The Soul of Bruce Catton
351638
The title of Barry Yelton's Scarecrow in Gray is derived from the impression of the condition of the Confederate soldiers as described by a new recruit, Francis Yelton, the author's great-grandfather. The book is a personal, emotional tale of the new private's adventures during the final year of the Civil War, in which the men were all so starved they looked like scarecrows. Many plot elements have already been discussed in detail in other reviews, so I shall not repeat them again.

With the exception of many omitted commas and other minor editing details, Scarecrow in Gray is a very professionally composed and packaged product. The elegant cover and the blurbs on the back adequately reveal the context of the story contained inside. The past tense, matter-of-fact, monolog nature of the author's writing style could have displayed a bit more punch; however, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the plot itself. Barry takes the reader right into the muck of it all with a lead character who is as compassionate as he is dangerous to those who display less than scrupulous character traits. Sometimes the enemy is not wearing blue, and Mr. Yelton does a fine job of describing such situations.

The best thing I can say about Barry Yelton's poignant first novel of historical fiction is that he has brought the ghost of Bruce Catton back to life. Catton has always been heralded as the best storyteller of tales of The War Between the States, with a personalized compassion brimming from every book. His books may not have been the most factually correct history tomes, but they placed the reader right on the battlefield. Barry Yelton's first novel is much shorter, and with somewhat less description, than Catton's legendary books, but Scarecrow in Gray takes the reader into the human soul in much the same manner.
3046987
This remarkable memoir transcends the usual boundaries of the music autobiography and approaches literature.  Eric Burdon has lived a wonderful life by any standard but this book also reveals that Burdon is a shrewd observer of the musical and cultural scene.  What will remain in my mind are the many character sketches of notable and iconic personages of the last few decades:  Steve McQueen, Ed Sullivan, Jimi Hendrix, and above all, the "Lizard King" himself, Jim Morison. One suspects that many fans of the Doors will see their hero in a new light. Burdon's description of the filming of Oliver Stone's movie The Doors is worth the purchase price in and of itself. Any devotee of the original British Invasion bands will find a wonderful series of anecdotes about the Beatles, the Stones, and the Animals.  I bought this book because I am a fan of the Animals; I loved the book because it contains so much more than the mere story of a band (or bands).  I supect that many readers, like me, will also be fascinated by Burdon's wry observations on the social and political scene along the way. Eric Burdon's narrative flows along propelled by the author's humor and humanity.  Ultimately, the man himself emerges as one of the most interesting personalities of the Sixties. I loved this book!
1644424
What else is there to say about Bruce that hasn't been said, except, there will never be another one quite like him.

64 years young, and still bringing it 'Night after Night after Night'.

Bruce knows the clock is ticking, and he's certainly using that as a motivation to keep touring and to create & release new music more often. 'High Hopes' is a hodge-podge of covers and original material. What it also is, is Bruce's mantra not to tour without supporting a new record.

While Bruce certainly has at least 3-4 great records left in him, this isn't one of them, but it still has some greatness within.

Tom Morello certainly brings a different sound to the proceedings, especially on re-recordings of High Hopes & Tom Joad.

Keep bringing it, Bruce, and please play 'Be True' when u come to South Florida!
1454000
"Born To Run" cast Bruce into the rock and roll spotlight. But "Darkness On The Edge Of Town" found him retreating into the shadows to face his demons. This is probably the most soul searching and gut wrenching of all the Springsteen albums.

The songwriting is consistently excellent as an older and more mature Bruce begins to face the trials of adulthood. He establishes himself as a voice for the working class on songs like "Factory" and "Badlands" - "workin' in the fields till you get your back burned". He explores the painful and estranged relationship with his father on "Adam Raised A Cain" - "you inherit the sins, you inherit the flames". While "Racing In The Streets" and "The Promised Land" find him seeking out glimmers of hope amid all the despair -"we're gonna ride to the sea and wash these sins off our hands". The E Street Band's music is better than ever, with "Born To Run"'s "Wall of Sound" production being replaced by a more minimalist style, with each individual instrument being heard more clearly. I especially enjoyed Roy Bittan's piano playing and Max Weinberg's drumming.

Intense, haunting and yet hopeful "Darkness On The Edge Of Town" clearly ranks among the very best of Springsteen's work. "Born To Run" is his all time classic. But I think this album may be my personal favorite
2945291
I don't think there's a Bruce book that's ever been published that I haven't read, and this one is nothing short of spectacular. I don't want to cast aspersions on reviewers, but I can't help but think that the person who really disliked the book is one who can't help but love Bruce, even if he loathes his politics and pretends that he only writes about girls and cars.

This author really GETS IT; that Bruce's writing has been informed from the very beginning by lives that are lived in the margins, by people who are cast away and considered dispensable.

I wish Bruce would have blurbed the book--I think this represents what he thinks as much as anything I've ever read. Every day I thank Bruce for his part in speaking for those whose voices are not heard; now I need to thank this brilliant author as well.

Sometimes I wonder when I read a review so positive if I'm really the author's mother, or cousin, or whatever. For the record, never met him, though I'd love to sit down and have a beer and talk Bruce with him someday. Bravo!!
4959204
An insightful, honest portrayal of Otis Redding's short but storied career. It is pretty incredible that by the time he died at 26 he had managed to incite a movement and change the music industry in such a historic way. Dreams to Remember doesn't shy away from the uglier details, though, and paints a picture of a remarkable talent with a dark, damaged side that he tried and often failed to hide. A fascinating read for anybody interested in the history of soul.
945393
What a book.... what a man!!!
I have always loved his music but knew little about him as I live in Africa.
Bruce walked me through his life in this well written book.
There is humour, sadness with plenty of revelations.
He has such passion hence his brilliant music and now this beautiful book.
Thank you Bruce for sharing your life story.
Please come back to Africa for another concert - I will be in the front row :)
3612829
This is an amazing book about an awesome person.  I'm lucky to know Bruce and can attest that this book captures his brilliance and wisdom in such approachable detail.  Few books are this well written, and even fewer are this beautiful.  Great book, highly recommended!
1358444
This book is biographical although that is not its main purpose. First and foremost, it is a plea to young people primarily, but to anyone, that suicide is not an answer to anyone. With the premature death of his older brother, with whom the author has had an exceptionally close relationship, much of the early part of the book gives an insider look at how this death touches and affects everyone who ever knew him. Bruce had everything to live for to the eye of all beholders, but he failed to let anyone into his inner struggles, whatever they may have been.

Too many who are on the edge of this precipice feel that they cannot burden their families and friends with their existence rather than talking to someone, anyone, no matter how large or small the perceived straw that would break them. They must learn to realize that there will be far more of a burden, and blaming of selves, than could ever crush those same people by sharing their feelings, deeds, or whatever overwhelms them.

The book actually begins with the death of Sam David, Carl's father, which takes us on the journey of memories and hence to the suicide of Bruce as an integral part of the memories. Carl David, through his memories, wounds, and lifelong struggle with "why" and "is it my fault?" demonstrates how much of a burden is placed on those who knew and loved Bruce. Though few families seem to share the closeness and love of the David family, the suicide did happen.  But this is not a sad book, it is meaningful, historical, and brings to mind an age gone by as Carl takes the reader through his memories from the 1950s on. Great memories of days gone by he shared with Bruce, memories of growing up with an amazing bond with his father, a lifetime of good memories.

The sudden death of his father at the age of 58, while on a buying trip in England, once again throws the family in turmoil. This event, as fraught with sorrow and  blame as the death of Bruce, almost puts his mother over the edge, adding to the anxiety. But this also brings a wealth of memories, although always with that sadness that clings. By this time, Carl has been married less than a year. Some people would call it paranormal, others would call it echoes, or a passing thought, but a feeling of the presence of the two departed makes itself known many times, a feeling of connection, and sometimes a warning.

Aside from the fears of mortality and loss, the book is full of the love, and the closeness this family has.  There is a bit of history of how the David David  Gallery, and the gallery is another theme throughout the book. This is where Carl learned the art business, along with his older brother Alan. When their father died so suddenly of a heart attack, the two brothers took over the Gallery.  When Carl's boys were old enough to show interest in the workings of the business, they, too, were eventually running the family business.

Another theme throughout the book is flying. Sam David was an excellent pilot and had his own Aztec plane, teaching the teen-aged Carl how to fly. Carl's memories flow on the hours spent with his Pop in the air. Carl lost his interest in flying when his father died, but after many years of not realizing how much time he spent trying to be like his father to keep his memory alive, he and his wife instead took to boating. This was probably the most major event to change the direction of his dwelling on the past. No longer did he dwell, but enjoyed the memories for what they were.

This book is a testament to handling whatever is thrown at you; not only that, but how to sort out the good from the tragic, incorporate those memories and go on. Carl chose to write the memories as a way for his sons to know their grandfather, who and what he was and the gentle, all-encompassing love and compassion he represented. This is perhaps his greatest gift.

Note: The David David Gallery is still in existence, and some of the works of art that Carl speaks of in his book can be seen on their website.
4540559
Al Green's new autobiography, written in 2000, is a riveting story for anyone who has ever been curious about Al Green, how he came to be a famous soul singer, and the story behind his music.  I was hooked on this book from the moment I picked it up.  It was easy to read and very entertaining.  He starts off describing his childhood and his experiences in Jacknash Arkansas as the middle child of a sharecropping family.  He tells about his parents whom he loves very much and how they had the courage to sell everything they had and move north for a better life.  "Al," he said, "go wake up your brothers and sisters.  Tell them to get dressed and start packin."  Al explains how much he learned from his parents and how much he respects them for taking this gutsy move.  His childhood was hard but he pursued his dream of becoming a soul singer and when he teamed up with legendary producer Willie Mitchell, he was on his way.  This autobiography tells of his rise to the top of the music industry, his attempted murder and suicide, his immense struggle between his religious side and his secular side, and how this struggle is reflected in much of his music.  Al eventually chooses God over his million dollar career but left us with some of the best soul music ever recorded.  I was very surprised at the candor with which Al told the details of his life, good and bad.  He talked as honestly about the problems he had with drugs and money as he did about his numerous successes.  It made his story sound very earnest and sincere.  He covered all the bases of his life and answered all the questions I had about the artist that I have been listening to for many years.  The only negative about this book was that it wasn't longer.  I was not ready for it to end and have a strong desire to read as much more as I can about him.  I am only 17 years old but have been listening to Al Green for over five years.  This book was very well written and very interesting to me.  I am sure it will be just as riveting for other fans.
4605776
You`ll invariably find the phrase "Blue-eyed Soul" in any reference to Simply Red's Mick Hucknall.  After all, it was the soulful balladry of "Holding Back The Years" which  made the world first sit up and take notice of "that voice".  Simply Red's crowd-pleasing blend of Soul, Pop and Jazz, with a bit of Reggae and Dance music thrown in, earned the group astounding chart success throughout the mid-1980's and 1990`s.  Having decided to close the chapter on Simply Red, Hucknall turned to the canon of one of his musical heroes, Bobby "Blue" Bland.  Bobby's gently emotive, world-weary blues has cast its own spell during his long and underappreciated career.  Hucknall's tenor, mellowed and aged like fine wine (Il Cantante anyone?), now has the gravitas to take on this collection of Bland classics from the 1950's through the 1970's.

Hucknall's compact arrangements thoughtfully evoke the genre without feeling derivative and like Bobby, he never over sings.  Stand outs include the tender "Lead Me On", the strutting "Farther On Up The Road",  and the gospel-tinged "I'm Too Far Gone (To Turn Around)".  It all works to wonderful effect save perhaps for "Poverty" which in my opinion, received too modern and sprightly a treatment.  By filtering Bland's songs through his own Mancunian perspective, Hucknall succeeds in delivering a tribute that stands as an evocative reinterpretation.

Do yourself a favor.  Get acquainted with the mastery of Mr. Bobby Blue Bland.  Then sit back and enjoy this loving homage from England's premier Blue-eyed Soul Man.
1821670
More proof that you can't go wrong with Bruce when that Bruce is Cockburn.  This album is a thing of sheer beauty.  Every song is a work of art.  My favorite is "Lord of the Starfields" but there is not a bad song on this album.  There are vocals as well as instrumentals, jazzy, folkish, ethereally wondrous.

Cockburn may not have the best voice around, but it is always befitting of the songs he sings.  He plays an exquisite acoustic guitar and always has exceptional musicians behind him.  The recording production has a clarity that allows every instrument to shine through.  The music has a spiritual uplifting quality with poetic lyrics that could in many cases stand alone without the music.

This is a contemplative intelligent album that is like a secluded monastery in a brash rock and roll world.  It may change your state of mind once you've finished listening to it.
4368263
Another great album put out by Bruce, but still somehow different from Hot House and Harbor Lights. I think it is the fact that it's not as totally jazz-influenced. I think we hear a lot more (rock) guitar on this cd, not like on his previous two projects where Metheny's jazz guitar (and even some sitar) was more evident. Of course there are some very jazz-oriented songs such as "Sneaking Up on Boo Radley" and "Sad Moon" which is a very pretty track. On "Sad Moon" we are not lead through a typical hornsby song. About half of "Sad Moon" was a jazz-piano solo. I feel he really is showing us his technical skill in Spirit Trail, as there are some tracks where there is just piano such as "Song C", "Song D" and "Variations of Swan Song & Song D". I bet a lot of people feel the cd should have been condensed or a lot "tighter" but I don't think so. In addition, I love how Hornsby songs don't just tell a story or talk about important social ascpects but how they are really very catchy. I particularly love "Resting Place", "Line in the Dust" (which is my favourite)and "Swan Song". "King of the Hill" just blew me away with the two hand piano work. You hear him do something with his left hand over and over again while doing something completely different with his right. Almost like an ostinato. These are some of the best songs I have ever heard from Hornsby. I feel even "Fortunate Son", "Listen to the Silence", "Sunlight Moon" and "The Great Divide" deserve a lot of respect and attention. I have seen a lot of reviews and I notice many people don't like "Preacher in the Ring". I actually loved these songs but especially the second part. They have a beautiful rural feel and remind me of some of his previous tales such as Country Doctor. Anyways, Spirit Trail in my mind is the best cd of 1998.
85725
I loved every page. Bruce writes his book like he writes his lyrics, poetic, with vivid descriptions of all the characters involved in his life. Great read for any of his fans. Also a great opportunity for non-fans to get to know The Boss We Love.
4182410
An excellent, soulful book in the vein of The Trial, and Crime and Punishment. Vladimir Nabokov sums my views of this Novella quite well.

In his lectures on Russian Literature Russian born Novelist and critic Vladimir Nabokov argues that, for Tolstoy, a sinful life is (such as Ivan's was), moral death. Therefore death, the return of the soul to God is, for Tolstoy, moral life . To quote Nabokov: "The Tolstoyan formula is: Ivan lived a bad life and since the bad life is nothing but the death of the soul, then Ivan lived a living death; and since beyond death is God's living light, then Ivan died into a new life- Life with a capital L."(Nabokov, Vladimir Vladimirovich: Lectures On Russain Literature pg. 237: Harcourt Edition)
2225073
Bruce Springsteen wrote this song and gave it to Edmunds...the recorded it himself. Bruce is Bruce and therefore his version is much better, but Edmunds does a commendable job getting all the Chuck Berry out of it. A worthy tune.
634789
Andrew Bloomfield was not a cat person. The world traveler and spiritual seeker moved to Hollywood to break into the movie business. He expected to pitch screen plays to studio executives and producers, and to become a part of the Hollywood scene. What he didn't expect was that he would not only be drawn into caring for the colony of feral cats living behind his new bungalow, but that taking care of these wild cats would transform his life. In this book, Bloomfield shares his journey from self-absorption to selflessness.

I did not expect this to be the kind of book that I couldn't put down, but I found myself drawn into Bloomfields world from the first few pages. He shares the frustrations that come with caring for these wild, yet vulnerable beings, but also the many rewards. This independent, single, middle-aged man who never had to care for anyone but himself, embraced being the caretaker of his feral family wholeheartedly. My love affair with this feral cat colony made me challenge my notions of love and family, said Bloomfield. These cats became my family.

The best writers paint a picture with their words, and Bloomfield does this masterfully by painting a sweeping, sometimes brutal, but always honest emotional landscape. This is not always an easy read. There are passages that will tear your heart out. Bloomfields feline charges are essentially wild cats, and experience many of the calamities that all outdoor cats can encounter. And while some of that is hard to read, it also made me appreciate even more just how transformational this experience was for the author. There are also plenty of funny and heartwarming moments that any cat lover will recognize.

Interspersed with fascinating glimpses into the history of cats, and reflections from Bloomfields journeys to Nepal, this beautifully written, honest and heartfelt book about a man whose life was turned upside down and changed forever by a colony of feral cats will make your heart sing. For me, this quote from the book best sums up the entire book:  Ive never felt as strong a connection with any living being before, Bloomfield writes about one of the cats. She is the breath in my lungs, the true purpose of my life.