Start Your Own Band: A Jet Lambert Guide - Everything You Need to Know to Take Your Band to the Top (Jet Lambert Gumption Guide) [Paperback]

Marty Jourard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 11, 1997 | Series: Jet Lambert Gumption Guide

An illustrated character named Jet Lambert takes readers through the process of starting a band, from how to get gigs to where to get cheap equipment to how to cope with the inevitable pitfalls of performing, accompanied by an introduction by Tom Petty for the would-be band member. Original. 20,000 first printing."

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

These two Jet Lambert Gumption Guides are designed to encourage expression and a do-it-yourself spirit in the young, but their lack of in-depth information and confusing concept hardly make them a standout in the genre. Jourard's work is the better of the two, the author's solid credentials buttressing an underwhelming effort. A sax/keyboard player of the highly successful Eighties band the Motels and a Tom Petty sideman, the author takes off when describing his experience in the music industry, though he generally imparts commonsense wisdom?e.g., record companies just want to make money?that even nonmusicians are aware of. His treatment of equipment, music theory, rehearsals, recording, and record contracts differs little from many of the disposable titles written for musicians, such as the out-of-print The Platinum Rainbow (Contemporary, 1988). Kalmar's work begins with a simplistic and unnecessary history of publishing in three pages ("Obviously individual thought did not perish"). The bad writing and editing continue in her discussion of contemporary zines (one zine "examines the darker side of true crime"). Although Kalmar writes for publications in the zine hotbed of Seattle, she has no zine publishing experience to draw from. Her coverage ranges from editorial approach and production to advertising and distribution, but it rarely amounts to more than quick tips. From the flower-laden cover to the enigma of who or what the "consummate hipster" Jet Lambert is supposed to be, these titles convey a more unfocused than "fun" approach to their subject. They contain some useful information but are certainly not everything you need to know.?Ben O'Sickey, "Library Journal"
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion; 1st edition (August 11, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786882166
• ISBN-13: 978-0786882168
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 4.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,597,162 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Should Be On The Shelf of Any Aspiring Musician, April 23, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Palo Alto, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Start Your Own Band: A Jet Lambert Guide - Everything You Need to Know to Take Your Band to the Top (Jet Lambert Gumption Guide) (Paperback)

I discovered this little book on the shelf of my public library. I took it home more in mind for my nephew, who has been in a few bands and continues to trudge along in the usual way--as many musicians always have--having a few successes here and there but living with big dreams in abject poverty. I didn't plan on reading the whole thing myself, however I soon found I couldn't put it down. Marty Jourard has a gift for taking a very broad subject--from finding bandmates, to the organization of practice sessions, music theory, songwriting, and management--and accurately painting it with bright colors and humor (much like the cover). His book clarifies music and business jargon and I think can give novice and season musicians a broad view of the road to their dreams. It is written in a light style with plenty of tips and stories from personal experience; it's worth every penny. The section on recording demos (from the initial inspiration, laying of the first tracks, to the final mix and mastering...and distribution!) is particularly interesting. Of course, I had to buy a copy for my nephew. I'm hoping he reads it. If not, I've got my dreams...

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The ultimate survival manual for music, August 2, 2003

By 

D. Patterson "tone seeker" (San Antonio, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Start Your Own Band: A Jet Lambert Guide - Everything You Need to Know to Take Your Band to the Top (Jet Lambert Gumption Guide) (Paperback)

I use this book with every band I produce albums for - even after 15 years in the music biz I learned a ton of things that helped me, and those I work with. It answers questions that newbies and pros ask all the time, and the advice is universal for studio and touring musicians alike.

Even if you just want to make music on your own, you need to read this book to get your basics on booking studio time, mastering, management and copyright dos and dont's.

The author's personal stories are funny and usefull. Learn from other's mistakes and your half way there with half the pain.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars excellent, but..., February 21, 2003

By 

alex (Norcross, GA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Start Your Own Band: A Jet Lambert Guide - Everything You Need to Know to Take Your Band to the Top (Jet Lambert Gumption Guide) (Paperback)

The book is excellent and very thorough and it even gave and old giger like me some insights. I mostly bought it cause I haven't played in a band or have been involved in music in years and I wanted to know if anything had changed --- according to this book it hasn't --- It hasn't? Well I need to make some extra bread and what better way than to do something I semi-loved (I say semi 'cause there were a few things I didn't like about playing gigs and the music industry) but after being semi-retired from my semi-professional career I realized it had its good points. My one concern is that getting gigs is not as easy as the book makes it seem, you have to be somewhat aggressive and if your not a born salesman (and don't like being one -- like I don't!) its a little tough. Well, armed with this book and a couple of more resources I'm gonna try it again --- here goes nothing! Good luck everyone!