Richard Nevins

I always feel guilty when I shelve a book that’s half pictures as “read.” Anyway, this volume was based on three trading card sets Crumb illustrated of early blues, jazz, and country performers. There is a short essay for each illustration which is always insightful. There are some notable omissions (no Robert Johnson?) which makes the collection somewhat idiosyncratic instead of encyclopedic. Still, the illustrations are great and the whole thing makes you want to seek out these early recordings, most no later than 1930.

There is a cd included which is a bonus to listen to after you read the entry for the particular musician.… (mais)

The colorful entertainers who pioneered America's unique country music are, sadly, largely forgotten. These wonderful color portraits and bios evoke a truly simpler time, when Jimmie Rodgers or the original Carter Family enthralled audiences, and when a band could call itself The Happy Hayseeds or Gid Tanner & his Skillet Lickers or Al Hopkins & his Buckle Busters without a hint of irony. This 40-card set will transport you to an innocent toe-tapping era of regional music. There's no Garth Brooks on this down home cardboard stage. Printed on heavy card stock and housed in a cool gift box. Part of a set of three boxed trading cards that also includes Early Jazz Greats and Heroes of the Blues. These are hugely popular with fans of both early country western music and Crumb.… (mais)