Genres Books

I usually don't read this type of novel and having read the Publisher's Weekly review, I was prepared for a drawn-out melodrama, but I found myself utterly sucked in to The Pacific Between. I could not put this book down!

Raymond Wong's debut novel is not only filled with insight about the nature of love, maturity, and forgiveness, it's told in a thoroughly engaging and honest manner. All the characters were well-developed, believable and interesting. Greg's whiplash journey to uncover his past and ultimately understand his future was touching and vivid. I can't wait to read Raymond's next novel!

A friend of mine recommended this novel to me, said it was one of the best books she'd read this year. At first, I wasn't sure what to think of it, since I wasn't familiar with the author and it was a debut novel. Soon, I was enthralled and enchanted by the twists and turns, and was surprised by its emotional depth and power.

I thought the protagonist was very interesting, and I was amazed by all the wrong choices he made. I couldn't put this book down, simply to see where he was going. What happened next surprised me. Just when I figured out what was going on, the story took a different, unexpected turn, and turns after turns they led to a satisfying ending. I didn't want to let these characters go, and in the process, have learned a few things myself.

The story is a mix of mystery, suspense, romance and coming of age, and it's done extremely well. The minor characters are wonderful, and the author's descriptions are top-notch, giving me an experience that feels very real. An intimate, personal, and powerful page-turner.

Raymond K. Wong's debut novel was wonderful. Beautiful. It made me laugh, it made me cry. It made me see life in a whole new way. This novel moved me in a way no other novel I have ever read has, and I have read a lot! It took me right along the same journey Greg Lockland travelled. It made me look into my heart, into my soul, just as Greg had, and feel that same inner peace he finally obtains in the end. Through his struggles of facing betrayals of the past, the search for truth in the present and embracing what road lays ahead in the future, Wong's character takes readers along on the journey of the lifetime, through worlds, through cultures, through the mechanics of the human heart. I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down.

Raymond K. Wong's first novel is a journey between two cultures, as well as within the heart and soul of the protagonist, Greg Lockland.

Some reviews have called this book a "romance novel." Well, I wouldn't call The Pacific Between a genre romance novel. However, it most definitely is a romantic novel. Two very different things, though they might share a common thematic underpinning, that of finding love and happiness.

As for the setting, I found myself transported to a place as unfamiliar to me as any spot on Earth, yet when I reached the end of this compelling story, felt as though I could go to Hong Kong and not feel completely lost.

I've put down a few books unfinished in the last couple of years, but this is one I couldn't put down, especially toward the end, and that to me is the truest way to determine whether or not it's a good read.

The Pacific Between is a fine first novel, and I'm looking forward to Raymond K. Wong's next effort.

In The Pacific Between we are introduced to Greg Lockland who has recently lost both of his parents. He is in his thirties, unmarried and coping with this loss without the support of an extended family. He has come back to California for the funeral and re-connected with Kate, the daughter of his parents' close friends, after ten years of growing steadily apart.

Greg's longtime friendship with Kate seems to be on the verge of becoming something more, but before Greg can truly understand that for himself, he discovers letters and pictures that bring up more questions than answers about his past, his father's relationships, and ultimately, whether the woman Greg really loves is Kate or Lian. Without explaining why he must go, or what he is feeling, to Kate, Greg leaves for Hong Kong to confront Lian with what he thinks he's learned.

The Pacific Between artfully moves between scenes from Greg's past and the present. Greg's search for Lian is also his search for understanding about himself and his relationship with his father. Woven throughout the book are scenes with other friends and acquaintances of Greg's that expose for us the boy he was, the man he has been and the man he is becoming.

The secondary characters are full of life and personality; each scene with them is just as important to the book as the scenes with Kate and Lian. Equally compelling are Raymond Wong's descriptions of Hong Kong that fully envelop one in the sights, sounds, and smells of the island. He truly has a fantastic way with words. I was transported to Hong Kong - it was colored by my memory of Tien Mou, Taiwan, and my more recent trip to Singapore, I'm sure, but I really felt like I was seeing it thru Greg's eyes. I want even more to go to Hong Kong after reading this book.

The Pacific Between is so tightly woven I'm hard pressed to uncover one extraneous bit of dialogue or description. The shift from chapter to chapter is effortless; the ending lives up to the rest of the novel in that it is the honest outcome of the journey Greg has made.

Well researched and poetically rendered, this book tells a compelling story of The Little Town That Could. It's not just for R.E.M. fans, either; some of the best passages take the reader to the early 70s, when chance meetings, boredom, a thriving gay subculture, and some unsung movers-and-shakers who watched from the wings made things happen. Rodger Lyle Brown was there for much of the action and he captures the voices (and vices) of scores of characters who sowed the seeds that were reaped by bands such as the B-52's and R.E.M..

This book is a must for anyone interested in the Athens music scene (REM, B52s). Actually, it's insight on the challenges new bands face in breaking through makes it a must read for anyone in the music business. Greatly entertaining and a fast read. And I actually knew a few of the people mentioned in the book.

It's great to see this book back in print - seemingly a modest look into a grass-roots community of eclectics and artists, PARTY OUT OF BOUNDS actually presents a valuable piece of history - the rise of the Athens GA music and arts scene.

The reverberations from Athens ultimately threw a spotlight onto similar developments in Austin, Boulder, Chapel Hill, Winston-Salem, Minneapolis, Seattle/Olympia, Monterrey MX, and countless other places off the beaten track of the commercial culture industry, spawning a tremendous amount of great and influential work in the process, and this book is - amazingly - still one of the only documents of it all.

Browne was a part of the scene, so his resources, contacts and memories aid in the construction of a rich cultural history. The DIY spirit of the times has been reflected in other works (Clinton Heylin's FROM THE VELVETS TO THE VOIDOIDS springs to mind) focusing on other places, but certain other aspects - the diversity among the people and participants - is largely overlooked in most histories, and Browne gives the art influences, the 'Southern' influences, and the gay influences that all formed some of the scene's foundations the respect they deserve.

And Browne does detail just how stressing and grueling being in a struggling young rock band can be - the joy and the myth is here for sure, but so is the work and financial strain. Browne hits the perfect balance in the writing - he manages to convey, with equal import, the cultural significance, and the fun and energy in scenes like the one that exploded in Athens, and one is also left with a great picture of how such developments can impact (culturally) cities and towns for decades afterwards: again, though this book is Athens-specific in its' historical focus, this in many ways is the story of many places.

At every level, this is an essential recounting of the history of grass-roots and underground creativity in the US.

-David Alston

Just so that the author isn't the only one posting reviews, let me just say that I've lost track of the number of times I've enjoyed this book. Every time I reread it, it conjures up a movie in my mind, artistic college kids in the deep South living to party and play music. Although I grew up in Minnesota, the early punk/new wave scene of the late seventies was much the same here as it was in Athens, GA, and the (hazy) memories of that time are lovingly recounted here.

Hey folks. Yes, this is a facsimile of the original edition from 1991, except this one has a great new cover that's much more like what I wanted for the first edition. Got a new intro, too. Folks have been asking for copies for years, but it's been out of print (with used copies for as much as $50, if you can imagine). If you have any rem, b's, or otherwise fans of athens, let em know.

Any questions, email me at rodlbro@aol.com

rodger brown (author)

This is a fascinating book, because it's more musucally aware than 99% of the hundreds of books on music I've read. It's not just anecdotes and instruments, but some very detailed discussion of what choices were made, what technical elements went into the effect, and how the bassline shapes the song. It's not just helpful transcription, but intelligent analysis. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Written with wit and verve, this book finally gives McCartney's extraordinary bass-playing its due. By analyzing each Beatles album through the lens of McCartney's bass lines, Bacon and Morgan give us a chance to hear these extraodinary recordings with fresh ears. My only quibble is with their choice of "Something" as "the best piece of bass playing he's evr committed to record." Better than "Rain"? Better than "The Word?" Better than "Taxman"? Better than "It's Getting Better All the Time"? C'mon, guys!

The transcriptions are fine, but most of all: this book is brilliantly well written, a delicious reading, and it's clear and deep analysis of Paul's bass lines (along with a lot of background information about recordings, instruments etc) will open your ears for one of the most important features in the never-ending beauty of The Beatles' music. Great job!

Tony Bacon & Gareth Morgan, England, October 2007.
Firstly, thanks a lot for the review, Rodrigo. We had great fun putting the book together - the story of Macca's bass playing and the transcriptions - and did a lot a lot of hard work on it. In answer to your regret concerning the wonderful 'Something', in fact we did prepare a transcription that was originally in the book, but permission to reproduce it was declined by the licensor, Harrisongs. We agree with Rodrigo and say so in the book: it is McCartney's finest hour with the Fab Four. The dynamics, phrasing, melodic content and feel (or groove) of what he plays is simply sensational. We hope the book also underlines some of PM's other great work with The Beatles.

I've been a fan of the Beatles since I was fourteen especially Paul Mccartney. Like him,I am also a bass player and it was his style that inspired me to be one. There are a lot of flamboyant bassist in the world but it's Macca's simple but original style that makes him unique. I was happy to have bought the Bass Master book because all the featured songs there have nice bass lines, but am a bit disappointed that the song SOMETHING was not included. To me this was Macca's greatest bass riff.

This book, gives an incredibly close look at Boston legends, the Pixies', best album. Way ahead of its time, Doolittle is probably in my top 10 greatest albums of all time and Ben Sisario goes straight to the source to dig up the dirt on it. Ben literaly takes a ride with the Pixies frontman, Charles Thompson (AKA Black Francis, aka Frank Black) in Thompson's big body Cadillac where he spills the beans on some of his most violent/beautiful/mysterious lyrics. From the first demos to years of obscurity on the shelves of record stores, you get to look from all angles (except Kim Deal's, who refused to be interviewed) at this influential and monumental masterpiece and truly understand it's beauty and significance.

While the 33 1/3 series seems short, it's the perfect length to tell the story/history of great albums. By the time you get through the first chapters, you're chomping at the bit to listen to Doolittle. And yes, you'll go back to these wonderful books for info on songs, recording techniques, and to re-read weird stories attached to different songs. Buy them and enjoy.

Doolittle has been my favorite album since it came out... I read this book sitting on a beach in Vancouver, CA, surrounded by drag-queens, interpretive dancers, Sikhs, Chinese families, and with a fireworks show in the harbor... the surrealism of the surroundings was only enhanced by the book...
Sisario's humor and obvious literary knowledge made this book about one of the greatest albums and bands ever an amazing treat... art, philosophy, music, biography, psychology, all compounded to make this an ideal book for even non-Pixies fans.

Ben Sisario's Doolittle is the most insightful book in the 33 1/3 series I have read so far. His interviews with Charles Thompson (Frank Black, Black Francis) and others involved in the formation of Doolittle make this a near perfect resource. This book has made listening to Doolittle, if you can believe it, even more enjoyable!

Outstanding study of Doolittle and snapshot of the Pixies themselves. Rare access to Frank Black, very illuminating analysis. Highly recommended.

This book will help you board the bus with fervor for the impending state of our country. Want to know why Seinfeld heralded the return from the suburbs of those white flighters? Or how about what exactly is the responsible use of rock and roll and how it relates to Hitler's regime? All this and more can be consumed in this neon pink bible.

Forever before and after, there will be nothing quite like the psychic soviet. It is a delusional masterpiece, crying out over the failed dream of Socialism and spitefully kicking at the heels of the twisted powers that be. It's nice of Ian to bring it up - socialism - because not too long ago it was a real school of thought and has since been buried by all of the forces that Ian outlines herein.
I still can't take socialism any more seriously than I can nudism, because while I recognize money/clothing is not exactly "natural," there are a lot of situations where it serves a real purpose for people. Nevertheless, Ian's longing for the maternal government that macho capitalism drove to alcoholic defeatism is a good reminder that life doesn't actually have to be this way.

Additionally, Ian does a spiffy job at showing how the very counter-culture emblems we subscribe to so confidently - bands, beverages, bowl haircuts - are QUITE CERTAINLY "bread and circuses" set up by the invisible, cunning lords of the material world. The profound connections between eugenics and Dracula, beer-lust and WWII pride, LOTR and the GOP, and of course Art&Music as a psychological tool of the powerful- I really wouldn't have thought about it if Ian hadn't brought it up, but now I can't see it any other way. And Ian is fun, always playful and ingenious. Read this book!

Ian Svenonius has a unique, post-modern style. The idea of printing essays in a little pink plastic-covered book that you can carry around in your pocket is brilliant. The essays are entertaining, with some skewered observations that are ironic and paranoid at the same time. Think of this less as a book and more as a cultural artifact.

This book is incredible for many reasons.

First of all it's written by one of the brightest writers of this present generation.

The humor, insight, and politics are spot on.

It's all terrain cover and size make it perfect for trips or walks, or coffee shop.

I love reading it on the plane when I'm not looking out the window (in the dark), and laughing out loud waking up everyone around me.

I have bought at least ten copies for friends too.

Almost 300 pages and it's dirt cheap.

Only a fool would read this review or examine this page and not buy at least three copies.
Really, I'm not kidding.

An absolute must.

Vampirism, vodka and dialectical materialism are stimulating topics, but this set of essays reads like a half-baked dissertation written by a precocious over-medicated narcissist. Often verbose and incomprehensible--I highly recommend it. Notwithstanding, Mr. Svenonius' greatest work is executed on stage or in the format of an astrology column.

I routinely taped his radio program "Rock and Roll Alternative" in the late 70s to early 80s. He was always introducing new songs and educating me about the new music going on. If one of the new bands happened to be in town he almost always had them in the studio for an interview. This book is a great retrospective on that period of my life.

Anyone interested in the history of Rock should get this book. It's written in chronological order, and I found myself spending hours following the intricate relationships between the various bands.

This book is riveting. I label it dangerous, because after you'ver read it, you will be compelled to go out and spend all kinds of money seeking out records from all the bands that are spoken of in the book. Nothing is missing. Concerts that I attended are there with dates, times and copies of ticket stubbs. You thought you knew who played for who...........then you read this. Fascinating.

Getting this book is like striking gold for anyone who loves punk rock. It's a treasure-trove of information, in meticulous order. This is the kind of book you can open randomly at any page and just start reading. The author really did his homework. If you want to learn more about punk, you can definitely get the information reading this book.

Unlike any other book on the market about the Punk Rock revolution. It can be read cover to cover (as I did!) or you can pick and choose the entries searching for information on your favorite bands. If you are a music enthusiast, this book is definitely for you. It has all the stories on ALL of the bands whether they were comercially successful or not. Perhaps the best thing about the book is the excellent CD that comes with it. I can't wait to read the follow up!

I bought this for my 20 yr old nephew who is in a band. He said the book "rocks". It had a wide variety of oldie bands and current bands. Wilson needs to write Vol. 2.

I bought this for my teenaged stepson and he loves it. It's one way of getting him to read something from a book.

I was fortunate enough to obtain a signed edition of the book. Such graciousness only hints at the wealth of information Wilson provides to music lovers of all stripes. From genre expert to casual listener, from rock aficionado to generalist, this book provides for hours of reading and an equal amount of chat with friends. After testing your own knowledge, Rock Formations provides a launching pad for a good night of trivia.

The great strength of this book is that it is a casual read; as Wilson notes in the somewhat dauntingly titled "Warning/Disclaimer": "the purpose of this book is to inform and entertain." On both counts it succeeds. It covers such a range of bands, and does so in such an engaging way, that readers are rewarded on first and subsequent readings. And the writing style is succinct without being dry. Sprinkled throughout are revelations that mix reflection with a smile.

Wilson clearly labored for close to a decade on this work. And his interest is our reward. Affordably priced and nicely presented, one hopes that Wilson's book inspires a follow-up. I will leave the `moniker' and focus of that text to the author. He seems full well capable of dealing with both exigencies.

This book "Rock Formations" is an excellent example of something that should be out there in the literal world and is put together with the fan in mind to boot. There is information on "The Beatles" formation and what other famous band influenced them to create their name. You can find out which one of the "The Beach Boys" helped give a certain duo their name. If there is ever an example of an item to put on a Christmas list of "Things the Music Fan Might Enjoy" this is it! This book is a great insight to the way the creative minds of these artists think. It made me think.
If you ever wondered where a band like "Led Zeppelin" got their name from and what member of "THE WHO" helped to define it, well it's all here, from "Air Supply" to "Frank Zappa" This is one of those books you'll find yourself referencing for years to come. Where did "2PAC" get that name from? You'll have to read this book to find out. There are new artists appearing all the time. I hope there are many revisions to come. In three words "It Totally Rocks!" and is a "Must Have"!

I bought this book for my brother who is a music buff and an amateur musician. He was thrilled with the gift and proceeded to read the book in its entirety in a matter of days. Of course I was pleased he enjoyed the book and thought enough of it to put it on his coffee table for guests to peruse.

Since we live close to one another I would start thumbing through the book whenever I would come over to watch sports or to babysit his kids. What I liked most about it is that it is organized in such a way that makes it a fun and easy read. Other books of this kind read more like a dictionary with a slew of entries one after another that don't share anything in common. For example, in Rock Formations there is a chapter called "Early Impressions" that covers bands that took their names from incidents in their childhood pasts like Lynyrd Skynyrd (I always thought it had something to with flying, which made the name cruelly ironic). I actually started reading in one of the middle chapters and jumped around to different chapters until I had read the entire book.

As a non-musician and an average music fan, I liked the fact that the entries were worded like stories and didn't use a lot of musical jargon. I'm a big fan of 80's music so there were a lot of entries that I really enjoyed such as Foreigner, The Police, Talking Heads, Tears For Fears, etc. I believe the author is British, which explains the coverage of British groups that were popular in the 80's. My brother has more eclectic taste in music so he appreciated the "non-Rock" entries (i.e. Reggae, Rap, R&B).

I would definitely recommend this book for any music fan. It's a fun book to read and you'll probably yourself jumping around chapters as I did. I've also won a few friendly wagers with some friends that have heard myths and rumors about band names, although I'm not recommending this book as an instrument for gambling!

I've read many a' Rough Guide to a variety of musical forms, and Kurt Wolff's book on country absolutely takes the cake. From the music's hillbilly beginnings to the alt-country offshoots of the '90s, this well-researched book is written with wit and a tender affection for the genre's highlights AND lowlights. I can't imagine a better gift for someone interested in country music. My only gripe: Now that the book is four years old, some of the artist information could use an update. Second edition, Kurt? Please?

An essential addition to your music library - whether you're a country novice or expert. The author has meticulously researched and written about country music in a well-organized chronological format that allows the reader to fully grasp the roots and progression of this music genre. The book includes biographies of country artists (those who are well-known, as well as some forgotten gems), discographies, reviews, and essays which fit the music into a broader social and historical perspective.

Great purchase - one of the best music reference books I own. Also check out the companion guide - 100 Essential CD's. Some interesting picks.

This is a truly fine one-volume encyclopedia of country music. Organized both historically and generically, the book is divided into 14 chapters, each discussing a type of music (hillbilly, cowboy, western swing, honky tonk, etc.) and tracing it from the time of its introduction to the present, with an overview followed by entries spotlighting the artists in alphabetical order. The chapter on rockabilly, for instance, includes both Elvis and the Stray Cats. Each entry concludes with brief reviews of recommended recordings. In addition, there are over 250 photographs of performers and album covers and numerous sidebars with short essays on a variety of topics.

The book comes in at almost 600 pages, covering the length and breadth of the subject and making a pretty fair attempt at measuring the depth, as well. To give an idea of the book's scope, the "classic" stars Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline don't appear until the middle. For anyone who may think country music starts and ends with Nashville, it will come as a surprise that so much of this music originated elsewhere.

You can read this book any old way you like, flipping through the pages, letting the pictures catch your eye as you discover favorite performers. If you grew up with country, there's many a trip down memory lane. If you're just discovering country, it is an excellent reference book just filled with information charting the careers of artists and their place in country music history. Well written, handsomely designed, easy to read and enjoy, it's a terrific book that will enhance any fan's love of this great musical tradition.

I bought this book at the advice of a friend and was not disappointed. Wolff is a thoughtful and articulate writer, and this book has plenty of recording artists that I was not aware of. It is arranged in chronological historical chapters, which show the progression of country music to the present. Interesting write-ups on all the major artists, and plenty of information on musicians you probably won't have heard of.

Love this book, just stumbled on it a few weeks ago, and can't put it down. I've been listening to country and loving it since I was a little girl, and this thing keeps turning me on to more music I want to go out and buy. Cool bio's on the artists and a great section on the seventies outlaw artists.

This is a guitar tab book. there are no words except for the lyrics. if you want to read about the band or the album this is not the book to buy. some of the reviews dont know what they're talking about. there is no cd and the book says nothing about the band. if youre looking to learn the guitar edition of the cd you should get this book because its great. but dont be mislead thats all it is.

if u are a person who iz a punk rock fan, this iz fo u. It iz the 2nd album published by Limp Bizkit, a punk band with amazing music and talent. it features some geust apearnces such az Jonathan Davis, Method Man, and Scott Weiland. this also packs alot of types of music. by this i mean differant levelz of energy, not stuff like country. it haz mellow songz like re-arranged and no sex, n 2gether now which iz rap, and the real punk like break stuff and nookie. this iz an awesome album; i highly reccomend it!

Dont listen to these [people]who are saying "I met Fred Durst and you will feel like you know him persanally once you read this book!" ... Its not funny, people look at these reviews to decide if they will purchase something. Anyways, this is a GUITAR TAB book for limp bizkit significant other CD. I myself DO HAVE this book, and its very good. If you wanna learn some of those sweet riffs wes cuts, get this book. If you are interested i a lot of cool guitar solos and prgressions, this isnt the book for you. If you wanna learn how to play exactly what on the cd, get this book! I hope this is helpfull.

You met Freddy D? Cool. I honestly haven't read this book, but if it's about Limp Bizkit, then it's prolly really good.

I met Fred Durst and you will feel like you know him persanally once you read this book!

As with the majority of other reviewers of this book - the exception having apparently only a remote acquaintance with English, which would, indeed, make the book rough going - I found Mr. Phinney's work to be not just interesting, but delightful.

It is a rare feat to be able to touch the scholarly and analytical bases, as well as to entertain. I cannot imagine a university course on the cultural influences of African-American music - or on American popular culture or music - which would be complete without reference to this book.

I read this book and thoroughly enjoyed it. It really is a richly detailed book. The interviews were fascinating. This is a superior book to others I have read on the subject. I liked the photographs, too. Author Kevin Phinney lets the artists do the talking and keeps the mundane sociology to a minimum. His writing style is informative without being preachy. He explains so much of rock and roll in exact terms that make sense. I wish the publisher would go and give the book more publicity. I only found out about it while searching the name of a former black blues player who's in the book. Anyway, a good book, well worth your time. And, you get a lot for your money. This is a solid bit of musical research. Enjoyable and entertaining reading.

I read Souled American in a few sittings - it's that good. Here, for what I think must be the first time in a highly readable and very entertaining book, are the truths that some music historians have tried hard to keep in the dark. Writer Kevn Phinney has a pleasant writing style and this enhances the overriding theme of this fact-crammed journey through Black Blues and White Rock And Roll - that much of what we know or experience as the roots of "white rock" was really the result of the hard work and vast talent of earlier African-American musical artists and, in some cases, musical geniuses. The interviews with such greats as Ray Charles, David Byrne, Sly Stone, Willie Nelson, B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, and others are worth the price of the book alone. Mr. Phinney really knows how to ask questions and draw out information.

The author's understanding of how musical worlds, tastes, styles, and talents blended or were at odds with each other enhances his thesis. He appreciates the historical roots of blues and rock. When did any writer of a book head for Kansas City to really dig into the subject of KC Blues and then make a sane link to specific styles of rock and roll. Sheer brilliance. And enthrallingly written. The author brings in refences to myriad bands, such as The Rolling Stones or Chaka Khan. The musical richness of this volume is superb.

Mr. Phinney details politics, sociology, and culture as it influences music from the horrid days of Jim Crow to the White Rap escapades of Eminem. The author knows full well that white culture has been mightily transformed by black music. There is no escaping this fact. Souled American is a great book that has long been needed. Mr. Phinney makes stunning links between slave chants and specific musical riffs being heard today. This entire project seems a staggering undertaking. But the book is not daunting at all. It works on every level. It informs, enlightens, entertains, and succeeds on every level and I'm glad I read it. The author has a keen awareness of culture, counter-culture, and cultural shifts. Not only should the book be read by every musician, it should be read by anyone who loves the blues or rap or hip hop or good old rock and roll.

By far the best comprehensive read on music made in the United States that I've read. Phinney weaves a story line that takes us all the way back to the era of the African slave trade where an Englishman named Richard Jobson becomes the first European in recorded history to write about his observance of witnessing Africans involved in the making of music. He brings us through history right to today's doorstep where music makers as diverse as Eminem to Wynton Marsalis continue to tell the story not only of their music, but who we are as people living and contributing to an constantly evolving culture. The research is extensive and exhaustive. It reminds me of Ken Burn's Jazz series on steroids as it encompasses all genres of music through many centuries including slave work songs, minstrelsy, gospel, ragtime, blues, jazz, rock and roll, R & B, rock and todays hip-hop. There isn't enough attention made to the Latin tinge in American music but that ommission just as it was with the Burns series doesn't take away from all of the great research that defines this book. For music lovers and people who are interested in the underpinnings of American culture in general, it is a must read! It is a definitive statement of the addage that music is a mirror that reflects the people and times it was created in. Highly recommended!!

Bobby Jackson
Cleveland, OH

If you are a music fan, a history fan, a pop-culture fan, or just someone who loves intelligent storytelling then you will love this book. I really was not exposed to the Blues or early Jazz prior to reading Souled American and now I find myself listening to music with different ears.