Fiddler S Dream

"Gregory Spatz's novel tells the story of Jesse Alison, a prodigiously talented young bluegrass musician, who moves to Nashville from Vermont following his dream of becoming a Bluegrass Boy in Bill Monroe's band. He hopes to find his long-estranged father, himself a musician, who Jesse has heard now lives in Nashville. Juxtaposing flashbacks of Jesse's past and his earliest connections to music, the novel tracks his progress in Nashville, his edgy relationship with Genny Freed, a violin maker with whom he's staying, and concludes with his confrontation with his father."--BOOK JACKET.

Opening with the long-awaited wedding of Mister Walton, Fiddler's Green follows Mister Walton's aide-de-camp, Sundry Moss, as he embarks on a Good Samaritan mission. What seems like a harmless journey soon turns into a nearly fatal scrape as he finds himself in a strange rustic netherworld, caught between two feuding--and fantastical--families who are determined to cover up a dark secret no matter what the cost. Full of romantic yearning, knockabout comedy, and touching drama, fans and newcomers alike will be pleased to keep company with the honorable Gentlemen of the Club. This is a worthy successor to its wonderfully reviewed predecessor, Mrs. Roberto.

From the author’s preface: “This book was conceived four years ago, almost to the day, at a time when I was teaching fiddle and mandolin in New York City. It was my idea then, with my students in mind, to compile a book of the most often played, most important and most interesting fiddle tunes from the various Celtic and North American traditions. The tunes were chosen by cataloging a large number of recordings by tune title. A tally was taken to find out which had been recorded most often. This established a foundation of material that could not be left out. To this list I added the names of other pieces which had not been recorded as frequently, but which I knew were played regularly and with respect. I admit to sprinkling the collection with a few lesser known tunes which happen to be personal favorites, but I am sure they will hold their own when placed next to the old war horses of the fiddler’s repertoire. . . . Although I started out with my students in mind this book has turned out to be the book that I’ve always wanted and I hope that it will serve the advanced player as well as the beginner.”

"Gregory Spatz's novel tells the story of Jesse Alison, a prodigiously talented young bluegrass musician, who moves to Nashville from Vermont following his dream of becoming a Bluegrass Boy in Bill Monroe's band. He hopes to find his long-estranged father, himself a musician, who Jesse has heard now lives in Nashville. Juxtaposing flashbacks of Jesse's past and his earliest connections to music, the novel tracks his progress in Nashville, his edgy relationship with Genny Freed, a violin maker with whom he's staying, and concludes with his confrontation with his father."--BOOK JACKET.

"Includes a companion CD with 30 archival recordings made from 1939 to 2015, produced by Voyager Recordings and Publications."

Neil Gaiman has emerged as one of the most influential literary figures of the 21st century. To borrow a phrase from his viral 2012 University of the Arts commencement speech, Gaiman "makes good art," from his graphic novels to his social media collaborations, award-winning fantasy fiction and beloved children's books. This collection of new essays examines a range of Gaiman's prolific output, with readings of the novels American Gods, Anansi Boys, The Graveyard Book and The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Children's books The Wolves in the Walls and Blueberry Girl and the online short story collection A Calendar of Tales are discussed. Gaiman's return to the serial comic book form with Sandman: Overture is covered, and artist JH Williams III contributes an exclusive interview about his collaboration with Gaiman on Overture. Cartoonist Judd Winick offers a personal essay on his connection to Gaiman's work.

Over the past twenty years, Neil Gaiman has developed into the premier fantasist of his generation, achieving that rarest of combinations—unrivaled critical respect and extraordinary commercial success. From the landmark comic book series The Sandman to novels such as the New York Times bestselling American Gods and Anansi Boys, from children's literature like Coraline to screenplays for such films as Beowulf, Gaiman work has garnered him an enthusiastic and fiercely loyal, global following. To comic book fans, he is Zeus in the pantheon of creative gods, having changed that industry forever. For discerning readers, he bridges the vast gap that traditionally divides lovers of "literary" and "genre" fiction. Gaiman is truly a pop culture phenomenon, an artist with a magic touch whose work has won almost universal acclaim. Now, for the first time ever, Prince of Stories chronicles the history and impact of the complete works of Neil Gaiman in film, fiction, music, comic books, and beyond. Containing hours of exclusive interviews with Gaiman and conversations with his collaborators, as well as wonderful nuggets of his work such as the beginning of an unpublished novel, a rare comic and never-before-seen essay, this is a treasure trove of all things Gaiman. In addition to providing in depth information and commentary on Gaiman's myriad works, the book also includes rare photographs, book covers, artwork, and related trivia and minutiae, making it both an insightful introduction to his work, and a true "must-have" for his ever growing legion of fans.