Bob Dylan: 1975-1981: Rolling Thunder & The Gospel Years Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm one so I did...

This thing is four hours long and some of it is pretty hard to take.

We see Dylan impersonator Joel Gilbert traipsing about the country apparently also attempting to impersonate a journalist. Unfortunately, it doesn't work.

The use of primitive and amateurish graphic effects during the interviews is unbelievably annoying. A yellow rubber ducky swims across the screen quacking to illuminate Reuben Carter's comment that he took to boxing "like a duck takes to water". When he mentions that boxing was a profession for which he was paid, hundred dollar bills flash before our eyes. As Gilbert asks Carter the deep question "what percentage of boxing is psychology?" the image of Sigmund Freud appears and disappears.

Enough already! And at this point we are only a few minutes into this four hour marathon.

Those true diehards who are able to keep on keeping on are eventually rewarded with some interesting perspectives. Claudia Levy describes theatrical aspects and the staging of the Rolling Thunder concerts. Scarlet Rivera shares in her own words the oft repeated story of Dylan discovering her as she was walking down a Manhattan street with nothing to distinguish her but her violin case and her exotic appearance. Rob Stoner talks about his role maintaining order in the recording studio and on tour...

But it is the interviews from the period of Dylan's conversion to Christianity and its aftermath that are most interesting. Vineyard Christian Fellowship pastor Bill Dwyer describes Dylan as a student in his Bible study class. San Francisco Chronicle writer Joel Selvin characterizes the betrayal felt by many fans blindsided by the Christian content of the 1979 tour. Legendary producer Jerry Wexler speaks to the musical excellence of Slow Train Coming. And back up singer Regina McCrary resonates as she gives glory to the presence of the Holy Spirit in the middle of it all.

Too bad that at the end we must put up with the blather of self proclaimed Dylanologist AJ Weberman. The inclusion of the opinions of Weberman, who made it his business to sift through Dylan's garbage in the Village in the early 70's, adds nothing of value and certainly underscores that this is, in fact, a "totally unauthorized documentary".

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Product Description:
Director & Producer Joel Gilbert weaves the story of this monumental period of Dylan's life and music through revealing insider portraits, exclusive photos, live concert video clips and TV footage from 1975-1981, and with visits to the Vineyard Church, th

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The Big Book of Children's Songs (Big Note Songbook) Review

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(More customer reviews)Strogly recommended for the beginning guitarist, elementary school teacher, camp counselor who want to include music in a group setting.Forthe aspiring guitarist, the text includesdiagrams of the nine strum orpick patterns that can be used with the songs.Each title in the book hasa suggested pick/strum pattern.Other easy guitar books sometimes includethis feature.I found these patterns to be very helpful as a self-techingmethod. The songs are well known popular children's songs that arefamiliar to everyone and can be used in any recreational/ educationalseting with children.I liked the book in so far as it helpled me practiceguitar skills that I am acquiring (the chords are basic to easy guitar) andprovided me material to use in my work setting.

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Product Description:
61 songs that children know and love! The P/V/G edition features a categorical listing of songs and ideas for musical and educational activities. Includes: The Alphabet Song * Happy Birthday to You * I Whistle a Happy Tune * It's a Small World * London Bridge * Mickey Mouse March * Old MacDonald Had a Farm * Peter Cottontail * The Rainbow Connection * Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious * This Land Is Your Land * and more!--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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The Great Big Book Of Children's Songs (Big Note Songbook) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a good selection of songs. Some of the songs are traditional, but many are more recent songs from musicals, TV and movies. I remember a lot of these songs from watching Sesame Street growing up. The accompaniment varies in difficulty. The book is hard to keep open on a music stand.

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Product Description:
76 classics for kids, including: ABC-DEF-GHI * Beauty and the Beast * Bein' Green * The Brady Bunch * "C" Is for Cookie * The Candy Man * Casper the Friendly Ghost * Everything Is Beautiful * I'm Popeye the Sailor Man * Kum Ba Yah * Let's Go Fly a Kite * The Marvelous Toy * Puff the Magic Dragon * Rubber Duckie * A Spoonful of Sugar * Take Me Out to the Ballgame * Under the Sea * Won't You Be My Neighbor? * and more.

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Alternative Strings - The New Curriculum Book/CD (Softcover) (Amadeus) Review

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(More customer reviews)Written by expert music teacher Julie Lyonn Lieberman, whose programs have aired on National Public Radio, Alternative Strings: The New Curriculum is a resource book especially for stringed instrument music teachers that emphasizes learning to play popular contemporary music as well as the great classics. Chapters address the nuances of fiddle, blues, jazz, pop, and world styles for strings, and an accompanying audio CD demonstrates the work of a wide variety of string players and clinicians. An excellent supplement to the music instruction or even self-instruction of any string player.

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Product Description:
Let's keep our string programs vital, contemporary, and thriving! Alternative Strings: The New Curriculum is the first resource book in the world to offer a comprehensive guide to string educators wishing to step into twenty-first-century inclusive string pedagogy. The "Dear Abby" for string players, Julie Lyonn Lieberman offers detailed descriptions of over two dozen fiddle, blues, jazz, pop, and world styles; bountiful support materials; a massive discography; musical examples; photographs; and audio from master players and clinicians, far exceeding the scope of other books in the field.
About the Audio CDSome of todayÂ's top alternative string players and clinicians demonstrate rock, jazz, and fiddle styles, present innovative ideas for teaching new generations of string players, and more:
1. Howard Armstrong: My first fiddle2. Geoffrey Fitzhugh Perry: Zydeco Rock3. Daryl Silberman: Through Contemporary to Classical and Back4. Ed Caner: Rock Basics5. Anthony Barnett: Stuff Smith plays "Body and Soul"6. Mark Wood: Evolution, Rock, and Musicianship7. Jesus Florido: Latin and Beyond8. Randy Sabien: Jazz Strings: A Life Inspiration9. Leanne Darling: Arabic Strings10. Bob Phillips: Fiddling in the Schools11. Julianna Waller: Developing Diversity12. Martin Norgaard: Jazz String Pedagogy13. Richard Greene: Moving Forward14. Martha Mooke: Breaking the Sound Barrier15. Claude Williams: Reminiscences 16. Julie Lyonn Lieberman: "Fiddle, Sing," excerpt from Mixing America

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Songwriting: A Complete Guide to the Craft Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a very engaging book, and is very enjoyable to read, though it definitely shows its age--the examples only run up through the early to mid 80s. If you are looking for all the latest information about currentstyles, this isn't your book.
Having said that, this is an extremelyinteresting book that has its roots primarily in classic Broadway musicals,and the kind of timeless songwriting that created standards that havelasted for generations (though other genres, from blues to country to rock,are also covered).
There's a lot of discussion of lyrics, rhyme schemes,various themes for songs, and the different structural parts of a song, butnot as much discussion of writing a song line-by-line as Sheila Davis'sexcellent book on lyric writing.
There's also what seems to me to be anextremely thorough section on melodies, chords, harmonies, and common chordprogressions. He discusses ways to fix up a stock melody, and evendiscusses when to use different intervals, and what they accomplish. Ican't compare this with Jai Josefs's book--which I have heard good thingsabout--because that is out of print as of this writing, and I haven't beenable to locate a copy yet.
If you are just looking for a template to useto create songs that sound like what's on the radio, this book isn't yourbest choice. But if you want a broader background which you can then adaptyourself to styles that interest you, this is an excellent book to have.

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Product Description:
Which do you write first, the music or the lyrics? How can you give a song a country sound? How can you make your lyrics "sing?" What is the simplest way to protect a copyright? Song Writing answers these and other questions on the art of musical composition. Musical examples throughout.

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The International Jewish Songbook (Book only) Review

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(More customer reviews)A good buy.Lots of good songs.It might be nice to have the English translations printed under the notes as well to know how they fit when the syllables don't all match.Other than that it's pretty comprehensive.

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Product Description:
An instant Jewish music library, packed with the most popular Jewish songs of the 20th century. Divided into six categories: Songs of Israel, Songs in Yiddish, Sephardic and Ladino, Songs in English, Sabbath and Holidays, and Hassidic and Liturgical.

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Johnny Cash - American V: A Hundred Highways (Piano/Vocal/Guitar Artist Songbook) Review

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(More customer reviews)"American V: A Hundred Highways" has become one of my favorite Cash albums, and so I was very glad to see that Hal-Leonard came out with a corresponding songbook.As an intermediate pianist, I found most songs simple enough to play through with minimal practice.

"On the Evening Train," "Love's Been Good to Me," "Rose of My Heart," and "I'm Free from the Chain Gang Now" have the most piano-friendly arrangements.These four were some of the easiest to learn, but they are not oversimplified.

"Help Me" is one of those songs that I wish were transcribed as accompaniment, without the melody incorporated throughout the treble clef.With use of the chord guides, though, I got around that.

I thought for sure "God's Gonna Cut You Down" without the foot-stomping and handclapping would sound weak on the piano.I'm glad to say I was wrong.Without the percussion and electric guitar, the tone is actually darker.

Cash's songwriting tends to be very simple (which is part of his charm) and "Like the 309" is no exception.It is still a lot of fun to play, though, and there is plenty of room to add your own touches.

The reason for my 4-out-of-5 rating is the same as why I would give the album 4 out of 5: "I Came to Believe" and "Four Strong Winds," which in my opinion are weak songs in comparison to the rest.That being said, though, most Cash fans and fans of classic folk/country music will appreciate the music here.

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Product Description:
This powerful, posthumous release is the coda in the acclaimed American series featuring the legendary Johnny Cash produced by Rick Rubin. Its 12 sadly beautiful tracks include two Cash originals - "Like the 309," the last song he ever wrote, and "I Came to Believe," plus covers such as: Four Strong Winds * God's Gonna Cut You Down * I'm Free from the Chain Gang Now * If You Could Read My Mind * Love's Been Good to Me * and more.

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Banjo Pickers Fake Book Review

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(More customer reviews)This book is 216 pages of banjo tunes arranged for three-finger and clawhammer players. It includes a cross-reference of alternate titles and a 24 page general discography, as well as a discussion of the types of tunesincluded.There is also a short discussion of technical topics such asmodes (very appropriate for traditional music) and how to readtablature.
This book is a lot like a Grainger's collection of fiddletunes for flatpickers.Unlike Grainger's, which only provides enoughtablature to spell out the melody for the A part and the B part, The BanjoPicker's Fakebook takes you through one whole iteration of each tunecomplete with first and second endings. Also like Grainger's, this is notan instruction book.It leaves both the right and left hand fingeringsentirely up to the reader.For example, if you are a strictly a bluegrassplayer, the clawhammer arrangements will not be useful to you.
Although the discography could be used to collect aural examples of thetunes, a CD or a set of tapes would have been a welcome addition.Music isan aural art, and it is impossible to convey the full musical sense intablature or in standard musical notation alone.
If you are looking for alot of tunes, thoughtfully arranged in a single volume, I highly recommendThe Banjo Picker's Fakebook. If the tune can't be found in this book,chances are no one eles knows it either, so you could go ahead and playanything that fit.

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Product Description:
This ultimate sourcebook for the banjo player contains over 230 jigs, reels, rags, hornpipes, and breakdowns from all major traditional instrumental styles. Includes special introductory materials on regional styles, interpretation, and bluegrass techniques. Discography.

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The Ultimate Jewish Piano Book (Tara Books) Review

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(More customer reviews)The product was excellent, the service was excellent and the price was about 50% less than I would have paid elsewhere.

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Product Description:
This huge collection features piano/vocal arrangements of over 100 songs of Israel; songs in Yiddish, Ladino and English; Sabbath songs; Hanukah songs; festival songs; and selections for the Passover Seder. Includes: Adir Hu ¥ Ballad of the Four Sons ¥ Donna, Donna ¥ Erev Ba ¥ Hanukah Candle Blessings ¥ Hava Nagila ¥ I Have a Little Dreydl ¥ Jerusalem of Gold ¥ Nigun ¥ Papirosen ¥ Siman Tov ¥ many more. Also includes a key to transliteration.

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Old Town School of Folk Music Songbook (Music Pro Guides) Review

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(More customer reviews)I am teaching myself acoustic bass and found this book, in combination with the CD's -- available separately -- to be a great learning tool. The book and the CDs aren't strictly designed as a package, but there is probably about 80% overlap between the songs on the CDs and those in this volume. The performances on the CDs are very good, by the way. Anyhow, the combination provides many hours of useful and enjoyable practice, especially if you are almost ready to play along with others.

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Product Description:
This collection features over 100 all-time folk favorites in the spirit of the school it is named for. The Old Town School of Folk Music opened its doors in December 1957 to teach "good folk music," and its students learn such tunes as: Bill Bailey * Buffalo Gals * City of New Orleans * Cripple Creek * Erie Canal * House of the Rising Sun * Just a Closer Walk with Thee * Oh Susanah * Old Time Religion * Shine on Harvest Moon * Wildwood Flower * and more. Also includes a nice introduction, photos of past students, and provides how-tos on reading tablature, tuning a guitar, fingerpicking, and more.

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Golden Encyclopedia Of Folk Music (Piano/Vocal/Guitar Songbook) Review

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(More customer reviews)Great folk song collection.Large print, music and lyrics are very easy to read.Also, the melody lines are relatively simple, good for beginner to intermediate musicians.

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Product Description:
A giant collection of more than 180 classic folk songs including songs of true love, unrequited and false love, the domestic scene, spirituals, ramblers and gamblers, workers, songs of the west, jolly reunions, international songs and singing the blues.

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Patty Griffin Guitar Collection (Guitar Recorded Version) Review

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(More customer reviews)I just recently bought this book and I love it! It is a must have for any Patty Griffin fan, if you play the guitar or not. It's got a great biography of her with some nice pictures and the the chords and the notes for her songs are very accurate. It's a really nice book!

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Product Description:
Note-for-note guitar transcriptions with tab for 16 songs from the rich repertoire of this popular and respected singer-songwriter. Includes: Be Careful * Blue Sky * Change * Chief * Goodbye * Let Him Fly * Long Ride Home * Mad Mission * Makin' Pies * Mary * Moses * One Big Love * Poor Man's House * Rain * Sweet Lorraine * and Tony, plus a biography and photos of Griffin.

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Folk Guitar for Beginners (National Guitar Workshop Arts Series) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have used a few of these books and they are very well written.Using the CD along with it is the best, since you can hear how the music is supposed to hear.Very progressive, and complete.

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Product Description:
For music lovers who always wanted to play folk guitar but have been put off by traditional guitar methods, this book will get you playing right away, without having to pick through heavy theory and music-reading lessons first. Enduring and beautiful folk songs are taught in a clear and easy-to-understand fashion that is perfect for every beginner. You'll learn basic strumming, fingerpicking and a variety of accompaniment styles. Lyrics to the songs are included.

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Dave Matthews Band - Before These Crowded Streets (Guitar Book) Review

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(More customer reviews)Excellent book, if you like dave's music and play guitar you must have it, it's a excellent choice to learn about the style and the way he plays. With tablature for people who don't read standard music notation.

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Product Description:
Matching songbook to the rockin' fivesome's album features all eleven songs, transcribed note-for-note with tablature. Includes the hit single "Don't Drink the Water," plus photos and background on the album and the band.

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Nursery Rhyme Book Piano (Piano Book) Review

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(More customer reviews)Excellent book, to teach children basic rhyming and singing alongs.I'm a music teacher and it's where I start all my students.Great investment.

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Over 100 well-loved songs and rhymes. Easy piano arrangements plus words and chord symbols to 64. Includes Jack And Jill, Humpty Dumpty, Old King Cole, Three Blind Mice, and Little Boy Blue.

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Peter, Paul & Mary: Deluxe Anthology Review

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(More customer reviews)This PPM Deluxe Anthology contains around 80 songs, many of which are also in the PPM Song Book with its 32 song titles.In fact, in the latter there are only about 5-6 additional songs e.g. don't think twice its alright, when the ship comes in, very last day, the times they are a changing, three ravens.
Many lesser known titles can be found here and it must be a joy to play these song for the genuine PPM folknik!

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Product Description:
Includes: All My Trails * Blowin' in the Wind * Brother Can You Sprare A Dime? * Hush-a-Bye * It's Raining * Rolling Home (A Far Cry from Heaven) * Rocky Road * When the Ship Comes In * Leaving on a Jet Plane and more!

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The Fiddler's Fakebook Review

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(More customer reviews)Printed in 1983, the Fakebook remains the undisputed champion of music references for fiddlers, and it's aided a fair number of other non-fiddlers as well.
Inside its broad covers you'll find nearly 500 tunes from the various fiddle traditions. Jigs, reels, hornpipes, rags and breakdowns, each clearly labeled for origins (Irish, bluegrass, French-Canadian, old-time, etc.) and including a short list of recordings where the tune can be heard. Just flip it open randomly for a taste of its contents, and imagine the sound of tunes like "Haste to the Wedding," "Leather Britches," "The Munster Buttermilk," "Drowsy Maggie," "The Wind That Shakes the Barley," "Hanged Man's Reel" and "Great Big Taters in Sandy Land."
Eight pages of textbook materials -- music theory, history and culture, style and genre -- give a wonderfully brief overview of the things you'd like to know without loading the book down with endless information which, frankly, can get in the way of the tunes and make it too bulky for carrying. Better still, the book is held together by a sturdy plastic binding which allows you to plop it down on your music stand with ease. There's nothing so frustrating as a music book with tight bindings which make it impossible to play straight from the page.

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Product Description:
Contains nearly 500 jigs, reels, rags, and hornpipes from all the major fiddling traditions. Special introductory materials on regional styles, bowing, and ornamentation. Includes an extensive discography.

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