The Progressive Rock Files

George Copway (Kahgegagahbowh, 1818-69), an Ojibwe writer and lecturer, rose to prominence in American literary, political, and social circles during the mid-nineteenth century. His colorful, kaleidoscopic life took him from the tiny Ojibwe village of his youth to the halls of state legislatures throughout the eastern United States and eventually overseas. Copway converted to Methodism as a teenager and traveled throughout the Midwest as a missionary, becoming a forceful and energetic spokesperson for temperance and the rights and sovereignty of Indians, lecturing to large crowds in the United States and Europe, and founding a newspaper devoted to Native issues. One of the first Native American autobiographies, Life, Letters and Speeches chronicles Copway's unique and often difficult cultural journey, vividly portraying the freedom of his early childhood, the dramatic moment of his spiritual awakening to Methodism, the rewards and frustrations of missionary work, his desperate race home to warn of a pending Sioux attack, and the harrowing rescue of his son from drowning.

Detailed and comprehensive, this guide covers all aspects of progressive rock across decades of music history. Old and new fans will delight in the extensively researched, alphabetical listing of more than 3,200 bands and artists, which includes biographical information, a description, band history, and a discography for each entry, providing quick-and-easy access to a wealth of information on lesser-known bands and forgotten favorites. Further information is provided in helpful listings of fan and band websites, books, and music festivals that bring fans of the genre together, making this the ultimate guide to prog rock.

The psychedelic sixties was all about experimenting... the clothes... the lifestyles... the attitudes... and most certainly the music. The sixties changed the way we heard and saw everything in the world. Music historian Jerry Lucky takes you on a mind-bending journey into the sixties and explores the origins of the psychedelic rock genre with an intriguing look back at all aspects of the counter culture to create a definitive guide to the era with this book. What was it about the psychedelic music of the sixties that was different from what had gone before? And what was it about psychedelic music that changed the music industry for better and as many would suggest for worse. This is a look back at the trippy sixties and explores in detail how psychedelic rock music came into being and the impact it's had on future generations. The book also establishes a workable definition for the psychedelic genre. No easy task given the wide spectrum of influences allowed. This book also looks at the psychedelic influence on the posters, the lightshows and the changing face of music venues. Also included is a comprehensive A to Z listing of over 700 psychedelic bands and artists each with a mini biography and selective discography. This is the second in a series of handy reference volumes designed to aid both the novice and the more accomplished record collector in discovering new and exciting musical finds.

For progressive rock aficionados and lovers of classical rock music, this book highlights the 50 most influential progressive rock bands from around the world. Exploring the artists and their music from its origins to the current, the history and discography are presented in knowledgable detail.

In this book, the glory days of progressive rock are relived in a series of insightful essays about the key bands, songwriters and songs that made prog-rock such an innovative style.

In Experiencing Peter Gabriel, author Durrell Bowman delves into the sounds and stories of the innovative, versatile, English pop icon. As not only a singer-songwriter and musician, but also a music technologist, world-music champion, and humanitarian, Gabriel has consistently maintained an unabashed individualism and dedication to his artistry. From 1969 to 1975, Gabriel served as the lead singer, flute player, occasional percussionist, and frequent songwriter and lyricist of the progressive rock band Genesis. With the band, Gabriel made six studio albums, a live album, and numerous performances and concert tours. The early version of Genesis made some of the most self-consciously complex pop music ever released. However, on the cusp of Genesis becoming a major act internationally, Gabriel did the unthinkable and left the group. Gabriel’s solo career has encompassed nine studio albums, plus five film/media scores, additional songs, videos, major tours, and other projects. As a solo artist and collaborator, he has worked with first-rate musicians and produced unrivaled tracks such as the U.S. No. 1 hit “Sledgehammer.” Gabriel won six Grammy Awards in the 1990s and 2000s, as well as numerous additional awards and honors for his music and his videos, as well as for his humanitarian work. From his early work with Genesis to his substantial contributions as a solo artist, Gabriel’s music ranges from chart-topping pop songs to experimental explorations often filled with disarmingly personal emotions. Experiencing Peter Gabriel investigates the career of this magnetic performer and uncovers how Gabriel developed a sound so full of raw authenticity that it continues to attract new fans from across the world.

In Avant Rock,, music writer Bill Martin explores how avant-garde rock emerged from the social and political upheaval of the sixties. He covers the music from its early stages, revealing its influences outside of rock, from musicians such as John Cage and Cecil Taylor, to those more closely related to rock like James Brown and Parliament/ Funkadelic. Martin follows the development of avant rock through the sixties, when it was accepted into the mainstream, with bands like the later Beatles, The Who, Jimi Hendrix, The Velvet Underground, King Crimson, and Brian Eno. His narration takes us into the present, with an analysis of contemporary artists who continue to innovate and push the boundaries of rock, such as Stereolab, Mouse on Mars, Sonic Youth, and Jim O'Rourke. Martin critiques the work of all important avant rock bands and individual artists, from the well-known to the more obscure, and provides an annotated discography

In this book, the glory days of progressive rock are relived in a series of insightful essays about the key bands, songwriters and songs that made prog-rock such an innovative style.