Genres Books

HELL RAZOR HONEYS tells the tale of jive females putting in for real work!!!! Vida and Tia connect over a falling out; when people see how handy the ladies are they instantly become known as HELL RAZOR HONEYS. Add to the mix a white girl, Ice, who has craved all things black, and you got family rolling out whether it's ballin' in the mall, or shootin' it out in the parkin' lot. HELL RAZOR HONEYS believe and respect loyalty so when it comes to riding for one of their own there is never a doubt. But what happens when envy, jealousy and greed creep into your circle?

HELL RAZOR HONEYS viciously attacks the dullness that has gathered on your bookshelves. Vida, Tia and Ice keep you locked and loaded and anxious for more. Now that I've sampled Eyone's flavor, I desire much more! Eyone Williams has created viable characters that you can connect with. Each one dealing with issues, longing for acceptance, love, family and dreams. As a connoisseur, I was pleased with the fact that Eyone didn't slack when it came to teaching his HONEYS how to play in the streets. While I was disappointed with the editing, Eyone still put in some serious work. HELL RAZOR HONEYS is instructive, appealing and compelling. While I don't advocate for violence, I did enjoy the pulse driven drama. On that strength alone, I am seriously anticipating the release of part II: TIL DEATH DO US PART.

Eyone, I phucks with you!!!!

Hell Razor Honeys is a novel by Eyone Williams and its a must read! It is very fast paced and full of action, and drama that will leave your mouth hanging wide open. This story deals three of D.C.'s baddest chicks: Vida, Tia, and Ice. Trust me these girls are so vicious you wouldnt want to mess with them. This book had my full attention the entire time and it was so interesting I absolutely couldnt put it down. Great Job! The Cartel has done it again!!!

It's said that a picture tells a thousand words, but the cover of Hell Razor Honeys must tell a million!!! With a cover as hot as this one I was dying to crack open the book and read what laid inside. Hell Razor Honeys follows the lives of a notorious female DC gang intially known for spitting razors out of their mouths and putting in serious work.

The Hell Razor Honeys started by Vida and Tia soon graduate to drug selling and gun play, catching both bodies and cases at an alarming rate. Vida eventually tires of life in the Fast Lane and decides to keep the promise she made to her grandmother. But that's easier said then done when the streets call her back in and she has to resort to her past behavior and the help of her former crew.

I found that the book dragged a little at parts mainly due to the repetitious descriptions of the girls in their Polo outfits. However the action-packed ending ensured that I'll definitely be getting the sequel.

Easily up there with the Dutch Trilogy. It is a certified classic in the street lit genre. You will not be able to put this book down due to the all out non stop action. These girls are vicious and handle their business.

This is the 1st book that I've read by Eyone and it definitely won't be the last. I think my jaws stayed open the whole time while reading. It was just that raw and graphic. This book was definitely realistic because that is how girls actually roll here in the city. If you couldn't handle it then you aren't ready for reality. 10 Stars to the Cartel for this one, this was definitely a good look. I look forward to reading more.

Why is this book so good? Unlike most books, Richards takes the time to explain why each of the example pieces are important, and what you should pay extra attention to. He also really holds your hand in the improvisation practices by suggesting notes (and explaining why the suggested notes were suggested). Also very good is the use of different keys in the pieces. Some blues books tend to stick to C or G, but in this book the keys are varied (and Richards suggests going back through the pieces in other keys, which is a very good idea).

My only wish is that Richards makes a sequel to this book. This does not mean that this book isn't completely jammed with material, or is too easy: no on both accounts. I found myself wanting to learn more of the advanced "cliche's" which make Blues sound like the Blues. Nonetheless, this book is the best there is on the market for blues or improvisation instruction.

This is, by far, the best blues piano book out there. Mark Harrison's book is also good, but more as a quick guide for those who already have some chops and some understanding of theory.

Richards' book is a full course in Blues theory and practice and as such, you have to work through it. I've been at it for 14 months now and have just finished the second chapter. The material is perfectly paced for a pianist of my level (about Gr. 2-3, RCM, 30+ years ago). The pieces are fun to play and jam packed with important ideas and blues cliches. I'm really starting to see the beginnings of true hand independence that works , not only when I play memorized pieces, but that I can invoke when trying improvisations!

If you want to play professional-level blues piano in a month, then this is not the book for you. If, however, you live in the real world and are prepared to work at it, this book will do more than show a few riffs or tricks. It will give you a deep and firm foundation in popular piano improvisation in general, and blues in particular. I estimate I'll be another couple of years with this book and I can't wait to get back to it!

This book is a work of genius. Thank you, Tim Tichards!

I'm an aspiring jazz pianist in Canada (I'm 32). I'm another one of the victims of the classical music education system that was taught to read the page and nothing else. I always thought that people who were good at jazz and could play by ear were born that way.

When I was in high school I wanted to play jazz piano. Someone recommended the Mark Levine book to me. I tried going through it but gave up because I couldn't even figure out what a II-V was from his explanation. I figured jazz was this impenetrable language. I was sick of classical lessons by that time and gave up the piano.

Fast forward ten years when I decided I didn't want all those hours of practicing (before school, even) to go to waste. I headed to a local music store and literally went through every piano book before I found IBP. It's pretty much been a revelation, from discussions of notations to chord types to ideas. I still suck at improvising, but before this book I wouldn't have even tried.

I've got Tim's other two books on my shelf, patiently waiting for me to get to them. Seriously, his books are phenomenal. If I had found IBP back in high school instead of Mark Levine's brick wall of jazz accessibility, I might be ten years ahead. I can't recommend it highly enough. Rumour has it he's working on a fourth book about Latin piano, too.

There realy are not many great methods for the blues out there, but Tim Richards is thorough and goes into the required detail to show you how each blues style works.

The examples are very playable, suiting more or less an intermediate level pianist. Richards is one of the few take-away instruction teachers to be concerned about fingerings, and takes the trouble to suggest good ones. His playing instructions work very well and add a dimension that you don't often get in these method books - he has a great insight into the chords, and the notes and the way they fit the music. The breakdown of theory is very well explained, if sometimes overdone. But he never floods you with scales without showing you how to apply them - that in itself is a good thing!

Richards' choice of music is impeccable, and calssic blues standards of af all styles are presented from boogie, to funk, slow blues, and some jazzy numbers. And he shows you music in a number of keys so you aren't stuck to one or two and get a work out in the other keys. I found the music very playable, and well sounding, although I didn't always find the improvising instructions that intuitive.

The historical background he gives is accurate and informative and the pictures of blues and jazz legends really make this book interesting.

My criticism of the book is that it should have stretched up to the more advanced techniques of the blues - where the top players are, like Oscar Peterson, for example. That is its dissapointment - a teacher as good as this who dedicated the time to work a out a progressive and different course in blues shouldn't have stopped at the middle level. He surely should have stretched us, his interested audience up to the highest level.

But this should not stop you from using this very useful and inspiring book - I Thank you sincerely Tim.

Now and then you run across a method book that makes you a better player and is great fun to work through. "Improvising Blues Piano" is one such book. It starts out very simply and steadily progresses to a pretty sophisticated level. The accompanying disk is well recorded and the author's playing, particularly his timing, is quite musical. On most examples, if you can make your playing sound like Tim Richards, you'll really swing.

Starting in "C" and moving on to other familiar blues keys, the author mixes theory and practice in a logical progression of "bite sized" lessons that are very complete and doesn't assume anything about the student. At first, the experienced player may find the pace a bit slow but each section builds smoothly upon the foundation of the preceding material and I think it's worth while to patiently work on your weaknesses. When you can make those first simple exercises sound really musical, you've learned something valuable.

The volume is accessible to beginners (this will take you a long way) while remaining useful for the more advanced because there is so much good content. I particularly like that he weaves in biographical information of known blues players along with examples of their style. The history of blues unfolds along with the student's expanding ability to play.

If you are interested in the blues, I can't think of a better learning tool.

In The Wings is a wonderful book to own especially if you or the person you're buying the book for has had dance training. It's a wonderful look at everything you don't see before the performance. The morning warm up, ten-minute break, and exhausting rehearsals. My only gripe is that it's small! I was hoping this would be a coffee table book but it is in fact compact and very easy to take around.

The pictures and commentary are fabulous and give an in depth look into the goings on of the NYCB.

Highly recommended for the content and both black and white and color photographs. Only downer is the size, but that is easily looked past when you see what an amazing book this is.

This book is not another valentine to the New York City Ballet - it's far more authentic than that, and far more important. It's an often poignant look at what it's been like for this thoughtful, creatively gifted dancer to grow up in the company, with all the joys and disappointments that come with that surreal but privileged life.
I've always thought of Kyle Froman as a beautiful dancer, but as it turns out he's also a gifted photographer and an elegant writer as well. His photographs and his words have a penetrating honesty, and the book succeeds so brilliantly because it rings so true.

I wish this book would have received more attention upon its release. It is a fabulous book of photographs and commentary from someone, a dancer, on the inside at New York City Ballet and is filled with images, wonderful images, that one would likely not otherwise see in any other ballet book. For the fan of NYCB it's a must have, but would be equally at home on the shelf of any ballet or photography fan. Mr. Froman has produced a keeper. Bravo!!!

Rarely do I write in about purchases I've made, but In The Wings deserves mention. I bought this book for my daughter, a twelve-year old aspiring dancer, but when it arrived in the mail, I found myself completely immersed in it.
I don't consider myself a ballet buff. What I immediately identified with was the dancers' devotion to their art. I loved the fact that Froman didn't portray this world as sugary sweet. In page after page of gorgeous photography, he showed what it was like to devote yourself to something, what it takes from you, and what it gives back. Bravo, Kyle Froman

This book provides a great look behind-the-scenes at my favorite ballet company, New York City Ballet. Kyle's photos are super and his story of a day in the life of a dancer is revealing, funny and moving all at once.

I wrote about the book at my blog, Oberon's Grove.

James Brown was a true innovator. Nobody can take his genius away from him. He has passed on to occupy the ancestral realm. Remember the ancestors are always with us, you simply have to invoke their names.

I recommend this book for any James Brown fans or casual reader of history.

RIP to the Godfather of Soul, Soul Brother #1, The Hardest Working Man in Show Business. This been a great blow and to all of us James Brown fans here. This book was the one I needed to keep me focused. Just read it all the way through earlier this year. Very strong, uplifting and powerful. James Brown was the Hero, the Legend, the American Pioneer. He wasn't just an entertainer or a hit maker or an artist, he's a man that have overcome alot on what's happening in the world: going thru poverty, business, the Civil Rights Movement, the world, loss of jobs, politics, way of culture, way of living, and a way to express ourselves thru a meaning of religion, life, hunger, soul, pain, and suffering. The Man had it all. Boy I'mma miss him and his talent. His spirit always captures us thru this day. GOOD GOD!!!

Thanks for all the hardship and legacy you put us into, Brother James Brown.

I bought this book a couple of years ago, and once I began reading the first page I couldn't stop until I'd finished the whole book. The things that JB had to go through as a young boy, it's a wonder he didn't wind up on death row, or in an early grave. It's a good thing that he turned his attention to music, and put all he had into it. Even though he was never really raised by anyone, or had a real family life he was able to make his mark in life. I'm glad that he acknowledges the power of God, and he knows what God can do. I enjoyed reading this book. This is a must read for everyone.

I'm 34 I had listened to some James Brown manly the hits. I had the oppertunity to see his show a couple of months ago. It was fantastic. I started getting some of his other albums like the big payback(my favorite) I must tell you I'm hooked I can't get enough of that sound. I finished this book today. It was awsome his takes on things are so down to earth. If you're down with Mr. Brown than you gotta read this.

What a life. What a personality. I have enjoyed this book enormously: You get the feeling that this is James Brown telling you his extraordinary story in a long and fascinating conversation. He talks about his music, his personal life and troubles, his philosophy, and, what I think is most thrilling, show business and stage performance.

My main goal in reading this book was resolving a personal doubt: Was he the genius behind his records, or was it Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley or his producers? After reading the book and listening to his records with lots of new insights, I have little doubt that the main driving force (although not the only one) in his records was himself. What Brown says about his music, where it came from, how it was made, what he intended to say, really made me discover many things in his records! For instance, if you have 'Live At The Apollo (1963)' (one of Brown's best albums) or have listened to it, DON'T MISS what he has to say about it -and play the LP again. I couldn't stop laughing for almost a quarter of an hour.

On another hand, I was also wondering: Is he a ruthless, egotistic and authoritarian character, as he is sometimes portrayed? In the book, JB openly and candidly talks about the discipline in his band, prison, guns, Black Power, and politics; and, paradoxically, in the end I finished with the impression of having received a lesson in confidence in man, tolerance, faith and spirituality. Soulful singers like him or BB King really have something to say about life-not only in their records.

On a last note, I think the (co-)writer Bruce Tucker has structured the book very well, hooking you from the beginning until the last page. As usual, it is better to avoid beginning with the prefaces and forewords, and leave them for the end. Only a little information about musicians in the sessions would have been welcome -although it is true that it's not the scope of the book.

Definitely worth reading it if you are a James Brown fan, and also very commendable if you are interested in music in general.

this will teach you the fundamentals in creating your own voice in jazz guitar, instead of wriggling your fingers, now you can play interesting triadic lines and hip modern superimposed harmonies, thank you andrew green!

Very clever book, I never read the notions explained here anywhere else,
or maybe it was because it wasn't clear enough. The material is precisely
organized and the examples sound great. This gave me another way to hear
bebop, recognizing some structures.

You have a lot to work on this stuff to make it comes naturally, but the
challenge is really worthy, so good luck !

peace

This book, though limited to just a few melodic structures, gives a very good insight to what improvisation is about: telling your own story, using coherent and consistent melodic structures. It goes to the basis, and because it doesn't overwhelm you with all possible modes/scales/structures but just sticks to a few powerfull tools, enables you to understand and implement. A must for the advanced guitar player.

I have all of Green's books and they are uniformly excellent. Structures gives you a wealth of applicable information. Not scales, or licks, or weenie theory, but applicable ideas. Intermediate++.

This book has been the stepping stone I need to get to applying arpeggios all over the neck and combining different sounds with them. I've only gotten through the 1st section (minor arpeggios) and I'm not only more able to connect arpeggios over the neck but also able to substitute them in over other chords. For instance, before this book I didn't know how to substitute and play only minor arpeggios over a ii V I progression. Now I know multiple ways and can very the sound depending on degree of the chord I build off of. There is a lot of information and so much to get out of the book. The other sections that I haven't even gotten to yet covers in the same way how to use and apply major triad +2 and minor tetrachords.

The best thing about Andrew's two books I have (Comping is the other I have) is they way he presents things. The examples he gives allow you to understand the concept and then later know how to easily apply it. So many books give too few examples that are so easily applicable outside the book.

To get a better idea of the contents of the book, check out Andrew Green's website at www.[...]com. This along with his Comping book have been two of my favorite books in a while. Know that both of these books require reading skills (no tab) and they are not aimed at beginners.

A murder mystery set in the Pacific Northwest with twists and turns galore plus a tempestuous romance between two strong-willed individuals adds up to a first-rate first novel.

Alderman describes the scene perfectly. Although I've never been to the Pacific Northwest or on a commercial fishing boat, I can now picture what it'd be like. This turned out to be a real page-turner for me.

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Kaz Jorgenson works in the high powered white collar world in San Francisco when she is called home to Oregon. Her twin brother Gary is in trouble and Kaz is the only one who can help him. Shortly after her return, Gary's good friend and partner in their fishing business is brutally murdered and Gary is accused.

Michael Chapman, an arson investigator, is running from memories in his past and comes to Astoria as the new fire chief. His first day on the job, he's caught up in investigating the murder of Gary's partner. This has him butting heads with Kaz from the beginning and surprisingly, they find themselves drawn to each other.

Now Kaz and Michael must work together to get to the bottom of the mystery. What they find only leads them to more questions... questions to which the answers may mean their deaths.

A Killing Tide by P J Alderman is a winning debut novel. All the elements can be found to make for a stunning romantic suspense that will leave you gasping for breath. Though I had the real villain figured out immediately, and his motive, the journey we follow along with Kaz and Michael takes us many different directions on the quest for answers.

The romance blossoms between Kaz and Michael at a natural pace, making it seem all the more believable. They both have shadows in their past that affect them to this day. Both are flawed people who can finally begin to heal once they find each other and work through their issues together. I found myself sitting there alongside them, crying their tears and sharing their laughs as I learned more about them both.

A Killing Tide would not be complete without its exemplary cast of secondary characters. After all who can resist Zeke the dog who acts almost human at times? Each character is unique and individual, with their own thoughts and fears. None of them are like the two-dimensional characters some authors use as filler for a story. Every player, from the fisherman to the cops is key to the story. And of course we can't forget the town of Astoria itself. It is a character as well, teaching us about the life of a fisherman and the hardships they experience on a daily basis. We also get the feeling of the small town where everyone knows everyone else.

P J Alderman shows strong talent with A Killing Tide. Keep an eye out because this is a name I see making it to the top of the list for the genre in the not-too-distant future.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, January 2007. All rights reserved.

I got the book about 3 p.m., took it home, ate a quick meal and sat down to read. I surfaced at 1 a.m., when I finished the WHOLE thing.
I liked the characters, Kaz, Michael and the dog, Zeke. The intrigue kept me turning the pages, although I did sniff out the bad guy early on. The interweaving of the suspense/romance with the life of the fishing community in Astoria was fascinating to me, a native midwesterner who did not see an ocean until middle age.
The author's attention to detail in the fire scene showed careful research well applied.
A great Book I, and I look forward to more.

One of the things I appreciate in romantic suspense is a strong, independent heroine and this novel delivers. Kaz is not only a successful executive, she's also a river bar pilot, for heaven's sake. She's in Astoria, Oregon, to help her brother and this author brings the small coastal town to life. The rendition of the town is rich, complex, and atmospheric (another thing I appreciate in a novel).

The romance with Michael, the firefighter who's new in town, is also complex and intelligently handled. Nothing sappy about it. Michael is strong and handsome of course, but absolutely real. And talk about romantic tension. You can feel it from the very start.

The supporting characters are intriguing too, with a nice variety of people you'd expect to find in a small town plus some you wouldn't.
Another thing I liked was the humor sprinkled throughout the book. How often do you get to read a book that delivers suspense and romance and atmosphere and humor?

I read A KILLING TIDE straight through...couldn't put it down. I just had to find out what happens with these characters and their dilemmas. This is one of the best novels in the romantic suspense genre that I've read in a long time.

Kaz Jorgenson leaves her job in San Francisco, to come home to Oregon and help her twin brother Gary with his fishing business. When Gary's partner and friend is brutally killed and he's charged with the crime he runs leaving Kaz holding the bag and having to try to figure out who the killer really is. She's not alone in fact Kaz has help from Michael Chapman, Astoria's new arson investigator.

Michael is from Boston and Astoria is as far away from that place as he can get and still stay in the country. Hopefully it's also far enough away that he will be able to bury the past he's running from. He's not given much chance when he finds himself pulled into a case where the suspect's sister is a danger he never expected. Unprepared for the sparks that instantly ignite between them and will Kaz and Michael be able to stay one step ahead of a killer who is not yet satisfied?

If I had to come up with one word to describe this debut effort it would have to be "WOW." This author has deftly woven all the threads of the story together into a seamless page turning romantic-suspense. Kaz and Michael are entertaining characters and this is not your typical romance. Kaz is a strong heroine, one that is not waiting for her prince to save her bacon. You've got to appreciate this element of her character. Michael is a fine match for Kaz. This is a page turning read and one I recommend if you enjoy a good romantic suspense. This is one author I plan on watching.

Biographical reviews tend to have a standardized format: several chapters on the linage of the subject, tales of early childhood, struggle and (usually)success.

Haberstadt's biography is much the same, except the author does a nice job of leading the reader thru the parts we have to endure by building a strong sense of the frustration and difficulties Doc Pomus faced throughout his life. The book isn't overbearing, and he paints an interesting enough picture of the determination this polio-stricken hall of famer had.

If there is a weakness, it's that you never get a real strong sense of what exactly it was that Doc did. I mean, I still haven't figured out if his contributions to some of the greatest songs were his lyrics, his sense of rhythm, his music, or a combination of all three. Certainly it is poignant to think that "Save the last dance for me" was written as he watched his new wife dance at her wedding, but there was too little addressing the mechanics of Doc's writing for my taste.

I thought it was a most interesting and useful book to have on one of the great contributors to rock and roll.... and long overdue.

Great book. I got choked up reading about Doc writing Save the Last Dance for Me.

What a great book. You never think about songwriters when you listen to a song but after reading this book you will. It's the story about the man behind some of the biggest hits of the 50' and 60's but it's so much more. Doc's story is more then his music, it's the life that he led and the trials he overcame to get there. If you're into music or not this is one book that will make you laugh, cry and just revel in one man's life and times.

The writer did his homework, and I'd recomend this book to anyone, also visit the Brill Building, There's Always Magic In The Air.

Great reading!

"Lonely Avenue" is one of the most moving books I've read in a long, long time. It's so good, I read it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. This book will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and parts of it will make you want to jump out of your chair and cheer for its hero (and a new hero of mine), Doc Pomus, a true American orginal if there ever was one. Even if you don't know anything about him or his music, do yourself a favor and buy this book.

I have very high standards when it comes to idols (at least by my warped definition). Mrs. Lynn managed to be both an idol and hero to me. She is a strong out spoken female that refuses to compromise her beliefs to fit into a cookie cutter/hollywood type image. The best day of my life was getting to visit her ranch and pose for a photo on her steps. I love both of her books although Still Woman Enough is my favorite as she is completely relaxed in being herself. Loretta Lynn is an inspritation for all women young and old that have had to overcome hard challenges in life.

I have been completely in love with Loretta Lynn ever since I saw "Coal Miner's Daughter." I didn't even know who she was til I watched the movie at age 14, then I read the book and became hooked on her music. She is an amazing woman. Her life has been hard, and she doesn't take any of her success for granted. She is who she is. What you see is what you get with her. I don't know if anyone who reads her book could relate to half of what she has experienced, but it makes for interesting reading. I was lucky enough to see her live in concert a month ago, and when she walked out on that stage, I was brought literally to tears. I just couldn't believe this woman I admire so highly was actually standing in front of me. I'll never forget that night. And I will never stop loving Loretta Lynn. Read BOTH of her autobiographies. Both are excellent.

This is one of the greatest books that has ever been written. My father was a coal miner until he got hurt. I sing my self and loretta is just so good. Being from the same state she is i guess the reason she has such a influenece on my life. If you read this book you will love it.

Very interesting. This woman has led a very difficult life, but she never seems to lose her spirit.

A grandmother at 28? Wow! I learned a lot of interesting things about 1) the country music star, and 2) about coming up hard and making it work out.

This book is Loretta Lynn's tale of her childhood in Butcher Holler with her poor but pround parents. Her parents allow her to be married off to a man she barely knows when she is 13. Amazingly, she remains married to this man for the rest of his life.

Anyway, the husband encourages Loretta to sing publicly because he thinks she has a great voice. And I don't need to tell you how the career goes, because that's pretty popular knowledge.

All in all, this was a great book. Very well developed and informative, whether you're a country music fan or not.

This book is done right. All the chords are clearly shown and they seem correct too!
I've been practicing Hotel California for a few days and it's been a blast.

This is the greatest guitar book I have ever used. I liked it so much I bought another copy and mailed it to my buddy in Kansas. Yahoo it is SO worth the cost.

First class - ideal for those who want the rhythm sections to some great classics

I just received this book and I am very impressed. I have only been playing the guitar for just a short while and still taking lessons. I like the way this book is laid out and easy to follow. Anyone that knows the Eagles' songs and know the basic chords can play the songs in this book. I am glad that I bought this book and recommend this to any beginner or advanced guitarist. It is ia fun book.

Excellent for Beginner to intermediate guitarist. Good selection of Eagles favorite songs in easy to play chord progressions.

The 3 main aspects that anyone seeks when getting into the music industry are money, music and success. These 3 are discussed in this exceptional title that is a true insider's guide to the music industry. Good amount of information put into an easy to understand structure make this book a winner. However, a far better book is "How To Make A Fortune In The Music Industry By Doing It Yourself: Your Personal Step-By-Step Guide To Having A Successful Career In The Music Business. ... To Sell Music, Book Shows And Get Noticed!" by Ty Cohen, a title that is breathtaking by definition and takes you to places that no other book takes you.

This is a must have book for everyone who has even daydreamed about writing their own music. Knowledge of copyright law is more important than ever, and this book is just the reference for you if you're trying to make it in the music business. Plenty of times unscrupulous agents, managers, and record labels get artists to sign things they don't really understand, ending up with all the rights to a band's entire efforts. The fat cats rake in the cash while the actual band members make a measly one percent, all because they didn't understand their rights in relation to their intellectual and creative property. A well written, thoughtful book like this one, crafted by experts, can help protect the interests of the musician and therefore shouldn't be overlooked.

As a student of USC's Music Industry program, I not only had this book as a course text, but also had the extreme privilege of having the authors as instructors. I have used the book as an invaluable reference as well as a recommendation or loan to fellow songwriters who needed more information on how they may find a successful strategy toward a career in the industry.

Completely lacking any vague ambiguities regarding the often "mysterious" inner workings of the music industry, the Brabec brothers have clearly defined realistic expectations for those entering the music world from any angle. Straightforward and to-the-point explanations of just about every aspect of the business, especially on the publishing side of things, render this book an essential part of any student or songwriter's library.

Also great for the the vaguely curious, this text is a steal at any price!

Music, Money, & Success is a must read for anyone interested in music business. As a Vice President/General Manager in the fast moving industry of music publishing, I need to keep abreast of all the changes and any new developments that take place. The revised edition of this book has allowed me to do just that. I strongly recommend this book to anyone trying to keep up with the business and, most of all, anyone who is interested in getting into the business. It is written in a way that all people can easily understand the "ins and outs" of the industry and would enable anyone to grasp the knowledge to enable them to start on the road to a career in the music. It has great information on how the "web" has affected the music business and also contains all the new royalty rates for CDs, Motion Pictures, Television, and other Media.

"How did you arrive at those percentages?" I asked a colleague, after he had presented a very complex licensing proposal for a revue-style stage show. His answer embarrassed me, because I was very familiar with both of the books he cited, one of which was this title, by Jeffrey and Todd Brabec. The Brabec twins' track record goes back thirty years or so. About 1970, when I was first setting up my music companies, both brothers worked for ASCAP, and helped me with some business details. Later on, as the dust-jacket bio explains, Jeff went on into private practice, and is now associated with the Chrysalis Group. Todd has stayed with ASCAP, and is currently Director of Membership, a position that gives him high visibility in the L.A. music community. In other words, these guys know their territory: when they talk about "the inner workings of a music publisher," they lead you into a world seldom seen by the uninitiated outsider. When they talk about "sources of income," their list is exhaustive, not ending until they've included all possible licensing revenues, even "greeting cards" and "dolls and toys." When they tackle co-publishing agreements with this same attention to detail, they are recommending strategies many enterprising and entrepreneurial songwriters will want to try, sooner or later. And we're just beginning: yet to come are the fields of records, television, movies, live performance income, and, finally

musical theater, where my colleague had discovered more complex principles and formulas for computing royalties than I had seen before. Thanks, Jeff and Todd, for taking time to create this book. Okay, sure, you'll make some money with it-costs thirty bucks, for heaven's sake. But still, getting these concepts out of your heads and onto our desks is a major service. While the value of this material is obvious to anyone involved with licensing or contracts, it can be equally helpful as a university text. Consider it for honors work in music business, or for independent readings projects. Now that the book has been around a few years, it has found its way into the libraries of many star-level artists and songwriters, who regularly sing its praises to anyone who will listen. Ron Simpson, School of Music, Brigham Young University. Author of MASTERING THE MUSIC BUSINESS.