In this classic work of American music writing, renowned critic Albert Murray argues beautifully and authoritatively that "the blues as such are synonymous with low spirits. Not only is its express purpose to make people feel good, which is to say in high spirits, but in the process of doing so it is actually expected to generate a disposition that is both elegantly playful and heroic in its nonchalance."
In Stomping the Blues Murray explores its history, influences, development, and meaning as only he can. More than two hundred vintage photographs capture the ambiance Murray evokes in lyrical prose. Only the sounds are missing from this lyrical, sensual tribute to the blues.
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"Murray is possessed of the poet's language, the novelist's sensibility, the essayist's clarity, the jazzman's imagination, the gospel singer's depth of feeling."--The New Yorker
"Insightful musical judgments, soulful social history, amusing anecdotes, and the most elegant prose this side of Ralph Ellison."--Village Voice
"A flamboyant, insightful examination and evocation of the sources, styles, and mythologies of blues music."--Newsweek
"One fine lyrical history of the music. Murray demonstrates the central role of blues/jazz in American culture, telling us about the nature of our past, present and future: which of course is exactly what the blues is."--San Francisco Review of Books
"Beautifully illustrated with vivid period photos, LP covers, and broadsides of black jazz icons, Stomping the Blues represents the zenith of Murray's writing on the subject."--Rolling Stone
Albert Murray (1916-2013), author of thirteen books, including Murray Talks Music: Albert Murray on Jazz and Blues, Rifftide: The Life and Opinions of Papa Jo Jones, and Good Morning Blues: The Autobiography of Count Basie, all from the University of Minnesota Press. He was a renowned jazz historian, novelist, and social and cultural theorist. He cofounded Jazz at Lincoln Center in 1987.
Paul Devlin is editor of Murray Talks Music and Rifftide, a finalist for the Jazz Journalists Association's book award. He is coeditor (with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.) of the Library of America's edition of Albert Murray's work. He teaches at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: Fair. No Jacket. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 1.11. Seller Inventory # G0704321726I5N00
Book Description Condition: good. 1st U.K. pbk Edition. First? Printing. 26 cm, 264, wraps, illus., facsims., index, covers somewhat worn and soiled. This work redefines our previous understanding of The Blues as music. Far from being the musical expression of personal anguish, defeat, and resignation, it has been good-time music, to be danced to, and the lyrics, however powerful, were secondary to the music. Enhanced with vintage photographs. Seller Inventory # 48756
Book Description paperback. Condition: Used; Good. Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover. Grubby book may have mild dirt or some staining, mostly on the edges of pages. Aged book. Tanned pages and age spots, however, this will not interfere with reading. Missing jacket. The dust jacket of the book is missing. Seller Inventory # CHL9508623
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. 1st. UK hardback edition,book and dust jacket both near fine with no inscription and price on the rear flap,see 5 photos. Seller Inventory # 7978
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Good. Ex-library book, usual markings. Hardback with dust cover. Clean text, sound binding. Quick dispatch from UK seller. Seller Inventory # mon0000061219
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Acceptable. Ex-library book, usual markings. Hardback with dust cover. Well read copy with some spine wear, last page is torn and has become loose, with discolouring to page edges due to age. Otherwise in good condition. Quick dispatch from UK seller. Seller Inventory # mon0000062228