No comments about Hand Made, Hand Played: The Art & Craft of Contemporary Guitars.

5 comments about Roadshow: Landscape With Drums: A Concert Tour by Motorcycle.

1. Every Neil Peart book is better than the last. Don't get me wrong, I like them all, but he is making incredible strides as a storyteller with each book. His writing is so good now that you really care what he's going to have for breakfast in Denver, or if he'll change his bike's oil in Dallas or Oklahoma City. Simple everday things, for sure. But the prose are so riveting, he makes you want to know.
   
   I admit I'm a huge Rush fan, and I know that influences my enjoyment of his books. But I am also a published author, and I can recognize the work of a talented writer. His musical talents aside, Peart can write, and it seems that he's found a perfect niche in these travel memoirs.
   
   Even if you're not into Rush, give this book (or one of his other books) a chance. His books are hidden gems in the literary world that I fear may not be fully appreciated.



2. I found this book very interesting as I am intrested in my favorite performers lives. The only reason I gave it 4 and not 5 stars is because of the constant Christian bashing. It's obvious Neil is very bitter about Christianity for whatever reason. He never really tells us why. He did mention that after the tradgedies happened in his life that the Bible was no help. He quotes all the church signs he comes across in his journeys through the US. I agree that some of them were over the top but others had a good message. As a Christian myself I am praying for Neil. I pray God will change his heart and turn his face toward Christ.



3. Full disclosure here; I've been a loyal Rush fan since I first heard them back in 1979. With that said, being a fan only adds to the enjoyment of reading the smooth and vividly descriptive writing of Neil Peart.
   
   He did a fantastic job of giving the reader a candid look at the band, their history, backstage antics and the more indecorous side of the music business. He does an equally impressive job of describing the freedom, beauty, aroma, and adventure of touring our beautiful country on a motorcycle. As a "Beemer" rider myself, I share his love for the open road. I can relate to the sights, sounds and exhilarating thrill each mile brings; I often found myself "riding with him".
   
   Throughout the book you will find many examples of his quest for perfection in his music, practice, and performance. (To those of us who've had the pleasure of attending a Rush concert, that discipline is readily apparent) At times he appears a bit fussy when things do not go according to his plans (but then, don't we all?). He reviews his performances probably more harshly than the most anal music critic, often not giving himself the credit due for such great performances; all while enduring the trials and tribulations of living on the road. The book describes in detail what it's like to tour with the band all that it brings, and at the same time portrays his private struggle of carrying on while overcoming insurmountable loss; pleasing everyone but himself. He describes the delicate balance of work and home life in living color.
   
   I came to admire his methodical, exacting approach toward his music, writing, and riding. In addition to the portrayal of one who is fun-loving and self effacing, you will also find by reading this book that he is an intensely private person with a close circle of steadfast friends, which I'm sure is a luxury at his status.
   
   In summary, Roadshow is a fantastic book for Rush fans and motorcycle travelers, and more so to those of us who are lucky enough to be both.



4. Neil Peart's books encompass a lot of things which makes them hard to categorize, but if you had to pick one genre, he specializes in Travel Writing -- what he sees, thinks and experiences while traveling around the world via car, bike, or most frequently motorcycles. Most of his books rarely mention his career with Rush. This one chronicles his motorcycle travels during their 2004 30th Anniversary Tour, and its his most straight forward and best to date. Peart writes with a vivid, conversational style that makes it easy to imagine his journey (He travels separately from the tour entourage and keeps a low profile), and he peppers his books with opinions and observations - which are enjoyable whether you are a Rush fan or not. Most of this book is about riding the open highways and enjoying the winding scenic roads of America, Canada and Europe, so this is not the definitive Rush memoir. But if you're open to something intelligent that defies catagorization, this is a very enjoyable read.



5. I wish everyone could appreciate the lonliness of fame. Everyone knows your name and what you do but no one really knows you. Neil Peart is a man of many levels and the fame is only the top level that the world knows and although appreciated for its brilliance, left the rest of him unknown and unappreciated. I am so glad he has chosen to write his mind, as it is+ honest- love it or hateit. It is accepted by those of us who will never be able to get to know him on a personal level to have a random cup of coffee. Written for those of us who just might in an unusual way understand or don't and want to. Hats off!!!

5 comments about Practicing: A Musician's Return to Music (Vintage).

1. I'm a jazz guitar major at a university, and our semester assignment was to read this book. I found it to be very artful in its descriptions of being a classical guitarist in the modern world. Though I could have done with out the twenty or so pages of guitar history, Dr. Kurtz does a wonderful job of laying down the realities of being a musician in a world that doesn't necessarily need them. However, I wouldn't suggest this book to just anyone. It is more suited to people who love and can relate to art music such as classical or jazz. Overall, very nice writing!



2. Like the author, I too have hit two playing-ending walls and have regained my ability to practice. I really appreciate the author's insights into the various voices that can inform and jade our ability to play.
   
   I'm so appreciative to have found this book.



3. To previous reviewers: Yes, the book has a lot about the guitar's history, maybe too much. Yes, the book rambles at times. Yes, I wish that he had discussed more about technique and his technical growth; what were some of the "ah-ha moments"? Yes, it does have an unhappy ending. And, yes, in my opinion, Kurtz is wrong to think of guitar as having show-stopper limitations. But, then, we weren't in Kurtz's shoes when he made the decisions that he made, were we?
   
   This is a one-of-a-kind book and if you have a serious interest in the classical guitar then this book is a must read; other kinds of musicians might find it tedious. I found that I could not put it down.



4. Kurtz's book is a true journey not TO the heart, but THROUGH the heart of a musician. However, please be aware, non-guitarists need not "fret" (ha-ha). This book is for anyone seeking inspiration, seeking to draw fresh wisdom from their life's experiences, no matter the passion. The reader easily learns from, and cherishes, Kurtz's fluid yet uncluttered prose. This book is a treasure for any age, for any person seeking to know themselves and what they believe in, be it music, the arts, recollections of childhood, family. It doesn't matter. Kurtz's highly personal journey will take you far into the back reaches of your own mind and memory. I will have to read this a second time, slowly.



5. Kurtz's book is an enjoyable one, largely spent describing his early journey through a music conservatory and his hope of becoming a professional musician. This partial musical biography is filled out with reflections upon history of genre of classical guitar and also the meaning of music. While the story contains interesting anecdotes and observations, in the end it hints at but does not clearly spell out the resolution that I would hope for, namely the recognition that the drive to perfection in artistry is inherently problematic, and the discovery of a way to live a life in music that is not perfection-driven. Kurtz tells the story of giving up on music altogether for many years, and then, without being clear about just what the difference is, speaks (all too briefly!!) of taking up music once again with a different attitude. I really want to know more about what attitude works better for him now. As I, an amateur musician, read the book, I could clearly see deadly perfectionism, the love-of-music-destroyer, for what it was. What keeps me playing music, is the uncritical attitude I bring to my endeavor: that I DO NOT have to improve: I can enjoy whatever I can do: even if I can only play three notes: wonderful! Those three notes sound so great! This book is an example of how the world of music is still too influenced by an orientation to performance and virtuosity, and suggests that a more tolerant, enjoyment-oriented, less perfectionistic and improvement-oriented attitude may be the key to a truly enduring life in music.

3 comments about Adult All-in-one Course: Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, Book 2.

1. This is the 2nd in the series and has the same quality and approachability of the first book. I have found these books to be the best self-taught adult piano lessons available bar none.



2. This book is well written. However the whole serie book 1 2 3 are too easy for serious adult beginner. Even if you finish all of them, you still cannot play some real piano music.



3. My efforts to reteach myself to play the piano had kind of stalled but ALFRED'S BASIC ADULT PIANO COURSE has put me back in gear. I kind of dithered between starting with level 2 or level 3 and though the first few pieces in level 2 were very easy for me I soon found I really did need the review offered in level 2 and a quick scan of level 3 shows me I would have soon become frustrated with it without going through this book first. A tuneful selection of folk, jazz ragtime and classical music make up most of the coursework and there is a lot of emphasis on chords and fingering - skills I missed in my piano lesson days of long ago. The book is bound with a sturdy plastic "comb" good for me as I am notoriously hard on piano music. There are pen and paper exercises to review notes and chords as well as lots of beautiful music pieces. If you are faithful in practicing this series will teach you a great deal about the piano and keep you motivated to continue.

5 comments about How to Play the Flute: Everything You Need to Know to Play the Flute (How to Play).

1. only adequate. The book only offered the VERY basics - had expected it to at least go beyond basics into intermediate skills - - could have done it without the book! Lessons were extremely over-repetitive



2. This book is clear, informative, interesting to read and helpful in pointing out pitfalls of poor playing before I even get into bad habits. I'm sure that it's value will continue to unfold for me as I continue to use it.



3. This is a great little book. It had been 30 years since I had played flute in college and I had forgotten many of the fingerings. With this book, I was back playing in a few hours. Money well spent.



4. This is one amazing little book-as a beginning flute player in middle age with previous experience on classical guitar,this guide has outdone another method book I'd gotten even tho it came with a DVD. Lavishly illustrated,the author shows you how to get the best tone,how to hold the flute,how to get higher notes vs lower notes,and most important he explains the "why?' behind all of the proper way to do this or that. Easy to read diagrams make learning to read music a fun and delightful experience. Highly recommended!



5. I had put down the flute for 19 years. This book is awesome for re-learning what I'd forgotten. It teaches slowly enough so it doesn't intimidate, but not too slowly that I get bored. Some of the early songs are fairly challenging (for me) and sound great once I finally get them right. I have enjoyed this book!!

5 comments about The Piano Shop on the Left Bank: Discovering a Forgotten Passion in a Paris Atelier.

1. This book was chosen for our tennis club's monthly book and the review from all was "enjoyed" by all!



2. Brilliant reading from a musician's point of view - I'd love to find the real piano shop but I'll leave that to my imagination and my next trip to Paris.



3. I've had this book for ages but didn't get around to reading it until recently -- and was able to read it straight through in a single sitting. Wonderful story, very educational -- I enjoyed learning about the different makes of pianos, particularly the Faziolis and the French Pleyels and Erards, enjoyed reading about the author's experience at a master class, enjoyed meeting the quirky characters he encounters -- the tuner who drinks too much (Jos) and the other piano lovers. Although I enjoyed Perri Kinze's Grand Obsession (which I would also recommend), I liked this a bit better; both books are educational as well as entertaining. At one point, the author was describing an occasion when he overheard someone playing Beethoven's Diabelli variations -- which he compared to Bach's Goldberg variations. I was not familiar with the Diabelli variations, so I turned to the back inside cover of the book to make a note to myself -- I was delighted to see that a previous owner of the book (I purchased it used) had already made that note there -- obviously, the book spoke to both of us in a similar way. Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about pianos, Paris, or music in general.



4. Don't try to read this book unless you have a passion for the piano, for pianos, and for the wonderful sound they provide. But if that is the case you will love this book loaded with serendipidy finds and beautiful sound. The setting is Paris, the once in a time center for high art and music. The book will inform about pianos and about listening to perfect pitches.



5. I came across an excerpt from this book in a magazine some time ago and decided I needed to read the whole story! I just love this book. From the time I was a very small girl, I have loved pianos, especially grand pianos. My dad taught in a small college when I was a teenager, and in their chapel was a magnificent old Steinway that must have been built in the late 1800's. How I loved to slip into the chapel when no one was around, and "commune" with that piano.
   
   And today my very own precious antique baby grand, an anniversary gift from my husband, stands in my living room...........
   
   Thad Carhart's story struck a very "strong chord" for me. His stories of the various pianos that he met while visiting Luc in the piano shop revealed how each was almost like a living breathing individual to him. I learned so much about these gracious, tuneful instruments from his book: how they are constructed, and the fact that different pianos lend themselves to different types of music, etc. His descriptions of Paris draw me to that city! The way he wove his family life into the story and his dips into his past piano experiences when he was a boy make for a joyous reading experience.
   
   From one piano lover to another, thank you, Mr. Carhart, for writing this book!

5 comments about Rock n' Blues Harmonica: A World of Harp Knowledge, Songs, Stories, Lessons, Riffs, Techniques and Audio Index for a New Generation of Harp Players (Includes ... book and 74 minute stereo CD Jamming Buddy).

1. This isn't the best book to learn from. If you are mentally challeneged then it is fine. Choose a better Harmonica book like Paul butterfield's or adam Gassow's.



2. I use a harmonica on a couple songs while playing guitar - basic, easy riffs following original recordings. I wanted to expand my knowledge of the instrument, but I'm not planning on becoming a harp soloist. This book gave me the information I was looking for along with useful music theory. The background stories help present the information in an enjoyable way. The included CD does a fantastic job of reinforcing the book while giving the opportunity of improving your chops while jamming along.



3. Turn on this CD and lay back and jam along.
   A great way to reduce stress
   and learn to play the blues harmonica.



4. Even if you don't play (or want to) this book helps understand where those wonderful notes come from.



5. I was so glad when this came in. I sit down and read the whole book which I didnt like the caveman crap. There are very few licks or blues instruction. I listened to the cd and didnt find it much better. I bought a little book called 3 minutes to blues, rock and folk harmonica by David Harp. I would recomend you to buy this one. I wish I had my money back on Rock n' Blues harmonica. It is terrible.
   Bobby Standlee

5 comments about How to Play from a Fake Book (Keyboard Edition).

1. This is not a bad book at all. My rating comes from comparing it to the similar "The Next Step" by Bradley Sowash and Scott Houston, to which I gave 4 stars. My complaints with this book are that, aside from the really dorky and thus grating attempts at humour, a few of the songs in this one are obscure to anyone under 50, and quite lame (Streets of Laredo and Simple Gift are two I had to track down and wished I hadn't), without being muscially interesting in any way. The treatment of the LH is not very in-depth. For general readability, TNS is much more engaging, and the goal of producing a full arrangement is kept more clearly in focus, particularly with respect to integrating the LH. So that's what How to Play from a Fake Book is weaker on: presentation and the big picture. Why buy it?
   
   Here's what Neely's book has going for it: the section on chord types is MUCH more extensive than what you get in TNS and his "common tone" exercise is a great way to get the hands used to moving around the keyboard. There are some very entertaining songs to play that use minor and altered chords which take you to regions of keyboard geography you're just never going to get near with TNS. "Ain't Nobody's Bizness" is a great bluesy number to practice substitutions and swing rhythms on, for example. The book is more extensive and goes further than TNS, but the presentation just isn't as engaging as TNS. I'd say they complement each other. I find that I apply the approach to fake book playing from TNS, which I refer to for motivation, while I'm working through the more advanced material in "How to Play from a Fake Book". If you only want to buy one, which one? I'd say TNS if you're more of a beginner and Neely's book if you're a little more advanced, though at some point all you'll need is a decent fake book and a chord dictionary.



2. I played piano for over 40 years but couldn't tell one chord from another, I'd only learned to play from written music. This book explains basic chords, variations, inversions and more in a simple, straight-forward manner that makes using a fake book and improvising a fun challenge. It's also helpful in embellishing my current music. I'd highly recommend it! It's brought new life to playing piano.



3. If you're a self-learner who wants a very nice and gentle instruction on all the chord variants, this book is pretty good... it almost feels like you have a good-natured teacher sitting beside you. The book is interspersed with 50+ fake book songs, and comes with a chord reference chart, so it's hard to go wrong for the price.
   
   However, it doesn't cover much more than block chords, so if you've learned all the chord variants already (or are going to learn them from the many websites), and don't care for the songs it includes, then this may not be the book for you.



4. I was reading the reviews for the book Piano for Dummies on Amazon. There was a lot of whining about the dire humor in the book which I thought was a coincidence because I had been working on this How To Play From a Fake Book and I was finding it so difficult because the so called funny bits were putting me off. Then I looked at the "writer" and realized they were one and the same! Boy! This guy is not funny in a major way. The information provided is fine and the idea behind the book is illuminating but it is trying to learn how to play the piano with a 12 year old sitting beside you on the stool trying to brighten things up with some of the lamest cracks you could imagine. Therefore three stars for this "book" and minus three for the hilarious gags. I do not think I will be going near the Piano for Dummies book. I Neely did. Geddit? Ho ho ho!
   (Oh man, it's contagious.)



5. Let's start off with some assumptions:
   You have bothered to spend the few weeks it takes to learn how to read music, even if only slowly.
   You are mainly interested in playing pop music (rock, country, soul, r&b etc.) as opposed to jazz or classical (not that this book can't help you with the latter as well).
   You have noticed that most song books have what are called lead sheets that only have a treble clef melody line with chord letters over the bars of music, and lyrics.
   You have gotten far enough with your keyboard playing that you can play some basic chords with your left hand and a melody with your right hand. Which is all that most songbooks show you how to do.
   
   You have realized that on the recordings you listen to professional musicians seldom play a straight out melody with their right hands, and almost never while the vocalist is singing. Any more than guitar players play a melody, but instead play more interesting chord patterns for accompaniment.
   This is the book that teaches you to play the way professionals do. In 88 pages no less. To put it as simply as possible, learn how to read music then get this book as the only book you need to learn how to play keyboards. Just as snowplowing is a useless skiing technique once you learn how to turn stop on skis, simply learning to play left hand chords and a right hand melody is nearly as useless a technique for actually accompanying a singer.
   I say 'nearly' because there are in fact times when playing the melody line is fitting, but as your only right hand technique is frustrating and being stuck in a rut. This book gets you out of that rut and gives you the tools to strike off on your own with no musical limitations to hold you back. Man am I happy I found it. In retrospect I would gladly have paid $100 or more for this book when I first started.

5 comments about Scott The Piano Guy's Favorite Piano Fake Book.

1. I really like this fake book as he includes the chord diagrams (beginner and advanced) at the top of every song. It is published by Hal Leonard so you get their familiar music layout. Melody, lyrics, and rhthym are displayed.
   
   It has a nice selection of songs from broadway, jazz, pop, etc. My only gripe would be that it would have been nice to have a few modern pop tunes from the past decade but what can you do.
   
   In short, it is one of the better fake book complilations I have seen, and should give me years of use.



2. This piano book is full of classic songs (both old and newer)that are really fun to play. The book is also really easy to understand for beginner to intermediate players.



3. After struggling with trying to pick up the piano off-and-on over the years, i stumbled across Scott Houston's TV show on a local PBS station a couple of years ago. It was a revelation -- here was an approach to quickly learn songs i liked without trying to read sheet music note-for-note. After watching several episodes of the show, i purchased this book and enjoy it. Yes, some (or many) of the songs are not to my tastes, but even making use of just a dozen tunes is worth the price of admission. I am online today to buy the 2nd 'Fake Book' Scott Houston has produced.
   
   Using lead sheets seems like a well-kept secret. You could probably find this book useful even without seeing the show, but see the show if you get a chance.



4. This product has a variety of songs that cover a range of music that should be appealing to everyone. If you want something simple so you can just start playing piano this is a good book to have.



5. This guy is very practical, good range of songs worth learning and playing.
   Unlike other fake books I have. This one gives a layout of suggested chords with some variations, including note layout and fingering. I like it and found it a good learning aid.

5 comments about Pumping Nylon.

1. This is not a method book about learning to play the classical guitar. It's aim is to refine and re-examine how one can approach a specific technical challenge, for example, tremelo. I find Scott Tenant's ability to view a particular technical challenge from an almost psychological perspective and understanding, to be a great aid in overcoming the mental barriers we place on ourselves. Many of the greatest guitarists have found methods to overcome these self-defeating attitudes and Scott Tenant is one of them. He is an absolutely amazing guitarist and musician for whom I have tremendous respect. He's also a very likable guy and very willing to share what worked for him with the rest of us.
   
   It is best to use this book in conjunction with a qualified classical guitar teacher if you are relatively new to classical guitar. I teach classical guitar and will refer to this book to improve my own playing skills. He doesn't include complete musical pieces but gives plenty of drills which when mastered will act as a catalyst in propelling the student to new level of guitar playing on whatever selections they choose. I also like that he included the 110 Giuliani right-hand studies that most other books omit.



2. I'm sure I'll enjoy this book.I liked the fast shipping, and I would do business with this seller again.



3. This is a great book for the beginner classical guitar player. It is worth every cent for the information within the book.



4. Best overall technique book i've ever read, and i used to work at a music store for 2 years. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to straighten out their bad habits or learn new good habits in order to improve your coordination, speed, and reduce tension while playing all while improving your sound and of course, strengthening your fingers.



5. Very good and comprehensive instructions for excellent classical guitar tone production. Very useful are the examples for right and left hand training and coordination.The best teaching material I found on this subject.