For jazz historians; Louis Armstrongs Hot Five and Hot Seven recordings mark the first revolution in the history of a music riven by upheaval. Yet few traces of this revolution can be found in the historical record of the late 1920s; when the discs were made. Even black newspapers covered Armstrong as just one name among many; and descriptions of his playing; while laudatory; bear little resemblance to those of today. Through a careful analysis of seven seminal recordings in this compact and engaging book; author Brian Harker recaptures the perspective of Armstrongs original audience without abandoning that of todays listeners. The world of vaudeville and show business provide crucial context to his readings; revealing how the demands of making a living in a competitive environment catalyzed Armstrongs unique artistic gifts. Invoking a breadth of influences ranging from New Orleans clarinet style to Guy Lombardo; and from tap dancing to classical music; Louis Armstrongs Hot Five and Hot Seven Recordings offers bold insights; fresh anecdotes; and; ultimately; a new interpretation of Louis Armstrong and his most influential body of work.
#718911 in eBooks 2003-11-06 2003-11-06File Name: B004TFXRHU
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The Best Narrative on Animation HistoryBy VMichael Barrier really does his homework when it comes to researching the history of animation. This is a result of years of dedicated research. While it is true that it talks more about Disney than the other studios. this shouldnt be surprising since Disney has the best track record for preserving their history than the other studios have and theyve enjoyed a longer legacy as well. Another factor is that Barrier himself said that he was only able to use only a fraction of the most interesting information he had. Barriers writing is filled with facts that arent found anywhere else all in a smooth and engaging narrative. complete with plenty of footnotes. Much of the information comes from interviews that Barrier conducted over the years with hundreds of people who worked in the industry. Some of these are available on his website. He posts more of them from time to time.This is a must read for the animation enthusiast2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The Story Of Cartoons As Told By Animations Leading HistorianBy John McElweeThere is not a better or more complete survey of American cartoons on the market. Michael Barrier brings a lifetimes gather of information and interviews to this definitive telling of animations Classic Era history. As reference or pure enjoyment. "Hollywood Cartoons" is without peer. It is an absolute must for bookshelves of anyone who grew up with cartoons. whether in theaters. on TV. or as home video collections. As to the latter. Id propose "Hollywood Cartoons" as ideal companion for watching Looney Tunes on DVD. or Popeye. the Disney classics --- whatever your choice. Michael Barrier gives a fullest background and inside account of how these cartoons were made and the artists in back of them. his the final word on animation in its glory day.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Hollywood Cartoons is Excellent.By P. NeuhausHollywood Cartoons is an outstanding piece of work. Barrier is both thorough and opinionated -- which I consider a good thing. If youre writing a nonfiction book. dont just give me the facts. tell me what you think."Cartoons" was one of the sources for my own book. An Animation Miscellany. I have dozens of books on classic hand-drawn animation and only a few are worthy of being used for research. Hollywood Cartoons is on that short list.
