Americana Music: Voices, Visionaries, and Pioneers of an Honest Sound

I have to say I think I'm being generous with 3 stars. While nicely packaged this book flatters to deceive. Its primarily made up of a series of telephone call transcripts. Most of these are mercifully short although one wonders if the recipients of the calls were the ones to hang up. The tone for most of these is sycophantic flattery. You get the feel of a local reporter being awed by a chance to talk to one of their heroes and most don't reveal much after the usual "but your work was soooo influential/innovative/original...."any of the above. That tone continues with the colour photos with three of them featuring the author in self conscious poses with various artists . The rest are mainly gig snaps..i.e various shots of artists holding a guitar with their mouths open (Kasey Chambers should sue...).Worst still is the evident lack of proof reading. There are repetitions of entire sentences in the text with some pretty bizarre statements. e.g " It would be difficult, if not impossible, to single out a musician that's accomplished more in his career than Graham Nash" . WHAT???--later in the same chapter he is described as a journeyman so I guess the intention was to contrast achievement with ability but I hope it illustrates the awkwardness of the text. More bizarre still is the list of "essential " albums. There's a lot here to agree with but 5 Poco albums, all the Eagles ones and nothing by Lucinda Williams,Tom Waits or T-bone Burnette?As I was reading the list I thought of the one in another (much better) book "Sing my Way Home"-also by authors with the same surname........related?...I know which branch of the family I'd rather have a drink with.OK so why any stars? Despite all the irritating shortcomings there is some interesting content. The breadth of artists included will lead the newcomer to the genre to some great artists,just don't believe all you read....and get the other book.

When I first started hearing about "Americana" Music a few years ago, I'd ask those who seemed to know what it is to explain it to me. Never did I get a clear answer. All seemed to agree that is originated in the United States and combined elements of rock, blues, folk and other music, but couldn't really tie it down. I bought this book to better understand it, and I was not disappointed. Through a series of interviews with music legends like David Crosby, Graham Nash, Kinky Friedman, and Guy Clark, the author (Lee Zimmerman) tells the story of Americana Music's formation and development. Each chapter is standalone, so it is also a good book to go to when you want to read just a bit before bed, etc. It's also one that you can read and re-read and enjoy it equally each time. What was it that Kinky Friedman said about Bill Clinton? Reread Chapter 17, or check the handy index. Alisa Cherry's photography is wonderful and adds a lot to the book, helping you feel like you are experiencing the performances. Lastly, I found the chronological list of "Essential Albums That Trace the Transition" in the Appendix helpful to further develop an understanding of what Americana Music is: American Beauty, Hotel California, The Mavericks.... Ahh. I get it now!

Lee Zimmerman has written a masterpiece. If you are like so many of us out here who have a hard time explaining to our friends, the definition of Americana music, then this book is for you. Lee takes his years of experience and interviews some of the most talented musicians of our time. A journalist at heart, Lee creates a very interesting and easy read which delves deep into the heart of what Americana is, where it has been, and where it's going. If you like anything about the word Americana, then you will want to pick up a copy of 'Americana Music, Voices, Visionaries & Pioneers of an Honest Sound'. Randey

As an Americana artist, a former A&R with a Grammy winning company, music producer, and developer of the Americana music venue “The Station” in East Tennessee, I can honestly say Lee Zimmerman’s book, and the many cool pics taken by Alisa Cherry his wife, is my all time favorite book on the subject of Americana music!

Well written, insideer interviews, great read