World Music: The Basics

World Music: The Basics
by Richard O. Nidel

World Music: The Basics
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Book Summary Information

Author: Richard O. Nidel
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2004-11-23
ISBN: 0415968003
Number of pages: 424
Publisher: Routledge

Book Reviews of World Music: The Basics

Book Review: now I'm cautious...
Summary: 3 Stars

This book seems to be everything I've been looking for in a world music guide: simple clarity about what kinds of music are being made where, with suggestions about how to start listening to it. It reads like a good book on rock or jazz, avoiding the too-typical dry academic approach to "world" music. That's a good thing.

One day into it, though, and I've already caught a glaring error (and I'm no expert). The book discusses Amadou & Mariam as a Senegalese act, when in fact they're from Mali. It's a pretty bad mistake, considering the book's premise (country-by-country coverage) and especially considering Amadou & Mariam's global stature.

If there's a factual error in one of the areas I know anything about, how much can I trust the rest of it? ("The rest of it," of course, being where I want to find value in the book.)

So. Helpful: yes. Authoritative: no. Treat it like Wikipedia I guess...a decent place to start, but don't take it to the bank.

Summary of World Music: The Basics

World Music: The Basics gives a concise introduction to popular musical styles found around the world. Organized alphabetically by region and then by country, it provides essential background information on the cultural and musical history of each area. Styles featured include:

  • Celtic
  • Dijeridou
  • Bossa Nova
  • Reggae
  • Bluegrass

Covering key artists and recordings and with guides to further listening, this is the perfect introduction for the student, scholar or general listener.

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