Mr. Trumpet

From time to time, the opportunity comes along to praise the dedication and hard work of a respected acquaintance. This is an especially pleasant opportunity when a book exceeds the already high expectations that one may have had in advance of publication. Knowing the writer and the subject matter led me to expect nothing but the best and most informative read. However, having read and considered the contents of the work, I can enthusiastically say that I have just finished an impressive work of professional scholarship that will stand as one of the rare and essential histories of jazz and the big band era. * Examiner * There have been intelligent articles, commentary, books, and record liner notes about Bunny Berigan in the past, but this new, panoramic biography by Michael P. Zirpolo easily surpasses all previous efforts.... Throughout the 550 pages and 25 chapters, Zirpolo provides, in an interesting narrative, all the necessary facts, and gives the work a proper and thorough context--something that has often been lacking in other book-length writings about the big bands. While as knowledgeable a swing aficionado as they come, he retains the objectivity needed to write the definitive biography of Berigan, and tells his story with understanding, compassion, and respect. (Zirpolo) recognized the scope of Berigan's talents, the importance of his artistic achievements, and his standing in the big band business way beyond the classic recording of 'I Can't Get Started.' Significantly, he explains or corrects many heretofore misunderstood events in Berigan's life... including how Berigan became an alcoholic, why his marriage was unsuccessful, the nature of his friendship with Tommy Dorsey, and his relationship with Music Corporation of America (MCA)." From cover to cover, Zirpolo's book has raised the jazz scholarship bar, and deserves a spot on the bookshelf along such pioneering and esteemed writers as Walter C. Allen, Whitney Balliett, John Chilton, D. Russell Connor, Stanley Dance, Chip Deffaa, Charles Delauney, Leonard Feather, John Flower, Edward F. Polic, Brian Rust, Gunther Schuller, Chris Sheridan, George T. Simon (whom, by the way, Zirpolo takes issue with for Simon's sometimes less-than-enthusiastic reviews of Berigan's talents), Richard M. Sudhalter, and Leo Walker. Big Band Library rating: Supremely Excellent -- Christopher Popa * Big Band Library * Michael Zirpolo's book is an immense blessing: it is the book on Bunny Berigan that we have been waiting for. Every page has a new story funny, revealing, or sad about this man who threw himself into his music so wholeheartedly that he played more in his brief lifetime than six or seven other (more well-behaved) musicians. But the book is also a Wicked Tempter, so beware! I have it on my kitchen table and whenever I walk by, Mr. Trumpet beckons to me. I read two pages, entranced, and I have to tear myself away by brute force to get on with the less entrancing parts of everyday life. Intoxicating, addictive, a good read, a page-turner . . . you name it. I wanted to say this now, right away, so that others could get hooked, too! -- Michael Steinman * Jazz Lives * This book is, no doubt, the last word on Berigan. At 550 pages it is an impressive body of work, thoroughly researched and, befitting its subject, never dull. * Jersey Jazz * Bunny Berigan was one of the magnificent jazz soloists of the 1930s. After arriving in New York from Wisconsin, his yeoman work in the recording studios and brief but significant stints with the bands of Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey led to milestone recordings and enough notoriety for the star trumpeter to start his own big band. The band's failure can be attributed to Berigan's ignorance of how the business worked, and probably to his concurrent and increasingly destructive alcoholism, which led to his death at the age of only 33. This encyclopedic volume painstakingly do

Michael Zirpolo has been a practicing attorney since 1975. He has written numerous articles and presented many times on jazz musicians and the development of jazz from 1925 to 1960. He has served as a guest on radio programs and has digitally remastered vintage jazz recordings.