An expert on Stan Kenton, Sparke delivers a comprehensive history of Kenton's activities as a bandleader and creative force in jazz. Based largely on interviews with Kenton and members of the various incarnations of his orchestra, the book shows how the "Kenton sound" evolved over four decades, focusing on the role that Kenton himself played in that development. While Sparke's style is sometimes a bit florid, his vast knowledge and enthusiasm for his subject is evident throughout the book. Likely to become the standard history of Kenton's orchestra, this book will be enjoyed by any reader interested in the history of big-band jazz. Annotation ♭2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).

A searing literary memoir of a disconnected childhood, a multigenerational upbringing and incest— from the daughter of legendary jazz pianist Stan Kenton Leslie Kenton was the only child of Violet, a stunning Hitchcock blonde, and the legendary jazz giant Stan Kenton. The story takes place on the road in 1950s America and in the mania of Hollywood—a world of jazz clubs, dance halls and onenighters, where lives were lived on a razor's edge. Love Affair takes us beyond the bright lights and glamour into an intense, claustrophobic world of a father and the only child of his troubled marriage. As Stanley grapples with alcohol and his personal demons, gradually his actions threaten to destroy the only real, untainted thing in his life: Leslie. A true story of obsession, tragedy and grace, Love Affair is Leslie Kenton's powerful memoir. At its heart is the complex, ultimately incestuous, relationship with her father–a union so powerful it defines all that came after. As their lives become increasingly entangled, so do the forces of darkness and light that exist within us all, leading to destruction for him and heartbreaking redemption for her. There have been memoirs about incest before, but Love Affair is a surprisingly moving and elegant treatment of a young life, shared passion, and boundaries crossed.

In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends.

(Percussion). The Cymbal Book is the first book of its kind. It details the 5000-year history and development of these fascinating instruments. Based on visits to all the major cymbal manufacturing companies and interviews with the world's leading drummers, journalist and drummer Hugo Pinksterboer has created a well-documented and readable book, featuring over 200 photos. It covers topics such as selection and testing, acoustics, ideas for set-ups, cleaning, and repair, and much, much more. Whether read for enjoyment or used as a specific reference guide, The Cymbal Book will answer every question on this subject.

This text presents a comprehensive and up-to-date reference work on popular music, from the early 20th century to the present day.