A book that's as lively as the image on the cover – one that traces the role of drums and percussion in the music of
New Orleans – following a legacy that runs from the 19th century all the way up to contemporary sounds as well! If you know the sounds of Nola, you know that the drum is the key – and that because of the city's placement as a crossroads of culture,
New Orleans helped create all sorts of
new grooves, from the early years of
jazz up through more contemporary soul and hip hop as well. The book is square, almost like a record cover – and is filled with images of both instruments and players – as it traces a long legacy that begins in Congo Square, then runs through improvised percussion experiments, early
jazz, then blues, funk, soul, and later styles as well. Book is hardcover, 227 pages, with images throughout.