Music Books

This is such a great book. I really enjoyed reading it. It tells Buddy, Ritchie and J.P.'s story in a very interesting and easy to follow book. I would recommend this book to any Buddy fan. Five stars!

This is a great book. I have always been interested in "The day the music died" I had read several books and magazine articles about Buddy Holly's life but there was little in the way of the actual Winter Dance Party or the other musicians. I purchased this book and was shocked at how well and detailed the accounts of the musicians lives and the aftermath of the plane crash was. Larry Lehmer did an excelent job and should be commended on telling the truth not just what Buddy Holly's widow wanted or others who are wanting to cover the truth about what life was really like for all those involved. I recommend this to anyone who is interested in rock and roll, Buddy Holly or just 50's style music.

This book is great because it not only tells of the careers of those involved in the Winter Party Tour, but also tells details leading up the crash (including stops in many small towns along the way). It was quite informative.
Buddy Holly is the best known,yet most elusive and enigmatic of all Rock 'n' Roll legends.This man was a genius.The way he constructed his songs was sensational.

The initial first run of this great book was not around very long and people have been begging since for a reprint and here it is! This one is hard to put down, it is intriguing, informative and FACTUAL, which most Buddy book are not (avoid the Amburn book at all costs). What is particularily nice is that it features a great deal of updated info about the last tour & crash, info about Roger Peterson, and a good deal about Ritchie & The Bopper that usually doesn't get included. Lehmer talks to people that were at the shows, helped with the Tour, etc. No wild theories here, just the facts. Top notch in every regard. You see any bad reviews here? 'Nuff said!

Larry Lehmer has crafted one of the better journalistic books about a historical rock 'n' roll event. He brings a newspaperman's observations and senses to the project, which connects all the dots in the tragic last tour for Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper. "The Day the Music Died" is not only entertaining -- somber and occasionally macabre in appropriate moments, and humorous elsewhere -- but it describes the days and weeks leading up to the tragic crash in Clear Lake through the eyes of people who were there. In each case, he paints a vivid portrait of a fallen star, making their stories all the more tragic. To read this book is to understand how American rock 'n' roll evolved from its early, innocent roots toward the fragmented, even chaotic market it encompasses today. I highyl recommend this book.

There is no question about it: "The Devil, Me and Jerry Lee" is entertaining and fast reading. The author is the younger sister of Jerry Lee Lewis. It is for those of us that already appreciate the Killer. Folks who don't know who "The Killer" is should stop reading this review now. The faithful will be treated to a tale of life on the road and a little on the wild side of Jerry Lee. There are few surprises for those familiar with Lewis' past. His up and down career is covered form the mid -1950s at Sun Records in Memphis until the "present day". It's a bit foggy, perhaps intentionally so, as to what the Killer is doing right now. To quote the trailer in the movie "Great Balls of Fire" `he is probably playing his heart out-somewhere'. DMJL also tells the tale of the author's own strange career both on and off stage. The details of the latter are frank, earthy and mostly believable. (As to the former, it's a mystery: What "career" did Linda Gail have?Billboard credits her with 2 chart hits.) They are delivered in a take me or leave me fashion, just the way her big brother would want. The author has a definite manipulative charm to her, a trait she no doubt shares with her sibling. I am certain her 8 husbands could attest to that! The bottom line is that DMJL is recommended for Lewis fans only. The story won't win any new ones. Any serious country fan should possess at least one Killer CD. Amazon has several available! Jerry Lee is an entertainer one has to listen to, not merely read about. As for his little sister, she wore me down: 5 stars.

I found this book to be a very interesting look at the upbringing and early influences on Jerry Lee's life which was not detailed in earlier books on his life. It was sometimes shocking, but always interesting.

Reading this book is like having a conversation with Linda Gail Lewis over a cup of coffee. If you like knowing the inside scoop, this book is a must read. Sit down to and have a heart-to-heart talk!

Sister to Jerry Lee Lewis, Linda Gail has written a blunt, fascinating warts-and-all showbiz book about her life and that of the rock and country legend. Linda Gail, who hit the Top 10 with her duet with Jerry Lee "DON'T LET ME CROSS OVER", toured with Jerry Lee for 15 years as a background singer , and her love and concern for her brother shines through this fast-paced 166 page book co-written with Les Pendleton. The family grew up in a shack in Ferriday, La. with no insulation, no bathroom and no lack of hardship. A drunk driver killed their 9-year-old brother, their father spent time in prison for bootlegging, and Jerry Lee, when 22, married his 13 year old cousin, Myra. Writes Linda Gail, "Myra looked like she was 20, and she was more than a little bit on the wild side herself. In Ferriday, I could have married a cousin and not even known it. It was no big deal." Despite his career ups and downs, Linda Gail notes, "Momma would remain in new Cadillacs and housekeepers until she died." If there were book ratings, this one would be PG. And, if there were ratings on the most interesting books - on a scale from 1 to 10, this would be an 11. Linda Gail, now happily married and living in Big Sandy, Tenn., has written a compelling, no-holds-barred, true-life story with a very appropriate title. Gerry Wood, Country Weekly - January 12, 1999

What a great story and well written. Coming from a religious family, I enjoyed reading all the interesting circumstances that Linda and her big family went through. I've never read a much more shocking story and laughed so hard!! Double Thumbs Up!!!!!

Loved it! I can't wait for the sequel, captivating, fun, wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!! Please give us more!

Thank you, Robert Elmer, for a charming book. It warmed my heart as I followed the storytelling.......and loved each character.

I could almost hear the music from the old Steinway. As a child I remember practicing the piano.....wished I'd stayed with it!!

Thank you for weaving two people together who had been alone since the loss of their mates. Tenderly done!!

The sounds and fragrances of the paragraphs were exciting. Wanted to pull up a chair at Gerrit's kitchen table knowing ahead of time that there would be good conversation.

And, thank you for the fellowship of believers throughout the book.....it makes God real.

Looking forward to your next book in the spring.

C.Gale
friendwife@aol.com

A retired dairy farmer and a college professor ... the most unlikely couple you could find.

But not in THE DUET. Here you will find not only Gerrit Appledoorn and Joan Horton, but also a charmingly written novel that will have you smiling from cover to cover.

Gerrit Appledoorn is the retired dairy farmer, struggling with too much time on his hands, a computer that won't co-operate, and a family crisis.

Joan Horton is the college professor on a year's sabbatical. She arrives in rural Van Dalen to be closer to her pregnant daughter and immediately takes up as the new piano teacher.

Gerrit's granddaughter, Mallory, is a student of Joan's, but as time goes by, Gerrit is also drawn to the music, leaving room for a sweet story of romance in the senior years. But Joan has a secret from the past, one that is about to catch up with her and possibly destroy any happiness on the horizon.

Weave into this the subplot of different denomination acceptance and you have a beautifully layered story that will keep you enthralled.

THE DUET is a wonderful witty novel full of lovable and memorable characters. At first I was a little dubious. Robert Elmer wasn't an author I associated with adult romantic fiction. After all, my six-year-old daughter loves his AstroKid's series. How does a children's writer cross over to adult fiction? Remarkably well, if Mr Elmer is anything to go by. He now has two fans in our house.

What's a Dubbel Zout, you ask? Hey, go read the book! You'll find out.

The Duet is a charming novel set in the fictitious town of Van Dalen, Washington. With a thinly disguised Lynden as the background, author Robert Elmer shares the story of two very different families as they struggle through painful, life altering events.

Elmer deftly offers Joan Horton as one of the novel's main characters. Joan, a music professor from New York, moves to Van Dalen for a one-year sabbatical. As she battles between her prim and proper façade and steadfast belief in her own inadequacy, Joan is determined to accept her husband's death and her son's downward spiral into depression. While Joan's son and daughter are secondary characters, they serve the novel well in capturing Joan's emotions and presenting a well-rounded picture of this self-doubting matriarch.

Gerrit Appeldoorn, a retired dairy farmer and staunch Calvinist, becomes Joan's reluctant piano student. Rooted deeply in his faith, Gerrit is quite set in his ways and does not flinch at the prospect of telling others how they should live their lives. Despite his sometimes curmudgeonly attitude, Gerrit is a likeable, old school gentleman.

Gerrit and Joan, both suffering from the loss of a beloved spouse, come together as friends, learning about each other's different backgrounds and beliefs. Predictably, they lean on each other for companionship and support, barely aware of the emerging relationship between them.

Elmer, who has primarily been a children's author, successfully provides the adult reader with an interesting, relatable romance. His characters are well defined and likeable, creating a genuine fondness for the families who are lovingly depicted. While the plot is somewhat predictable, Elmer skillfully draws the reader in through the use of articulate language, realistic dialogue and appealing descriptions. In addition to an already well written novel, Elmer sprinkles in famous quotes that bring added charm and breadth to the story.

Widow Joan Marie Horton takes a leave of absence from teaching at New York's Gaylord School of Music to spend time with her pregnant daughter Alison and son-in-law Jim in Van Dalen, Washington. To earn money, Joan Marie fills in for piano teacher Linda Klopstra, who is in Romania for a year, teaching students.

Elderly Gerrit Appeldoom still mourns the loss of his beloved long time spouse Miriam and almost as much the loss of his family's dairy farm. His beliefs shattered and with nothing to occupy him, he feels empty.

Gerrit accompanies his granddaughter Mallory for her piano lessons. When he hears Joan Marie playing, Gerrit finds his old appreciation for music beyond Johnny Cash has resurfaced. He is even ready to dance to the music and decides he wants lessons from Joan Marie. Through Joan Marie, Gerrit also rediscovers the Lord. Though concerned how their loved ones will react, they fall in love; now both know that Jesus will guide them and their families into doing the right thing.

This is an engaging inspirational character study focusing on the relationships between two older individuals to one another, their children and grandchildren, and the Lord. The story avoids being to maudlin because Joan Marie and Gerrit are real people wanting to do the best for others, but now have a second chance to do something for themselves. Although there is little action, readers who appreciate a powerful insightful look into the souls of protagonists will want to accompany the DUET as they play a beautiful melody.

Harriet Klausner

One of the best fake books that I have seen. Would definitely recommend for those that want a easy melody to follow.

I play piano by ear. My music-reading skills are very limited. Throw a couple of sharps or flats into the music and I'm completely lost.

The EASY FAKE BOOK has its music written in the key of "C". No sharps. No flats. There are also no base notes, only the upper hand. Instead, this book provides the base chords. If you're an "ear-player" like me, you simply follow the notes with your right hand, and follow the base chords with your left.

Piano playing has never been easier than this.

There are 204 great songs in this book.

The Easy Fake Book, is an easy to follow for people from all ages. It has a great selection of melodies for piano students, as well as profesional piano players.

The Easy Fake Book and Your First Fake Book both have very good song selections in them. I would recomend however first buying How To Play From A Fake Book (which I purchased later) because it explains more about how to use these books. They are all very exellent books and I will be back for more. Thank You.

I am enjoying playing popular tunes using The Easy Fake book. A great way to learn some music fundamentals and piano technique.

I always been a fan of Kashif both as a singer and producer. I highly recommend this book to gain greater insights in the Music business or any business. It was a great buy along with a couple of manuals I purchased from Musicbrains.net entitled the Indie label Kit on amazon. You can also check kashif out at Brooklynboy.com

Included in this package are over 100 music contract templates that will aid you in filling out every king of music contract imaginable, from the deals you set with music producers, to the deals with promoters, to the deals you have to make with agents. The contracts all have explanatory notes and underlining information explaining each the purpose of every line in the contract. As good as this set is, it doesn't compare to "101 Music Business Contracts - Updated Edition - Preprinted Binder / CD-ROM set containing over 100 contracts and agreements for recording artist, musicians, ... industry. Entertainment law at it's best!" By Ty Cohen, a more complete set with easier explanation and a more intelligent structure

A real life look at the music industry. This is a must have for all involved in writing and publishing.

From Mark John Sternal
Author of "GUITAR: Total Scales Techniques and Applications"
"GUITAR: Probable Chords"
"Complete Guitar By Ear"
and, "The Twelve Notes Of Music"

I'm blessed I purchased this book earlier this month and tells me right here how I need to know and learn all about the music and record industry. This is a Extradordinary, more good-reading, more instructional Must for all Music lovers, listeners, musicians, singers, singer-songwriters, composers, producers, artists, and/or any1 that's real interested of trying out in the music biz. I recommend Donald Passman's book "All You Need to Know About the Music Business" 2 include along and recommendarily Quincy Jones' memoir along w/ others.

I 'preciate the help of what R&B and Music legend, artist, and producer Kashif tryin' 2 say. 'Preciate everything u talked 'bout this book. Enjoy it. It's very interesting stuff and u can't turn your back from it.

This is a great book. I first purchased Donald Passmans book "Everything You Need To Know About The Music Buiness' - a must have book for any interestd, but as a complete newbie also a bit overwhelming. This book is easier to read, gives a good introduction and overview of the topic and helps to simplify some of the things Passman talks about. I highly recommend them both if you're serious about this subject.

I would consider myself an advanced beginner at this point, having messed 'round a bit with the guitar and mandolin over the years. My dad bought me an ukulele when we were in Hawaii, and I have found it much easier to play than the guitar. I already have a pretty good understanding of music theory, having played the piano for about 40 years, and this book is very helpful translating the building blocks of "how music is made" into techniques of "making music." As with any skill, there are patterns of playing and the proverbial tricks of the trade to the ukulele, and the book describes them very nicely and understandably. The included CD is a big help, letting you hear what it's supposed to sound like so you know if you're doing it right. It's also been kind of fun learning some songs that I've heard before but never saw the music. The book has been a big help so far, and I look forward to getting more and more adept at the instrument.

Who could say anything bad about Jim Beloff? He is the modern crusader of the ukulele. There are not many decent uke instruction books out there but this is worth having. It's also one of the rare places you will find scales for the uke.
I've played uke for many years and there is a lot for me to learn from this book. I think it can be useful to any level player.

This is a good book for someone willing to put in the time. Lots of info

I thought that I had seen all that there was to see in respect of Ukulele "How to play books" and have a veritable library of them in my study. Today I can just about struggle through the accompaniment chords to "Way down upon the Swannee River"
However, recently in my Amazon "Suggested items that might interest you" space, appeared the Hal Leonard publication 'UKULELE FRETBOARD ROAD MAPS'. (give that man a raise!) because it is the very best I have seen and if I
am not able to learn from this book, I shall donate my ukes to Oxfam and take up the trombone. At least it isn't possible to play chords on the old slush pump.

Many thanks , Peter Durham.

My experience with beginning ukulele books has been pretty uniformly
disappointing. They all promise to include everything you could
possibly need to know, when in in my experience they have all been
thin, padded with useless filler, and lacking a coherent path to get
from "here" to "there".

This book is a __VERY__ welcome change, and at a sweet price to boot.
To be sure, it is not a beginner's book. The very first song (Sloop
John B.) has a tricky rhythm (e.g., three quarter notes in two beats)
and a shuffle strum with some down strokes missing; as a result,
only about half of the words actually coincide with a strum. This is
not a criticism of the book, just pointing out the level of difficulty
you'll hit in the first few pages. Fortunately for me (an arhythmic
klutz) the focus of the book is on learning the fretboard !

I must say that the CD is a huge help. My beginner's books either had
no CD at all, or the recordings were so dorky that I felt impatient to
move ahead and get to some "real" music. The teacher on this CD,
however, has a very inviting style, and you get the feeling that he
would be a fun person to jam with or watch in performance. A big plus
if your skills require you to listen to the same track over and over
and over...

This book is not about music theory per se, but but rather a practical
framework for learning how to physically hit the right notes; i.e.,
it doesn't attempt to describe *why* you would use a D7b5 chord, but
it helps you develop the skill so that when you have to play one you
know what your various options are and you can get your fingers in the
right place without thinking too much.

I have only completed about half of the book so far. I've learned the
basic movable chord patterns (3 each of major, minor, 7th), and am
starting to practice with them. The songs in this part of the book
take one chord (G major, say) and move it up and down the fretboard
for several measures before changing to a new chord. This kind of
practice is necessary to internalize what you've learned, but the
authors do a nice job of making the practice interesting and fun,
pointing out how to spice up your music rather than just saying
"memorize this" and jumping to a new, disconnected topic.


I look forward to working my way through this book, and I definitely
intend to revisit it again and again. As my title says, it's a
keeper !

I am a bass player, and learned advanced music theory in the class room and on the bass. This book really helped me apply my knowledge from the bass to the guitar. I also teach, and this is a great guide to teaching music theory. However, it is not for beginners. Like other reviews said, this is not a casual read. Be prepared to play the examples, write out the exercises and play through them. But after all is said and done, this book contains a ton of useful, practical information, and is a great addition to any teachers books.

I bought this for my husband and he says it's wonderful. The cheat sheets are extremely helpful and the layout is very user friendly.

This 54 page (including covers) booklet contains more information that other books many times its size. This is not a casual read book, and could be somewhat overwhelming for someone just starting out. However, it's a treasure trove of useful information for someone willing to study it. The Cheat Sheets are loaded with information. Spend some time with them. The more I study them, the more I see. Helpful for learning the fretboard, scales and chords.

Guitar players seem to fall into two categories. Those who can read notation and those who can't. So why is learning to play music such a killer?

For the biginning guitarist reading notation is like learning geometry. For the advanced player its learning Einstein's "Theory of Relativity.

But, it doesn't have to be that way. As mentioned in previous reviews this book takes the reader visually into the world of note theory without the usual dragged out chapters written in "Latin Text" which is associated with most books written about music theory.

For beginning guitar players this book helps to bridge the communication gap sometimes left at the end of a lesson between student and teacher. To quote an old adage "Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words".

For the advanced and re-entry level player this book is filled with instant visual information showing scale definitions, transposing, cord spelling, intervals, cycle of 5th diagrams, arpeggios, voice patterns and fingerboard layout relationships that are essential to becoming a better guitar player.

The bottom line is this book will open up a new world to your musical abilities. But, you will still need to devote time and effort to reach your full potential as a guitarist.

I am an avid reader and since I got back into music last year, I have purchased at least a hundred books on guitar playing. Since I underline everything, I wanted to go back and take notes from my reading so I could have all the important information in one place. Thanks to Robert Frazier and his Guitar Oriented Condensed Music Theory book - I don't need to bother. He has taken literally every critical highlight out there and put it all together for me. He's also added a few pieces that I didn't find elsewhere and/or made sense of things I'd seen before. In my opinion, you could spend a whole day just unpacking a single page from this material (it's that loaded). I recently took a trip to Croatia with my guitar in hand and had very limited luggage space to spare - this was one of three books that I brought with me. It's not packaged in a fancy way, it's just full of great content. I highly recommend it.

I purchased this book from Amazon, upon the suggestion of the author, after lamenting that I had not seen it available in local bookstores.

This book offers food for the soul - as it blends the technical with the experiential in its lucid exposition of the universal art of music.

Here, analogy and humor balance with science to evoke a deeper cognizance of the varied facets of this multi-cultural form of human experience.

Here too, the universal power of the 'Divine Art' of Music is well-expressed, so that it may be passed on - in the tradition of the 'bards' of every age.

Any musical novice, journeyman, or master would benefit from the experience that this book offers. Many thanks to Maestro Mathieu.

Mathiew really helps you get into your bones what all the tuning systems are about and, in process, I really got some deep insights into a variety of scales.

Mathieu's Harmonic Experience is a delight to read and look at and ponder over. Incredibly, one day I ordered some CDs of his piano compositions, mentioning that they would provide nice listening while I make my way through the book. The next thing I knew, I got an email, "Hello. Allaudin Mathieu here. I'm glad you are reading "Harmonic Experience" and evidently getting something from it. I'm glad you bought some of my records. I have a wee request. Please don't even THINK about using my music as a background for reading my book. It will do both of us more good if you really listen to music when you listen to it, and really read my book (and do the practices best you can)when that's what you're doing."

And this is still my problem, I am reading but not practicing, and I am still missing the real point of this book, which is EXPERIENCE, not just technical mastery of his elegant method of fathoming harmony. Perhaps this admission will prompt me to finally take the bold step of actually playing the drones and singing the intervals and really gathering the experience. Meanwhile, I love and treasure the book; it's beautifully written, profound, complicated but within our grasp, and fun. It's time to take a swim beneath the surface - I think I'll start right now.

This book has changed the way I hear music. I hear things I never heard before, but were always there. I am much more sensitive to tuning now. And I'm only at the beginning of the book! Wonderful

Mathieu generously, and eloquently, teaches and inspires the reader to explore the harmonic Deep Structure of the mystery we call Music. Using music theory, philosophy, mathematics, poetry, botany, and his own rich world view, he unearths the underlying relationship between harmony, scale, and rhythm. Starting with the acoustical given of the overtone series, Mathieu builds a coherent system with which the Music student can frame and further delve into the patterned world of Musical phenomena.

"Heavenly Skies and Lullabies" by Dr. Kathy Reilly Fallon and Frank Pellegrino is a magical experience that one will never forget; not only in its eclectic choice of enchanting songs for our children, but for all the adults who have often wished for their carefree childhoods to reappear. Dr. Reilly Fallon and Frank Pellegrino are singers of stories and weavers of words. For those fleeting moments, you will drift back, relish the security and safety of childhood, and in your retrospect, be lulled and warmed by childlike memories, and the beauty of being sheltered from the realities that have befallen us.
This special tribute brilliantly directed by Executive Producer James Fallon, transforms us to revel in the child that lies dormant within. This is for our children, but we are all children at heart, and these wondrous lullabies, with pastoral pictures, ilustrated so beautifully by Becky Kelly, radiate a profound perfection. It reaches outward to our minds, then inward to our souls. It sould be required reading...and listening.
Beyond its unique quality, it is unselfishly dedicated to "Children Throughout The World" and 100% of all net proceeds is donated to World Vision, specifically for the Children affected by Hurricane Katrina. This compassionate gift to others less fortunate should be a reminder. So look out from your childlike heart, and support this noble effort. You shall feel the benefits.

Heavenly Skies & Lullabies Book is a thoroughly beautiful book. It is charmingly illustrated and the accompanying CD is lovely. A great book, beautiful to look at and listen to.

Heavenly Lullabies is right. Every parent will enjoy watching as their child fall asleep to this amazing book & CD. Dr. Kathy Fallon provides the vocals for the beautifully sung songs which will soothe and comfort the little ones as the day fades away. The parents will most likely be hypnotized by the lyrics as well. Heavenly Skies and Lullabies utilizes the charming and emotion provoking illustrations by the great artist Becky Kelly. Not only will your ears be entertained but your eyes as well. The prayers interlaced throughout the pages are a great addition and will surly give those who read them a warm and fuzzy feeling. This book is definitely a great gift that will see many years of use. The best part is that all the proceeds of this book will go directly towards helping the children affected by Hurricane Katrina. So buying this book will not only be a gift for one child, but many. Do yourself a favor and buy this great package of a book and CD combo. You won't be sorry that you did.

What a beautiful book - accompanied by the most heavenly music! Lovlingly and thoughtfully put together - sweet illustrations! This book will delight your little ones and charm you. The music will transport you, guaranteed! And it is for a worthy cause.

A lovely and beautiful book and CD that all young children and adults can appreciate. The illustrations are outstanding. Highly recommend this as a Birthday or Holiday gift. A++

I've always wondered about the day-to-day lives of musicians, especially about those who are not regular members of a band. I now know that these musicians are called "sidemen." Fred Wesley is an extraordinary trombone player and a candid writer. I didn't know James Brown was such a jerk to work for. You can listen to (and watch) some of the performances Fred talks about on utube.

I am a 57 year old Washington, DC trombonist with many years of "chittlin circuit" experience. Reading Fred Wesley's account of his life as a sideman really hit home with me. So far, I have purchased (at last count) twelve copies of this fascinating book and distributed them to fellow musician friends who I know would also appreciate it. This really feels good and also therapeutic that our story is being told and documented. Older musicians always used to talk about paying dues. Well it seems that we never stop paying them, and Fred really spells it out in a clear, brutally honest, and what I find to be a very humorous and entertaining fashion. I would highly recommend this book to musicians young and old and to anyone else interested in learning what it is really like for the majority of us in this bizarre and crazy business.

Lincoln Ross
[...]

Fred wesley's book takes you on a Journey of the Music industry that you seldom every get on the whole un-cut real. this Man is responsible for some of the Baddest Jams known to the Human Ear Drum. He is a Multi Talented Instrumentalist, Producer&Arranger. He Grew up Down south&dealt with so much,but that was just the start upon entering the Army, then His Exposure to the Music Business under the Controls of Ike Turner. back when Ike&Tina Turner were together. then Fred going over to James Brown's camp which alone makes this Book a Must have. He doesn't pull no punches about JB's Camp&How He ran&did things. then fast forward to George Clinton and the Whole P-Funk Mob&operation. you move on to Count Basie. this Book deals with Inflated Ego, Sex,Drugs,Music, Race, Politics of the Industry&so many other details that you just can't even imagine sometimes that go on behind the curtains. very detailed&a Must read.

"Hit Me, Fred" by Fred Wesley is one of the most honest and engaging autobiographies I have read. Honest in that Fred gives us uncolored insight into to the world of the music industry with all of the inflated egos, false hype, drug abuse, and intense politicizing. Also honest in his love and appreciation for his mentors, his unabiding affection for his fellow sidemen through out his career and his sense of awe when the James Brown band or Parliment or the Count Basie band were playing at their best. "Hit Me Fred" is engaging for all of the reasons above with the addition of Fred being a gifted story teller in general. This book is a must read for funk enthusiasts and aspiring musicians.

Fred Wesley is "THE MAN". Here is a musical funk legend who has really paid his dues. He was the glue that kept the Funk going strong despite of James's legendary self-righteous super-ego and his harsh tyranny ways that interferred with the creative freedom and progressive potential of the most talented musicians that God has ever put on earth. James invented Funk which I will give him the credit he rightfully and respectfully deserves, but he definitely didn't do it on his own (thanks to the talented musicians of Fred Wesley, Maceo Parker, Alfred 'Pee Wee" Ellis, St Clair Pinckney, Waymon Reed, Richard 'Kush' Griffin, Jimmy Nolen, Al 'Country' Kellum, Clyde Stubblefield, John 'Jabo' Starks, Melvin Parker, Fillyau Clayton, Bootsy and Phelp Collins, Bernard Odum, Sweet Charles Sherrell, Johnny Griggs; the talented singers of Marva Whitney, Vicki Anderson, and the late great Lyn Collins; last but definitely not the least, I can't forget Bobby Byrd because if not for him, James life would have taking a bleaker turn since Byrd and his family not only helped James get out of prison and on parole, but got James into his gospel group which James would later become the frontman of and, with his ambition and talent, would take the group further than they had ever imagine. There are other James Brown musicians names that I can't remember but had a major influential impact on builting the structural foundation on the sound we now know as 'Funk'. This book honestly puts everything on the table with his experiences as a professional musician as well as how shady the music industry really is.