Press

From Andy Hamilton at Jazz Journal: “the book is a groundbreaking one. It offers a rich, absorbing and wide-ranging treatment of neglected issues at the interface of music and politics. There are plentiful archival photos and sheet music, and Brassroots Democracy is a beautiful artefact of the kind that American publishers still seem able to produce.”

Named a Popmatters “Best Book of 2024!" Read the review here.

This episode of Points South interviews Benjamin Barson on pianist Mamie Desdunes, one of the musicians discussed in Brassroots Democracy. Also included are interviews with Alicia P. Long and Sherrie Tucker.

On this episode of Dialogues in Afrolatinidad, Barson discusses musical imaginations and racial justice with host Dr. Michele Reid-Vazquez.