Music Books

I needed a book to quickly look up chords when learning new songs. this book does exactly that, and only that. but that what I needed.

I wanted a comprehensive reference for finding different forms of the "weird" chords, and this book seems to fill the bill. I don't know where they come up with some of the chord forms that are used in song books or online tab, but it's great to have a reference that shows you the alternatives.

This book is really helpful. I really like the way it's set up. Nothing but happy customers here.

This book is a good reference for all the basic voicings of every chord. If you want jazz chords (or any other genre of music) this book won't give it. If you don't have a chord reference book, or are unhappy with the one you have, this is the book you want.

The only drawback I found was I thought I was buying the spiral bound edition (for ease of use). This was not the case. I was under this false impression because there is a review on this book that remarked on the ease of use because of the spiral binding. So, if binding matters to you, you may want to confirm the binding before purchasing.

Caveat Emptor -- The spiral bound though smaller in size, has fewer pages (I would expect more pages to compensate for the size). It might not contain all the chords the regular edition does. Be sure to check this out if it matters to you.

This is the best guitar chord encyclopedia I know of. It is comprehensive and portable, the spiral binding allows for easy hands free reference, and the price is right. Multiple voicings for chords are provided in chord diagram formmat. The introduction to chord theory is an added bonus as is the fingerboard chart on the back cover. Fits perfectly into a guitar case.

I have taught guitar for almost 20 years, and looked for a book like this too many times to remember. Until now I always gave up and settled for using the Hal Leonard method plus my own hand-written extra sightreading exercises and supplemental materials about scales/theory/improvisation. I've wasted a lot of lesson time this way, and my students (and their parents) take hand-written materials less seriously than printed books. But the big problem I've had with books is that most students don't fit nicely into "Level 1" or "Level 2" of any available series. You know, you get some students know scale patterns all over the neck but can't read a single note, or students who can read melodies but don't understand any theory or chord-scale relationships.

Susan Palmer's book solves all my materials and organization problems and lets me focus on actually teaching. At about 150 pages this one book can easily replace several "Levels" of the Hal Leonard or any available series I've seen. She thoroughly covers the technical and theoretical fundamentals that all guitar styles have in common, and--my favorite part--she ties it all together into a continous system that is easy to understand and immediately practical. I love it because when a student is stronger in one area than in another, I can approach the area that needs work by showing the student how it relates to what they already do well. Because of these connections I find that ALL of the material in the book is useful for all beginner-intermediate, and even many advanced students.

It's an easy sell to parents because the sheer amount of material will last a long time (no more "Didn't we just buy a new book for Timmy last month?") and looks infinitely better than a crumpled up pile of my handwritten notes. Combine The Guitar Lesson Companion with teaching students specific songs that they like, and your students will enjoy what they're playing while understanding what they're playing. Since that sums up my whole purpose and philosophy as a teacher this book is exactly what I've been looking for.

I'm very happy to be a student of Susan using her book.
It not only helps you learn the theory, but enforces the theory over all the positons on the guitar making it very easy retain as you learn. Susan mixes it up good using examples so the information doesn't come across dry. Lots to practice with the CD.
If only there was a book when I was first learning years ago!
Thanks Susan.

Mike

Learning to play guitar is the easiest thing in the world to do. It can also be one of the hardest.One can learn to strum a few chords in relatively short order and make some nice sounds. But one can choose to dig a little deeper, to the point where one's guitar playing becomes an expressions of one's own inner music--the music of the heart--which is really what it's all about, isn't it?

Susan Palmer's new book/CD The Guitar Lesson Companion bridges a major gap in learning to play the guitar. It's the book I wish *I'd* written, having studied at Berklee College of Music and having taught guitar for 20 years.

This thick, rich and blessedly spiral-bound volume with its accompanying CD, is designed to be used while studying with a private guitar teacher. As the author states right up front, studying with a good teacher will save a lot of time and money and accomplish far more than the do-it-yourself approach, through which so many guitarists--unnecessarily--come to understand the instrument.

A student enters the book at whatever level she is in at the moment: "beginner", intermediate or advanced. This may mean studying chords and how they work with songs in jazz, rock or folk, or even learning to read notation, the language of music (the musical examples are also in tablature).

The well-known CAGED system of understanding the language of the fretboard is covered, along with a progressive, intelligent blend of reading and rhythm studies, all essential concepts a serious guitar player must master. The main scale types are thoroughly explored, against a musically satisfying backdrop of guitar, bass and drums on the CD.

This ground-breaking book/CD is the one I wish I'd written for my students, but it's also the one I wish I'd had when first seriously studying guitar. All the fundamentals and more are here. This is a good investment in a guitarist's education.

Rick Fortenberry

Sandpiper Guitar Studios
Cape Cod, Mass.

Susan Palmer has written a clear, comprehensive, and integrated method for learning the guitar. The Guitar Lesson Companion will be an invaluable resource for many students who want a solid musical foundation. The Companion will also provide many teachers with a method that is focused and directed, yet flexible enough to accomodate the individual teaching style. I highly recommend this book to students and teachers alike.

Having a master's degree in music pedagogy, I have seen a lot of method books over the years and Susan Palmer's latest addition to the guitar repetoire series is outstanding! My 11 year old son began guitar lessons last September and has fallen in love with the guitar, thanks in part to this excellent book. His rhythm, melody, and improvisation just took off. But most importantly, I believe he will have a love of music for the rest of his life, which is the major challenge of any music series.

if it's Jews you be a wantin..In Punk nonetheless..This stuff's for you.First of all,Marky Ramone rocks.He met me or rather vice versa.Steve does research into the sacred and shows that Punk music in It's New York Beginnings incorporated a lot of the Jewish Upstarters who could be credited for being Punk Pioneers. You like the Paranormal? Well Jews die too..and so:Labyrinth13: True Tales of the Occult, Crime & ConspiracyBut:Other good books about Music and the Jewish experieNce:Spiritual Bathing: Healing Rituals and Traditions from Around the World,Stars of David: Prominent Jews Talk About Being Jewish,Jews Who Rock,Stars of David: Rock 'n' Roll's Jewish Storiesand one more Paranormal plug:Questions from Earth, Answers from Heaven.

Punk was an assault on traditional western culture and society. No surprise here, that jews would be at the core of the punk movement. It chipped at the moral fabric of nations, embraced communism, and made them a boatload of money from gentile dupes. What's a jew not to like? And in the end, was as hypocritical as the people themselves. Nothing astounding here.

In this brilliant exploration of outsider identity, Beeber uncovers the links between Jewishness and punk rock rebellion. The book includes in-depth interviews with such punk rock luminaries as Tommy Ramone, Chris Stein of Blondie, and former Sex Pistols' manager Malcolm McLaren. Beeber also explores the inherent contradictions within the punk movement, including the use of Nazi imagery by bands whose family members may have barely escaped the Holocaust. The book includes fascinating anecdotes about punk rock legends, including a chapter that describes Lou Reed's attempts to bring his dog to a seder, and Richard Hell's defensive responses to Beeber's simple question: Are you a Jew? Beeber is an insightful writer and cultural historian who makes heretofore unseen connections between origins of punk in the aggressive outsider comedy of Lenny Bruce and the work of graphic novel pioneer Will Eisner.

Beeber's book is an interesting recount of the formation of the punk rock scene in New York City. However, his attempt to correalate punk rock to the experience of being jewish stretches thin pretty quickly.

First off, Beeber utilizes Lou Reed and especially the Velvet Underground as forebearers of punk. While certainly influential, the Velvets were more of an avante garde pop band than punks. They were as much a result of the overall New York art scene and streets, as well as John Cale's british ideology and muscianship as Reed being jewish.

Next Beeber cites Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers. The Modern Lovers, despite the Sex Pistols covering Road Runner, were sort of pre-new wave folk band, they never really released an album when they were together and Richman was from Boston. How this qualifies them as a proto punk band representing the New York Jewish voice is too much for me to comprehend.

Beeber does make a good case that Tommy Ramone was the architect of Ramones. However, he only lasted a couple of albums, Dee Dee was the main songwriter and Johnny's buzzsaw guitar and militaristic leadership (he seemed like a real tool)were as essential as anything. Further, Joey might have been obviously jewish to the New York punk scene, but to most he was just the senstive outcast. Tommy's influence is obvious, but it seemed to me he was as influenced by being an immigrant and growing up in the wrong neighborhood as solely by virtue of being jewish.

While New York obviously was a huge influence on the punk scene, the industrial and menancing Detroit rockers like the MC5, Iggy and Alice Cooper had just as much influence as the New York bands. This is especially true prior to all the great New York bands getting started. Also, the true New York punk influence, The NY Dolls, who really blended the street, with artistic ambitions and the phoniness of Manhatten dont have the jewish connection and therefor dont really lend to the author's theory.

The somewhat later day punkers like Richard Hell, Lenny Kaye and Chris Stein make a good points of converstation, but all seem as influenced by academics as ethnithcity. Hell in fact wouldnt be interviewed and dismissed the premise completely. It also somewhat dismisses how much influence this groups partners in punk, Debbie Harry, Tom Verlaine and Patti Smith, had.

Some of the more interesting jewish punks, including the ladies, Genya Raven and Helen Wheels, and less well known acts like the Dictators (hilarious name) and Suicide just werent well known enough outside of the city to be all that influential.

I dont want to take anything away from the city or culture that reinvented music, but punk was about all that were alienated, suspected and unwanted. It was about anger, pointing out hypocrisy, doing it yourself and the desire to succeed. Didnt Bowie once say all the Brit punks "wanted to be stars."

So, Beeber's point is again lost when punk became so much the property of the anglo british (other than Malcom McClaren managing the Pistols)who apparantly lacking jewish guilt and the somewhat limiting factor of being the property of New Yawk, increased its exposure tremendously. (Hey lets face it Johnny Rotten cussing and spitting in a British accent is gonna play in Cleveland, whereas Joey Ramones obvious jewishness... well... its a joke, one I think Lenny Bruce might have gotten). Fact is, punk was never gonna play to the mainstream, the populus cant all be disnefranchised.

Overall and interesting read, with a thought provoking premise that is well explored, but ultimatly a bit overwritten to prove its point. Still worthwhile if you have any interest in those magical formative musical days in the Big Apple and some of its reaching influences.

Like most music freaks, if you ask me where punk rock originated, I wouldn't hesitate to tell you that it happened in England. After all, the Brits lay claim to pogo dancing, safety pins as a fashion statement, and the Sex Pistols. The whole concept of punk rock is, essentially, very Clockwork Orange.

Steven Lee Beeber's The Heebie Jeebies at CBGB's: A Secret History of Jewish Punk challenges that notion by showing us that punk began in New York -- and was heavily influenced and shaped by a variety of Jews from a variety of backgrounds. Beginning with the cutting-edge comedy of Lenny Bruce and the musical innovations that were Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground, Beeber shows us how the music evolved. It is clear that without the involvement of Jews, there would have been no punk movement.

Chapter by chapter, Beeber traces the bands and the people, focusing on the Jewish players who coalesced around the Jewish-owned punk mecca, CBGB. This is dense reading, best taken slowly so that all of the facts and details -- not to mention the personalities -- can sink in.

One theme that Beeber refers to often is the link between the Holocaust and punk. His claims make perfect sense: the emotions invested in the children of survivors provided the fuel for punk's trademark anger. Yes, there is anger that so many people were eradicated, but one of the more surprising revelations is that some of the anger comes from and is fueled by the fact that the Jews allowed themselves to be victims. At the same time, though, there is an awareness that the word allowed is inaccurate. That anyone, faced with such a circumstance, would have done exactly the same thing. Ultimately, this isn't an emotion of victimization, but of helplessness and futility -- two strong emotions that run through the undercurrent of punk, both in its lyrics and its attitudes.

Beeber takes us across the ocean for a visit with the start of British punk -- the Sex Pistols -- but focuses on the Jews involved in creating that scene. From Sex Pistols creator Malcolm MacLaren to the ill-fated Nancy Spungeon, lover of Pistols frontman Sid Vicious, it is obvious that here, too, punk music and the Jewish tradition are linked so closely that removal of the Jew removes the music.

Many would argue that punk died out with the Sex Pistols, to be replaced by music from cities like LA and San Francisco, peopled with musicians and fans who shocked New York ex-pats with virulent anti-Semitic themes, attitudes, and lyrics.

Beeber returns to New York to show us what punk evolved into: John Zorn's dissonant art and even, perhaps unbelievably, the Beastie Boys, perhaps the most punk of all the bands in the book.

Even more than the Ramones, those poster boys for American punk?

You be the judge. For any music fan, this is essential reading. It's not just that this is a clear evolution of the music scene over the span of forty-some years, from the late 1960s to the present. This book traces the shifts in our culture during this time period, and the shifts in attitude that allowed punk to be as vibrant as it was.

Beeber's prose is smooth and charming, always focused on the topic at hand and never getting sidetracked like so many Jewish storytellers of old. He's also a master craftsman, showing his writer's roots in the construction of each chapter, bringing back points made in opening paragraphs, tying it all together with a neat black leather jacket and peppy beat.

For the music lover, the historian interested in Jewish history, or for anyone intrigued by how someone as tall, skinny, and scary as Joey Ramone could become a pop icon, The Heebie-Jeebies at CBGB's: A Secret History of Jewish Punk is one of those books you won't want to miss. Certainly, my copy now occupies a space between Deena Weinstein's seminal Heavy Metal and Joe Berlinger's Metallica: This Monster Lives.

To bring up one last point Beeber makes: Jews are people of the book. Heebie Jeebies is just one in a long line that proves this.

"OVER 400 HIRSCHFELD DRAWINGS AND PHOTOGRAPHS MANY NEVER BEFORE COLLECTED
Essays by Whoopi Goldberg, Arthur Miller, Mel Gussow, Kurt Vonnegut, Grace Mirabella, Louise Kerz Hirschfeld, and Nina!

Commentary by Hirschfeld Throughout.
[from the book of the back cover of the jacket]

What a joy of a book. Not just the great grafics but very interestng information about the Great Hirschfeld

I really enjoyed looking through this book. I am absolutely in love with theater and I love seeing how he depicts all of my favorite shows and actors. He's been through the "Golden Age" of theater and has also done so much work for modern entertainment. I also have tons of fun looking for all the hidden "Nina"s. Just in case you might not know what I'm talking about, let me explain. After his daughter was born, Hirschfield began hiding her name in his drawings. The number by his "signiture" indicates the number of "Nina"s in the drawing. "Nina" is also written all in caps. Because of this, this book is not going to be just some ordinary coffee table book that only his fans might check out. It could also be a great deal of amusement for those who like to play the kind of "Where's Waldo" games.

Al Hirschfeld rose above titles like "cartoonist" and "illustrator", and every other tag specifically applied to visual artists who inject design and humor into their work. His intelligent blend of the caricaturist's eye and the designer's sense of the beauty in flat forms add up to an entirely unique contribution to twentieth century popular culture- and a highly influential one. His recent passing at age 99 marks the end of the century that he witnessed and commented upon so wittily and so stylishly. His legions of admirers (and imitators) will be well served by this 1999 book, assembled by the artist himself, with an excellent selection from his career, his invaluable commentary, and a fairly satisying selection of his amazing (and less celebrated) color work. The reproductions are fine here, and the volume is designed and presented well. It can only be hoped that more comprehensive releases and reissues of earlier books are in the near future.

Here is the indispensible Hirschfeld book - a must for any fan of his work, or of line in general. From his earliest pieces, all the way through his long career with New York theatre, his work is showcased - and done so through his eyes. Each piece is described by this great artist - his inspirations, methods, and thoughts. I cannot imagine a better way to present his wonderful drawings, and I am so very, very thankful that this collection was printed before his death. Although, yes, the work would show just as beautifully without, his commentary alongside each piece just opens up an entirely new viewpoint. This is a truly timeless book, and I highly recommend it.

I love this book! As a DJ with 15 years in the business, the author has said what everyone else was afraid to say. This is the all-out truth about DJ myths and marketing. Highly recommend this book.

I received How To Avoid DJ Horror Stories as a shower gift. As a bride-to-be, this book quickly became my best friend! It is as funny as it is informative. (The cartoon illustrations are really funny!) I learned so much from reading it that when it came time to interview DJs, I was able to spot, ahead of time, some of the myths and sleazy tactics referenced in the book. It actually saved me time (a precious commodity when planning a wedding). I especially liked Chapter 13, AFAQs (Answers to Frequently Asked Questions). The author literally answered every question that crossed my mind. Furthermore, I was pleasantly surprised with how easy the book was to read; it felt like the author was actually talking to me. How To Avoid DJ Horror Stories is a "must have" for any bride going the DJ route. Highly recommended!!!

In such a vast field as DJ services, it nice to be able to find the true gems among the pack. This book was instrumental in helping me select a DJ for my wedding, and I was EXTREMELY pleased with the results. If you want to know how to identify a "line" when you hear one from a DJ, GET THIS BOOK!

I've been a Disc Jockey for 25 years and have seen it all - this is hilarious - be careful who you book though. Read this and you should get a good Disc Jockey and have a great wedding/party!

Mr. Harrison is probably a good mobile dj but he makes the mistake of assuming regional preferences (such as clients not wanting lighting) and that most weddings go 4 hours is true all over. More importantly, there are numerous occasions where he states his opinion as fact. If these were truly facts, there would be documentation to back them up. There is a lot of good advice in this book but it's mixed in with a lot of opinions and outdated information which the target audience would like have difficulty sifting through.

This is a great book, an extra tool for modern sounds. I would suggest this book to anyone looking to increase their vocabulary of technique. But...I thought there would be more exercises in there, especially for 35$ It was a little light on the information. It starts with right hand stuff, gaining independence from one finger to the next. But then he goes atonal, there's not really any formula to what he does other than play the string with nearest finger. I would've liked to get some more linear things, scales, how he fingers them, and common arpeggios, not in 5's, like straight dominant, or maj,7th's would've been nice, he then give lines to go over chords and then his studys. It actually reminds me of classical guitar, through memorization, rather than pure improvisation. Don't get me wrong I liked the book, I was just expecting a little more from this guy, I mean you have to hear him play, amazing!

The topic is very well covered. It offers some very good harmonic devises.

If you want to be original in your playing, this book is for you. I have gone through all the exercises, and believe me, it will take a lifetime to explore all the permutations that can happen in this method. I tried using this method in my playing employing my own bass runs and other sweep picking techniques. The results are truly amazing. The best part of this book is that the writer encourages creativity. It is not that show and follow sort of books you get often. This is the ultimate guide for original playing. A must have for the independent guitarist.

This is a great book/cd combo.The compositions are fantastic.I have been working on the study #1 and it is really beautiful.When you think what a single lesson costs this becomes a bargain of the century .My only complaint is that the standard tab lets you know which note at which fret but not which finger plays that note.Most of the times this is pretty obvious though.Definitely the best book of its kind that I have seen .

By LEE PROSSER - JazzReview.com

Recognized for his unique stylings and innovative approaches, Gustavo Assis-Brasil shares with guitarists his many intricate insights for a complete method of combining pick and fingers for hybrid picking. His book will educate and entertain. In creating this fine book of instruction, the author provides step-by-step exercises. He gives standard notation and tablature, and there is a CD with examples and compositions included. The user of this book will learn how to combine legato, alternate, and sweep with hybrid picking. Chapters include an excellent section on hybrid picking lines, melodic pairs, 12 tone lines, harmonic exercises, permutation chart, and voicings. Each chapter covers in-depth its subject matter in concise, clear writing and examples. Highly recommended for those interested in developing hybrid guitar picking skills.

Most, Most ENJOYABLE!!!! I've sung this song to my grandchildren for over 25 years, and I was most delighted to see it in a book with the music.

This is a great book! I bought it to give as gifts for baby showers.

My young daughter loves this book. She knows the tune from one of the Putamayo CD's (Dan Zanes sings this song.) Too sweet.

I came across this book while searching for the lyrics to the 'Bushel & A Peck' song from the 'Guys and Dolls' soundtrack. My grandmother used to sing the song to my mother and my mother used to sing the song to my sister and I. In keeping tradition, we both now sing the song to our children and I was so excited when I found this book! The kids love the little duck characters as they sing the song through the vibrantly colored pages. We all 'doodle oodle oodle' through the end!! If you like the song - - you will absolutely love the book!!

My 2 1/2 year old twins love it when I sing this song to them, so I was thrilled to find a book that illustrated it. The pictures are bright and fun, and it's always nice when the publisher includes the lyrics/music, as it does in this one.

EnThe Story of Johnny Cash Eaton...: Moments Remembered...His Story As Told to Me...j

Very interesting

Greetings. May I congratulate you for finding your way to this book and to these few words.

This title, I STILL MISS SOMEONE, if from one of my favorite Cash-penned songs and the book was/is published by a very small mom/pop outfit in Nashville. They (the publisher) have no promotion or marketing or publicity savy, to speak of when promoting a book like this, so it has just layed here in obscurity.

This book, although it contains the input of over forty close Cash associates and a foreword by the Grahams (Ruth and Rev. Billy), has NEVER been reviewed by any press. In fact, the Nashville media didn't even give it one line. Small publishers suffer this snub, and in the end, so did this tribute book. Lost in the larger shuffle of all things Johnny Cash.

The only folks that know about this book are folks like you, that have searched, surfed and stumbled across it or maybe found it after hearing about it word-of-mouth.

To the point, if you get this book, I STILL MISS SOMEONE, and are not moved by it, touched by it, or feel it is more than worth the price, I will personally refund your purchase price. (hughwaddell@comcast.net)

Yes, I believe in this book with all my heart and soul!!!! In the few interviews about the book that happened last year (2005), I stated the same challenge, and have not been asked to refund one dime, yet. In spite of all the review snubs, the book stands on its own simple merit.

So screw the tiny publisher, the snubby-dub media and the self-serving Nashville "pompasses". This book does not need to be hyped or pumped by critics, anyway. I swear to you that you will enjoy this look at Johnny the Cash through the eyes and hearts of people who knew him best... his friends and family.

Thank you and God Bless!

All of us who followed the music and life of Johnny Cash;knew from the beginning of his musical career in the laste 50's that there was something special about this man. He came to most of us by his music and shows but we always knew he was a man who first of all knew and loved his God. The name Pilgrim was often associated with him;but the name Disciple would be just as fitting. I have followed ,listened to and read about him for about 50 years,but I can honestly say that the real truth about what Johnny Cash was really like is not any better shown than in this book. How he was seen and loved by those who really knew him,loved him,worked with him,family members,and people who considered him a friend and at the same time he considered a friend. Over 40 people got the honor to say what Johnny meant to them and what kind of a man and friend he was. One thing that is obvious from reading this book of over 300 pages and over 40 people,is that there must be thousands of others that knew him as well and if they had the same opportunity would have similar things to say.
It is so obvious Johnny loved life ,how much his family meant to him,and how much he respected those around the music business. If anyone in the public arena ever gave the impression that as he journeyed throuh life;his friend and Savior Jesus Christ was always by his side;it had to be him.
Millions of us admired Cash;but what a privilege it must have been to have been close to him. No wonder a great personal loss is seen in the stories each participant has to tell.
As we continue to listen to his music;this book will remind us what a Legend "The Man in Black" really was.
I am sure that when he finally met his God,he probably said something like;"Thanks Lord, for the privilege to have served you and my fellow man.I did the best I could ,and it's good to be home with you"
After you read this book,why not sit down and think or write about what Johnny Cash meant to you.

How do you come up with a way to tell the Johnny Cash Story that hasn't yet been done? There are countless biographies out there (disclosure: I have consulted, resourced and been interviewed on many), and the mythic history of this great man has been told many ways. But Hugh Waddell, JRC's friend and confidant of longstanding, has produced THE definitive portrait. He did it not by another retelling of the great Redemption story of our times (although that never gets old), or by a mere chronicle of John's achievements. Instead, he spectacularly tells the story through the eyes of John's family, friends, colleagues and fans. He wisely, and accurately, realized that it was John's effect on others which made him Mt. Rushmore-worthy. His life and music spoke to us, for us and with us, and the impact he made on people great and small continues to take the breath away. Johnny Cash walked with presidents (they fawned over him) and he sat with the people (who worshipped him). Hugh Waddell captures the qualities which allowed this by pointing the camera not at John, but at those he touched. The lens is reversed, and we see The Great Cash as a father, a farmer, a friend. His importance is told through the countless small interactions, the kindnesses and generosity, the human fraility and the soaring triumphs. He gave voice to our dreams and aspirations, taught us what it was like to run the mortal race, to fall greatly and rise back up greater. In these touching stories we see the real man, but more, we see ourselves. I did not want this book to end. The real people and their real stories about a real man are gripping. Johnny Cash was a giant, obviously. In this superb book we get to see how giants get that way. If I want someone to know what Johnny Cash was like, I give them this book.

Mark Stielper
Shoe size 11W

OK, with all the hype about the movie, Walk the Line, and living in Nashville as I do...and hearing Johnny Cash's name everywhere you turn...I hesitated going to see the movie "just because". Well. I somehow ended up seeing it, (long story for another day.) And let me just say that much to my chagrin, I LOVED the movie. So now I've been on a Johnny Cash rampage, listening, watching, and reading everything I can get my hands on. Yes, I succumbed. Call me weak.

This title looked interesting to me because it's written by people who knew him on a day to day basis. There's a chapter written by the guy who kept his farm, for gosh sakes! You just feel the love seeping from the pages. I wept, I laughed, I've read it again, and again.

For readers who might be wondering what all the shoe size business is about here in the reviews (I know I wondered before receiving the book)...Hugh says in the book that Johnny always said he had "itchy feet". He always needed to be doing something and going somewhere different. Johnny said "Everyone has itchy feet, some just itch more than others." So at the beginning of everyone's chapter is that person's shoe size. Just one more quirky little reason why this book has earned a place on my 'favorites' shelf.

As a Nashvillian, I would like to say: We are proud of our 'Cash heritage' and this book lays it all on the line.

Thank you, Hugh Waddell for such a wonderful gift that I'm sure even JRC's family will treasure for years and years.

May
Nashville, TN
Shoe size: 7.5

All around, yet another hit from the Missing Manual series!

I'm well versed in most things computer, so computer books often either are way under my interest level or are very technical in nature. This is a great mix of advanced techniques taught in a quick and understandable way.

I'm actually using iLife '06, but haven't hit any major roadbumps between the content in the book and the '06 apps.

Great stuff - now I'm drooling over the iPhoto specific book - I want to dig even deeper into that app now that I understand the basics!

iLife '05 is the fifth Missing Manual I've purchased. I find them helpful, informative, and fun to read. The chapter layout is logical and fluid, the index is thorough, and the entire manual is chock full of color (!) illustrations.

The first few chapters will walk the beginner through iTunes and the iTunes Music store. There is even a chapter on managing your iPod.

Next is iPhoto, Apple's image browser-librarian-editor. Like Apple's software, there is more than first meets the eye in these pages.

Section three covers iMovie, from working with your camcorder through producing something worth burning to DVD...leading seamlessly to

Section four, exploring iDVD. Both general concepts and insider-like tips abound.

Section five covers GarageBand. All the above sections are much more accessable and thorough than Apple's Help system. This Missing Manual closes with more than 50 pages of troubleshooting tips for the 5 software titles, and an excellent index.

The whole book is a pleasure to read, browse, or just to hold in the hand (though it's heavy--nothing skimpy about it). I find myself reading some sections completely and diving in for a just a few pages in others. A must have if you own iLife '05--whhich can be had for a song now that iLife '06 is out.

David Pogue's iLife 05: The Missing Manual covers all the major features and functions of iLife: iTunes, iPhoto 5, Garage Band 2 and more. These are all key cornerstones of the Mac's popularity and here are revealed by a weekly computer columnist for the New York Times who is himself a Macintosh author. From producing polished music recordings with no prior experience to using information panels, effects panes, film rolls and other features of iLife 05, you simply can't be without this book if you own the program. The full color screen examples packed throughout make it hard to mess up.

Do you need to harness cutting-edge technology for your own creative expression and entertainment? If you do, you're in luck! Author David Pogue, has done an outstanding job of writing a book that doesn't require you to be a professional working for a media conglomerate to read it.

Pogue, begins by discussing how to use iTunes 4 for managing, playing, buying and sharing digital music. Then, he discusses how to use the iPhoto 5 program for downloading photos from your digital camera, and organizing, sharing, and printing them. The author continues by describing how to use the iMoves HD program for editing footage from a digital camcorder, adding effects, sound, and credits, and then presenting the result. Next, he details how to use GarageBand 2 for composing and recording terrific-sounding songs of your own. Then, the author provides an overview of how to use the iDVD 5 program for burning DVDs containing the movies, music, and photos from iTunes, iPhotos, iMoves, and GarageBand. Finally, he explains how to troubleshoot the preceding programs.

This most excellent book packages iDVD 5, iTunes, iPhotos, iMoves, and GarageBand come in a single package called iLife '05. In other words, if you've mastered all of the preceding information, you have all of the technical background you need to enjoy iLife '05: The Missing Manual.

This is a good book for understanding all of the applications included in iLife 05. Note, however, that iLife 06 has been released with a host of new features, and thus depending on whether or not you intend to upgrade, this book may have a limited lifespan of usefulness at this point in time. As of iLife '06, iLife consists of six components: iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, GarageBand, and iWeb. However, if you intend to stick with iLife 05 for awhile, you couldn't ask for a better guide. Basically, what the author has done is condense his Mac missing manual series of books- iMovie&DVD, iPhoto, iTunes&iPod, and GarageBand - into one volume. I have some of the missing manuals for the individual applications, and I compared the individual books with the applicable sections in this book, and they seem to be equitable in quality. The only thing you are really missing is some of Pogue's insight into using the applications - for example, some pointers on film-making in the case of the iMovie&iDVD book versus this book. There also seem to be more advanced user and customization information in the individual "Missing Manual" books versus this book, so perhaps power-users would be better off buying the individual missing manuals on the applications. I notice that Amazon does not show the table of contents, so I do that here for the purpose of completeness:
PART 1: iTunes
1. Getting Music into iTunes
2. Getting Music out of iTunes
3. Managing Your Music
4. The iTunes Music Store
5. The iPod Connection
PART 2: iPhoto
6. Camera Meets Mac
7. The Digital Shoebox
8. Editing Your Shots
9. The iPhoto Slideshow
10. Prints and Books
11. Photos Online - and Your Network
12. iPhoto File Management
PART 3: iMovie
13. Camcorder Meets Mac
14. Building the Movie
15. Transitions and Effects
16. Titles, Captions, and Credits
17. Narration, Music, and Sound
18. Still Pictures and Quicktime Movies
19. Finding Your Audience
PART 4: iDVD
20. From iMovie to iDVD
21. iDVD Projects By Hand
22. Advanced iDVD
PART 5: GarageBand
23. Setting Up the Garage
24. Loops
25. Regions
26. Software Instruments (MIDI)
27. Recording and Editing Live Audio
28. Effects, Guitar Amps, and Instrument Models
29. Mixing and Publishing
PART 6: Troubleshooting
30. Troubleshooting iTunes
31. Troubleshooting iPhoto
32. Troubleshooting iMovie
33. Troubleshooting iDVD
34. Troubleshooting GarageBand

I've had this product for only two days and I'm burning through it. I once had a professor that said something like: People that understand a topic best can explain it in the simplest terms. That rings true with Jorgenson's approach. I don't site read music, but I understand basic harmonic theory. Most of the chords weren't too foreign to me. I'd spent a little time with some other Gypsy Jazz learning material, but was very quickly bewildered and exhausted by the effort. With this stuff, on the second day (some 2 hours into the material) I was already playing solos along with the practice CD.

I think there is a skill spectrum where this set can be most effective. The student on the DVD, Brad Davis, picks things up faster than I can. He's a pro and a really good player. I think he's at the top of the spectrum and I'm probably near the bottom. This set is for intermediate players, at least. If you are a guitar beginner, certainly pick something else.

I almost bought a cheaper learning DVD for Gypsy Jazz, but then I caught this on checkout (Thanks Amazon!). It's more expensive, but in this case, it's entirely worth it. I'm finally getting close to my dream of being able to play music by the most important jazz guitar player of all time. That's just plain cool and Jorgenson deserves some kind of educational award. I've purchased a good deal of instructional DVDs for guitar by all kinds of players and I think this is the best one. There's a difference between being a really good player and being a great teacher; Jorgenson is both.

I can't wait to devour this first "beginning" pack so I can get to the second.

I grew up listening to Django Reinhardt recordings. Not having touched a guitar in over 25 years, I recently decided to get serious about playing again, mainly for self-satisfaction and to give me something to do as I near retirement. By accident I stumbled across a recording by John Jorgenson and my jaw dropped--his sound and technique made me think I was listening to Django! Was it possible to learn how to play like this? I ordered Intro to Gypsy Jazz Guitar and I've been including it into my training regimen. In just one month, I can play some of the minor 6th rhythms (on my Gitane Selmer-style guitar) with "that" sound and beat. Oh, I have so much work to do and so much practice ahead of me (years), but John has broken down the essence of the Django Gypsy Jazz style in a way that is understandable and learnable. Now, the only thing that stands between me and mastery of this wonderful style of music is hard work and time (and right now I just can't put my guitar down). Perhaps someday I'll meet John and back him up on rhythm using the things he taught me! Always need a goal to shoot for, right? Thanks John for this great "course!" I have already ordered Intermediate Gypsy Jazz Guitar.

Jorgenson isn't just a great guitarist: he is an expert analyst of guitar skills, and a good communicator.
This book is not only for gypsy jazz wannabes, but will be useful for any guitarist seeking to expand their knowledge and musicianship. My 'used' copy was also a reasonable value, and in perfect condition. There's a great section, for example, on using three-string chords for 'comping.

Just started working through this great resource. The DVD is very well done . John uses an effective format for the instruction by using an actual student who works through the exercises. The text is well written and the instructive style will get you playing rhythm Gypsy Jazz in just a few hours. Well worth your time and money. Happy strummin'

This is excellent. Don't pass it up. In this one, the basic 1-4-5 blues progression is the starting point for a hands on demo walkthrough of how to take this basic progression and fill it in with more robust substitutions and exciting sounding background comping. The 9th, dim, aug and 6th cords are pressented in an easy to digest, follow, and incorporate series of demo's. The instructor describes what is going on so you can create this type of movement in your own arrangements.

The teaching style of having a "live" student asking questions during the dvd instruction, tries to create the feel that you are sitting in on an actual lesson. This works really well here as the instructor and student have good chemistry and the exchange keeps the information from becoming dry. It also helps pace the demo's as the teacher plays, then the student and teacher play together, which actually helps give you a bit more time to play along without having to continually replay demos that often seem a bit too short for new material on some of the other dvd's I've had.

I'm about half way through on this dvd today, and already I am here ordering the next level intermediate dvd cause this one is that good - I want to keep on learning from this guy! The pressentation is really well done, and the notation materials are excellent. The "book", is a full sized book - which is beyond the norm - this is not just a collection of "reminder" highlight notes in a half size booket insert, as comes with some other dvd video instructions. In addition to being full sized, these materials are well organized, easy to read, and include narrative text and explainations.

Bottom line: very nice instructional product of a really great and useful topic. In fact, even if you don't want to play this particular style in depth, the chord substitution theory is well worth the time and price of this product.