In Love With Voices

A Jazz Memoir: 236 Pages of Firsthand History

Before the legends became history, Brian Torff was there.

Written from the back of the bandstand, Brian offers a rare insider’s view of the musicians behind the music—their personalities, creativity, friendships, struggles, and unforgettable performances. From Frank Sinatra and George Shearing to Erroll Garner, Stéphane Grappelli, Benny Goodman, Mary Lou Williams, and Marian McPartland, these are stories of the people who shaped a remarkable era of jazz.

More than a memoir, In Love With Voices is a personal journey through American music, told by someone who was there to hear the stories firsthand.

From an idealistic young musician arriving in New York in the early 1970s to performing on stages around the world, In Love With Voices tells the story of a life shaped by music, chance, determination, and extraordinary encounters.

Behind the Notes

The Resonance of a Life in Jazz

01 — The Arrival

A Young Musician in New York

In the early 1970s, an idealistic young Brian Torff arrives in New York and begins discovering the world of professional jazz. His journey starts with a passion for music and an upright bass, leading him into a remarkable life surrounded by musicians, mentors, and unexpected opportunities.

02 — The Bandstand

A View From Within

From the back of the bandstand, Brian witnessed more than performances. He observed the personalities, creative processes, relationships, and quiet moments that existed behind the music, giving him a unique perspective on the musicians he worked alongside.

03 — The Legends

Stories Behind the Music

Throughout his career, Brian performed with extraordinary musicians including Frank Sinatra, George Shearing, Erroll Garner, Stéphane Grappelli, Benny Goodman, Mary Lou Williams, and Marian McPartland. Their stories and encounters become an intimate part of his memoir.

04 — The Life in Music

Creativity, Determination & Chance

In Love With Voices is ultimately a story about a life shaped by music. Through years of performances, travel, friendships, and lessons from fellow musicians, Brian reflects on the creativity, determination, timing, and chance that shaped his journey.

Critical Acclaim

Voices on 'In Love With Voices'

The best memoir written by a jazz musician.

— Dan Morgenstern
Director, Institute of Jazz Studies, Rutgers Universit

Now of equal stature to essential books by Oscar Peterson and Sidney Bechet, with the very pulse and openness of jazz itself.

— Nat Hentoff

I love it. I haven’t read many books that gave me so many specific points for identification.

— Gary Giddins

From the Memoir

New York in the nineteen-seventies was loud, unforgiving, and intoxicating for a young musician carrying an upright bass down subterranean subway stairs.

Brian Q. Torff, 'In Love With Voices'

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