The Troubadour Chronicles: A History, A Celebration and A Manifesto

In this epic and landmark book, renowned musician, teacher and writer Harvey Reid shines a long-overdue spotlight on the solo, self-accompanied singer as a special and unique musical art form, taking us through the long and colorful history from antiquity into the 21st century. The complex mix of ingredients that interact when someone plays an instrument and sings rhythmic poetry has formed the core of a vast amount of music of all kinds, yet its power and beauty have long been misunderstood, marginalized, scorned, disrespected and even outlawed.Without a proper name, a Grammy category, a seat in the orchestra, a chair in the music departments, a hit record since 1928, and nearly 1200 years since there was a school that taught its skills– troubadour music today may be stronger and more diverse than ever, poised for new prominence and even a leadership role in music and society. Let one of America’s most skilled and respected troubadours take you on a fascinating tour through the music and the centuries, from oud-playing slave girls in Arabia, through the Middle Ages in Europe, into the American South, where European music collided with the super-charged African musical energy. Potent and exciting new musical forms exploded worldwide in the 1950s and 60s, and have continued to influence music everywhere, with self-accompanied singers and creators typically at the center of the action.This epic book will make you glad and not ashamed if your son or daughter wants to be a songwriter or marry one, and might make you wish Hasbro would make a set of troubadour action figures for your favorite children to play with. If you are a performing musician, you’ll feel differently about yourself, and maybe realize that when you take the stage alone, you might have the greatest power to connect both with your listeners and your own inner musical spirit. Amid the digital revolution, computers and technology are taking more and more territory, as mankind faces a growing battle for its dignity. Some of humanity’s best warriors may be those who are the most creative, spiritual, passionate and ultimately the most human among us, and 21st century troubadours will be on the front lines of this struggle just as their ancestors were for all the previous ones.Harvey Reid has been an independent singer, songwriter, teacher, composer and performer his entire life, and has recorded 32 albums of music and published over 30 books on topics in troubadour education. A prolific creator, engaging entertainer and award-winning musician, his solo album “Steel Drivin’ Man” was voted in the ‘Top 10 Folk Albums of All Time’ by Acoustic Guitar Magazine.
ASIN: 163029053X
VSKU: BVV.163029053X.VG
Condition: Very Good
Author/Artist:Reid, Harvey
Binding: Paperback
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: Book has little sign of wear or use