Author Biography

Jon Burr is a bassist, composer, teacher, author, producer, engineer, chef, and dad. Active in the creative arts since childhood, he sat in for Charlie Mingus (by Mingus' invitation) at the Village Vanguard at the age of 16, and went on to play with jazz greats such as Buddy Rich, Chet Baker, Stan Getz, Stephane Grappelli, and pop artists such as Tony Bennett, Eartha Kitt, Rita Moreno, Barbara Cook and many others. Also active composing and leading his own ensembles, he recently released an EP of his new band Giant Cicada. Jon's interest in food began with fish he caught and cooked as a child. Struggling throughout childhood with weight and fitness, his early efforts to get in shape met with frustration until influential mentors in later years inspired his study of food and nutrition. Suspecting he was an "easy gainer," then later on as a cancer survivor, Jon's discoveries in facing these challenges led to the knowledge collected in this book. Also informed by his experience as an improvising jazz musician, the book shows the path to an enjoyable, sustainable lifestyle-based approach to food, nutrition and exercise. His stamina and youthfulness belie his 58 years, wearing 32" pants at 5"10. Find him on the web at and also at

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