Amcrebelfan
Super Member
I just got these can't wait to read them.
West Coast Jazz / Modern Jazz In california 1945-1960 by Ted Gioia
http://www.amazon.com/West-Coast-Jazz-California-1945-1960/dp/0520217292
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Psychotic Reactions And Carburetor Dung by Lester Bangs
http://www.amazon.com/Psychotic-Reactions-Carburetor-Dung-Literature/dp/0679720456
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The Bangs is an entertaining read.
When I go into any thrift store looking for records, I also check out electronics, artwork and books. I've found some good reads for small money. Here are a few.
I picked up the Grout book at a GW a few years ago, along with a jazz book, The Jazz Book by Berendt. Any thoughts on it? I still haven't had the time to read either of them. Having a kid will do that.
Speaking of which, I can recommend a couple of "easier" reads. Books with short chapters, lots of pictures, etc.
I was given the book that went along with the American Roots Music series when it was on PBS. I finally got around to reading it, and I really enjoyed it. I know my blues, but when I got the book I didn't have much appreciation for most of the other genres that are "roots". It connected a lot of dots, for me.
I still haven't seen the series, so I'm curious if the DVDs are worth a purchase.
The Bob Marley book Songs Of Freedom was another one in the easy read category.
I was given a used copy of The Illustrated Story Of Jazz. I haven't read it yet, but thumbing through it makes me think I could potentially put it in the category as the two above.
I can also recommend the book about the making of A Love Supreme, the Muddy Waters bio Can't Be Satisfied, the Howlin' Wolf one that came out at about the same time(forget the title), and Chasin' The Trane.
I'm no classical expert, but I picked up the book that goes along with the Beethoven Bicentennial LP collection, and I like it a lot.
Speaking of GNR, did Izzy ever put out a book?
I just got these can't wait to read them.
KrisM said:It connected a lot of dots, for me.
Awesome selection Poppachubby! Just in time for Christmas. Africa and the Blues and then the History of the Piano books are top of my list I think.
Can you recommend any other African music books? I'm a big fan. Franco, Nico, Fela, Salif Keita, Diblo Dibala, etc.
Great thread as I am as much a book nut as music. My two main pastimes.
I reiterate the recommendations for Peter Guralnick, well, many of the above.
Did I someone post these yet, a few of my favorite bios:
Charlie Mingus, Beneath the Underdog. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/191241.Beneath_the_Underdog
Really the blues:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/471934.Really_the_Blues
Dr John, Under a Hoodoo Moon:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/382727.Under_a_Hoodoo_Moon?from_search=true
My favorite bookstore:
Powell's books, downtown Portland Oregon, or online http://www.powells.com/
I go there every time I visit Portland. It is huge, and they mix the used right together with the new so you only have to look once.
Nice! The Mingus and Dr John are two of my favorites as well. Important stories. I am going to put another short list together for some of my favorite bios. That should cover the glaring hole in the first list. More interesting to me are many of the colourful producers who came through during the 50's and 60's.
Don't forget Staight Life, Art Pepper. I just found my old copy that I had not finished. So of course I am listening to Art today too.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/553854.Straight_Life
Also a second volume which I've not read: