In 1912 James Reese Europe made history by conducting his 125-member Clef Club Orchestra at Carnegie Hall. The first concert by an African American ensemble at the esteemed venue was more than just a concert--it was a political act of desegregation; a defiant challenge to the status quo in American music. In this book; David Gilbert explores how Europe and other African American performers; at the height of Jim Crow; transformed their racial difference into the mass-market commodity known as "black music." Gilbert shows how Europe and others used the rhythmic sounds of ragtime; blues; and jazz to construct new representations of black identity; challenging many of the nations preconceived ideas about race; culture; and modernity and setting off a musical craze in the process.Gilbert sheds new light on the little-known era of African American music and culture between the heyday of minstrelsy and the Harlem Renaissance. He demonstrates how black performers played a pioneering role in establishing New York City as the center of American popular music; from Tin Pan Alley to Broadway; and shows how African Americans shaped American mass culture in their own image.
#825851 in eBooks 2015-05-31 2015-05-31File Name: B00UQYSJZS
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. E-lec-tric-ityBy Christopher B. MurrayGreg Olsons "Beautiful Dark" is a long; in-depth biography of David Lynch. It combines a narrative of the filmmakers life with an analysis of his films. The text is close to 700 pages; so it is written for those who are truly curious about Lynch. Also; for better or worse; Olson provides detailed descriptions of the plots of each of Lynchs movies. Therefore; the book is only for those who have viewed the films already (otherwise the book would act as a "spoiler" for every Lynch film). But then; why would those who have seen the films need the plots recounted in minute detail? Olsons exhaustive summaries account; in part; for the books length; but they also enable him to inspect the films and provide a thorough analysis of each one. While Olsons analyses are less than first-rate; they are usually intelligent; often illuminating; and they always steer clear of ideological axe-grinding. Olson is obviously a die-hard Lynch fan; and his enthusiasm drives the book forward. He does indulge in a bit of fawning praise (and even a few mildly embarrassing lyrical flourishes); however; his prose is energetic and precise. If you have already read "Lynch on Lynch" and "Catching the Big Fish"; if you have watched "Pretty as a Picture" and the other Lynch documentaries and are still wanting more information about Americas most enigmatic visionary filmmaker; Beautiful Dark will keep you busy (and entertained) for a while.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. MasterfulBy Jan BarossGreg Olson has been showing films for the Seattle Art Musem Series for about thirty years. He knows the world of films like no other. His depth of knowledge about David Lynch runs deep. HIs research has taken years. He is careful; methodical and an extremely fine writer on the subject of films.Jan Baross24 of 25 people found the following review helpful. Beautiful Dark - A work of art...By dugpaSimply put; the book; "Beautiful Dark" by Greg Olson is a work of art. Even though I had seen it coming for years now; I never expected it to affect me the way it did. I have to admit; that for years; being a long time fan of Lynch; I have read practically every Lynch related book; news article; and watched every interview that I could possibly get my hands on. After reading this book; I was overwhelmed to find out how much I didnt know about the man; and how much more I have come to appreciate what a beautiful person David Lynch truly is.The one thing that hits you about this book is the amount of passion that Olson has put into this work. From the first page; Olson brings the reader into the personal world of David Lynch. Through interviews and conversations with Lynch; his family members; close friends; romantic partners; and professional colleagues; the result is an unprecedented; up close and personal view of Lynchs life that has never been seen before.Olson crafts this work in a beautiful narrative that places the reader right up there with Lynch as he grows up and discovers art; film; music; life; and love. You are there beside Lynch through his relationships with his romantic partners; through his hardships; his pain; and his victories. At the same time; having written this book over the course of 10 years; Olson weaves seamlessly to narrate back to the perspective of a onlooker; detailing what it was like during various times over the years of how the public and media were reacting to Lynchs work; and what it was like to be alive and experiencing Lynchs work as it was happening.Olson covers nearly every imaginable work that Lynch has ever done to date and does so with great enthusiasm and passion. He insightfully moves between Lynchs works with a precision that is both refreshing and exhaustive at the same time.The result is a chance between two worlds... into a place where no one has gone before. Olson brings you to a seat at a table in a New York restaurant owned by Dino Laurentiis where across from you Lynch is laying his eyes on Isabella Rossellini for the first time. You are given rare access to stories from the set of Twin Peaks where we are told where the idea of creamed corn came from and what Mark Frosts reaction to it. Olson takes you on a magical journey to the set of Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me as you watch Lynch gently kiss Sheryl Lee on the cheek. You become an onlooker of a tragic car crash that brings Lynch and his ex-wife together to care for their daughter; Jennifer through months of multiple back surgeries. As you listen to Jennifer; you come to realize why it is so important for Jennifer to follow in her fathers footsteps.I wont spoil the any more for you; however; I will say that this book gets my highest possible recommendation. Olson goes above and beyond to bring us a rare glimpse into the life of David Lynch and brings home the goods! So if you were hesitating picking this one up; as Coop would say... Every day; once a day; give yourself a present.... And grab this book today!
