Book Description
The best comedy improv singers know every trick in this book, a great addition to any performer's library. Clear, everyday language explains each element of an improvised song. Simple building blocks are combined with performance tips to raise a performer's musical improvisation to its highest level. The included CD, featuring cast members from ImprovOlympic West's hilarious Opening Night, The Improvised Musical, provides * examples * exercises * practice accompaniments
Customer Reviews:
A great overview but not very indepth.......2007-06-08
I did enjoy reading this book; the author has a nice style and covers a good range of information. There were several areas in the book where the author pointed to other books for further information that I was hoping would be included in this book, but it is a short and inexpensive introduction to musical improv. The CD really makes it worth getting. It not only demonstrates some of the concepts but also has plenty of tunes to use for practicing your own improv. Perfect for getting you started on musical improv, just realise that you probably will want to pull from other resources as well.
Get the Hook and Get this Book.......2006-10-17
I found Michael Pollock's Musical Improv Comedy an excellent compilation of technique, theory, and practical exercises explained in a way that is easy to understand for those of us with no previous musical training. Pollock has that rare ability of being able to connect with both the advanced performer and the beginner -both will find his work valuable and relevant- especially with regard to understanding the craft of musical improv and applying the creative skills. The book's format is clear, well-structured, fun and easy to move through. Each chapter includes concrete examples and exercises for practice. The practice CD deserves special recognition, as it makes the learning process even more compelling and truly enjoyable.
Under Michael's clear direction, you'll discover how exciting and stimulating the art of improvising a song can be. Allow yourself to have fun and get ready to sing along.
Practical, inspiring and highly, highly readable........2006-10-06
I really couldn't recommend this book highly enough - Michael Pollock is one of those rare people whose genius at what he does is equalled by his genius at teaching it.
As an Aussie improviser who has always loved musical improv (but only seen its application limited to the odd 'theatre-sports' style game) reading this book marked a real turning point for me. Not only did it open up my mind to the possibilities of musical improv, but it explained the nuts and bolts of how to do it in a clear and simple way. This book has laid the foundations of how to approach musical improvisation, while igniting my passion for it!
The CD is brilliant too, bringing to life the examples in the book and allowing you to put your skills into practice right away.
If you're at all interested in musical improv, don't even question it: just buy it now!
Jenny Wynter, Australia
The Easiest and Most Complete Resource I've Found.......2004-07-22
I teach Children's Comedy Theatre in North Hollywood. We have been doing improvised singing for a long time and I've always wanted a nice easy resource to use when teaching people how to create a song on the spot. This book is it. Not only is it VERY simple to follow and an excellent source of information, it also contains a CD that will be a fixture in my teaching for ages to come. If anyone has ever improvised a song, played music, or just wanted to be able to think quicker on their feet, this is the book for you.
A Direct Hit.......2004-06-27
Finally a book that focuses on the MUSICAL aspect of improv comedy. I've seen many performers engage in sketch comedy but very few who understood the musical improv aspect of live comedy - probably because it's far more demanding of the performer's skills and harder to develop technique. That's where Michael Pollock's Musical Improv Comdey fills a vast void in educating the aspiring sketch comic. The book breaks down the process - getting song ideas from the audience, a proper intro, rhyme schemes, rhythms, song structures and styles, song hooks and endings. My favorite part is that the book comes with a cd and exercises that get YOU involved, not just reading about it! This book is entertaining for anyone interested in comedic musical improv and a MUST-HAVE for anyone interested perfroming sketch comedy.
Amazon.com
The best selling author of I'm With the Band, the classic groupie memoir, now writes from the relatively upright perspective of a magazine journalist. Pamela Des Barres recounts the classic tales of rock star overindulgence, and the book's own press material honestly bills it as a compendium of "horror stories." Rock Bottom contains something to offend just about anyone, but, strange to say, the book is actually quite readable as an appropriately skewed history of rock. Des Barres seems to have diligently done her research, talking to the principles of the mayhem, or, in many cases, to their survivors, and does deliver a series of pieces documenting some very dark corners of pop culture.
Customer Reviews:
Almost... "Rock Bottom".......2005-08-16
Pamela Des Barres is apparently torn between writing a "respectable" rock book, and another collection of groupie memories. Because "Rock Bottom: Dark Moments in Music Babylon" is merely another tepid recounting of rock'n'roll's worst moments, and it isn't elevated by Des Barres' own recollections.
The theme is addiction, jail time and death -- most world-famous rockers have encountered at least one of the above. Des Barres explores the lives (and often deaths) of famed rockers like the doomed Jim Morrison, Queen's Freddie Mercury, the cruel Rick James, wild man John Bonham, equally wild Keith Moon, and many others. Her tales stretch from the early days of rock'n'roll to the early 1990s, but few things actually change.
Sadly, Des Barres doesn't add anything to the telling of rock'n'roll's tale. Her recountings are mostly compressed biographies, with no new revelations or insights. Okay, we know Morrison could be a boor. We know Sid Vicious descended into heroin addiction. Yada yada -- it reads like a collection of magazine tributes.
She also tries to inject herself into the book, which only unbalances it. It's a bit weird to hear distant third-person accounts, then hear detailed "I" accounts. Her accounts aren't terribly interesting either -- somehow hearing about her peeping-tammy antics, watching Brian Jones with two girls, is creepy rather than enlightening.
Des Barres' writing does not make up for the lack of new information. At best, it's ordinary. At worst, it includes lines like "I could feel my own swelling love-pump pressing against my rib cage." Too many chapters are filled with unwarranted hero-worship, no matter how deteriorated, depraved or deranged the stars were. Apparently it's in line with Des Barres' idea that a REAL rock star must be arrested, addicted and cause headlines with weird antics.
A lack of new info and a tepid writing style bog down "Rock Bottom: Dark Moments In Music Babylon," a failed attempt at a serious rock'n'roll book. Definitely to be missed.
Almost... "Rock Bottom".......2005-04-04
Pamela Des Barres is apparently torn between writing a "respectable" rock book, and another collection of groupie memories. Because "Rock Bottom: Dark Moments in Music Babylon" is merely another tepid recounting of rock'n'roll's worst moments, and it isn't elevated by Des Barres' own recollections.
The theme is addiction, jail time and death -- most world-famous rockers have encountered at least one of the above. Des Barres explores the lives (and often deaths) of famed rockers like the doomed Jim Morrison, Queen's Freddie Mercury, the cruel Rick James, wild man John Bonham, equally wild Keith Moon, and many others. Her tales stretch from the early days of rock'n'roll to the early 1990s, but few things actually change.
Sadly, Des Barres doesn't add anything to the telling of rock'n'roll's tale. Her recountings are mostly compressed biographies, with no new revelations or insights. Okay, we know Morrison could be a boor. We know Sid Vicious descended into heroin addiction. Yada yada -- it reads like a collection of magazine tributes.
She also tries to inject herself into the book, which only unbalances it. It's a bit weird to hear distant third-person accounts, then hear detailed "I" accounts. Her accounts aren't terribly interesting either -- somehow hearing about her peeping-tammy antics, watching Brian Jones with two girls, is creepy rather than enlightening.
Des Barres' writing does not make up for the lack of new information. At best, it's ordinary. At worst, it includes lines like "I could feel my own swelling love-pump pressing against my rib cage." Too many chapters are filled with unwarranted hero-worship, no matter how deteriorated, depraved or deranged the stars were. Apparently it's in line with Des Barres' idea that a REAL rock star must be arrested, addicted and cause headlines with weird antics.
A lack of new info and a tepid writing style bog down "Rock Bottom: Dark Moments In Music Babylon," a failed attempt at a serious rock'n'roll book. Definitely to be missed.
What's With these People?.......2003-08-17
I enjoyed her other 2 Books so this one was next on the List!
A great collection of different Rockstar's & Group's tales and escapades in the Great world of Sex, Drugs, & Rock'n'Roll. Pamela writes in a very Friendly insider's style that is neither preachy nor snobbish. She has Plenty of Firsthand experiences, but it doesn't hinder the scope. I Do Not like Led Zeppelin's Music but that chapter had my Mouth Open, Chin on the Floor! WOW!
I also liked the Johnny Thunders' one a whole lot, It was handled as the tragic Mystery that it is.
Have some Fun, Stay in school, and [pop] open the books!
Pamela is tops!.......2002-04-12
I really enjoyed this well written book. Even though I'm not a fan of half the rockers Pamela wrote about, the book drew me in. The chapter on Chuck Berry was the best. This is definitely the sort of stuff Chuck left out in his own autobiography! The stuff on Gram Parsons brought tears to my eyes. I'm looking forward to any future books by Miss Des Barres, but for now I'll have to be content reading her column for E! entertainment online.
(resubmitted) Pamela once again proves herself as a historia.......2000-02-13
(resubmitted; my name was deleted)
March 24, 1999
A huge chunk of history of the 1960s would have been lost if Pamela des Barres hadn't written about her exploits in her two previous books. "Rock Bottom : Dark Moments in Music Babylon" isn't a sequel to her autobiographies, however; it's a series of mini-biographies of some of our dearly departed musicians. Pamela manages to bring a personal aspect to the interviews -- while maintaining her true image as a friendly face and not a hanger-on. The book is well-written and witty at times, even though the deaths are heartbreaking. It's incredibly apropos that I received the book as a gift from a dear friend who owns a record store! My only slightly negative comment is that Pamela des Barres has never written about the Grateful Dead in her books. Her love of music isn't confined to any one genre, and she was in the same area of the country at the same time... I believe that Jerry's death was well before publication of this book. I'm looking forward to another history by Pamela des Barres. She brings history to life, and makes it more fun than any of my high school teachers ever did (no offense!) even when the stories are sad. Thanks for writing the book :) Cordially, Rebekah Sue Harris
Book Description
This book provides pastors, worship leaders, programming directors, and arts ministry leaders with the vision and core values necessary for building arts teams that can create the potential for transformational moments in church.
Customer Reviews:
Very Practical.......2006-02-21
Good book to give you an idea of how to lead and work with artists in worship.
An artful use of an hour on Sunday.......2004-11-10
Every pastor responsible for planning and leading a worship service should buy this book, read it, and then do two things. First, find an artist in your congregation who will help you understand how important this book is. Let that artist, or better yet several artists, teach you how the arts can assist you in creating moments of transformation and wonder during that hour on Sunday. Second, honestly respond to the "Questions to Explore" at the end of each chapter. Write out your answers. Discuss them with your staff or leadership team. They are outstanding discussion starters for weekly staff or leadership meetings or even for use in a retreat setting. Dealing with these questions will intensify the impact of this entertaining and informative read.
I read this book from the mindset of a Christian educator who fears that an hour on Sunday is what the average Christian invests in their Christian education. Nancy Beach has provided a timely challenge for we who teach to embrace the value of creativity. She writes from her passion and experience as one dedicated to communicating the truth of God's Word to a culture overwhelmed by information and to generations who learn as much by seeing and experiencing as they do by listening. If you want to make the most of an hour on Sunday you'll be well served by this book.
P.S. If you lead creative people, the bovine metaphor on page 80 is worth the price of the book!
An Hour on Sunday.......2004-06-30
This is one of the most delightful "how to" books I have read in a long time! This book will help both ministers and lay leaders in the planning of the Sunday morning service. The suggestions given are sound, biblical, and can apply to both a traditional setting or a more contemporary setting. The reader is challenged to make the worship hour on Sunday morning more meaningful by first examining his own heart and motive. The goal is to have the worshiper leave the church changed in a more positive way than when they first came. The advice of this book is both timely and easy to follow.
Many times "how to" books are dry and boring to read. The delivery of the material in this book is as entertaining as it is enlightening. The use of illustrations and drawings are intermingled with the text, many times becoming the text. For example, when the book discusses music, you find the text in a sheet of music, like the lyrics of a song. Humor is very much a part of this book. In the first part of the book, the author gives you permission to skip to a page later in the book if you feel you don't need to read that particular section. When you skip to the page indicated, you are admonished and told to return to the section you wanted to skip. All in good humor, of course. There are also thought provoking questions at the end of each chapter that enable you to celebrate the good things you are currently doing in your organization and encourage you to explore new ground.
Book Description
An enlightening guide to recording studio techniques and practices, this book collects ten years of interviews and articles edited by Keith Hatschek for the authoritative quarterly Pro Studio Edition. The book provides tips and insider information on all facets of the recording process, from studio acoustics, mixing, and microphones to digital recording, vintage equipment, and working with bands. Notable engineers and producers from a wide array of backgrounds share the tricks of the trade, including Joe Barresi (Melvins, Bad Religion), Mitch Easter (REM, Suzanne Vega), Richard Dodd (Wilco, Green Day), and Ed Cherney (Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton).
Customer Reviews:
Gathers the collective knowledge of 50 seasoned pros under one cover.......2006-03-05
Plenty of musician's books will tell you how to record - but will they make recording an art rather than a science, and will they help all kinds of musicians, from classical to rock, understand how hit recordings work? Learn from the engineering wizards themselves in The Golden Moment: Recording Secrets From The Pros, which gathers the collective knowledge of 50 seasoned pros under one cover. From new trends in high-resolution digital audio and podcasts to setting up an effective home studio and getting the most from equipment, dedicated musicians won't want to be without their very own copy of The Golden Moment: Recording Secrets From The Pros.
Great book for all audio engineers.......2006-01-28
I found this book very interesting reading & full of great tips & inside information for the audio engineer.
One of the featured studios is the studio I just completed a basic recording class. Pogo studio owned by Mark Rubel. Great story about Mark & Pogo studio.
Go out & buy this book! You will be glad you did!
Dave Huffman
Great interviews.......2006-01-18
Reading this book made me feel like I had my own private interview room with accomplished engineers and producers constantly shuffling in and out. Some of the industry's top engineers share tips and advice about inexpensive gear (microphones especially), recording techniques, and mixing. Highlights include an extensive description and explanation of mic preamps by Millenia Media's John LaGrue, and an entire chapter dedicated to unconventional and interesting recording techniques (such as reshaping studio sounds with stomp boxes and complex filters). The specific gear recommendations were also very helpful for a novice like myself.
Recommended for those just starting out with recording as well as the more seasoned recordist who's looking to broaden his/her craft.
Book Description
Mozart's Don Giovanni is an operatic masterpiece full of iconic and mythical tensions that still resonate today. The work redefines the terms of power, seduction, and morality, and the resulting conflict between the aesthetic and the ethical is deeply rooted in the Enlightenment and romanticism.
The Don Giovanni Moment is the first book to examine the aesthetic and moral legacy of Mozart's opera in the literature, philosophy, and culture of the nineteenth century. The prominent scholars in this collection address the opera's impact on the philosophical visions of Kierkegaard, Goethe, and Williams and its influence on the literary and dramatic works of Pushkin, Hoffmann, Mörike, Byron, Wagner, Strauss, and Shaw. Through a close and careful analysis of Don Giovanni's literary and philosophical reception and its many appropriations, rewritings, and retellings, these contributors treat the opera as a vantage point from which theory and philosophy can reconsider romanticism's central themes.
As lively and passionate as the opera itself, these essays continue the spirited debate over the meaning and character of Don Giovanni and its powerful legacy. Together they prove that Mozart's brilliant artistic achievement is as potent and relevant today as when it was first performed two centuries ago.
Customer Reviews:
Very interesting book.......2006-11-10
This book of scholarly essays on the impact of Mozart's "Don Giovanni" provides a very interesting set of perspectives on how this magnificent work influenced the cultural world of the West, especially in the 19th century. Not easy reading but fascinating to me as someone who has lived his life in the thrall of this opera.
Book Description
The MP3 and iPod revolution have changed forever how people listen to music, but choosing what to listen to next remains the dilemma of music lovers everywhere. As music director of KCRW in Santa Monica, CA, and DJ of the influential “Morning Becomes Eclectic” show, Harcourt uncovers the best in new and overlooked music for over half a million listeners every day. In Music Lust, Harcourt does what Nancy Pearl did for books in her national bestseller Book Lust. With more than 80 unique and unusual thematic lists, Harcourt offers a wide-ranging guide to the best in recorded music, from Frank Sinatra to Frank Zappa, Billie Holiday to Billy Bragg, bebop to hip-hop, The White Album to Back in Black, and much, much more. Known as an international tastemaker, Harcourt lends his discerning ear in recommended listening lists such as “Queens of Punk,” “Great Road Music,” and “My Desert Island Discs.” Within each list, key bands and performers are introduced and discussed, and pivotal albums and songs identified. With the diversity of genres represented and Harcourt at the helm, Music Lust’s eclectic access to musicians, themes, and styles is spot-on for this moment in music.
Customer Reviews:
Waste! (and Im a fan of his).......2007-07-04
I am so utterly dissapointed with Nic Harcourt's book, Music Lust. He is the host of a terrific, incredibly influential public radio show, Morning Becomes Eclectic, yet instead of writing an inspired, insightful book on modern music he decides to present a cheap, poorly written overview of music of the past century. None of the artists are covered with much depth. The interior art direction is cheap and tacky. Some bands mentioned come out of nowhere. (Alanis Morrisette? Give me a break).
Nic is an extremely well respected musical afficionado--instead of giving us original opinions on past artists or promoting current progressive musical movements/artists, we get semi-glossed, poorly written pop music history. He is not even entirely accurate, proof that probably someone else convinced him to write this drivel. For example, "The eighties was a difficult period for [the Grateful Dead], with several members of the group dying as a result of drug abuse and tragic accidents." (A) No Grateful Dead band members died in the eighties. (B) The one ex-member that died in the 80's, Keith Godchaux, died in a car accident in 1981. He hadn't been a member of the Dead since 1979. The other death in the group, apart from Pigpen in the 70's, was Brent Mydland, who passed away in the early 90's.
What the hell is Harcourt doing writing about bands like the Dead anyway? That style of music has never been covered or appreciated on his show, so why are they mentioned here? The Dead deserve a rightful place among rock music legends, but this just goes to show how Harcourt blew it with this book.
Harcourt can't even give the reader a properly researched overview, let alone a well-written one. His writing style is simplistic to the point of childlike. I felt I was reading an 8 year old's introduction to the history of pop music. The only positive aspect is that band names are highlighted in bold so the reader can skip over all the pages and bands that don't interest them.
Nic I hope you're next book is more focused and inspired. I want to be turned on to new music, not given a cheap and hasty rehash of past artists. I'll consult Rolling Stone or far more authoritative opinions than yours for this.
Good Book.......2006-04-05
I will admit that I don't listen to Nic Harcourt's show, in fact I don't listen to the radio at all, so I don't have anything to say about him based on him playing or not playing music I like on his show.
On the other hand, I have read his book, and it's a fun read, nothing major, and if you want to learn more about the artists listed, try and find a biography about them, or check out their back-catalouge. Nic has come up with lists of his favorite records/artists in multiple genres and also lists his favorite albums from several of his favorite artists.
A good book and worth picking up.
Shill for the labels.......2006-04-02
An irritaing morning DJ from a corrupted "public radio" station presents his mingy design for living as some sort of guide for the truly clueless.
Be forewarned, by the time you've worked these records into your life, he'll have moved onto another trend and will look down his nose at you. You'd do better asking a 16 year-old for musical advice, at least they mix genuine passion with their self-regard and trend-hopping.
Tastemaker for teenaged white girls........2006-02-09
This is the DJ who singlehandedly ruined a once great radio show, KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic, formerly hosted by Tom Schnabel and Chris Doritas. Harcourt's Brit-Pop content free taste is unlistenable, especially at 9:00 AM. He's a genius at ferreting out silly, souless crappola. Happy reading.
a love for lust........2006-01-26
a very fine read from a man who really knows how to break music down into categories you would have never even thought of. you name it, it's there. thanks, nic.
Book Description
The birth of rock 'n roll ignited a firestorm of controversy--one critic called it "musical riots put to a switchblade beat"--but if it generated much sound and fury, what, if anything, did it signify? As Glenn Altschuler reveals in All Shook Up, the rise of rock 'n roll--and the outraged reception to it--in fact can tell us a lot about the values of the United States in the 1950s, a decade that saw a great struggle for the control of popular culture. Altschuler shows, in particular, how rock's "switchblade beat" opened up wide fissures in American society along the fault-lines of family, sexuality, and race. For instance, the birth of rock coincided with the Civil Rights movement and brought "race music" into many white homes for the first time. Elvis freely credited blacks with originating the music he sang and some of the great early rockers were African American, most notably, Little Richard and Chuck Berry. In addition, rock celebrated romance and sex, rattled the reticent by pushing sexuality into the public arena, and mocked deferred gratification and the obsession with work of men in gray flannel suits. And it delighted in the separate world of the teenager and deepened the divide between the generations, helping teenagers differentiate themselves from others. Altschuler includes vivid biographical sketches of the great rock 'n rollers, including Elvis Presley, Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Buddy Holly--plus their white-bread doppelgangers such as Pat Boone. Rock 'n roll seemed to be everywhere during the decade, exhilarating, influential, and an outrage to those Americans intent on wishing away all forms of dissent and conflict. As vibrant as the music itself, All Shook Up reveals how rock 'n roll challenged and changed American culture and laid the foundation for the social upheaval of the sixties.
Customer Reviews:
It's time to rock.......2007-01-05
Rock n roll may seem like an odd choice for a pivotal moment in American history but altschuler supports his thesis very well and by the end I was convinced. This book is an overview of the business, politics, race relations, and generational relations stemming from rock and roll. It looks at rocks early years through the "day the music died". If you are looking for a book that will serve as an introduction to the rock n roll movement then look no further. I was very impressed with the information presented and as someone who knew nothing about the history of rock when I started I was pleased with how much I learned. It leaves a few places hanging such as what happens to Elvis after he joins the army but mostly it covers everything in the right amount of detail. Highly recommend.
A wonderful indisciplinary review of seismic social change, reflected and caused by rock and roll........2006-11-22
"All Shook Up - How Rock `N' Roll Changed America" by Glenn Altschuler is a terrific and well documented book on the seismic social, sexual and racial changes in the United States that was both reflected and precipitated by a new music sweeping the nation in the 1950s and 1960s. This new music with its roots deeply entrenched in largely black American R&B and Gospel literally shook a nation that wanted to believe itself innocent but was undergoing rapid change with the return of combat vets, the ensuing Baby Boom and the suburbanization of our country. Disposable income was rapidly on the rise and technological marvels of the day, such as the transistor radio, rapidly spread this revolutionary new music. Altschuler does a superb job in his narrative documenting this revolution from both a societal and a musical perspective. He is perhaps at his best in describing the backlash against rock and roll as it began break in a color barrier that was still sacred to many, mostly white, Americans. He quotes authors of the day, "with tom-toms and hot jive and ritualistic orgies of erotic dancing, weed-smoking and mass mania, with African jungle background. Many music shops purvey dope; assignations are made in them. White girls are recruited for colored lovers . . . and guarantee a new generation subservient to the Mafia". Obviously some strong backlash.
Oxford University Press is to be commended along with the editors of this series, Pivotal Moments in American History, David Hackett Fischer and James M. McPherson for living true to their words of historical interpretation and reporting "they were the results of decisions and actions by people who had opportunities to choose and to act otherwise". Also by showing "increasing sensitivity to issues of race, ethnicity, class, and gender in the context of large structures and processes". This volume is a classical one of American Studies, an interdisciplinary review of a period of time where social change was rapid. Researching or writing about this time through the lens of only one discipline would clearly have short-changed this era. Neither Altschuler nor Fischer and McPherson allowed that to occur and, in a sense, showed academic bravery for writing a serious book about our social history with rock and roll interwoven throughout.
A good read.......2003-09-02
A fine and compelling read, even if the author fails to nail down the premise in the subtitle. One or two factual errors don't detract from the overall fascinating story of the rise of rock and roll in the mid-1950s and the payola scandals of the late 1950s. Recommended.
A big part left out:.......2003-08-12
I just finished reading, "All Shook Up." Although some of Altschuler's sociological themes are very interesting, particularly those dealing with the lingering effects of rock and roll on white America, his discussions of the formative years of rock and roll and the seminal crosssover influences are vey weak, and from my perspective, inaccurate and superficial. Altschuler would like the reader to believe that it was primarily big name individuals (Presley, Berry, Boone, Nelson, etc.) who were the most influential in bringing rock and roll to the general culture. Although individual musicians played an important role in the evolution of rock and roll, it was the early rhythm and blues and doo wop groups that provided the most important and earliest crossover influences. There are many other books dealing with the early influence of such groups, but in this book, they are given relatively little attention compared to individual singers. Also, having grown up in the forties and fifties in Brooklyn, New York, my recollections are quite different from the accounting presented in this book. By the time Presley, Berry and other individuals mentioned in this book arrived on the scene, the crossover process was well underway. What happened before Presley, etc. is a critical part of the historical record and warrants much more attention than is presented in this book. In reading this book, I had the same feeling that I have had visiting the Rock and Roll of Fame - the creative and historical influences of rock and roll on our culture are lost, relatively speaking, to name recognition occurring several generations down the road.
Average customer rating:
- More than a Moment with this book
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Moment's Notice: Jazz in Poetry & Prose
Art Lange
Manufacturer: Coffee House Press
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ASIN: 1566890012 |
Book Description
exceptional anthology of jazz stories & poems
Customer Reviews:
More than a Moment with this book.......2000-07-21
Moment's Notice performs a necessary service for the world of poetry and music. By providing an anthology that shows the influence of jazz on poetry and fiction, readers can look to other things that influence writing. But not for a while, because the reader will want to spend some quality time reading this particular book. For the jazz fan, this book is a must read. For the poetry fan, this book is also a must read.
Every writer you would hope for or expect is represented here. James Baldwin with Sonny's Blues, Jack Kerouac with a selection from The Subterraneans, Larry Neal's "Don't Say Goodbye to the Porkpie Hat," and so many more. Langston Hughes' "Be-Bop Boys" is a stunning and masterful revelation for those people who only know him from "The Weary Blues" or "Dream Deferred." Look for David Meltzer's description of a conversation with Thelonius Monk and David Hilton's poem about Chet Baker. Both are wonderful highlights of this collection of prose and poetry.
The only time where this book falls short is that like so many other American literary anthologies, only a few women are represented. However, I am certain this is a product of the subject at hand rather than the editors choices, for the writings of Jayne Cortez, Wanda Coleman, and Jessica Hadgedorn are included. I see the small showing of female voices to be a very minor detail and one that does not hinder the wonderful work which is included in the anthology.
Book Description
collected writings 1985-95 by new music pioneer
Customer Reviews:
listening for your voice.......1999-12-18
The title "Roots of the Moment" aptly characterizes the content of this book. Improvisation requires performing in the moment. Finding the root of each moment is part of a spiritual/philosophical quest of which sound is essential. Readers familiar with "emotional intelligence" will quickly realize the value of Oliveros' "Deep Listening" program as a powerful vehicle for tapping into the creative potential of emotional memory. "Roots" consists of: music "scores" or directions for improvisation by anyone (including non-musicians and children), graphic scores, poems, letters, and lectures on Deep Listening (e.g., sound and sounding, listening and hearing, power and healing), technology, women's rights, anatomy and physiology of listening, social commentary, among others. Not only is the content informative, but the format in which it is presented further illustrates Oliveros' idea of improvisation. Multiple writings are presented simultaneously on each page, with some continuing for 10 pages and others weaving into each other with different typefaces serving as keys for each writing---or is the linear presentation of ideas essential to the direct experience of reading descriptions of experience? The visual layout encourages improvisation by the reader, merging and moving among the different texts. "Roots of the Moment" illustrates Oliveros' unique sensitivity to listening and her commitment to facilitating the healing power of sound in others. Performing, creating, and teaching around the world, Pauline Oliveros is one musician, healer, educator, philosopher, and social commentator who walks her talk. Roots of the Moment is one book that will continually aid you, as an individual and in community, in listening and sounding creativity and healing. The only suggestion I have for the reprint is to provide the beginning and ending page for each writing, thereby helping readers unfamiliar with the mosaic format of the text.
Average customer rating:
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A Moment Towards the End of the Play
Timothy West
Manufacturer: Nick Hern Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 185459687X |
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