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.
Nice Gnome
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way – while cooking, working out, or even gardening. I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend! An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Boost Princess
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. Thanks to ListenBook, I'm now exploring different genres and formats I never thought I would. Elegant design and easy-to-navigate interface. Very pleased with ListenBook. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Universe Bullet
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. This app's sleek design and effortless controls have made audiobook listening an immersive experience. Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. 🌌🎧 I can't get enough of the smooth playback experience. It's like a symphony for my ears.
Spunky Sphinx
🌟 Adding excitement to each day – this app ensures that every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories. 📚🚀 🎧 Making housework more enjoyable – audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. 🧹📚 Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Metal Lady
No more straining my eyes – this app lets me 'read' with my ears! I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Insane SweepKick
I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app – it's like being in the story. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience.
ManMaker
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! Simplifying my reading routine – this app's ease of use is remarkable. The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks. A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
Rummy Stickers
I've never been this excited about my daily commute – thank you, audiobooks! Looping playback and shuffle features keep my audiobook sessions engaging and fresh.
Zesty Dragon
I'm enjoying books I never thought I'd be interested in – all thanks to this app. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook consumption habits. The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks.
S’more Vixen
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Guncap Slingbad
Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have!
Landfill Max
Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It keeps me entertained and motivated during exercise. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
NightDream
I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. ListenBook's basic audio filters allow me to fine-tune the audio playback to suit my preferences. This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. ListenBook's support for various formats ensures that no audiobook is out of reach.
Frosty Snazz
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient. I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. 🌌 Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner – this app adds flavor to every meal! 🍲📖 The statistics feature is a fantastic addition – knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze.
Wild Hair
🏃♂️📚 Running through chapters has never been smoother – the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. 🏃♂️🎧 The statistics feature in ListenBook is a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing my audiobook consumption. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thanks to automatic artwork and metadata. A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
ThoughtTrailblazer
ListenBook's seamless audio player has turned my listening sessions into moments of pure delight. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
GoldTouch
I've become a more attentive listener thanks to the engaging audiobooks. Audiobooks on demand – this app's functionality is a true technological gem. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a great way to connect over stories. No more hassle with file conversion. This app handles all formats effortlessly.
Easy Mac
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear listening in noisy environments. 🌟 Unleashing the power of audiobooks with this user-friendly app – it's like having a personal storyteller on demand! 📚🔥
Bazooka Har-de-har
From MP3 to FLAC, this app plays them all flawlessly. Say goodbye to compatibility issues! With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it!
Hoboken Nightingale
This app's versatility and convenience have transformed my screen time into a productive reading journey. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual growth and personal enjoyment. Effortlessly switching between stories – this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
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