While My Guitar Gently Weeps : The Music of George Harrison [Paperback]

Simon Leng (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2006

Far from being "the quiet one," George Harrison was a writer and arranger of terrific power and beauty, and his guitar playing was fundamental to the Beatles' sound and success. Now fully revised and expanded, this new edition of While My Guitar Gently Weeps: The Music of George Harrison is the most comprehensive evaluation of George Harrison's musical career ever published. Treating each of Harrison's songs with unprecedented analysis, author Simon Leng reveals Harrison's eclectic approach - from teenage Nashville twang through Indian raga, psychedelia, gospel, soul, and pure pop - and thoroughly defines Harrison's role in the Beatles. First-hand accounts of the Concert for Bangladesh and the making of All Things Must Pass take the reader deep into the most fertile and controversial periods of Harrison's long solo career that culminated with Brainwashed. Enhanced with insights from key figures who worked closely with Harrison throughout his extraordinary career, While My Guitar Gently Weeps is a remarkably stirring study and portrait of a great artist whose musical and spiritual quest changed the lives of millions of people around the world while redefining popular music and rock 'n' roll.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"[Q]uite possibly the most comprehensive evaluation of George Harrison's musical career ever published." --Maximum Ink, June 2, 2006

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Hal Leonard (April 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1423406095
• ISBN-13: 978-1423406099
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #639,412 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most Comprehensive Harrison Retrospective Ever!, July 12, 2006

By 

Anthony Accordino (Massapequa Park, New York United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: While My Guitar Gently Weeps : The Music of George Harrison (Paperback)

Anytime a major rock star has several books written about him, they are all basically rehashing the same information under a different title. This book "Then Music Of George Harrison", by Simon Leng, is without question the ultimate reference work on the recorded works of George Harrison. Every album and every single song George ever recorded, is given encyclopedic treatment. No stone is left unturned, as chart rankings, session players, and historical significance of his music is discussed in detail like never before. George's monumental album "All Things Must Pass", is given a 34 page chapter alone, as the author tells of tales from the musicians who participated in the recording, as well as the making of the album, which still stands today as one of the greatest albums in rock history. I found this book to quite an enjoyable read, and a must have edition to any rock n roll library. Beatle fans take note that this is essential!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the man behind the music..., April 25, 2006

By 

Arena Connery "Arena" (Wisconsin USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: While My Guitar Gently Weeps : The Music of George Harrison (Paperback)

It's true - 'No Beatles fan should be without this book.'

Simon Leng has painstakingly documented the musical career of George Harrison. And his years with the Beatles were only the beginning. According to Leng, compared to the other Beatles, Harrison's personality was not flashy - 'he let his guitar do the talking.' Harrison's musicality is the central theme, wirh reflections both positive and negative. It's a fascinating account of his personal struggles, and creative processes. Eastern religion also played a major role. There are album cover pictures, reviews of all the songs, performer lists, and reviews of his tours (including the Dark Horse Tour.)

The center section is black and white photos, including some rare ones. You've got Bob Purvis, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, Carl Perkins, Bob Dylan, and more. Harrison's music was definitely influential.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intensely George Harrison!, June 30, 2006

By 

BeatleBangs1964 (United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: While My Guitar Gently Weeps : The Music of George Harrison (Paperback)

This is a book every Beatles' fan should have. Simple as that.

I like the way Leng has documented in almost painstaking detail the music of George Harrison. The former Beatle did let his guitar do most of the talking; he was a phenomenal guitarist and a nonpareil lyricist. Leng does an extraordinary job of pulling together the persona of George Harrison together with his music; an almost yin-yang relationship at times based on this book.

Leng has done a good job of researching his material; Harrison's concert dates, tours and song reviews are provided. The former Beatle's affinity for Eastern religion/philosophy is duly noted in this work and how it molded him and his music. Many credit George Harrison and Ravi Shankar, the man who taught him how to play the sitar for merging Eastern and Western musical styles to create something unique and wonderful.

It is plain that Leng respects George Harrison, the man and the artist and those who played major roles in his life. This is truly an excellent work on the youngest Beatle that will leave readers thinking about him for a very long time.