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During his 1960s prime, jazz guitarist Grant Green was overshadowed by rivals Wes Montgomery and George Benson, two immensely talented players who made successful forays into the pop world. But although Green passed away in 1979, the 1990s have seen a Grant Green renaissance, thanks to the birth of acid jazz, the reemergence of soul jazz, the jazz-reissue boom, and, most importantly, Green's distinctive guitar style--steeped in his R&B roots and boasting a clear, biting, soulful tone that makes him attractive to rock fans. When she met and later married Grant's youngest son, journalist Sharony Andrews Green stumbled into an admirable mission: to shed light on the life and music of her cult-favorite father-in-law. Green-the-author delivers an engaging, casual remembrance that adeptly balances many aspects of Green's life while never delving deeply into any of them. Green-the-guitarist lived in service to an uneasy triumvirate--music, Islam, and heroin--and the author, despite her ties to her subject, pulls no punches in detailing his drug habit and dark side. The book relies on heartfelt anecdotes from friends, family, musicians, and historians to tell his story and provide a clear and compelling picture of the mindset of a black jazz musician. We learn, for example, how many St. Louis jazzmen began to use heroin in admiration of Midwestern idols (and users) such as Charlie Parker and Miles Davis, and how Green himself yearned for a wider audience in the late 1960s and changed musical directions in search of it (only to be even more frustrated when it did not come). The easy-going, conversational writing style mostly makes for a warm, emotional memoir, though it loses sophistication when the focus moves toward the author and her biography process. Still, adding a comprehensive sessionography, Green offers a useful primer for a talented musician, opening the door for more thorough investigations of Grant Green's unique guitar technique and stylistic innovations. --Marc Greilsamer
Book Description
Now in softcover! This heartfelt biography celebrates the life and music of unsung hero Grant Green, the late jazz guitar genius who played on nearly 100 albums from the early '60s to the late '70s, but narrowly missed celebrity. Today his music has inspired numerous acid-jazz and hip-hop recordings and his legend continues to grow. A straight-ahead jazzman turned funk wizard, Grant is best known for his rhythmic and driving tone as a session leader and sideman for Blue Note Records. The book paints a personal portrait of Grant's internal struggles through the eyes of his family, friends, and fellow musicians.
Customer Reviews:
A Valuable Book for Grant Green Fans.......2006-11-20
This is the only biography of the great Grant Green thusfar, a valuable collector's item for all Grant's fans. The author interviewed family members, fellow musicians and others to develop a picture of the premier guitarist. Although the author has no musical background, she includes selected reviews, a complete discography and informative critical essay by TJ Jundt.
Too Much Politics, Not Enough Biography.......2006-03-02
I like Grant Green. I always thought he was one of the four or five top jazz guitarists of his day. He deserves a true biography, rather than the immaturish writing and same old liberal rationalisms for why Mr. Green failed and died young. His career failed and he died young becauee of drugs---no one's fault but his own.
needs some more critical perspective.......2001-03-15
Sharony Green is trying something interesting here, a biography which is also something of an autobiography. She does a nice job of letting the various people who knew Green speak, and you do get an interesting sense of the man from the book. I have two criticisms. The first is that it goes on and on about how forgotten and unappreciated Green is, which gets tiring after a while. After all, most people who read this book will already think green was a great guitarist. And the guy is one more records than anybody but Milt Hinton--he was hardly unappreciated. He was never as famous as Wes or Benson, but they were more marketable than Green was
The other annoying thing about the book is that it goes on and on about how Green was ripped off. It's true that the white controlled industry is doubly tough on African Americans, and musicians get exploited frequently. But Green never lacked a gig--he worked ALL the time. He had more work in a year, more high quality work, with first rate musicians, than some people get in a decade. So he had money--he was well paid by the standards of his profession. He blew it all in addiction--his sad end came through his own doing. He was a lousy father and husband, and ... his success away. I don't know why, and the book can't say--maybe nobody can. It'd be easy and wrong to understate the power of racism to twist and warp lives, but it's hard to pity Green in some ways. He never lacked for work or recognition in his lifetime, he had prodigious gifts, stunning intelligence and fire (i've spent all afternoon working on his solo on "Speak Low," and I'm more amazed as I go along), but he did himself in, which was maybe nore of a tragedy than if he was done in by racism
It's an interesting and evocative book, that conveys a good sense of the world Green came up in and the world of jazz in the 50s and 60s Worth a read for any jazz fan or lover of Green's great playing
needs some more critical perspective.......2001-03-15
Sharony Green is trying something interesting here, a biography which is also something of an autobiography. She does a nice job of letting the various people who knew Green speak, and you do get an interesting sense of the man from the book. I have two criticisms. The first is that it goes on and on about how forgotten and unappreciated Green is, which gets tiring after a while. After all, most people who read this book will already think green was a great guitarist. And the guy is one more records than anybody but Milt Hinton--he was hardly unappreciated. He was never as famous as Wes or Benson, but they were more marketable than Green was
The other annoying thing about the book is that it goes on and on about how Green was ripped off. It's true that the white controlled industry is doubly tough on African Americans, and musicians get exploited frequently. But Green never lacked a gig--he worked ALL the time. He had more work in a year, more high quality work, with first rate musicians, than some people get in a decade. So he had money--he was well paid by the standards of his profession. He blew it all in addiction--his sad end came through his own doing. He was a lousy father and husband, and pissed his success away. I don't know why, and the book can't say--maybe nobody can. It'd be easy and wrong to understate the power of racism to twist and warp lives, but it's hard to pity Green in some ways. He never lacked for work or recognition in his lifetime, he had prodigious gifts, stunning intelligence and fire (i've spent all afternoon working on his solo on "Speak Low," and I'm more amazed as I go along), but he did himself in, which was maybe nore of a tragedy than if he was done in by racism
It's an interesting and evocative book, that conveys a good sense of the world Green came up in and the world of jazz in the 50s and 60s Worth a read for any jazz fan or lover of Green's great playing
Fair amount of info, not much insight........2001-01-21
While a good book, and admittedly the only source out there from which one can gain much info about Grant Green, the style is a bit cramped and extremely subjective making it a tough read. Sharony Green conveys a good deal of information about Grant, but at the same time presents it in a stale and not very insightful style. There is a wealth of unwarranted speculation that does little to forward a view of Grant Green, and instead of "Rediscovering the Lost Genius" of Grant Green, the reader feels more as if the author feels a need to validate Grant Green. For that, just pick up "Idle Moments" or "Matador" or any of the other great Green recordings. This validation seems a bit irreverent and at times, didactic.
That being said, the subjectivity of the book lends a viewpoint that is worth noting and there is a vast amount of information regarding Grant collected in the book, though at times it is less than completely accurate (eg. At one point, the author refers to Grant's "I Want to Hold Your Hand" recording as a collection of Beatle and other pop tunes. In fact, the title track is the only pop tune on the LP). The book's discography approaches a comprehensive survey of the recordings available, and the reviews offered at the end of the text are particularly helpful. If this book were part of a larger literature devoted to Grant Green it would be a valuable addition, but as the only extant source for info on Grant Green it misses its mark.
Product Description
On-the-go Instrction Because your time is valuable... All Audio All on the go! Beginning level instruction is presented in an all-audio format on 4 digitally-recorded CDs. You have the opportunity to learn on the go, taking advantage of time normally wasted. Study in your car, while exercising, doing yard work anywhere you can safely listen to a CD player. No accompanying books are needed to help you complete the lesson activities. Why can t learning be fun? It can! Linguaphone has chosen to present the allTalk series in an entertaining, soap-opera format. No dry old teacher with a monotone voice putting you to sleep, you follow the adventures of a visitor to a Spanish-speaking country as she interacts with individuals in a variety of interesting situations, learning the language and beginning to understand the culture. Actually learn the language Tired of spending money on language courses that don t work? Did you ever think the problem could be with the course and not you? With Linguaphone s unique learning sequence: Listen, Understand, Speak, you will find yourself actually using the language in no time at all! You are presented with a unit of the language, it is then broken down and explained to you, then you put it back together with greater understanding than just repeating what you may not have understood in the first place. . . . and learn it well! The all Talk methodology not only teaches well, but will have you speaking and understanding basic spoken Spanish in no time at all. Other popular all-audio courses require four times the cds, four times the money and four times the time to do what Linguaphone s allTalk Basic does with 4-one hour CDs.
Book Description
Incurable Blues explores the life and genius of Hubert Sumlin, a highly influential guitarist who has survived cancer, alcoholism, and personal and professional tribulations to testify to the classic days of Chicago blues. Sumlin's incendiary guitar playing is heard on most of Howlin' Wolf's classic Chess sides. Sumlin's pick-less playing has inspired countless blues-rock luminaries. Author Will Romano places Hubert's playing and performing style in context, showing how it formed the basis of blues rock and rock n roll and how it bridges the gap between African folk; the work of early masters like Robert Johnson, Charley Patton and Peetie Wheatstraw; the revisionist British invasion guitarists Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Keith Richards; and the modern-era blues styles of Stevie Ray Vaughan and John Mayer.
Customer Reviews:
Flawed bio of former Wolf guitarist.......2005-11-20
Hubert Sumlin is one of the most individualistic guitar stylists in the blues of the past fifty years and one of the nicest persons you could ever meet. He is best known for his association with the legendary Howlin' Wolf on which his mercurial, unpredictable guitar played so important a role on so many recordings. Will Romano has written a bio of Hubert, "Incurable Blues: The Trouble & Triumph of Blues Legend Hubert Sumlin "(Backbeat Books) that recounts Hubert's life and music from growing up in the Delta and learning to play in various juke bands, his association with the Wolf down in the Memphis area and later coming north to Chicago where he became an integral part of Wolf's band and music through the end of Wolf's life and the thirty odd years since then with Hubert carrying on Wolf's musical legacy as well as trying to establish a bit of his own separate from Wolf. A premise of this book is the Wolf is one of the great and influential blues guitarists and Romano tries to establish this through interviews with blues and rock musicians, discussions of a wide variety of recordings and performances that Hubert was a part of. It is not a completely successful book in part because the author focuses on the testimonials of rock legends to make his case of Hubert's impact and influence, but while Sumlin's best recordings (mostly those with wit) exhibit his brilliant originality and invention, there are few examples other than testimonials to show his influence in the blues world. The fact that Eric Clapton may have pushed to get Sumlin involved in the London Howlin' Wolf sessions when producer Marshall Chess may not have wanted him says more about Clapton's understanding of Wolf's recordings and what Sumlin brought to them. Chess' focus may have been on rock stars to sell this music but Clapton helped insure the music would come out right. Still, the admiration of many blues-influenced rock superstars does little to establish Hubert's influence compared to other equally talented blues guitarists. The discussion of the various recordings, that post-date the Wolf's passing is fascinating but too lengthy and while recognizing Hubert's limitations as a vocalist tries to make these as more important and seminal than some are. I am particularly thinking about the lengthy discussion about "About Them Shoes," the recent Sumlin album that had Clapton, David Johansson, Bob Margolin, Paul Oscher, David Maxwell and others join him on a collection of mostly songs associated with Muddy Waters songs, which resulted in a pleasant recording, but one not nearly as remarkable as Romano suggests, as the grooves in Muddy's music does not lend itself to allow Sumlin's playing to shine. Of course part of the success of Wolf's recordings might have been Willie Dixon's production and shaping of the rhythms. Certainly songs like "Hidden Charms" and "Do the Do," are otherwise forgettable but for the hot, tight band, Wolf's ability to make anything sound good and Sumlin's staggering playing. Also for a book that chronicles Sumlin's life there is no mention of Big Mac's sixties Jewel 45, "Rough Dried Woman", which sported Sumlin's guitar or a late sixties, early seventies Sunnyland Slim session with members of Wolf's band, along with Walter Horton backing the legendary pianist not to mention terrific albums from then by Willie Williams and ANdrew 'Blueblood' McHahon. Sumlin's guitar was prominently featured on this spirited date which strikes me as a lot better than some of the European American Folk Blues Festival recordings that the author here praises. This is a flawed, overlong book by a fan, but it book does get a sense of Hubert's shy and sweet personality that has led many to really love him and when he does get to play, he still can blow one away.
Indispensilbe: An Excellent Biography.......2005-10-16
For anybody who loves the blues and wants to learn as much as possible about the music and artists who made it, Will Romano has written a must-read book. The power of Romano's book comes in the insights he gives not only into Sumlin the musician and blues great, but Sumlin the man. The amount of painstaking research shows that Romano was able to get as close to the man and the truth as probably anybody. This is not dry, academic research effort, but popular history done by a journalist who is an excellent writer and storyteller. And there can be little doubt about the importance of Romano's subject. When you listen to the records of Howlin' Wolf, you hear the impact of Sumlin on the postwar Chicago blues. This was a musician who not only was present at the creation but helped shape that creation. And the impact Sumlin has had on musicians ranging from Eric Clapton to Michael Hill is testimony to his importance. The musicians know that this was not a minor figure. The recent deaths of R.L. Burnside and Gatemouth Brown underlines the importance of getting these stories on record while we still have the chance. These artists are keys to helping us not just enjoy the blues but understand where this valuable part of our culture comes from. Romano has written a book that does just that with Hubert Sumlin, which is why is will have a lasting impact.
if you want a sense of the person..not just the musician - this is a great read.......2005-10-06
Some time ago, at a show in NYC, I got the chance to see Hubert play and was just amazed. Not only at the music I was hearing...but at the vibe that he exuded. At the end of the show I was lucky enough to briefly meet him..and I can tell you that he just put you in a good mood the moment he spoke. After the show I was interested in hearing more of his music and while searching for some Howlin' Wolf tunes I came across this book..I immediately picked it up and it was a great read.
I really liked that the book was different than most bios. It seemed to focus more on Hubert's character, and I can tell you that the sense I got in that brief meeting shined thru in this book. I got the sense that Hubert's wonderful and unique guitar playing has always been a part of his personality. And his personality, as much as his musical abilities, makes Hubert special. I really enjoyed this book...and am enjoying Hubert's music - especially the music he made with Wolf. You can sense something different in the music he made with Wolf...and after reading the book and understanding that relationship I can see why.
Buy The Biography of Howling Wolf Instead.......2005-09-30
Hubert Sumlin is a wonderful and unique guitar player, and this is a well meaning but unnecessary book. Hubert Sumlin is important as a historical figure because he was the guitar player for 23 years in the Howling Wolf Band. Since Wolf's death in 1976 Sumlin has continued to perform and record but he has been unable to establish much of an artistic identity apart from being Howling Wolf's guitar player. That's why a decent biography of Howling Wolf, such as Segrest and Hoffman's "Moanin' At Midnight," covers the historically relevant portion of Hubert Sumlin's career adequately. Alternatively, "Rollin' and Tumblin': Postwar Blues Guitarists," edited by Jas Obrect, is a good compilatation of articles covering Hubert Sumlin and many other fine underappreciated blues guitar players as well. Both books are more carefully presented and more informative on the subject than this one.
Book Description
High in the mountains of Mexico is the village of Paracho. In Paracho, guitars are everywhere. They're made in factories at the edge of town and in workshops on the side streets. They hang in the stores that line the main road, and they're played in the street, in restaurants, in the concert hall, at the yearly festival, and in the village school.
Join brother-and-sister team journalist Peter Laufer and illustrator Susan L. Roth, who followed a guitar back to Paracho and found a thriving community that is sending its instruments and its music around the globe.
Customer Reviews:
WONDERFUL, INFORMATIVE, me gusta mucho este libro.......2000-07-14
This colorful book tells of the making of guitars in Paracho, a tiny village in the state of Michoacán in Mexico. I enjoyed the bright collage photos on every page, which were made from corrugated cardboard, fabric, tissue paper, etc. The message of the very high quality guitars made in Paracho was very touching and informative. The book includes a few Spanish phrases which are always easily understood, and it even includes translations on the back page. Some pages include signs in Spanish and English mixed into the collages. This is a very nice book to read to children for global awareness, plus it is very informative. I really liked this book. (I'm a librarian and I see lots of books.)
Average customer rating:
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Mel Bay's A Treasury of Songs for Young People: For Autoharp, Guitar, Ukulele, Mandolin, Banjo, and Keyboard
Meg Peterson
Manufacturer: Mel Bay Publications, Inc.
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Mel Bay Songs of Christmas for Autoharp
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ASIN: 0786670029 |
Book Description
The songs in this book are familiar to children of all ages. They include not only traditional children's songs, but also rounds, cowboy tunes, and popular Christmas songs. They have been arranged in the keys that are most suitable for singing, and can be played in a variety of styles using only the words and the accompanying chords. In cases where there are two versions of a particular tune, both have been included. If one version is not well known, however, the most widely used melody is selected. The songs are written as lyrics with chord symbols only; no music notation is provided.
Average customer rating:
- Romance and action blend in a satisfying story which teens will relate to
- Confusing at first but ultimately exceptional
- Realistic and touching
- Can't help but fall in love with this book!
- I Loved it SOOOOO MUCH!
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Guitar Highway Rose
Brigid Lowry
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
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ASIN: 0312342969
Release Date: 2006-01-24 |
Book Description
Two Aussie teens hitchhike across Australia in this runaway bestseller about the teenage quest for freedom Fifteen-year-old Rosie Moon is ready for adventure. Popular and smart, Rosie is usually the good girl. But, on the first day of tenth grade, Rosie is immediately attracted to Asher, the myster-ious new boy with dreadlocks. When the two pair up for a poetry assignment, a relationship forms. When Asher is falsely accused of steal-ing someone's wallet, he and Rosie hitchhike up the Australian coast.
Customer Reviews:
Romance and action blend in a satisfying story which teens will relate to.......2006-04-11
A teenager, Rosie is ready for adventure: she's been an obedient girl most of her life but now longs for action. Asher is a new boy in school with dreadlocks and an attitude to match: Rose is instantly attracted. An accusation of theft leads to a hitchhiking adventure that will change her life and decisions. Romance and action blend in a satisfying story which teens will relate to.
Confusing at first but ultimately exceptional.......2006-02-28
Rosie Moon, 15, is irritated with her life. Her mom treats her like a 5 year old, her dad doesn't really care, and her younger brother is a nuisance. The best thing about her life is her best friend, Pip, until a rebellious new kid, Asher, comes to school. His parents are seperated, which doesn't help with the move. Asher and Rosie want to get away from it all and when Asher is accused of stealing a wallet, their dreams become a reality. They set off for their "crazy" adventure where they find themselves...and each other.
At first, I was confused by the writing style. The book used words that I wasn't familiar with because the book originated from Australia. The book was also incomprehensible because it jumped to different characters, and I got thoughts and opinions confused. As I read more, it became clear and it was amazing. The plot was well thoughtout. Lowry used superior descriptions for the settings and people. It felt like you were there! The book showed situations that teenagers have to overcome these days. Towards the end of the book, I couldn't put it down. It was supenseful, a definite page turner. Overall, it was an exceptional book. Kids under 13 should not read this book. It had some vulgar language and usage of drugs.
Reviewed by Flamingnet Book Reviews
www.flamingnet.com
Preteen, teen, and young adult book reviews and recommendations
Realistic and touching.......2006-02-25
Fifteen-year-old Rosie Moon lives in a small seaside town in Australia, where experiencing life is limited to walks on the beach and secretly piercing your nose. Her parents aren't getting along, her uptight mother finds it difficult to give Rosie the freedom she craves, and she's not sure how to impress the quietly rebellious new boy in her class, Asher Fielding. Asher just moved to town with his newly single mother and desperately wants to leave his restrictive new school and head back across the country to his father and his old friends.
Rosie and Asher's friendship begins when they are paired up for a poetry project, and their romance takes off when Asher is mistakenly accused of stealing. He decides to run away for the second time, his first attempt to return to his father having proved fruitless. Rosie, desperate to break away from her own small-town troubles, decides to go with him, and the two take off on a cross-country search for adventure, freedom and, of course, love.
Brigid Lowry's novel was first published in Australia, and while American readers may be a bit confused by some of the geographic references, they will also find it interesting to learn about daily life on the other side of the world, where the lingo may differ but the issues and emotions of the characters are strikingly familiar. The story is told in a series of vignettes, including everything from stream-of-consciousness thoughts to lists of the contents of someone's pockets or what someone had for breakfast. Anything that may provide a further glimpse into a character is fair game.
Some of the vignettes can be confusing, such as Asher's scattered thoughts or dialogue scenes with no speaker indicated. Also, some of the thought sequences feel unnatural at times, with characters narrating their actions to themselves as they do them or describing their emotions (apparently for our benefit), creating the feeling that we're being told what the person is thinking or doing rather than overhearing their actual thoughts. This is an interesting approach to storytelling, but at times it can come across as a self-conscious attempt at originality. Perhaps this technique was more original when the novel was first published, but with the recent popularity of books told in diary, email, list, or other unique formats, some of the creative appeal of Lowry's style is lost.
On the whole, however, the charm and good intentions of the characters --- everyone from frustrated students and teachers to struggling parents and even the occasional stranger --- make this a sweet story worth reading. There's not much of an edge to the characters, but the parents' difficulties at figuring out how to be the best parents, and the teenagers' need to explore the world around them without restrictions, are both real and very touching. After reading GUITAR HIGHWAY ROSE, readers may wish they could be the stars of their own road trip adventure/love story.
--- Reviewed by Emily Shaffer
Can't help but fall in love with this book!.......2005-01-07
I first read this book at 15. I then suggested to my English teacher that it should be put into the school curriculum. Six years later, they're still reading it as a class text, and I'm still re-reading my own copy. The first time I read it, it felt so familiar, as if I knew the characters personally. Not many books do can that.
I Loved it SOOOOO MUCH!.......2004-11-21
This book was like, the best book EVER! I first of all LOVED the cool way it was written. It's really easy to fall in love with Rosie and Ash. Definetly one of my all time faves! Read it if you haven't already!!! : )
Book Description
"He was an ordinary, run-of-the-mill kid coming along," James Al Hendrix remembers about his son, "but he had an imagination." This imagination, coupled with extraordinary technique, propelled Hendrix to his legendary status as one of the greatest rock guitarists, as well as one of rock's casualties. In this intimate biography, his father shares stories and letters, many previously unknown, about this remarkable musician and man. My Son Jimi contains excerpts from Jimi Hendrix's music, and the most complete and reliable account of Jimi's life before his famed days with the Experience. "Al makes no excuses — he didn't spend enough time with Jimi, but he did buy him his first three guitars." — Library Journal
Customer Reviews:
Al's 'Bad' Memory.......2007-09-18
I know it's wrong to criticise the dead, but this book is very much written through bright rosey red coloured spectacles. Al was getting on in years when he collaborated on this book and I suspect a lot of it was very much taken from one-to-one chats between Al and his 'ghost writer'; but unfortunately the book appears to have been very much influenced by the step -daughter from hell (and not a blood relative of Jimi)....one Janie Hendrix. Therefore, although Al's early memories of Jimi as a child and early adolescent are interesting and have some value, his assertions that Leon was not his child and how much Jimi was fond of his 'little sister Janie' devalue the rest of the book. Even if Leon was not Al's child, he was Lucille's son and that makes him Jimi's blood half-brother....which is a damn site closer to Jimi than Janie will ever be (he only met Janie on a couple of occasions)...........I suspect that Janie poisoned Al's mind at the time that this book was written with one thing in mind...Al's will and inheritance and the control of Jimi's music...which all spells one word......GREED. Unfortunately her scheming paid off, as Al effectively disowned Leon and gifted more or less evrything to Janie (including the rights to Jimi's music).
Finally, I am sure Al loved Jimi in his own way and I am sure Jimi had some affection for Al, but it is all overplayed in this book and Jimi told a lot of people that Al beat him quite badly when he was growing up and Kathy Etchingham in particular recalls a number of occasions when Al was not exactly a loving father..........however times were very hard for Al and Jimi (and Leon) and it is unfair to be too hard on Al in the early days....and to some degree in later life when I suspect he was slightly senile and therefore very susceptible to Janie's worm tonguery.
BEANSTO YOU AL HENDRIX!.......2005-03-06
when sharon lawrence called al hendrix to plead with him to not make jimi's funeral a spectacle, Mr. Hendrix's first response to her was. do you know how much money he had?
This man was only ever interested in his son as a meal ticket and even 29 years later here he is tryig to make money off his dead genius son. all i can say is shame on you al hendrix!
JOHN HOVING
Essential Perspective.......2004-02-09
For years, while reading conflicting opinions by numerous authors of all things Jimi, it seemed natural to wonder what Jimi's dad would have had to say about it. Fortunately, rather than sit back and wonder about it, Jas Obrecht worked with Al Hendrix to get the story told. Of all people, Jimi's father surely had an important story to tell, from a vital perspective - that being the family anchor throughout most of Jimi's often scattered childhood.
"My Son Jimi" is a tender yet objective look into the life of a uniquely gifted soul. The childhood personality traits that Al reveals sync well with what we know of the adult Jimi. With so much known about nearly every breath of his life once he became famous, it's refreshing to hear so many stories and details of Jimi's early days and the events that influenced his view of the world. Al's memory was obviously sharp, as evidenced by the depth of chronological details and his ability to wrap the up-close human perspective into those details. For example, in describing the lean years when money was tight, Al was forced to move from place to place and chase employment opportunities. Al closes the history loop by describing the impact these events had on young Jimi. Likewise, the descriptions of home life when Jimi's mother Lucille was living elsewhere, often with other men, are treated with respect to all, allowing as much dignity to be preserved as possible, even in very undignified circumstances. These touches add a healthy coating of reality and personality that can never be touched upon by an author merely reporting a historical perspective.
I found Al's descriptions of Jimi's music illuminating and intriguing. Obviously, Al was proud of his son's accomplishments, but was still able to hear the music for what it was, with open ears. I believe that his need to be honest and realistic was a key component leading to the success of Experience Hendrix once the family had acquired the Hendrix legacy. Look at it this way - for decades, Alan Douglas had been the caretaker of Jimi's music and although I don't think he was deserving of all of the hateful criticism he received, I do believe he was a puppet in the machine that turned its head away from Jimi's clearly stated intentions of where his music was headed. Al listened to Jimi, for example Jimi's eagerness to work with and appreciation of Eddie Kramer and Al then brought Eddie into the fold to help move the music in the right direction. This was no mistake - it was action motivated by love.
Al's prose is not particularly colorful, nor embellished - instead he speaks economically, to the point and from the heart. This may lead some to criticize this book unfairly, but I believe that the content, honesty and perspective Al has brought forth make My Son Jimi essential reading for those interested in learning the true story of Jimi Hendrix.
Touching story, no hype.......2004-02-03
I do have to say that after reading Sharon Lawerence's book and Jimi's personal comments about his Dad, it made me re-evaluate Al Hendrix. I will keep my original review, because I believe that is the way Al felt, although, he turns out to have been as poor a parent as Jimi's mother. It would have helped if he had admitted as much in this book.
And one reviewer commented about Leon the "half-brother" - that may or may not be true, but all you have to do is look at Leon, he looks very much like Jimi. And Jimi was very protective of Leon, he would have been heartbroken that Leon was cut of his estate.
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Original review:
I was skeptical if this had been thrown in the hands of a ghost writer, but as one reviewer noted - they let Al speak.
Listening to Al talk about Jimi is like hearing your grandfather talk about a loved one - it is very touching and you can see where Jimi got some of his best qualities (humility, generosity, sense of humor) from.
And when you learn about his mother, you can tell where Jimi got that wild side from :>)
I especially liked looking at Jimi's old cartoons and drawings, he was darn good.
Not the best book on Jimi, but worth reading....
dad ,unsung hero.......2002-01-31
With all the rock-god hype linked with Jimi, it is easy to forget that he had a solid foundation at home with a loving dad, who sincerely cared about what happened to him, and always tryed to do the right thing for him under the worst circumstances--extreme poverty, thinly veiled racism, and an alcoholic mother who he loved dearly, but could not return his love. Jimi's dad was the rock he needed to absorb his values.His innate sweetness
and legendary humility testify to a humble, hard working everyman trying to do the right thing for his son.A must read for the Hendrix fan. to me the it explains Jimi's mindset, when in London in his early career, the (then) T.V. star LULU said to the press that the experience was a"flash in the pan". Instead of the usual biting comeback, Jimi said "i just think that it was nice of her to say anything about us at all"I suspect that comment cut her worse than anything else anyone could have said
Average customer rating:
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Jimi Hendrix: An Illustrated Experience
Janie Hendrix , and
John McDermott
Manufacturer: Atria
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0743297695 |
Average customer rating:
- Definitely worth it for the photos
- Jimi fans- buy this book
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Bold As Love: The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Frank Moriarty
Manufacturer: MetroBooks (NY)
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Binding: Hardcover
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Jimi Hendrix : The Man, the Magic, the Truth
ASIN: 1567993850 |
Customer Reviews:
Definitely worth it for the photos.......2005-12-05
I like a book with photos of my favorite subject to be substantial in size and this book delivers that. It is also mostly photos. So, for the sake of the photos alone, this book is worth it. Any time I can get a book about Jimi that is filled with a bunch of photos of him, that's a good deal given, of course, that there's a limited supply of photos of him. Very nicely put together. chrisbct@hotmail.com
Jimi fans- buy this book.......2001-02-28
"Bold As Love- The Jimi Hendrix Experience" is a great book on Jimi, whether you're an old fan or someone who wants an introduction. It gives a well-balanced, brief bio of JH in 115 photo-packed pages. Speaking of photos, this book really delivers in that department. Many full- and half- page photos in their original glory brilliantly illustrate the many fascinating moods of uh, maybe the coolest guy ever. 'Bold As Love' is not as exhaustive as Gleebeck's 'Electric Gypsy', but it offers a more candid look at the JH legend . If you thought 'Electric Gypsy' was a little Chandler/Kramer heavy, you might enjoy this perspective. In fact, 'Bold As Love' would be a nice companion to 'Electric Gypsy'. Worth twenty bucks just for the photos.
Product Description
Music book & audio CD containing 16 traditional Jewish song for solo guitar.
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