George E. Lewis (1) (1952–)

A POWER STRONGER THAN ITSELF is perfect for Experimental Creative Music, African American, and history of Chicago fans. Comprehensive and zealously erudite with a compelling narrative, George Lewis' tome delivers an impressive history of one of the longest lasting African American organizations for freedom and self determination.

The impact of The AACM continues to reverberate throughout the music of the world!

Possible changes for a future volume might include combining chapters which have show more the same historical sequence to avoid repetition, locating the densely written initial passages at the book's conclusion, listing the sizes of audiences, and correcting the odd omission of Ronald Redondo in Index. A search for his sources related to Anthony Braxton proved unrewarding. show less

Very good. But it's interesting to see Lewis jump from oral history to academic theory. I like the richness of his approaches, but you notice the seams between them. Still, this is essential information, and especially good on the "next generations" of AACM members who don't get as much acclaim as the pioneers.

This is a great book. It is a big book and has different aspects. Part of it is a history of the musicians who created and have become members of the AACM. This includes biographical & musical sketches of a large number of musicians. Part of it is a polemic on the critical role of Black experimental musicians in the development of modern music. It includes analysis of the racial components in the classifications of music & musicians. But there is lots more in it too, including an analysis of show more the role of musicians in Chicago & how that differs from New York. Some of the content is very academic, and other parts are very accessible. This book should be read by anybody interested in music composition & improvisation, in the role of the collective in music, in the history of music, in the history of Chicago...and even by anybody who is interested in jazz. show less