Genius Music Books

Rock Legends Bundle - Three must-reads for rock history lovers—now bundled for the ultimate fan experience! $95.00 $125.00

Rock Legends Bundle – Three Groundbreaking Reads, One Epic Journey Through Music History! Dive deep into rock 'n' roll’s wildest stories and rarest moments with the Rock Legends Bundle—three captivating books that are essential reading for any true music aficionado. At $95 (discounted from $125), this exclusive bundle offers an immersive experience across the music world, bringing readers face-to-face with rock's most iconic moments and enigmatic figures. Save over 20% on these rock legends’ untold stories when you grab all three books for $95 instead of the full $125! Here’s what you get in this legendary collection: 🎸 A Pig’s Tale (Click here for more information)Dive into the underground world of bootleg records with A Pig’s Tale, an insider’s account by Ralph Sutherland and Harold Sherrick that uncovers the origins of the Trade Mark of Quality (TMQ) label. This fascinating book chronicles the rise of one of the most famous bootleg labels, known for rare and iconic records from The Beatles to Bob Dylan. With vivid storytelling, behind-the-scenes stories, and original album art by William Stout, A Pig’s Tale provides an unfiltered look into the rebellious spirit and innovative culture that gave fans access to the music they loved—despite industry gatekeeping. For collectors and rock historians, this book is a treasure trove of musical history from the golden age of vinyl. 🎸 Brian Jones: Butterfly in the Park (Click here for more information)Butterfly in the Park is an evocative visual and narrative tribute to the life of Brian Jones, the founding member of the Rolling Stones and a revolutionary force in the music world. With rare and intimate photographs by Michael Cooper, this book captures Brian’s journey as a pioneer of electric blues, an aesthetic visionary, and an androgynous icon of the ‘60s counterculture. Edited by Cooper's son Adam, Butterfly in the Park offers readers a unique perspective on Jones’s life—from the powerful Hyde Park tribute concert following his tragic passing, to his innovative spirit that helped shape rock history. This book is essential for anyone who wants to delve deeper into the mystique of a man who was both a musical and cultural trailblazer. 🎸 Not Just Happy Together (Click here for more information)"Not Just Happy Together: The Turtles from A-Z (AM Radio to Zappa)" offers fans a deep, humorous, and heartfelt exploration of one of rock's quirkiest and most beloved bands. Co-authors Mark Arnold and Charles F. Rosenay!!! celebrate The Turtles’ unique blend of humor and harmony that made songs like “Happy Together” timeless classics. This book goes beyond the hits, covering the band’s journey from 1960s stardom to unforgettable collaborations and everything in between. With personal anecdotes, mini-reviews, and historical tidbits, Not Just Happy Together is essential for any fan looking to relive the era when The Turtles’ charm filled the airwaves. Why Pay $95? With this bundle, you’re saving over 20% and gaining a collector’s dream set—three books that each tell a unique piece of rock history. Together, they offer a deeply satisfying look at music’s legends, underbelly, and unforgettable personalities. For fans who live for music’s raw stories, this is the ultimate bundle that captures the essence of rock 'n' roll’s glory days. Whether you're a collector, a superfan, or just discovering rock's greatest legends, this bundle is your backstage pass to music history. Get yours now and own a piece of rock 'n' roll's legacy! Shipping Note: A Pig's Tale will ship separately.

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Ralph Sutherland and Harold Sherrick

A Pig's Tale $50.00 $65.00

A Pig's Tale includes: 336 full color pages softcover edition a complete discography of the entire TMQ catalog of over 100 LPs and EPs well over 350 images of the albums, colored vinyl, and inserts the underground tale of how Trade Mark of Quality came into being This book is essential for record collectors and dealers. In that hot summer of ’69 two longhaired music freaks created an underground LP record album of unreleased tracks by one of their music gods and put it out on the streets of Los Angeles. No one had ever been crazy enough to do such an audacious thing before. The god’s official record label was not amused but the music fans were thrilled. Were these guys pirates or heroes? It was so much fun the first time, they soon pressed up even more records of forbidden musical fruit. They were on a roll. The following year, in 1970, one of the culprits put The Pig image in a circular logo with the name “Trade Mark of Quality.” TMQ and Pigman were born! With a cast of outrageous characters, here is the story of Trade Mark of Quality aka TMQ aka The Pig, the first bootleg record label of its kind, spawning many later imitators. From the end of the '60s to the mid '70s, TMQ and Pigman led the way, trotting down a muddy trail, feeding the habits and needs of music addicts around the world. Who were these fellow travelers? Carl? The Greek? Merlin? Hans? Rob Snout? Casper? Sheldon? The Blue Hasslebeast? Ol’ Fred? (Not to mention, The Brooklyn Boys, The Record Suits and The Feds!) What was the connection between TMQ and the Viet Nam war, revolutionaries, guns, pot and the moon landing? It’s all here! Included in A Pig’s Tale is not only the Trade Mark of Quality and Pigman saga, but reproductions of all the rubber stamped and illustrated album jackets from every genuine TMQ record release, including the earliest releases from ’69 right up to the last titles in 1976. Everything you ever wanted to know about the real TMQ label is here: A complete discography of artists and track listings, sources of recordings, catalog numbers, master tape and record matrix info, colored vinyl pressings, record labels, graphics, photos, vintage news clippings, articles and more, all collected together, at last, in one volume. A Pig’s Tale by Ralph Sutherland and Harold Sherrick, with their unique point of view, guides the reader through the never before told history of Trade Mark of Quality. It’s all here for the music lover and fan, the hardcore record collector, and the just plain curious. WARNING! THESE EVENTS COULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED IN ANOTHER TIME AND PLACE! (Pigman says, “Be cool, put some sounds on the turntable and groove on with ‘A Pig’s Tale’!”)

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Robert Harwood

I Went Down To St. James Infirmary $17.95 $19.95

“I Went Down to St. James Infirmary” is the quintessential jazz-blues song of the early twentieth century. Many major performing and recording artists have covered it, from Louis Armstrong and Jimmie Rodgers to Van Morrison and the White Stripes. Infused with ego-driven angst and once considered obscene because of the song's stark depiction of death and the portrayal of a seedy underworld inhabited by gamblers, pimps, loose women, and every sort of rounder, it has been adapted, rewritten, borrowed, stolen, attacked, revered, and cherished. In its heyday of the 1920s and ‘30s, when recordings and sheet music of St. James Infirmary were first packaged and marketed, the public could not get enough of it. Nearly a hundred years later, its allure remains. Author Robert W. Harwood follows the song as it travels from its folk origins into the recording studios, performance stages, and law courts of America's jazz era. Along the way he picks up a retinue of fascinating characters whose stories are as fascinating as the song itself. Infused with humor and supported by meticulous research, this groundbreaking book explores the turbulent and mysterious history of one of the most important and influential songs of the twentieth century.

Michael Cooper

Brian Jones: Butterfly in the Park $50.00

Brian Jones: Butterfly in the Park is available EXCLUSIVELY from our site. In the 1960s, Michael Cooper was a successful photographer working in the London music scene. His photographs were the foundation of album covers from the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band to the Rolling Stones’ Their Satanic Majesties Request. He was a fashion photographer for Vogue London, and collaborated on an early film adaptation of A Clockwork Orange featuring the Rolling Stones. He was as much a part of the culture of 1960s London as he was its chronicler. Michael photographed many of the icons of the counterculture movement of that unique period. But it was his close friendship with the Rolling Stones that formed the foundation for his extraordinary career. Brian Jones was the multi-instrumentalist band leader who arranged and designed the Rolling Stones’ musical direction, crafting a music fusion which has defined their sound and attitude ever since. He was the musical genius who created a cultural and musical phenomenon. Brian Jones: Butterfly in the Park collects over 120 images chronicling Brian Jones’ career, his life, and in many ways his relationship with Michael Cooper, who was ever at Brian’s side with his camera, ready to record Brian’s magical presence. Adam Cooper and his wife Silvia have opened the Michael Cooper Collection archives to bring us an insider’s view of Brian Jones and the Rolling Stones in the recording studio, live on stage, at play with their friends in Ireland and Morocco, on the cover photo shoot for Their Satanic Majesties Request, and so much more. With an introduction by Paul Trynka, and new contributions from Donovan, Linda Lawrence Leitch, Andee Nathanson, Prince Stash Klossowski de Rola, Brian’s son Julian, and his grandson Joolz Jones, Brian Jones: Butterfly in the Park offers a unique insight into one of the most enigmatic and influential musical figures of the 1960s, as some of Brian’s friends recount their own personal experiences in nearly 9,000 words. Brian Jones: Butterfly in the Park comes in softcover, full color, 8.5x11, 154 pages. ISBN: 978-1-947521-31-5 Media one sheet. Download here.

Jim Dawson and Steve Propes

What Was the First Rock N Roll Record? $17.95

“The blues had a baby and they called it rock ‘n’ roll,” said the great Muddy Waters. But what was the firstborn? What was the first rock ‘n’ roll record? Using this question as their starting point, writer Jim Dawson and DJ Steve Propes nominate 50 recordings for that honor. Beginning with a 1944 Jazz at the Philharmonic recording, “Blues,” and ending with Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel,” What Was the First Rock ‘n’ Roll Record? Profiles some of the most important and influential recordings in rock’s history. For each nominee, Dawson and Propes provide chart positions, labels, recording information, and an explanation as to why it might qualify as the first. Lesser known milestones like “Open the Door, Richard” and “Rocket 88” appear here alongside acknowledged classics like “Shake, Rattle, and Roll” and “Rock Around the Clock,” and many forgotten artists are restored to their rightful place in rock’s pantheon. The result is a provocative and entertaining guide to the earliest days of rock ‘n’ roll. This 30th anniversary updated and revised edition brings to light new and surprising details about the songs, albums, and artists that are vying for the honor of being the first rock ‘n’ roll record.

Steve Propes

Those Old School Records $18.50

Ever wonder about who the backing musicians were on Jackie Brenston’s 1951 classic, “Rocket 88”? Or how Joe Turner’s “Honey Hush” got its title? Or what legendary blues songwriter and bass player Willie Dixon had to say about Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley joining Chess Records’ lineup? And what about the story behind how “My Boyfriend’s Back” was written? Maybe you didn’t know the origins of Marlow Stewart and His 4 Guitars “Riptide”. Those Old School Records takes you through the history of rhythm and blues, rock ‘n’ roll, soul and more from 1946 to 1987 through the lens of top-charting 45 RPM singles. With over 1,000 songs, labels, release dates, suggested pairings, remakes, answers, and other detailed information, Those Old School Records leaves no musical stone unturned. At over 400 pages, Those Old School Records will answer many of your questions about the origins and history of these chart-topping songs.

Jim Berkenstadt

Mysteries in the Music $17.95

"Mysteries in Music: Case Closed" is a book that uncovers the hidden, strange, and fascinating stories in the history of rock and roll. Jim Berkenstadt, known as The Rock And Roll Detective®, has spent years digging into these mysteries. You'll travel back to the 1950s to find out who really discovered Elvis Presley. In the 1960s, a famous folk musician tried to create a supergroup with members from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones—what happened? Learn how some big-name artists used fake names to hide who they were. Explore a mysterious CIA situation in Jamaica in 1976, involving an election and the reggae legend Bob Marley. Did The Beach Boys really steal a song and its copyright from the infamous cult leader Charles Manson, keeping all the money? And dive into the secrets behind Nirvana's "Nevermind" album, which many consider the most influential rock album of the 1990s. These mysteries have fascinated rock and roll fans for a long time because no one has asked the right questions or looked deeply into the evidence—until now. After many years, the untold stories of pop and rock music history are finally uncovered, revealing the truth in "Mysteries in Music: Case Closed." See the review of Mysteries in the Music on CultureSonar.

Dub Taylor

Monk's Music $34.95

Monk’s Music, Thelonious Monk: An Illustrated Discography is the definitive and up-to-date guide to the recordings of one of the most important jazz composers and performers of the 20th century. A feast for the eye with the full color reproductions and a carefully researched and informative text, Monk’s published recordings are documented here in chronological order, from the earliest days of 1941 through his last known recorded performance in 1975.It’s all here for the Monk fan, Jazz lover, collector and anyone interested in music and recordings. Included on these pages is all the info about Thelonious Monk’s audio and video recordings released through the years on 78rpm, LP records, compact disc, video laser disc, DVD and Blu-ray. Album covers and labels are reproduced in full color. Also included is complete information about the studio and live recording dates, musicians, track listings, record labels, producers, recording venues, bibliography and classic quotes from the High Priest of Bop himself.From sideman pianist in the nightclubs of Harlem to world famous and iconic musical genius, this is the story of Thelonious Sphere Monk as told through his many recordings.

Mike Stark

Black Sabbath: An Oral History of the Heavy Metal Band $14.95

Black Sabbath in their own words Just one year after Woodstock and the Summer of Love, a new kind of music made its way onto the airwaves and into the hearts of millions of fans. The sound was dark, brooding, and overpowering, like the music of industrial machinery, with a banshee in the lead who shrieked out lyrics from the darkest parts of our souls. But the melodies had meaning, and the words pointed their finger at the injustices and corruption of the world, in the finest tradition of the music of the 1960s. This sound, this phenomenon became known as “heavy metal.” In Black Sabbath: An Oral History, Mike Stark brings us into the world of Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, and of course, John “Ozzy” Osbourne, four young men from England who changed the world with their music. Through their own words, Stark presents firsthand accounts of the history of the quintessential British heavy metal band, who influenced later bands as diverse as Metallica, Van Halen, Nine Inch Nails, Alice in Chains, and others, right up to today. With a supporting cast of characters that includes Ronnie James Dio, Rob Halford, Eric Singer, Tony Martin, Cozy Powell, and Neil Murray, Black Sabbath: An Oral History also provides a detailed timeline of the band from 1970 to 2017, as well as an annotated album discography.

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Ted Prichard

Head Bangin' Radio $14.95

Every hero has a beginning, and for Ted Prichard, his was on a tiny 10-watt college radio station in Southside, Virginia. Known to his fans as Thrashpie, Thrasher, Rock ‘N’ Roll Ted, Uncle Lee, or the Dream Merchant, Ted’s career led him from overnight weekend air shifts broadcasting to the “night people” of the deep South to standing on stage at the Los Angeles Coliseum in front of 80,000 screaming metalheads as one of the most beloved radio personalities in the 1980s and ‘90s. Head Bangin’ Radio is an exciting memoir of the era of FM rock radio at Los Angeles’s flagship heavy metal station, KNAC-FM, through the days of Pirate Radio and beyond. For fans of heavy metal, those nostalgic for the great days of rock radio, or anyone who wants a good laugh at the absurdity of show business (and Thrasher himself!), Head Bangin’ Radio delivers. If you ever wondered what it was like to be on the radio, or just what the heck those people were really doing “in there” as you listened, Ted lets it all hang out, blemishes and all, with humor and love for a medium that is all but gone today.

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Sarah Sharaf-Eldien

Mālama Maui $55.00

100% of the profit from each sale is donated to the Maui United Way Fire Disaster Relief Fund. MĀLAMA: The value of stewardship. To take care of. To serve and to honor, to protect and care for. “If you do follow your bliss, you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while waiting for you, and the life you ought to be living is the one you are living. When you can see that, you begin to meet people who are in the field of your bliss, and they open the doors to you.” —Joseph Campbell Sarah Sharaf-Eldien arrived in Maui in 2015 searching for purpose in her life and career as a photographer. A chance encounter with the manager at Mick Fleetwood’s restaurant, Fleetwood’s on Front Street, landed her the kind of job most photographers dream of. For seven months she worked alongside Mick Fleetwood, legendary drummer of the band Fleetwood Mac, documenting the day-to-day life at his restaurant and the intimate, electrifying concerts he held there. From live performances by Hawaiian musical legend Uncle Willie K and the most talented local musicians on the island to internationally renowned rockstars like Steven Tyler and Sammy Hagar, Fleetwood’s was a vibrant musical oasis like no other anywhere in the world. Mālama Maui is a story of self-discovery, synchronicity, and Hawaiian spiritual values, vividly illustrated with photographs that reflect her unique experience. Along the way, she learned from iconic music photographer Henry Diltz, who deeply influenced her artistic vision. With a collection of over 100 captivating photos celebrating the island and the musicians who played there, Mālama Maui serves as a visual and cultural tribute to the island and Lahaina Town, preserving it for future generations to come.

Ralph Sutherland and Harold Sherrick

Great White Wonder Discography Poster $25.00

This beautiful, full color poster includes all 16 albums in the Great White Wonder discography from Trade Mark of Quality. The poster is 18x24 inches, and is available for shipping most places in the world.

Mark Arnold and Charles F. Rosenay!!!

Not Just Happy Together: The Turtles from A-Z (AM Radio to Zappa) $30.00

It’s time to get “Happy Together” again! Discover the songs and the history of one of the most successful pop rock bands ever, The Turtles, who had many, many Top 40 hits including “It Ain’t Me Babe,” “Let Me Be,” “You Baby,” “She’d Rather Be with Me,” “You Know What I Mean,” “She’s My Girl,” “Elenore,” “You Showed Me” and of course, the iconic “Happy Together!” All of their Golden Hits!Authors Mark Arnold (Long Title: Looking for the Good Times; Examining The Monkees Songs, One by One and Headquartered: A Timeline of The Monkees Solo Years) and Charles F. Rosenay!!! (The Book of Top 10 Beatles Lists and The Book of Top 10 Horror Lists) have joined forces to cover the entire careers of The Turtles from their early days as The Crossfires, through their hit-filled years, into their break-up that led to most of The Turtles’ members joining forces with Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention, to Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan’s years as solo artists under the guise of Flo & Eddie, and even their forays into children’s records. Arnold and Rosenay!!! have reviewed every song and album, and interviewed many of The Turtles’ friends and associates along with most of The Turtles themselves, who have given startling new revelations that will surprise even the most hardcore fan.Open the doors to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and to your library to add this book. This definitive Turtles compendium is as unique as The Turtles themselves.

Harold Sherrick

Stolen Moments: The Photography of Harold Sherrick $40.00

"If you see something about to happen, get it. Put the camera up and click. Two seconds later you won't have the chance again. You have to look for those stolen moments." Harold Sherrick is a career photographer, capturing musicians and concerts for almost 40 years. He has photographed everyone from Neil Young to Robert Smith, Dave Grohl to Joe Walsh, Tom Petty to Tori Amos. In Stolen Moments, Sherrick has included some of his most iconic photos, including rare images from his extensive body of work.

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} </style> </head> <body> <p class="alignment-block-content-center"><img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0301/3604/1571/files/240919NobleSoundsCoverFrontFinal.jpg?v=1727194542" alt="" /></p> <div id="part-1-chapter-1" class="element element-bodymatter element-container-single element-type-chapter element-with-heading" role="doc-chapter" epub:type="chapter"> <div class="heading heading-container-single heading-size-full heading-format-full heading-alignment-flexible heading-without-image"> <div class="heading-contents"> <div class="title-subtitle-block title-block-with-element-number"> <div class="element-number-block"> <div class="element-number case-upper"><span class="element-number-term">CHAPTER</span> <span class="element-number-number">1</span></div> </div> <div class="title-block"> <h1 class="element-title case-upper">JOHN COLTRANE</h1> </div> <h2 class="element-subtitle case-upper">“MY FAVORITE THINGS”</h2> </div> </div> </div> <div class="text" id="part-1-chapter-1-text"> <div class="alignment-block alignment-block-align-center"> <div class="text-block"> <p class="alignment-block-content alignment-block-content-center"><a class="content-external-link text-is-url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWG2dsXV5HI"><b>https://<wbr/>www.<wbr/>youtube.<wbr/>com/<wbr/>watch?<wbr/>v=<wbr/>qWG2dsXV5HI</b></a></p> </div> </div> <p class="first first-in-chapter first-full-width first-with-first-letter-j"><span class="first-letter first-letter-j first-letter-without-punctuation">J</span>ohn Coltrane cured my headache. I listened to “My Favorite Things,” and before the cut had finished, my headache was gone. Don't be surprised. People have made all sorts of miraculous claims for Coltrane's music; some even claim to have seen God while listening to Trane. This would have made Coltrane very happy, for that's exactly what he was after— nothing less than the vision of God.</p> <p class="subsq">Coltrane, nicknamed Trane, didn't start his musical career looking for God. He just wanted to play music. The Vision appeared later. First came the years of struggle. Trane, by jazz standards, was a slow developer. Many who believe he was one of the greatest jazz musicians (if not <i>the</i> greatest) forget how many years it took him to master his art. He was almost 30 years old before most people heard of him, when he joined the Miles Davis Quintet in 1955.</p> <p class="subsq">A musician who decides on a life in jazz is like the monk who dedicates his life to unending prayer and takes a vow of poverty. You hear about gold records ($1 million in sales), platinum (one million units), and even multi-platinum. A jazz album is a big hit if it moves 10,000 units. And jazz gigs are so few that most musicians have day jobs—sometimes as music teachers but often any sort of work they can get. If they strike it lucky, they might be offered a fairly steady job in a club but often they take whatever there is.</p> <p class="subsq">A fellow sax player walking into a club in Philadelphia was horrified to see the very studious, shy, almost introverted John Coltrane “walking the bar.” This occurs when a musician, usually a tenor saxophonist, is supposedly gripped with such passion that he loses control of himself, jumps up on the bar and begins to honk and wail on his horn, head bobbing, eyes closed, shuffling from one end to the other, while the drunken patrons yell encouragement. No doubt, Trane needed the bread. Critics write about musicians as artists, which is fair enough. They forget these musicians are also out to make a living. Almost every jazz musician has had his time “walking the bar,” or its equivalent. Musicians say: “You got to pay your dues if you want to play the blues.”</p> <p class="subsq">John Coltrane spent more time than most paying dues. He spent six or more hours a day practicing. If a musician friend came by his home to visit, Trane would invite him down to the basement to practice for a few hours. He would even practice in his dressing room between sets at a club. When you hear Coltrane and maybe think he plays like a man possessed, you're right. He was on a quest: first for Excellence, then for Beauty, then finally for The Love Supreme.</p> <p class="subsq">If you want to hear Coltrane's Excellence check out the album <i>Giant Steps</i> or a number like “Chasin’ the Trane.” If you want to hear Coltrane's Beauty, I highly recommend “In a Sentimental Mood” off his album with Duke Ellington or “My One and Only Love” with singer Johnny Hartman. For his Vision, go directly to the album<i> A Love Supreme,</i> which I love supremely. I've taken the easy way out and selected his most famous song, “My Favorite Things.” I believe it illustrates Coltrane's excellence, beauty, and vision.</p> <p class="subsq">Jazz has always taken music composed in another style and done something different with it—“jazzed” it up. “My Favorite Things” comes from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical <i>The Sound of Music</i>. It's a fine little tune and fits nicely within the context of the overall show, but does it really qualify as the all-time greatest Richard Rodgers composition? Coltrane turned it into a classic. He did this on three levels: sound, rhythm, and interpretation.</p> <p class="subsq">The sound on “My Favorite Things” is—for want of a better word—haunting. It stays in your head long after the track has finished. This haunting quality comes from Coltrane's choice of performing the number on a then-recently acquired soprano saxophone. In 1960 when Coltrane's version of “My Favorite Things” came out, the soprano was seldom heard. Only a few musicians played it. The most notable was New Orleans jazz great Sidney Bechet, a contemporary of Louis Armstrong’s. After Coltrane, many sax players began using the soprano as a second horn. The soprano produces an “oriental” sound absolutely right for the trance-like meditative mood Trane wishes to convey.</p> <p class="subsq">However, even before you hear Coltrane's soprano, the rhythm sets you up. McCoy Tyner (piano) and Steve Davis (bass) introduce the number in waltz time. But this is not your ordinary waltz. I had trouble convincing a friend of mine who plays classical music that “My Favorite Things” is really done in 3/4 time. Maybe she was expecting something by Strauss for students at the Arthur Murray Dance Academy. This is no Bavarian oom PAH PAH or Viennese DUM dah dah waltz. Davis on bass acts as the rhythmic anchor. He starts off accenting the first beat but not exactly on the beat. Sometimes he's ahead, sometimes he's behind. After the first few minutes, he moves the accent all over the place. Elvin Jones would probably rather poke a drumstick in his eye than go oom PAH PAH. No sir, Elvin does what he does best—cross-rhythms. He plays clear and for Elvin, known as a power drummer, rather subdued, relying on his cymbal and snare drum with some subtle bass drum accents here and there. Meanwhile Tyner lays out easy-going block chords (chords played simultaneously with both hands). The combination of Davis-Jones-Tyner creates a hypnotic meditative mood. Simultaneously they provide a fluid rhythmic reservoir for Coltrane to float in, pleasant musical waves on a calm, clear lake.</p> <p class="subsq">And in floats Coltrane. He plays the first 16 bars pretty much the way Richard Rodgers wrote them. Well not exactly because Coltrane plays jazz so the notes don't fall exactly on the beat and since no one is playing on the beat; anyhow, it all blends together. Anyway, you know right off what you're listening to—“My Favorite Things.” And you also know right off this is no ordinary version of “My Favorite Things”; something special is happening. Coltrane is one of the most lyrical ballad musicians in all of jazz. He played only ballads he loved and had the ability to convey that love to the listener.</p> <p class="subsq">Tyner-Davis-Jones does eight bars of what is now becoming hypnotic rhythm and back comes Coltrane for a repeat of the first half of this 32-bar song. In fact, you won't hear the second 16 bars of the Rodgers melody until the ending of Coltrane's version. After this second statement of the theme, Trane flashes some of his fantastic technique at you for 24 bars. Then two more repeats of the theme where he begins to unwind with a few flurries of notes at the end, after which comes another 16 bars of technique.</p> <p class="subsq">All this, at its most elementary level, is building and releasing tension. You hear the intro in a minor scale with beats falling every which place and the tension starts rising. What is this all about, you wonder. Coltrane plays the melody in a major scale and you begin to relax. Then the minor scale and cross-rhythms—tension. Statement of the melody— release. Then Trane does some serious BLOWING—tension. Restatement of the melody— release. And so it goes.</p> <p class="subsq">Coltrane turns it over to McCoy Tyner's piano. Tyner’s job is to put you in a euphoric trance. At one point Tyner plays the same right-hand note for 16 bars while his left hand keeps the chords going. Then 16 bars of moving off that note and returning: up and back, down and back, up and back, up and back, down and back. Tyner builds and builds with his blocks. Builds and builds; four and a half minutes building and building. You're in no state to ask what he's building to. You know he's building to something.</p> <p class="subsq">Coltrane returns with a fairly straight run-through of the 16-bar melody. And then he lets loose with six minutes of the most beautiful sounds you can possibly imagine. Trane soars, glides, dips, climbs, circles. Flurries of notes, “sheets of sound” (writer Ira Gitler’s term): These come flying at you. Trane does some flat-out amazing interval jumps at triple speed. He plays so wildly, and so wonderfully, it is beyond my limited ability to describe these six minutes in words. I can call it a musical ecstasy. Only once during his solo does Trane restate the theme to remind you that this ecstasy is about “favorite things.”</p> <p class="subsq">What favorite things? <i>His</i> favorite things. <i>Your</i> favorite things. The things you love. The things that have the most meaning in your life. Somehow Trane knows. And you know that he knows. How can he know? Elvin Jones, many years later, said Coltrane was “... like an angel on Earth. This is not just an ordinary person. I've been touched by something greater than... than life.” It seems to me Trane knows that although our favorite things are different, we all have our favorite things. And this unites us to him and to each other. And realization of this unity of us all is Trane's ecstasy.</p> <p class="subsq">Finally he plays the entire 32-bar melody and ends it… slowly, beautifully. We come out of our trance and float lightly down to earth. What an experience—all 13 minutes of it. Now you know why “My Favorite Things” is one of my favorite things and how John Coltrane cured my headache.</p> </div> </div> </body> </html>

Joel Strauss

Noble Sounds $18.95

Noble Sounds offers a friendly journey into the world of jazz and blues. Author Joel Strauss shares his love for these uniquely American musical styles, guiding readers through their rich history and cultural impact. The book introduces key artists and important recordings, helping newcomers understand what makes this music special. Strauss writes in a clear, conversational style that's easy to follow. He explains musical concepts without getting too technical, making the book accessible to those without formal music training. Personal stories and experiences add color to the narrative, bringing the music to life. From Louis Armstrong to B.B. King, readers will meet the legends who shaped jazz and blues. The book explores how these styles evolved over time and influenced other forms of music. Strauss also offers listening recommendations, allowing readers to experience the sounds firsthand. Noble Sounds is more than just a history lesson. It's an invitation to discover soul-stirring music that has moved people for generations. Whether someone is curious about jazz and blues or wants to deepen their appreciation, this book provides a welcoming starting point for exploring these enduring musical traditions.

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Brian Blauser

See the Music $50.00 $65.00

Dive into the electrifying world of live music through See the Music, the latest photo book by renowned concert and backstage photographer, Brian Blauser. This stunning collection of photographs offers an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes, capturing the raw, unfiltered moments that define unforgettable performances. From the high-energy chaos of the stage to the intimate, candid shots backstage, Blauser’s lens reveals the passion and artistry that pulse through every concert. Not only does Blauser share his extraordinary photos, but he also invites you into the stories behind the shots. Through personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes tales, he shares the unforgettable experiences and vibrant personalities that bring each performance to life. Whether you're a music enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply curious about the inner workings of live performances, See the Music is a captivating journey into the heart of the music scene. Each page pulsates with the energy found only in live shows and the emotions of intimate moments, making this book a must-have for anyone who treasures the magic of music. Feel the beat, see the artistry, and own the experience with Brian Blauser’s remarkable vision.

Ted Clark

Reverberations: 21 Classic 1950s Rock 'N' Roll Songs That Still Reverberate $22.95

Reverberations: 21 Classic 1950s Rock 'N' Roll Songs That Still Reverberate is a journey through the golden age of rock and roll. This book dives into the stories behind twenty-one iconic songs from the 1950s that have left a lasting impact on music and culture. From the rebellious energy of "Hound Dog" to the infectious rhythm of "Rock Around the Clock," these tracks defined a generation and continue to inspire artists today. You'll discover how "Tutti Frutti" brought Little Richard's flamboyant style to the forefront and how "Johnny B. Goode" became a rock and roll anthem thanks to Chuck Berry's groundbreaking guitar work. The Beatles, in their early days, played almost all these songs, showcasing their timeless appeal and influence. Ted Clark's meticulous research and insight offers a fresh perspective on these classics, revealing their origins, the numerous subsequent artists who covered these songs and/or included them on their concert set lists, the movie soundtracks they have appeared on, and why they still resonate with listeners around the world. The book explores in detail the tremendous impact that songs like “Rock Around the Clock,” “Be-Bop-A-Lula,” “That’ll Be the Day,” and “Summertime Blues” had in the UK. And Clark explains why the artists who sang these songs—Bill Haley, Gene Vincent, Buddy Holly and The Crickets, and Eddie Cochran respectively—are more revered across the pond than they are in the U.S. Whether you're a lifelong fan of 1950s rock and roll or new to the genre, this book provides a rich and engaging look at the music that started it all. With each chapter, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the songs that shaped the course of popular music and continue to reverberate through the decades.

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