Composers Books

this Book is a Must have for any Drummer period but especially for R&B Jams&Grooves. very insightful&you can feel the Music as you read the various details.this is the Kind of Book that should be the springboard for all Musicians in terms of Highlighten a particular Instrument. you feel the Joy&Passion within this Book.

Let's face it, drummers like each other! They like to help each other. They like to share with each other as well. And here we have a book about drummers, who talk about their influences, their histories, the groups they were with, their grooves. AND, to top it all off, Jim Payne gives us a number of grooves to listen to and practice with -- some that would be really hard to pick off recordings otherwise.

A tremendous compendium of knowledge about grooves, drummers, history and more -- this is a MUST for any drummers library!

Lastly, I want to add that I own or have seen several of Jim's publications and they are ALL top-notch, well researched and presented works. You cannot go wrong when you want to learn from Jim Payne (and no, I do not know him personally).

This book is essential for any modern drummer. Plenty of fantastic interviews with the drummers who shaped funk and funky beats, and more than one hundred transcribed grooves so you can follow the style of funk through the years. Every drummer needs this book, no matter what style you play, absolute necessity.

The history of the rhythmic revolution of R & B, funk and soul as told by the drummers themselves: including Clyde Stubblefield, David Garibaldi, Clayton Fillyau, Earl Palmer and Tiger Martin. Fascinating for drummers, other musicians and any fan of American popular music.Jim Payne's newest award winning book includes interviews, discographies, rare photos, transcriptions and an accompanying CD with over 90 drum set rhythms.

If this comic came out today in the same form it would be ridiculed by the comic critics. However, this seriest started over 60 years ago and at the time was revolutionary. When you read this book you should not be looking for an intellectual thrillride, you should go slowly and enjoy the fantastic artwork and coloring, and revel in hos simplistic good vs. bad used to be. I recommend reading this over a period of days, no more than two stories/day. If you read the stories one after the other they will blur together into one. Like the Flash!!!

The "Golden Age Flash Archives" is another great volume in DC's Archive series featuring one of the first "specialty" super-heroes with only one power. After inhaling fumes of "hard water," college student and slowpoke Jay Garrick discovers he has super-speed. He becomes the Flash, the fastest man alive.

As the character appeared early in the super-hero genre, its easy to see the experimental qualities of the Flash. Writer Gardner Fox wasn't as worried about convention as he would be later. The most obvious example is that Garrick didn't worry too much about who knew that he was really the Flash. He demonstrates his powers openly, going from bench-warmer to college football star. People approach him specifically for the purpose of his speedster help. Criminals fear him as both Garrick and Flash. His girlfriend Joan is actually quite strong-willed, as opposed to later super-hero paramours. As the series progressed, however, Garrick started to keep his other identity on the QT.

Unfortunately, this early volume is a little disappointing because there isn't a single story that really stands out. As with most of the golden age mystery men, Jay didn't have much of a rogues gallery at first, instead beating up on gangsters and corrupt officials. However, Fox was very good at devising clever uses for Flash's power, e.g. humiliating enemies, spying on people at super-speed, and the like. So, while this is an entertaining volume, it leaves general impressions of fun rather than memorable story-telling.

E.E. Hibbard's art is a little more detailed than your average golden age fare, which comes in handy for the various displays of speedster prowess Fox wrote. Hibbard, while still employing the cartoony style common to the era, had a talent for some solid line work that does stand-out from the work of most of his peers. He's no Jack Burnley or Will Eisner, but his style is distinct and pleasing to the eye.

DC is finally coming out with the second volume of this Archive series, so this isn't a "fast-tracked" series (pardon the pun), but so long as we get more Jay Garrick adventures, I'm happy.

A short introduction in the beginning, and five tiny biographies of Flash artists at the end, mark the total text found in this book. Almost the entirety of the book is filled with Flash comics from Flash Comics #1 (January, 1940) through #17 (May, 1941)! The covers (even if they include someone other than the Flash) and comics are reproduced in their original size, and in a simply fantastic clarity. I am simply astounded at how good these look!

Here you see the origin of the Jay Garrick (Earth Two) Flash, and watch him kick the butts of more than a few baddies (actually, he preferred to turn them into human tops!). This book is a mite pricey, but it is a fantastic addition to the library of any Flash fan.

This is a wonderful book to read if you're a Flash fan. In it, we get the reprinted adventures of the original Flash Jay Garrick. It lacks detailed characterization, and the stories are simple. But, they leave you entertained.
A must-have for Flash fans!!

its a great book for the jla lovers and the flash i reccomond it to everybody who likes comics

If you want to know what a composer or proformer means to music, or the contributions they made, this is the book to get. It's the only one you need!

Written by over 70 top musicologists, this splendid reference focuses on composers but also includes a generous selection of performers, theorists, and instrument makers, of all eras and genres, in nearly 6,000 entries.
Biographical details are of course provided, with a brief professional resume, (with longer entries for composers of greater significance), an accounting of major works, and a discerning bibliography where appropriate. The authors mention lifestyle issues when they bear heavily on the career of the subject (e.g., Chet Baker's heroin addiction), but the emphasis is on music, as it should be.
Coverage runs from Edouard Lalo to Little Richard, Johann Friedrich Fasch to Johnny Rotten, so whatever the musical taste, this dictionary will be useful. Highly recommended for music lovers of all persuasions.

(The "score" rating is an ineradicable feature of the page. This reviewer does not "score" books.)

One word. Wow! This book, combined with The New Harvard Dictionary of Music, makes a great resource for serious musicians, amateurs, and students alike. The near 6000 entries make this reference the best for its price. I've used the Baker on several occasions. While the Baker is certainly more comprehensive, a glance at its price (~$90) is enough to make one think twice. The Harvard Biographical Dictionary of Music, with its bargain price, is a must buy. Couple it with The New Harvard Dictionary of Music (which is the same price as the Biographical Dictionary), and you will have an unbeatable musical resource at your disposal. If you are REALLY tight on budget, then perhaps you may want to check out the Oxford Dictionary of Music. It accomplishes in 1 volume (and ~$34 compared to the Harvards' $54 combined) what the Harvard Dictionaries do in 2, though (understandably) to a much lesser extent. Nevertheless, the Harvard music references are still great buys, especially if you have a little extra cash to expend.

A great companion to the Harvard Dictionary of Music. Well written, comprehensive, and surprisingly complete for a sigle volume dictionary. Highly recommended for any serious musician or teacher.

i was really into einstuerzende neubauten for years--and this collection gives the original german lyrics, as well as some decent (but not perfect) english translations, of their lyrics up to the mid-1990s. i would say the main flaw in this book is the serial interview with blixa bargeld--it's not very insightful. still, this is a must-have for diehard EN fans. too bad their recent work is so terrible!

Its got every lyric I was eagerly searching for a long time.

Plus a few interviews in english and german.

but the true selling point is...

The cover of the book glows in the dark!!!

'nuff said.

If you are an EN fan or just want to understand the songs without translating them from the German yourself, you need this book. It doesn't include the most recent songs but the more recent CD's include translations anyway. It also has some interesting insights from Blixa regarding the music and the growth of the band's ideas.

If you are a fan you need to become a supporter. Checkout www.neubauten.org for information.

Headcleaner contains nearly all of Bargeld's lyrics, an interesting interview by Harry Lachner, partial discography, "net of tracks," and a nifty glow-in-the-dark cover. Aside from the lyrics themselves, possibly the most interesting thing in the book is the "net of tracks," which looks rather like a subway map, charting Bargeld's songs. The lyrics themselves, while enhanced by Neubauten's music, stand alone quite well. One can't help but see the threads of mind/body dissonance, destruction, passion, irony and lonely existenialism at the heart of his work. It's quite beautiful.

This is an excellent book to share with a young person - age range three to about age eight. The lesson taught is one of never giving up. Adversity may make the task more difficult, but not impossible. Telling the story of Beethoven in this way was a brilliant move. Very highly recommended.

The author, an associate professor at Michigan State University, has already educated and entertained young readers with the lives of two composers in "The Farewell Symphony" and "Pictures At An Exhibition." When paired with rousing watercolor and ink illustrations by JoAnn Kitchel, both of those books are small treasures, as is "The Heroic Symphony," which relates the life of Beethoven.

As the story opens Beethoven has it all - fame, fortune, and the ability to play the piano better than anyone in all of Europe. However, the music lovers who flocked to hear him have no idea that he is slowly losing his hearing. Desperate, hoping for a cure in the spring of 1802 Beethoven fled to a remote clinic.. But there was no help for him.

As Beethoven despaired a melody began to fill his mind, and he realized that if he could no longer play the piano he could compose. He knew that he wanted to write music that would not only entertain but would also inspire, so he searched for inspiration. One name came to him - a war hero, Napoleon Bonaparte.

Later, upon learning that his hero, Bonaparte, had crowned himself Emperor of France Beethoven attempted to destroy his months of work, but was stopped by a close friend. At length Beethoven scratched the name Bonaparte from his manuscript and wrote a new title, "The Heroic Symphony."

A CD recording of Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 ("Eroica" is included. It is performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Sir Georg Solti.

- Gail Cooke

The heroic symphony is a true story about Ludwig Van Beethovens symphony no.3 also called the Heroic symphony.THe book has cute well drawn pictures that are fun to look at. it gave good info and wasnt hard to read. it can be a book for all ages and many are sure to enjoy[this book]. it also comes with a cd which is the heroic symphony music

I am in love with this series of books for children! I own three of them and can't wait to get the rest. This is a perfect series for homeschooling families, or parents who want to supplement what their children are learning outside the home. This book not only tells the story of Beethoven's life and inspiration for writing The Heroic Symphony, but it also gives some of France's history at the time that Beethoven wrote it. The illustrations are beautiful and truly works of art in themselves. This book will be used by our family and passed down to be used again and again. The CD which accompanies it is very well done. My children love to listen to the music and love the story that goes along with it. I feel that the love of classical music is a great gift to give any child. This book is well worth the money, and hard to find at a lower price! Well done!

This is a nice book that takes the reader on a biographical journey. It's a relatively easy read, but very gratifying. The Greenes have gone through several major disappointments, and survived. MUST READ!

This book really appealed to me and my family. We are all Southern Gospel Music fans and this tells a warm, descriptive story of a family who has faced difficult crisis, overwhelming victory and medical struggles with grace and faith.

Greenes' fans will especially enjoy this book. However, anyone would be inspired by reading this volume.

Order it today and I think you'll be glad you did.

If you are a fan, this book is certainly for you.

As I read it, I laughed. I cried. I laughed some more! This is a great piece of literature that gives me a great understanding of The Greenes after the stage lights go out. It also portrays a normal family with challenges, just like mine. In spite of all the ups and downs, these folks remain steadfast in their faith. It is so refreshing!

I ALSO LOVE TaRANDA and TONY -- these guys have a great sense of humor!

Thank you Greenes for allowing this book to be released!

Gosh! I really enjoyed this book. This Gospel Music family - Tim, Tony, TaRanda, and Kim - has faced challenging difficulties and enjoyed wonderful blessings through their successful and enduring career in Southern Gospel music. Kim "Greene" Hopper now tours with The Hoppers! But she and her brothers tell what it was like to tour as youngsters.

Here are a few things I especially enjoyed:

-- Tim and Amy Greene's love story
-- Kim Greene's marriage to Dean Hopper
-- Kim joins the Hoppers
-- Tim Greene's recent health problems and healing
-- Tony and TaRanda's hilarious dating life and eventual marriage
-- The Greene children and the future for the Greenes

Not only is this a wonderful look at America's foremost Southern Gospel Trio, it is also a heart-tugging story that will inspire and encourage all who read it. I highly recommend this hardbound book to anyone who enjoys Southern Gospel Music!

***
"The Greenes are some of the sweetest people in Gospel music. It is rare that you find a group that isn't afraid to sing songs with powerful lyrics. I thank God for them and am honored that they have chosen to use many of my songs on their recordings. Most of all I am thankful for their integrity. A good name is above the price of rubies and the Greenes have held strongly to that!"
-- Dottie Rambo
 

This is like a photo scrapbook of the band. There is writing too, but the full color pictures are the reason to buy the book. It's split into 4 sections:
1- TEENAGE WHORE
2- RETARD GIRL
3- PRETTY ON THE INSIDE
4- MISS WORLD
Also includes a discography up to 1995. Great little book for a cheap price.

This book has some really great pictures of Courtney and Hole but the only problem is a lot of the information about her and/or the band is wrong. For example it says that Courtney, and her friends Robin and Christine formed a band called the Italian Whore Nuns. This is incorrect, since none of these people were in the Italian Whore Nuns. The Italian Whore Nuns was a band that the remaining Pagan Babies members (a band Courtney formed with Kat Bjelland) formed after Courtney left the Pagan Babies. I also noticed that above one of the pictures of the original Hole lineup, the author accidently mixed up Jill Emery and Caroline Rue in the caption. Other than these mistakes the book is great, but I would recommend buying it just for the pictures and pretty much ignore the text.

It's not filled with text.. that wasnt what they had in mind for this book.. its filled instead with glossy high quality Hole / Courtney Love pics in high detail.. Just what I was hoping for.. a big book although not that thick.. really big pics though. Well recommended.

This book has so many great pictures of Courtney Love and her band Hole! Many of the pictures I have never seen before. Almost all in color too which was great!

This biography of Pete Seeger's life is an important read in these times. It documents the way the U.S. government can treat an American citizen without regard to our Constitution's promise of freedom of thought and expression. This book is a tale of a folk singer who was imprisoned and blacklisted because of his political beliefs.

PETE SEEGER WAS MY FIRST POLITICAL HERO. HIS MUSIC RAISED MY CONSCIOUSNESS AND THAT OF MANY OTHERS OF MY GENERATION. MY UNCLE SANG WITH HIM AT FUNDRAISERS AND I MET HIM SEVERAL TIMES. AS AN ADOLESCENT I TOLD HIM ONCE I HAD ALL HIS RECORDS AND HE FROWNED AND SAID, "DON'T BUY THE RECORDS, LEARN THE SONGS, SING THEM, TEACH THEM TO YOUR FRIENDS". THAT WAS ALL HE SAID, AND I DID AND KEPT DOING IT UNTIL ARTHRITIS AND THE LOSS OF MY VOICE STOPPED ME.

I CAN'T SAY ANYTHING BAD ABOUT PETE ALTHOUGH I DISAGREE WITH MANY OF HIS VIEWS, WITH SOME EXCEPTIONS. I CANNOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES FATHOM HIS CONTINUAL BELIEF IN COMMUNISM, BUT I ALSO HAVE TO ADMIRE, GREATLY, HIS HONESTY, INTEGRITY AND ABILITY TO ALWAYS MAINTAIN HIS VALUES. IS HE A GREAT MAN? YES, WITHOUT A DOUBT, PERHAPS ONE OF OUR GREATEST EVER AND SOME OF HIS VISIONS FOR AN AMERICA OF PEACE, HARMONY AND EQUALITY SHOULD BE HONORED, NOT RIDICULED. THE BOOK IS VERY EVEN IN IT'S TREATMENT OF PETE, BOTH THE POSITIVE AND THE NEGATIVE. IT ALSO GIVES A VERY IMPORTANT IF NOT HORRIFYING LOOK AT THE HATRED, BIGOTRY AND VIOLENCE OF AMERICA THAT PETE BATTLED ALL HIS LIFE. PETE WOULD BE HORRIFIED I'M SURE TO KNOW THAT HE WAS AS MUCH AN HISTORIAN AS HE WAS ORGANIZER, AGITATOR AND PROPHET. BUT LIKE IT OR NOT HE WAS AND IS. THE BOOK SHOULD BE READ BY EVERYONE, ESPECIALLY IF ALL YOU KNOW ABOUT PETE SEEGER ARE THE RIDICULOUS STORIES PUT OUT IN THE 40'S, 50'S AND 60'S BY THOSE WHO HATED HIM.

Mr. Dunaway's writing is giving me a feel for the 1920s, '30s, 40s, and the parts of the '50s that I don't have my own clear memories of. By telling me the story of Pete Seeger, he's also told me parts of the story of my parents' childhood. I'm half-way through my first reading of this (library) book and have decided to get my very own copy.

"Tell a man what he may not sing,and he is still half free, even all free,. But tell him what he MUST sing if he never wanted to sing, take up his time with it so that his true voice cannot sound even in secret--there,I have seen, is slavery."
Pete was born in 1919,started Harvard in 1936,and because it could not hold his interest,he began a lifetime of Folk Music.
There was nothing more important in his life than making music and singing his songs with other people. With his wife Toshi ,the unsung hero,always by his side and his home and family a foundation of support;Pete and his music could always be found supporting one cause or another.
This book does a marvelous job of showing that Pete fought injustice all his life;no matter whether he found it in a union hall,freedom marches in the south,cotton fields or even the government of the country he so loved.
Pete's whole life can be summed up in one song that is now known and sung all over the world and is a war cry against injustice and in support of freedom.
"If I had a hammer
I'd hammer in the morning,
I'd hammer in the evening,
All over this land.
I'd hammer out a danger,
I'd hammer out a warning,
I'd hammer out of love and between
All of my brothers
All over this land.

If I had a bell...

If I had a song...

Now I have a hammer
And I have a bell
And I have a song to sing
All over this land.
It's the hammer of justice,
It's the bell of freedom,
And a song about love between
All of my brothers
All over this land"

Dunaway writes in an easy flowing style and has done an amazing amount of research to make sense of a life that has been central to the whole Folk Music scene that took off in the 1930's and reached its peak in the 50's and 60's and in one way or another continues till today. All one has to do is to think of,hum or hear "We Shall Overcome", "This Land Is Your Land" ,"Deportees" or any of the hundreds of other songs that Pete and his fellow travellers made so popular;and you know what an impact they made on the music scene in North America and many other parts of the world.
In this book ,if you have been a fan of Pete,Woody Guthrie,Josh White,Allan Lomax,Doc Watson,Burl Ives,Bob Dylan,Mother Maybell ,The Alamacs,The Weavers,The Kingston Trio,and numerous others ;you are going to find all kinds of things that will surprise you and bring back many memories.
The book has many wonderful photos as well as the words to many songs and information behind those songs.Extensive notes on each chapter will provide sources of information that is hard to believe exists.A complete Discography lists all the Pete's recordings ,arranged chronologically and each almum lists each song therein contained.
Some time ago ,I found several copies of "Sing Out" magazine,so often mentioned in this book. These are from the 60's and a treasure trove of photos,articles,words and music to songs,and unbelievable information about and playing Folk Music.I checked and found that it is still being published and copies of old issues can still be purchased.

"Where Have All The Flowers Gone?"

Well,there are many who have left us;but many are still around;including Pete himself now 87. The music was well recorded and we are fortunate to have it ;even though it's seldom on Radio or TV. Folk Festivals still exist and mank Folk singers are still appearing at them .One of my favorites,Jackie Washington,continues to play at various venues in Hamilton,Canada.
While I'm at it,and just for the benefit of anyone who is looking for something wonderful in the Folk Music area;I would highly recommend,"The Folk Songs of North America" by Alan Lomax. It has the words,music and background to hundreds of Folk Songs. Then again, you might want to find some of the Asch recordings.I have the 4-CD set of Woody Guthrie,an absolute treasure of Folk Songs.
Thanks David,you did a wonderful job with this book.

As a big fan of DOA since the late seventies, I was really looking forward to reading this book. Joe gives you a great amount of background about one of the hardest working bands ever.
If you love punk music and the DIY attitude, this book is must read.

Anyone, and I do mean ANYONE, who is interested in the west coast punk scene needs to read this book. Keithley gives a fantastic first hand account of how he formed his band and all of the tests they endured going from relative nobodies to one of the biggest and best known punk bands in North America.

The book is also a mini how-to manual for anyone interested in starting up their own punk band. Keithley talks about the business side of the music industry, what it's like to play gigs to crowds of different sizes and interests, and above all, he gives a great first hand account of just what it takes to make it in the music business.

Finally, Keithley's writing style is very easy to digest. The book is written like the lyrics to many of his songs; straight ahead without and BS! What's more, the book contains many pictures and personal anecdotes about Vancouver and places beyond. In reading the book it easy to see yourself sitting at a bar with Keithley as he tells a couple tales over a couple of beers.

If you're a punk, or even think about calling yourself a punk, then you owe it to yourself to give this book a read.

Sit down at a kitchen table with Joe Keithley. Open a few beers, and hand him one, or two... Ask him to give you a crash course on himself and his legendary punk band, D.O.A., making sure not to gloss over the interesting bits.

If you can't arrange to do this with Joe, picking up a copy of this book would be your only alternative. It's 200+ pages of compelling reading, written by a man who helped define punk music both in and out of Canada, and who certainly put Canada at the roots of the punk historical tree.

Unlike a lot of books about punk bands, this is first-person stuff of the first order.

I will start by claiming 100% bias as I've known the author for well over 20 years and have greatly enjoyed his contributions to punk rock for over 25 years. DOA taught a lot of us how to go out and get it done, with "it" being spreading the music and message to the less than masses spread out among the world. Joe's book is simple, straightforward blast of history that will interest anyone into the punk rock way of existence. Essential reading, so get it and enjoy!

First, anything Il Divo is and excellent investment. Second, it is written by the group members themselves which makes the book an accurate telling of their lives rather than an edited second hand version. The pictures are great as well.

What a wonderful book. A GREAT READ!! I've enjoyed reading the individual comments. I have more respect for each of the guys and how they relate to each other and to their fans. The early childhood comments are most interesting. I recommend this to any fan to better understand the guys on a personal level. I've read it several times. I especially like the portraits and group pictures.

The interaction among them is interesting as they come from completely different backgrounds. The different cultures must have been difficult to deal with, however, their maturity shows they all compromise. I especially like reading about their interests 'outside' Il Divo...

Loved the book- quite interesting lives they have had. Not all happy childhoods. But the book is great. Makes you love them and their music even more. Lots of great pictures and hearing their lives through their own words is brilliant.

This has to be the very best book about Il divo thats around... of course its writen by THEM so, it has a LOT of photos i have never seen before... this is a must have for any Il Divo fan....