William C. Banfield is a composer, jazz performer, and professor emeritus and the founding director of the Africana Studies Center at the Berklee College of Music. His books include Cultural Codes: Makings of a Black Music Philosophy and Black Notes: Essays of a Musician Writing in a Post-Album Age.
A valuable guide to the repertoire. --Times Union While some composers are familiar (including Herbie Hancock and Bobby McFerrin), the overwhelming impression is how many unsung Black composers have contributed so much pleasure to music lovers. It's abundantly clear their work has enriched and expanded the world's musical palette. . . . A book that should be in every music lover's library. --Library Journal, Starred Review