In smoky rooms above pubs, bare rooms with battered stools and beer-stained tables, where the stage was little more than a scrap of carpet and sound systems were unheard of, an acoustic revolution took place in Britain in the 1950s and '60s. This was the folk revival, where a generation of musicians, among much drink and raucous cheer, would rediscover the native songs of their own tradition, as well as the folk and blues coming from across the Atlantic by artists such as Leadbelly, Woody Guthrie and Big Bill Broonzy. Singing from the Floor is the story of this remarkable movement, faithfully captured in the voices of those who formed it by JP Bean. We hear from luminaries such as Shirley Collins, Martin Carthy, Peggy Seeger and Ralph McTell, alongside figures such as Billy Connolly, Jasper Carrott and Mike Harding, who all started their careers on the folk circuit. The book charts the revival's improvised beginnings and its ties to the CND movement, through the heyday of the '60s and '70s, when every university, town and many villages across the country boasted a folk club, to the fallow years of the '80s and '90s. The book finishes on a high note, with the recent resurgence of interest in folk, through such artists as the Lakemans, Sam Lee and Eliza Carthy. It is a joyous, boisterous and hugely entertaining book, and an essential document of our recent history stretching into the past.
Across the Nightingale Floor is Book 1 in the five-part Tales of the Otori series. More than four million copies have been sold in over 36 countries.'The best story of magic, love, sex, revenge and suspense to have come this way since Philip Pullman' Independent On Sunday (UK) In his fortress at Inuyama, the murderous warlord Iida Sadamu surveys his famous nightingale floor. Constructed with exquisite skill, it sings at the tread of each human foot. No assassin can cross it unheard. Brought up in a remote village among the Hidden, a reclusive and spiritual people, Takeo has learned only the ways of peace. Why, then, does he possess the deadly skills that make him so valuable to the sinister Tribe? These supernatural powers will lead him to his violent destiny within the walls of Inuyama - and to an impossible longing for a girl who can never be his. His journey is one of revenge and treachery, beauty and magic, and the passion of first love. 'masterful storytelling ... a fantastic read' The Age Coming soon - the spellbinding new TALE OF SHIKANOKO, set 300 years before Otori: THE EMPEROR OF THE EIGHT ISLANDS (Books 1 & 2 in THE TALE OF SHIKANOKO) and THE LORD OF THE DARKWOOD (Books 3 & 4).PRAISE FOR THE TALES OF THE OTORI 'An engrossing fantasy saga of literary quality.' The Age'Lian Hearn's marvellous storytelling talent ... makes reading these books a moment of pure bliss.' Le Monde'an enthralling and original work of fantasy' The Times
A young artist forges a path of self-discovery in an enriching novel about forgiving the past and embracing second chances, from the bestselling author of An Unfinished Story. Maine, 1969. After losing her parents in a car accident, aspiring artist Annalisa Mancuso lives with her grandmother and their large Italian family in the stifling factory town of Payton Mills. Inspired by her mother, whose own artistic dreams disappeared in a damaged marriage, Annalisa is dedicated only to painting. Closed off to love, and driven as much by her innate talent as she is the disillusionment of her past, Annalisa just wants to come into her own. The first step is leaving Payton Mills and everything it represents. The next, the inspiring opportunities in the city of Portland and a thriving New England art scene where Annalisa hopes to find her voice. But she meets Thomas, an Ivy League student whose attentions--and troubled family--upend her pursuits in ways she never imagined possible. As their relationship deepens, Annalisa must balance her dreams against an unexpected love. Until the unraveling of an unforgivable lie. For Annalisa, opening herself up to life and to love is a risk. It might also be the chance she needs to finally become the person and the artist she's meant to be.
During the 1920s, a visit to the movie theater almost always included a sing-along. Patrons joined together to render old favorites and recent hits, usually accompanied by the strains of a mighty Wurlitzer organ. The organist was responsible for choosing the repertoire and presentation style that would appeal to his or her patrons, so each theater offered a unique experience. When sound technology drove both musicians and participatory culture out of the theater in the early 1930s, the practice faded and was eventually forgotten. Despite the popularity and ubiquity of community singing—it was practiced in every state, in theaters large and small—there has been scant research on the topic. This volume is the first dedicated account of community singing in the picture palace and includes nearly one hundred images, such as photographs of the movie houses’ opulent interiors, reproductions of sing-along slides, and stills from the original Screen Songs “follow the bouncing ball” cartoons. Esther M. Morgan-Ellis brings the era of movie palaces to life. She presents the origins of theater sing-alongs in the prewar community singing movement, describes the basic components of a sing-along, explores the unique presentation styles of several organists, and assesses the aftermath of sound technology, including the sing-along films and children’s matinees of the 1930s.
In this deluxe hardback, packed with over 200 pages of photographs, Tarja tells her story about making music and shares lots of personal memories and photos, many of them from her personal collection and never seen before. It's written by Tarja in her own words with special contributions from friends and colleagues.
(Berklee Guide). Connect to your authentic singing voice with this holistic guide to a healthy and expressive singing life. This collection of technical discussions, exercises, and insights will help you improve all aspects of using your voice from healthy sound production to exercises for greater vocal facility to guidance on rehearsing with your band. Interviews with Patty Austin, Ysaye Barnwell, and others lend their perspectives to singing, the mind-body connection, and a natural/wellness focused approach to musicianship. The accompanying online audio supports the practice exercises and approaches to learning new songs.
Go from singing in the shower to taking your audience’s breath away Whether you picture yourself as the next Ariana Grande or just feel like picking up a new hobby, Singing For Dummies walks you through the surprisingly straightforward steps you’ll need to take to develop your voice. It’s a practical guide to every important aspect of singing, from vocal techniques to performance tips. You’ll learn exercises and practice songs that gradually improve your craft and receive instruction on the latest technology and recording devices to capture and play back your songs. Singing For Dummies also shows you how to: Understand and use important singing techniques, improve your tone, upgrade your posture, and maximize your breath Maintain your voice with preventative self-care that keeps your vocal cords in tiptop shape Sing with instrumental accompaniment or with a partner in a duet Perfect for men, women, boys, and girls, Singing For Dummies is the most intuitive and accessible resource on the market for anyone who hopes to find their voice.
Every aspect of singing and a singing life is addressed by leading experts from across the industry - from essential aspects of vocal technique and health to choosing a mic, running a sound system, mastering vocal effects, growing a fan base and achieving unforgettable performances and recordings. 136 Music Industry Experts on Every Aspect of a Singing Life Focused Actions in 18 Chapters to Move Your Career Head Answers to 187 REAL Questions asked by Singers Leading Experts Speak to Singers The contributors to “The Ultimate Guide to Singing” have, between them, 92 Grammys and Grammy nominations, 193 books, 1,772 albums and nearly 300 Million YouTube views. A host of famous artists including Kimbra, Beardyman, Joey Belladonna and many others join forces with leading doctors, surgeons, producers, coaches, technologists and social media experts for the most comprehensive and user-friendly manual available for today’s singers. Focused Actions for the Voice There are 18 chapters packed with specific actions for singers promoting their voice, developing their technique, improving their heath, mastering their live or recorded sound and dealing with money and marketing. Each action has been especially crafted to be relevant and easy to read. Real FAQs The book contains 187 Frequently Asked Questions –real questions asked by real singers of rock, pop, soul, metal, jazz – all contemporary genres. Each question has been carefully matched to an expert in the field. Now singers have at their fingertips insights on everything from rescuing their voice to promoting their music. The Ultimate How-To Manual for Singers With 18 information-packed chapters, focused actions and myriads of questions answered and leading experts, The Ultimate Guide to Singing promises to be the leading resource for singers who want to develop their voice and their career. What Others Are Saying: “In an ever-changing industry, to succeed, singers and bands have to know HOW. This book is IT.” —Jeannie Deva, Celebrity Voice and Performance Coach “Finally: a book which will help you on ALL levels to be the singer you’ve always wanted to be.” —Mary Hammond, Leading educator and vocal coach for Coldplay and many other star acts “Most singing books I’ve read have been annoyingly out of date, but I’m excited to have this modern “vocalists’ bible” to refer to whenever I’m facing a real day-to-day problem as a professional voice artist.” —Shlomo, World Loopstation Champion and Guinness World Record holder Contributors Include: Kimbra – Grammy Award winning artist David Frangioni – engineer to Ozzy Osbourne, Steven Tyler and more... Brian Felsen – President of CD Baby Al Schmitt – Engineer and Producer with more than 150 gold and platinum albums Divinity Roxx – artist with Kanye West, Jay-Z and Destiny’s Child... Robert Bastian – leading surgeon, named as one of “America’s Top Doctors” PLUS Over 100 more from every area of the Music Industry. Content That Moves Your Voice Forward This is the only book you’ll ever need to stay in control of every area of your singing life. From finding fans to using the flange effect – it’s all here. Chapters include: Vocal Technique in the Trenches Recording Your Voice Your Vocal Effects Creating an Unforgettable Vocal Connection Promotion and Social Media Making Money at Live Gigs
"Drawing on over 25 years of teaching experience, acclaimed vocal coach, Jo Thompson, has written the ultimate guide to singing. Whether you are an accomplished singer or a complete beginner, Jo can help you to improve your singing through a combination of simple exercises, straightforward advice and practical hints." -- back cover.
