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Travels with Louis
by Mick Carlon"When Louis was home in Queens, neighborhood kids would gather around as he brought them into jazz. His music still vibrantly lives around the world, and his spirit of humaneness lives in Travels with Louis by Mick Carlon, teacher of jazz to the young of all ages."-Nat Hentoff"Thanks to his friendship with the great Louis Armstrong, twelve-year old Fred sees his world expand from ice cream and baseball in Queens to jazz at the Village Vanguard, a civil rights sit-in in Nashville, and ecstatic concerts in London and Paris. A wonderful story, which rings true on many levels."-Michael Cogswell, director, Louis Armstrong House Museum"Carlon is driven by a love divided evenly between the subject and the act of writing itself."-Brian Morton, author of The Penguin Guide to JazzPraise for Mick Carlon's Riding on Duke's Train:"In schools where students are lucky enough to experience classroom jazz studies, this title, combining rich musical history and a 'you are there' approach, is a natural."-Kirkus Reviews"Enthralling. . . . An adventure story with a smart, historical framework."-ForeWord, Recommended Books for Kids"A ripping good yarn."-Brian MortonQueens, 1959. Twelve-year-old Fred loves reading, baseball, and playing trumpet with his neighbor, Louis Armstrong. Fred accompanies Louis to Nashville, where he encounters a Civil Rights lunch counter strike, and to London and Paris. Characters include Langston Hughes, Dizzy Gillespie, and Duke Ellington. Says jazz photographer Jack Bradley, "Reading this book is like visiting my friend again. This is the way he was, folks."
Backstreet Mom: A Mother's Tale of Backstreet Boy AJ McLean's Rise to Fame, Struggle with Addiction, and Ultimate Triumph
by Denise I. McLean Nicole P. GotlinFeatured on "Oprah" and "Good Morning America. Backstreet Mom is the story of one single mother's courageous battle to save her son could be the story of any woman with a child in trouble. There's more money at stake, more public attention and a larger than life career in the balance. An integral part of the Backstreet Boys from the very beginning, AJ McClean's mother, Denise, traveled with the group and served as their publicist and fan club coordinator. In close proximity to the successes and heartbreaks of her son's career, Denise watched her son's painful descent into alcoholism and depression. This revealing account tells the tale of AJ's rise to superstardom, his decline into addiction, and his struggles through rehab, and offers a look at the harsh world of the music industry. Any mother who's ever faced the pain of a child unraveling will find herself in the pages of this honest and inspiring memoir.
Literary Cash: Unauthorized Writings Inspired by the Legendary Johnny Cash
by Bob BatchelorThe legendary lyrics of Johnny Cash are the inspiration for this collection of extraordinarily creative works that provides a new spin on this musical legend. For nearly five decades, Cash captivated audiences with his unique voice and candid portrayal of the gritty life of a working man, and his songs continue to strike a chord with listeners today. But it is the stories behind the music that remain with audiences and provide the inspiration for the work in this thoughtful compilation of fiction and non-fiction from contributors such as Lauren Baratz-Logsted, Don Cusic, Gretchen Moran Laskas, Amanda Nowlin, and Russell Rowland.
Hello Sunshine
by Ryan AdamsPoetry from &“one of America&’s most consistently interesting singer/songwriters&” (Stephen King). Fans who have enjoyed the lyrics and music on such albums as Cardinology, Easy Tiger, and Prisoner, or hit songs including &“When the Stars Go Blue,&” know that Ryan Adams is a poet at heart. In this follow-up to his first collection of poems, Infinity Blues—praised by Stephen King as &“a passionate, arresting, and entertaining book of verse&”—readers will discover new ideas, deeper insights, and graceful, sensual compositions that reveal another side of Ryan Adams. &“Ryan Adams writes with equal parts precision and recklessness; the blood he draws from the text is easily as unnerving as its unapologetic tenderness. He is proof that poetry will find its writer.&” —Mary-Louise Parker
Infinity Blues
by Ryan Adams&“A passionate, arresting, and entertaining book of verse . . . The images are vivid and the voice is honest and powerful&” (Stephen King). This is the debut collection of poetry by singer/songwriter Ryan Adams, acclaimed for albums including Cardinology, Cold Roses, and Prisoner. His work in this volume rings with emotional authenticity—and provides perhaps an even deeper insight into the man than is revealed through the songs that have resonated with fans the world over. &“Ryan Adams writes with equal parts precision and recklessness; the blood he draws from the text is easily as unnerving as its unapologetic tenderness. He is proof that poetry will find its writer.&” —Mary-Louise Parker &“Infinity Blues is Ryan Adams at his personal, unforgettable best. Strong and beautiful and funny and pure. Like all his work, it&’s soul poetry of the highest order.&” —Cameron Crowe &“This is much better than reading a friend&’s journal. It&’s more like watching somebody you love in the bathtub talking to himself. You&’re like, wow, he&’s even good at taking a bath. After reading Infinity Blues (which I think is a great title), I give Ryan Adams the best compliment I ever got—and the only reason for reading anyone&’s poetry. Ryan, I really like your mind.&” —Eileen Myles
We Owe You Nothing: Expanded Edition (Punk Planet Bks.)
by Daniel SinkerUpdated with six more interviews and a new introduction, the expanded edition of We Owe You Nothing brings the definitive book of conversations with the underground's greatest minds up to 2007. New interviews include talks with bands like The Gossip and Maritime, a conversation with punk legend Bob Mould, and more . . . in addition to the classic interviews from the original 2001 edition: Ian MacKaye, Jello Biafra, Thurston Moore, Noam Chomsky, Kathleen Hanna, Black Flag, Sleater-Kinney, Steve Albini, Frank Kozik, Art Chantry, and others. Daniel Sinker has been the editor and publisher of Punk Planet magazine for twelve years.
Black Music (Akashi Classics: Renegade Reprint Series)
by LeRoi JonesThe essential collection of jazz writing by the celebrated poet and author of Blues People—reissued with a new introduction by the author. In the 1960s, LeRoi Jones—who would later be known as Amiri Baraka—was a pioneering jazz critic, articulating in real time the incredible transformations of the form taking place in the clubs and coffee houses of New York City. In Black Music, he sheds light on the brilliant young jazz musicians of the day: John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, Ornette Coleman, Cecil Taylor, Archie Shepp, Sun Ra, and others. Combining firsthand immediacy with wide-ranging erudition, Black Music articulates the complexities of modern jazz while also sharing insights on the nature of jazz criticism, the creative process, and the development of a new way forward for black artists. This rich and vital collection is comprised of essays, reviews, interviews, liner notes, musical analyses, and personal impressions from 1959–1967. &“In Black Music, Baraka wrote with ecstasy—highly informed and intricate—about ecstatically complex music.&”—Richard Brody, The New Yorker
Over the Rainbow
by Harold Arlen E. Y. HarburgTake a magical journey over the rainbow . . . No song has created more memories and magic for children of all ages than Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg's "Over the Rainbow." Now, this classic has been transformed for a new generation. So get ready to soar where happy little bluebirds fly and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true. Acclaimed painter Eric Puybaret has conjured up a marvelous fantasy that will transport you from a little red farmhouse, to castles high in the clouds, to wherever your imagination wants to go.
Scenes, Songs & Solos
by Steve SlagleAimed at musicians searching for the next level in their ability to compose and improvise, this handy reference draws on the author’s own published music as well as accessible standards. Educational text is interspersed with personal experiences playing alongside legends such as "Machito" and his Latin Jazz Orchestra, Lionel Hampton’s Big Band, trombonist Curtis Fuller, pianist Carla Bley, and Brazilian star Milton Nasciemento. Conducting a musical journey that enriches understanding of form, structure, time, melody, and harmony, this enlightening guide delves into the mechanics behind the craft, demystifying the art and providing inspiration to all aspiring musicians seeking to expand their creative horizons.
Violence Girl
by Alice BagThe proximity of the East L.A. barrio to Hollywood is as close as a short drive on the 101 freeway, but the cultural divide is enormous. Born to Mexican-born and American-naturalized parents, Alicia Armendariz migrated a few miles west to participate in the free-range birth of the 1970s punk movement. Alicia adopted the punk name Alice Bag, and became lead singer for The Bags, early punk visionaries who starred in Penelope Spheeris' documentary The Decline of Western Civilization. Here is a life of many crossed boundaries, from East L.A.'s musica ranchera to Hollywood's punk rock; from a violent male-dominated family to female-dominated transgressive rock bands. Alice's feminist sympathies can be understood by the name of her satiric all-girl early Goth band Castration Squad. Violence Girl takes us from a violent upbringing to an aggressive punk sensibility; this time a difficult coming-of-age memoir culminates with a satisfying conclusion, complete with a happy marriage and children. Nearly a hundred excellent photographs energize the text in remarkable ways. Alice Bag's work and influence can be seen this year in the traveling Smithsonian exhibition "American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music."
The Covert War Against Rock
by Alex ConstantineThe connections between government, organized crime, and the music industry are examined, offering compelling evidence that there may be more to the deaths of important popular musicians than has been commonly told.
Yé-Yé Girls of '60s French Pop
by Lio Jean-Emmanuel DeluxeThis delightfully illustrated exploration into '60s French pop, and the women who built it, reveals yé-yé music's hip sensuality, humor, style and wit. We hear from and about Françoise Hardy, France Gall, Brigitte Bardot, Sylvie Vartan and dozens of other modern Lolitas, and the recklessly naughty Serge Gainsbourg. Modern-day yé-yé avatar Lio has written the book's Foreword.
Black Metal
by Dayal PattersonFeaturing a wealth of new interviews with the genre's most central figures, Black Metal: Evolution of the Cult offers the most comprehensive guide yet to the most controversial form of extreme metal. From the pioneers of the early '80s to its fiery rebirth in Scandinavia through to today's diverse groups, this epic analysis captures the movement's development in unparalleled depth.
Marian Anderson; Frida Kahlo
by Joy BrewsterHow did the African American singer Marian Anderson overcome hardships and discrimination to become a world-famous performer? What difficulties did Mexican painter Frida Kahlo suffer through during her life? How is her pain reflected in her art? Read this book to find out.
Michael Jackson: The Making of "Thriller"
by Douglas KirklandMichael Jackson: The Making of "Thriller" is an illustrated tribute to the King of Pop and his groundbreaking music video, with never-before-seen photos of its creation. The book features over 200 exclusive, behind-the-scenes photographs of the artist on set during the 1983 production of the Grammy award winning video directed by John Landis. Considered to be the most successful project of all time, "Thriller" is beloved the world over, inspiring imitation and a cult-like following of millions of fans. Documenting the creation of the most popular and iconic music video of all time, this book celebrates the artist and his music at the top of his career. Famed photographer Douglas Kirkland and journalist Nancy Griffin were the only members of the media allowed on the set of the video. The resulting photos capture Jackson both in high performance mode and relaxing on the set and depict his transformation into the characters in the video as well capturing the public and private faces of Michael Jackson. Compelling, intimate photos of the artist are accompanied by interviews and quotes from musicians and celebrities, including Sir Paul McCartney, Diddy, Beyonce, Steven Spielberg and many more. With a holographic cover that, when tilted, transforms the artist into his zombie character, the book is an impressive gift to be treasured by fans and music lovers everywhere.
World of the Teton Sioux Indians: Their Music, Life, and Culture
by Frances Theresa DensmoreSometime in August 1913, two Sioux warriors, Old Buffalo and Swift Dog, met with Frances Densmore at a makeshift recording site in McLaughlin, South Dakota. What Old Buffalo and Swift Dog said that day—about life as they knew it before the reservation era began—lives on still in the pages of this fascinating book. Densmore went on to interview numerous Sioux (or Lakota)/Teton (Lakota) Sioux men and women, collecting both their songs and their stories. The present version is an abridged edition of Teton Sioux Music, which according to William Powers is &“one of the few monographs universally regarded as a true classic of Lakota culture.&” It has been skillfully edited to focus less on musical technicality and more on the cultural value of Densmore's work. Its subjects include the Sun Dance, dreams, treatment of the sick, military societies, buffalo hunts, and social dances. Also included are over 130 color and black-and-white illustrations which further bring to life the world of the Teton Sioux.
Rock Your Business: What You and Your Company Can Learn from the Business of Rock and Roll
by David FishofWould you like your business... ...to burst into public awareness like Lady Gaga? ...to have the long-lived success of Mick Jagger? ...to demonstrate the creativity of The Beatles? We don't normally think of the music business as a source of entrepreneurial insight, but we should. The best bands have longevity, a depth of customer loyalty, and a level of profitability that puts most businesses to shame. And what they know—about marketing, partnerships, the power of bartering, and overcoming obstacles—isn't taught in any business school. David Fishof has lived at the center of the music business for more than 25 years. From his early successes in reuniting The Monkees and convincing Ringo Starr to launch his All Starr tour, to his current megasuccess as founder and CEO of Rock &‘n' Roll Fantasy Camp™, Fishof has learned from the leading minds in the music business—and has applied this learning in one entrepreneurial venture after another. Filled with insights from Fishof's amazing exploits in the music industry and seasoned with business tips from music legends, Rock Your Business provides important and original business insights from an unlikely source—the world of rock and roll.
Speculative Music
by Jeff DolvenJeff Dolven's poems take the guise of fables, parables, allegories, jokes, riddles, and other familiar forms. So, there is an initial comfort: I remember this, the reader thinks, from the stories of childhood . . . . But wait, something is off. In each poem, an uncanny conceit surprises the form, a highway paved with highwaymen, a school for shame, a family of chairs. Dolven makes these strange wagers with the grace and edgy precision of a metaphysical poet, and there are moments when we might imagine ourselves to be somewhere in the company of Donne or Spenser. Then we encounter "The Invention: A Libretto for Speculative Music," which is, well-surreal, and features a decisively modern, entirely notional score, sung by an inventor and his invention, which (who?) turns out to be a 40s-type piano-perched chanteuse who (which?) somehow knows all the words to the song you never knew you had in you. The daring of this collection is not in replaying the fractured polyphony of our moment. Speculative Music gives us accessible lyrics that still manage to listen in on our echoing interiors. These are poems that promise Frost's "momentary stay against confusion" and, at the same time, provoke a deep, head-shaking wonder.
Ain't I a Diva?: Beyoncé and the Power of Pop Culture Pedagogy
by Kevin Allred&“[Allred] interrogates Beyoncé&’s music and videos to explore the complicated spaces where racism, sexism, and capitalism collide.&” —Kirkus Reviews In 2010, Professor Kevin Allred created the university course &“Politicizing Beyoncé&” to both wide acclaim and controversy. He outlines his pedagogical philosophy in Ain&’t I a Diva?, exploring what it means to build a syllabus around a celebrity. Topics range from a capitalist critique of &“Run the World (Girls)&” to the politics of self-care found in &“Flawless&”; Beyoncé&’s art is read alongside black feminist thinkers including Kimberlé Crenshaw, Octavia Butler, and Sojourner Truth. Combining analysis with classroom anecdotes, Allred attests that pop culture is so much more than a guilty pleasure, it&’s an access point—for education, entertainment, critical inquiry, and politics.&“Proving himself a worthy member of the BeyHive, Kevin Allred takes us on a journey through Beyoncé&’s greatest hits and expansive career—peeling back their multiple layers to explore gender, race, sexuality, and power in today&’s modern world. A fun, engaging, and important read for long-time Beyoncé fans and newcomers alike.&” —Franchesca Ramsey, author of Well, That Escalated Quickly&“Ain&’t I a Diva? explores the phenomenon of Beyoncé while explicitly championing not only her immense talent and grace but what we can learn from it. In this celebration of Beyoncé, and through her, other Black women, Allred is giving us room to be exactly who we are so that maybe we, too, can stop the world then carry on!&” —Keah Brown, author of The Pretty One&“A must-read for any fan of Beyoncé and of fascinating feminist discourse.&” —Zeba Blay, senior culture writer, HuffPost
Sounds of Freedom
by Thich Nhat Hanh John MalkinIn Sounds of Freedom, sixteen extraordinary musicians share their intimate thoughts on art, spirituality, and social change. These intimate interviews offer a rare glimpse into the personal motivations of these public artists.Includes interviews with: Michael Franti, Michelle Shocked, Ani DiFranco, Indigo Girls, Laurie Anderson, Philip Glass, Rickie Lee Jones, Boots Riley, John Trudell, Holly Near, Steve Reich, Darryl Cherney, Goapele Mohlabane, Tom Morello, Utah Philips.
Sounds of Freedom: Musicians on Spirituality and Social Change
by John MalkinSounds of Freedom brings together some of the contruy's best-known musicians to share their thoughts on spirituality and social change. Philip Glass, the Indigo girls, Michael Franti, Michelle Shocked, Laurie Anderson and others reveal their inspiration and their commitments to peace and justice. Featuring a foreword by Vietnamese Zen Master Thcih Nhat Hanh and a bonus CD of songs by the artists in the book, offers rare insight into the hearts of these musicians.
Making Musical Instruments with Kids: 67 Easy Projects for Adults Working with Children
by Bart HopkinWritten for adults, this hands-on guide demonstrates how to make easy musical instruments with children. Detailed instructions are included for making more than 60 unique instruments that are suitable for children as young as five years. Serving as a resource in the classroom or home, this manual is extensively illustrated with drawings and photographs along with an audio sample of the instruments in lively solo and ensemble pieces.
The Drummer's Bible: How to Play Every Drum Style from Afro-Cuban to Zydeco
by Mick Berry Jason GianniUpdated to include 50 additional grooves, this encyclopedic book and two-CD set contains more than 450 musical examples in standard notation, showing grooves and practical variations. Overviews of the history and development of almost all popular music styles are covered alongside innumerable helpful performance tips. The two accompanying CDs feature performances of nearly 200 of the grooves, including every primary style example, all performed both with and without a click track. Styles covered include blues, rock, jazz, reggae, country, klezmer, ska, samba, punk, surf, heavy metal, latin rock, and funk; virtually every style a performing drummer will ever need to play is in there. This revised second edition also includes an updated bibliography and discography, as well as more historical information about the individual styles.
The Bassist's Bible: How to Play Every Bass Style from Afro-Cuban to Zydeco
by Tim Boomer Mick Berry Chaz BufeNewly enhanced with embedded audio and video tracks, the incredible versatility of the bass guitar is revealed in this newly revised, all-inclusive style guide. Each chapter covers particular styles or families of styles, gradually introducing players to techniques that will allow them to get the most out of their instruments and easilyincrease their bass repertoire. More than 400 bass grooves are presented in standard percussion notation, along with 192 embedded audio grooves. The book also includes helpful information on the development of all styles covered. All musical samples in this updated edition are in both standard notation and tablature and the style histories, bibliography, and discography are up to date. The book also includes 50 new grooves and 93 embedded videos of the proper way to play the examples.
They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us: Essays
by Hanif Abdurraqib<p>In an age of confusion, fear, and loss, Hanif Willis-Abdurraqib's is a voice that matters. Whether he's attending a Bruce Springsteen concert the day after visiting Michael Brown's grave, or discussing public displays of affection at a Carly Rae Jepsen show, he writes with a poignancy and magnetism that resonates profoundly. <p>In the wake of the nightclub attacks in Paris, he recalls how he sought refuge as a teenager in music, at shows, and wonders whether the next generation of young Muslims will not be afforded that opportunity now. While discussing the everyday threat to the lives of black Americans, Willis-Abdurraqib recounts the first time he was ordered to the ground by police officers: for attempting to enter his own car. <p>In essays that have been published by the New York Times, MTV, and Pitchfork, among others―along with original, previously unreleased essays―Willis-Abdurraqib uses music and culture as a lens through which to view our world, so that we might better understand ourselves, and in so doing proves himself a bellwether for our times.</p>