Customer Reviews

Come Hither to Go Yonder: PLAYING BLUEGRASS WITH BILL MONROE (Music in American Life)

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I've read a number of books about Bill Monroe over the years and this is the best. It is written by one who wore "the hat" and toured and recorded with Big Mon for two years. The reader benefits from an insider's perspective of what it was really like being around Monroe, not only working with him on the road and in the studio but even on his farm, mending fences and such. Bob Black is a good writer, serious and humorous at times and well worth reading.

I have read several books on Bill Monroe. In his book Bob Black gives an overview of his life which includes his years prior to playing with Monroe and after including playing with the Whites. The book is interesting because it gives a first hand account of what it was like playing with the father of bluegrass. It gives insight into playing and interacting with him and the bluegrass boys. Black gives a honest account without overly praising Monroe. It is an easy read that will capture the reader's attention from the first chapter.