Austin City Limits is the longest running musical showcase in the history of television; and it still captivates audiences forty years after its debut on the air. From Willie Nelsons legendary pilot show and his fourteen magical episodes running through the years to Season 35; to mythical performances of BB King and Stevie Ray Vaughn; to repeat appearances from Chet Atkins; Bonnie Raitt and Ray Charles; and recent shows with Mumford Sons; Arcade Fire and The Decemberists; the show has defined popular roots music and indie rock. This is why country rocker Miranda Lambert -- relatively unknown when she taped a show almost a decade ago -- gushed to the studio audience; "Now I know I have arrived!" Austin City Limits: A History tells this remarkable story.With unprecedented access behind the scenes at the tapings of shows with Gillian Welch and David Rawlings; Mos Def; Wilco; and many more; author Tracey Laird tells the story of this landmark musical showcase whose history spans dramatic changes in the world of television; the expansion of digital media; and the ways in which we experience music. Beginning as a simple weekly broadcast; it is today a multifaceted "brand" in contemporary popular music; existing simultaneously as a program available for streaming; a presence on Twitter and other social media; a major music festival; and a state-of-the-art performance venue. Laird explores the ways in which the shows evolution has driven; and been driven by; both that of Austin as the "Live Music Capital of the World;" and of U.S. public media as a major player in the dissemination and sponsorship of music and culture.Engagingly written and packed with anecdotes and insights from everyone from the shows producers and production staff to the musicians themselves; Austin City Limits: A History gives us the best seat in the house for this illuminating look at a singular presence in American popular music. Timed to publish with the airing of Austin City Limits 2014 -- the 40th anniversary celebratory broadcast featuring an all-star lineup of musicians including the Foo Fighters; Willie Nelson; Sheryl Crow; and others -- here is a book for all fans of this beloved music institution.
2014-06-14 2014-06-14File Name: B00L1G3A0Y
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. well worth readingBy H. H. VerveerIn 1937 John Rewald - whom I have always admired and who went so far as to have himself buried in an unnamed grave opposite the one of Ceacute;zanne on Cimetiegrave;re Saint-Pierre in Aix - published a first edition of Ceacute;zannes correspondence with 207 letters and sketches. In 1978 he published a revised and extended edition with 233 letters. Just as Rewalds biography of Ceacute;zanne (1986) his edition of the correspondence was partly the result of his research of Zola and Ceacute;zanne for the dissertation he produced for the Paris Sorbonne and for which he received (in absentia) a prize in 1940; since he was interned at the time and eventually had to flee France. In his 1978 (French language) edition there are quite a few letters from Zola to Ceacute;zanne and others as well. Now; after having produced an excellent and well written biography of Ceacute;zanne; Danchev has also taken the time and the trouble to replace Rewalds 1978 edition of the letters. This is of course; just like the earlier biography itself; a must have for anyone interested in the man from Aix. Danchev is a pleasure to read. He obviously admires Ceacute;zanne; but can also be very funny about him; his family; the art critics and dealers and whats more; is well aware of the nineteenth century French context. The book looks great; contains extended annotation; a large amount of illustrations and a register of course. Danchev is very critical about Rewalds earlier edition and probably rightly so. Ceacute;zannes handwriting (deciphering it was runecraft; writes Danchev) is hard to read as is proved by the several facsimiles of them in the book and Rewald must have had a hard time doing so; while spreading his attention to many things at the same time. Danchev offers a new translation; adds about 20 unknown letters and he also cross references the letters to Rewalds 1996 Catalogue Raisonneacute;. I suppose this edition is more important for American readers; than for Europeans who are able to read French; like I am. Yet; I would have loved to see the French originals included; especially since Rewalds edition contains many mistakes. But then; the book already has 392 pages. Perhaps this is something for the Getty (which published the edition) to put them online. In his biography and in this edition of the letters Danchev also tries to rehabilitate Ceacute;zannes wife; his father; and the painter himself; who; to his opinion was not the "unreconstructed Catholic reactionary; his nose buried in La Croix; his faith a rock; his church a haven". That is the image we get after (for instance) having read the art dealer Vollards reminiscences. Danchev disagrees with Rewald about the idea that Ceacute;zanne and Zola fell out after Zola published his novel; LOeuvre. I find these the least convincing parts in the biography and the annotation of the letters. I really think that Ceacute;zanne felt betrayed by Zola (as did Monet; Pisarro and Renoir). Nonetheless; these are minor grievances. Danchevs biography and this edition of the correspondence are in many ways the best there is on Ceacute;zanne and they will probably be so for quite some time.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Another Link in the ChainBy Christian SchlectA fine collection of letters that were drafted over the lifetime of the master artist. Some to famous figures such as the author Zola; a few to shopkeepers for paint supplies. Those interested in art theory will especially enjoy Cezannes letters to Emile Bernard.I do not read or speak French; so can not judge the accuracy of the textual translations to English. But they strike me as excellent and from one deeply knowledgeable; interested; and favorable to Paul Cezanne. Alex Danchev; the editor and translator; deserves applause.This edition from Getty Publications is superior in terms of its quality of paper; page layout; and overall design.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Lou Pearson Jr.Great seller;great book; Loved it; thanks.
