2015 mid to late year book reading list
Books I’ve either finished reading this year or read regularly I’m recommending.
1. Magical Mystery Tours 2005 by Tony Bramwell My Life Life with the Beatles.
This book is for the Beatle fan who really enjoys the details of The Beatle years. Tony is a boyhood friend to George and Paul in Liverpool. And then he gets to know John and Ringo later. The memory of this man is tremendous! A lot of music people I know who lived through 1960’s don’t remember much. Paul McCartney states on the cover, “Tony remembers more about the Beatles than I do.” High praise from the brilliant McCartney. Tony was the Beatles first roadie, tour manager, then assistant to Brian Epstein, then Apple Records and all around keeper of all four Beatles. Great read!
2. The Beatles Recording Sessions by Mark Lewisohn The official Abby Road studio session notes.
I read this book regularly when I hear a Beatle track. A great tool for the recording studio gear head like me. It listed who plays what, engineered by whom and recording notes for any Beatle fan. I’ve owned this book for many years and find new bits in it frequently.
3. Schulz 2008 by David Michaelis The newest Biography of the Peanuts creator and genius. Where have you gone Charles Schulz our nation turned it’s lonely eyes to you, daily.
4. The Complete Peanuts 1981-1982 The daily and Sunday comic strips from the master. I’m working my way to 2000 and end of the strip, and an end to an era. A new book is published each year.
5. Straight Ahead by Carol Easton 1973The story of Stan Kenton.
The Stan Kenton big band, swing, jazz music catalogue is plainly awesome! This is the story written while Stan was alive in 1973 and tells the hard tales of life as a touring musician, family man and life. Made me respect Stan even more.
6. An Age of Barns by Eric Sloane 1974
My obsession with Old New England Barns continues. Eric goes through the history of barns throughout the USA and Europe. Great art work and how the barns are built. Look for barns and farmhouse in my artwork. You’ll find me parked alongside a farmhouse sketching most days.
7. Beatles vs. Stones 2013 by John McMillan.
Lots of thoughtful analysis's of these two great bands. John brings out and critiques the public image of both the Beatles and Stones. He also goes through the private life’s as well and the surprise reverse image of the two groups. The debate continues!