It seems that Amazon is dropping reviews that were submitted on some books. I wrote a review of this book months ago, stating that it was a decent book, but aimed at men only. If you are a sister, pass this one by. If you are a brother who is new to the work world, get it. It (sadly) tells the truth.

Author has straight forward approach and practicial advice for African Americans who find the workplace hostile. His advice helps you identify the tensions and pitfalls of working in an office where white people don't like you, or want you around. This book has been selling in my city for several years.

Spike Lee; an outspoken writer, actor, producer, bussinessman and noted director Spike Lee hasn't rested on his achievments rather he keeps going. When I read this book it really caught my eye this man is really out to help his race break through the barrier that has held them back since slavery. He even stipulates in his contracts for movies and commercials that blacks be hired to work behind the scenes. I truly believe that this book brought out his inner-character, which I truly believe I can get an understanding for now that I read this inspirational book. I recommend this book for anyone who believes strongly in self-character because Spike Lee's got it.

it's Fantastic Reading about this Brother.he is Very Deep.One OF The Greatest Film-Makers Ever.he has done so much To UpLift THe HUman Vibe.it's very Important for African-AMerican Story's to be told&seen Uncut the way Spike does.he gives back&helps bring in New Blood.He stays Loyal.he is Challenging&makes you ask Questions.A Brother with a Purpose who continues to make a Difference.

I am currently a student of Earl Stewart's at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and we are using his book in his class. The book is full of great information about the history of African-American music. I can only make one negative remark and that is that the book at times required the reader to have some knowledge and background in reading music. If one can look past this problem, they will find that is book is very interesting and great for anyone interested in learning more about the African-American musical history and style.

Great story, keep'em coming....

This is a must for any student of the South and its politics. It describes the South's conservative tendencies that derive from the traditional and individualistic political cultures. This helps explain why Republicans now have a slight advantage over a region once dominated by Democrats. Wonderfully written by experts on Southern politics

I am a great fan of Earl Palmer and eagerly read the book. I was even lucky enough to get him to sign my copy at a jazz fest appearance.

That said, this is a moving book chronicling his rise as THE New Orleans drummer to being the premier studio drummer in the world .

Music is the background of this book-the foreground is more about Palmer's life, loves and career. Palmer is frank, unapologetic, opinionated and somewhat cocky.

He discusses New Orleans in the 40's and 50's, race relations and the music scene from a first person perspective. Its refreshing and full of surprises.

He moves on to chronicle his career in L.A.- how he comes into the scene- who he displaces and eventually how he gets displaced. Anecdotes abound about various sessions and gigs- though not as many as one might want to hear.

What this book clearly is not is some sort of insight into technique or musical philosophy. This disappointed me at first - then I realized Earl can let the huge body of recorded work do the talking there. ( I have seen some video tape for sale where Earl demonstrates various beats and techniques)

The book is a bit choppy and somewhat unpolished at times- but it makes up for it in frankness.- over time I came to appreciate that.

Earl Palmer is an incredibly important figure in pop music. His drumming virtually defines early rock 'n' roll, especially his recordings for the Specialty label in the 1950's.
It was great to hear him talk about his early years and how he became such a major performer in the studios of New Orleans and Hollywood.
It is also fascinating to hear him talk aout his desire to be a bebop drummer.
As a result of reading this book I went out and bought a whole bunch of records with Palmer.
Anyone interested in the roots of rock or in what makes a good drummer should read this book.

If you like behind the scenes stories of the old days of music, this is a book you'll like. Palmer has a gunfighter mentality that enhances his story, and a career that began back in the 1930's when he was a child dancer. He's experienced alot in his career, including the start of rock and roll. His explanation of the rhythmic changes that set early rock and roll apart from the music that came before it is fascinating. Palmer was playing in Little Richard's band and he noticed that Little Richard wasn't playing blues shuffle rhythms on his piano. Although the band could play a blues shuffle behind Little Richard and sound acceptable, as was the case on "Tutti-Frutti," the sound was better when the drummer and the band adapted to the rhythm that Little Richard was playing, as they did on "Lucille". Palmer doesn't know if Little Richard or Chuck Berry invented the rock and roll rhythm first, but he points out that Berry's band always played blues shuffles behind him, while Little Richard's band had a more modern beat. The records bear this out. I thought it was a fascinating explanation, and a cool insight.

This was the first book by Candace Camp I have ever read. I am hoping for better of the next book, "Evensong." The book began fairly well. The situation was plausible with young Elizabeth and Stephen under their wicked uncle's wing. I liked both of them and felt the right amount of dislike for her uncle Godfrey and cousin Geofrey as I figure the author would wish. There was a big deal made in the blurb about how Elizabeth was to throw herself on the mercy of Richard of Norwen. It seemed no such thing to me. Though he distrusted her, a marriage alliance made the most sense. From that moment on I found Elizabeth to be, as one friend said, "Bitchy, whiney, annoying." She went from sweetness harbored under abuse to a high and mighty noble woman who seemed to forget her past until the time came for bedding. She threatened her servants, was offended at being introduced to a wonderful woman who had happened to play the part of mistress in her past. I just found her hard to deal with. I began to almost wish James, Richard's half brother, would just kill her and end everyone's misery. However, Richard was a darling. He'd be everything a woman could want in a hero. He was handsome, in a rough way. He was noble and a gentleman to the end. The scene where he plays with his baby daughter is priceless. I would have gotten it for that scene alone. Even so, I've started "Evensong" now and it seems to hold more hope for me.

This is an important and interesting topic and it was good to write such a study. Unfortunately, it was very frustrating as there are so many irritating errors. When one sees a small error, you wonder if there are large errors as well. Why the publisher did not utilize a good editorial staff is beyond me. Some quotes do not have citations; the author apparently doesn't know the difference between "to" and "too" or that when one goes to LA from Oakland, he/she is going "down" not "up." Despite these complaints--which occur throughout the book---it is an interesting topic and good for discussion. The book assumes that one knows a lot about the Communist Party movement in the US. If one doen't know much of this history (e.g., McCarthy era, etc.), it will be difficult to understand what he wrote as he doesn't explain a lot of the background or put it into the context of the times. Despite all this, I learned a lot and thank the author for taking on this important subject.