Book Description
"Really The Blues" is the story of a white kid who fell in love with black culture, learning to blow clarinet in the reform schools, brothels and honky-tonks of his youth. Drawn by the revelation of the blues, he followed the music along the jazz avenues of Chicago, New Orleans, and New York, and into the heart of America's soul. Told in the jive lingo of the underground's inner circle, this classic is an unforgettable chronicle of street life, smoky clubs, roadhouse dances, and reefer culture.
First published in 1946, Really the Blues was a rousing wake-up call to alienated young whites to explore black culture and the world of jazz, the first music America could call its own. Their spiritual godfather was Mezzrow, jazz cat, bootlegger, and peddler of the finest gauge in Harlem. Above all, Mezz championed the abandon available to those willing to lose their blues.
Citadel Underground's edition of Really the Blues features a new introduction by Barry Gifford, author of the novel Wild at Heart and co-author of Jack's Book: An Oral Biography of Jack's Kerouac.
"Really the Blues, read at the counter of the counter of the Columbia U Bookstore in mid-forties, was for me the first signal into white culture of the underground black, hip culture that preexisted before ny own generation". -- Allen Ginsberg
"Milton Mezzrow was, is and shall always be the single most important figure in the history of marijuana in America. Like Leary, the Mezz turned on a new generation to a new drug...Mezzrow was 1) the first white Negro, 2) the Johnny Apleseed of weed, 3) the author of a great American autobiography, Really the Blues, the finest eyewitness account of American counterculture everpublished. The book is, likewise, the master-piece of the counterculture's most characteristics literary medium: the slang-laced, jazz-enrhythmed, long-breathed and rhapsodic street rap and rave-up". -- Albert Goldman
"Really the Blues appeared at a fundamental moment in American history, wh
Customer Reviews:
Mezz Brings the Jive of the Early Jazz Age Alive .......2007-01-20
Often considered a "highly unreliable" autobiography, 'Really the Blues' is more an insight into the personality of Mezz Mezzrow than a factual retelling of his life events. Milton 'Mezz' Mesirow was a Jewish-American jazz clarinetist born in 1899 in Chicago. Mezz quickly showed a penchant for jazz music and marijuana smoking early, like his mentor Louis Armstrong, for whom he briefly may have served as manager.
Although Mezz is sometimes remembered as not being a very technically skilled clarinetist, Mesirow in fact was very knowledgable about his instrument and about how the music industry worked. Milton's life was often a reflection of what the music industry demanded from him. His personality could best be viewed as a product of (or reaction to) the rough-and-tumble environment of mob-controlled, Prohibition-era Chicago. Due to the uncertainty of the circumstances abound, Mezz was a fearless rebel rouser. He took risks, such as smuggling some twenty joints into a New York night club. He was stopped and caught by the police, a violation for which he was arrested and taken to prison. When he arrived, Mezzrow successfully persuaded the prison guards to let him stay in a black section of the prison by convincing them that he was African American.
In addition to music, race relations emerges as a major theme in the autobiography. Mezz married a black woman, played music like a black person, and was more interested in black culture than white culture. Mezz also dealt marijuana in spades. His marijuana dealing perhaps earned him higher distinction than his jazz playing. In the lingo of the time, "Mezz" became slang for marijuana. Milton also gained the nickname "Muggles King," at the time "muggles" being another slang word for marijuana.
The fast-writing style featured by Mezz and Bernard Wolfe makes 'Really the Blues' a fast-paced, entertaining, and image-packed read. Mezz's narrative style is a self-assuring one, as 'Really the Blues' reads as if Mezz were present and actively trying to engage the reader. Consequently, the insight that the reader gets into Mesirow derives not just from the stories, but in large part from the narrative style itself. Mesirow's psychology is revealed to the reader through his nonchalant word choice, liberal syntax, and the larger philosophical method by which he organizes his book.
Reading 'Really the Blues' is an experience. Mezz takes the reader on a ride through another time, an era defined largely by the times. The reader is also given an entertaining educational look at the life of an important, if somewhat marginalized early jazz musician, Milton "Mezz" Mesirow.
* You may have noticed that my last name, Mesirow, is the same as that of Milton Mesirow. There actually is a familial relation. My grandfather was a first cousin of Mezz (although Mezz was a good deal older). He kept up on what Mezz was doing and introduced me and my brothers to the legacy of Mezz Mezzrow.
Mezzrow Swings!.......2002-02-14
Milton "Mezz" Mezzrow was a white jewish kid who was born in Chicago in 1899. In his late teens he discovered the jazz music that was being played around the south side of Chicago in those days. "Mezz" fell in love with the sound of early jazz and with the excitement of the music scene. Chicago was a jazz center then, and Mezzrow heard many of the great pioneers of the music including Freddie Keppard, Joe Oliver, Louis Armstrong and many others. Soon he bought a clarinet and began trying to play like his heroes.
The club owners who employed Mezzrow were prohibition era gangsters including Al Capone. The gangsters were interesting louts. Capone once wanted Mezzrow to fire a girl singer who was developing a romantic relationship with Capone's younger brother. Capone said, "she can't sing anyway." Mezzrow was so upset that he told Capone, "why, you couldn't even tell good whisky if you smelled it and that's your racket, so how do you figure to tell me about music." (sic) Feisty!
Mezzrow wrote this book in 1946, and he uses 20's era slang to tell his story. This is as groovie as a 10 cent movie, jack. It's also fun.
Mezzrow's maniacal enthusiasm for early jazz is endearing. Not many people who were actually present at the time considered jazz music to be important enough to write books about. Part of Mezzrow's purpose is to convince the reader that jazz music is important. One of the earlier reviewers compares Mezzrow's book unfavorably to Louis Armstrong's autobiography, Satchmo. Armstong's book is good, but Mezzrow's book is more honest than Armstrong's. Armstrong was born into dire poverty. His mother may have been a prostitute, and he was placed in an orphanage at an early age. His book cleans up the criminals and murders in his story so that they are merely "colorful characters", and he leaves out as much unpleasantness as possible. Mezzrow tells more of the whole story. He candidly discusses his drug experiences, and his jail sentences as well as his happier times.
An added bonus to this book is that Mezzrow leaves out all that boring background information that plauges other books, like who his grand parents were and what his childhood was like. Mezzrow's book starts right off with his discovery of music in Pontiac reform school.
If you like this book, or Louis Armstong's book, another good book by an early jazz musician is Jelly Roll Morton's book, Mr. Jelly Roll.
The ultimate wannabe?.......2001-03-02
This is quite a yarn. I leave it to others to debate Mezzrow's place in jazz history. I found it interesting as a social study. Tales of 1920s gangsters and prohibition, the Chicago and Harlem music scene, and race relations. Of course, it's not always clear how much of this is true and how much may be a product of Mezzrow's (or Wolfe's) desire to make the story better.
For me, Mezzrow came across as the ultimate wannabe. He wanted to be a black jazz musician from New Orleans. He was a Russian Jew, born in Chicago. He lived the life, the music *was* his life (except when opium was his life), but he could never fully be what he wasn't.
Compare, for example, Louis Armstrong's autobiography "Satchmo." Armstrong matter-of-factly tells about his life, not wanting it to be anything else. Mezzrow is always trying to be something he isn't and never can be. He was an interesting character.
It's a good read.
jazz...jail...god..........1999-03-26
the hippest trip around...this book will grab you by the soul and spin you around. reading it changed my life.
this book changed my life.......1999-02-04
Yes this is one of those very rare books that becomes like an old friend,I would love to have met "the Mezz"felt like I met him somewhere between the pages.I've had this great book since the60s have passed it arround my musician friends and without fail everytime,,,,,ah! brings a tear to my eye.The main thing Mezz taught me here was "hang in there" but so many other things too.In a world of great books this one's my favorite,I was borne and raised in NewZealand,but was able to visit those wonderful seedy bars and clubs with ole Mezz and the boys.thanks Mezz.Great stories.
Book Description
This book showcases the best resumes written by professional resume writers for a large range of blue collar workers in a variety of occupations. It also reveals numerous insider tips on conducting an effective job search, including navigating the hidden job market, assessing skills, setting goals, networking, conducting research, using the Internet, completing applications, writing letters, interviewing, negotiating compensation, getting started on the job, and more.
Customer Reviews:
An excellent, blue collar-specific pick........2007-06-09
The Blue-Collar Resume and Job Hunting Guide: Secrets to Getting and Keeping the Job You Really Want considers the pros and cons of today's 'new' blue collar jobs and workers, uses a 10-step process to emphasize the job search options for both short- and long-term employment goals, and adds resume and letter examples from four professional resume writers. From checklists of significant achievements to understanding interviewer notes, any blue-collar worker - or libraries catering to this clientele - will find this an excellent, blue collar-specific pick.
Average customer rating:
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Really the Blues
Mezz Mezzrow , and
Bernard Wolfe
Manufacturer: Payback Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Arts & Literature
| Biographies & Memoirs
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| Actors & Actresses
| Artists, Architects & Photographers
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| Dancers
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Blues
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Jazz
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ASIN: 086241959X |
Average customer rating:
- Clearly Authentic by people who know the field
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Really The Blues
Mindy Giles , and
Stephen Green
Manufacturer: Duane Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Blues
| Musical Genres
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
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Soul
| Musical Genres
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
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Theory, Composition & Performance
| Music
| Entertainment
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| Appreciation
| Composition
| Conducting
| Exercises
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| MIDI, Mixers, etc.
| Sheet Music & Scores
| Songbooks
| Songwriting
| Techniques
| Theory
| Vocal
ASIN: 0942627318 |
Book Description
Every year the blues has become more popular throughout the U.S. and most of the world, and Really the Blues is a photographic who's who of the musicians who have created a national blues following.
Customer Reviews:
Clearly Authentic by people who know the field.......1999-09-26
This book captures the great and legendary blues artists of our times and before with pictures and words that could only have been created by people who know and love this art form. Get ready to experience rather than read!
Customer Reviews:
One of my favorite cook books!.......2003-08-05
After these guys catered my friend's wedding, I had to get my
hands on their cookbook. It's great. The recipes are simple,
yet elegant and delicious. Some, like the Salsa Cruda and Rosemary-Lemon Roasted Chicken have become my standard recipes. Highly recommended!
Customer Reviews:
"Music City Blues" puts a remarkable face behind the badge.........1999-01-02
If you've ever wondered what it's really like to be a cop, "Music City Blues" provides the answer. From domestic disputes, DUI's, high-speed police pursuits and prostitution stings, the reader is introduced to a side of law enforcement not often seen by the public. Police can be both gruesome and glorious, and it's these moments of soul-wrenching tragedies and fist-pumping triumphs that bring the book to life.
A realistic overview of the ins and outs of being a cop........1998-11-15
I found this to be a very revealing insight into the life of police officers. Not being involved in law enforcement myself, I found it exciting and interesting to be "on the inside". The author has combined humor and tragedy to create an easy reading, informational story you are sure to enjoy.
Average customer rating:
- Perfect for 2nd-5th grade!
- Reading Practice while Learning to Count Coins!
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The Penny Pot (MathStart 3)
Stuart J. Murphy
Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Similar Items:
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Betcha! Estimating (Mathstart, Level 3)
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Lemonade for Sale (MathStart 3)
-
Elevator Magic (MathStart Subtracting)
-
Give Me Half! (MathStart 2)
-
Probably Pistachio (MathStart 2)
ASIN: 0064467171 |
Book Description
Stuart J. Murphy travels all over the United States talking to thousands of kids. And you'll never believe what they talk about: MATH! Stuart shows kids that they use math every day -- to share a pizza, spend their allowance, and even sort socks. Stuart writes funny stories about math -- andif you read his books, you'll start to see the fun in math, too.
Customer Reviews:
Perfect for 2nd-5th grade!.......2005-04-19
This is the best book I could find about making change and learning about money for elementary students. It worked perfectly for a lesson I did with second graders. I let them work with partners with fake coins learning to add and subtract money. Buy this book! It is impossible for find good books on money and this is a good one.
Reading Practice while Learning to Count Coins!.......2000-04-22
This book was a great way to help children learn about different ways to make the same amount of money, in this case, the fifty cents needed to go to the face painting booth. The story offered several opportunities to practice counting coins, while using repeated, predictable text that is wonderful for early elementary readers.
Average customer rating:
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One for the Pot: A Small Book About Tea
Penny Dann
Manufacturer: Hamish Hamilton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
| Books
Customs & Traditions
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
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General
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
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ASIN: 0241116910 |
Average customer rating:
- Out Of Date Info....
- Good but outdated information
- Chris ROCKS!
- Informative
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Pot for Pennies
Chris Eudaley
Manufacturer: High Times Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Popular Culture
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| Nonfiction
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Herbs
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ASIN: 0964785838 |
Customer Reviews:
Out Of Date Info...........2002-07-03
This book was useful in 1998 but A LOT has transpired since then!! The "grow industry" is much like computers...new stuff comes out all the time!!! It seems appropriate at this time to publish a completely updated version!!! If you want really good and up-to-date info, get Cervantes' latest update to the indoor bible...good luck to all from the Goddess of Ganja!!!
Good but outdated information.......2002-01-30
Basically the methods described in this book are variations of a system using 2liter soda bottles, pvc piping and plywood for the reservoir. No doubt would the systems work but they are *much* more complicated + require more work than is needed to grow good grass. Also, you'll need to find the old-school soda bottles (the ones with a cap on the bottom) which I couldn't and have access to powertools. There is a good step-by-step section and nice pics too, but it's not enough to make it a good buy. Trust me, you'll save yourself *much* work by using a rubbermaid storage tote, grow cups and rockwool/peat pellets than the methods described in Pot for Pennies. Go for something written by Jorge Cervantes instead, that dude's got it down.
Chris ROCKS!.......2001-08-15
Previous High Times column-writer, Chris Eudaley, serves up an easy to follow guide on growing basics. Chris' easy to follow writing style and funny comments make this grow guide a must!Chris is muy bueno, mon!
Informative.......2000-10-24
This book was very useful in my quest on learning about marijuana and its' properties. It is very informative and you can really learn a lot from this book. I definately recommend this book.
Average customer rating:
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Penny Pot (Mathstart: Level 3 (HarperCollins Library))
Stuart Murphy
Manufacturer: Tandem Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: School & Library Binding
Counting
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ASIN: 0613119665 |
Average customer rating:
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The Penny Pot: Counting Coins (Mathstart Level 3 (Steck-Vaughn))
Manufacturer: Steck-Vaughn
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Elementary School
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Mathstart
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ASIN: 0739825801 |
Books:
- Robert E. Howard: A Collector's Descriptive Bibliography of American And British Hardcover, Paperback...
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- SCAR TISSUE
- Screen Christologies: Redemption and the Medium of Film
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- Smokin' Rockets: The Romance of Technology in American Film, Radio and Television, 1945-1962
- Solitary Raven: Selected Writings of Bill Reid
- Solos for Young Violinists: Violin Part and Piano Accompaniment (Volume 1)
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