2007 Alan Merriam Prize presented by the Society for Ethnomusicology 2007 PEN/Beyond Margins Book Award FinalistWhen we think of African American popular music; our first thought is probably not of double-dutch: girls bouncing between two twirling ropes; keeping time to the tick-tat under their toes. But this book argues that the games black girls play mdash;handclapping songs; cheers; and double-dutch jump ropemdash;both reflect and inspire the principles of black popular musicmaking.The Games Black Girls Play illustrates how black musical styles are incorporated into the earliest games African American girls learnmdash;how; in effect; these games contain the DNA of black music. Drawing on interviews; recordings of handclapping games and cheers; and her own observation and memories of gameplaying; Kyra D. Gaunt argues that black girls games are connected to long traditions of African and African American musicmaking; and that they teach vital musical and social lessons that are carried into adulthood. In this celebration of playground poetry and childhood choreography; she uncovers the surprisingly rich contributions of girlsrsquo; play to black popular culture.
#964403 in eBooks 2011-05-16 2011-05-16File Name: B004C436AG
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The music business window that is Artie ShawBy Eric SedenskyArtie Shaw is one of those names that. growing up. I heard often and knew he was somebody famous. but never really paid attention to. Then. when I was much older and started studying jazz and its history. I recognized that this book was probably going to expose me to some aspects of jazz history that I wouldnrsquo;t normally be exposed to. simply because Artie Shaw. it turns out. was one of those musicians who was his own man. As a result. Tom Nolan was able to write. not only a thorough and accurate biography. but he was able to reconstruct images of the jazz business over a period of decades. through the eyes and experience of Shaw.Simply put. this is an incredibly informative and easy read. Shaw may not have been the most interesting jazz persona of the last 100 years. but given his penchant for fast beautiful women (often iconic movie stars). disregard of his own health and morals. and an incredible drive to not only be a master musician. but to be as knowledgeable and educated about the world at large at possible. Shaw seems to have been living on the extreme edges of a normal musicianrsquo;s life since his first record. I especially enjoyed Mr. Nolanrsquo;s insight and perspective when it came to the people around Shaw. who sometimes admired him. and sometimes despised him. simply for who he was. It makes a great story. all the more interesting because it is true.I hope Mr. Nolan continues to write biographical and historical works that touch on the jazz world. He really brought Artie Shaw to life for me and gave me a greater understanding of jazz and the music business. while also providing me some insight into the history of entertainment in the United States as well. This book was a valuable. painless lesson. which is why I rate it at five stars.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Egocentric artist still likableBy DickStanley.I love this book. I even came away from it liking Shaw. despite his egocentrism. which must be the authors doing. his effort to be fair. And it doesnt seem to be because he left out any of Shaws major flaws. because he included plenty of those.In the end. I felt sorry for Artie Shaw. essentially dying alone. with only his confusion and a hospice nurse for company. Its compelling that one of his estranged children made the effort to get to know him before the end. and summed himself and his father up very well. without any apparent bitterness.Arent most great artists selfish? Were any of them very kind? They focus on their art and all else falls aside. The book has led me to buy some of Shaws music. Theres a clue to the man. Ive decided. in the theme music he composed in 1936 and used ever after. I may try his books next.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Being Aware of Artie ShawBy MarlouIn order to appreciate the intensity and the professional expertise of a clarinetist like Artie Shaw. this book is a must read. The drive and the passion that this famous musician dedicated to arriving at the "perfect" sound is worth noting. His musical compositions during the Big Band era were notable. particularly since they were unusual for that time. Other big band leaders became famous. but they werent as compulsive as he was. Artie Shaws life was a mixture of anger. shame. pride. stubborness. egotistical competitiveness. social embattlements. and creativity. For such a handsome and talented man. tragic were his failed marriages to famous women (e.g.. Lana Turner and Ave Gardiner). His amorous relationships with his chosen women were simultaneously impulisve and depressing. Tom Nolan wrote about a musican who should never be forgotten. My parents. who were enthralled with his music during their youth. introduced me to his music. which they often played on the record player.
