Musical Journeys

Featuring unique photographs and original drawings from Kartomi's field observations of instruments and performances, Musical Journeys in Sumatra provides a comprehensive musical introduction to this neglected, very large island, with its hundreds of ethno-linguistic-musical groups. Kartomi is a professor of music at Monash University in Australia.

One of the great figures in the evolution of European music and the greatest German violinist of his time, Louis Spohr has been largely forgotten by the music world. This volume concentrates upon the journeys Spohr took as a young virtuoso, composer, and conductor to Russia, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, England, and France between 1800 and 1820, as well as his travels in Germany itself.

Despite what the doomsayers have been predicting for years, classical music is not dead. In fact, the next generation of young musicians is passionate, focused and driven to change the world through their music, and change how the world sees classical music. From the slums of Ukraine to the halls of Manhattan's elite Juilliard School, Driven tells the stories of six incredible young musicians creating a life in music in the modern world. All made their national broadcast debut on the NPR/PBS program From the Top. Praise for Driven:"Nick Romeo is a skilled writer who immediately captures your imagination and interest. Each of the musician profiles provide the reader with access into the world of aspiring classical musicians. And, at the conclusion of each chapter, I found myself wanting to know more about these young musicians. Driven should be required reading for all undergraduate music students."-Toni-Marie Montgomery, Dean; Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University "Driven is an engaging and informative read. For anyone convinced that classical music is dead, this book is refreshing proof to the contrary."-Glenn Dicterow, Concertmaster, New York Philharmonic and Violin Faculty, The Juilliard School "Driven reveals a new artistic sensibility by some of today's leading young artists. These talented performers boldly engage their audiences with all musics, styles, and settings. Economic barriers are removed, new media are employed, and the concert experience is truly shared between artist and listener. Nick Romeo not only chronicles the new face of classical music but also a new heard as well!"-Robert Blocker, The Henry and Lucy Moses Dean of Music, Yale University "Driven is ultimately about the future of inventiveness, ambition, imagination, dedication and responsibility among those considered part of a slacker generation. No one can read these chapters without being uplifted, and anyone who's plagued by rejection and reads about these young people will be inspired to keep trying."-Phil Jackson, Florida Weekly

"Bedtime Tales: Journeys Through Alternate Realms" invites readers on a captivating voyage through fantastical realms and enchanting narratives, perfect for bedtime or anytime storytelling. This collection of tales offers a kaleidoscope of diverse worlds, each brimming with magic, adventure, and mystery. From mythical creatures to heroic quests, and from ancient civilizations to futuristic landscapes, these stories transport readers to alternate realities where imagination knows no bounds. With vivid storytelling and rich imagery, "Bedtime Tales" sparks curiosity, ignites the imagination, and leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next journey into the unknown.

The term 'Canterbury sound' emerged in the late 60s and early 70s to refer to a signature style within psychedelic and progressive rock. Canterbury Sound in Popular Music:Scene, Identity and Myth explores Canterbury as a metaphor and reality, a symbolic space of music inspiration which has produced its distinctive 'sound'.

What I didn’t know [when starting to research and write this book]: I would become full-on, hopelessly obsessed with finding out every arcane detail about the artists gathered in these pages, whether they are living or long gone. Those myriad facts are puzzle pieces that—even though some pieces are missing—form portraits of extraordinary people with a hunger for jazz and other creative artforms, a determination to overcome struggles, and a deep joy for creating profound expression. —Chris Wong, from the Preface and Introduction to Journeys to the Bandstand. Journeys to the Bandstand: Thirty Jazz Lives in Vancouver chronicles the creative lives and musical journeys of thirty extraordinary artists who have helped shape the jazz scene in the west coast Canadian city, and further afield. Each chapter focuses on one remarkable artist, or a small group of impactful musicians, mostly based in Vancouver (Al Neil, Dave Quarin, Brad Turner, Cory Weeds, Jodi Proznick, Natasha D’Agostino, and others). The book also highlights some American musicians (Ornette Coleman, Charles Mingus, Dr. Lonnie Smith, George Coleman, and others) who have made an indelible impression on the city’s jazz community. Weaving a first-person perspective—through the author’s experiences hearing the musicians perform and documenting oral history from in-depth interviews—with extensive written and audio-visual history gathered from articles, letters, recordings, films, and more, Journeys to the Bandstand is a compelling collection of long-form portraits. The unique life stories of each subject include challenges—addictions, anxiety and self-doubt, racism, abuse, and other hard realities—and triumphs when they succeeded in making expressive and memorable music. Each individual path forms a complex and fascinating passage—the journey to the bandstand.

"The essays grew out of conversations the musicians had with the late David Blum, who was himself distinguished both as a conductor and as an author of books and articles on musical subjects"--Jacket.