No comments about Amazing Phrasing - Tenor Saxophone: 50 Ways to Improve Your Improvisational Skills (Amazing Phrasing).

5 comments about Blowing Zen: Finding an Authentic Life.

1. This is the friendly and very readable story of an Englishman in Japan who discovers the shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) and manages for five years or so to get lessons from some top Japanese masters. The "Blowing Zen" (suizen) of the title is a form of flute playing used as a means to Zen enlightenment particularly by the komuso (wandering monks) of the now defunct Fuke sect. Brooks progressed with great rapidity and now instructs and concertizes professionally. He describes the progress of his interest, lessons and practice, his teachers and a wide cast of memorable characters, his adventures and observations on Japan and its people. He does so with perception, clarity, humor and engrossing writing. You will want to finish this in a sitting. He doesn't go into detail on the philosophy of Zen or how shakuhachi playing is supposed to lead to enlightenment, nor even much on the "finding the authentic life" of the title. More importantly he writes, deliberately or not, in the manner and frame of mind of a person who has come by his practice to some Zen insight, peace, centeredness and authenticity. No sermons are preached, no instructions given, you may imitate his example with the shakuhachi or in your own way or you can just read the book as the enjoyable adventures of a young man in a foreign place.



2. Blowing zen was a one sitting read. Whether your a muscian or on a spiritual journey there is something for you in this book. Brooks' doesn't ram zen down your throat. Its not about zen and, it is. Life just unfolds with every situation Brooks finds himself in. Every chapter gives the reader something different and they all blend into one whole. This book may sound like a yawn but it has many suprises. Brooks even gets abducted by the mafia (yakusa). Well worth looking into. I also purchased Brooks' Hollow bell cd and although it took a couple of plays, it has turned into a very special recording which gives meaning to the book. I would have liked to have had the cd while reading the book.



3. This is Ray Brooks's personal story of discovering something he could devote himself to and find happiness with. It is good as a personal story, mostly for its many anecdotes of what living in Japan is really like for a gaijin (outsider/foreigner). The idealized notions of politeness, honor, and artistry are held up against the backdrop of traditional ways being taken over by shallowness, laziness, and tackiness. Thankfully, Mr Brooks seemed to have few problems with racism against Europeans when finding shakuhachi teachers, something my preconceptions of the Japanese led me to expect.

   However, the book lacks all but a few comments on shakuhachi playing, and this is the reason I did not give it a higher score. I was hoping for more description of proper technique, the experience and process of learning, how it relates to Zen, and a bit of the "soul" of the art. These were almost completely lacking -- no more than a total of a few paragraphs in the entire book.

   I also found it consistently surprising that Mr Brooks did not learn better Japanese after being in Japan for several years, or, at least, that's the impression his book gives! How much did he miss because he did not give more emphasis to learning his host country's language???

   An easy-reading personal story, especially recommended for potential exchange students and others considering extended stays in Japan.




4. This book ia an inspiration and demonstrates the twists that life takes. You do not have to be a musician or shakuhachi player to enjoy this - it is more a spiritual journey along a path the author did not plan or expect. Very enjoyable, educational and humourous in parts. I recommend you read alongside a similar book, but with a very different style The Single Tone: A Personal Journey into Shakuhachi Music.



5. I recently took up the Shakuhachi flute. I am a practitioner of Zen. This book adeptly merges the two. I honestly had a difficult time putting the book down. Much of my knowledge of Shakuhachi was self taught and not 100% correct. This book fills the chasm of incorrect knowledge I had about the Shakuhachi.
   This is not done with long winded hyperbole, but, instead with heartfelt and warm stories about his foray into the world of the Shakuhachi. I highly recommend this book for all interested in the Shakuhachi or with people looking to help find their center.

5 comments about Bagpipe Brothers: The FDNY Band's True Story of Tragedy, Mourning, And Recovery.

1. Bagpipe Brothers: The FDNY Band's True Story Of Tragedy, Mourning, And Recovery is the true story New York City's Emerald Society Bagpipe Band, who used their instruments to mourn in the and show their respect at the funerals for the victims of the 9/11 attacks, including the 343 firefighters who died and those who were unearthed from the rubble at ground zero. The band itself lost one of its own from the attacks, as well as the brother of a member; Bagpipe Brothers recounts in vivid detail the emotions, experiences, terrible grief and striving to help any way one can in the wake of tragedy. A profound and powerful tribute to both the lost and the survivors struggling to cope.



2. This book is very powerful. I picked this book up and thought it would be an interesting read then I could not believe how moved I would become. It is well written and allows the reader to get close to the men and their families. The readers anxiety grows as the date of September 11 approaches. I had to put the book aside a few times and remind myself of the gratitude I feel toward the brave men who gave their lives to save others and inspiration from those who survived and went back to look for family members, friends and complete strangers in order for those who were murdered to be laid to rest properly. The unity and brotherhood of the elite group of bagpipe players is inspirational. Thank you to the author for allowing readers to gain a new perspective of the days following September 11 and what the FDNY suffered. I felt as though I knew these men personally.



3. From the first page, I was hooked. I felt like I was living that day all over again. This time, I wasn't sitting in my home in Seattle in shock and horror, I was in New York with an emotional connection to the families mentioned in the book and those not mentioned. I have a new found respect for all fire fighters. I already have a great deal of respect for those who put there lives on the line for any job but now it's impossible to put into words the level of respect I have for them.
   
   This book WILL take you on an amazing emotional journey.



4. This is a truly heart-wrenching story of the pipers and drummers pf the FDNY pipe band. Written in a strong journalistic style, the suthor really conveys the strength of these men and their close relationships.
   
   While she gets a few details of uniform (shawls for piper's plaids) and piping (puffing on their pipes) wrong, she's really captured the feelings of these men who face danger and death on a daily basis.



5. Ms. Sheridan really brought this book into my heart. She knew exactly how to make me feel for these brave men and after I was done reading I really wanted to know more because I truly felt connected with them. Excellent book and I do recommend anyone wanting to read a book about the FDNY to read this book first!!!!!

5 comments about A Line in the Sand: the Alamo Diary of Lucinda Lawrence, Gonzales, Texas 1836 (Dear America Series).

1. A Line in the Sand is indeed a very special book. When my aunt presented it to me on my tenth birthday, I was very exited to add another Dear America to my collection. I had also never read anything about The Alamo, so my interest grew with every page I turned. During the war, the emotions expressed by Lucinda are great and powerful, as they are cleanly expressed through Ms. Garland's words. The Alamo was a terrible battle, but though this book it almost seemed a little less dreary than it was. I was glad that this book shed some light on the great was that was The Alamo, and will keep my newfound information with me forever.



2. The story of the Alamo is one of my favorites. So when I found this book I was thrilled. This was a very well written story that brought out the longing of ever girls heart. I think that it is a must read!!



3. What a fun read! I was not too enthusiastic about this book but I gave it a try anyway. I'm glad I did! Wall-to-wall action and relevant description abound in this story about a misunderstood historical period. I read this a few years ago and I still remember how good it was. Recently I read another book about the Alamo, and it makes me appriciate how well-written this one is. I don't agree that the action is sparse; if it was, I wouldn't have finished it.



4. one of the reviews complained that the book was mislabeled, because it didn't take place in the alamo. while that is true, the alamo is a central point throughout the plot.
   
   i definitely learned a lot from this book, because while everyone knows "remember the alamo," no one knows what the alamo actually was (at least in my experience). as a novel, however, the book was less than a masterpiece. it emphasized the bravery of those who fought for texas, which was a good thing to point out, and i also liked that the main character was just an ordinary girl caught up in what was happening. but lucinda was a pretty boring character - in fact, pretty much all of the characters were very two-dimensional. the plot was also boring at times. while it informed me, it did not move me. i especially disliked that the runaway scrape - when lucinda and the rest of her town had to leave their homes behind in a desperate retreat - was barely described, when it should have depicted the miserableness of the refugees and their conditions. at one point, lucinda tells us she has had an eye condition and now is blind in one eye. she says it matter-of-factly in just one sentence, and i think if someone lost half their eyesight they would be a little morre distraught. i didn't really enjoy reading the book, though i don't regret reading it either. it was just OK.



5. Sherry Garland's forefathers settled in Texas when it was a Republic (1836-1845). Garland wrote this novel to tell what it would be like for a young girl living at the time of the Alamo. Garland has written twenty-five books and received numerous awards and honors. The novel is written as a diary covering the days from September 9, 1835 to April 24, 1836. The `Epilogue' tells of the later lives of the characters. The `Historical Notes' tells of the settlement of Texas. The Spanish built missions in Texas between 1670 and 1793.
   
   In 1821 Mexico declared its independence from Spain. The new Republic of Mexico welcomed Americans to settle in areas of Texas where Indians predominated. These colonists had to pass tests to legally settle in the lands. The Mexican Constitution of 1824 was similar to the US Constitution. But the aristocracy and the rich objected to democratic rule. They convinced Santa Anna to overthrow the democratic government and set up a dictatorship that would tax and oppress the people. [There were many reoccurrences of this in South American history. America avoided these problems with its "well-regulated militia", a small standing army, and a law of division to break up aristocratic wealth.] The state of Zacatecas first fought Santa Anna but lost, and their militia was exterminated. The state of Texas also fought; they were far off from the Mexican government, and their Second Amendment experience and history gave them better odds. They lost the first battles, but under the leadership of Sam Houston won the Battle of San Jacinto. Houston wisely extracted a peace treaty that recognized Texas independence as the price for releasing Santa Anna to return to Mexico with his armed guards. The "Napoleon of the West" met his Waterloo. The Republic of Texas encouraged immigrants from Europe to settle there, much as the Mexicans had earlier encouraged immigrants from America. They fled the aristocratic despotism of Europe.
   
   This novel is based on the known facts, and can entertain and educate the readers. It is not a substitute for a real history book, but official history seldom tells you about daily life for ordinary people. A historian may note some information that isn't accurate. James Michener wrote a much longer book about "Texas" that you may read; it covers much more in Texas history.

5 comments about Country and Blues Harmonica for the Musically Hopeless (Klutz).

1. This method really worked for me. Whenever anyone asks me how I got started with the harmonica or says they are interested in playing, I send them right to this book. The lessons are easy to follow and the tape is a great way to start to learn how to play.

   I picked up this book/tape about six years ago and am now playing in three bands. A contemporary Christian band, a blues band and a classic rock. The book is fairly humorous and keeps your interest until you are ready to use the tape alone. This is the only training I have in how to play harmonica. You'll enjoy it.




2. When I wanted to learn blues harmonica I started asking around and searching the net. Everyone pointed me in the same direction. They told me Jon Gindick is the undisputed champ when it comes to harmonica teaching materials. And they told me to get this package. I got it, and couldn't be happier. The only thing I knew about music is that I liked it. Jon takes you through step by step from how to hold the harmonica, to basic music theory, to bending notes, and other techniques to get that blues sound you seek. Jon is clearly interested in getting people started on their way to a playing successfully. And the book is quite entertaining. Finally, getting a book, cassette, AND harp for this price is unbeatable. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.



3. Yes, I am a piano-lessons-dropout. Never could play a musical instrument, but now I am jammin' with a blues guitar! I practice along with the included instruction tape in the car and my commute is just a blast. It did not take long at all to get addicted and there is plenty on this tape to keep you busy for a long time. I imagine that I will eventually outgrow this 'first-timer' tape and get the intermediate instruction, but it will last you a lot longer than you think. It's fun to play along with the tape over and over again -- each time hearing yourself get better! I used the book just once to get started, went to the tape, and stayed with the tape ever since. The first time I heard the cool riffs on the tape, I thought "That is SO cool. I would love to play like that!" Now I am doing it! and coming up with my own variations. My plan is to get a tape that is 100% guitar (no instruction) and show my friends my jam session! I'll hedge my bets and make sure they enjoy a few drinks beforehand.

   Incredible, and what a deal for so much fun. By the way, when I bought this, [they] said it's a book and instruction tape. When it arrived it also had a harmonica (Honer Pocket Pal). This is my thrasher, throw-it-in-the-glove-compartment harp. Based on recommendations I found on the web, I bought a quality harmonica that's solid for beginners and can support you to intermediate levels (Lee Oskar Major Diatonic, Key of C). It plays very well.




4. Musically Hopeless No More. By studying Jon's books, Harmonica for the Musically Hopeless and Rock n Blues Harmonica, I have learned how to play with a band in 9 months. Gindick speaks the language of the people while carefully teaching you the basics in a way that is interesting and fun. Since Jon recommended that I learn from as many people as I could, I have scoured the blues "how to" literature. Gindick's books are my favorites.



5. I don't know if I am musically hopeless, but I certainly have never gotten much out of a harmonica. In a few short lessons with this book and tape, I was able to play "Oh Susanna" in straight harp (accent on the blow notes) and was on my way to playing single notes, "cross harp" (blues, accent on the draw notes) and riffs.

   The little harmonica that comes with the book is a 10 note key of C Hohner. It is surprisingly sweet-sounding and a very good little instrument. That impressed me; I imagine once I get better at this I will still be happily playing on it. The harmonica has a protective plastic case-- the whole thing is no bigger than a candy bar. The slim paperback book is well-illustrated with a back section of quite a few straight harp folk tunes that you can play even if you don't read music. The tape is pleasant--plenty of blues guitar to jam with, and many example riffs that are the backbone of learning basic blues. The tape is also invaluable for hearing what a single note, a "bent" note, and the wah-wah sound effects are like.

   If you want to teach yourself or your kids a musical instrument with not a lot of money or musical knowledge, this little kit might just do it for you.

5 comments about Fractals, Chaos, Power Laws: Minutes from an Infinite Paradise.

1. This book is a complete guide of all possible situations in science where you may encounter chaos. It provides for every situation an intuitive as well as very formal view of every problem and the corresponding solution. The main drawback concerns its relative inaccessibility for non-scientific people, it requires a quite important scientific background to understand the formal part. Anyway, even for the lay-man, it can be interesting to read, in order to understand the widespread of chaos and non-linearity in real-life situations, not just the purely scientific-related ones.

   However, the treatment is terrific, with excellent description and explanations of the how's and why's, at an intuitive level as well as a very rigorous one ! I don't think i've ever read a book of such a high quality...

   This book is worth its price, and without a doubt deserves the time you'll need to go through it.




2. This book can be read in two different ways:

   The first one is intended for the uninitiated who wants to get an introduction to chaos and fractals; the way Schroeder guides you into the chaotic phenomenae that occur everywhere around us is clear, elegant and funny. He plays with chaos and makes the reader part of this game.

   The second way to read this book includes a warning for scholars: This is not a textbook! The mathematical background used to explain this game is strong. Shcroeder lets the committed reader to work with the maths by himself, so you must have paper, pencil, and computer near to you in order to enjoy the book's whole potential, in this case Shcroeder has all the experience and knowledge on the matter to guide you through "this infinte paradise" in a very firm way.

   The only thing I'd wish from this book was a new hardcover edition, I've read it so many times that my copy is getting very spoiled.

   If you are still interested after reading this book, but you want a little help with your maths then I'd recommend "Chaos Theory Tamed" by Garnett P. Williams. It will do the trick. However if you just want to fall in love with chaos without complications, then you should read "Chaos: The Making of a New Science" by James Gleick.




3. For the uninitiated! --The author combines insight with story telling. He has a story to tell, and does it well! Not only does he know the theory inside out, he has the ability to get accross the central points so it (almost) seems easy, in any case entertaining, using pictures (including cartoons), humor, and equations when they are needed. He further make clear the many fascinating links between chaos theory, algorithms, technology, and areas of pure math, such as number theory. Highly recommended!



4. This is a one of the best semi-technical mathematics books I ever read. What I mean by "semi-technical" is, you need somewhat of a math interest and education to appreciate it, and if you have that, you can read it casually. You don't need pen and paper; it's not a textbook. However, occasionally you will want to grab the pen and paper to verify what the author writes.
   For an ex-math person as myself, this book is an eye-opener as to how many areas of life are touched by fractals and chaos theory. Everything from nature, to economic markets, to music, to just plain theoretical stuff is mentioned here. And the writer delivers it in a well-organized, lucid, entertaining, and passionate fashion. And it is well-illustrated, which really helped me understand....
   I'm on my 3rd reading of this book since 1992, and if I wear out the book, I'm buying another one! I rank this up there with "Prime Obsession" as the two best non-textbook math books I ever read.



5. 
   
   What a head-trip! While the Pearly Gates of Paradise may be more than a few minutes away, you are almost certain to enjoy the journey with this book in hand. I purchased this book from Amazon back in 2002 and apart from the curling cellophane-coated front cover, I have nothing but praise for it. It simply gets better, every single time I read it - not unlike sipping some fine vintage even as it ages.
   
   It must be difficult to write a book on a subject so intrinsically mathematical while retaining a healthy, comprehensible tone with a twist of the ridiculous. Schroeder has an enviable sense of comic timing in addition to his peculiarly personalized insight into the world of Number Theory. It is pretty amazing, considering the broad and variable scope of his exposition that the entire opus did not descend into an inexorable chaotic mess of formulae. He skillfully manages to avoid the quagmire of complexity by properly abbreviating lengthy explanations with diagrams, pretty color prints and even the occasional cartoon aside. This leaves him enough time for the most engaging (not to mention informative) anecdotes which allows him to bring the reader into certain obscure fields of research - bilingual poetry, cheating at roulette and on how to kill Germans with Gift(s) - so to speak.
   
   Do not be fooled by the casual tone of the book because this is anything but a cursory tour. In fact, if this is your first encounter with Chaos and Fractals, it may be better to have more than one supplementary text at hand. (I suggest Peitgen, Jurgens and Saupe's Chaos and Fractals: New Frontiers of Science.) Schroeder's book is written for serious students, who want to see some practical (and sometimes not-so-practical) applications of what were once mere mathematical monstrosities. Neither Weierstrass nor Cantor could have predicted that their little monsters would turn out to dominate the physical world. This book gives you an insightful look at how far non-differentiable functions have come since those early pioneering days.
   
   Go ahead and buy this book. It is what every scientific book should aspire to be - brilliant and funny (exactly in that order!)

5 comments about Out of Many: A History of the American People, Combined Edition.

1. The book was received in perfect condition and the seller followed the sale with notification of shipment in a prompt manner.



2. This book is a great experience for me. Will blow your mind if you really want to know about modern history.



3. As a mid-30s woman who never got into history, I was afraid of this class... the text was excellent- a wonderful experience helping anyone to understand what REALLY happened. Very easy reading with notes on origin of conflicts that were never out in the open (Bay of Pigs... inherited from Eisenhower). Highly recommended.



4. I use this book in school as a student, and it is probably the best book to learn a detailed history of the United States.



5. This book was useful for my history class and I learn some interesting things from it. That being said I dont think I would have brought it outside of this class nor do I think I would will read it now the class is over.

5 comments about Play Clarinet Today! - Level 1 (The Ultimate Self-Teaching Method).

1. This is a good beginning book to learn the notes of the clarinet and has some basic exercises. But very soon, you will want to buy a book that has more complete exercises like scales, arpeggios and other patterns. I recommend the book to get started though.



2. This is an excellent book for any beginner. It teaches you finger position, notes and basic exercises. You will have a lot of fun using the book with the CD. It is a relaxing, good self-instruction book.



3. The trombone was my first instrument that I learned in school. I taught myself the recorder and later taught myself the trumpet. I happened upon a used clarinet and decided to learn it. I was able to play it by ear like a recorder, but I didn't know what fingerings go with which notes. That is why I bought the book. In my opinion the book is very good at teaching the basics. A child could not follow it through on their own, but the information is complete. The songs that are included are fun to play and get quite challenging by the end of the book. It is a pretty good beginner book.



4. I've not played since I was in middle school, and thought I'd pick it up again. Seems I can't find a beginner's book that was like the one I had when I first learned how to play. So, I will look again for something a little more basic, but my kids are going to love it when I can play Queen's We Will Rock You.



5. As I stated for Level 1 of this series, it is more for the fooling around player. The emphasis is on learning songs, rather than on time tested methodology of learning an instrument. It does not even cover all the notes in the Chalumeau register!

No comments about New Directions for Clarinet (New Instrumentation).

No comments about The American Wind Band: A Cultural History.