This new book of essays and paintings by David Bloom is coming soon:
Incite Insights is a front-row seat to David Bloom’s ideologies: making the most of your birthright, challenging yourself, and not squandering your time. Inspired by French philosopher Michel de Montaigne, whose essays covered life experiences, Bloom’s essays engage the reader with inquiries on Life, America, Lazy Words, and Music. Titles include “I Hate the USA,” “The Death of Black Music,” “United Whores of America,” and “Special and Ordinary.”
These essays were written over two decades of teaching, observing and questioning. They reach far beyond music and into life, the way we use language, what we value, and the way we treat one another. Musicians and civilians alike will glean energy and boldness from these essays. Who knows—reading them just might help you change the course of your life, your art, your community, or the world.
Award-winning music educator David Bloom, the founder and director of The Bloom School of Jazz in Chicago, has been teaching musical storytelling to serious musicians, of all styles, for over fifty years. He demands excellence from his students and encourages them with hard truths; a bold attitude, and his commitment to elevating their aesthetics and standards. Beyond teaching music, he expands his own creative energy into multiple projects including producing, writing, composing, painting, and more.
Discover the transformative power of curiosity, courage, and authenticity with Incite Insights by David Bloom. This is not just another book about self-help or cultural critique. It is a raw and thought-provoking journey into what truly matters. You will explore personal growth, social truths, the magic of music, and creative expression.
What’s Inside:
Award-winning jazz educator and fearless truth-teller David Bloom shares two decades of profound essays and reflections that challenge everything you thought you knew about life, America, language, and art. His voice cuts through the noise, revealing uncomfortable truths and inspiring you to embrace your unique potential before time slips away.
Inside this book, you will find practical advice for creating value for others and discovering authentic pride that fuels your greatest achievements. You will face the realities of American culture and history with honesty that sparks real change. You will understand why careless language harms meaningful conversations and learn how to reclaim the power of your voice. You will also immerse yourself in the soulful wisdom of jazz legends and uncover secrets to creativity and expression that can transform your own life. This book will awaken your curiosity and boldness to escape conformity and become who you were born to be.
This book is for the bold, the curious, and those hungry for deeper understanding. It is for readers who refuse to settle for mediocrity and want to make a difference right now. Do not wait for someday to start living fully. Every moment you hesitate is a missed opportunity to expand your horizons and awaken your soul.
Get your copy of Incite Insights today and join a movement of readers ready to think bigger, act smarter, and live richer.
Reviews from Critics:
Verdict from the Critics – Incite Insights by David Bloom
A Masterpiece of Thought-Provoking Reflections and Cultural Commentary
After an in-depth review, our panel of literary and cultural critics is proud to present our verdict on Incite Insights by David Bloom. This bold and unconventional collection of essays is a testament to the power of free thought, artistic expression, and intellectual curiosity. With razor-sharp wit and fearless honesty, Bloom takes readers on an introspective journey through life, music, language, and the American experience, challenging assumptions and sparking meaningful conversations along the way.
A Journey Through Life’s Most Pressing Questions
(Department of Philosophy & Social Reflection)
At its core, Incite Insights is an exploration of the fundamental aspects of human existence. Bloom dissects cultural norms, social expectations, and personal accountability with unfiltered clarity. Essays such as The Happiness Calculator, 8 Things Real Adults Do, and Escaping Yourself to Be You o er both practical wisdom and philosophical musings that encourage readers to reassess their priorities, behaviors, and aspirations. Each piece is a call to action, urging readers to embrace a life of curiosity, integrity, and self-discovery.
Unapologetic Cultural Critique and Political Commentary
(Department of American Studies & Contemporary Thought)
Few books dare to tackle societal contradictions with the level of boldness found in Incite Insights. Bloom’s essays on America’s cultural landscape, including The Hollywood Ending: Donald Trump’s Letter of Apology to the World and The United Whores of America, hold up a mirror to political and social hypocrisies. His critique is not bound by partisanship but instead reflects a deep concern for the values and integrity of a society that often prioritizes power over principles. Whether readers agree or disagree with his arguments, Bloom ensures that no perspective remains unchallenged.
A Love Letter to Music, Creativity, and Expression
(Department of Music & Artistic Innovation)
Music serves as both a subject and a metaphor throughout this book. Bloom, an accomplished jazz educator, brings his deep passion for the art form into essays like The Ten Commandments of Jazz Soloing, Rhythm: The Grand Arbiter, and The Power of Slow. His insights into musical structure, improvisation, and artistic integrity extend far beyond jazz, offering valuable lessons on discipline, originality, and the pursuit of excellence in any creative field. His reflections on legendary figures such as Art Blakey and Wes Montgomery showcase a reverence for the past while inspiring musicians to shape the future.
A Literary Voice That Demands to Be Heard
(Department of Language & Thought Evolution)
Bloom’s writing style is as distinctive as his perspectives. His use of language is dynamic, engaging, and often humorous, allowing complex ideas to be both accessible and thought provoking. His section on Lazy Words dissects how language is often misused to distort meaning, stifle critical thinking, and manipulate public discourse. Emphasizing precision and authenticity, Bloom reminds readers that words shape reality and should never be used carelessly.
Market Potential: A Must-Read for Free Thinkers and Creatives
(Department of Publishing & Thought Leadership)
With its unique blend of cultural criticism, artistic philosophy, and personal reflection, Incite Insights has the potential to resonate with readers across various disciplines. It is a book that belongs on the shelves of intellectuals, artists, educators, and anyone who values deep thinking and unfiltered expression. Whether used as a guide for creative inspiration, a source of philosophical debate, or simply a refreshing break from mainstream narratives, Bloom’s work is positioned to leave a lasting impact.
Final Verdict: A Bold, Uncompromising Work That Inspires Critical Thinking
Our panel is in unanimous agreement. Incite Insights by David Bloom is an extraordinary collection that challenges the reader to engage, question, and reflect. It is a book that refuses to be ignored, igniting discussions on everything from personal growth to artistic authenticity and the fate of modern society. With the right distribution and outreach, this book has the potential to become a seminal work in contemporary cultural discourse, solidifying Bloom’s place as a fearless voice in the literary world.
Rowan Blake, Head of Internal Review Panel, Amazon Publishing Assistant
Reviews from Readers:
“It’s seldom that one is lucky enough to read as practical a guide to Living with Purpose as Bloom’s Incite Insights. These generous ‘lessons’ elicit a response to those moments we might take for granted; musicians and artists we have experienced, our ‘tree rings’ that ultimately make us who we are if we allow those creative and constructively influential beings to bring out our birthrights. Interspersed with energetic abstract paintings by the author, this collection of essays is a prompt to be in the world while exercising a disciplined existence & couldn’t be more welcomed during as disturbing a time as this when democracy is being rocked from its foundation.” – Polly G.
“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing David Bloom for 30 years and the privilege of being his guitar student for several of those years. We’ve had many conversations and his book, Incite Insights, is vintage Bloom. Reading these essays is like talking or taking a class with him. He addresses the same themes he talks about on a daily basis with clarity and consistency. Life, the society and country we live in, creativity and, of course, music are always subject to examination and critical thought as the world is constantly changing and evolving. Incite Insights is really like having a conversation with David. The essays are readily accessible. You can pick it up, have a chat with Bloom and then go have a chat with yourself. The upshot is that insights are indeed incited and the book achieves its purpose in a direct and honest way. To quote Wayne Shorter, “Your humanity is your instrument.” With Incite Insights, David Bloom shares his humanity just as he does with his music and his conversation. Get a copy and revisit it from time to time. It will inspire you but, more importantly, it will make you think.” – Phil N.
“A great collection of common-sense insight from an experienced musician and educator. Sometimes humorous and sometimes heartfelt, it is a book filled with wisdom of all sorts. The artwork is also a nice touch. I highly recommend it!” – Teresa R.
“Essays on life, music and the human condition are one of the greatest gifts we have to pause the noise and haste of our daily lives and contemplate the awe and wonder of life’s lessons. In this incredibly thoughtful collection of essays entitled Incite Insights, my good friend and teacher David Bloom has given us a wealth of thoughts, feelings and musical insights that I believe will help anyone, musician or not, reflect on what matters – as well as provide contemplations for daily living. As a devout jazz musician, the book goes a step further for me – and serves to remind me every time I read a passage, of the valuable friendship, kinship and great depth of what a Life in Jazz with someone like David Bloom guiding you can become. To use the Japanese expression, it is an inspiration and a Kaizen worth pursuing to the very end.” – Al S.
“Incite Insights is a book of essays, artwork, thoughts, life and opinions from jazz music to practice techniques and everyday things in the world. David has an interesting perspective on all of these subjects. All the artwork in the book is his own, which is quite good. There is much variety in this book as he tackles many subjects from improvisation to what goes on inside your mind when improvising. He speaks a little about his musical heroes and some of the finer points of life. I found this book interesting and full of variety so it’s hard to describe it exactly, but a good book to leave out on the coffee table for others to pick up and read a little out of. You could spend 10 minutes reading from it of stay with it a couple hours. I highly recommend it. Five stars!” – Dave C.
“This collection of essays is the culmination of various thoughts and ruminations of an awarded jazz musician and teacher. David Bloom talks about his views on art, remaining engaged as an artist, and jazz music. My favorites were the general writings on life, art, and Bloom’s various opinions. I am not a jazz musician, but the musical insights in this book are actionable outside of a musician’s sphere. I would recommend reading this book if you yourself are a composer and/or a musician. Similarly, any artist would find use in what Bloom has to say. I enjoyed the prints of Bloom’s paintings most. It is easty to criticize abstract art if you are uninformed, but Bloom paints more than just the shapes and colors on the canvas. It is much more about the techniques employed and the emotions elicited. The art is thoughtful and is a nice contrast to the text. Generally, I liked what I read, and learned something about my own view of art. I disagreed with little of what was written, and that really doesn’t matter. Simply taking the time to read someone’s views can give valuable perspective and inform one’s own worldview. It is mainly for that reason that I recommend this book to other artists. Reading only what you know and fully agree with isn’t challenging. You don’t write a book for everyone to agree with you, and you shouldn’t read a book because you want to confirm your biases. Grow a little, try something new, and read this book.” – Vincent B.
“David Bloom demonstrates through these reflections his decades of passion, virtuosity, and creativity towards jazz, as an educator, and towards the improvisations that constitute living. Open “Incite Insights”, a series of essays and paintings, to any page and you will find delightful phrases, riffs and melodies that will linger. The collection of essays about jazz and life is like jazz itself, something that in the author’s words “transcends original expectations to find all kinds of goodies inside…” The collection, like going to the best jazz clubs, invites “music lovers to succumb to someone else’s rhythm.” This book is a must for all jazz lovers, and for a general audience interested in being incited to insights. To linger in the essays and really listen will bring the reader “inspirational and navigational value.” – C. Jaffee