This might be the perfect week to curl up with a new book. Here are two that might fit the bill — if you’re a fan of Jamaican dub and/or Texas ukulele. And really, who isn’t? Read all about ’em:
Dub: The Sound of Surprise: History of Jamaican Dub Music
by Helmut Philipps
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Dub: The Sound of Surprise is a detailed chronicle and fascinating guide to the captivating history of Jamaican dub music, the first of its kind. This archetype of the remix style grew out of reggae in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The book presents over 200 illustrations and some rare album covers, and describes the origins and development of a unique technique created in Jamaican recording studios which would change the world of music production forever. Author Helmut Philipps has visited the places dub happened, and met its pioneers, inventors, and key figures. In addition to analysis, Philipps includes essays and conversations with and about King Jammy, Scientist, Style Scott, David Rodigan, Bunny Lee, King Tubby, Lee Perry, Dennis Bovell, Ernest Hoo Kim, Errol Brown, Linval Thompson, Tippy I-Grade, Victor Rice, Mad Professor and many others. The gripping narrative also takes a look at the development of dub in Europe, the U.K., and the U.S.”
Texas Ukulele: The Plucky History of a Hawaiian Instrument in the Lone Star State
By Jeff Campbell
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Aloha, Texas! Texas may be famous as the birthplace of both Willie Nelson and western swing, but its thriving ukulele community also boasts a rich heritage. Say howdy to the cowboy who plays ukulele and washtub bass at the same time. Don’t leave Austin’s famous music scene without visiting one the country’s biggest ukulele clubs. Jeff Campbell picks his way across the Lone Star State, where the ukulele jams with reggae among the eastern pines and a former Singing Bellhop of Amarillo attempts to strum for 50 hours straight.”
