Stevie Wonder - A Musical Guide to the Classic Albums (Book) [Paperback] Review

Stevie Wonder deserves to be treated as he is here, an important classic composer.His music from the 1970s will be listened to longer than most of the music that has been produced during our life times.Ignore the author's downplaying of Secret Life of Plants and even Songs in the Key of Life.I don't know what he was thinking there, especially because his insight on Where I'm Coming From through Innervisions is usually right on.I disagree with him, however, when he seems to imply that Stevie would not have made great albums without the production of Margouleff and Cecil.With those songs and his talent, he would have made great albums no matter what.The synthesizers just wouldn't have sounded as great.

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Product Description:
Stevie Wonder, winner of 19 Grammy Awards and a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, is a much-beloved American icon and an indisputable genius not only of soul and rhythm and blues, but also popular music in general. Author Steve Lodder tells Wonder's story from a fresh musical perspective, concentrating on his most productive period, 1971-1981. After an in-depth look at Wonder's background and his early history with Motown, Lodder explores in detail the musical characteristics and influences found on the classic albums from the '70s: Music of My Mind, Talking Book, Innervisions, Fulfillingness' First Finale, and Songs in the Key of Life. Taking full advantage of the new opportunities afforded by synthesizer technology and multitracking, and inspired by the lyrical depth of Marvin Gaye and Sly Stone, Wonder created a series of albums as popular as they are acclaimed. The book features 80 color and B&W photos - many never before published.

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Singing Jazz (Book) [Paperback] Review

First of all, this book is written in a very conversational- yet organized- manner that allows you to read and absorb details and information as easily as a good biography or novel.
It contains a wealth of information on jazz vocalists throughout history, and although it hasn't done the (impossible) task of covering every vocalist worth mentioning, the uniqueness of this book is in it's attempt to give information on singers from both sides of the Atlantic; something which isn't frequently done in jazz history books, but is very necessary for making the 'jazz family tree'complete.
It would be wise for any jazz vocalist who is interested in learning more about her craft to have this book in her collection. As well as history, it contains commentary and advice from other well known singers and is the next best thing to a 'round-table discussion.
This book is recommended to other musicians as well who are interested in understanding jazz singers and their history.

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Product Description:
Singing Jazz looks at the ups and downs of this tough profession through the eyes of legendary jazz singers, well-established performers, and some newcomers. Drawing on accounts from vocalists of yesterday and today in all major jazz styles, the book explores the musical influences of jazz singing; the learning process, whether on the road or in training; the challenges of building a repertoire, getting gigs, traveling, and performing under sometimes difficult circumstances; and the ongoing struggle for artistic recognition and financial security in the competitive world of popular music. To reveal the roots and evolution of this unique art form, authors Crother and Pinfold revisit the lives, words, and stylistic innovations of great singers in jazz history, including Carmen McRae, Dinah Washington, Mel Torme, Shirley Horn, Ethel Waters, Anita OÕDay, and many more. Plus - interviewed especially for Singing Jazz - some of todayÕs best performers illustrate the contemporary view of jazz singing. Kitty Margolis, Mark Murphy, Helen Merrill, Mark Porter, Christine Tyrrell, and many others discuss the influences and experiences that have shaped their singing careers, and share insights on how their art is still evolving today.

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