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What people are saying about Straight Ahead
“…if anyone can offer useful, competent advice, it's Khan...Straight Ahead is a musician's lifesaver, a vehicle to aid safe passage through the shark-infested waters of the music business… This compendium should be on the bookshelf of every musician (and not just jazz musicians)…" Don Heckman - Los Angeles Times - 3/27/05
"Marty Khan is the master of the way in which the business of the arts is conducted. No classroom course, convention panel, or self-serving industry hype will present the truth in the way this book presents it. Practicing music industry judo for over three decades, Marty knows more about this topic than anyone I have known in my 65 years as an artist. This book distills his extraordinary perception and experience, and is a must for the musicians/artists who wish to survive, create, and control their work and their lives in the twenty-first century." "I first met Marty Khan about 15 years ago when he did a Business of Music workshop partnered by ASCAP and the National Jazz Service Organization. His in-depth knowledge and clarity with no-nonsense presentation skills totally impressed me. I recall commenting to him that I learned more about the music business in that one evening than the 35 plus years I had as a musician in the trenches. I feel that Marty's book gives a unique insight to understanding the pros and cons of the music business, particularly those industry forces who continue in their attempts to implement 'control' over artistic expression, visibility and audience development." Larry Ridley
"Finally, a book that really tells it like it is, from someone who has clearly been through and seen it all. One of the earliest chapters (Ten Disturbing Facts That Must Be Understood) reads like a manifesto on what is wrong with the system as it currently exists. But far from merely a scathing critique, Straight Ahead is especially invaluable because of the paths around those treacherous corners he maps. Particularly compelling is Khan's chapter on The Concept of Self-Empowerment, in which he advocates forming one's own non-profit as a key potential method for presenting oneself competitively and effectively to others. But really for anyone out there trying to negotiate the jazz business, there will be ample gems of world-weathered wisdom to be gleaned from this book, and I highly, highly recommend it.” D.D. Jackson - Jazz pianist/composer, Down Beat "Living Jazz" columnist
"I can only hope that today’s young musicians will take advantage of the opportunity to learn about the Business of Music from Marty Khan's exciting book Straight Ahead. Growing up in Indianapolis during the 40's 50's and 60's I soon realized that we knew very little concerning the business end of Jazz which we loved so much. Our music education was gained from listening to many great musicians who came through town from New York, Chicago, Kansas City, Oklahoma, Texas, and many other places. Although these fantastic musicians provided our Jazz education experiences, we knew very little about how they came to be where they were at any given time. The business part of the music was done by the seat of our pants. It was all glamour. Straight Ahead provides the most important missing link in this business we know as Jazz. This is a blessing for today's musicians as well as those of the future.
Congratulations and thanks Marty." Dr. Willis F. Kirk Jr., Educator, Composer, Drummer
"I've worked with Marty Khan for nearly 30 years. His commitment to jazz musicians and their self-empowerment is unparalleled. By utilizing his methods and ideas, I've been able to successfully pursue all of my artistic goals entirely under my own discretion, while maintaining ownership and control of my own artistic creations and career. This book is an invaluable tool for all musicians and professionals who wish to follow that path." “The 35 years of real world business experience shared with you in this book will guide you throughout your career. A MUST HAVE.” “I strongly urge you to order Straight Ahead - the best and most comprehensive guide to an understanding of how to function and improve your business acumen and awareness. Every musician and music student aspiring to make a living and be a factor in the 'jazz' and music business needs to read this, add it to their arsenal and utilize its advice as a tool for clawing and chipping away at the fortress of inequality and injustice amassed against us…Kudos to Marty Khan for telling it like it really is. Kudos for anyone who is courageous enough to read it and apply it instead of avoiding and denying what has to be done.” "Marty has guided my husband, George, and me through the mine field of the music business for 25 years. I have observed firsthand his negotiations with record companies and presenters; his determination and insistence on the rights of the artist and the protection and best presentation of the art, itself, make him a person to be respected and, in the eyes of certain individuals, feared. Through his clarity and understanding of how things work, he illuminates the truth and eliminates the hype. His take on matters is usually the polar opposite to that of others; when they say stop, Marty says Straight Ahead. This book omits nothing: Clear away the myths, mysteries, and rumors which surround the business of jazz - read it .” “I am not a musician - I am a lawyer who has worked with many musicians over many years and this work has brought me the privilege of working, collaborating, and ‘plowing the road’ with Marty Khan. It would have been easy for Marty to download his vast experience in the Jazz business and tinge it with bitterness and regret. But, through this book, he has chosen another route, and I am proud of him and this very significant result. Rather than warning his audience to learn from the mistakes of the past, he urges musicians not to make these mistakes in the first place. This book clearly shows the way, not out, but through that maelstrom that some call the music business -- by going STRAIGHT AHEAD. For any jazz musician out there, or for anyone who cares about where all of this stuff is going, the information in this book is absolutely essential.” Lenny Easter - Attorney and Professor of Law
"Marty's book has been a long time coming – exactly what our jazz students, as well as many of us older pros, need to know about the business of jazz. The book covers virtually everything the jazz musician needs to understand to make a living in this business without having to compromise his or her artistic integrity. And it speaks in a 'straight ahead' manner, a way in which even the least business-savvy among us can understand. Definitely a must-own for any jazz musician's library." J.B. Dyas – Executive Director – The Brubeck Institute
"Finally, a comprehensive book that provides intellectual self-defense for the jazz musician! This kind of 'real' education about the jazz industry can serve as the catalyst for the emergence of a new movement for artists’ empowerment in the 21st Century." Keith R. McKinley - Attorney at Law
President - Board of Directors - African-American Jazz Caucus of the IAJE "Marty Khan's insight into the true dynamics of the business of jazz
coupled with his fierce integrity make Straight Ahead a must-read for
anyone pursuing a livelihood in this field. He makes clear there is no
such thing as ‘business as usual’ if you want to succeed with purpose and
integrity. As always, Khan tells ‘the whole truth and nothing but the
truth’ with an unparalleled intelligence. After reading this book, you'll
strive for no less." Lauren Iossa - Vice President–Marketing - ASCAP
“If a musician or music professional is looking to understand the Jazz business, start with this book. Application of the knowledge contained in this book enabled me to raise nearly $750,000 for Jazz-related projects over the past eight years, for musicians including Oliver Lake, Larry Ridley, Reggie Workman and Makanda Ken McIntyre.” Michael Herbst - Fundraiser
"Straight Ahead, as the title implies is a straight forward, clear and concise look into the business of Jazz. A must for jazz musicians and professionals either in the business or considering entering the business. If you want to learn the true nature of this business, Straight Ahead is a must.” Darrell E. Bridges – Manager/Agent
"Marty Khan's music business bible -- Straight Ahead -- is a beacon of truth for the twenty-first century musician." Ned Otter - Musician
"Read it! Written from an insider's point of view, Straight Ahead is the truth!" Giacomo Gates - Vocalist
“Finally! Marty Khan’s Straight Ahead reveals a road map for creative musicians to take control of their careers and learn to survive and prosper while, simultaneously, feeding their families and creating music they believe in. Imagine that!” Mark Taylor - Musician
“As a young musician, I have found the information presented in Straight Ahead to be invaluable. Before Marty Khan's book became available, factual information about the jazz business was virtually inaccessible. The only business information I ever really got was to sacrifice my artistic vision and become a well-rounded generic musician. Reading Marty's book has given me the confidence and direction I need to avoid that path and follow the path that I know is right for me.” Brett Ryan |
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