Not sure whether this belongs here or in other interests, but I note from the Roots & Rhythm July/August catalogue this is now back in print so thought I'd post what they have to say about it.
The Amazing Secret History of Elmore James by Steve Franz $34.95
Back in print. Originally a masters thesis project, "The Amazing Secret History of Elmore James" combines research from 300 recordings and close to 500 articles, books, liner notes newspaper clippings, interviews, and more. All told, nearly fifteen yean of work were poured into what is now the finished product. The first question that should arise is whether or not that lengthy period of time was well-invested. In a recent review of this book by a respected critic, Franz was taken to task for compiling over 300 pages that, in the end, offer very little in the way of newly uncovered information on the guitarist. That fact may present itself to blues scholars but a far greater number will have little knowledge of outdated documents dating back to the 1960's. By collecting decades of research and articles on the artist, many unseen for years, the book succeeds at capturing the life of Elmore. His entire life is covered nicely, from his early years through the 1940's when he frequently worked with Sonny Boy Williamson II and other luminaries, as well as richly detailed passages on Chicago and trip back and forth from the South. Also touched upon are heart ailments that eventually took his life, plus his relationships with band members and record producers.
The picture Franz paints appears to be, for the most part, an honest one. James might well have been an exceptional musician and convincing vocalist, in addition to being a strong songwriter, but he wasn't without faults, inconsistencies, or the more than occasional backhanded attempt to pocket more than his share of money. Known to double-back on signed recording contracts and overlap labels, Elmore also ran afoul of the Chicago union for working with others who weren't current cardholders, skipping out with deposits for performances that he failed to fulfil, or recording for a company outside of the union, and he was also prone to drinking heavily and seemed to have a certain level of contempt for his fans, berating them publicly at times, much to the dismay of others. If there is one recurring error that possesses this work, it's that the author goes overboard in trying to capture the essence of the artist through a rather extensive catalog of recordings. With efforts of this sort, a good deal of the story is conveyed by dissecting recorded works and the sessions that involved those recordings, and while this doesn't detract from the contents, Franz comes across in favor of Elmore James as the do-all, end-all bluesman, which presents itself in glaring fashion now and then.
The book is peppered with biographical sketches on Joe Carter, Hound Dog Taylor, John Littlejohn, J.B. Hutto, and Homesick James and also covers some "Myths and Folklore". Curiously absent among the photographic layout is the earliest known picture of Elmore, one found in a private collection by noted researcher, Dr. David Evans. There are short sections on family members and musicians as well as producers and labels along with a complete discography, including a dizzying array of label shots, trade paper items, and a breakdown of all known LP's and CD's that contain Elmore's music, which shows the author's propensity for binding together all pertinent information. Unfortunately written off by some as a slide guitarist with little more than one credible lick in his pocket, which is far from the total picture of the man or his enormous contributions, his story has been long overdue considering the early research of Europeans that began as far back as the late l 950's. lames was never interviewed by today's standards, and when he was it was well before his catalog of work was completed. Although "The Amazing Secret History of Elmore James" might not uncover any earth shattering finds, the fact that everything has been neatly gathered together is unquestionably commendable. Its list price is a bit expensive for a paperbound book, but what is included will thoroughly satisfy those interested in getting a total picture of the man and his numerous recording ventures. Highly recommended. (Craig Ruskey)
The Amazing Secret History of Elmore James by Steve Franz $34.95
Back in print. Originally a masters thesis project, "The Amazing Secret History of Elmore James" combines research from 300 recordings and close to 500 articles, books, liner notes newspaper clippings, interviews, and more. All told, nearly fifteen yean of work were poured into what is now the finished product. The first question that should arise is whether or not that lengthy period of time was well-invested. In a recent review of this book by a respected critic, Franz was taken to task for compiling over 300 pages that, in the end, offer very little in the way of newly uncovered information on the guitarist. That fact may present itself to blues scholars but a far greater number will have little knowledge of outdated documents dating back to the 1960's. By collecting decades of research and articles on the artist, many unseen for years, the book succeeds at capturing the life of Elmore. His entire life is covered nicely, from his early years through the 1940's when he frequently worked with Sonny Boy Williamson II and other luminaries, as well as richly detailed passages on Chicago and trip back and forth from the South. Also touched upon are heart ailments that eventually took his life, plus his relationships with band members and record producers.
The picture Franz paints appears to be, for the most part, an honest one. James might well have been an exceptional musician and convincing vocalist, in addition to being a strong songwriter, but he wasn't without faults, inconsistencies, or the more than occasional backhanded attempt to pocket more than his share of money. Known to double-back on signed recording contracts and overlap labels, Elmore also ran afoul of the Chicago union for working with others who weren't current cardholders, skipping out with deposits for performances that he failed to fulfil, or recording for a company outside of the union, and he was also prone to drinking heavily and seemed to have a certain level of contempt for his fans, berating them publicly at times, much to the dismay of others. If there is one recurring error that possesses this work, it's that the author goes overboard in trying to capture the essence of the artist through a rather extensive catalog of recordings. With efforts of this sort, a good deal of the story is conveyed by dissecting recorded works and the sessions that involved those recordings, and while this doesn't detract from the contents, Franz comes across in favor of Elmore James as the do-all, end-all bluesman, which presents itself in glaring fashion now and then.
The book is peppered with biographical sketches on Joe Carter, Hound Dog Taylor, John Littlejohn, J.B. Hutto, and Homesick James and also covers some "Myths and Folklore". Curiously absent among the photographic layout is the earliest known picture of Elmore, one found in a private collection by noted researcher, Dr. David Evans. There are short sections on family members and musicians as well as producers and labels along with a complete discography, including a dizzying array of label shots, trade paper items, and a breakdown of all known LP's and CD's that contain Elmore's music, which shows the author's propensity for binding together all pertinent information. Unfortunately written off by some as a slide guitarist with little more than one credible lick in his pocket, which is far from the total picture of the man or his enormous contributions, his story has been long overdue considering the early research of Europeans that began as far back as the late l 950's. lames was never interviewed by today's standards, and when he was it was well before his catalog of work was completed. Although "The Amazing Secret History of Elmore James" might not uncover any earth shattering finds, the fact that everything has been neatly gathered together is unquestionably commendable. Its list price is a bit expensive for a paperbound book, but what is included will thoroughly satisfy those interested in getting a total picture of the man and his numerous recording ventures. Highly recommended. (Craig Ruskey)