"Through the close analysis of musical performance and tradition, the scholarly contributiors to Island Songs provide a global review of how island songs, their lyrics, and their singers engage with the challenges of modernity, migration, and social change uncovering common patterns despite the diversity and local character of their subjects"--Page 4 of cover.

'Alex Wheatle writes from a place of honesty and passion with the full knowledge and understanding that change can only happen through words and actions.’ Steve McQueen. Alex Wheatle's life is the basis for an episode of McQueen's Small Axe airing November 2020. 'Grabs your heart, not with pity but wonder that such beauty can come from such a life' The Independent ‘She wondered what kind of world she had brought her two daughters into – the tedious cycle of rural Jamaican life. No chance for them to set off upon adventures and see the outside world.’ But sisters Jenny and Hortense Rodney, descendants of the fierce Maroon people, do get to see the outside world, and Island Songs is their story. Growing up in rural Claremont, working amid the hustle and bustle, lawn parties and ‘houses of joy’ in Trenchtown, the two sisters take a chance and move to England with their husbands, that far-off land of riches, where they settle down to motherhood among the jazz cafés and bleak streets of Brixton. A hauntingly beautifully written evocation of twentieth-century Jamaica, its history and traditions, Island Songs is an epic of love, laughter and sorely tested family loyalties. Many stories are told, but many more secrets are never revealed.

Over 425 reels, jigs, set-tunes, waltzes, marches, strathspeys, and airs transcribed from the playing of traditional fiddlers make this a must have title

Welcome to the enchanting world of "Island Escapades: Honduran Isles Unwrapped," a journey that invites you to uncover the treasures of this captivating archipelago. The islands beckon with tales of centuries past and the promise of adventures yet to unfold. This book is an open invitation to unravel the secrets and unveil the splendors of Utila, Roatán, Guanaja, Cayos Cochinos, and the Swan Islands. It's more than a travel guide; it's a portal into the heart and soul of these exotic destinations. As we delve into the chapters, we'll navigate crystal-clear waters, savor the fusion of flavors that define local cuisine, and dance through the rich tapestry of cultural traditions. Authored by Randy Wiley, a resident of Mukilteo, WA, this book is a testament to the enduring allure of the Islands of Honduras. So, join me on a literary expedition through turquoise waters, where every chapter unveils a layer of the islands' cultural tapestry, historical significance, and natural wonders. In these pages, we will navigate the rich biodiversity beneath the waves, exploring the underwater paradises that have earned the islands a reputation as a scuba diver's haven. From the indigenous influences that echo through time to the modern-day celebrations that color the islands' calendar, each facet contributes to a narrative as diverse and vibrant as the landscapes themselves. As we embark on this journey, the year marks not just a point in time but a snapshot of the islands' continuous evolution. We find ourselves at a crossroads of tradition and modernity, where ancient rituals intertwine with contemporary practices, and the spirit of exploration continues to shape the islands' destiny. So, let the "Island Escapades" be a turning of these pages to your passport to the Islands of Honduras, where the sun-drenched shores and the warm hospitality of its people await. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a curious reader, may this exploration kindle your imagination and deepen your appreciation for the unique wonders that define the islands. In the spirit of discovery, Randy Wiley