A House On Fire
|
Please click on
|
What a refreshing change it is to read a book about soul music which is not just another potted history of Motown, or some clichéd autobiography of a prima-Donna who has risen from the ghetto to superstar status before succumbing to drug addiction which they subsequently beat. Sub-Titled “The rise and fall of Philadelphia Soul” it immediately draws comparison with Tony Cumming’s seventies publication “The Sound of Philadelphia”. Whereas that book considered all types of Philadelphia music including crooners, gospel, jazz, doo-wop and pop this piece of work from John A Jackson is exclusively devoted to soul. It is very different in its approach from Pruter’s Book “Chicago Soul” in that Pruter considered all soul sources in the Windy City, from the small players to the big multi-nationals. “House on Fire” by comparison focuses almost exclusively on Philadelphia International records and its three main players Thom Bell, Leon Huff and Kenny Gamble. Where other labels, artists or producers are mentioned it is only within the context of adding background to the main theme. I often criticize authors when they diverge into mini biographies at the expense of the central story and this publication is littered with such mini diversions, but they are all sympathetically told, relevant to the purpose and told in such a way as not to disjoint the main story. The research Jackson must have undertook to complete this book is beyond question with many magazine, internet and other publication references, all fleshed out by detailed interviews with the main players. ‘House on Fire’ is also extremely well written in an adult style that does not patronise and is extremely readable. It also seems to me to be a very honest book in which Jackson commends the achievements of Gamble, Huff and Bell but without being sycophantic. He is critical without being scathing. I enjoyed reading this immensely, and in my view is one of the most important books to be published about soul music for some considerable time. This is one that no soul music fan can afford to be without. |
|
Why Not visit the Authors other Website, 'The Alternative Blackpool Website' at http://www.localdial.com/users/jsyedu133/bpool This Site Last Updated 18/05/05
|
the category you wish to choose from the options
below
