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As usual with Hanson's books, this is a meticulously researched history of The Nice, one of the most important early British Prog bands, sadly often underappreciated. Based on interviews with band members Lee Jackson, Brian Davison and Davy O'List (Keith Emerson refused to cooperate), the author tells the fascinating story of the band, their rise to stardom and the eminent downfall. Full of anecdotes, behind the scenes info about the music scene in the late 1960s and the Music Industry at the time, this is a great read, as well as being highly informative.

 

 

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As usual with Hanson's books, this is a meticulously researched history of The Groundhogs, one of the most important British Blues and Blues-Rock bands, sadly often underappreciated. Based on interviews with the band's founder and leader, guitarist / singer / songwriter Tony McPhee, and other members of the band, the author tells the fascinating story of their career spanning from the mid-1960s through the 1980s. Richly illustrated by many photographs, posters, etc. this book is a great example of how a biography of a band should be presented. Full of facts, stories and anecdotes, this is a most enjoyable read.

 

 

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Superb book about the British Jazz scene scanning the most important and revolutionary period in its history, during which British Jazz emerged as the leading representative of the European Jazz, emancipated from the early limitations intrinsic to the American influences. The author analyses the influences inherited from the earlier periods and the emerging wave of new talent and inspiration, all leading to the formation of a formidable decade of truly magnificent music. The social and political changes that took place at the time are also taken into account, providing the proper background to the evolving story. Meticulously researched and based on numerous interviews with the musicians, the book present a coherent history and an enlightening overview of the period. An absolute must to any serious fan / researcher of this phenomenon and a breathtaking reading experience.

 

 

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This is the second edition of Renaud's discography of British Jazz published a decade earlier, expanded and brought up to date. Meticulously researched, this is the best ever publication of its kind and an absolute goldmine of information to any record collector / fan of British Jazz. Although not complete and perfect, since no discography, especially of this scope can ever be, this is as close to perfection as possible and summarizes the author's lifetime work and love put into the project. This is an essential document!

 

 

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This fascinating book attempts the perhaps impossible task of explaining verbally the intricacies of Free Jazz and Improvised Music, as experienced by an experienced and educated listener, attempting to enlighten other listeners and share his experiences. Considering the difficulties involved, the author makes an excellent effort, which is an enjoyable, although not easy, read. Full of facts and references to recordings, this might be used as a guide to exploring the genre and share one's own experiences with the author. The CD included with the book serves as a collection of sound samples, discussed in detail in the book. Wholeheartedly recommended to the brave hearted music connoisseurs!

 

 

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This great book collects a series of interviews and essays by writer / photographer and a great enthusiast of British Jazz, Mike Pearson. The names of the musicians included in the book reads like a "Who's Who" of modern British Jazz and the in-depth interviews are truly excellent. Although not meant like one, this book presents a historical overview of the British Jazz scene, with many insightful observations and a plethora of facts and personal comments by the musicians involved. Beautifully written, this book is a true pleasure to read.

 

 

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This book, written by British experimental musician Hugh Davies, presents his insights about working as an artist, a musician, a composer, a performer, an instrument inventor, en educator and a researcher. A true pioneer, Davis reveals his unique universe and suggests ways to communicate via music, especially with children, who are more open to "new" sounds than grown-up listeners.

 

 

HAVE FUN!