Long a taboo subject among critics, rhythm finally takes center stage in this book's dazzling, wide-ranging examination of diverse black cultures across the New World. Martin Munro's groundbreaking work traces the central - and contested - role of music in shaping identities, politics, social history, and artistic expression. Starting with enslaved African musicians, Munro takes us to Haiti, Trinidad, the French Caribbean, and to the civil rights era in the United States. Along the way, he highlights such figures as Toussaint Louverture, Jacques Roumain, Jean Price-Mars, The Mighty Sparrow, Aime Cesaire, Edouard Glissant, Joseph Zobel, Daniel Maximin, James Brown, and Amiri Baraka. Bringing to light new connections among black cultures, Munro shows how rhythm has been both a persistent marker of race as well as a dynamic force for change at virtually every major turning point in black New World history.

About the Author
Martin Munro is Associate Professor of French and Francophone Literatures at Florida State University.

Reviews
"A compelling interdisciplinary exploration of rhythm and sound in the circum-Caribbean." -- Kaima L. Glover Oxford Journal 20120703 "Examining Black music in the western hemisphere since slavery, this book makes clear the essential role it has played in culture, politics and social change." B.l.a.c. 20100801



Book Information
ISBN 9780520262836
Author Martin Munro
Format Paperback
Page Count 296
Imprint University of California Press
Publisher University of California Press
Weight(grams) 408g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 20mm