The Amazing Secret History of Elmore James [Hardcover]

Product Details

• Hardcover: 328 pages
• Publisher: Bluesource Publications
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971803811
• ISBN-13: 978-0971803817
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,282,014 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ELMORE JAMES LISTENERS NEED THIS BOOK, January 15, 2010

By 

Stuart Jefferson (San Diego,Ca) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)   

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This review is from: The Amazing Secret History of Elmore James (Hardcover)

Large size soft cover,311 pages,not counting the index,Forward or Preface. Included is an appendix of myths surrounding James,an EXTENSIVE discography(including chart appearances),a list of James' family members,the various record labels James appeared on,lengthy bibliography,and several pages of artists influenced by James' music. There are 21 pages of b & w photographs,not including photos at chapter headings,along with a number of ads and label reproductions from the era. In addition,my copy was autographed by the author,Steve Franz. He is also the author of "Elmore James: The Ultimate Guide to the Master of the Slide",which in it's 46 pages,is packed with info regarding Elmore James.

If you listen to blues music,or have even a passing interest in the genre,then you've probably heard Elmore (born Elmore Brooks) James. His slashing,dirty,full-sounding style of slide guitar playing (along with his fiery single note runs) is heard everywhere in blues/blues-based rock. From J.B. Hutto,to the original FLEETWOOD MAC,to HOUND DOG TAYLOR AND THE HOUSEROCKERS,to THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND,to any number of guitarists/groups,his signature riffs are still heard today. Combined with his visceral style of singing,James is one of the cornerstones of electric blues,whose career lasted from the early 50's into the early 60's. The fact that he's usually pictured wearing eyeglasses,which gives him the look of a school teacher is in stark contrast to the power he could convey through his music.

This great book is (I believe) the first in-depth look into Elmore James' life and times,and Mr. Franz should be congratulated in taking on such a project. In this book the author pieces together James' life,from his beginnings,to his first important work with Sonny Boy Williamson (Alec,or Alex, Miller),on through his Trumpet Records recordings beginning in the 50's,to his Modern Records tracks in the mid-50's,into the 60's with producer Bobby Robinson. In between James' birth and his final recordings is a wealth of information the author has painstakingly researched and uncovered,that has not previously been brought to light in such depth. James comes to life in this book,as does his recording activities,which includes much detail.

Starting with "I Believe I'll Dust My Broom", probably heard from Robert Johnson as a mid-tempo country blues,which James updated with additional lyrics,and most importantly,his electric slide guitar,James went on to become a popular artist with several songs in the charts. This was ,besides James' talent,due in large part to his tight little rocking combo,that always filled up any spaces left in the music. To often anything written about James gives short shrift to his backing musicians. Here Franz sheds overdue light on the talents of the musicians known in the beginning as ELMORE JAMES & THE TRIO,or later,ELMORE JAMES & THE BROOMDUSTERS. Along the way Franz delves into other players and music-related people in James' world,which helps give better insight into,and also reveals some of the flavor of,the times.

No matter if you're a longtime blues listener,or have recently heard James' music and want to learn more about one of the cornerstones of electric blues-you need this book. Purchase it while it's still available,because it's a worthy addition to your library of musically important blues musicians. After reading it,you'll come away with an added appreciation,and a more in-depth feeling for James,the times he lived in,and most importantly,his timeless music.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning...!!!, June 25, 2010

By 

Jeff Cripps (Riverwood, N.S.W. Australia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Amazing Secret History of Elmore James (Hardcover)

This is the book i have been waiting to read all my life.... it has everything i could have wished to know about Elmore, especially since there is so little info about him...it was obviously written with love for Elmore and i'm so fortunate to have read it.. GREAT GREAT work..!!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book!, December 31, 2008

By 

John Long (Miami) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Amazing Secret History of Elmore James (Hardcover)

Very informative book that gives a thorough treatment of an artist that we know very about, biographically. For example, there is no known footage of the guy playing live, and apparently, only a single interview. The author does an excellent job of citing his sources, and the book includes a very detailed discography. In summary, I think this is a must have if you want a single book on the legendary Elmore James.