Biography of an Amazing Man
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"Stephen Sondheim: a life" is a very engaging biography of, arguably, one of the most talented men in the world of musical theatre. It starts at the beginning of his life, giving an account of his childhood - which we learn has an important impact on the subject matter he chooses for his musicals - through to 1998 when the book was published. The book gives a very thorough background and insight to the various collaborations that produced such wonderful shows as his first work West Side Story, Gypsy, Sweeney Todd, Company, Forum, Passion, Assassins and all the other wonderful works by drawing on interviews with himself, colleagues, the great figures of Broadway, like Hal Prince, Jerome Robbins, family and close friends. It is clear, from the biography, that Sondheim is a very clever man: in his lyrics, each word is critical to the song, to the character, to the progression of the show; in his music, not a note is wasted. As for the subject of each of his works, we learn he only would write shows that inspire and interest him and that would challenge him. BY realising that each work is done for artistic reasons, not commercial reasons, we can see that he is a man of integrity. The biography is thorough and candid, and occasionally brings to light many personal issues which others may have prefer not to have aired in their biography, but which Sondheim embraces, and explains their role in his own personal development and growth. Before reading the book, I admire the music and lyrics of Stephen Sondheim. Now I admire the man.
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A fine analysis of the "Country Soul" Music phenomenum
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This book is a fascinating and very worthy analysis of the American Deep South "Country Soul" Music phenomenum. Barney Hoskyns has re-visited and updated his original edition of the book with current status on all of the great Artists and Producers and Record Labels of the genre. It's a really good blend of interviews and analysis mixed with the author's own views on the classic and seminal tracks from the era. I found the introductory chapter somewhat pretentious on first reading and was better rewarded by dipping in to specific entries on particular Artists and Producers. This book is absolutely essential reading for anyone remotely interested in the golden era of 60's Soul Music.
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