Forthcoming May 2002   • Mouthing Off     by John D. Luerssen Rock stars are never at a loss for words. Often obnoxious, sometimes introspective, and remarkably honest, these are the musings that comprise Mouthing Off. This book provides fans of many different types of music an insight into what makes their favorite artists tick, how they view their role as "stars" in our celebrity obssessed society, and what differentiates (or doesn't differentiate) musicians from the rest of us. The book appeals to fans, musicians, and industry mavens alike; those in the know can laugh at familiar foibles, outsiders get a window into a world often perceived as glamorous and charmed. Unlike other rock star books, old favorites and rising stars sit side by side on these pages. Mouthing Off doesn't limit itself to mainstream artists or musicians from one particular genre, but rather, is a representative collection of insights—some obnoxious, some playful, all honest—that readers of all ages and tastes can laugh with, think about, and just enjoy.             • Original Unofficial Joint Smoking Rules     by Simon Worman Did you know that the proper way to pass a joint is with your hand cupped upward and around the fire and ashes? Or that if you want to smoke a joint, you have to be able to roll one? Well, if you didn't, fear not! These and 73 other cardinal rules of pot smoking are all covered in this handy-dandy guidebook for both the novice and expert stoner. The Original Unofficial Joint Smoking Rules ventures forth where Miss Manners fears to tread, addressing all elements of the smoking up process-from the laws governing rolling papers, to those dictating the handling of "The Last Hooter." Also included is a glossary that covers all of the essential toker's terminology.             • New York is Now!    The New Wave of Free Jazz     by Phil Freeman For nearly 20 years, a group of musicians has been making music which expands on the ideas of free jazz pioneers like Ornette Coleman, Cecil Taylor and John Coltrane. New York Is Now, the first book from up-and-coming jazz journalist Phil Freeman (Jazziz, Down Beat, Alternative Press), documents the vibrant musical landscape of avant-garde jazz by exploring and analyzing the work of Matt Shipp, David S. Ware, William Parker, and many others, as well as the labels, clubs and festivals which support them. Accompanied by the gritty and compelling photographs of Susan O'Connor, New York Is Now is a must-read for new and old fans alike!