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.
Atomic Blastoid
The sound quality is outstanding – it's like having a movie theater in my ears! The ability to switch between different books effortlessly is a major plus. I'm in awe of how this app has brought new dimensions to my reading experience. ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine.
Snapple Whistler
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired.
Lincoln Rider
Audiobooks have become my companions during long hours of household chores. Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection – this app's functionality is a winner. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality, providing a clear and immersive listening experience that enhances my enjoyment.
Flashpoint
I've never been so entertained while doing household chores – this app is a lifesaver! The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears.
Bug Blitz
ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is a game-changer! ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge.
Dove Dolce
ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks a seamless and delightful experience. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant source of books. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a fantastic way to introduce them to new stories.
RawSkills
I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's intuitive and user-friendly design. I'm addicted to this app – it's a non-stop journey through captivating tales. The library organization feature is a blessing. My audiobooks are finally organized and easy to find. Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature! Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use.
Bugger
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay makes my daily commute a delightful opportunity to indulge in audiobooks. Every moment is an adventure with this app by my side. Its intuitive features and diverse format support ensure that my audiobook journey is seamless and exciting. 🌌🎧 The noise reduction feature in ListenBook Pro is a game-changer for enjoying clear recordings.
Jungle King
The narrator's voices are so soothing – a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. Thanks to this app, listening to audiobooks has become a delightful habit. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. Audiobook excellence – this app's design enhances my reading experience. ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch.
Whip 2T
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience.
Reno Monarch
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my workouts and downtime more engaging and insightful. I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities.
DuckDuck
ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. 🎙️ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! 🚶♀️📖 ListenBook has become my constant companion. It's like having a personal audiobook assistant. Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have!
Snake Eyes
I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons. I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. 💼 Juggling tasks while exploring narratives – this app is my multitasking hero! 💻📖 Audiobook lovers, you need this app in your life. The innovative features, from audio filters to compatibility, enhance my reading journey. 🎉🎧
Intimidating Presence
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personalized touch to my audiobook experience. This app has added a touch of magic to my mundane moments – I'm forever grateful. This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in books through this app.
Austin Shamrock
The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. With ListenBook, I've found a way to make the most of my free time while indulging in my love for audiobooks. Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature! Organizing my audiobook library has never been easier. The app keeps everything tidy.
MindfulMingle
I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. No more worries about compatibility – ListenBook handles numerous formats flawlessly. Unlocking a world of literary wonders – this app's extensive format support and user-centric approach have rekindled my love for books. 📱🔊
White Snare
🎙️ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn – I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! 🛒📚 Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis. The app's performance is nothing short of impressive – smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind.
Sw33per
The offline mode is a lifesaver on flights – I'm never without a good story. Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Wheels
This app's user-friendly interface has made reading on-the-go a breeze. Audiobooks have never been this accessible and enjoyable. This app's compatibility with various formats and its emphasis on user experience have made it an essential tool for me. 📱🔊 Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. 📚👏 ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze.
TrixiePhany
I've never been so excited about my daily commute – thanks to this app. ListenBook's support for chapters and bookmarks ensures that I never lose my place in a story.
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