audiobook American Epic: The First Time America Heard Itself by Bernard MacMahon; Allison McGourty in History

Review

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful. "PEOPLE COULD HEAR OTHER PEOPLE LIKE THEMSELVES."By Stuart JeffersonAs I've said before in other reviews--I've had a copy of this book before it's release date--so I've had a good chance to read this book."The late 1920's were particularly exciting; because for the first time the record companies were ranging out into what they regarded as the hinterlands and recording all sorts of styles that had never before been thought of as professional or popular music.""The thing that saved the record industry of the great America was what is now commonly known as the rhythm and blues and the country and western." Art Satherley; record producer."They had made a phonograph record; and that was the next best thing to being President of the United States in their minds. Frank Walker; Columbia Records producer.This is a companion to the PBS series of the same name. The book explores the period in the 1920's when pioneering music scouts; carrying bulky; heavy; yet portable recording equipment; set out across America to record indigenous music of varying styles. If you like the great box set "Anthology of American Music"; and if you've read the several books on Alan Lomax's exploits recording music; and the book on Ralph Peer's pioneering efforts; this book mat be of some interest to you. A solid four "stars"; partly because people had the wherewithall to tackle this important subject.The book's first chapter lays the groundwork of the early record men as they searched for new artists/music. The following chapters trace ten artists to their home regions; where the authors learn more about these artists through interviewing their families and collecting hundreds of period photos; ads; and other ephemera. And it's through the insightful comments from family members that these artists begin to come alive. The book has many photos which are equally important in telling these artists stories and that era--an example--check out the photo of an acoustic recording session with a man holding a large cone over his shoulder to collect the sound as the band plays. The writing style is warm and straightforward befitting the subject matter.Included are well known artists Mississippi John Hurt; the Carter Family; Will Shade and the Memphis Jug Band; Charley Patton; and Lydia Mendoza. Lesser know but equally important artists include Elder J.E. Burch; Dick Justice; the Hopi Indian Chanters; the Breaux family; and Joseph Kukuku. The styles of music include jug band blues; Mississippi Delta Blues; gospel music; Appalachian music; Native American music; Hawaiian music; Mexican/American border music; and hybrid Louisiana music.Plus; to better get the feel of those times the authors rebuilt a 1920's era recording studio and recorded people like Jack White; Pokey LaFarge; Willie Nelson; Merle Haggard; Elton John; Taj Mahal; Nas; and others. The chapter devoted to that endeavor brings a connection between the past and the present; and the photos of contemporary artists only add to that whole feel. But ultimately it's the combination of comments from family members about those spotlighted in this book and that era; and the many evocative period photos and ads that really bring this period alive. If you're interested in music from this era; and where a lot of today's music came from; this book is something worth checking out.There's a box set of music available covered in the book; and also a set of more contemporary artists who were recorded using the '20s style equipment.7 of 9 people found the following review helpful. FIVE stars for Print edition. ONE star for AUDIO BOOK version. (All the accents are gone!)By Steve RammFirst off; I want to point out that has a policy of combining reviews of both the Audiobook version and the print edition of a book in the same place. I have both the print edition; which I really like and would recommend the book – though not over the BD/DVD of the PBS Series which PBS Home Video will release in June 2017. That's an even more important item You can also read my more detailed review of the whole “American Epic” multi-media project by looking at my review of the “American Epic Collection” CD set.For now I want to cover just the AUDIOBOOK version from Highbridge/Tantor. I have previously reviewed (and praised) Highbridge for their music related audio books. But this time they really let me down in both their production and choice of “reader”.The “American Epic” book was written by producer Allison McGourty (from Scotland) and Director Bernard MacMahon (British) with help from others. The book uses LOTS of quotes from interviews with legendary recording artists or their descendants. These interviews are excerpted from the 3 ½ hour PBS documentary. There is little to no crossover between the photos or content in the Touchstone book and the Sony box set. To make things EVEN more confusing; lists the book's title as "American Epic The First Time America Heard Itself"; yet that is not the title on the cover or title page. That is"American Epic: The Companion Book to The PBS Series". Confusing; eh? Just search "American Epic" and the Authors' names and you'll find it. Simon and Schuster say the tile in THEIR system is " "American Epic The First Time America Heard Itself"Well; Highbridge/Tantor chose to use; for the narrator; Mike Chamberlain; a name not familiar to me; even after 40-plus years of listening to audio books. A Google search showed that Chamberlain (originally from New Jersey) now lives in California and has a list a audio books to his credit. BUT; in this reading he does not even try to change his voice or inflection when moving from the person interviewing to the interviewee. And his accent is purely American. Since he is often quoting McGourty or Mac Mahon; the only way you know who is speaking is because he says “Allison McGourty” or “Bernard MacMahon” – (Mississippi) “John Hurt”. There are many quotes from the grandchildren of Mexican singer Lydia Mendoza and the Cajun Breaux Brothers; just to name a few. Yet; Chamberlain’s voice never changes.The audio runs five hours on five CDs and I made it all the way through. Luckily I read the print edition first;As an added note: Though I have no financial connection with the “American Epic” project; the subject is of great interest to me and I have spoken with both MacMahon and McGourty. Neither of them was aware that their book was being released as an audio book and both were surprised when I told them that I listened to it.So; five stars for the print edition but one for the AUDIO version.I hope you found this review both informative and helpful.Steve Ramm“Anything Phonographic”0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Great CompanionBy Teresa RamseurThis is another great companion to the documentary as seen on PBS; and for those interested in music history it's well-worth the money.