Genres Books

Very satisfied with product purchased from this seller. Fast delivery, honest description of product per seller and packaging was great. I bought this book for my husband and he enjoyed reading it. Thank you!

"Unfinished Business" by Ralph Heibutzki is a great read and provides great insight into the life of a not-so-well-known American guitarist. I was a fan of Danny Gatton before his untimely death and own 8 CDs by him. After reading Ralph's book, I ordered the other half of Gatton's canon (8 CDs and an instructional DVD) including a live soundboard recording by Evan Johns from the period when Danny was playing with Evan.

As I was one that always wondered what would cause a "normal" guy like Danny to take his life, on the heels of Roy Buchanan taking his own life, the book provided much insight into those dark days. It also provided insight into his glory days, his love of classic cars, and his struggles with the music industry.

The book was so captivating that I took it everywhere with me. I doing so, many folks inquired about it ... and more people in my town knew of Danny than I ever imagined. One friend was so impressed with my overview of the book, he requested to read it when I finished with it. Because I want to keep my signed copy intact, I'm buying him a copy as a gift.

If you have any interest in Danny Gatton or any interest in an amazing American guitar hero, "Unfinished Business" is his story.

The book reinvigorated my interest in DG. I had a couple cds of his and knew him to be a hot shot guitarist, but never concentrated much focused listening time on his music. Reading the book has gotten me on a DG binge, and I've picked up a few more cds and some live recordings (Fat Boys 1974!) and have listened alot more closely. Before reading this book, I didn't know about his death or anything about any interfamilial squabbles, but the author presented them very even-handedly. I knew Gatton was a well respected and influential guitarist but I was still surprised to read about some of the other musicians who were influenced by or impressed by his music. And being a guitar player myself (big surprise) I feel motivated to try to learn a lick or two of his myself. Thanks for the great book!

As a musician, I was very fortunate to know Danny personally as he played in one of his earliest DC bands with my uncle, Rick Harmel. I recall that he took time to show me a few practice scales almost everytime I ran into him - no matter how busy he appeeared - and he was a warm-hearted, generous guy to the core.

This book balances the abrupt, tragic end of Danny's life with the highs and motivations that made Gatton a player's player. It also spotlights many of the people (like Arlen Roth) that contributed their loyalty and friendship to Danny. Thank you Ralph for a great homage and superb, thorough account of the life of the Master of the Telecaster. A "must read" for all guitarists - and anyone else who enjoys a moving account of an accomplished human being.

The other reviewers have discussed the merits of Danny's playing, so I will mostly stick to extolling the book. Heibutzki talked to just about everybody, and found most if not all of the print material and used this in his thoughtful, comprehensive biography.
As an interviewer, the author got his subjects to open up, and what they say frequently tells as much about themselves as about Danny. As a consequence, the reader gets a sense of the mileau of clubs, studios, band and record label politics, and Washington DC and Southern Maryland music and lifestyle from the 60's to the 90's. A great deal of attention is paid to Danny's interest in cars, and his family life, as well as his early days gigging in various teenage bands and with Liz Meyer & Friends before he became "unfamous".
Also, the book comes with a bibliography and discography, as well as a useful index, showing the author's almost academic thoroughness.

The best educational book on jazz. Covers ride cymbal, comping, solo ideas, uptempo, brushes and has a good play along cd. All of the written words do a fantastic job of putting things in context. Mr. Riley clearly knows his stuff. "Beyond Bop Drumming" is also a great book for more advanced jazz playing.

This book is fantastic sorce material for any intermediate drummer looking to begin exploring jazz. For experienced players the content can be quite challenging and the advice is imminently valuable. Really a spectacular educational resource.

I'm simply going to reinforce what you may have heard elsewhere: this is as good a foundational text on jazz and bop drumming as you can find (along with Ed Soph's and Jim Chapin's books).

If you are interested in learning to PLAY jazz and bop on the drums, this book takes you from a level assuming some knowledge of the drum kit, little knowledge of jazz, and brings the two together in a very logical way.

I have milked four years (so far, many more to go) out of this book with regards to the density, depth and entertainment/interest-level of the material.

I bought this book after playing professional jazz gigs for 4 years. It is authentic and a great place to start for beginning to intermediate jazz drummers. The CD is a nice accompaniment.

Like Jazz? Don't like Jazz? It doesn't matter. Whether you like to swing or not, this book WILL make you a better drummer and musician. The triplet feel is almost its own dimension in drumming and every drummer should master it. Although it is targeted for bebop jazz (basically faster swing feel as far as a drummer is concerned), this book will give you plenty of exercises and ideas you can incorporate in any genre. The exercises are great for independence and time-keeping, and offer very, very good fill and solo ideas.

As for aspiring jazz drummers, there is absolutely no question, GET this book. Any jazz professor at the university level would approve and it is used widely in music schools such as Berklee and Indiana University Music School (I graduated from IU).

The lessons on brushes are crucial and if you have never placed your hand on a brush, here is where you should start looking.

The accompanying CD is great as well and helps you to master a good swing time, listen to exercises being played, listen to compositions and play along tunes with a bassist or with a whole rhythm section.

This is quite a comprehensive book of "selections"...I feel that you could almost perform a revue of the show just using this book! (Just kidding, don't try it or they'll throw you in the Pit of Copyright Infringement!) In addition, delivery was prompt and the book was in very fine condition (looked new).

I am most pleased with this book because of the very detailed arrangement. Although the melody is written in the Treble Clef, the music survives arrangement very well. The chords are accurate, and in my case, difficult to play, but all the songs are included. But the most surprising thing about this book is that it includes all the vocal harmonies as well. Currently I am learning how to better play the music (it is NOT for beginners) and I'm sure I will appreciate the score when I can play it more effectively. This was a very good buy.

I bought this book because the other Avenue Q book I have was only the "Vocal Selections" and it was missing several songs. This songbook has every song from the Broadway Cast Album, with the exception of "School For Monsters/Money Song (Reprise)" and "There's A Fine Fine Line (Reprise)/What Do You Do With A B.A. In English? (Reprise)". Other than that, every song is here.

This book, unlike my other Vocal Selections book incorporates the melody into the right hand, but it can be easily removed to make room for vocalists if needbe.

The best songs to play/sing in this book are "Schadenfreude", "There's A Fine Fine Line", "It Sucks To Be Me", and "Fantasies Come True". At least, that's what I think. To each his own.

I like the book I bought. It had all the songs I wanted. It came in a decent amount of time from when I bought it.

If you haven't seen the show, go and do it. If you have, well done.

What many piano arrangements for recent Broadway musicals nowadays such as Wicked, Mamma Mia, and Spamalot have in their respective arrangements is a lack of a challenging score to play, though it may sound easy, and how oftentimes, they composer tries to alter the original score into something more adaptive for the public. Although this may sound like a good idea, it really isn't, because as soon as you play it based on the arrangement or sing it, you quickly realize it's not as good as the original, which is what everyone wants, right?

The Avenue Q Piano arrangement, however, keeps all the songs in their original context, letting everyone emulate the classic songs the way they're supposed to be sang. No one wants to sing "Defying Gravity" from Wicked without the chorus back-up or Glinda singing in every now and then, right? Avenue Q gives you the score straight from the source, without awkwardly messing up the original greatness of the music. A must-buy.

It stood the test of time for me anyway, since I used to read this book in bed every night when I was about 14 or 15 and marvelled not only at the world of the Beatles but at the way that Schaffner's words opened up a realm of ideas whose breadth I could only intuit at the time. I just finished rereading the book again, 25 years later, and it still strikes me as elegantly written, passionate, honest, insightful and at times very humorous. (The way he speaks about McCartney's solo career is particularly funny). In 1977, he wrote, "As usual the wild card of the lot is John Lennon."

I think this is the book about the Beatles we all wish we had written. My copy is in tatters, and has a torn-up dust-jacket with the Rubber Soul fish-eyed lens photograph. I will never part from it!

This book is one of a few that every Beatle collector must have. Along with "The Beatles" with covor work by Andy Warhol, "The Beatles Forever" is a must have. If you are interested in owning the 1977 and 1978 soft and hard back copies of "The Beatles Forever" in near mint condition contact Seth at henry23@home.com

I have the pair listed under Yahoo auctions, "music," THE BEATLES, "The Beatles Forever." Look it up via search or let your fingers do the walking. I will ship upon receiving certified funds and you must pay shipping however it should not cost but $7 to $10 max to ship and you can see what the current bid is in Yahoo auctions.

This book must have taken Nicholas Schaffner all his energy to write. It's a wonderful account of the lads music from their rise to fame in 1964 to their solo careers in 1977. Schaffner cares most about the music and he definetely knows his stuff. He's not escatic about Sgt. Pepper, which is an overated album, and he mentions a forgotten George Harrison masterpiece, "It's all too Much". Schaffner writes in a dry witty factual style focusing on the Beatles albums, their influence on rock music, the ups and downs of their solo careers, and anaylizes their lyrics. There are pictures of all the Beatles singles and rare pics of the beatles infamous butcher cover. This is my favorite Beatle book.

I have loved this book for years. Nick Schaffner has done a superb job of sharing his personal love for the Beatles from both an objective and subjective standpoint. Not only does he make personal references in re the Beatles, he also details the history of the band and the recordings they had released up until this book was published. Certain references, such as the Beatles' hair length being comparable to then-president Jimmy Carter (1976-80) are what "dates" this work; other than that, this excellent book is a timeless classic.

When I was in the 9th grade, I wrote a paper on the breakup of the Beatles entitled "The Gestalt Beatles: The Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts" and smile today as I think of how much I wanted to be a paperback writer. There is no doubt that Mr. Schaffner has inspired countless hordes of fans in this manner. I think of my old term paper because the writing in this book is greater than the sum of its parts - the combination of objectivity and subjectivty make for a very well rounded presentation indeed!

I had the pleasure of meeting Nick Schaffner at a Beatles' convention and he graciously autographed my copy of this book. He also shared stories about the Beatles and offered words of solace to fans still mourning John's death. This book deserves a place of honor and is a must-have for the avid Beatles' fan. Please read this book and share it with somebody. You will be glad that you did.

I own over 150 books about this lot....and this is one of the 4 or 5 best. Track this down

Being a huge Big & Rich fan I had to get this book. When I got the book it was even better then I could have expected. There are detailed biographies on the entire Muzik Mafia as well as candid and personal photos that have never been seen before. This is a great way to get connected even deeper to a great band. Also I think that even if you aren't a fan you will enjoy this book and possibly become a fan.

very good good reading about the two singers, not sure why they added the dvd with just clips , they should have had earlyer music of them, but the book was really good

I expected this book to be just a chronology of what I already knew about this duo - and I was pleasantly surprised that there was much I didn't know. Their diverse personalities and backgrounds certainly come out and makes the beautiful blend they do in music even that much better. I was unaware that the book existed until I opened the newest CD which was also great, and have really enjoyed reading it. Great pictures, not ones I had just seen over and over on websites. It was interesting to "meek" those who supported the union, those in the background and others in the Musik Mafia. Gread read!!

Tells a great story about how Kenny Alphin and John Rich became Big and Rich. Not only does the book tell about Kenny and John, it also talks about other members of the Muzik Mafia. Even if you are not a fan it's a great book and it makes you feel real good inside. As a fan of Big and Rich I knew I would not be disappointed and if you are a fan neither will you. Besides the great story the pictures are really awesome from younger photos to candid shots with their families. And who can resist Kenny's son Lincoln...cute as can be!!! A must have for all fans of Big and Rich be huge fans or passer by fans.

I just love this book, and it's not just all about the great pictures (which there are many of, including some exclusive private ones), but it's the stories behind the pictures, told by Big Kenny and John Rich from their hearts.

I feel like a very uneducated fan, having never had the experience of seeing them on stage. My only dealings with Big & Rich have been through their CDs, videos and TV appearances and from my fellow Mafia Soldiers. This book really gives you alot of insight into who these guys really are and how they got to this point in their lives.

You really have to read it to understand it. And I hope, in say, 10 years, there is another book to share the next decade of their lives with us as they get even bigger and better.

This book is certainly the greatest single published wealth of knowledge on Wailers recording I have ever seen. However, Steffens' choice of what is included in the book seems at times erratic. He has included a smattering of live shows (both historical & typical), but he has not fully documented all the shows currently in circulation. He has included some shows for which no tracks are issued, some which are partially issued, and some that are in for sale in thier entirety.

He also includes only a partial glimpse into the known unissued studio recordings of Marley. For instance, he lists tracks such as "Show Your Dreads" and "She Used to Call Me Dada," and intimate sessions, such as the one commonly known as Mother B Reel I. However, he includes no mention of known unissued studio tracks, such as "Wounded Lion" and "Real Good Time." For that reason, I must wonder how many songs & sessions are sitting in the vault that were purposefully omitted from this "definitive" discography.

This is a valiant effort and invaluable resource for sure. I'll be looking forward to the 2nd edition.

One.

With any discography, you expect to get details layered upon details about an artist's output. Here you get all of that, but there's much more. Roger Steffens is not only a huge reggae fan and supporter, but he's one of the premier collectors of reggae (and Marley in particular) recordings and memorabilia. He shares photos, anecdotes and insights into countless Marley recordings and sessions. As a long time Marley fan, I have spent hours just browsing and absorbing the information. Highly recommended if you want to know the minutiae and tidbits of the record releases from the Bob Marley.

Even "experts" have long been confused about details of Marley's recorded works, but here is the long-awaited authoritative reference source. Anyone, no matter how knowledgeable, will learn from flipping through this book, and the many illustrations of record covers/labels/etc make it fun to do so. Imagine Bob himself looking at this one - even he no doubt would be reminded of many recordings he might have forgotten - and would be proud indeed.

-steve heilig, BEAT magazine

Many a fan has wondered about the provenance of a certain track by Bob, Peter or Bunny or the whole holy Wailers trinity; only to be stymied by the seeming impossibility of ever imposing rational order on the gush of Wailers releases over the years. Helped by other aficionadoes, including my fellow Marley biographer Tim White, reggae historian and archivist Steffens and multi-talented bluesman Pierson have kept the faith -- and the vinyl -- for a full fifteen years to produce this handsome, thorough volume, illustrated with previously unseen pix by lenspersons including Kate Simon & Steffens. Delightful essays round out a very valuable work that's a true labour of love.

This long gestating book on the wild and wonderfully wide-ranging releases from 'Jamaica's Beatles' is finally out and meets all expectations. Thanks in part to the extensive interviews authors Steffens and Pierson conducted with 'the living stone' Bunny Wailer over several years, BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS: The Definitive Discography plows through the mountains of facts and dis-information to provide a clear and thorough, yet still living and evolving, look at the tremendous output of Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny in all forms, roots and branches. The days of frontin' Wailers discs as originals in online and other record auctions are over as this compendium provides detailed proof of all origins and matrix numbers. Here's a slam dunk that actually merits an Order of Freedom Medal. Go deh dready go deh. -Doug Wendt, www.midnightdread.com

A delightful tale by Oakland author Beresford McLean, Broken Gourds examines the social fabric in Albion, an imaginary Jamaican farming village, in the latter part of the 19th century. At the beginning of the tale, the village is divided into two classes: the few white (or whiter) folks who run the community's major institutions, and the farmers and other folk, relatively recently freed from slavery, and not so distant from their African roots. By the end of the story, this order has been mightily disturbed.
Central to this shift in power is Dada, one of the "broken gourds." His father, Prince, is the highest of the lowly, a farmer who owns a fair amount of the land in Albion, and who actually gets to approach the table of the upper class when the whole community gathers for lunch after church on Sunday.
Dada is no credit to Prince at all, as far as his father can see. Although seemingly not lacking in intelligence, Dada has yet to find his groove in life, and is content doing simple chores, sometimes even forgetting them, and keeping company with his friend, the other "broken gourd," Twig.
This aimlessness goes on, to Prince's consternation, until Dada is nearly 30, and showing no desire to move out of Prince's home, or otherwise distinguish himself. Dada himself is puzzled by his lack of purpose. The only one who seems to see who Dada is and where he might be going is Granny, Prince's mother, who holds to the traditions of her Ghanaian culture, much maligned among the "proper" folk. Granny sees that Dada has a great gift that he'll one day contribute to his community.
That day comes, and Dada is called upon by an angel in a visionary dream. He's so transformed, even his name goes, and he renames himself Brother Walk. He has become a healer, who will walk about caring for whoever needs his touch. Ultimately, his work brings about a surprising harmony in the community. The power of the village comes to rest in his hands, even as he once dreamed it would, without ever knowing how.
But all this is not without its upsets. For all the good that Dada does - and some of it very unconventionally, he's not without his detractors.
The tenor of the book is lilting and poetic, rich in unusual plot turns and endearing characters. The reader can become very fond of the community of Albion and its denizens - even the troublemakers. In his dedication, the author credits his parents with his "knack of storytelling [he] stole when they were not looking." He stole well; Broken Gourds is a transporting and heart-lifting tale of healing and redemption.

When we think of countries and civilizations we think of the cities that define them, the Great Zimbabwe, ancient Athens, and ancient Rome. We seldom think of a village, but it is the village that first nurtures the population and shapes its character, laws, and political structure. These eventually lead to the building of cities. "Broken Gourds" is the tale of one such village, Albion.

Albion is a small hilly village in Jamaica. There is a dirt path that goes from the plantations to the seaport in Port Maria. Many of the landowners and highly paid professionals that lived in Albion petitioned the city to widen the road and improve it for cars and trucks.

Victor Rawlings, the unofficial village representative, attempts to stop the construction of the road. He does this by telling the story of the village to the team of engineers sent to see the path and make recommendations to the city. Rawlings explains to the project manager, Margaret Duncan, that if the city builds the road where planned, it would destroy a historical plot of land and one building in particular. This broken down shack, called the Balm Yard and House of God is an important part of village history and symbolizes the community's soul.

The story of the Balm Yard begins with Dada a son of a prosperous village farmer, Prince, a well-respected community leader. Prince worries about Dada because he is both uninterested in and unfit for manly work. He is physically repulsive, his feet covered with oozing sores, and he constantly suffers from a head cold. The only one who understands Dada and suspects that he is blessed with more than a beautiful signing voice is his grandmother. Granny lives above the village in the mountains and still practices the ancient African religion of her ancestors.

As he grows to manhood, it becomes apparent that Dada lives in a dream world populated with spirits, duppys, who communicate with him. This gift further alienates him from his peers but renders him an ideal vessel for the spirits, and they soon make use of their vessel.

On the first day of August the spirit people lead Dada to a magical pool where he is cured of his afflictions. He in turn cures his gravely ill grandmother and his friend Twig, the village cripple.

Soon Dada becomes a priest and healer in the traditional African sense. He builds the Balm house as his counsel house and church and begins to take over the spiritual guidance of Albion. However, Dada's greed and carnal lust, especially his desire for one young woman he cannot have, leads to his moral and spiritual breakdown. Finally, his redemption leads to self -discovery, and he becomes a true spiritual leader.

As the story of the Balm Yard ends the present day storyteller and listeners learn of their connection to the past and come to understand the importance of the Yard's restoration

The story's narrative flows elegantly and the prose is a lyrical. However, the dialogue is forced and stilted in parts. Those looking for a novel with well-developed three-dimensional characters will be disappointed. This book is a narrative told by a village storyteller. It is more important what the characters represent, authority, friendship, and compassion, than who they are. Although Dada's character is more developed, even he represents different virtues and vices at different times.

"Broken Gourds" is a colorful tale of Jamaica's African roots and portrays well the world of magical realism that surrounds most Caribbean and Latin American cultures. Although I would have liked some of the characters to be more fleshed out, I appreciated the beauty of the narrative and found the story well told and interesting.

As an avid reader, I'm always excited when I come across such a fantastic book as Broken Gourds. Told in the warm vibrant style of story tellers from long ago, Broken Gourds is one of the best books I've read in a while. Set in a small village in Jamaica, its a story about traditions, religion, superstitions, and change as carried down through the generations of the village's residents. From the moment I picked it up, I became instantly transported to this little village in Jamaica. I simply could not put it down. Beresford McLean is a Master Story Teller



Laura Wandrie - NewAge Journal

Reviewed by: Tyrone Vincent Banks of Betsie's Literary Page.

A spiritual combination of "Flowers for Algernon" and "Phenomenon"


Broken Gourds is an intriguing story about a "simpleton" named Dada. Throughout most of his life he existed as an outsider, scorned by his family and laughed at by children and adults alike. What he lacked in social grace, common sense and intelligence was compensated for by his beautiful singing voice, peaceful demeanor and compassion. He was an outcast suffering from a disease that left gaping sores about his face that would never heal. His father Prince was afraid that he would never leave his home and therefore stifle his own search for a bride to replace Dada's deceased mother. Prince embarked on a campaign to build a life for his son and make him comply with his vision of success.

Dada saw no harm in the way that he lived. As long as there was food, a way to care for his crippled friend Twig and his grandmother - he was content. One day, he failed his father for the last time by setting Prince's livestock free and letting the water supply run dry. As Dada ran for his life with his father at wit's end threatening to kill him, his life changed. He was given a vision and a magical gourd that could fill a well as if an endless supply of water was enclosed within the small container. He was changing and he rushed to the side of his dying grandmother - and healed her with an embrace. The wounds that covered his face - disappeared. Dada's eyes opened and he was no longer an uninterested observer, he was now an instrument of change.

Dada became an instrument of God, much like the gourd that contained the endless supply of water; he was filled with the power of God. He established a place of worship called The Balm Yard and the miracles continued. All that he touched were healed and he took on a new name - Brother Walk. He would travel throughout Albion, Jamaica preaching and healing all within reach. Brother Walk was reborn and in this new form he learns about love, sensuality, self-sacrifice and temptation. He is given an endless amount of power and his followers hang on every word that leaves his mouth. However, we all know what happens with absolute power. This book has an ending that is both surprising and expected.

Read this book and take part in this journey reminiscent of Daniel Keyes' "Flowers for Algernon" and the motion picture "Phenomenon" told with the classic flair of Steinbeck. The journey is mystical and enjoyable and Beresford McLean's style is similar to that of a revered storyteller. His words and images will capture you and you will carry this story in your heart.

Inside each of us there dwells a person, unlovely and unloved,who wants desparately for us to be more than we are. Mr. McLean speaks to that soul in the person of Dada, the main character in this delightfully universal Jamaican myth. Through Granny, Dada, who later comes to be Brother Walk, and the other members of the community of Albion, we meet all the complexities of humanity and the many faces of god. We come face to face with the man and woman in each of us, the greedy child, the bully, the submissive and the dominant, the hopeful and the hopeless, the liar and the cheat, the angel and the devil, the listener to voices, the beater of drums and the dreamer of dreams.

I loved this story of change, resolution, justice, mercy, humility, magic and "Old Time Something come back again". I appreciated the author's themes and use of imagery, language, personification and local colour. I think you too will be unable to resist it for a gentle read or a headliner for your local public library book club! I highly recommend it! Happy reading!

Rick was something else. While I enjoyed his music, his writing was concise and entertaining all the way thru and I really enjoyed the pics.
Great insight into a musical genius the likes we may never see again.
DJ
Stockbridge, GA

After doing some (in-store and online) price comparison, Amazon's prices are definitely the better bargain "hands-down".

If you like Rick James this book is highly recommended. It is a book you will not be able to put down.

THE BOOK IS ON FIRE. RICK WAS ONE TALENTED DUDE. UNFORTUNATELY ALL MOST OF US KNOW ABOUT HIM IS THAT HE LIVED A CRAZY LIFE. RICK WAS MUCH MORE THAN THAT AND THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO KNOW WHAT MADE THE MAN TICK.

Very entertaining and informative I could not put it down I purchased 3 for gifts

How wonderful and unusual to find a book about musical theatre that is never pretentious, never dull, brilliantly opinionated, and that has a healthy sense of humor about its subject. There is more joy and humor in this book than in any other similar book I've ever read. Miller's intelligence and enthusiasm overflows and you'll find yourself smiling, laughing out loud, and humming along as you read this happily readable, entertaining, irreverent book.

This book understands that the dark side of humanity is always more complex and more interesting and so it focuses mostly on shows that tackle the dark side -- Camelot, Chicago, Falsettos, King and I -- but interestingly, all shows that use a lot of humor to make their very serious points.

This is not a book for those grumpy old curmudgeons who are always grumbling that musicals ought to be silly, sappy, escapist comedies. This is a book for people who love Grown-Up Musicals, the kind that feed both brain and soul. If that's you, you have to buy this book. You'll love it.

Every analysis that Miller wrote in this book just blew me away. It completely opened my eyes to all the subtext behind musicals that prior to this just seemed...well, dull. However, I suddenly acquired new views on musicals like "The Music Man" and "Camelot" and I now appreciate them not only as classics but engaging pieces of theatre. His ideas on all the other musicals, especially the Sondheim pieces are simply enlightening. What are you waiting for? Buy it!

I am a Lecturer in Acting and Music Theatre at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (Bachelor of Music Theatre program) and DECONSTRUCTING HAROLD HILL is on my book list for the students. Why?

Because underneath your writing is an undeniable energy, love, support for our craft; this fragile crystal of a business called 'show'. I am not really concerned whether or not I agree with your opinions, apothesis, arguments, discussions etc...what I want is my students to be infected by PASSION and your book is an undeniable example of that. Like you and me, I WANT them to have opinions, to engage in lively and researched debate, to listen to/see the works of the repertoire, to know which song/scene comes from what and that takes energetic, rigourous and PASSIONATE research. If your book goes a wee way to get them off their arses and into action...so be it.

I thank you for a book that has not only enthused my students but that goes one step further towards securing the fragile architecture of our business...

WILL CONYERS

I am a Lecturer in Acting and Music Theatre at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (Bachelor of Music Theatre program) and DECONSTRUCTING HAROLD HILL is on my book list for the students. Why?

Because underneath your writing is an undeniable energy, love, support for our craft; this fragile crystal of a business called 'show'. I am not really concerned whether or not I agree with your opinions, apothesis, arguments, discussions etc...what I want is my students to be infected by PASSION and your book is an undeniable example of that. Like you and me, I WANT them to have opinions, to engage in lively and researched debate, to listen to/see the works of the repertoire, to know which song/scene comes from what and that takes energetic, rigourous and PASSIONATE research. If your book goes a wee way to get them off their arses and into action...so be it.

I thank you for a book that has not only enthused my students but that goes one step further towards securing the fragile architecture of our business...

WILL CONYERS

I loved this author's first book, From Assassins to West Side Story, but I wasn't prepared for the further depth and greater brilliance of his second book, Deconstructing Harold Hill. This is a man who knows his theatre, who understands human nature, and who cares enough about great art to treat it seriously and respectfully without being afraid to criticize it or demand fresh approaches. This is a work of great intellect that is still accessible to readers with no theatre or music background (a rarity), and yet, I would guess, in depth and surprising enough to aid the most experienced professional.

In his introduction, Mr. Miller complains that American directors don't come at older American musicals with fresh enough perspectives, and the rest of the book does what those directors can't -- it looks, as if for the first time, at a collection of wonderful, important musicals, looking at them fresh, taking the time to think about and question the things nobody else will.

His discussin of the use of musical themes in The Music Man is incredble -- there's so much there I hadn't noticed before -- and his writing makes it all accessible for someone with no music background. His discussions of the character of Harold Hill -- basically a villain who acts like a hero -- is fascinating. He sees glorious little details in this show I've never seen before.

His chapter on Camelot opened my eyes like never before to the depth and possibilities of this show that usually falls into the shadow of My Fair Lady. Mr. Miller sees complexity and nuance in these characters that I've never seen explored before. How amazing it would be to see a production of Camelot that used Mr. Miller's ideas. The show would be transformed instantly from a pretty musical into a soaring, searing piece of tragic theatre.

His chapter on Chicago makes a compelling case for why the revival doesn't do the show justice. And his chapters on Sondheim musicals (Passion and Sunday in the Park) confirm for me that Mr. Miller is the preeminent American interpreter of Sondheim's works. Though I live in Seattle, I may just venture down to St. Louis to see Mr. Miller's ideas at work on his own stage. How lucky the people of St. Louis must be to have an artist this intelligent, this passionate, and this emotional working in their city.

THERE'S ALOT OF GREAT PICTURES IN HERE!THIS BOOK TALKS ABOUT CERTAIN PEOPLE WHO INFLUENCED MANSON,AND WHY.IT TALKS ABOUT CERTAIN " LABELS " GROUPS,AND PEOPLE GAVE HIM AND HIS BAND.IT TALKS ABOUT CHARLES MANSON,ALEISTER CROWLEY,AND ANTON LAVEY.THERE'S SO MUCH MORE INFORMATION IN HERE.THERE'S SO MANY DIFFERENT SUBJECTS BEING TALKED ABOUT.THIS IS REALLY AN INTERESTING BOOK!YOU REALLY SHOULD BUY THIS AND THEN YOU'LL KNOW MANSON ALOT BETTER!

THIS BOOK COVERS ALOT OF DIFFERENT THINGS.HE TALKS ABOUT ANTON LEVEY AND THE CHURCH OF SATAN.WHY HE HAS SO MANY " PERSONALITIES. " WHY HE DOES THE MUSIC HE DOES AND WHY HE CHOOSES THE SONG TITLES.HIS BELIEFS AND FEELINGS ON CERTAIN ISSUES.THERE'S SO MUCH MORE.THIS BOOK IS VERY INFORMATIVE.IT HAS ALOT OF EXCELLENT PICTURES!HE CERTAINLY IS A VERY INTERESTING PERSON!

This is one of the best Marilyn Manson books I've ever read, besides of course "The Long Hard Road Out Of Hell", without lies. which is mostly what you could find on a MM book.

I read it in 2 days. The way it is presented in organized is amazing. You learn about so much in so few pages. The only flaw is a few minor inaccuracies. Get this book!

This book reads like a "works cited" page for Marilyn Manson's life. It's basically a list of all the influences on his music, fashion, philosophy, religious views, and general tastes in things like movies and books. It also gives an explanation for why all of these are relative to Manson, although I'm sure this is in the author's perception and not his own. This book is a must for those that want to understand why Marilyn Manson is the way he is. It does a much better job than his own autobiography, which I consider to be more entertainment than knowledge. I highly recommend reading both books, they serve as excellent companions to one another since neither give the complete story.