Caribbean Currents - Softcover

Manuel, Peter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1566393396 ISBN 13: 9781566393393

Publisher: Temple University Press, 1995

Synopsis

First published in 1995, Caribbean Currents has become the definitive guide to the distinctive musics of this region of the world. This third edition of the award-winning book is substantially updated and expanded, featuring thorough coverage of new developments, such as the global spread of reggaeton and bachata, the advent of music videos, the restructuring of the music industry, and the emergence of new dance styles. It also includes many new illustrations and links to accompanying video footage.
 
The authors succinctly and perceptively situate the musical styles and developments in the context of themes of gender and racial dynamics, sociopolitical background, and diasporic dimensions. Caribbean Currents showcases the rich and diverse musics of Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Trinidad, the French Caribbean, the lesser Antilles, and their transnational communities in the United States and elsewhere to provide an engaging panorama of this most dynamic aspect of Caribbean culture. 

About this title

About the Author

KENNETH BILBY is a Research Associate in the Department of Anthropology, Smithsonian Institute. MICHAEL LARGEY is Assistant Professor of Music at Michigan State University, East Lansing. PETER MANUEL is Associate Professor of Music at John Jay College and the CUNY Graduate Center.

From the Back Cover

Music is the most popular and dynamic aspect of Caribbean expressive culture. As Caribbean music has evolved from its traditional roots to its contemporary forms, it has developed a rich variety of styles. From the well-known genres—salsa, merengue, reggae, calypso, and bachata—to more localized forms like chutney and kaseko, this wide-ranging book surveys Caribbean music's prodigious diversity and colorful history.

Enhanced with numerous illustrations and musical examples, Caribbean Currents is an up-to-date overview of the region's music, covering Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad, Suriname, and smaller islands like Martinique and Guadeloupe. The authors provide an overview of Caribbean music—its forms and innovations, its musicians, its festivals and dance halls, and its fans—and trace its primarily African and European roots. They explore the modern genres' relationship to issues of race, regional diversity, gender, and socio-political conflicts.

Given the international popularity of such Caribbean genres as reggae and salsa, this book is a critical resource for understanding musical styles that have become a dynamic part of world culture.

Edition details

• Publisher: Temple University Press
• Publication date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1566393396
• ISBN 13: 9781566393393
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288