Music

Levon

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Levon: From Down in the Delta to the Birth of the Band and Beyond Cover Image

Levon: From Down in the Delta to the Birth of the Band and Beyond (Paperback)

By Sandra B. Tooze
$19.99
ISBN: 9781635769135
Availability: In Stock-Click Title to See Store Inventory
Published: Diversion Books - August 31st, 2021

I loved the way Tooze describes the sultry musical landscape of Levon Helm’s formative years in the Mississippi Delta and his life beyond The Band. A well-researched account of Helm’s musical style and personal journey for both new and die-hard fans.

Kate M

Odetta

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Odetta: A Life in Music and Protest Cover Image

Odetta: A Life in Music and Protest (Hardcover)

By Ian Zack
$28.95
ISBN: 9780807035320
Availability: Available at Wholesaler
Published: Beacon Press - April 14th, 2020

 

The folk revival of the 1950s and 60s didn't just stem from Pete Seeger or Peter, Paul, and Mary. It was built on the back of one of the most famous folk singers of the day who I'd never heard of Odetta. In this thorough biography tells her story, which is fascinating and unfortunately familiar. 

 

Meaghan

Go Ahead in the Rain

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Go Ahead in the Rain: Notes to A Tribe Called Quest (American Music Series) Cover Image

Go Ahead in the Rain: Notes to A Tribe Called Quest (American Music Series) (Paperback)

By Hanif Abdurraqib
$16.95
ISBN: 9781477316481
Availability: In Stock-Click Title to See Store Inventory
Published: University of Texas Press - February 1st, 2019

 

Abdurraqib catalogs musical history with a mythic, yet personal, reverence, sharing his heroes in a way that makes them accessible while canonizing them as larger-than-life icons. Whether you’re a longtime fan of A Tribe Called Quest or a total initiate, this book holds  something fresh for you; this is what all culture writing should aspire to.

Caleb

A is for Audra

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A is for Audra: Broadway's Leading Ladies from A to Z Cover Image

A is for Audra: Broadway's Leading Ladies from A to Z (Hardcover)

By John Robert Allman, Peter Emmerich (Illustrator)
$18.99
ISBN: 9780525645405
Availability: In Stock-Click Title to See Store Inventory
Published: Doubleday Books for Young Readers - November 12th, 2019

 

With gorgeous illustrations and clever rhymes that (probably) would have even Sondheim chuckling, this book is the perfect gift for people of all ages for whom M is for Musicals!

Kate

Janis: Her Life and Music

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Janis: Her Life and Music (Hardcover)

By Holly George-Warren
$28.99
It's Complicated--Contact Us for More Information
ISBN: 9781476793108
Published: Simon & Schuster - October 22nd, 2019

 

Dubbed the Queen of Rock and Roll, Janis Joplin, born and raised in conservative Port Arthur, Texas, somehow found the BLUES in her troubled soul. She became an instant star at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 and never looked back; until, three years later her use of SMACK - aka SNOW - aka WHITE DEATH - did her in. This book tells her story with unrose-colored glasses - well-written and researched - it's a must for all music lovers.  

Nathan

Solid State: The Story of Abbey Road and the End of the Beatles

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Solid State: The Story of "abbey Road" and the End of the Beatles (Hardcover)

By Kenneth Womack, Alan Parsons (Foreword by)
$26.95
ISBN: 9781501746857
Availability: Available at Wholesaler
Published: Cornell University Press - October 15th, 2019

 

Solid State is a compulsively readable and definitive account of the writing and recording of the Beatles’ landmark final album, Abbey Road. Filled with fascinating details demonstrating the creativity and ingenuity of the group, George Martin, and their recording engineers, and even with all that has been written about them, this book is simply a must read for any fan.

Dale

Playing Changes

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Playing Changes: Jazz for the New Century (Paperback)

By Nate Chinen
$18.00
ISBN: 9781101873496
Availability: Available at Wholesaler
Published: Vintage - July 23rd, 2019

 

Chinen’s book is so very welcome as books about contemporary jazz are few and far between, but also because it’s terrific. Chinen puts into context each of the various directions players are taking improvisational music today with a studied thoughtfulness based upon careful listening and deep historical knowledge. The discographies bookmarking each chapter as well as his list of essential 21st century albums are good guideposts for anyone’s future listening. 

Dale 

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