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Synopsis
This book brings together some of the most significant writings about the blues published between 1911 and 1998. Included are selections by folklorists, anthropologists, sociologists, literary artists, musicians, critics, and aficionados." "From these various perspectives emerges a new understanding of the blues: its origins in African aesthetics; the impact of slavery and Reconstruction on it; its early folk manifestations; and the importance of religion, style, gender, audience, protest, and the record business in its development as an art form. Further context is provided by a comprehensive introduction, section overviews, and an extensive bibliography, discography, and videography of blues materials.
KLIATT
This outstanding scholarly effort assembles nearly 50 writings on the historical and musicological evolution of blues music and lyrics from their African roots to the present day. These essays, originally published between 1911 and 1998, convey the valuable insights of such distinguished writers as Alan Lomax, Langston Hughes, Paul Oliver, Sam Charters, James Baldwin, Leroi Jones, and Angela Davis, among other noted folklorists, musicians, critics, and blues aficionados. The essays are grouped into ten parts: Africa and the Blues; Before and Alongside the Blues; Folklore and the Blues; The Blues and Religion; Style; Performance; Racism and Social Protest; On the Record; Literature, Criticism, and the Blues; and The Blues as Influence. Preceded by insightful introductory material, the writings are followed by an extensive discography, bibliography, videography, and list of useful Internet resources. It should be noted that this is not light reading for the casual music fan. Readers who are not already familiar with and interested in the blues are unlikely to be turned on to the music by the serious, academic tone that characterizes most of the articles in this informative volume. The majority of these writings, however fascinating they may be to students of the blues, could not accurately be described as entertaining; however, for any reader who truly cares about blues music and wants to delve more deeply into its historical, literary, and aesthetic depths, this collection of essays is an invaluable resource. KLIATT Codes: SA—Recommended for senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 1999, University of Massachusetts, 603p, illus, notes, bibliog, discog,index, 26cm, 99-18332, $28.95. Ages 16 to adult. Reviewer: Jeffrey Cooper; Writer/Editor, Long Island, NY, May 2000 (Vol. 34 No. 3)