Customer Reviews

Folk & Blues: The Encyclopedia: The Premier Encyclopedia Of American Roots Music

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a music lover, I found this book to be both comprehensive and informative. Not only does it cover the notable figures in folk and blues, from the biggest stars to the unsung geniuses, but it does so with style and erudition. Many of the entries appear to be based on first hand interviews and contain information I have been unable to find anywhere else. I recommend this book for anyone with an interest in the vast field of folk and blues.

Finally, an encyclopedia that covers the folk and blues artists that I love. Very informative and well written, Stambler's book is a must for those who want to learn about the many musicians who have helped to shape the unique American genres of music. For true fans of music history and trivia buffs, I also recommend checking out Stambler's other two music encyclopedias-'Country Music: The Encyclopedia,' and 'The Encyclopedia of Rock, Pop, & Soul.'

If you're looking for an "encyclopedia" of this topic, save your money. There's more left out than included. Disappointed.

This is a very large and comprehensive collection of short essays on a multitude of folk and blues artists. I did learn alot from reading this book and it will no doubt be a useful source of information that I will continue to reference in the future. But I do have a few minor gripes.

I wish this book had devoted itself solely to traditional folk and blues instead of the inclusion of so many rock and pop musicians. I'm also a rock music fan. But there is already a separate book called "The Encyclopedia Of Rock, Pop and Soul". So I would have preferred this title to remain focused on the folk and blues traditionalists.

Also the essays, which range from a couple of paragraphs to several pages, are most typically a short biographical account mixed with a summary of record releases. This pattern can make for very repetitious reading after awhile. I would have preferred more critical analysis of the artists and their music.

Still this is a worthy addition to the book collection of any serious fan of folk and blues music.

Comprehensive, stimulating, brings all these compelling characters, from Blind Lemon Jefferson to Cisco Houston, and their world to life!