Genres Books

Sonar 2.0 is such a complicated program. I haven't even messed with many of the features, including MIDI, but have gotten quite good at audio editing. This book made a huge difference. I found it much clearer and easier to follow than the online help or manual that came with Sonar. Highly recommended!

I'm using Home Studio 2002 XL, which as one of the reviewers pointed out is basically just a cut down version of Sonar 2. I had hoped that this book would help me to really learn how to use the advanced features of Home Studio/Sonar, but I was disappointed to find little advice on technique in the book.

It's a very comprehensive overview of the features of the program, but apart from a few small features I'd overlooked there was very little that I hadn't managed to already learn from the included help files (which are pretty good) or previous experience with Sequencers and using MIDI.

In particular I was interested in more information on how best to arrange and mix songs, in particular using aux-buses, but I found that less time was spent on this topic than on explaining the different effects (in more detail than I thought necessary).

Perhaps I'm being a little harsh, and perhaps I'm looking for a different kind of book. I work with computers for a living, so I'm used to finding my way around new software - I guess if you aren't then this is probably a good tour of what the software can do.

I review this book as one who does not own this particular piece of software, but as a prospective Sonar user. I wanted to do a little research to see if Sonar was the way I wanted to go, and I found this book extremely informative. It makes what might be a scary program for the novice very approachable and user-friendly. If I do wind up purchasing Sonar, it's unlikely I'll even need to read the manual with this excellent resource available to me. Outstanding!!

Sonar 2 Power! is an excellent book. It is, by far, the best book available on Sonar, and a must have for anyone who uses Sonar. I have found it was great for intitially getting up to speed on the software. And now that I know the software much better, it is still full of tons of helpful information. Sonar 2 Power! lets you quickly dive right into those features you are interested in. Best of all, the author, Scott Garrigus, is able to make learning quick and enjoyable. It is clear that Scott has a great deal of enthusiasm for making music using his computer and Sonar; he does a very good job of getting this enthusiasm across, which makes the book all the more enjoyable to read. The author has a Website...for his readers.

This is a good book for Cakewalk Home Studio 2004 (and XL) users as well, because Home Studio 2004 is basically the same as Sonar 2 with a few missing features that Home Studio 2004.

I did a comparison of it to my recently acquired 2004 XL upgrade and other than the synchronization function, a couple of UI changes (Snap to Grid button changed locations), and a few effects that Home Studio XL doesn't give you, everything works identical to the Sonar 2 version in the book.

I haven't read the Cakewalk Power Book, but I did notice it looked thinner on the shelves than Sonar 2, and chose to buy Sonar 2 because I thought it was more comprehensive. I've been very happy about the purchase and what I've learned about Home Recording.

Suma is a story that makes you think about your own life. I read the story to my Bible study group who were silent throughtout and eventually some tears were shed. What paralyzes us in life? This story makes us take a serious look at our own fears. And the artwork, by Nan Rae, is a beautiful complement to the words. A wonderful gift to yourself or someone you care about.

"Suma the Elephant" by Gary Shoup is an unforgettable fable of life and limitations. The book is short, but only because the language is so perfectly succinct. More wisdom exists in its few pages than in many a thick and scholarly book. The story is simple, almost plotless; Suma, a baby elephant, is kidnapped by monkeys who tie her to a tree with a piece of string. Suma grows up believing she cannot escape; even after years have gone by and the monkeys are long dead, the memory of their voices still imprisons her. As the book jacket explains, "We soon realize that Suma's story is our story." While Suma's life is self-defeating, the book inspires readers to examine what restrains them from living their own dreams. The prose's simplicity forces the sorrow to rise up from between the lines and into the reader's throat.

The story could be read as a children's book, and I can easily envision it with brightly colored pictures and cartoon drawings of the elephants and monkeys in a Disney "Jungle Book" style. Some might think it too sad for children, but children will benefit from it if a parent is prepared to answer their questions afterward. Had I read this book as a child, I imagine I would have cried for Suma; the story would have affected me profoundly, lingering in my mind for years; I would have read it over and over until I grew up fully conscious of the mind-forged manacles we inflict on ourselves. And I would have been determined not to let Suma's fate become mine.

But Gary Shoup was wise enough not to make it only a children's book; his story achieves its full dignity in its elegant design by Joe Kuszai. The large amount of white space on the cover and pages focuses the reader's attention to the book's content. The decision to use only black and gray for the illustrations grants the book a dignified sorrow. The story could easily have been written on a couple full sheets of paper, but its division into many pages forces the reader to read it slowly, focusing on the intention of the lines, and if the reader lingers over the artwork before turning the page, the story's tone is only reinforced in the reader's mind.

The artwork is perfectly aligned with the tale. The artist, Nan Rae, has focused on elegance and simplicity in the drawings she and Gary Shoup selected for the book. The lack of drawings of the characters prevents distraction from the book's tone. Each of Rae's pictures contributes to the meaning of the words it faces; for example, the drawing of the drooping flower enhances the hopelessness of the line, "And after a long while, Suma stopped tugging on the string."

As much as I admire the choice to have only black and gray drawings in the book, I recommend the reader visit Nan Rae's website [...] where her talents are fully displayed in the colors she uses. Her method is described as, "Chinese brush painting [that] combines the grace of the Literati style with an impressionist approach to color. The Literati style seeks to transcend the mere representation of a subject to capture its ch'i, or life force, by using a minimum of brush strokes for maximum effect." Rae succeeds in capturing the ch'i of Suma in her drawings, even though she never depicts Suma herself. Rather than a picture of a sad elephant, we see a drooping flower, while a withering tree symbolizes the band of monkeys that has died. The drawings are like little poems that reflect the emotions of the text.

I can easily see "Suma the Elephant" being a gift for a loved one undergoing a major life event, a graduation, a divorce, a difficult career decision. It is a book of inspiration, a book that makes the reader look into his own soul and ask if he will allow fear and habit to bind him. Even though I am no longer a child, "Suma the Elephant" will linger in my mind for years to come.

- Tyler R. Tichelaar, author of Iron Pioneers
MQT REVIEWS

I am a high school English teacher, so people are always recommending books for me to read. At first, I stashed this title away with the many others, but I kept hearing references to this simple and stunning tale. I read it this morning and it took me by surprise. I am only just beginning to think of the many ways this profound and poignant story will help my students make meaning in their own lives and the lives of others. I feel grateful for this story.

Amazing book and story and affect on the reader. Never have I seen so few words, so few simple words, able to touch one's intellect and emotions to such a degree. The author told a group of us that it was our story, and while at first we did not quite understand what he meant, once he read it to us, we quickly began to understand, and then took ownership. It is metaphor multiplied. There is a certain quiescent lyrical quality about it that perhaps grows from the simplicity of its sentences, but one sits a little stunned at the end of this very short read. Defying any categorization, it touches you profoundly.

"Suma the Elephant" is a remarkably simple tale, which evokes a myriad of complex emotions. It touches the core of every grown up child who once was limited or put down, and now continues to limit herself by her unconscious belief in those critical messages. It provides insight into the dynamics of slavery in this country. This is an incredibly powerful story, and I am very glad to have read it.

This book contains a good selection of Yanni pieces that are not too hard to play yet reproduce the original music very faithfully.

Ever since my daughter was little, she and I have loved Yanni's music. This was a Christmas gift to her. It is so neat to hear her playing the compositions we have listened to for so long. She has taken piano for 10 years and is learning this music easily. She loves this book.

This is a very thorough Piano Book of Yanni Songs. The music was large enough to see cleary, and enough room to make notes in. I am enjoying it immensly.

This is a must-have for all pianists who love Yanni! Each piece is emotionally moving and ingeniously intricate, though not so intricate as to be impossibly difficult. There are only one or two typos that most people would miss, but they never detract from the integrity of the piece. "In The Morning Light" is exceptionally beautiful, and is not that difficult. "Until The Last Moment" is another excellent piece, although it is the most difficult in the entire book. I could keep on listing my favorites, but that list would include pretty much every song in the book. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!!

This is a great book for anyone who wants to play some of Yanni's best piano solos for themselves. It is not too hard to do, nor too easy. It does not include every solo from In My Time album; but it is still very good. I have enjoyed it very much. The only problem I have is one that is inherent to Yanni's composing style: there is a lot of repetition in his music, and I have had to stop and figure out where to go next with a lot of the passages. It is not a problem with the product-it is just his style. Very nice book-I would recommend it to Yanni fans as well as pianists who would like to play some challenging, different, beautiful music.

For a basic course in music theory, this is the compilation which will teach you everything you need to know about tonality, cadences, voice leading, nonharmonic tones, and harmony.

Bach's Chorales are the stuff of legend. The sheer wealth of invention is staggering. The Reimenschneider version has been around for decades and it is difficult to see how it could be improved. The layout is excellent with useful and insightful notes from a true Bach scholar.

For any piano player, music theorist, composer, or music enthusiast, this is the book for you. Excellent for daily piano study or for a better understanding of common practice tonal harmony. Great notes in the back for reference. The basis of tonality lies within these pages.

This is nearly indispensable for the serious music student. Used in most first-year theory courses, the Bach Chorales illustrate what the master did and why our Western music theory is based on the chorales he wrote.

First bought 18 years ago, I found that I'd somehow lost my copy along the way. I bought another copy since I'm taking further music theory courses and though it isn't required in this particular course, it helps immensely to have a copy on hand.

The book is very well laid out but the music is smaller than would be preferred. If the scores were printed larger it would be more enjoyable.

As a guitar instructor for 10 years now, I'm alway on the lookout for good materials...and this book is one of the best. The selections start at a level most advanced beginners can handle and progress through the late intermediate level. There is a second book that is just as good. The pieces are perfect for recital and contest material. All the pieces are well edited and are also supported with tab.

The selections are great. I absolutely enjoy this book, but I wish that I had never purchased it. Tabulature makes this accessible to the most novice player, but establishes bad practices which are extremely difficult to break. Even though it is harder and slower, I recommend a good note speller and a series which does not use tab.

I bought this book and have learned almost all the songs in it. The recordings on the CD sound very nice. The song selections are excellent. They are a little more up beat and lively then many other solo classical guitar I have bought. Classical guitarist sometimes play the most boring songs but Ben Bolt's selection is superb.

I enjoyed this book and the CD. It's good. However I feel short-changed because it's only 27 progressive solos and not 39. You have to get the remaining 12 solos in Book II.

Dear Mr Ben Bolt, it would be great if you or your publisher did not misguide buyers with such a title.

I still give it a 5 star rating regardless....

This review relates to the Book 2 of the same author. Its amazing that Ben Bolt is the only classical guitarist who offers this kind of product meaning classic themes on a progressive order with tablature to the public and not only that, the book is masterly ordered to improve with every lesson or piece your technical expertice step by step magicaly. It seems that the author knows exactly what are the techniques in each lessons that help you reach a l;evel that the next one is a little more challenging with the consequence that when you finish the book you have a very profound technical knowledge of playing guitar. Great Book recommended for the intermediate guitar player that want to master at record speed the classical guitar. Probably after finishing the book 2 I recommend to perfect your guitar playing knowedge is just to get a great teacher and give public concerts. Thanks Bolt and I am waiting book 3...

This is the bible for children's folksongs, with artwork by Barbara Cooney the icing on the cake!

Our family has loved this songbook very much. There are ninety songs in the book. Written by Pete Seeger's sister, American Folk Songs for children has songs each of them suggests an activity. There are songs for going places, songs for knocking on doors and windows, songs for eating, songs for dancing, and many others. I would like to buy a copy as a gift, and I hope there is a reprint date soon.

This is the book with the favorite songs from my long ago childhood. So I bought it for my daughter so she could sing these to my grandchildren.

It has the good songs. Songs with lots and lots of verses. Fun songs for older kids and songs to sing babies to sleep.

This book is a treasure! The introduction gives a wonderful background on these authentic folk songs and how they can be used with children. This is an essential book for music teachers, but also great for parents. Be careful, though, because once the children know the songs you'll hear them over and over again... :)

I own a copy of the original print of this book. It posseses some of the most whimsical little songs I have yet to hear. Its just...fabulous...and I don't even know how to play any instruments....lol

The songbooks the same as I purchased years ago when I was a teen. I lent it to a friend and never got it back. My older edition was a single edition,while this one's a split one. A lot more practical, of course the price has increased since I was a teen but what hasn't. Have fun strumming along with The Beatles.

I visited the auction site in WED\19\5\1999. Unfortunately, I didn't buy anything because of the outrageous prices. I believe and garanty that if the prices were lower, this site would be one of the most visited sites on the web. Personnaly I will check constantly to see the prices have been arranged properly.

Be sure to get the entire two-volume set. You not only get songs the Beatles wrote, but also their versions of covers they did such as "Kansas City." The sheet music is clear and quite easy to follow, which makes learning the songs easier. Beginners may have some trouble with this, but certainly intermediate players will be able to take off.

The harmonic treatment of the songs is stellar. For those who are "multi-lingual" musically, chords, notes and tabulature is provided. That way everybody who can read at least one form of music can really put this book to good use. I am also delighted that the lyrics are included. That way, people who either don't know all the words or who want to learn them can sing along.

Another excellent feature is that the instrumental sections of the songs are included. This book is a must have. Be sure to check out the Beatles' Complete Scores and the finger pickin' guitar book of Beatle songs as well. However, of the choices presented, this book is your first choice.

Guitar players, make this book your best friend when you want to play and/or learn to play Beatle songs the Beatle way. Not only will you derive a lot of satisfaction, but others will enjoy your playing as well. Don't be surprised if you get lots of requests to play some Beatles!

Virtually every Beatles song ever recorded appears in this two-volume set. It includes even some of the Beatles cover songs such as "Kansas City" and "A Taste of Honey".

What you get are the standard sheet music versions of these songs, nicely printed and easy to read. The book is at an intermediate level. Typical Hal Leonard scores: a base line in the spirit of the recording, chords voiced in the center and melody on top. Not always very pianistic, but the songs are transcribed pretty well harmonically. Also tab is included and of course lyrics. Some of the songs include the Beatles solo, fills or intros. For instance the instrumetal part of Polythene Pam, Savoy Truffle or Yer Blues. All the songs I've played so far except "Penny Lane" are in the key they were recorded in. It seems "Penny Lane" is in B, the music is in C.

If you want to know every note the Beatles played, get the "The Beatles Complete Scores" also sold by Amazon.com. However, to me its hard to read and not really playable. So if you just want to just get in and play, this is preferable.

It's quite a luxury to have not just thier hits but all their music together. After playing something like "Let it Be" you can just turn a few pages and delve into something you'd never expect to play like "Piggies", "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" or virtually play through all of "Abbey Road". While the Beatles aren't Gods to me, it really hits you how talented these guys were when you've got it all in front of you like this.

A great collection of all of the Beatles songs from A-I. A definite must for Beatles fans who would like to learn to play their songs. This book rocks--And so can you!

I had the opportunity to meet the author up at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame during the time that the Lennon exhibit was there. He was as nice and down to earth as you would think he would be.

Each of these books is an absolute MUST if you are a Beatles fan. I find myself getting one of them off of my bookcase every now and then to read up on a certain album or single...be it VJ, SWAN, CAPITOL, or APPLE. I especially like the Capitol albums book AND both books on APPLE RECORDS.

I'm kinda wondering what Bruce will write on next!!

During the press conference for the Vancover show in 64,Paul voiced his
disaproval of how the American record company would release anything
as a single. During one of their U.S shows John took a swipe at one
of the LP titles. He didn't have a copy of it & didn't want one.After
buying the Capital Box sets of their U.S. LP's I know know why & you
will too. Growing up in Australia, we got the U.K. versions of their
albums - which are the REAL versions & are better. Read this book & you
will see how the record company milked the music for all they could.
Capitol never wanted them but when they were forced to take
The Beatles...they became the most succesful act to have records released by the label. And you payed for that privilage. A facinating book.

This was the second Bruce Spizer book that I had bought and like it's companion "Part 1 - The Singles" it is an amazingly enjoyable book to behold. I've got these US versions in my collection though they are Orange Label 70's variations. It's great to learn about the logic behind their releases and it's equally interesting to listen to a US "Rubber Soul" especially as I was used to the UK/Australian 14 track version all these years... the US Version sounds like a Folk/Pop/Rock Album ALA the Byrds The "Butcher Cover" saga is a production almost bigger than "Ben-Hur". Bruce Spizer takes you right into the minds of those involved with that drama. No wonder Alan Livingston was reluctant to take those 20 "Butcher" LP's home..he'd had enough of them! The Author's thoroughness is never in question and the quality of his books consistently put many others to shame. The label reproductions are wonderful and helpful if you've bought the original US LP's. To think that now those US LP's are now deleted and replced by their UK counterparts. Overall the quality is superb and Mr. Spizer's books sit in the same class as those of Mark Lewisohn's "Complete Beatles Chronicle" & "Abbey Road" books as well as the massive "Beatles Anthology" tome. While each part stands alone quite well you must buy Part 1 to complete the set as they complemment each other really beautifully. I thoroughly recommend these books to any Beatles fan and lovers of Rock Music books.

A great book to find treasures with your old LP's. To find out what version or issue numbers you might own. Pictures are extremely good! With glossy photos!!

This book is the third book of a trilogy that every Beatle collector should have. Starting with the history of VJ, Bruce has fantastically illustrated the Beatles American history on vinyl. With this third edition, Part 2 of the history at Capitol, The photo's, the adverts, and the history itself make this book worthwile in every way.

I purchased this book for my husband's uncle. He and his wife used to follow the Dead. He adored this book. He even found a crowd picture that showed he and his wife. They were thrilled. The photography is wonderful.

This book is required reading for all fans of the Grateful Dead. Wonderful photographs and commentary. It brings back so many memories from years past that I find myself not being able to put it down. I will most likely buy a second copy, just to have it for future enjoyment when I wear this one out. Great job Jay!

Saw this book for the first time at the Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland during a cross-country trip (side note: an interesting place to visit. Check out Jerry's guitars: Rosebud, Lightning Bolt, Wolf and 2 he ordered but never played). Bought it on the spot! If you think you have seen all the pictures of the Boyz, think again. This is an impressive collection, perfect for the "Deadhead who has everything". I just bought a 2nd copy, 'cause I know I am going to wear out the first one I bought!

The photographs in this book evoke a community and a culture that was a huge part of my own life during the Grateful Dead touring years. Looking through these photographs brought back so many great memories, and finding photos of familiar faces and places was both nostalgic and sentimental and at the same time incredibly satisfying. Thank you Jay!

I bought the first book as a gift, this is absolutely a fantastic collection of photography, so good I've bought three more. Made several people extremely happy.

I am buried up to my nose in work but I had to come in and give my review on this one. These are great great stories, written by a man who believed in things he told you about and knows how to tell them good. I have not even completed the book, but oh man, it is so good... "By the waters of San Tadeo", "Beyond the great snow mountains", "Meeting at Fallmouth", "The money punch" and "The gravel Pit"...they will leave you to wonder at the versatile man who wrote them and the fact that he is known as a "great western writer" ? Western, my foot! He is a GREAT WRITER - Period ! And oh, for the fans of Jeffery Archer (I am one too) The Gravel Pit,The Money Punch and Meeting at Fallmouth will delight you for sure, although Louis always has his flavour in what ever he writes ( and I am glad of that) And for hard core louis fans - it has a Ward McQueen story too.

I started with Louis L'Amour when I was 13. I'm 50 now and he still gives me immense satisfaction. His books, all of them, grace my small home library and they are somewhat dog-eared from the many times I've re-read them. "Beyond" is a small compilation of short stories that are pure enterntainment and L'Amour at his best. He takes you to places you will probably never visit, introduces you to people and circumstances of intensity and all in the comfort of your favorite reading chair. I look forward to the promised release of several new works.

This review refers to "Beyond The Great Snow Mountains"(Short Story Collection) by Louis L'Amour.

L'Amour fans, this short story collection is fabulous. Ten captivating classic stories that will have you turning the pages, as fast as you can. Each story is a fresh new experience. Adventure, Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense, Action and even a little romance. The action takes place on land, in the air, and on the water. And yes, some Western adventure as well. The main characters and heroes are always charismatic. Some are even based on real life adventurers he knew.

L'Amour's own turn at being a miner and a boxer(as told in the Afterword by Beau L'Amour), is put to good use in some stories revolving around those subjects. The mining story "Under The Hanging Wall", is a suspense packed murder mystery, with all the usual suspects, and the action taking place in an abandoned and dangerous part of a mine. "The Money Punch" is the story of a young fighter with lessons to learn.

In "By the Waters of San Tadeo" and "Beyond the Great Snow Mountains", women are the main character and heroines of the stories. One has a woman trying to escape danger and the other a woman torn between the Tribe she has become a part of and a chance to go back to her home.

The stories range from 10 pages to 40 pages. And in that short time, L'Amour manages to tell great tales. Other works included are "Meeting at Falmouth", :Roundup In Texas", "Sideshow Champion", "Crash Landing", "Coast Patrol", and "The Gravel Pit". A Dedication, and Afterward by Beau L'Amour and a short informative, "About Louis L'Amour" is also included in the book.

I was delighted with every story in this collection. Louis L'Amour fans will love this one.

Enjoy....Laurie

It has been some time since I read BEYOUND THE GREAT SNOW MOUNTAINS, but I checked to see what I wrote on the first page of the book, something I always do when I finish one. This is what I found " some excellant stories" to be excellant in my opinion a story (or book) must have a good plot, good characters and get to the end without losing the reader. These stories I will read again and again.

This as a gift to a guy that reads EXCLUSIVELY WESTERNS because the giver thought that's what it was by the name of the writer. But danged if I didn't find these stories more of a treat than some westerns I'd read lately. Some of these writers do spread out to a dukes mixture don't they? Somebody said they thought Steven King or one of these other goresmiths was writing a western..? No doubt set at Tombstone or somewhere a lot of corpses can rezarrect...