Chuck Brown, known as the "Godfather of Go-Go," was an influential musician and pioneer of the go-go music genre. Born in Washington, D.C. in 1936, Brown grew up in a musically inclined family and learned to play guitar at a young age. He was heavily influenced by the sound of rhythm and blues, jazz, and Latin music. In the late 1960s, Brown formed his own band called the Soul Searchers, and they quickly became popular in the local music scene.
May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽
V has said she would love to someday write her intended third book in this series THE RETURNED but because of contractual reasons that is not something she can do yet. It is also a story about a young woman wanting something more than what society has dictated for her, as well as her determination to show that she can and will succeed where those trying to suppress her have failed.
In the late 1960s, Brown formed his own band called the Soul Searchers, and they quickly became popular in the local music scene. The band's unique sound, which fused elements of funk, soul, and Afro-Cuban rhythms, helped to define the go-go sound that would later become synonymous with Washington, D.C.
Review: The Near Witch by V.E. Schwab
The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children.
If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.
And there are no strangers in the town of Near.
These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life. But when an actual stranger-a boy who seems to fade like smoke-appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.
The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.
As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know-about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.
I’ve been putting off this book for a while as I was a little hesitant about how much I would enjoy it. With The Invisible Life of Addie Larue grabbing top spot and being my favourite book of 2020, I am now so worried about not loving her other works quite as much. But although this didn’t quite match up, I still absolutely loved it!
The Near Witch is part fairy-tale, part love story, part nightmare. It opens on a scene where the main character, Lexi, is telling her little sister a bedtime story, and the book never strays far from that tone. Reading this book has the feeling of going on a rambling journey and becoming enchanted by a creepy tale. This definitely ended up being darker than I expected but in a gentle way that wasn’t too intense or overwhelming, and I really liked it. It was creepy in the way fairy-tales can be, rather than a typical horror!
Maybe one day the words will pour out like so many others, easy and smooth and on their own.
One of my favourite things about V.E. Schwab is her incredible writing. The writing in this was mystical and beautiful and I adored it. She chooses every word purposefully and it shows, and I feel like that’s the reason it took me slightly longer to read than I expected, as I wanted to make sure I really absorbed every part of this book and every single word on the page.
The writing also showcased the amazing world this book is set in. Near is a village on moorland, surrounded by rolling countryside and forests. I loved the vibe this gave off with the creepy, foggy, vast moor and forests, with cottages few and far between. I could picture the world so clearly and it felt like the perfect setting for this story. I also really liked the main characters and that bubbled along in the background of this story. And I could really empathise with how Lexi was struggling with how those around her were acting throughout this story.
Right now they take pieces of me with them.
Overall, this was a beautiful and haunting tale that I really enjoyed reading. It also had such an incredible atmosphere which I loved.
★★★★
4 out of 5 stars
May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽
THE ARCHIVED SERIES
Currently consists of two books titled THE ARCHIVED (2013) and THE UNBOUND (2014), and a novella titled LEAVE THE WINDOW OPEN (2015). These will be released as a box set (THE DARK VAULT) in August of 2018. V has said she would love to someday write her intended third book in this series (THE RETURNED) but because of contractual reasons that is not something she can do yet. As far as I know, these books are stand-alones and would be ok to read even without the last book, but don’t quote me on that because I haven’t read them yet *hides*
-> Stand-alones (?)
-> Series incomplete
One of Brown's most popular songs was "Bustin' Loose," which was released in 1978. The song became a major hit and remains an anthem of the go-go genre. Brown's energetic performances and charismatic stage presence solidified his reputation as a dynamic live performer. Brown continued to release music and tour throughout his career, earning a dedicated fanbase and influencing countless musicians. His music was characterized by its infectious grooves, call-and-response vocals, and extended instrumental breaks. Brown's ability to engage and connect with his audience was a major part of his appeal. In addition to his musical contributions, Brown was also known for his mentorship of younger musicians and his commitment to his community. He frequently performed at local venues and was a vocal advocate for the preservation of go-go music. Brown's impact on the Washington, D.C. music scene cannot be overstated, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians. Chuck Brown passed away in 2012, but his music and his legacy live on. His contributions to the go-go genre and his ability to bring people together through his music earned him the title of the "Godfather of Go-Go." Chuck Brown and his music will always be remembered as the magic man who brought the sound of go-go to the world..
Reviews for "The Magic Man's Groove: Exploring Chuck Brown's Unique Style"
1. Samantha - 2/5
I found "Chuck Brown and the Magic Man" to be quite underwhelming. The plot felt disjointed, and the characters lacked depth. The magic aspect of the story was also poorly executed, leaving me confused and unsatisfied. Additionally, the writing style was unengaging and failed to hold my attention. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it.
2. Michael - 1/5
"Chuck Brown and the Magic Man" was a complete waste of time. The story had no clear direction, and the characters were flat and uninteresting. The supposed magic elements were poorly explained and felt like a lazy attempt to add some excitement to an otherwise dull plot. The writing itself was mediocre at best, filled with clichés and predictable twists. I struggled to finish this book and would advise others to avoid it altogether.
3. Jennifer - 2/5
I had high hopes for "Chuck Brown and the Magic Man" but ultimately found it to be a disappointment. The pacing was slow, and the story seemed to drag on without purpose. The characters lacked development, making it difficult to connect with them emotionally. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, further detracting from my enjoyment of the book. Overall, I found this novel to be forgettable and would not recommend it.
4. Robert - 1/5
I regret picking up "Chuck Brown and the Magic Man." The writing was subpar, filled with grammatical errors and awkward sentence structures. The plot was confusing and lacked originality. The character motivations were unclear, leaving me uninvested in their journeys. Overall, this book failed to capture my attention or leave any lasting impression. It was a complete letdown, and I would not recommend wasting your time on it.