SCAR TISSUE
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Scar Tissue
  • Brutally Honest
  • truly inspirational book!
  • Drugs, Women, Music and Drugs
  • Never a dull moment!
SCAR TISSUE
Anthony Kiedis , and with Larry
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1401307450

Book Description

Now in paperback, the New York Times bestseller by one of rocks most provocative figures Scar Tissue is Anthony Kiediss searingly honest memoir of a life spent in the fast lane. In 1983, four self-described knuckleheads burst out of the mosh-pitted mosaic of the neo-punk rock scene in L.A. with their own unique brand of cosmic hardcore mayhem funk. Over twenty years later, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, against all odds, have become one of the most successful bands in the world. Though the band has gone through many incarnations, Anthony Kiedis, the groups lyricist and dynamic lead singer, has been there for the whole roller-coaster ride. Whether hes recollecting the influence of the beautiful, strong women who have been his muses, or retracing a journey that has included appearances as diverse as a performance before half a million people at Woodstock or an audience of one at the humble compound of the exiled Dalai Lama, Kiedis shares a compelling story about the price of success and excess. Scar Tissue is a story of dedication and debauchery, of intrigue and integrity, of recklessness and redemptiona story that could only have come out of the world of rock.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Scar Tissue.......2007-09-06

Exactly what I was looking for, good book, good price, and took 5 days to ship as opposed to the 1 month it promised.

5 out of 5 stars Brutally Honest.......2007-08-29

This is a fantastic read, and is very well written. Some very cool photos and lyrics are included. I spent the extra money to buy a hardcover version which is a good choice. The drug addiction and honesty that Anthony brings to that disease is worth the read alone. It is awesome he has found a way to deal with his addiction and keep writing and performing at an exceptional level.

5 out of 5 stars truly inspirational book!.......2007-08-13

i was amased by this great reading. anthony isnt only an extraordinary performer but a very good writer. the moment i started reading it, i didn't let it out of my hands. fan or not of RHCP, you'll find this book entertaining.

5 out of 5 stars Drugs, Women, Music and Drugs.......2007-07-25

For those who think they know the Chili Pepper story, or those that are new fans and are unaware of the beligerent lifestyle of the Chili's up unitl this decade, this book clears it all up. Discussed in a narrative voice, all the events and feelings are dictated by Anthony Kiedis and provide a real world connection to these superstars. His individual story as well as the group as a whole is shared in a way that makes them seem so human and makes anyone wonder, "how are these guys still alive, sane, and still making beautiful, boandary pushing music together?"

5 out of 5 stars Never a dull moment!.......2007-07-15

All I can say is that I wanted to have a book to read over the course of about half of the summer and instead I read it in just a couple of days! It's heartfelt & candid. And its written through the voice of Anthony Kiedis rather than someone taking his thoughts and trying to put them in some dull, refined, intellectual way. Anyway, now I have to find something to read that won't bore me after reading this great book!
The Art of Contemporary Travis Picking: How to Play the Alternating Bass Fingerpicking Style (Bk & CD)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Good instruction - Lame tunes
  • Corny vocals detract from decent book
  • Not bad
  • Superb intro to Travis Picking
  • I LOVE this book
The Art of Contemporary Travis Picking: How to Play the Alternating Bass Fingerpicking Style (Bk & CD)
Mark D. Hanson
Manufacturer: Accent on Music
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0936799005
Release Date: 1986-12-31

Book Description

By mastering all techniques described in the book, you will be on your way to elevating the Travis pick from a basic chordal accompaniment to a complex solo style!

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Good instruction - Lame tunes.......2007-07-12

Many have already described how good the instruction in this book is. And rightfully so. So I will bring up the one negative which made me regret getting this book.

Apart from 2 or 3 songs such as John Barley, Sloop John B, etc., the songs used for demo are mostly lame ballads and fail to generate much excitement about playing them in me. The best tune is probably the opener, written by Mark Hanson himself. Also, most of these are sing-along types in which the vocal does most of the work instead of letting the guitar stay front and center. It would have been much better to feature mostly instrumentals where the lessons learned can be displayed in full glory.

3 out of 5 stars Corny vocals detract from decent book.......2007-05-24

The whole series of Mark Hanson books is excellent. I have this one as well as "Beyond Basics Fingerstyle Guitar", "The Art of Solo Fingerpicking", "Hymns & Spirituals For Fingerstyle Guitar". All highly recommended. He has a talent for breaking a piece down into manageable chunks. And his arrangements are accessible to the beginning to intermediate picker while still sounding awesome.

"The Art of Contemporary Travis Picking" rates at the bottom of the list due to the corny vocals on the CD. Perhaps incorrectly seeing this one as a follow on to "Beyond Basics," I was also a bit disappointed with the complexity of the arrangements. Otherwise, it is a decent book for beginning Travis pickers. "The Art of Solo Fingerpicking" is an excellent follow on.

2 out of 5 stars Not bad.......2007-05-19

Could use more chord tablature. The CD is not good quality. I tried to contact the publisher for a replacement and was told (by Mark Hanson himself in fact) that since I bought it from Amazon I'd have to take it up with them and 'Good Luck, nyuk nyuk'.

Pretty shoddy. I won't be buying any further products from them. Buy a used copy if you must.

5 out of 5 stars Superb intro to Travis Picking.......2007-04-13

This is an excellent book. I started off with the Beyond the Basics book and went to this when I finished. My playing has improved dramatically. I went at a very slow pace, however, so it did take me many months to finish. I had a lot of trouble on the 3rd to last song (the Water is Wide) and was stuck on it for over a month, but had no trouble with the last two songs. If a new edition is ever printed I'd recommend resequencing that song to the end. I'd also recommend that Mr Hanson film a video for this, as the videos for the Beyond the Basics book helped me a lot.

My ultimate goal is to be able to play Leo Kottke music as well as write my own fingerstyle pieces. A year ago I would have thought such results were at least 3 years away, but after sweating this one through, I think I'm less than a year away...We will see if I still feel this way after I finish Hanson's Art of Solo Fingerpicking. See my review of that hopefully within the next 3 months (wishful thinking??).

5 out of 5 stars I LOVE this book.......2007-03-04

I am an advanced beginner/intermediate guitar player yearning to learn fingerpicking. This book is a graded, simple and easy to understand instructional manual in learning fingerpicking. From the first lesson, there are examples that sound great, can be used with a multitude of songs and are a lot of fun to learn. I've been through A LOT of books and am going to use this book (with Solo Fingerpicking as the next book I'll use when I'm done with this one) to assist my guitar lessons (in fact my guitar teacher is coming tomorrow night and I'm excited to share it with him and ask we use it as our workbook.

How to say it? I LOVE this book.

Zach
'
The Art of Bop Drumming (with CD)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Great Book
  • A Must for the Jazz Drummer
  • Indispensable, crucial, essential!!!
  • A Great Place to Start!
  • Grooves
The Art of Bop Drumming (with CD)
John Riley
Manufacturer: Warner Bros Pubns
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 089898890X

Product Description

The definitive book on bop drumming -- a style that is both the turning point and the cornerstone of contemporary music's development. This comprehensive book a nd audio presentation covers time playing, comping, soloing, brushes, more jazz essentials, and charts in an entertaining mix of text, music and pertinent quotes. ?

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great Book.......2007-09-13

This book is fantastic sorce material for any intermediate drummer looking to begin exploring jazz. For experienced players the content can be quite challenging and the advice is imminently valuable. Really a spectacular educational resource.

5 out of 5 stars A Must for the Jazz Drummer.......2007-03-26

I'm simply going to reinforce what you may have heard elsewhere: this is as good a foundational text on jazz and bop drumming as you can find (along with Ed Soph's and Jim Chapin's books).

If you are interested in learning to PLAY jazz and bop on the drums, this book takes you from a level assuming some knowledge of the drum kit, little knowledge of jazz, and brings the two together in a very logical way.

I have milked four years (so far, many more to go) out of this book with regards to the density, depth and entertainment/interest-level of the material.

5 out of 5 stars Indispensable, crucial, essential!!!.......2006-11-30

Like Jazz? Don't like Jazz? It doesn't matter. Whether you like to swing or not, this book WILL make you a better drummer and musician. The triplet feel is almost its own dimension in drumming and every drummer should master it. Although it is targeted for bebop jazz (basically faster swing feel as far as a drummer is concerned), this book will give you plenty of exercises and ideas you can incorporate in any genre. The exercises are great for independence and time-keeping, and offer very, very good fill and solo ideas.

As for aspiring jazz drummers, there is absolutely no question, GET this book. Any jazz professor at the university level would approve and it is used widely in music schools such as Berklee and Indiana University Music School (I graduated from IU).

The lessons on brushes are crucial and if you have never placed your hand on a brush, here is where you should start looking.

The accompanying CD is great as well and helps you to master a good swing time, listen to exercises being played, listen to compositions and play along tunes with a bassist or with a whole rhythm section.

5 out of 5 stars A Great Place to Start!.......2006-11-10

I bought this book after playing professional jazz gigs for 4 years. It is authentic and a great place to start for beginning to intermediate jazz drummers. The CD is a nice accompaniment.

5 out of 5 stars Grooves.......2006-06-22

This rather thin-in-size book packs a tremendous amount of practical instruction. It is intended as a thorough course in bop drumming for serious students, and will realistically take many months simply to work through at a basic level (and, as with any high-level skill, many years to actually master). It is suitable for beginning drummers who at least know the rudiments and basic technique (and who have familiarity with jazz in general), but would also be appropriate for experienced drummers wanting to learn the specifics of bop drumming. The book begins with basic time-keeping on the ride cymbal and progresses through comping and tailoring accompaniments. There is a detailed section on brushwork. While the focus naturally is on rhythm, there are also many useful pointers on tone, dynamics, composition and such. The accompanying CD is well put together and, in addition to including examples, also includes "music minus one" type tracks to play along with. The writing style is lucid and the explanations are clear. The author understands that playing drums is a lot of fun, and he seems to aim to provide a highly disciplined approach that manages to avoid taking the fun out of things -- no mean feat. This book is the next best thing to actual lessons with a great teacher.
Zen and the Art of Guitar: A Path to Guitar Mastery (Book and CD)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The Unexplainable Explained
  • The real book of Zen and Guitar
Zen and the Art of Guitar: A Path to Guitar Mastery (Book and CD)
Jeff Peretz
Manufacturer: Alfred Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0739028170

Book Description

Join performer and teacher Jeff Peretz on a musical journey that will open your mind and improve your guitar playing in ways you've never dreamed of. Using the practice of skill cultivation, one of the principles at the heart of Zen philosophy, you'll discover ways to develop your powers of concentration, "let go" as a player, and become a complete guitarist. Along the way, you'll learn about the history of Zen; the application of Zen to rhythm, melody, and harmony; and new ways of thinking about familiar musical elements. You'll find Zen and the Art of Guitar a musical learning experience unlike any you've ever encountered.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The Unexplainable Explained.......2007-02-01

This is a very good book to read if you are stuck in your guitar playing. I originally started playing the guitar to be like my idols on TV when I was [..]. That lasted until I was 13. Now in my 40's I want to play for myself and for personal growth. I just couldn't seem to get back what I had learned as a child so I started reading music theory books(The Complete Idiots Guide), and other self-improvement books. Jeff Peretz's book teaches from a unique perspective which gets me really excited and motivated to play again with commitment and a plan. Trying to play like your idol is ego based and doomed to fail. Learning to play from your heart (utilizing Zen) is better. Words cannot capture zen, but this book goes an extra mile trying to explain it for those of us who are alien to it. Good job Jeff Peretz! My future mastery over my guitar is now far more likely thanks to your book. Wish me luck, I still have a long journey ahead of me.

5 out of 5 stars The real book of Zen and Guitar.......2003-09-24

Not only is this book a great read but it also has some of the most inventive musical exercises I have come across. Unlike the book Zen Guitar (which I also recommend) this book is a real "how to" study in letting go and letting it all hang out. Non guitar players will love the way the Zen process is presented. Guitar players will find the exercises challenging yet accesible. It's about time that someone wrote a book about Zen and guitar playing for the musicstand and not just the coffee table. The breathing exercises and meditations are clearly explained, the history of Zen is brief but informative but the musical ideas are what makes this a must own guitar players and a cool book for anyone who interested in getting more out of whatever they do.
Rent
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Good Coffee Table Book
  • Mesure your life in love
  • Rent Head
  • RENT is wonderful
  • Rent
Rent
Jonathan Larson
Manufacturer: HarperEntertainment
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0688154379

Amazon.com

This is by far the must-get theater book of the year. With dazzling punk graphics that will quickly win book industry awards, the volume contains the entire libretto of the Tony- and Pulitzer-winning musical about love and loyalty among starving AIDS-stricken artists in New York's East Village. But editors Evelyn McDonnell and Katherine Silberger wisely understand that the story of the show's creation is as compelling as the musical itself--so more than half of this volume is devoted to an oral history of the composer/lyricist/librettist Jonathan Larson, who came to New York hoping to revolutionize musical theater--then died of an aortic aneurysm the night of the show's final preview. It's an event book for an event musical.

Book Description

In these pages, Rent offers what most theater books can't: a chance to step behind the curtain and feel the electricity of a stage phenomenon as it unfolds.

Rent has single-handedly reinvigorated Broadway and taken America by storm. Sweeping all major theater awards, including the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for drama, as well as four 1996 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Score for a Musical, Rent captures the heart and spirit of a generation, refleting it onstage through the emotion of its stirring words and music, and the energy of its young cast. Now, for the first time, Rent comes to life on the page -- through vivid color photographs, the full libretto, and an utterly compelling behind-the-scenes oral history of the show's creation. Here is the exclusive and absolutely complete companion to Rent, told in the voices of the extraordinary talent behind its success: the actors, the director, the producers, and the librettist and composer himself, Jonathan Larson, whose sudden death, on the eve of the first performance, has made Rent's life-affirming message all the more poignant.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Good Coffee Table Book.......2007-04-20

I wasn't a big fan of "Rent" until I saw the movie, and when I read this book, it gave me a bigger meaning to the play/movie.

Warning: This is just for fans of "Rent". Those who haven't seen the movie will get into the story of how it was made, but not as much the screenplay.

5 out of 5 stars Mesure your life in love.......2007-03-07

The life of Jonathan, how Rent was born, how it still grows... The neverending story of the musical that changed (and continues changing) the world. A MUST for every renthead, but also for everyone who likes this musical (both the stage version or the movie). A lot of informations, photos, the musical script...
You HAVE TO BUY IT!!!
...it made me cry... it's SO real... and SO full of love... AMAZING!!!

5 out of 5 stars Rent Head.......2007-01-09

Daughter is "Rent Head" she cried of happiness when she received for Christmas so That gets 5++++ Stars in my book.

5 out of 5 stars RENT is wonderful.......2006-11-04

This book was the best resouce on RENT I've ever seen. I really felt like I was a part of it and I understand Jonathan's reasons for writing RENT so much more than I ever did before. It is AMAZING!

5 out of 5 stars Rent.......2006-11-03

If you are a Rent head this is the book for you. It is great with behind the scenes tales of the movie and how Rent came about.
The Art of Tap Tuning: How to Build Great Sound into Instruments
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • black art?
  • Must Have for Luthiers
  • Musical instrument construction
  • The "magic" explained.
The Art of Tap Tuning: How to Build Great Sound into Instruments
Roger H. Siminoff
Manufacturer: Hal Leonard Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1423423275
Release Date: 2007-01-30

Book Description

This book explains the secret ingredients needed to obtain the very best tonal qualities when building acoustic string instruments. It includes an exploration of the tools and equipment needed, the methods to excite tones in the instrument, how to make the necessary changes, and how to achieve consistency and repeatability. The text focuses on tap tuning as it relates to mandolins, guitars, banjos, violins, ukuleles, dulcimers, pianos, and more. The DVD includes demonstrations of the acoustic phenomena described in the text.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars black art?.......2007-09-28

After much research and consultation with professional guitar and violin makers, I have concluded that the jury is still out on the benefits of tap tuning for guitar making. One issue is that, unlike the violin world (where there is an acknoweldged standard and good physics for excellent tone) no such standard exists in the guitar world. Indeed, different guitars are supposed to sound different and excellent tone is highly subjective. Some builders I know use tap tuning or other complex methods to try for tonal perfection, others simply tap the plates and listen for a "good" tone. I am not convinced the hair-raising complexity and expensive equipment needed to use Siminoff's method are worth while. Besides, whatever resonant frequencies the components have seperately change completely once the guitar is glued together.

World class guitarist Ed Gerhard made a CD (House of Guitars) on which he used a bunch of junky guitars bought at pawn shops and discount outlets. He didn't even change the strings. Yet the sounds are gorgeous. I think this proves that the skill of the perfomer (given a bascially sound guitar) totally overwhelms whatever contributions high tech plate tuning methods make.

4 out of 5 stars Must Have for Luthiers.......2007-08-24

Another great book for luthiers by Mr. Siminoff. It's a bit techy, but if you want to build great guitars (or any other acoustic stringed instrument), this is the stuff you need to go to the next level. The book will dispel the idea that tap tuning is a "black art" that only the gifted can practice, and put it squarely in the realm of possibility.

4 out of 5 stars Musical instrument construction.......2007-01-20

Good for those of us who build but for whom the application of tap tuning is largely a mystery. Good science foundation by a proven master of the technique.

5 out of 5 stars The "magic" explained........2007-01-16

This tutorial is a great resource for anyone who has ever had less than optimal results building a musical instrument. The "magic" of getting the best sound possible out of an instrument is explained in simple, easy to follow (and easy to repeat) steps. I wish I'd had this information many years ago. Even if you're not a builder, this book explains many things about how instruments "work". I would recommend this volume to anyone interested in understanding how the various parts of an instrument work together, to produce what we hear. This book will undoubtedly have a very positive impact on many instruments over the coming years. Well done Mr. Siminoff!
Standing in the Shadows of Motown: The Life and Music of Legendary Bassist James Jamerson
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Motown
  • An absolute must for any aspiring bassist
  • Amazing!!! It's ALL that!!
  • Play bass? Buy this!
  • Great for bass players and motown fans
Standing in the Shadows of Motown: The Life and Music of Legendary Bassist James Jamerson
Allan Slutsky , and James Jamerson
Manufacturer: Hal Leonard Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0881888826

Book Description

Bassist James Jamerson was the embodiment of the Motown spirit and groove - the invisible entity whose playing inspired thousands. His tumultuous life and musical brilliance are explored in depth through hundreds of interviews, 49 transcribed musical scores, two hours of recorded all-star performances, and more than 50 rarely seen photos in this stellar tribute to behind-the-scenes Motown. Features a 120-minute CD! Allan Slutsky's 2002 documentary of the same name is the winner of the New York Film Critics "Best Documentary of the Year" award!

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Motown .......2007-08-13

My husband is love with this bass gautairist, and love this book and DVD combo.

5 out of 5 stars An absolute must for any aspiring bassist.......2007-08-01

First off, this book does an excellent job describing his life and sounds, from "he began playing a double bass" to "he would have the bass all the way up, and the treble half way." This book knows you want to sound like Jamerson, and it tells you just how to do that. What makes the book invaluable are the transcriptions. 49 of Jamerson's songs transcribed for you to play, right there and be able to get the idea of what he was thinking and trying to give when he wrote the basslines.

A book for any bassist.

5 out of 5 stars Amazing!!! It's ALL that!!.......2007-05-04

Thorough, well-researched biography of James Jamerson - the man who changed how musicians view the bass. What an amazing life and a tragic end for a musician of immense talent.

Warning - the section of tunes in the back of this book will make you want to burn your bass!! He was THAT good.

Can't really write more - gotta go practice.... That's how much this book will inspire you to go play. A MUST HAVE for your bass library.

5 out of 5 stars Play bass? Buy this!.......2007-03-20

Amazing learning tool filled with lots of great info and transcriptions.

5 out of 5 stars Great for bass players and motown fans.......2007-01-05

The book arrived in excellent condition and in a timely fashion.
Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons
    David Cote
    Manufacturer: Broadway
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

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    1. Jersey Beat: Music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons Jersey Beat: Music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
    2. Romancing the 60's Romancing the 60's
    3. Jersey Boys (2005 Original Broadway Cast) Jersey Boys (2005 Original Broadway Cast)
    4. Jersey Boys - Vocal Selections Jersey Boys - Vocal Selections
    5. Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

    ASIN: 0767927583
    Release Date: 2007-10-16

    Book Description

    Everyone knows their songs. Few know their story. Named for a bowling alley that refused to book them, The Four Seasons—Frankie, Tommy, Bob, and Nick—were high school dropouts who emerged from New Jersey to become true American Idols: one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time. With a shiny doo-wop sound highlighted by lead singer Frankie Valli’s stratospheric falsetto, they wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds, and sold 175 million records worldwide—all before they were thirty.

    Jersey Boys, Broadway’s 2006 Tony Award Winner for Best Musical, is the electrifying tale of the Seasons’ rise; of the moment when they realized their sound; their breakout with “Sherry,” becoming a sensation on American Bandstand; of riding the rocket of success against the irrisistible pull of the Jersey mob and the old neighborhood. Like the show itself, this gorgeous, full-color companion book captures the magic and the original excitement of the band’s life and times through all-new interviews with the band members. It also features the show’s unabridged libretto; interviews with the show’s cast, writers, and director; and over 200 photos from the band members’ personal collections and rarely seen memorabilia. For anyone who's ever sung along or danced to "Oh, What a Night!," Walk Like a Man," or "Big Girls Don't Cry," and for those just discovering the timeless sound of The Four Seasons, Jersey Boys is the ultimate keepsake.

    Musical Improv Comedy: Creating Songs in the Moment
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • A great overview but not very indepth
    • Get the Hook and Get this Book
    • Practical, inspiring and highly, highly readable.
    • The Easiest and Most Complete Resource I've Found
    • A Direct Hit
    Musical Improv Comedy: Creating Songs in the Moment
    Michael Pollock
    Manufacturer: Masteryear Publishing
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    Similar Items:
    1. Musical Direction for Improv and Sketch Comedy: Musical Direction for Improv and Sketch Comedy:
    2. Truth in Comedy: The Manual of Improvisation Truth in Comedy: The Manual of Improvisation
    3. The Second City Almanac of Improvisation The Second City Almanac of Improvisation
    4. Acting on Impulse: The Art of Making Improv Theater Acting on Impulse: The Art of Making Improv Theater
    5. Improv Wisdom: Don't Prepare, Just Show Up Improv Wisdom: Don't Prepare, Just Show Up

    ASIN: 0974742732

    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:

    3 out of 5 stars 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.

    5 out of 5 stars 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.






    5 out of 5 stars 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

    5 out of 5 stars 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.

    5 out of 5 stars 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.
    Urinetown: The Musical
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • A pickle in the brine
    • A good script companion
    • Most thought provoking musical ever written!
    • Useful tool!
    • THE MOST UNIQUE MUSICAL EVER!!!!!
    Urinetown: The Musical
    Mark Hollmann , and Greg Kotis
    Manufacturer: Faber & Faber
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    Similar Items:
    1. Urinetown (2001 Original Off-Broadway Cast) Urinetown (2001 Original Off-Broadway Cast)
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    4. Bat Boy: The Musical Bat Boy: The Musical
    5. The Full Monty -  The Complete Book and Lyrics of the Hit Broadway Musical The Full Monty - The Complete Book and Lyrics of the Hit Broadway Musical

    ASIN: 0571211828

    Book Description

    Winner of three Tony Awards, including Best Book, Urinetown is a tale of greed, corruption, love, and revolution in a time when water is worth its weight in gold.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars A pickle in the brine.......2007-09-29

    Absolutely fantastic is really all I can say about this. Each line is more clever than the next and the music is absolutely genius. Each song is unique and each lyric has value. The show has a great message and is hilarious. I've read the script and listened to the music at least 50 times and I still laugh out loud every time. I can't even pick my favorite song or scene or say anything bad about it.

    5 out of 5 stars A good script companion.......2007-09-25

    I used this book in our amateur production of the musical and I recommend this script. The pictures and story behind the musical was interesting.

    5 out of 5 stars Most thought provoking musical ever written!.......2007-05-13

    I always thought "Forum" was the best musical written but that is now in second place to Urinetown. This one also has a lot to think about as a commentary on our times. Shouldn't be missed.

    4 out of 5 stars Useful tool!.......2006-02-21

    Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) in Reno is performing this play in March 2006. I should add that it is one of the first community theaters to get the rights to producing this still-running show. Having the book in this format has been very helpful while blocking the show instead of lugging around the bulkier copies provided to us; however, as the Music Director pointed out, the lyrics written in the book don't exactly match what is in the score. But if you are an aficionado of Broadway Musicals, this is a fun book to have!

    5 out of 5 stars THE MOST UNIQUE MUSICAL EVER!!!!!.......2004-11-13

    UrineTown was, i believe, the most unique musical ever been created! The Concept of this play was just fall-to-the-floor funny and has gone beyond what we see in broadway throughout the years. but what this show has is great characters and some witty dialogue and lyrics. It's unique concept gave the script strength and power and was a fame for all viewers who went out and saw it.

    I encourage anyone who has heard little of Urinetown to go out and give it a shot. Maybe it could be a well-known musical some day.

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