Jamerica

The term "jam band" is used to categorize a type of music that favors improvisation and musicianship over concise riffs, hooks, and traditional songwriting structure. The term also helps define the fiercely dedicated fans of the music as accurately as it does the bands. Much as with the Grateful Dead -- the progenitors of the jam band scene -- the survival of the scene depends upon a symbiotic relationship with fans. Jam bands nurture a close relationship with their fans, fostered through constant touring and the mutual belief that each performance is a unique, shared event. JAMerica tells the story of the roots, evolution, values, and passion of the jam band scene in the words of those who know it best. Modeling itself on such books as Edie: American Girl by George Plimpton and Jean Stein (an oral history of the life of Edie Sedgewick ) and Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk by Legs McNeil and Gillian McCain, the book is an oral history of the jam band scene, integrating stories from such bands as the Grateful Dead, Phish, Widespread Panic, Dave Matthews Band, moe., Leftover Salmon, String Cheese Incident, Umphrey's McGee, and dozens more. Interviews focus on the history of individual bands and how they communally shaped the larger jam band community, along with songwriting, relationships with fans, business models, and the importance (including the joys and war stories) of touring, including early gigs and venues (e.g. the Wetlands in New York City and the landmark H.O.R.D.E. Festival) that supported the emergence of the jam band scene.

Draws on interviews with some of the most recognizable names in the jam band scene to trace the genre's origins and evolution, offering insight into key musical influences, songwriting styles, and tour experiences.

Prov 18:17, "He who tells his story first makes people think he is right, until the other comes to test him." For almost seventy years now, we've been taught American history primarily from a secularist's viewpoint, with seemingly convincing arguments for a Godless America and Constitution that it sounds right. Yet, Christian Americans have heard enough. And we're now stepping up to cross-examine their claims with books like this one. What were the religious beliefs of most of our nation's founders? Was America founded as a Christian nation and what does this mean? Where did the concept of religious freedom originate; and, how did it evolve into what it is today? If we started out as a Christian republic, then what went wrong? How can we restore our founders' original intent to America? This book highlights the Christian influences in America's exploration, colonization, national formation, and progression. Once you've heard this other side of the story, you must make up your own mind and then act on it.

Jamerican: The Gift of Poverty is the inspirational true-life story of Sherwin P. Brown, a poor Jamaican boy who grew up barefoot in the jungle to become a top stockbroker in America. Brown's life is an improbable true-life roller coaster of ups and downs-often humorous, sometimes sad-that cannot be put down. Inspired by his mother's intellect and his father's never-say-die work ethic, Brown's journey is an inspiration to Jamaicans, Americans . . . to anybody who seeks success. Not only did Mr. Brown's journey start in poverty, it also started in a third-world country. Unlike many other successful immigrants to America, Brown's success came from sheer hard work-no special tax breaks or other governmental favors. His life is a blueprint for happiness. Jamerican will entertain, inspire, and make you laugh and think. Mr. Brown tells a story that takes place over decades, and he does so in a very easy-to-read and breezy style that's a pure joy to read! Once you start reading, you cannot put this story down.