Reviews (1)

Superb in every way but one
This is a tremendous resource for anyone needing concise information about anyone involved in or any concept, however obscure, concerning classical music. The one thing missing that I think would be invaluable is a phonetic pronunciation guide. This would be particularly helpful with the composers, conductors and other musicians who are referenced. Everyone probably knows the big dogs, but the strength of this publications is the inclusion of practically everyone of note in this music field; many who are quite unknown to most of us. The pronunciation guide would be extremely helpful. Otherwise, I find this text to be a clearly superior and exhaustive resource. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Encyclopedias    2. Genres & Styles - Classical    3. Music    4. Music Appreciation    5. Music/Songbooks    6. Reference    7. Music / Classical    8. Reference works    9. Western music: periods & styles   

Reviews (14)

His most definitive work
So many books have been written about Bob Dylan that one would wonder at the need for another - but this isn't a reference book alone; it provides a fun ,readable text which packs in over eight hundred entries, over twenty pages of illustration, and everything there is to known about Dylan, including a searchable cd-rom to boot. Critic Michael Gray has written about Dylan before, but this is his most definitive work and represents the culminating achievement of a world authority on the topic: if there's only one Dylan reference your public library holding can afford, it should be this definitive guide.
Simply a book of the author's questionable opinions!!
This can hardly be called an "encyclopedia"...it's just an unorganzied compilation of the author's opinions, which, many times, are so far off from reality that it invalidates the entire book!Pass on this one...there are decent Dylan booksworth buying...or just watch the PBS documentary for facts!

Opinionated and great fun
A little surprised to be given this for my birthday a few weeks ago (I'm not the world's most devoted Dylan fan, although I do find him fascinating), it took me several days before I even opened the book. Fully expecting it to be a dry compendium of facts and short biographies. It turns out this is, instead, a great mix of opinion, information, and critical judgment - not all of it polite, but always nicely written. The author, Michael Gray, takes on all-comers, and is often amusingly "politically incorrect" in his views on figures like Bono, Pete Seeger, Eric Clapton, and Dave Stewart. Gray is also generous in his praise for many, many others including Elvis, Joni Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix, and dozens of old blues singers - so the book ends up painting a vivid picture of decades of American music and culture in general. My only complaint (so far) would be that the entries on Dylan songs and albums are uneven - but if you can cope with that, and with an author who has strong opinions, you'll find a great deal to love (and probably something to hate!) in this genuinely unusual and thoughtful book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1941-    2. Dylan, Bob,    3. Encyclopedias    4. Genres & Styles - Pop Vocal    5. Music    6. Music/Songbooks    7. Reference    8. Contemporary popular music   

Reviews (7)

Nothing Else is Worth Knowing
I just got this book and let me just say that the words inside are some of the finest ever put between two covers.It's all so informative.So much so that one may think that it is perhaps, too informative, but I doubt it.It's perfect.You'll find some of the most obscure and some of the most well-known facts, on the same page.Incredible.
An Ultimate Music Box
I fell in love with this book from the very first time that i put my eyes on this page of amazon, but, on that time it had a limited edition and it was sould out. I`ve waited more than 3 months for him to arrive but then it was impossible... One day, by hazard i found it on Fnac in Portugal, it was the only one of it`s kind so i bought it imediately and must tell you that it is really music to your ears to read this amazing book. It is the best book i`ve ever seen about music and i have more than five encyclopedias about the subject so believe it when i say that this book really entertains you with the good and consistent information, the beautiful pictures about the artists, the design, the uk and us charts and much more... From Elvis to Abba, from Eminen to Norah Jones, from Sinead O`Connor to Alanis, from Celine to Mariah, from The Who to Nirvana, from Notorious BIG to Massive Attack, from The Ronnettes to Take That, from Brenda Lee and Janis Joplin to Britney Spears and Christina it really has it all !!!

Valiant effort but not perfect.
This is probably the best book of its type to date. But it is not without it's problems. The first is that both of its authors are British. Hence it skews to the right of the Atlantic. Not that I don't feel myself, that British Rock has produced some of the best acts of all time, but for instance there are more entries on and photos of Gary Glitter than Alice Cooper. Gary Glitter? This is just one example. Some one in a review here mentioned the happy inclusion of Yes. If you look through the entries for that band you'll find at least Two mistakes saying that Fragile was their third album, (it was the fourth) and that Owner of a Lonely Heart is from Big Generator (it wasn't). This may seem like nitpicking but these are just the equivalent of what might be found on one page. It makes one wonder how many more of the presented "facts" are not trustworthy? You expect more from music critics on the voting board of the Rock & roll Hall of Fame. In the end though it's a valiant effort they undertook, and I'm glad I bought the book. It could/should have been a five star book though. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Encyclopedias    2. Genres & Styles - Rock    3. History and criticism    4. Music    5. Music/Songbooks    6. Reference    7. Rock Music    8. Music / Rock   

Reviews (2)

Great book for all skill levels :)
I really like this book. One, because its mostly excercises and less writting (which is what i was looking for), two, because its easy to understand. Which is good because im not the most skilled drummer really ive only been playing a year now. It really gets your legs practicing. To be honest i havent gotten very far in the book but that is because my legs are so weak i cant seem to do any better then 8th notes for a short time. But thanks to this book my legs are getting stronger and more developed. I really recommend this book for anyone whether you are a begginner or advanced player.

Finally
I've worked through just about every other double bass drum book out there and, although the exercises were interesting from a coordination/conditioning standpoint, they did not prepare me to actually play double bass drum patterns in a musical context.I was about to write my own book with exercises I'd developed but then found this book.I thank the authors for saving me the trouble!If you're interested in building double bass drum chops and only want to buy one book...this is it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Instruction & Study - General    2. Music    3. Music/Songbooks    4. Musical Instruments - Percussion    5. Reference    6. Music / Instruction & Study   

Reviews (6)

Great history and beautiful photos
This book is now showing up as a remainder at under ten dollars-- at that price there's no reason anyone interested in electric guitars would not have a copy. It offers a generic history of the electic guitar that will be familiar to anyone at all versed in the intstrument; what's unique here is the comprehensive coverage of factory-built guitars over the past 80 years. Every company I've heard of (and several I've not) is covered. Gibson, Fender, et al. get long sections and dozens of photos, but even lesser-known importers like Aria are given strong coverage. For those who have only heard about makes like Mosrite, Teisco, Framus, etc. there are great photos and strong histories.As an aspiring guitar builder I bought the book for the photos; the well written text is an added bonus.

Were ealier guitar strings really made out of cat guts????
Were ealier guitar strings really made out of cat guts??? A guitar lover's dream book.
Bought this as a gift for a brother-in-law...after reviewing it, I've got to have my own copy.Not only great pictures of guitars but very interesting commentary.Guitar brands are in alphabetical order so it's easy to look up a particular model...many I've never heard of.I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Electric guitar    2. Music    3. Music/Songbooks    4. Musical Instruments - Guitar    5. Pictorial works    6. Reference    7. Sale Books   

Reviews (2)

A Big Book, A Big Price, But It Really Is Worth It!
For those brave souls who are willing to see this beautifully written and designed volume as a major investment for the library, the treasures in store here are plentiful.As the title suggests this is a compendium of all that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart wrote - operas, chamber works, choral works, symphonies, overtures, concerti - they are all here.
THE CAMBRIDGE MOZART ENCYCLOPEDIA
I shall need time to appreciate the book. Entries already read are excellent. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1756-1791    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Encyclopedias    4. General    5. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus,    6. Music    7. Music/Songbooks    8. Classical music (c 1750 to c 1830)    9. Composers & musicians    10. Music / General   

Reviews (6)

Play-along in ANY STYLE
This is the BEST play-along set I'v ever seen. Congratulations!!!
Great for private lessons
I use the books in my private lesson practice.Kids love the music, get excited,and I use an IPod for playback in the lessons.The five books I ordered in February are gone and ready to buy the next set.Only advice to remember is music is in MP3 fomat.Make sure your CD at house can play MP3s; your next step might be a MP3 player, i.e the Ipod I use.For other drum instructors, remember to jump around in book; books starts in Rock style.Students need to be exposed to other styles of music.Go for it; enjoy,
A must have for ANY drummer
Great Book and play along CD! Every and any drummer can benefit greatly from Tommy Igoe's extensive knowledge of all things groove! I am primarily a rock drummer, and Groove Essentials is helping me expand my horizons into other musical styles in a concise, easy to follow and understand format. From World, Funk, R&B, Jazz to Rock...it's all covered. The play-along CD also makes it a fun process. (Check out his the Groove Essentials DVD also...that's where it started for me...) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Music    2. Music/Songbooks    3. Musical Instruments - Percussion    4. Music / Musical Instruments / Percussion   

Subjects:  1. Encyclopedias    2. Genres & Styles - Jazz    3. Jazz    4. Music    5. Music History And Criticism +    6. Music/Songbooks    7. Reference    8. Music / Reference   

Reviews (1)

Utterly Amazing and, Unfortunately, Utterly Out of Reach
My local library has a copy of this, and if you're lucky, your library does as well.If not, you are missing out, assuming you don't have the 700-plus bucks to slap down for this baby.The editors thoroughly tracethe careers of most of the artists you could probably name off the top offyour head and rates them from one to five stars.The star ratings inparticular are much improved over the previous releases that included theratings.Fairly comprehensive; I'll only complain that he includes severalcheesy Christian heavy metal groups of the eighties and fails to mentionany vital Christian artists who actually made great music (There actuallyare some, like Adam Again, Daniel Amos, or Mark Heard).A special delightis the excellent balance between British and American tastes, not leaningone way more than the other between the (at times) very different criticalcamps on either side of the Atlantic.Check out your public library forthis one, and bring plenty of change to make copies of your favoriteentries.Colin would probably kill you, but I won't tell... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Encyclopedias    2. Genres & Styles - Pop Vocal    3. Music    4. Music/Songbooks    5. Popular music    6. Reference    7. Contemporary popular music    8. Music / Genres & Styles / General    9. Reference works    10. Reference | Subject area reference | Humanities   

Reviews (2)

walking down memory lane
i loved this book. a great way to bring back old memories of my youth.it was hard to think of something that wasn't in the book.i'm ordering a couple of the books as gifts for childhood friends.

Almost everything? almost,
This almost everything, (but not) pop culture book, is really very good, almost great.
Read more

Subjects:  1. 1970-    2. 20th century    3. Civilization    4. Encyclopedias    5. Genres & Styles - Pop Vocal    6. History    7. Music    8. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    9. Popular Culture - General    10. Popular culture    11. Reference    12. United States    13. Reference / Trivia   

Reviews (2)

Very complete chord encyclopedia
I purchased this book because it was the most complete book of keyboard chords that I could find.The chords for each note are ordered in an intuitive way.This book has every chord that I have ever tried to find.There is a chart in the front section that shows alternate names or symbols.That is, the chart shows that 13 may also be shown as 7(add13) or 7(add6). A review of Vogler's book
This book is a timely resource for anyone who has to deal with chord symbols--such as is found on rhythm charts and lead sheets-- and wants to know how to play them on the piano or keyboard. It even could help an arranger who has landed on a chord he likes but doesn't know what to call it.Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Music    3. Musical Instruments - Piano    4. Performing Arts   

Reviews (20)

A disappointment
This is clearly not the success they would like it to be. it is very incomplete and patchy. Some artists are covered too succintly and some should not be included in a rock encyclopedia. If you need one reference work, this is clearly not it. This is probably due to the direction that RS magazine has taken over the last decade or so. While it was indispensable reading it has become hopeless and out of touch. I really used to read it but the quality of the writing has gone down the drain and this is reflected here. It is surprising since the early editions of their album guide were quite fantastic.

Average read
I think the RS Encyclopedia is a good overal reference, when it does indeed cover ROCK artists.
The Best That's Available
Searching bookstores far-and-wide, even Amazon's huge selection, you still won't find another reference source as vast as this one currently in print. If you know of any, let the rest of us know. And what is Rock & Roll anyway? An extension of the black music scene. So it's a little closed-minded to try and limit what genre of Rock should be included. For some to say certain types and individuals should not be included, (Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Destiny's Child, or even Britney Spears) is like saying turn-back-the-clock to the early 1980s and MTV's total exclusion of certain genres. Is Rock only Heavy Metal, The Rolling Stones, or The Beatles? Or maybe some need reminder of its true roots. For what it's worth, an all-around great source of reference, despite ones particular taste. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Encyclopedias    2. Genres & Styles - Rock    3. Music    4. Music/Songbooks    5. Reference    6. Rock music    7. Music / General    8. Reference works    9. Rock & pop   

Reviews (3)

For the Pros in the room
While the book is an invaluable resource for people thinking of going into studio recording, it is vastly too sophisticated for the amateur home recording studio. If you are just beginning recording DON'T BUY THIS BOOK, it will be over your head. The name would suggest that it would be an "Encyclopedia" of information, but rather it is a book based on interviews with top producers and technicians. One should pay close attention to the word "Expert" in the title, because that is the intended audience.

Great intro to the innards of hi-pro audio
This book is loaded with tips on how to achieve things most of us (especially those with personal studios in our bedrooms or basements) may not have thought of. Some of the stuff is pretty subtle, and trained and experienced ears are necessary to grasp the concepts and their execution/realization. But even the very advanced stuff whets the appetite, and sets you up to begin learning more, and pretty fast. A practical guide to the art and career of recording
The Expert Encyclopedia Of Recording by musician, author and journalist Rick Clark is an expertly thorough and practical guide to the art and career of recording. Drawn from in-depth research with accomplished engineers, producers, and artists, The Expert Encyclopedia Of Recording is a direct and straightforward account covering everything from dynamic signal processing to production sickness to surround sound recording mixing and vocals. The Encyclopedia Of Recording is very highly recommended reading for anyone considering a career in the sound technology industry. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Music    2. Music/Songbooks    3. Recording & Reproduction    4. Reference    5. Songbooks - General    6. Computers / General    7. Music / Reference    8. Music recording & reproduction   

Reviews (8)

Birthday Hit
This was ourchased for my 11 year old granddaughter. She love it. Basic things are explained perfectly!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lots of variety
I've been throwing for about 3 years and this book was given to me as a gift.It briefly touches on many subject and has a lot of good pictures. Great reference book!
This is a great reference book with lots of ideas and lots of illustrations.Great for someone who wants to explore out of just throwing or hand building.Great step by step ideas with great color illustrations. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Pottery & Ceramics    5. Crafts & Hobbies / Pottery & Ceramics    6. MUSIC & DANCE - INSTRMTS/INSTRCT TPB   

Reviews (31)

A STOOGES FAN DREAM COME TRUE
This book has everything you need to know about The Stooges. A Rehash of Lines and Names. Not Much Here.
I completely agree with other reviewers: that all one had to do is watch the Stooges shorts and write down the funny lines and names and voila you have Three Stooges Encyclopedia. Very funny and helpful.
Not sure what the sign of someone's door said in MONKEY BUSINESSMEN? You'll find it in THE THREE STOOGES ENCYCLOPEDIA. This has some of the Stooges most famous quotes, songs, signs and so much more. You should buy this. This is the perfect addition to your Three Stooges collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cinema/Film: Book    2. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Actors & Actresses    3. Film & Video - Guides & Reviews    4. Film & Video - Reference    5. Miscellanea    6. Music    7. Performing Arts    8. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    9. Three Stooges (Comedy team)    10. Three Stooges films    11. Films, cinema    12. Performing Arts / Film / Reference    13. Reference works   

Reviews (3)

Poised to become the standard Jazz Theory text of the 21st century
This excellent book is useful and relevant both as a reference work
The perfect jazz book for theory OR practice
The book's approach is so intuitive, it almost leads you by the hand into the world of jazz. Certainly jazz is freedom of expression but you have to know what you're doing and this book is the tool for that. Combine it with some tunes and mix in some listening, and the world of jazz is open to you. This should be a standard in every high school with a jazz program and every college lab band.

Down to earth and practical
this book is very very down to earth. i've seen many theory books and have recieved quite a few desk copies. most theory books give me the hives. they seem very far away from 'the music'. this book is right in there. talks about piano voicings for non-piano players, a section on improv. everything seems like stuff you can teach, students can learn, and everyone can apply directly to the music. which is what most of us want the book for, right?
Read more

Subjects:  1. Genres & Styles - Jazz    2. Instruction & Study - Theory    3. Music    4. Music/Songbooks    5. Jazz    6. Music / Instruction & Study    7. Theory of music & musicology   

Reviews (1)

Great for basics
There are a ton of great chords in here. I love the fact that there is a photo of each one. It is hard for me to overlook the fact that the title calls this an encyclopedia, because it is missing many different chord extensions and variations.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Instruction & Study - Techniques    2. Music    3. Music/Songbooks    4. Musical Instruments - Guitar    5. Reference   

Reviews (3)

trop et pas assez
il y a presque tout mais trop peu sur chacun des instruments d�crits. pas de couleurs et on trouve plus souvent l'int�ret financier que l'int�ret technique.

thank you helena
I bought the book a few years ago not knowing much about these instruments, and I must say it would be a pleasure just to read even if I should never find one, however, the above review from Helena,AR put me on a search for the instrument in the review and even though I never found the lady I can't believe the instrument I did find.Now all I need is a book that tells how to restore it. thank you helena

WE NOW KNOW WHAT IT IS!
Just imagine having something around for years and not knowing what it is!My sister, Sadie, and I have had this "thing" in the back roomof our late father's ice cream parlor for years.We knew that it wasmusical but not much else.With its pretty stained glass windows andmechanical bird on top, it was just too nice to junk!In 1952 we convertedthe ice cream parlor to living quarters.I guess we just kept everythingfor memory sake.As retired seniors with not much to do, we recently got"on-line" and Sadie thought it would be a good idea to see if wecould find a book which would tell us what our music "thing" was. We bought the Encyclopedia of Automatic Musical Instruments.We now knowwe have a Style 12 Wurlitzer PianOrchestra!Thank you Amazon! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dictionaries    2. Mechanical musical instruments    3. Music    4. Music/Songbooks    5. Musical Instruments - General    6. Musical instruments, Mechanica    7. Musical instruments, Mechanical    8. Reference    9. Music / General   

Reviews (1)

The only chord book you`ll ever need !
I have bought so many chord books out there and this is the only one that i have ever needed and that`s a fact. I do alot of chord melody so i`m allways looking for that chord that has the right note in the top of thechord. No looking anymore..With Guitar Chord Encyclopedia you have everychord you`ll ever need. I`m talking about 36 chords in EVERY KEY! And Chordprogressions and every thing about Chord Theory,intervals,chordstructure,bulding chords,cicle of fifths and even explains Tablature. Ifthere`s one thing i got to say about this book is ...Thanks Steve Hall forevery chord i`ll need! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Music    3. Music/Songbooks    4. Musical Instruments - Guitar    5. String instruments    6. Techniques of music   

Reviews (1)

A distinquished work of operatic history and information
Opera is one of the most popular cultural forms of entertainment, and The Billboard Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Opera is the perfect introduction to this world, exploring the history of opera's development from ancient Greece to modern times. No dry treatise, each chapter provides lively cultural and period insights and color illustration to provide a fine background on how the music and production developed. Also notable: a 'key composer' series of entries with major biographies of the main composers of each era, timelines of opera compositions, and outlines of themes which highlight other opera developments, from the building of special opera theatres to the fostering of opera companies around the world. Simply a 'must' for any who would absorb the music and structure of the opera world The Billboard Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Opera is a distinquished work of operatic history and information.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Encyclopedias    2. Genres & Styles - Opera    3. Music    4. Music/Songbooks    5. Opera    6. Reference