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Book SynopsisPhil Swern (Author) Best regarded for building one of the biggest private record collections in the world, Phil "The Collector" Swern has, in his own right, achieved over a dozen entries into The Guinness Book Of Hit Singles as a record producer with acts such as The Pearls, R & J Stone and The Seashells. In the mid-eighties, Phil collaborated as a writer and performer on Capital's You Ain't Heard Nothing Yet and later helped set up the Capital Gold Network. He produced Pick of the Pops for Radio 1 in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and has produced the show for Radio 2 since 1997. Phil also co-writes Ken Bruce's daily pop quiz PopMaster, for which he has compiled several successful bestselling books.Neil Myners (Author) Neil Myners, having studied music to degree and post-grad levels, has, since 1995, produced BBC Radio 2's coverage of Paul McCartney's return to the Cavern, The Brit Awards and the Ivor Novello Awards. He was both m

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Book SynopsisInspired by A Complete Unknown starring Timothée Chalamet?Discover the critically-acclaimed, definitive biography of the legendary rock musician, Bob Dylan.''Engagingly written and scrupulously researched'' ObserverOne of the best biographies I have ever read' ***** Reader reviewBob Dylan was the first figure in the history of popular music to challenge the domination of the three-minute pop song and to bring serious ideas and poetry into the song lyric.A true revolutionary, he was also the first pop performer to adopt the attitudes and lead the life of a bohemian artist. In doing so he not only defined the direction which popular music would take in the second half of the twentieth century, he also defined the lifestyle which would come to be associated with the rock artist.This new edition of Howard Sounes'' critically-acclaimed classic biography of Dylan gives the complete picture of the man, the artist and performer, and includes a new chapter that brings the legend''s life story right up to date. Meticulously researched and including hundreds of interviews with Dylan''s closest associates, the brand new chapter also covers the last ten years of Dylan''s life, and the last (and previously unpublished) interview with Dylan''s first serious girlfriend.Written by the acclaimed biographer of Paul McCartney and Lou Reed, this is a compelling, fast-paced and revelatory read, which takes the reader on a journey from Dylan''s childhood in a Minnesota mining town to the status he enjoys today as one of the most iconic figures of contemporary culture.''Sets a standard few rock ''n'' roll chronicles have attained'' Independent''The benchmark by which all future Dylan biographies will be judged'' USA Today

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Book SynopsisJerry Lee Lewis has lived an extraordinary life. He gave rock and roll its devil''s edge with hit records like ''Great Balls of Fire''. His incendiary shows caused riots and boycotts. He ran a decade-long marathon of drugs, drinking, and women, and married his thirteen-year-old second cousin, the third of seven wives. He also nearly met his maker, at least twice. He survived it all to be hailed as one of the greatest music icons. For the very first time, he reveals the truth behind the Last Man Standing of the rock-and-roll era.Trade ReviewThere's plenty of richness in Rick Bragg's retelling of the Killer's life . . . Hits all the legendary moments, both high and low . . . Worth reading -- STEPHEN KINGRick Bragg's biography of Jerry Lee Lewis really is the business. The words on the page perfectly match the music and the man -- RODDY DOYLE * * author of PADDY CLARKE HA HA HA * *I loved every amphetamine-laced, whiskey-soaked, gun-shot page of it . . .This thing moves. It rocks -- ANN PATCHETTNo one in rock and roll has ever made music and lived life with the ferocity of Jerry Lee Lewis, and no writer is better suited than Rick Bragg to tell Lewis's story. The result is a biography with the memorable language and narrative drive we expect only from the finest novels. Jerry Lee Lewis: His Own Story is the best book on rock and roll I have ever read -- RON RASHJerry Lee Lewis is a fascinating guy, a really opinion-splitting kinda legend, and this is his autobiography -- NOEL FIELDING, My Life in Suitcase - Five Touring Essentials * * NME * *The paradox of a man defining himself through his faith while leading a far from virtuous life, drives Rick Bragg's exhaustive biography . . . There's vernacular lyricism to the way Bragg paints the key moments in Lewis's life . . . Bragg's fascination for Jerry Lee Lewis wins through, and his shining a light on the eternal dichotomy between sin and salvation makes for a fascinating, distinctly American story . . . Rick Bragg's pacey, extensively researched biography draws a portrait of a bullish man doing all the things he believes God will forgive him for, repenting, and doing them all over again * * The Times * *As an intimate portrait of the original rock 'n' roll wild child, it's probably the closest look that we will ever have of one of pop music's greatest talents and most mysterious enigmas * * Record Collector * *Hell-raising takes centre stage * * GQ * *Beautifully written * * Mail on Sunday * *[Bragg] tells the full story of a long and extraordinary life with critical honesty, describing the triumphs, disasters and scandals, the women, the drink and drugs * * Daily Express * *Like Byron, he seems mad, bad and dangerous to know, but his art at least reflects him truthfully * * Independent * *Absorbing . . . a thumpingly good yarn . . . thrillingly readable * * Daily Mail * *Bragg's book really soars . . . a compelling read -- George Byrne * * Irish Independent * *Compelling . . . Bragg's book really soars . . . gives us a sense of the vastly differing sides of the man * * Belfast Telegraph * *Excellent . . . just the sort of weighty tome you'd hope Elvis would have got around to by now * * Sunday Express * *Great insight: Bragg understands the God-fearing Southern man's push-pull of good and evil, the mutually-exclusive-for-Lewis need for rock 'n' roll and redemption and the resulting emotional turmoil that ultimately defines him * * Mojo * *Attempting a biography of rock 'n' roll's most notorious figure is no mean task, but Pultizer Prize-winner Rick Bragg has done an admirable job, aided by Jerry Lee-Lewis himself . . . a fascinating account of a wild, wild talent * * Classic Rock * *This is epic Southern storytelling at its most gripping * * Chicago Tribune * *This is Lewis' version of his own story, filtered through Bragg's gift for language and his feel for the South . . . His Own Story casts one of rock n' roll's outlandish lives in a new light, giving Lewis the voice in words he always had in the notes that came from the ivory keys * * USA Today, 4 star review * *Irresistible * * Wall Street Journal * *Bragg's account does not pull punches, nor does it need to. Bragg successfully grasps the meaning of Jerry Lee Lewis and the music he begat * * All About Jazz * *There are reams of books out there about the Killer, but this is the one you want. In it, Rick Bragg tells the warts-and-all story of a troubled man, part saint, part sinner, who helped change the world * * Loud and Quiet Magazine * *

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Book SynopsisCan ballet ever be reconciled with feminist ideals?Trade Review'Beautiful, difficult, and compelling.' —Vanity Fair'Part memoir, part journalistic investigation, the book weaves [Robb’s] early experiences as a dancer with those of her contemporaries, and of famous ballerinas… Don’t Think, Dear is powered by a fundamental love of the art form while exposing the toxic culture that runs through it.' —Guardian‘[Robb’s] timely book is a critical yet personal examination of classical ballet – a performing art highly dependent on the talent of women – filtered through the lens of 21st-century feminism… she brings a welcome academic rigour to a subject clearly born of deeply held emotions.’ —The Times'A study of an obsession remarkable for its nuance and insight… [Robb] succeeds in conveying, in a refreshingly unromantic way, what is still valuable about the art form… It might be easy… to assume that Don’t Think, Dear is Robb’s litany of grievances about a demanding art form in which she failed to flourish. Rather, it is a book about love, even if that love is ultimately unrequited… fascinating.' —TLS‘[A] nuanced, intimate mashup of memoir, reportage and cultural criticism.’ —Observer'This addictive memoir is a vital account of the intoxicating appeal of ballet as an art form. Alice Robb tells the story of ballet in the twentieth century through her experience at the School of American Ballet and the cult-like legacy of its founding choreographer, George Balanchine, who dictated the lives of "his" dancers – shaping their bodies, selecting their perfumes, haunting their dreams – inspiring obsession and regret. We are left with the question: can the pursuit of ballet perfection justify the suffering depicted in this book?' —Rebecca May Johnson, author of Small Fires'This riveting memoir-meets-critical-appraisal examines classical ballet, revealing it to be less career, more cult — and as psychologically and physically brutal as it is beautiful.' —Daily Mail'Don’t Think, Dear is part memoir, part investigation, and enthralling whether or not you have any knowledge of ballet.' —New Statesman'Weaving together Robb’s own story with her fellow students and ballet icons such as Misty Copeland and Margot Fonteyn, it’s an overdue contemporary re-examination of this gruelling artform.' —Independent, 'Books to Look Forward to in 2023''Robb, who studied at the School of American Ballet in New York until the age of twelve, is the perfect guide, her insider insights balanced by the observations of outsiders and leavened with darts of self-effacing humour… The details are visceral and grimly compelling.’ —Literary Review'A rigorous yet loving examination of a childhood passion told through a feminist lens. Don’t Think, Dear is full of clarity, even about questions that will never get completely clear answers.' —Rebecca Traister, author of Good and Mad'I don’t think I’ve ever felt so seen by an author: Alice Robb says aloud the conundrums I’ve been wrestling with since adolescence but wasn’t able to put into words. Her storytelling prowess and sharp analysis help contextualize my own experience in the ballet in a way I didn’t realize I needed. I wouldn’t trust anyone but Alice Robb in handling a subject so close to my heart.' —Sophie Flack, author of Bunheads'Don’t Think, Dear is an extraordinary book full of poignant storytelling and profound insights. Robb masterfully weaves memoir, reportage, and criticism into a superbly crafted meditation on ballet and its broader cultural impact.' —Marisa Meltzer, author of Glossy and This is Big'With intelligence and grace, Alice Robb offers a history of American ballet through the lens of her own nuanced, intimate relationship with a legendary New York City institution. Neither romanticising or decrying the dance world, Robb beautifully explores the push-pull of masochism and perfectionism – preoccupations not just relevant to aspiring dancers, but to anyone who's ever pursued an almost-impossible dream.' —Ada Calhoun, author of Why We Can't Sleep'Here is a memoir, a love letter, a cultural history, and a long-awaited reckoning of the most iconic feminine ideal. Robb's intimate and frank examination of ballet's legacy – both in and outside of studios and performance halls—shows us all the many ways it continues to shape our lives and bodies. Chapter to chapter, this book is both brutal and beautiful, like its subject.' —Sarah Gerard, author of Sunshine State and True Love

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisGraded series provides students of all ages and young players who are interested in doing music theory exams with a solid foundation in music theory through the eyes of a violin, viola or cello player.These interactive books are designed where the main reference point is through the clef in which the player reads on (treble, alto, or bass) but covers most exercises on the treble and bass clef to match any examination syllabus.Grade 3 workbook features these concepts and more! ALTO CLEF DUPLETS AND TRIPLETS INVERSIONS TIME - SIMPLE AND COMPOUND TIME INTERVALS - perfect, major, minor PATTERNS - Real and tonal KEY SIGNATURE COMPOSE WRITING A BASS LINE TRANSPOSING - At an octave CADENCES 4-PART VOCAL STYLE TRIADS SCALE DEGREES SIMILAR AND CONTRARY MOTION ANALYSIS - Music terms, symbols and signs

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Book SynopsisChallenging current music making approaches which have traditionally relied on the repetition of fixed forms when played, this book provides a new framework for musicians, composers, and producers wanting to explore working with music that can be represented by data and transformed by interactive technologies.Beginning with an exploration into how current interactive technologies, including VR and AR, are affecting music, the book goes on to create an accessible compositional model which articulates the emerging field of âtransmutable music.â It then shows how to compose and produce transmutable music for platforms like video games, apps and interactive works, employing tutorials which use a range of inputs from sensors, data, and compositional approaches. The book also offers technical exercises on how to transform data into usable forms (including machine learning techniques) for mapping musical parameters, and discussion points to support learning.This book is a valuable resource for industry professionals wanting to gain an insight into cutting edge new practice, as well as for assisting musicians, composers, and producers with professional development. It is also suitable for students and researchers in the fields of music/audio composition and music/audio production, computer game design, and interactive media.

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Book SynopsisThis book offers an inside view of ballet as the art form we see on stages today, detailing how expressive movement is initiated and controlled, and discussing the importance of embedding creativity and expressivity within ballet technique from the dancer's first lesson to their final performance.Janet Karin O.A.M. promotes ballet as a holistic art form resulting from the integration of mind, brain and body, and describes the motor control factors that can enhance or interfere with achievement. Throughout, professional dancers' personal experiences illuminate the text, from the euphoria of flow' to the search for creativity and harmony, from the debilitating effects of anxiety, trauma and pain to the reward of artistic autonomy. Teaching is presented from a philosophical viewpoint, enriching and extending the child's innate movement skills and expressive power.Practical yet reflective, this is an essential guide for dancers as well as dance educators and students.Table of ContentsIntroduction Part 1: Unveiling dancers’ artistry 1. Performing: a transcendent experience 2. Breath, movement, emotion and music 3. Expressivity, harmony, creativity and artistry 4. Technique, training and changes in dancers’ brains 5. Dealing with challenges Part 2: The magical motor system 6. The science behind the scenes 7. Pathways to new skills Part 3: The art of training dancers 8. Our role as ballet teachers 9. Skills in cueing and feedback 10. Discovering technique 11. The speaking body 12. Discovering the dancer inside

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Book Synopsis''Clemmie writes about each piece of music with such energy and passion that you can''t help but immediately want to stop what you''re doing and seek it out'' Eddie Redmayne''The only requirements for enjoying classical music are open ears and an open mind.'' Clemency Burton-HillAn inspirational journal that will guide you through a year of music, from award-winning broadcaster Clemency Burton-Hill. The musical pieces included in this journal have been extracted from her previous books, Year of Wonder and Another Year of Wonder.From the author of the bestselling Year of Wonder series, this day-by-day journal will take you from January to December with classical music every day. Each piece, from medieval masterpieces to contemporary works, arrives with a brief introduction to the content and composer, along with plenty of space for you to listen, reflect and journal your thoughts. You''ll find 52 prompts, one for each week, encouraging you to set goals for your year, and integrate your reflections and experiences on your journey of self-discovery. With beauty and inspiration on every page, this is another enlightening celebration of classical music by an author who wants to share its diverse wonders with others, whether complete novices or lifetime enthusiasts.Trade ReviewPraise for the Year of Wonder series: * . *A magnificent treasury . . . a fascinating tour de force. * Observer *Clemency Burton-Hill makes classical music absolutely accessible, magical and medicinal. * Dolly Alderton, broadcaster, writer and bestselling author *Clemmie's recommendations have broadened my mind, sharpened my imagination, tugged on my heartstrings and given me a song for every mood. Read this book and let yourself float away for a moment or two. What a gift. * Emma Gannon, bestselling author and host of the Ctrl Alt Delete podcast *Clemmie writes about each piece of music with such energy and passion that you can't help but immediately want to stop what you're doing and seek it out * Eddie Redmayne *The extraordinary gift of the Year of Wonder series is that there is something in these pages for everyone. However you're feeling, at whatever time of year, you will be able to find what you need. * Elizabeth Day *

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Book SynopsisA LOUDER THAN WAR BOOK OF THE YEAR''A unique insight... An excellent companion for both the casual and obsessive Bowie fan''Louder Then WarThe life of an icon, in his own words.David Bowie had a unique relationship with the BBC, making more appearances on ''the beeb'' than any other broadcaster throughout his career. An anonymous pre-fame teenager, a blossoming starlet, a white-hot rock star and a veritable elder statesman of pop: the BBC had the inside scoop on it all.In this fascinating collection of BBC television and radio transcripts, Bowie''s life story is told in his own words, across more than 35 appearances spanning over forty years. Each provides an illuminating snapshot of moments in a remarkable career. But read together, they offer a completely new take on Bowie himself, a first-person look at the rise and rise of a star.Compiled and guided by David Bowie expert and BBC journalist Tom Hagler, Bowie at the BBC is the complete story of an incredible life lived on the airwaves.

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisEnlightenment from the South Park gang faster than you can say, "Screw you guys, I'm going home"! The Ultimate South Park and Philosophy: Respect My Philosophah! presents a compilation of serious philosophical reflections on the twisted insights voiced by characters in TV s most irreverent animated series.Table of ContentsIntroduction: “Well, I’m Afraid It’s About to Happen Again” 1 Robert Arp and Kevin S. Decker Part I Doing Philosophical Things with South Park 5 1 Flatulence and Philosophy: A Lot of Hot Air, or the Corruption of Youth? 7 Willie Young 2 You Know, I Learned Something Today: Stan Marsh and the Ethics of Belief 19 Henry Jacoby 3 “Imaginationland,” Terrorism, and the Difference Between Real and Imaginary 29 Christopher C. Kirby 4 Dude, Listen to Reason! Logic Lessons Inside and Outside South Park 41 Robert Arp Part II South Park and … Religion 53 5 Science, Religion, South Park, and God 55 David Kyle Johnson 6 “Your Magic Is No Match for Our Powers Combined!”—Religious Pluralism and the Search for Truth 71 Jeffrey Dueck 7 Cartmanland and the Problem of Evil 83 David Kyle Johnson Part III South Park versus … Religion 95 8 “Respect My Religiositah!”—South Park and Blasphemy 97 David Koepsell 9 Mary’s Menses and Morality: Blasphemy in South Park 108 Kevin J. Murtagh 10 South Park, The Book of Mormon, and How Religious Fundamentalists Always Find a Way to Be Naive and Arrogant at the Same Time 119 Roberto Sirvent and Neil Baker Part IV Respecting My Authoritah! in South Park 131 11 Juvenile Hijinks With Serious Subtext: Dissent and Democracy in South Park 133 David Valleau Curtis and Gerald J. Erion 12 Of Marx and Mantequilla: Labor and Immigration in “The Last of the Meheecans” 143 Jeffrey Ewing 13 “Vote or Die, Bitch”—Does Every Vote Count in a Two-Party System? 153 John Scott Gray 14 Socioeconomic Darwinism from a South Park Perspective 164 Dale Jacquette Part V Liber-arianism in South Park 175 15 Cartman Shrugged: South Park and Libertarian Philosophy 177 Paul A. Cantor 16 Sitting Downtown at Kentucky Fried Chicken: One Toke Over the Line 194 Kevin S. Decker 17 Cat Urine, Medicinal Fried Chicken, and Smoking: South Park’s Anti-Paternalistic Libertarianism 208 Shane D. Courtland Part VI There’s a Time and a Place for Everything, Children 221 18 You (Still) Can’t Get Married, You’re Faggots: Mrs. Garrison and the Gay Marriage Debate 223 Jacob M. Held 19 Cute and Cuddly Animals versus Yummy Animals 236 Cynthia Jones 20 Aesthetic Value, Ethos, and Phil Collins: The Power of Music in South Park 247 Per F. Broman Contributors 260 Index 265

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsForeword xi Introduction 1 Part 1: Preparing to Practice 5 Chapter 1: Reviewing Practice Fundamentals 7 Chapter 2: Warming Up Your Right and Left Hands 15 Part 2: Scales (Modes) and Chords 29 Chapter 3: Playing Scales (Modes) 31 Chapter 4: Playing Mode Sequences 47 Chapter 5: Working with Arpeggios 69 Chapter 6: Combining Seventh Chords 83 Part 3: Rhythm and the Groove 97 Chapter 7: Building the Groove Skeleton 99 Chapter 8: Accessing the Groove Apex 111 Chapter 9: Setting Up with the Groove Tail 119 Chapter 10: Combining Rhythms 129 Part 4: Turning Exercises into Music 139 Chapter 11: Feeling the Eighth-Note Groove 141 Chapter 12: Working the Sixteenth-Note Groove 151 Chapter 13: Trippin’ on Triplets 161 Part 5: The Part of Tens 167 Chapter 14: Ten Essential Elements of a Great Practice Session 169 Chapter 15: Ten Famous Tunes That Incorporate the Exercises in This Book 173 Part 6: Appendixes 177 Appendix A: How to Use the Website 179 Appendix B: Extended Range Basses and Practice Goals 187

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 About This Book 1 Foolish Assumptions 2 Icons Used in This Book 2 Beyond the Book 3 Where to Go from Here 3 Part 1: Getting Started with the Ukulele 5 Chapter 1: Exploring the Ukulele 7 Understanding the Uke’s Advantages 7 Loving the sound 8 Joining a vibrant community 8 Appreciating the uke’s practicality 8 Sizing Up the Ukulele 10 Meeting the family: Daddy uke, mummy uke, and baby uke 11 Deciding which uke is best for you 11 Taking a Tour: The Anatomy of the Ukulele 11 Becoming a Well-Versed Ukulele Player 15 Strumming along to hula in Hawaii 15 Swinging and picking across the USA 16 Rockin’ and rollin’, and getting down with the blues 17 Diversifying into ever more styles 17 Chapter 2: Tuning Up to Sound Great 19 Knowing Some Musical Terms 20 Notes as letters 20 Half steps and whole steps 20 Chords and scales 21 Major and minor 21 Pitching into Tuning Basics 22 Unravelling Tunings for Your Instrument 22 Exploring the most common tuning: gCEA 23 Using other tunings 24 Choosing a Tuning Method 24 Going hi-tech: Tuning with an electronic tuner 25 Listening and repeating: Tuning to the audio track 26 Stringing along: Tuning to a guitar 26 Seeing in black and white: Tuning to a piano or keyboard 26 Tuning your uke to itself 27 Chapter 3: Discovering How to Handle Your Ukulele 29 Holding On to Your Ukulele 29 Positioning yourself to play 30 Standing up 31 Sitting down 31 Holding your uke left-handed 32 Developing Your Strumming 32 Strumming in the right spot 33 Strumming in the right way 34 Refusing to use a pick! 34 Pressing On to Fretting 35 Positioning your fretting hand 35 Locating where to fret 36 Discovering how strongly to fret 36 Adjusting when things don’t sound right 37 Playing and pain 37 Part 2: Starting Out with Chords and Strumming 39 Chapter 4: Playing Your First Ukulele Chords and Songs 41 Playing Music without Reading Music 42 Reading chord diagrams 42 Deciphering chord diagrams for lefties 44 Playing a Song Using Two Chords 44 Creating a C chord 44 Fingering an F chord 45 Starting your first song: “Li’l Liza Jane” 46 Developing Your First Strumming Patterns 47 Using strumming notation 48 Filling in with ups and downs 48 Finding an easy way to follow rhythms 49 Discovering Seventh Chords 51 Getting to grips with G7 51 Adding the E7 chord 52 Taking off with your second song: “I’ll Fly Away” 53 Practicing Minor Chords 55 Attempting A minor 55 Moving on to D minor 56 Majoring in E minor 56 Playing your first minor-chord song 57 Chapter 5: Drumming Up More Strumming Patterns 59 Pocketing the Ever-Useful Swiss Army Strum 59 Adding Pep with Some Strumming Variations 64 Changing chords within bars 64 Strumming strongly and weakly 65 Introducing the time signature 66 Checking out chnks 71 Strumming for Various Genres 72 Getting down with blues strumming: The shuffle 72 Becoming upbeat about the reggae off-beat 73 Rocking without strumming 75 Rolling your strums 76 Deciding on an Appropriate Strumming Pattern 77 Chapter 6: Meeting the Chords and Their Families 79 Getting to Know Chord Families 79 Practicing the Three-Chord Trick: The I–IV–V Progression 80 Fingering Barre Chords 82 Going flat-out for B flat 82 Deciding to play D7 85 Playing B minor 85 Moving Chord Shapes 87 Budging up barre chords 87 Discovering new moveable chord shapes 88 Inviting Round More Chord Families 92 Geeing up the G chord family 93 Finding out about the F chord family 94 Playing according to the A chord family 94 Discovering the D chord family 95 Easing the Chord Changes 95 Changing D and A the easy way 96 Refingering E minor 96 Shuffling B7 97 Breezing through D7 97 Part 3: Picking and Single-Note Playing 99 Chapter 7: Coming to Grips with Tabs and Notation 101 Tapping into Tabs 101 Stringing notes along in tabs 102 Fretting notes in tab 102 Sequencing notes in tab 103 Playing simultaneous notes in tab 103 Chording in tab 104 Strumming in tab 104 Reading Rhythms 104 Splitting into quarter notes 105 Holding on for half and whole notes 106 Dividing further: Eighth and sixteenth notes 106 Dotting and tying notes 107 Resting and Repeating 109 Taking a rest 109 Repeating and repeating 110 Putting Everything Together 112 Starting with a simple tune 112 Moving up the neck 113 Shifting positions 113 Chapter 8: Discovering Fingerpicking Patterns 117 Introducing the Fingerpicking Technique 118 Picking Up Some Picking Patterns 120 Getting the lowdown on the up pattern 120 Rising and falling: The up and down pattern 123 Playing all together: The simultaneous picking pattern 123 Thumbing around: The alternate picking pattern 125 Chapter 9: Combining Melodies and Chords When Playing Solo 131 Strumming Melody and Chords Together 131 Thumb-strumming the melody 132 Using up strums 134 Strumming between the melody 134 Finger-strumming the melody 137 Picking Out Melodies and Chords 139 Faking a strum 139 Fingerpicking to combine melody and chords 139 Chapter 10: Picking Up Some Soloing Techniques 141 Getting Articulated on the Frets 141 Hammering-on 142 Pulling-off 143 Sliding between notes 144 Bending notes 147 Producing vibrato 149 Putting everything together 150 Picking Your Way to Great Solos 150 Being all fingers and thumbs (in a good way!) 151 Picking alternately: The running man 151 Using a pick 151 Strum blocking 152 Inventing Solos the Easy Way 153 Soloing using chord shapes 153 Playing all the chord shapes 153 Soloing with scales 154 Part 4: Discovering Genres and Styles 157 Chapter 11: Rocking Out with Your Uke 159 Rocking Out with Chords 159 Keeping it simple: Three-chord punk 160 Adding a fourth chord 160 Powering up with 5 chords 160 Building tension: Suspended chords 161 Strumming Rock and Punk Rhythms 162 Bo Diddling 162 Iggy Popping 163 Making Your Uke Talk: Soloing Tips 163 Phrasing like speaking 164 Articulating questions and answers 164 Moving up the fretboard for tension and release 164 Chapter 12: Playing the Blues to Lift Your Spirits 167 Playing Blues Chord Progressions 168 Performing a simple 12-bar blues 168 Varying the 12-bar blues 168 Shuffling the blues 172 Turning the Blues Around 176 Leading the Blues 178 Soloing with the Blues Scale 179 Discovering the first position blues scale 180 Using the second position blues scale 180 Scaling the heights with solos 181 Chapter 13: Saying “Aloha” to the Hawaiian Style 185 Strumming in the Hawaiian Way 185 Turning Around, Hawaiian-Style 188 Progressing to the Hawaiian turnaround 188 Soloing the Hawaiian turnaround 189 Stretching Out to Play “Alekoki” 190 Chapter 14: Jazzing Up Your Uke Playing 193 Turning Around, Jazz-Style 193 Using Hot Jazzy Chords 195 Strumming in That Jazzy Way 196 Playing a ragtime tune 196 Hitting the split stroke 198 Chapter 15: Strumming Up the Jawaiian Style 201 Starting Up Some Jawaiian Strumming 202 Practicing the touch strum 202 Drumming up the thumb ’n’ strum style 203 “Jamming” with Bob Marley 205 Chapter 16: Getting Classy: Classical Masterpieces for Ukulele 207 Strumming Up the Classics 207 Picking the Classics — Classical Guitar Pieces for Ukulele 210 Playing Campanella Style 213 Chapter 17: Ukuleleing the Holidays 217 Playing the Twelve Days 217 Ringing in the New Year with “Auld Lang Syne” 219 Making a Noise with “Silent Night” 220 Part 5: Buying and Looking After Your Ukulele 223 Chapter 18: Weighing Up Your Options When Buying a Ukulele 225 Buying Your First Uke 225 Assessing how much to spend 226 Picking a size 226 Avoiding problems 227 Deciding Where to Buy 227 Buying from a shop 227 Purchasing online 228 Obtaining Your Second (and Third, Fourth, Fifth ) Ukulele 228 Thinking about solid versus laminated 229 Considering types of wood 229 Plugging In: Electric Ukuleles 231 Lowering the Tone: Bass Ukuleles 232 Chapter 19: Splashing Out on Essentials and Accessories 233 Picking the Right Strings 233 Getting Hold of Optional Accessories 234 Clipping on a tuner 234 Bagging a case 235 Recording your performance 235 Leaving it standing up or hanging down? 236 Strapping on your uke 236 Capturing the right capo 236 Feeling for a pick 237 Going Mobile 238 Finding uke chords 238 Tuning up 238 Keeping time with a metronome 239 Recording tunes 239 Chapter 20: Restringing, Maintaining, and Adjusting Your Uke 241 Restringing Your Ukulele 241 Deciding when to restring 242 Removing the strings 242 Tying the strings at the bridge 243 Looping the strings round the tuning pegs 245 Stretching the strings 246 Maintaining Your Ukulele 246 Cleaning after playing 247 Storing your ukulele 247 Tackling humidity 247 Diagnosing and Solving Uke Problems 248 Adjusting strings that go out of tune 248 Deciding that the strings are too high: Lowering the action 248 Fixing a buzzing sound: Raising the action 249 Fighting against out-of-tune strings high up the fretboard 250 Part 6: The Part of Tens 251 Chapter 21: Ten Ukulele Players to Know 253 Ernest Ka‘ai (1881–1962) 253 May Singhi Breen (1895–1970) 254 Roy Smeck (1900–1994) 254 George Formby (1904–1961) 255 The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain (1985–) 255 Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole (1959–1997) 256 Jake Shimabukuro (1976–) 256 Amanda Palmer (1976–) 257 James Hill (1980–) 258 Zach Condon (1986–) 258 Chapter 22: Ten Ways to Get Involved in the Ukulele Scene 259 Joining a Ukulele Club 260 Visiting a Ukulele Festival 260 Making a Video 261 Playing Live 261 Going Online 262 Spreading the Uke News 262 Entering a Contest 262 Teaching Someone 263 Writing Your Own Songs 263 Seeing a Show 264 Chapter 23: Ten (or So) Tips for Improving Your Playing 265 Playing Very Slowly 265 Refusing to Rush Things 266 Recording Yourself 266 Playing with and for Others 267 Practicing in Sections 267 Knowing When to Stop Practicing 267 Stealing from Everyone 268 Varying Your Inversions and Verying Your Invarsions 268 Opening Your Ears 269 Enjoying Yourself 269 Busting a Rut 270 Chapter 24: Ten Greatest Ukulele Chords 271 Invigorating C (with a High Note) 272 Shimmering A Minor 7 (High Up) 272 Melancholy F Major 7 273 Complex G9 273 Chilled Out G6 274 The “Hawaiian” D7 274 Uncomfortable A Augmented 7 275 Jazzy C9 276 Menacing F Minor 9 276 Nostalgic E Diminished 7 277 Part 7: Appendixes 279 Appendix A: Chord Charts 281 Appendix B: Reading Standard Musical Notation 285 Appendix C: Audio Tracks 291 Index 297

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisLucy Brown has made television programmes around the world for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Nickelodeon and Disney. She has TV credits on BAFTA and RTS award winning children's programmes and the acclaimed flagship architecture series, Grand Designs. Lucy is Head of Film and Television and a Principal Lecturer at the University of Greenwich. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and winner of a Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence in International Engagement. Lyndsay Duthie is an Executive Producer with television credits for ITV, BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5 and SKY. Her career has included ten years originating and producing hit programmes at ITV, as well as running her own company, Ice Blue Media. Lyndsay is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Principal Lecturer and Course Director for the University of Hertfordshire's Film & TV Programme, and winner of the Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Graduate Success.Table of ContentsPART ONE – Standby! CHAPTER 1 - S.T.U.D.I.O Toolkit CHAPTER 2 - The Big Idea CHAPTER 3 – Getting Commissioned CHAPTER 4 – The Studio Environment CHAPTER 5 – Production Management PART TWO – Action! CHAPTER 6 - Talent Shows CHAPTER 7 – Studio Dramas: Soaps and Sitcoms CHAPTER 8 – Game and Quiz Shows CHAPTER 9 – News CHAPTER 10 – Food Shows CHAPTER 11 – Children’s TV CHAPTER 12 - Talk Shows and Magazine Formats CHAPTER 13 – Reality TV CHAPTER 14 – It’s a Wrap! Glossary Index

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Book SynopsisMikhl Yashinsky is an actor, playwright, stage director, lyricist, and Yiddishist.

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Book SynopsisHow is the individual and the nation' constructed and promoted in American theatre? How does theatre enable a nation to invent and reinvent itself? Who are the people' in We the People'?This brief study examines the intersection of the USA's sense of self with its theatre, revealing how the two have an entangled history and a shared identity.Through case studies of six canonical plays and musicals, such as Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852), Oklahoma! (1943), Angels in America (1991), and Hamilton (2015), Theatre and the USA demonstrates how all six of these plays sparked controversy, spoke to their moment, and became canonical texts, arguing that that the histories of these plays are the history of the USA's theatrical infrastructure.Table of ContentsAcknowledgements 1. We the People 2. The People Transformed: Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852) 3. The People Producer Their Stories: “Sunday Morning in the South” (1925) and “Soldadera” (1936) 4. The People’s Memories: Oklahoma! (1943) 5. An Epic People: Angels in America (1991) 6. Who Tells the People’s Story?: Hamilton (2015) Further Reading

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Book SynopsisWhat is the relationship between theatre and class? How has this relationship developed over time, from the age of empire to the advent of social democracy and on to contemporary times? What impact has late capitalism had on the theatre industry? What effect has the reduction of government funding for the arts had on career prospects for actors from working-class backgrounds?Theatre and Class is a stark look at the evolution of the political economy in Western society. Exploring the historical development of the notions of ''class'', as well as the contemporary debates that still surround this issue, this book reveals how the ascending middle class took centre stage in both the theatre and the public sphere. This concise study traverses the challenging history of ''class'' in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries and, through a number of case studies, examines ''class'' as a performance both in the theatre and in wider society.

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Book SynopsisPick and roll your way through bluegrass banjo basics The banjo nearly defines the bluegrass sound, and you'll be playing your own favorite tunesor maybe writing some new oneswith the help of this book. Bluegrass Banjo For Dummies is the place to start if you're ready to start learning banjo or upgrade your skills to play in the bluegrass style. Written by an expert musician and educator, this book makes it easy to start plucking your 5-string banjo using common bluegrass techniques. You'll also have access to over 100 online audio files, and 35 video lessons, so you can see and hear the techniques in practice. This book serves as your first step to becoming a bluegrass banjo player, even if you're completely new to playing musical instruments. Choose the right banjo, pick up the basics, learn classic banjo licks, and morethe easy way. Learn how to read banjo tablature and perform on a five-string banjo Get insight on playing as part of a bluegrassTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 Part 1: Getting Started with Bluegrass Banjo 5 Chapter 1: Bluegrass Music and the Banjo 7 Chapter 2: Finding the Perfect Bluegrass Banjo and Getting the Gear You Need 21 Chapter 3: Hitting the Ground Running: Tuning, Reading Music, and Making Chords 37 Chapter 4: Fretting and Picking 51 Part 2: Let’s Roll! Scruggs-Style Banjo Essentials 69 Chapter 5: Picking Techniques: Roll Patterns 71 Chapter 6: Fretting Techniques and Putting the Hands Together 89 Chapter 7: Getting Bona Fide: Playing Licks and Classic Tunes 109 Chapter 8: Working Up Your Own Scruggs-Style Solos 135 Part 3: Playing in the Band: Backup Essentials 165 Chapter 9: Getting Started: Playing Down-the-Neck Backup 167 Chapter 10: Taking It Higher: Playing Up-the-Neck Backup 181 Part 4: Progressive Banjo: Melodic and Single-String Styles 205 Chapter 11: Melodic-Style Banjo 207 Chapter 12: Single-String Banjo 227 Part 5: Keeping Your Banjo in Top Shape 243 Chapter 13: Setup Essentials and Live Performance: Getting the Best Sound from Your Banjo 245 Chapter 14: All Strings Considered: Choosing and Changing Strings 261 Part 6: The Part of Tens 275 Chapter 15: Ten (or So) Groundbreaking Bluegrass Banjo Players 277 Chapter 16: Ten Strategies to Make You a Better Player (Right Now!) 285 Part 7: Appendixes 291 Appendix A: A Guide to Chords, Notes, and Major Scales 293 Appendix B: Audio Tracks and Video Clips 301 Index 311

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 Part 1: C-family Chords 17 Part 2: D ♭ / C ♯ -family Chords 47 Part 3: D-family Chords 73 Part 4: E♭/D ♯ -family Chords 107 Part 5: E-family Chords 133 Part 6: F-family Chords 159 Part 7: F ♯ /G♭ Chords 187 Part 8: G-family Chords 213 Part 9: A♭/G ♯ Chords 241 Part 10: A-family Chords 267 Part 11: B♭/A ♯ -family Chords 293 Part 12: B-family Chords 319 Index 345

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Book SynopsisThe Doctor wouldn't be half the Time Lord they are, without some assistance. But how much doyou know about the people who played the companions?This book is the first of its kind. It's your comprehensive guide to the actors who have playedDoctor Who companions over the years. Inside, you will find biographies of every companion actor who has been in Doctor Who. There arecomplete chronologies of companion arrivals and departures through the show's history, enrichedwith original interviews with some of the cast. As an encyclopaedia, it is packed with dates, details and knowledge, a valuable reference sourcefor any Doctor Who fan. As a guide, this book also offers a personal perspective on the show and explores what thesetalented, hard-working professionals brought to the show. The author traces its origins in 1963,through the ensuing decades, and takes you right up to the most recent serials.Doctor Who: An Encyclopaedia of Companion Actorsis a testament to the actors and a meticulously-craftedlove-letter to the show.

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Book SynopsisFilm studios have been making historical movies now for over a century. In that time, thousands of films have been made covering not just centuries but millennia. Did Neanderthal woman really look like Raquel Welch in her bearskin bikini? Did 6,000 rebellious slaves claim that they were Spartacus? Did Berengaria complain to her husband, Richard the Lionheart, War, war; that's all you think about, Dick Plantagenet'? Was El Cid strapped to his horse's saddle to lead his army after he was dead? These aren't questions of history; they are questions of Hollywood.Charlton Heston was a foot too tall for General Charles Gordon. John Wayne was a tad too American for Genghis Khan. Eric von Stroheim's bald head was an odd choice for the perfectly hirsute Erwin Rommel. And Warren Beatty and Fay Dunaway were far too gorgeous for bank robbers Bonnie and Clyde.Hollywood never gets it right. History and its characters are endlessly complicated, and producers, directors and screenwriters have a simple

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Book Synopsis''Smart, analytical and enormously good fun'' Stuart Maconie, Mail on Sunday''Ingenious . . . conjures a whole cultural history of the past six decades'' The Spectator''Strikingly insightful . . . page after page of glorious anecdotes'' The i Newspaper''A book to leave you shaken and stirred'' Independent''Poignant and entertaining'' Observer''If you take popular culture seriously, this is the book for you'' Jeremy DellerDr No, the first Bond film, and ''Love Me Do'', the first Beatles record, were released on the same day. Most countries can only dream of creating a phenomenon on this scale; Britain produced two on one windy October afternoon. Told over sixty dramatic years, Love and Let Die is the story of two culture touchstones that continue to define our aspirations and fantasies; of opposing values, visions of Britain and ideas about male identity; and of how a clash between working class liberTrade ReviewA daring, dazzlingly entertaining pop cultural critique . . . smart analytical and enormously good fun. There'ssomething provocative or revelatory on every page -- Stuart Maconie * MAIL ON SUNDAY *Strikingly insightful . . . [Higgs] gives us page after page of glorious anecdotes about Bond and The Beatles, revelations about one sparking insights into the other * i NEWSPAPER *Ingenious . . . Love and Let Die starts with a perfect coincidence [and] conjures a whole cultural history of the past six decades * THE SPECTATOR *A highly evocative picture of the 1960s . . . Love and Let Die is a book to leave you shaken and stirred * INDEPENDENT *This is more than just a book about those two cultural colossi, the Beatles and Bond. It is that, and magnificently so, but it is also about class, art, masculinity, entitlement, politics, love and death. Humane, droll and wise, there is some brilliant apercu, revelation or connection on every page. A dazzling, daring, recondite and immensely readable pop culture critique -- STUART MACONIEIf you take popular culture seriously, this is the book for you -- JEREMY DELLERPoignant and entertaining . . . sharp and pacy. . . Higgs is a lively writer and has assembled many intriguing nuggets from six decades of British popular culture * OBSERVER *In pairing these pop-cultural phenomena, Mr Higgs is onto something. A brilliant meander through the British male psyche . . . excellent and illuminating * WALL STREET JOURNAL *A triumphant work of truth, heart and soul. Love and Let Die is revolutionary, spirited, shaken and stirred -- SALENA GODDEN, author of MRS DEATH MISSES DEATHBrilliant -- Frank Cotterell-Boyce * OBSERVER *Entertaining . . . an eccentric jaunt through the interwoven histories [of the Beatles and Bond] * SUNDAY TIMES *Here is an author who constantly reaches out to the reader, grabs their attention and doesn't let go, finding connection in the most unexplored places . . . I was gripped throughout . . . Higgs finds beautiful threads everywhere . . . packed with small details and big ideas * THE PSYCHOLOGIST *Persuasive . . . The story of the power struggle between the working class and the establishment, as seen through the lens of the Beatles' records and the Bond films, is a fascinating one . . . entertaining * TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT *Lives up to the hype . . . both captivating and thought-provoking. A riveting read * SHINDIG! *

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Book Synopsis''The best non-fiction book I''ve ever read. It''s magical. Stunning'' Dan Schreiber, No Such Thing As a Fish''A pop biography for people who don''t read pop biographies'' Dorian Lynskey, Guardian''Brilliant, discursive and wise'' Ben Goldacre''Utterly irresistible and totally brilliant'' The Quietus''A thing of endlessly fascinating, utterly demented genius'' Alexis PetridisThey were the bestselling singles band in the world. They had awards, credibility, commercial success and creative freedom. Then they deleted their records, erased themselves from musical history and burnt their last million pounds in a boathouse on the Isle of Jura. And they couldn''t say why.This is not just the story of The KLF. It is a book about Carl Jung, Alan Moore, Robert Anton Wilson, Ken Campbell, Dada, Situationism, Discordianism, magic, chaos, punk, rave, the alchemical symbolism of Doctor Who and the special poweTrade ReviewThe best non-fiction book I've ever read. It's magical. Stunning -- Dan Schreiber * NO SUCH THING AS A FISH *The best non-fiction book I've ever read. It's magical. Stunning * NO SUCH THING AS A FISH *A pop biography for people who don't read pop biographies. Higgs approaches the short career of the early 90s top 10 provocateurs like Adam Curtis brainstorming with Thomas Pynchon, exploring all manner of magical thinking and conspiracy theories. Touching on Dada, Doctor Who and Discordianism, it's as playful and sui generis as the KLF themselves, which is saying something * GUARDIAN *A pop biography for people who don't read pop biographies. Higgs approaches the short career of the early 90s top 10 provocateurs like Adam Curtis brainstorming with Thomas Pynchon, exploring all manner of magical thinking and conspiracy theories. Touching on Dada, Doctor Who and Discordianism, it's as playful and sui generis as the KLF themselves, which is saying something * GUARDIAN *Might well be the best music book of the 2010s . . . eccentric, bizarre, confusing, hilarious and more than a little pretentious but utterly irresistible and totally brilliant -- Cay McDermott * THE QUIETUS *Might well be the best music book of the 2010s . . . eccentric, bizarre, confusing, hilarious and more than a little pretentious but utterly irresistible and totally brilliant * THE QUIETUS *The book brilliantly captures the anti-establishment attitude of Drummond and Cauty, and makes you wish the pop charts were full of such madness these days * THE BIG ISSUE *The book brilliantly captures the anti-establishment attitude of Drummond and Cauty, and makes you wish the pop charts were full of such madness these days * THE BIG ISSUE *This wildly entertaining thesis speculates on how the KLF arrived at a crowning act of transgression even they did not understand, drawing together threads including practical magic, strange patterns of coincidence and punk * MOJO *This wildly entertaining thesis speculates on how the KLF arrived at a crowning act of transgression even they did not understand, drawing together threads including practical magic, strange patterns of coincidence and punk * MOJO *Succeeds by ignoring music for much of the story, in favour of the group's philosophical and psycho-geographical underpinnings in Discordianism, situationism, art and magic. Sometimes, the music is just a means to an end - in their case, a million-quid bonfire that Higgs suggests may be "a magical act that forged the 21st century". Well, maybe . . . * INDEPENDENT *Succeeds by ignoring music for much of the story, in favour of the group's philosophical and psycho-geographical underpinnings in Discordianism, situationism, art and magic. Sometimes, the music is just a means to an end - in their case, a million-quid bonfire that Higgs suggests may be "a magical act that forged the 21st century". Well, maybe . . . -- Andy Gill * INDEPENDENT *Book of the Century. Most pop biographies are a dull patchwork of clippings - this is something elseBook of the Century. Most pop biographies are a dull patchwork of clippings - this is something elseBy far the best book this year, brilliant, discursive and wiseBy far the best book this year, brilliant, discursive and wiseI am going to bang on about THE KLF: Chaos, Magic and the Band who Burned a Million Pounds rather a lot. Fascinating . . . Enthralling'I am going to bang on about THE KLF: Chaos, Magic and the Band who Burned a Million Pounds rather a lot. Fascinating . . . Enthralling'John Higgs's book about the KLF is - like its subject - a thing of endlessly fascinating, utterly demented geniusJohn Higgs's book about the KLF is - like its subject - a thing of endlessly fascinating, utterly demented genius

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Book SynopsisThis vivid celebration of blues and early rock ''n'' roll includes some of the first and most illuminating profiles of such blues masters as Muddy Waters, Skip James, and Howlin'' Wolf; excursions into the blues-based Memphis rock ''n'' roll of Jerry Lee Lewis, Charlie Rich, and the Sun record label; and a brilliant depiction of the bustling Chicago blues scene and the legendary Chess record label in its final days. With unique insight and unparalleled access, Peter Guralnick brings to life the people, the songs, and the performance that forever changed not only the American music scene but America itself.

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Book SynopsisA musical memoir

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Book SynopsisDiscover the remarkably honest and captivating story of one of the world''s greatest ever singing talents, Sir Tom Jones ''Brilliantly told'' SUNDAY TIMES ''A terrific, star-studded journey'' DAILY EXPRESS ______ ''For a lot of years, I''ve answered a lot of questions, but have never told my story before . . .'' In a business where dreams are often short-lived, Sir Tom Jones has maintained his sensational career across six decades. But how did a boy from a Welsh coal-mining family attain success across the globe over the course of decades? In this, his first ever autobiography, Tom revisits his past and tells the tale of his journey from wartime Pontypridd to LA and beyond. He reveals the stories behind the ups and downs of his fascinating and remarkable life, from the early heydays to the subsequent fallow years to his later period of artistic renaissance. It''s the storTrade ReviewA story brilliantly told ... Hold up your banners: "Sir Tom F****** Jones". Yeah! -- Bryan Appleyard * Sunday Times *Packed with the kind of showbiz tales you don't get any more ... Jones is a charming, matey voice and the book is a terrific, star-studded journey through the world of entertainment. Even after meeting some of the greats, such as Elvis and Sinatra, Jones still retains an innocence and freshness that is rare * Daily Express *Over the Top and Back is a great read and funny. It charts his youth in the coal mining town of Pontypridd. It captures his Welshness * Sunday Telegraph *a book that gets to Jones's core * Daily Mirror *The book lays bare a career that has spanned 60 years, Tom revisits his past and tells tales from his journey from wartime Pontypridd to LA and beyond. He reveals the ups and downs of his remarkable life, from his early heyday to his subsequent fallow years to his later period of artistic renaissance * Wales on Sunday *You tell the story of an Electrolux vacuum cleaner with the same gusto as you talk about Elvis Presley, and that's why it's brilliant Tom * Chris Evans *Tom Jones really has had the most astonishing life, one which he recounts here with verve, energy and a vivid eye for detail - this is a hugely enjoyable read * The Daily Mail *This lively, thoughtful and entertaining account does justice to a remarkable life and career * Sunday Express *A story, brilliantly told... hold up your banners: "Sir Tom F****** Jones". Yeah! * Brian Appleyard, Sunday Times *A brilliant read full of charm and anecdote that captures the spirit of each decade as well as giving a great behind-the-scenes snapshot of the music world. -- Fanny Blake * Woman & Home *

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Book SynopsisTO ACHIEVE GREATNESS, HE MUST SACRIFICE EVERYTHING . . . Read most original new thriller, a story of glamour, secrets and obsession This compelling psychological thriller set in the acting world is both uncompromising and unsettling, with deeply layered characters and a narrative voice that grabs you from the opening line and won't let you go' Alex Michaelides, author of The Silent Patient ---- Actor Adam Sealey owes his Oscar nomination to mentor Jonathan Dors. It was Jonathan who trained him in the Method: digging deep into personal trauma in pursuit of the greatest performance. It gets results. But there's a price. For Adam, it cost him the love of his life. And then there's what happened twenty years ago. An awful secret he's buried deep inside. Yet as Oscar night beckons, someone is threatening to dig up the truth. Adam is finally in the spot

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Book SynopsisIntended for actors, directors, teachers and researchers, this book offers an exceptionally clear and thorough introduction to the renowned acting technique developed by Michael Chekhov. Sinéad Rushe's book provides a complete overview of the whole method, and includes illuminating explanations of its principles, as well as a wide range of practical exercises that illustrate, step by step, how they can be applied to dramatic texts. Part One provides an outline of the ideas that underpin the work, which help to prepare practitioners to become responsive and receptive, and to awaken their imagination. Part Two charts a journey through the foundational psychophysical exercises that can both orient an actor''s training routine and be applied directly to the development of a role. Part Three focuses on more specific and elaborate methods of scene work, characterisation and the art of transformation. Drawing on the full range of Chekhov''s writing in English and French, Trade ReviewA long-time practitioner of Chekhov's acting technique, Rushe (Central School of Speech and Drama, UK) has delivered a valuable, comprehensive look at many of the acting tools Chekhov pioneered at the turn of the 20th century … Particularly noteworthy is Rushe’s creation of a careful pathway through all the material. Each exercise builds on its predecessor in a way that shows the author’s attention to detail and mastery of the subject matter … Though aimed at modern practitioners of acting, academics should not shy away from this guide, given its thorough research and its historical relevance. This volume will be a useful resource for those studying acting theory, theater history, or the pedagogy of acting. * CHOICE *An extremely well researched exploration of how Chekhov’s approach to acting can be best utilized … Rushe’s very clear explanations of each tool, its use, and its relationship to other tools is very illuminating and practical. * Theatre, Dance and Performance Training *Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments List of Abbreviations Introduction: Guiding Principles A Note on the Context of Chekhov's work Part One: Preparation The ideal centre The four brothers: feeling of ease Receiving The four brothers: feeling of form The four brothers: feeling of beauty The four brothers: feeling of entirety Radiating Expansion and contraction Part Two: Practice Qualities of movement: moulding, floating, flying, radiating Further qualities of movement: staccato/legato, curved/straight Directions in space Archetypal gesture The three sisters: rising, falling, balancing Image and imagination Improvisation Transition: Transformation Part Three: Performance Imaginary body Imaginary centre Stick/ball/veil Archetypes Psychological gesture Subjective atmosphere Objective atmosphere Extras: ghost exercise, character biography Conclusion: Theatre of the Future Chronology of Michael Chekhov's Career

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Book SynopsisWorth his weight in marmalade sandwiches, here's Paddington in four more favourite adventures. Whether he's playing in the sand, going to the theatre, picnicking on the river or enjoying Christmas Day, you can be sure life will be full of surprises! The stories are A Day at the Seaside', Pantomime Time', A Picnic on the River' and Paddington's Christmas.'' Introduced by Michael Hordern, who narrated the original BBC TV series Paddington.1 CD. 1 hr.

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Book SynopsisThe great eccentric of British psychedelia and unsung national treasure - beloved of everyone from Led Zeppelin, R.E.M. to Stewart Lee and the late Jonathan Demme (who directed Storefront Hitchcock, a 1998 concert film conceived as 'a document not a documentary') - pens an idiosyncratic childhood memoir . . .

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Book Synopsis''Bliss on Toast'', the perfect Christmas giftA facsimile of the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard Training Manual recently discovered in the attic of a house in the town. Found in a trunk amongst a pile of HOTSPUR comics, it belonged to Private Pike and features his handwritten marginal notes on the text plus his personal jottings on matters of rather less importance than the defence of the realm, such as films he has seen, girls he has dated and the progress of Aston Villa FC. The book bears the official crest and stamp of the Queen''s Own Royal West Kent Regiment, to which the platoon belongs. Although aged and covered with stains, boot prints, tears and scorch marks, it is in a reasonable condition for facsimile printing. The manual is Capt Mainwaring''s attempt to ready the platoon to face (and recognize) the enemy in the coming invasion of Britain.Trade ReviewArguably wittier than the original series, it is carefully designed to give that shabby, wartime look and contains the martial thoughts of Captain Mainwaring and his lads, with sarky comments in red ink by the sardonic Sergeant Wilson. The essential guide to turning signposts round, removing manhole covers and communicating with deaf Home Guard members at a distance (try semaphore - but not if its's dark). * SUNDAY TELEGRAPH *DAD'S ARMY remains timelessly popular; it was Perry and Croft's great genius to create a vision of the English as they like to see themselves * THE ULTIMATE TV GUIDE *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Stoned Beyond Belief is an exploration of every corner of the pot galaxy, from highly scientific botanical analyses and the study of pot’s medicinal benefits to a guide to the wild world of weed paraphernalia. It’s also a very personal tribute to a substance Bronson refers to as life-changing, horizon-expanding, a conduit for happiness, a connector." -- Blackout Hip Hop

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