In an attempt to address the shortfall in “honest, reliable guidance in matters of music and culture,” noted jazz writer-author Ted Gioia has launched an online newsletter, which he has titled “Culture Notes of an Honest Broker.”
Gioia states that jazz and arts coverage in major newspapers has become an endangered species, noting “There used to be full-time jazz writers at every major newspaper, but I doubt if there are very few left now.” The aim of his newsletter, which is available free online or by subscription with added features, is to provide “a trustworthy guide to music, books and culture—with a mix of essays, reviews, commentary, links, observations, and amusements.”
‘Offering smart, expansive coverage’
The author of 11 books including History of Jazz, which has sold more than 100,000 copies and is soon to be published in its third edition, Gioia says, “I’m committed to offering smart, expansive coverage that will go beyond what readers can find elsewhere. My main focus will be on music, but all facets of cultural activity and innovation will be part of my purview.” Called one of the outstanding music historians in America, Gioia’s books have been translated into Spanish, Italian, German, Greek, Turkish, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese.
In an interview with Steve Provizer, he explained that when he started blogging about jazz a dozen years a
