David Yaffe

David Yaffe is a professor of humanities at Syracuse and the author, most recently, of Reckless Daughter: A Portrait of Joni Mitchell.

‘Here and Now’ Checks Every Box

‘Here and Now’ Checks Every Box ‘Here and Now’ Checks Every Box

Is HBO’s new show a critique of our contemporary culture or a symptom of it?

Mar 2, 2018 / David Yaffe

The Loneliness of Elizabeth Bishop

The Loneliness of Elizabeth Bishop The Loneliness of Elizabeth Bishop

Using antique verse structures to expose and heal her personal wounds, the poet often hid in plain sight.

Oct 19, 2017 / Books & the Arts / David Yaffe

This Is a Recording: On Alan Lomax

This Is a Recording: On Alan Lomax This Is a Recording: On Alan Lomax

How Alan Lomax became the most significant Baedeker of America’s folkways.

Aug 24, 2011 / Books & the Arts / David Yaffe

Misterioso Misterioso

Thelonious Monk was a more nuanced figure than the flimsy characterization of a way-out jazz cat could ever convey.

Dec 23, 2009 / Books & the Arts / David Yaffe

Waiting for the Miracle: On Leonard Cohen Waiting for the Miracle: On Leonard Cohen

In Leonard Cohen's Afterworld, the trajectory between the latest hit and the wisdom of old has been a long one.

Oct 7, 2009 / Books & the Arts / David Yaffe

Chameleon: Herbie Hancock Adapts to Lyrics Chameleon: Herbie Hancock Adapts to Lyrics

On River: The Joni Letters Herbie Hancock and Joni Mitchell make a remarkable collaboration.

Feb 18, 2009 / Books & the Arts / David Yaffe

Elvis Costello’s Momofuku: A Portrait of Love and Lust Elvis Costello’s Momofuku: A Portrait of Love and Lust

Elvis Costello's new album is a worthy addition to his seemingly endless catalog of beauty and bile.

Jul 30, 2008 / Books & the Arts / David Yaffe

Spirit Chaser Spirit Chaser

Listening to Sonny Rollins for the first time. Again.

Oct 4, 2007 / Books & the Arts / David Yaffe

The Art of the Improviser The Art of the Improviser

Nearly fifty years after Ornette Coleman revolutionized jazz, he is finally being honored with the music world's top awards.

Apr 26, 2007 / Books & the Arts / David Yaffe

Music of My Mind Music of My Mind

John Gennari's Blowin' Hot and Cool looks at the intimate but fractious relationship between jazz luminaries and their critics.

Sep 14, 2006 / Books & the Arts / David Yaffe

x