DescriptionCongressman Shapply, a former music insider who now leads the crusade against offensive lyrics in rap songs, is attacked and murdered in front of his Washington, D.C., home. His son Nick is arrested and charged with murder. For veteran music journalist Mick Sever, covering this case is personal. Sever, best friend of the accused killer, believes his friend's claims of innocence. With the help of an old flame, Mick must penetrate the bizarre Shapply family (the icy matriarch Alicia, the disturbed daughter Amber, and the religious brother-in-law) to find the truth. The investigation will take Mick from the halls of the Capitol to the beaches of Barbados. Threatened by unknown assailants and dangers at every turn, Mick becomes the hunted as the killer turns the tables in a stunning climax.
DescriptionThe singer and songwriter Stephen Malkmus, formerly of Pavement, talks with New Yorker staff writer James Surowiecki and performs. Stephen Malkmus began his career as the lead singer and songwriter of the indie rock band Pavement, which formed in…
DescriptionThe power of three. Sleater-Kinney started out 10 years ago as a side project by the singer-guitarists Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein, both veterans of the Pacific Northwest music scene. Drummer Janet Weiss joined them in 1996. They have recorded seven albums, including Dig Me Out, One Beat, and, most recently, The Woods, which came out in May. James Surowiecki has been a staff writer at The New Yorker since 2000 and currently writes the Financial Page for the magazine. His recent subjects include the impact of oil prices on the United States economy, aid to Africa, and the new economics of the music business. He is the author of The Wisdom of Crowds.
DescriptionThe history of the Chieftains is the history of Irish music, and the story of how an unlikely group of enthusiasts came together to rescue some of the world's most beautiful music from near extinction, brought it to an audience of millions, and became acclaimed stars. The Chieftains have built a worldwide reputation and following based on their brilliant musicianship, their rediscovery and reinvention of traditional Irish music, and their own original Grammy-winning music and Oscar-winning soundtracks. Based on exclusive and extensive interviews (including actual recordings of the band members' recollections) with band members, their families and friends, and many of the international superstars who have recorded with them, this intimate history tells their own story for the first time, with insight, wit and charm.
DescriptionBob Dylan: A Tribute features two hours of insights and rare archival interviews with the musical and poetic genius behind four decades of provocative pop culture. The recipient of numerous Grammy Awards over his long career, including the Grammy L…
DescriptionJazz 101 is a fascinating entry into the world of jazz, for the beginner, novice, or jazz enthusiast. Szwed takes listeners on a tour of the varied and nonlinear history of jazz, exploring how it developed from an ethnic music to become America's most popular music and then part of the avant-garde in less than 50 years. Szwed's complete overview includes the major types of jazz and significant jazz musicians of the 20th century, the roots of jazz, including its European and African influences, and recommended listening, plus appendices on jazz singers, record guides, and more. Infinitely readable and highly entertaining, Jazz 101 is a vital tool in understanding and appreciating jazz.
DescriptionIn Learning to Sing, Clay Aiken tells the story of the people who taught him valuable life lessons during his meteoric rise from life as an aspiring educator in Raleigh, North Carolina, to instant stardom on American Idol . Clay Aiken auditioned for the national singing competition by chance at the urging of a parent of a special needs student with whom he was working. In a matter of months, Aiken made the leap from unknown singer to national sensation, with more than 33 million viewers watching him compete with Ruben Studdard for the title in May 2003. Aiken's debut CD, Measure of a Man, made its debut at #1 and has sold over three million copies. Learning to Sing is an account of Clay Aiken's extraordinary faith and will and perseverance, and an inspiring memoir by someone who became, against all odds, one of the biggest pop stars of his time.
DescriptionWhen he was a kid singing in his church choir, Clay Aiken never dreamed of becoming a pop music star. His ambition was to be a teacher, maybe even a high school principal. But the music that was Clay's joy in life was destined to lead him to unexpected tr…
