New Periodicals

This semiannual column lists newly issued periodicals; describes their objectives, formats, and contents; and provides information about special issues, title and format changes, mergers, and cessations.

Country Music Annual. Edited by Charles K. Wolfe and James E. Akenson. Annual. 2000. Subscription: The University Press of Kentucky, 663 South Limestone Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40508-4008. $20.00. ISBN: 0-8131-0989-2.

Through this publication, the editors hope to validate their belief that country music is worthy of serious scholarly study. Billed as the "first and only country music scholarly publication of its kind," this 175-page inaugural issue contains articles on a wide array of subjects. Careers in country music, integrating country music into the pre-college education curriculum, and an exploration of issues of technology in the Nashville studio of the 1960s are some of the subjects covered in this issue. Each article is heavily footnoted and some contain photographs. While not all articles would be considered hard-hitting, deeply compelling musicological studies, the foundation is laid and attention is given to details.

Echo: A Music-Centered Journal. Edited by Jacqueline Warwick. University of California, Los Angeles. Vol. 2.1 (2000). Subscription: http://www.humnet.ucla.edu/echo. Free.

This journal views music as an integral part of cultural experience for all people. In viewing music this way, the journal is attempting through its presence on the Web to provide a vehicle of communication for readers of many subject backgrounds. The editors hope to expand discussion about music and its role in society by exploiting available Internet technologies, such as the inclusion of sound and film clips into articles and links to sites outside the journal. Articles, interviews, and reviews are included in this particular issue. They cover subjects such as an exploration of Hispanic American music identity in West Side Story, reflections of jazz in various Los Angeles communities, and a discussion of how romantic piano concerti function in commercial films. Articles are detailed and well-written with footnotes as appropriate.

Medioevo musicale: Bollettino bibliografico della musica medievale. Edited by Clemente Terni. Fondazione Ezio Franceschini, Sezione Musica Matilde Fiorini Aragone. Annual. Vol. II (1999). Subscription: Sismel-Edizioni del Galluzzo, c. p. 90, I-50029, Tavarnuzze, Florence, Italy. L 190,000. ISSN 1127-0942.

This second volume of the Mediaeval Music Bibliographical Bulletin completes the review of periodical and non-periodical publications on the musical culture of the Middle Ages between 400 and 1500 which began in the first volume. Included is bibliographical data and a synopsis, in Italian, of each entry's contents. This 708-page hardbound volume, including indexes, will be followed by yearly updates. The volume, divided into sections such as reference works, proceedings and collections of essays, and recordings, is clearly formatted and well-indexed.

Schwann Inside Jazz & Classical. Edited by Ted Libbey and Dan Ouellette. Monthly. Vol. 1, no. 1 (Sept. 2000). Subscription: Schwann Publications, 1280 Santa Anita Court, Woodland, California 95776. $55.95. ISBN 1-57598-090-8.

Not to be confused with the earlier Schwann Inside Jazz & Classical issued beginning in August 1999, this publication began its life in September 2000. This monthly continues the earlier Schwann Inside listings, adding the editorial content formerly found in Schwann Opus and Schwann Spectrum (Schwann's compact disc catalogs for classical music, and jazz and popular music, respectively). The new version is lengthier than its predecessor and more costly although still inexpensive.

The publication is marketed to "provide information about new and existing releases that record purchasers want, so that they and their retailers can find what they're looking for." Grammar aside, there are indeed lists of new releases in the back of the publication. The lists are divided into classical, jazz, and video sections. The video section includes a list of DVD releases. Each issue contains light, easy-to-read feature articles on contemporary themes. There are typically two on jazz issues and an additional couple on classical music. Reviews of jazz and classical releases are also included. No mention is made of popular music. Numerous advertisements can...