During a span of 55 years, Emil Richards has been a renowned presence in Hollywood soundstages, recording studios, jazz clubs and international touring venues. Considered a supreme artist on the vibraphone, marimba and xylophone, as well as a master of his world-famous collection of percussion instruments, Richards is renowned throughout the world for his versatility. This book's lifetime of insightful and hilarious experiences include years with Frank Sinatra and George Harrison, as well as many anecdotes involving Burt Bacharach, Elvis Presley and Ravi Shankar, as well as most major recording artists. Richards' chronology roughly categories the book's chapters into decades, with the 1960s mainly involving album recording, television shows in the '70s and films in the '80s and '90s. A parallel career means stories emanating through playing with George Shearing, Paul Horn, Stan Kenton and Roger Kellaway, as well as Igor Stravinsky and Richards' own group Calamari. There are warm recollections of the great film composers, including Henry Mancini, Alex North, Jerry Goldsmith and John Williams, who all collaborated at finding a unique sound at Richards' warehouse before composing. Salad bowls used in "Planet Of The Apes," gongs lowered into fluid for space movies and many other unusual sonic effects will flash readers back to decades of favorite movies. From an astonishing family history and grim days growing up in Hartford, Connecticut, through wild tours with Sinatra to Europe, Japan and Egypt, and visits to the Maharishi in India, Richards' entertaining, direct style perfectly complements this wealth of inside experiences. ________________________________________ "Throughout the many years of his long and distinguished career, Emil Richards consistently brought adventure, joy and discovery to all of his music making. His new book is a valuable addition to the documentation of a period of great creativity in American music." - John Williams "I have no doubt that if you have even the slightest interest in movies or music, you will find that Emil's stories are as inspirational as they are funny, and most importantly, you will discover one of the greatest souls ever to grace the music industry." - Michael Giacchino "Emil has played on .... I have no idea, maybe 60 or 70 scores of mine. He never disappoints and continues to amaze me. When it comes to percussion, Emil has always and always will be an irreplaceable original. ...The Man! ....The One and Only." - Danny Elfman

An introduction to percussion instruments.

Mickey Hart's dazzling companion to his bestselling Drumming at the Edge of Magic is a captivating chronicle of our global fascination with drums and the primal rhythms and spells of percussion, dramatically illustrated with 350 photographs and illustrations, 200 in full color.ra tour.

The classic and beloved song is brought to life with bright and colorful illustrations by Tim Hopgood. First recorded in 1967 by Louis Armstrong, and with sales of over one million copies, "What a Wonderful World" has become a poignant message of hope for people everywhere. Sweet and positive in its message, with bright, beautiful art, this book is sure to be a hit. Perfect for sharing!

When spirits come together to create a joyful noise, when smiles are louder than thundering drums, when hearts and hands align in perfect harmony - you're in a Jamnasium! The Amazing Jamnasium features a unique collection of rhythm-based, integrative games and activities, designed to bring out the best in your participants. Create integrative learning experiences for music education, music therapy, team building, health & wellness, community building, or recreation. Step into a world of rhythmic joy and excitement. Step into the Jamnasium! This title has received the iParenting Media award as one of the Excellent Products of 2006."

More than eighty years have passed since Edgard Varèse’s catalytic work for percussion ensemble, Ionisation, was heard in its New York premiere. A flurry of pieces for this new medium dawned soon after, challenging the established truths and preferences of the European musical tradition while setting the stage for percussion to become one of the most significant musical advances of the twentieth century. This 'revolution', as John Cage termed it, was a quintessentially modernist movement - an exploration of previously undiscovered sounds, forms, textures, and styles. However, as percussion music has progressed and become woven into the fabric of Western musical culture, several divergent paths, comprised of various traditions and a multiplicity of aesthetic sensibilities, have since emerged for the percussionist to pursue. This edited collection highlights the progressive developments that continue to investigate uncharted musical grounds. Using historical studies, philosophical insights, analyses of performance practice, and anecdotal reflections authored by some of today's most engaged performers, composers, and scholars, this book aims to illuminate the unique destinations found in the artistic journey of the modern percussionist.