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Last updated 18/08/2010 07:54:03

 

Book Review

Bill Bruford The Autobiography

www.jawbonepress.com

 

Bill Bruford has long been a musical hero of mine and I’ve been lucky enough to see him play live 3 times (twice in Sheffield with Bruford and UK) and once more recently with Earthworks in Gainsborough of all places, where I actually managed to have a brief chat with him.  It’s very sad therefore to learn that he has now decided to retire from live performance and this book explains the reasons for his decision.

 

This is an exceptionally well written autobiography which differs from many in that it is not simply a potted history of the man which details every tour, concert and recording, rather it is an ordered collection of Bill’s thoughts on music, his own personal direction and band interrelationships interspersed with stories from his times with Yes, King Crimson and Genesis to name but some. Interestingly, the chapters take their titles from the most frequently asked questions Bill has had to field throughout his career.

 

Verdict: Apart from appealing to Bruford fans like myself, this will also appeal to drummers for obvious reasons, but I would also recommend this even if your chosen instrument isn’t the drums. This is a good read.

 

PJF