Rhythm Without Blues

If you’ve ever felt the blues, sang the blues, or simply love rhythm and blues, Dr. Syleecia Thompson’s tell-all book will make you appreciate this nearly 70-year-old music genre even more. This insider’s narration reveals the dark side of the industry and what an artist has to go through in order to bring his or her talent to the masses. Included are over 20 unedited interviews (several anonymous) from artists, producers, lawyers, managers, and industry insiders. You’ll hear from such greats as R. Kelly and Syleena Johnson, Toxic, industry giants Micky “MeMpHitz” Wright, Brownstone’s Nicci Gilbert, Tank and others. Thompson’s book serves as a teaching tool for aspiring R&B artists, novice label executives, music lovers, and is a resource for those already in the industry. Fall in love with R&B all over again and rediscover what its roots and message are really about. Feel the heart and soul of a music genre steeped in tradition, rich history, Southern sound, gospel, and urban influences.

From Nelson George, supervising producer and writer of the hit Netflix series, "The Get Down," this passionate and provocative book tells the complete story of black music in the last fifty years, and in doing so outlines the perilous position of black culture within white American society. In a fast-paced narrative, Nelson George’s book chronicles the rise and fall of “race music” and its transformation into the R&B that eventually dominated the airwaves only to find itself diluted and submerged as crossover music.

Book details the rhythm and blues artists' trials of what it really takes to succeed in the music business.

Atlantic Records partner and producer, Wexler presided over the evolution of the modern music business and made prodigious contributions through to our cultural history. Wexler has worked with the entire range of American genius: Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, and others. 75 photographs.

In standard notation and staff tablature.

(Guitar Method). A thorough presentation of rhythms commonly found in contemporary music, including 68 harmonized melodies and 42 rhythm exercises. This highly respected and popular book is also an excellent source for duets, sight-reading and chord studies.

(Stylistic Method). Learn blues comping patterns from the master! Robben Ford reveals the chords and driving rhythm patterns he uses to create great blues backups: Funky, shuffle, and slow blues rhythms; Two- and three-note moveable shapes; 'Sliding sixths' patterns; Intro/ending licks; Seven different 7th chord voicings; and more. 60-minute audio accompaniment.

A groundbreaking and visionary call to action on educating and supporting girls of color, from the highly acclaimed author of Pushout, with a foreword by award-winning educational abolitionist Bettina Love Wise Black women have known for centuries that the blues have been a platform for truth-telling, an underground musical railroad to survival, and an essential form of resistance, healing, and learning. In this “powerful call to action” (Rethinking Schools), leading advocate Monique W. Morris invokes the spirit of the blues to articulate a radically healing and empowering pedagogy for Black and Brown girls. Morris describes with candor and love what it looks like to meet the complex needs of girls on the margins. Sing a Rhythm, Dance a Blues is a “vital, generous, and sensitively reasoned argument for how we might transform American schools to better educate Black and Brown girls” (San Francisco Chronicle). Morris brings together research and real life in this chorus of interviews, case studies, and the testimonies of remarkable people who work successfully with girls of color. The result is this radiant guide to moving away from punishment, trauma, and discrimination toward safety, justice, and genuine community in our schools.