No comments about Ray Charles : A Man And His Soul [Songbook].

2 comments about Music Listening Today.

1. This is a beautiful book. Anyone who wants to learn more about music -- its notation, its instrumentation, its history, how and why it moves us -- will enjoy this book immensely. It discusses music theory in understandable terms, covering rhythm, melody, harmony, dynamics, timbre, and organization. The instruments of the classical orchestra are all explained, as are folk instruments. In fact, folk music from around the world is discussed as a prelude to the main sections on the so-called "art music" of Europe and America. I especially liked the Listening Guides. They correspond to tracks on the two CDs that come with the book. The author explains what's going on at each important part of a piece of music, with timings provided so you can follow along, and even provides musical notation showing important themes. I don't read music, but I enjoyed being able to see the score of a familiar strain and following along with the Listening Guide to better understand what the music was about. There are also biographies of each important composer and beautiful full-color reproductions of art from the period being discussed. The book also includes an appendix about musical notation (which if I had studied better would probably give me musical literacy). It also has a very useful glossary and index. This book is obviously a college textbook, but anyone who wants to increase his or her understanding and appreciation of the world music will benefit from reading it.



2. Unquestionably the most understandable,interesting,even entertaining text for introduction to music courses. It would also be an excellent gift for anyone wanting to know more about classical, ethnic and contemporary music. The CD ROMs add immeasurably to the book, providing graphic illustrations of the ideas in the text. An outstanding book.

4 comments about Ray: Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack.

1. This book has the songs from the movie, Ray, starring Jamie Foxx. It is great for personal entertainment.



2. If you are a relatively accomplished pianist and strive to play the original music form the movie then this is NOT the book for you. Almost every song is in a different key than from the movie and many of the songs that should be 8,9 and 10 pages long are only, at most, 4 pages. In other words, this book leaves out some of the best parts of the songs such as "mess around" and "Georgia". If you want to play the music like Ray did then you will be doing some MAJOR improvisations on these pieces. Don't waste your money on this half-hearted effort.



3. Foxx won an Oscar for his portrayal of Ray Charles, and deservedly so. This book has 15 songs from the movie. I saw the movie when it first came out, and witnessing Ray's struggles makes his music even more amazing. This version is for easy piano - so even beginners can rock out to songs like "Let the Good Times Roll," "Mess Around," and "What'd I Say."



4. This is similar to Mr. Smith's review of this product, but buyer beware. I was under the impression that there was only one version of this book out, but to my surprise there is a real version (i.e. the ones I had found in every bookstore in Madison, TN) and the "easy-Cheesy" version (i.e. this product) turns out due to my hasty purchase, this Ray Charles book was meant for "beginner" piano players. As soon as I opened the book to reveal what I had hoped would be challenging and beautiful music was quickly thrown out the door when I noticed the large print notes and simple key signatures and rhythms. If you are a first year piano player, then by all means purchase this product, but if you are like me, an avvid pianist who wants to be challenged, then seek out the non-"easy" version.

No comments about Ray - Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack: E-Z Play Today #67 (E-Z Play Today).

1 comments about Ray Charles A Man and His Soul (Legendary Performers -- Volume 5) (Legendary Performance).

1. This book is, mostly, a collection of the original sheet music of songs Ray Charles performed and recorded. In other words, they are the original versions, NOT the versions that Ray recorded. For example, "Georgia On My Mind" is the original Hoagie Carmichael version from 1930, NOT the ultra-smooth version Brother Ray so cooly laid down. Some of the sheets are useable, like "Crying Time," and "Born to Lose," but almost all are NOT the Ray Charles version. You have been warned!