for budding musicians and professionals striving to harmonize their ambitions with their vocations. The book dispenses practical advice on versatility across musical styles, the power of kindness, and the necessity of resilience. Moreover, Fabulous Female Musicians touches on the enchanting essence of music, especially in the wake of shifts brought about by global events, technological advancements, and the rise of artificial intelligence in the industry. The artists articulate with fervor the profound emotional resonance of music and its role in enriching the human experience.
This compelling volume is a must-read for those passionate about music history, contemporary musical innovation, the ongoing dialogue around gender roles in the arts, or anyone seeking a dose of inspiration. Sammy Stein's work is an accessible celebration of the spirit and tenacity of female musicians navigating and reshaping today's sonic landscape." Literary Titan ★★★★★ 5 stars
"Stein caught my attention previously. Her writing and advocacy for jazz is renown. As I glance through the many books about music, it seems to me she is one of the world's most notable writers who are also jazz advocates.
And this is not the first time that Stein has reviewed female musicians. Her previous books include Women In Jazz and In Their Own Words. These books drew attention to women who might not have been otherwise known to many listeners.
Because this book comes to each highlighted musician through an interview, they get to tell their story in their own words. This is a significant part of the beauty of this book." Stan Smith MuZ4Now
"When we think of the musical greats throughout history, we're bound to think first of the men who dominated music. There were women musicians, music teachers, performers, and composers, but their lights didn't shine quite so brightly. To a certain extent, that continues today, but women are gradually making some progress in making their musical voices heard and being recognized as just as good as, if not better, than their male counterparts. Sammy Stein has collected stories and interviews with twenty-one contemporary female musicians and published their stories in her book, Fabulous Female Musicians. She introduces each musician with a quote and a bio, and then interviews them with poignant questions that define who they are in relation to their music. New York flutist and composer Jamie Baum quite aptly says, "Music is not just a job, it's a way of life, a way of being and viewing the world." Pianist and composer Amina Figarova defines music as something that "has always been there and will never die." She goes on to say, "Music is like water. It is my life, what I was born to do. I do not know life without music or what it would be like."
Sammy Stein's Fabulous Female Musicians is a collection of interviews and stories that map the contemporary world of music from a woman's perspective. The author covers a lot of thoughts and ideas, allowing the musical voices to shine through as they describe the high points and low points in their musical journeys. Important topics are covered like dealing with bullies (particularly of the male variety), or simply the basic need we all share to make money. Through the good times and the not-so-good times, the women in this collection have one thing in common: a passion for their music. By sharing their stories, they will encourage future generations of female musicians to continue the journey. Heartwarming and captivating, this is an engaging, educational, and inspiring read." 5 stars!! Emily-Jane Hills Orford readers Favorite
"The quality of this book shows her impressive ability to network and identify people with something important to say. She collects in depth interviews with 21 women who have successful music careers; not all are household names but listening reveals that they're all outstanding creators; most are composers and bandleaders as well as players and many also teach at a high level. One of the book's strengths lies in its global representation, bringing together musicians from different cultures and backgrounds, highlighting the universal nature of music and its ability to transcend borders.
Stein is upbeat about the progress towards more equitable appreciation of women musicians but pull no punches in showing that things are still far from ideal. We probably all notice that jazz audiences and musicians tend to be dis-proportionately male - as well as tending towards an older demographic, none of which can be good for the future of the music.
It's striking how many of the woman musicians interviewed still rely on bands which have mostly male members. There are exceptions such as Ellen Rowe who recently was recording with an all-woman band. Then other musicians like Amina Figarova take the view that they've never experienced discrimination amongst musicians and choose to work with an all-male band because they are the best players she can find.
Other interviews provide plenty of examples of prejudice and unsavoury attitudes towards women in jazz. "I've been in a situation where I've asked a promoter at a club if I could have a gig with my own band and been told, 'Give us a kiss and I'll think about it.'" says Zoe Rahman. For Charu Suri: "Almost every single gig I've been on, there's been some sort of comment about my looks and my beauty, and sometimes I'll get a throwaway comment about my music." A consistent theme is the need to be tough; "I would rather be a diva than a pushover" says China Moses. Evie Asio advises: "Rejection is not a possibility; it's an inevitability, so celebrate your wins and learn from your losses."
The artists interviewed offer advice and valuable insights for those seeking to embark on their own musical journeys, whatever their gender. "Music is a community, and you need to be active in that community. Go to all your friends' shows and bring people. Follow other musicians online, contribute to their efforts, and go to hear music any chance you get! Be the friend you wish you had!" says Leni Stern. It sounds obvious but so many jazzers still forget to do these basic things.
All the musicians are optimistic about the future but recognise the huge challenges in building a career. For example, Jamie Baum observes "intellectual property rights seems to no longer exist, and it's difficult to predict.... what sources of steady income will be available to most musicians other than from teaching." But as Natasha Seale advises: "Be prepared to educate (why wouldn't you want to do this?)"
Reading Sammy's work in the past has introduced me to many lesser known gems so I combined reading this new volume with a little research about each artist. Personal favourite discoveries this time include Simone Baron, Jelly Cleaver, Evie Asio and Brigitte Beraha. The 21 musicians represent a great cross section of different approaches to improvised music and thoughtful artists with a lot to say. An important and highly readable book." Stephen Godsall Jazz Halo
From the Author
Music speaks to us on different levels. It can help create an atmosphere in films, set the mood in adverts, accompany games, and you can have it on as background or immerse yourself in a live concert. Music unites people and can alter our outlook. Women have been part of music's evolution, but historically those who composed, performed, recorded, presented, and wrote about music were mostly men. Men, in effect, controlled music in all its forms. However, for decades a quiet revolution has been happening— the rise of the female musician and the increase of her power. With changing social, political, and moral attitudes, women are finally seen as equal to men. They no longer need to prove themselves or outshine men time and time again. They are a welcome and enriching presence in music. While society continues to develop a more egalitarian attitude, women take places once occupied by men, from bandleaders to soloists, producers to lecturers and professors of music. Gradually, we are seeing changes in attitude and an acceptance of everyone as equal, merited for their talent. Or are we? What does being a female musician today really look like? Is it a myth to believe we are at that place where we can say all is equal in music? To find the truth, I interviewed twenty-one female musicians who are at the top of their profession. Many are exemplars of how being female is no obstacle to success. They play many genres, from folk, jazz, classical, popular, blues, soul, and ragga. They are from different countries—India, Azerbaijan, the UK, Asia, America, and more. Some began their musical journey as a child while others began it later in life. All are working professionals, with different viewpoints and advice. Though many were drawn from the jazz field, their musical interests and success span many genres. I asked each woman how they came to music and found the instrument they specialize in. I asked each woman a similar set of questions about their music career, so I could obtain comparisons. I asked them about their journey, whether they had experienced discrimination or bullying, and how they might advise female musicians wanting to make a career in music. The answers varied, but the passion these professionals feel for music is palpable. I believe the answers offer revealing insights into the life of a female musician. This book is about what music means to these female musicians, their influences, and the drive that fuels their passion. Apart from edits for grammar, the interviews are the women's own words. As female musicians are acknowledged and step forward, what is clear is that the presence and success of female musicians enrich music beyond what we ever thought possible. I am grateful that so many busy, dedicated, and outstandingly talented female musicians were willing to be interviewed and share their journeys.
From the Back Cover
Few writers are better placed than award-winning author Sammy Stein to speak directly to musicians. Sammy's work has won praise across the globe. From Readers' Digest and The Library of Congress to magazines and books, Sammy has been sharing musicians' stories for many years.
In Fabulous Female Musicians, Sammy celebrates 21 remarkable female musicians who have made an indelible mark on the music industry. From India to Azerbaijan, the UK and the US, each woman's story is unique. These trailblazing women have broken barriers and inspired countless others.
The interviews are heartfelt and cover many subjects. They offer a glimpse into the emotions professional musicians feel for their art, their successes, and advice for those aspiring to become professional musicians. Sammy shares the triumphs, challenges, and inspiring journeys of these amazing women. From abuse to bullies and how to deal with them, from making money to encouraging those who follow, from the lows to the successes of professional life, the musicians in this book share their passion for music. Their stories will captivate your heart, inspire and leave you in awe. Sammy proves once again she is at the heart of music and this book serves to bring these fabulous female musicians deservedly into the spotlight.
About the Author
Sammy Stein has had five books published. She has also been commissioned by The Library of Congress, Readers Digest, WeJazz and other magazines. Her 'Women In Jazz' ( 8th House Publishers) book won a Jazz Times Distaff Award and saw Sammy go on their Gearhead list. She won Phace magazine's Book of The Year and her book The Wonder of Jazz, received a top award from Readers Favourite and many other plaudits. As well as authoring books, Sammy has hosted radio shows on the popular Jazz Bites radio station in the US and contributed to BBC and Jazz FM radio shows. She writes regularly for three online columns, Something Else Reviews, Free Jazz Collective and Platinum Mind, where she is their jazz correspondent. Sammy organised the now legendary London Jazz Platform in 2017 showcasing 14 acts from the UK and Europe.
