Astride a mighty river separating Greenville and Anderson Counties in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains; Piedmont is a place dividedmdash;divided by a river; a county line; and school district lines. But; more importantly; it is tied; connected; and bridged together by its enduring story. Swift and deep; the Saluda River attracted Native Americans; Revolutionary War soldiers; and early settlers to the ford at the shoals. Called Big Shoals of the Saluda by the Cherokee and Garrison Shoals by the settlers; the ford supported a British garrison; an early gristmill; and a venture into textile manufacturing. In fact; Piedmont Manufacturing Company was one of the earliest and largest mills in the South. Today; still spanning the Saluda and linking the mill sites to allow swift crossing; the footbridge connects todayrsquo;s residents to the souls these waters have affected for hundreds of years.
#1662673 in eBooks 2014-09-12 2014-09-12File Name: B00NB1MTEK
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.
