The Quincy Jones Legacy Series: Q on Producing: The Soul and Science of Mastering Music and Work

First of all, I'm a huge Quincy Jones fan. If there's one man who's done it all, seen it all, MET them all, and loved them all (while living a true rags-to-unimaginable-riches story) - it's this man. Not only as a musician, but also as an award-winning composer crossing multiple genres and into film; as an arranger/orchestrator, and of course as a producer - most famously for Michael Jackson, George Benson, The Brothers Johnson and Patti Austin among others.That said, I was very excited to see this new book (which is apparently part 1 of a trilogy), and to see the man out promoting it - despite the fact that he said they "forced him into it". I was also excited to see it published by a music publisher, Hal Leonard, because it meant (well, I thought it did, anyway...) that it would be hopefully be an informative "industry" book for musicians, producers, songwriters, and not just another biography.Sadly, the book is put together very sloppily. Misspellings, line errors - everywhere. Just gives you the impression that Gibson put this together with haste. And that's just the surface - the book lacks SERIOUSLY in coherence, it's jumping all over the place. Most "paragraphs" - they're anecdotes, to be honest - are titled misleadingly, and often have nothing to do with the content thereafter. The REASON for this, I'm guessing, is the fact that Gibson based it on interviews he conducted with Q, they didn't set out to write this book together - and it's that "stream of consciousness" you definitely do sense from reading this book. It could've REALLY benefitted from better (or any?) editing.The book is divided into a few sections - the first one is supposed to be a background story of sorts, the rest of the book is devoted into letting Q talk about his famous productions and his famous crew of Los Angeles co-workers (the musicians, songwriters, engineers), and finally, let them and other Q's friends talk about the man.I was a bit disappointed, that it doesn't quite deliver the promise of its title...for instance, Q doesn't really talk in TOO much detail about the famous recording sessions like, say, Bruce Swedien does in his book(s). For example, the section on "Bad" (1987) is just a few paragraphs over a couple of pages. There's also a lot of "you have to go to Soweto and meet the street kids to make most of those 12 notes, which come from God anyway" high & mighty speak, which is fine...for a little while. I would've hoped for something more concrete.I'm hoping the next two books in the series will improve on this. Perhaps this was meant as just an "introductory" book into the man and his thoughts.On the plus side, it's a thick book (300 pages) and obviously peppered with legendary stories and anecdotes from Q, spanning his entire career - some of which aren't in his (superb) autobiography. It's also nice to hear from key collaborators, like master pop songwriter Rod Temperton for a change. And as an idea for a book series, it's a great one, and was certainly due.

Excellent book! I am not a avid reader but this book is extremely well thought out and written plus extra great stories & photos.

...but that's not why I bought the book. "Q On Producing," sounds to me like it's going to be the new bible for aspiring producers everywhere on all the little tricks of the trade, from the grand master himself--Quincy passing the torch on to a new generation. That's why I bought it. Don't get me wrong, Quincy Jones is an amazing guy, and if you want a very interesting read of his experiences and journey through life in music, including great conversations with artists he's worked with, GET THE BOOK!It is set up in bite-sized pieces perfect for a coffee table. However, aside for some inspirational advice from Q, there isn't much reason to take this book into the studio with you.

Quincy's book Q on Producing is a must read for any one who makes music or is interested in the business of music. I found it to be instructional and entertaining at the same time. Quincy also reveals his own perspective on life which is great reading. I also enjoy reading about the stories when he recorded famous musicians and albums he's done over the years. I've re-read it now about three times... it's that good.

I'm such a huge fan and admirer of Quincy Jones and his work. I got so much incredible advice from this book. Quincy is a legend in the music industry and has been a pioneer in production. From Billie Holiday to Michael Jackson, you can't deny his longevity in entertainment. The book is beautifully constructed inside and out.

I feel that to get to know the music of today you have to understand it and this is were Quincy has gone. Working with the artist and then there music makes a real difference. Now this is the magic of music especially working with the business of music.

Love it

If you know anything about Q, or even if you don't and you're a producer, musician, arranger, etc., you will definitely want to read this book by one of the most successful, respected people in the music business for the last 50 years. Highly recommended!

I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to know what makes a master music producer tick. Just a warning: this book is very light on actual technique. You will not find any 'secret formula' to make hits but... the book in my opinion gives you something so much important which is the correct mindset & philosophy which in itself is priceless.Quincy challenges the reader to 'master their craft, learn the fundamentals & look outside your genre for inspiration'. An intriging read that has helped me on my production journey. Throughly recommend.

speed sending