Book description
Magic City is the story of one of American music's essential unsung places: Birmingham, Alabama, birthplace of a distinctive and influential jazz heritage. In a telling replete with colorful characters, iconic artists, and unheralded masters, Burgin Mathews reveals how Birmingham was the cradle and training ground for such luminaries as big band leader Erskine Hawkins, cosmic outsider Sun Ra, and a long list of sidemen, soloists, and arrangers. He also celebrates the contributions of local educators, club owners, and civic leaders who nurtured a vital culture of Black expression in one of the country's most notoriously segregated cities. In Birmingham, jazz was more than entertainment: long before the city emerged as a focal point in the national civil rights movement, its homegrown jazz heroes helped set the stage, crafting a unique tradition of independence, innovation, achievement, and empowerment. Blending deep archival research and original interviews with living elders of the Birmingham scene, Mathews elevates the stories of figures like John T. "Fess" Whatley, the pioneering teacher-bandleader who emphasized instrumental training as a means of upward mobility and community pride. Along the way, he takes readers into the high school band rooms, fraternal ballrooms, vaudeville houses, and circus tent shows that shaped a musical movement, revealing a community of players whose influence spread throughout the world.
Mosquit-No
I've never been so excited about my daily commute β thanks to this app. ListenBook's dedication to delivering high-quality sound and user-friendly features has won me over. This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. π± Carrying my library in my pocket β this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! ππ The app never crashes. Itβs reliable and stable.
Bang Shift
I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience exceptional. Its intuitive interface and diverse compatibility are a true game-changer. π±π§ Supports extensive playlists and bookmarks. Very user-friendly. The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts.
BoomerBox
ListenBook's commitment to providing top-notch audio quality has taken my audiobook experience to a new level. Adjusting the tone of the voice adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I love the personalization! Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app!
Sw00sh
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. π Dancing through chores with audiobooks β this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! πΆπ Streamlining my audiobook journey β this app's design is top-notch. Iβve been using ListenBook for months, and itβs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnβt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Lucifurious
I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. π Unleashing the power of audiobooks with this user-friendly app β it's like having a personal storyteller on demand! ππ₯
The Shield Toronto
Thanks to ListenBook, I'm now exploring different genres and formats I never thought I would. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. π§ Fueling my audiobook addiction with this fantastic app β pure listening pleasure! ππ₯ Audiobooks have become a staple in my routine, all thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. It's a must-have for any book lover. ππ± The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically.
Hang 11
The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine. Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized.
Jersey
I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience.
Magenta
ListenBook's commitment to providing top-notch audio quality has taken my audiobook experience to a new level. π‘ This app's convenience is a blessing β I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! π±π©βπ³ πͺ Doubling the impact of my workouts β exercising and exploring stories, all thanks to this app! πͺπ§ Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. π±π No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. ππ±
Gothic Gucci
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook!
Snapdragon
The speed adjustment feature is my secret weapon for studying complex materials. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone!
MindfulMingle
ππ Turn traffic into a literary escape β this app's functionality keeps me engaged while I'm on the move. ππ§ CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening.
Sexual Chocolate
The narrator's voices are so soothing β a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. ListenBook's compatibility with different formats ensures I never have to worry about file conversions. Downloading over WiFi is super efficient. Saves a lot of time. I canβt believe how easy it is to manage my audiobook library with ListenBook. Highly recommended! I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Troubadour
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. The bookmark feature is fantastic. I can easily pick up where I left off.
Tin Mutt
Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. ππ The noise reduction feature is a game-changer for clearer dictaphone recordings. Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Most Wanted
I've found my new favorite way to relax β cuddled up with an audiobook. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun way to customize my listening experience. Audiobooks have never been this accessible β this app is a true innovation. Streamlined audiobook integration β this app's usability is impressive.
Delicious Wing
ListenBook has redefined my workout routine. The controls are so user-friendly. WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature! Binaural audio processing reduces listening fatigue. Fantastic feature!
Swampmasher
This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is a triumph.
Gentle Avenger
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. πββοΈπ Running with purpose β this app keeps my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals! πββοΈπ Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is a true winner. ListenBook has enriched my life with a world of captivating stories and knowledge. It's not just an app; it's a portal to endless possibilities.
Cowboy Booter
ππ Rekindling my passion for books β this app has sparked a reading revolution in my daily life! π₯π Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience