Search results for ""Author Leonard"

Warren Zevon songs are like chapters in a great American novel. Its story lies in the heart of his and our psyche. The lines are blurred. We never seem to know if we are looking in a mirror or peering through a window; we only know that when we listen we see something . The music sets the scene his voice a striking baritone, its narrator our guide through a labyrinth of harrowing narratives. The plot unfolds without subtlety; each musical and lyrical arc awakens imagination. In Accidentally Like a Martyr: The Tortured Art of Warren Zevon , music journalist James Campion presents 13 essays on seminal Zevon songs and albums that provide context to the themes, inspirations, and influence of one of America's most literate songwriters. In-depth interviews with Zevon's friends and colleagues provide first-person accounts of how the music was lived, composed, recorded, and performed. Longtime fans of this most uniquely tortured artist, as well as those who want to discover his work for the first time, will get inside the mind, talent, and legacy of the wildly passionate Excitable Boy.

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ÊChord MasterÊ is a chord dictionary with a difference. Rather than just show chord shapes ä which are all there in the Chord Matrix ä a large portion of the book explains how to use chords with information about the theory behind them and attempts to answer the questions guitarists often have about chord shapes. Also it presents usable groups of chords for beginners in relation to a variety of song styles.ÞThis new revised edition emphasises the practical and is even more useful to beginners with expanded exercises and more audio. The multimedia component has roughly doubled the number of tracks and is 30 minutes longer. Some audio examples have a backing track arranged to stress melodic and rhythmic elements so that when the reader puts the chords alongside the effect is marked sometimes allowing for re-harmonizing the same music with a different chord progression or a chord progression played in more than one area of the guitar. The notation of the chord progressions is partly redesigned making it easier to read. This will also make this part of the book more attractive to the casual browser.ÞMore chord types have been added to ÊChord MasterÊ's Matrix (dictionary) section with new material about balanced chords (which remove ineffective or unnecessary doublings of notes) and about effective chord voicing. The section about chords from famous songs is expanded with more examples of unusual chords including ones that players are often curious about ä one of the most famous examples is the first chord of A Hard Day's Night.

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From faders to frequencies microphones to mixing pink noise to polarity this is the all-inclusive manual for creating the finest sound for live performances. It applies to the entire range of stage performers and their equipment ä solo acoustic guitar and vocal full-scale band requiring complex amplification or electronica DJ working multiple turntables. Every aspect of live sound is covered including: analyzing venue needs acquiring and managing the ideal sound system setting up and testing equipment understanding and applying the theories of acoustics maintenance trouble-shooting and much more. Also features a 15 000-word technical glossary.

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What is steampunk? Going beyond the standard default definitions of Victorian science fiction, yesterday's tomorrow today, or some other equally vague or limited description, Steampunk FAQ provides a historical exploration of its literary and cinematic origins. The journey begins with a look at steampunk's genesis in the novels and short stories of three Californians who hung out a lot with Philip K. Dick, before moving on to the inspirations and antecedents of steampunk. Contrary to what many articles and books say, steampunk's direct inspiration is arguably far more cinematic than literary, a likely reaction to the many film adaptations, pastiches, and knockoffs of the scientific romances of Jules Verne and H. G. Wells. While Verne, Wells, and a host of other Victorian and Edwardian writers have influenced steampunk fiction, cinematic elements from films such as Disney's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) and George Pal's Time Machine (1960) show up more often as immediate influences on the style we call steampunk. In offering a celebration of steampunk's style and cultural aesthetic, Steampunk FAQ also explores its connection to cyberpunk, the world of fashion, comics, and culture around the world.

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Lavishly illustrated with color photos throughout

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HANDEL: A LISTENER'S GUIDE

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In 1971 college student Ted Chapin found himself front row center as a production assistant at the creation of one of the greatest Broadway musicals ÊFolliesÊ. Needing college credit to graduate on time he kept a journal of everything he saw and heard and thus was able to document in unprecedented detail how a musical is actually created. Now more than thirty years later he has fashioned an extraordinary chronicle. ÊFolliesÊ was created by Stephen Sondheim Hal Prince Michael Bennett and James Goldman ä giants in the evolution of the Broadway musical and geniuses at the top of their game. ÊEverything Was PossibleÊ takes the reader on a roller-coaster ride from the uncertainties of casting to drama-filled rehearsals from the care and feeding of one-time movie and television stars to the pressures of a Boston tryout to the exhilaration of opening night on Broadway. Foreword by long-time NY critic Frank Rich.

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In this anthology of diverse monologues and scenes mature actors will find material by a wide-range of playwrights and their best work. Marriage sex work the changes in a maturing body memories and loss of memory among other themes that reflect the life experiences of middle age and aging are presented for the benefit of actors who are over fifty as well as younger actors seeking to expand their range. Never before compiled in a single volume these moving and unusual pieces will serve as a valuable reference and ever-inspiring source of material.

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ÊBuffy the Vampire SlayerÊ redefined what was possible for teen-centric TV built an extraordinary strong bond of love and loyalty with its passionately devoted fans and launched the meteoric writing and directing career of creator Joss Whedon. ÊBuffy the Vampire Slayer FAQÊ takes a comprehensive look at the groundbreaking series giving both Buffy experts and newbies fresh insights into the creation and production of the show in-depth analysis of the show's complex mythology and thematic concerns and lots of irreverent cracks at Riley's expense (love ya buddy). Readers will learn secrets even the Watchers Council doesn't know relive their favorite moments from the show and settle once and for all: Angel or Spike?

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He is the Lizard King ä well the King of the Monsters ä he can do anything. Since he first romped onto the silver screen in 1954 no other character in all of international cinema has been as beloved by American audiences as Godzilla. Despite the modern film industry's affinity for franchises and cinematic universes he remains one of its most enduring and popular characters with a total of twenty-eight motion pictures (not even including two American reboots!) under his massive belt. From his home base in Japan where the legendary Toho Pictures first put him on the map Godzilla has gone on to become an international phenomenon a pop culture avatar a movie monster unrivaled in both size and appeal. The latest installment in Applause Theatre and Cinema Books' FAQ series Brian Soloman's ÊGodzilla FAQÊ is a broad and varied exploration of the monumental fire-breathing radioactive lizard that has roared his way into our hearts over a sixty-year reign of terror. By pairing a colloquial text with a wide array of illustrations and visual media this 400-page survey encourages readers to drop in and out of the book as every chapter serves as a self-supporting article on a given subject. Written by a lifelong Godzilla fan and pop culture critic ÊGodzilla FAQÊ offers a comprehensive rundown of every Godzilla film ever made in-depth biographies of major players in the franchise's history and enough raw information to rebuild a ravaged Tokyo. Don't miss out on this ideal gift for cinema fans lizard lovers and pop culture fiends of all ages!

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What does a producer actually do? How does one travel from that great idea for a show to a smash hit opening night on Broadway? John Breglio cannot guarantee you a hit but he does take the reader on a fascinating journey behind-the-scenes to where he himself once stood as a child dreaming about the theatre.ÞPart memoir part handbook ÊI Wanna Be a ProducerÊ is a road map to the hows and wherefores the dos and don'ts of producing a Broadway play written by a Broadway veteran with more than 40 years of experience. This comprehensive and highly informative book features practical analysis and concepts for the producer ä and is filled with entertaining anecdotes from Breglio's illustrious career as a leading theatrical lawyer and producer. Breglio recounts not only his first-hand knowledge of the crucial legal and business issues faced by a producer but also his experiences behind the scenes with literally hundreds of producers playwrights composers and directors including such theatre luminaries as Michael Bennett Joe Papp Stephen Sondheim Andrew Lloyd Webber Patti Lupone August Wilson and Mel Brooks. Whether you are a working or aspiring producer an investor or are just curious about the backstage reality of the theater Breglio shares his knowledge and experience of the industry conveying practical information set against the real-life stories of those who have devoted their lives to the craft.

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Inside these pages aspiring young performers will find 75 challenging monologues just right for kids. All of the pieces are about subjects appropriate for production in schools ä much of it serious and challenging ä which will interest child performers without offending administrators teachers or parents. Some are comical some are dramatic and some are seriocomic (a little bit of both). Most of the monologues are from plays and some are original pieces written especially for this book. Despite the listed age of each character these monologue can all be performed by kids of any age.ÞThe collection features wonderful monologues by some of our finest playwrights such as Don Nigro Cassandra Lewis Reina Hardy Kayla Cagan Jenny Lyn Bader Eric Coble Glenn Alterman Constance Congdon and Barbara Dana. It also highlights exciting up-and-comers such as Sharon Goldner Gabriel David Deanna Alisa Ableser Martha Patterson David Eliet Connie Schindewolf Mark Lambeck and Phoebe Farmer.

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Even before the Beatnik Riots of 1961, New York City's Greenwich Village was the epicenter of revolutionary movements in American music and culture. But, in the early 1960s and throughout the decade, a new wave of writers and performers inspired by the folk music revival of the 1950s created socially aware and deeply personal songs that spoke to a generation like never before. These writers—Bob Dylan, Richard Fariña, Janis Ian, and Phil Ochs, to name a few—changed the folk repertoire from traditional songs to songs sprung from personal, contemporary experiences and the nation's headlines, raising the level of political self-expression to high art. Message and music merged and mirrored society.In Music + Revolution: Greenwich Village in the 1960s, Richard Barone tells this freewheelin' historical narrative, peppered with personal stories and insights from those who were there, celebrating the lasting legacy of this pivotal decade with stories behind songs that resonate just as strongly today.

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In this thoughtfully curated collection teen actors preparing for an audition or searching for quality scenes to hone their chops will find a wealth of contemporary material from American and British plays. Almost all of the works are from the year 2000 to the recent 2014 Broadway production of ÊThe Curious Incident of the Dog in Night-TimeÊ chosen from the point of view of a professional acting teacher director and casting director.ÞAlong with covering the basics of how to match the best monologue to the actor and how to approach the rehearsal and performance of the piece the book provides a synopsis of each play a character description and a list of questions specific to each monologue that will direct the actor toward shaping a complex honest and thoughtful performance that has a strong emotional connection a clear arc and playable actions. There is also a brief lesson on appropriate rehearsal behavior and preparation.

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After scores of books and commentaries on film noir and its classic period experts Alain Silver and James Ursini turn their full attention to neo-noir the self-conscious mannered sometimes ersatz and often surprising genre that sprang from the original movement. This volume surveys the full breath of American neo-noir its style and substance its evolution over succeeding generations of filmmakers from activist through postmodern to millennial and on with extensive illustrations in black-and-white and full-color that capture the genre's dramatic and visual essence.

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Paperback Original w/French flaps

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In 2009 the legendary Les Paul passed away at the age of 94. In celebration of his life this book capturing Paul's own reflections on his remarkable inventions and guitar playing was published as a high-end collector's edition. In 2015 Les Paul reached his centennial and Backbeat Books is pleased to celebrate the legend once more in the first-ever paperback edition of ÊLes Paul in His Own WordsÊ making his fascinating story available to a wide range of readers.ÞThis book is the definitive work on the recording and electric guitar pioneer whose prodigious talents and relentless work ethic single-handedly launched a new era in American popular music. This authentic account of Les Paul's life is packed with words of wisdom and experience from one of the most important contributors to modern music.

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ÊThe Gibson 335 Guitar BookÊ tells the story of Gibson's ES-335 and related models as played by B.B. King Alvin Lee and Eric Clapton among other virtuosos. It's full of great guitars cool players and fascinating historical detail. The book traces the story from Gibson's first thinline models to the company's signature instruments and modern re-creations of today.ÞThe book is in the tradition of Tony Bacon's bestselling guitar series with a carefully researched story a gallery section of full-color pictures of the most important guitars and players and a reference section detailing production years and specifications.ÞThe 335 was launched in 1958. It had a double-cutaway body but the interesting features were hidden inside. A solid block in an otherwise hollow body created a new semi-solid structure cleverly combining the sonic qualities of a hollowbody guitar and a solidbody. Variants included the stereo 345 and the upscale 355 and players have lined up ever since for a taste of these attractively different flavors.ÞSome of those players featured in the book include Larry Carlton Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) Peter Hayes (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club) Justin Hayward (Moody Blues) Eric Clapton Pepper Keenan (Down) B.B. King Elvin Bishop (Butterfield Blues Band) Alvin Lee (Ten Years After) Alex Lifeson (Rush) Eddie Phillips (the Creation) Johnny Marr (the Smiths) Lee Ritenour Andy Summers (the Police) Bill Nelson (Be-Bop Deluxe) and Andrew White (Kaiser Chiefs).

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Foreword by Neil Peart.ÞÞTalent energy dedication discipline passion innovation education drive mind body spirit vision honor truth and ÊdrumsÊ make the man: Kenny Aronoff. Voted by ÊRolling StoneÊ magazine as one of the greatest drummers of all time Aronoff is arguably the most sought-after recording and touring beat master ever. Ignited by the Beatles' appearance on ÊThe Ed Sullivan ShowÊ in 1964 Aronoff's passion for drumming fervently grew and carried him from the kit in his childhood living room in the Berkshires to Bernstein at Tanglewood to Mellencamp Etheridge Fogerty Smashing Pumpkins the Rolling Stones the Beatles ä his heroes ä and beyond.ÞBut none of this would have been possible without his fierce work ethic and unique approach to drumming ä an integration of all parts of his being along with meticulous attention to note-for-note detail feel and Êwhat the song needsÊ. Both a leader and a team player in the mission to realize a greater good ä an unforgettable recording a riveting show ä Aronoff brings it every time. Through any setbacks ä heartaches failures injuries or plain fatigue from the rigors of the biz ä Aronoff has stayed the arduous and wild rock 'n' roll course. His tale of what is possible with unrelenting dedication to one's bliss is an inspiration to all.ÞÊSex Drums Rock 'n' Roll!Ê details Aronoff's youth in the Berkshires and the Midwest from his early inspirations to his serious classical and jazz study which gave him the foundation to be able to play ä anything. The failure of a first rock band in his early twenties had a silver lining: it freed him up for an audition that would change his life ä John Mellencamp. His work with Mellencamp catapulted Aronoff to the top of the charts with such hits as Hurt So Good Little Pink Houses and Jack and Diane and paved the way for session and recording work with droves of remarkable artists: Melissa Etheridge John Fogerty Bon Jovi Stevie Nicks Smashing Pumpkins the BoDeans Paul Westerberg Celine Dion Iggy Pop Elton John Bob Dylan Alice Cooper Brian Wilson Meat Loaf Joe Cocker and countless others.ÞIn addition to his work as a world-famous recording and touring drummer Aronoff finds time to be a dedicated teacher and has shared his expertise with students all over the world teaching clinics for Tama and Zildjian. Heading into his fourth decade of rocking hard Aronoff shows no signs of slowing down. Featuring rare photos testimonials from major artists and from those who know him best a chronology of live performances a discography and a foreword by Neil Peart this book is the story of one of the greatest musicians of all time.

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To mark the 60th anniversary of Fender Backbeat's introduced a new completely revised third edition of this bestseller. Fender guitars have long been the instruments of choice for artists such as Jeff Beck Eric Clapton Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. This book tells the complete story of Fender guitars detailing classics such as the Telecaster Stratocaster & Jazzmaster as well as lesser-known models. Dozens of photos reveal Fender's storied craftsmanship while the text includes collector details for all models. The reference section lists all models and their statistics. This new edition has been refreshed and updated with 56 extra pages and over 60 new photographs. The main text has added material and has been brought up to date to cover Fender's ever-changing history amid the fascinating developments for the company and its instruments during the eight years since the previous edition.

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