Books of the year

In a feature entitled “Final word on the year’s best reading” the Japan Times newspaper yesterday included The Power of Okinawa as one of its books of the year for 2010.

Stephen Mansfield writes:

“Okinawan music authority Potter has made Okinawa his home. The affection is obvious, his empathy for the islanders expressed through a book that is not merely about the sounds of Okinawa but also about the spirit of the place.

The definitive guide to its unique music, the author explores the island’s history and musical roots, profiling the masters of the genre past and present. A personal favorite from his Recommended Albums is “Zan,” a solo recording from Tomoko Uehara, an extraordinarily innovative set of songs featuring distinctive vocals and guest musicians, including Irish fiddler Nollaig Casey and African guitarist Mamadou Doumbia.

In understanding the music of these troubled islands, we come a little closer to the soul of Okinawa.”

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fb20101219a5.html

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