My first reaction upon completing this new book was, “Wow! What a masterful biography of a major jazz musician.” Okay, the presentation is a somewhat unorthodox as a jazz biography, but, if you are interested in the facts presented unpretentiously, they’re all there.

Given space limitations, I will simply note upfront some of the strengths of this treatise. Lasocki is an authority on the subject, having already written books on Astral Project as well as on individual members of that band (Tony Dagradi and James Singleton). He is a highly qualified music scholar, with numerous publications on a variety of musical subjects. The book is thoroughly researched and documented. It includes detailed interviews with the guitarist as well as others who know him (including some of Steve’s former students).

Besides being an extremely full treatment of Steve Masakowski’s life and music, I found the book to be a most valuable account of the modern jazz scene in New Orleans over the last 30 years or so. Thus it becomes an important historical document as well. But, most importantly, it reveals Steve Masakowski as an unusually gifted musician, composer and educator—as well as a humble and down-to-earth human being.

The narrative is not distracted by breezy language, but there are sections where the technical detail may be over the head of most members of the general public. That should not deter the interested reader, however.
In short, if you’re a Steve Masakowski fan (how can any jazz lover from New Orleans not be?), this book is a must read. I recommend it highly.