BEEFHEART: THROUGH THE EYES OF MAGIC

French, John 'Drumbo'

Published by Proper Music Publishing, 2010

About this Item

'The ultimate book on the mercurial genius of Captain Beefheart. John French joined the Magic Band in 1966 at the age of 17 just before recording their Safe As Milk debut album. He played a major role in eight subsequent albums, including translating the avant-garde assault of Trout Mask Replica into readable music for the Magic Band from the Captain s piano poundings under torturous conditions he likens to a cult.This remarkable memoir starts with a vivid description of the early 60s Lancaster garage-rock scene which also spawned names like Ry Cooder and Beefheart s childhood friend Frank Zappa. As his spellbinding, often shocking tale unwinds, he encounters names such as Ornette Coleman, Jim Morrison and Paul McCartney. Writing with dry, surreal humour and disarming honesty about his old boss and even himself, occasionally bringing in his old Magic Band comrades to jog his memory.The book is packed with new revelations, many previously-unseen photos and enough anecdotes to keep the Beefheart faithful ruminating for years, French finally crystallising and bringing to life over 40 years of legend and speculation.'  London: Proper Music Publishing, 2010. First edition, first printing. Jacket signed by the author. 864pp. Top edges shelf-worn with slight creasing, corners lightly rubbed, signature to jacket has unfortunately been rubbed significantly, though remains legible. Seller Inventory # ABE-1715076773983

Bibliographic Details

Title: BEEFHEART: THROUGH THE EYES OF MAGIC

Publisher: Proper Music Publishing

Publication Date: 2010

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Very Good

Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good

Signed: Signed by Author(s)

Edition: 1st Edition