Review of The Lamb and the Dove
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[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Lamb and the Dove" by Ron Free.]
Ron Free's memoirs, The Lamb And The Dove: Memoirs of a Jazz Drummer bears the symbolic title. Aside from its narrative value, this work is also a form of first-hand evidence concerning the development of jazz in America throughout the second half of the twentieth century. Throughout a four-decade career, the author collaborated and interacted with many jazz greats, including Mose Allison and Dizzy Gillespie.
Parallel to the jazz scene's rise, the book tracks the transformations that America and its society were undergoing. The author, who is originally from Charleston, South Carolina, frequently witnessed racial segregation, particularly towards African American musicians. The narrative is dominated by frequent tours, moves, a fascinating love life, trips, drug experimentation, and a complex relationship with God. The events in the book are described chronologically and from the author's point of view. Photographs from the author's professional career as a jazz drummer add to the book's appeal.
What I appreciated best about the book was the author's honesty and willingness to speak candidly about all aspects of his life, including those when things were on a downward trajectory. I enjoy that the book, in addition to the author's memoir, is also a testimony of the evolution of jazz from an insider's perspective, which is uncommon. I felt endearing that no matter where Ron Free went, he always returned to South Carolina and Charleston. During his maturation as a jazz drummer in the American South, the author frequently encountered racial segregation, but his origins and the influence of his father did not change his intention to become an ambassador of racial tolerance and equality in a profession where quality has become the only benchmark. It's also admirable that the author constantly mentioned all of the musicians with whom he worked during his long career.
What I didn't enjoy about the book were the more frequent typos, which did not distract from its overall quality. I also didn't like how the author appears to have only skimmed various aspects of his life. Given that the author's memoirs are typically detailed, such skips stand out and make the book appear inconsistent at times.
It was fascinating to read an engaging testimonial of growing up and becoming a successful jazz drummer despite the challenges of racial segregation, drugs, free love, and religious curiosity. That is precisely why I rate the book with 4 out of 5 stars.
I recommend the book to jazz fans as well as fans of memoirs and autobiographies. Because of the book's periodically varying theological content, with an emphasis on Christianity, as well as the occasional strong language and descriptions of drug consumption, I do not suggest it to those who, for whatever reason, find such things inappropriate.
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The Lamb and the Dove
View: on Bookshelves |
Ron Free's memoirs, The Lamb And The Dove: Memoirs of a Jazz Drummer bears the symbolic title. Aside from its narrative value, this work is also a form of first-hand evidence concerning the development of jazz in America throughout the second half of the twentieth century. Throughout a four-decade career, the author collaborated and interacted with many jazz greats, including Mose Allison and Dizzy Gillespie.
Parallel to the jazz scene's rise, the book tracks the transformations that America and its society were undergoing. The author, who is originally from Charleston, South Carolina, frequently witnessed racial segregation, particularly towards African American musicians. The narrative is dominated by frequent tours, moves, a fascinating love life, trips, drug experimentation, and a complex relationship with God. The events in the book are described chronologically and from the author's point of view. Photographs from the author's professional career as a jazz drummer add to the book's appeal.
What I appreciated best about the book was the author's honesty and willingness to speak candidly about all aspects of his life, including those when things were on a downward trajectory. I enjoy that the book, in addition to the author's memoir, is also a testimony of the evolution of jazz from an insider's perspective, which is uncommon. I felt endearing that no matter where Ron Free went, he always returned to South Carolina and Charleston. During his maturation as a jazz drummer in the American South, the author frequently encountered racial segregation, but his origins and the influence of his father did not change his intention to become an ambassador of racial tolerance and equality in a profession where quality has become the only benchmark. It's also admirable that the author constantly mentioned all of the musicians with whom he worked during his long career.
What I didn't enjoy about the book were the more frequent typos, which did not distract from its overall quality. I also didn't like how the author appears to have only skimmed various aspects of his life. Given that the author's memoirs are typically detailed, such skips stand out and make the book appear inconsistent at times.
It was fascinating to read an engaging testimonial of growing up and becoming a successful jazz drummer despite the challenges of racial segregation, drugs, free love, and religious curiosity. That is precisely why I rate the book with 4 out of 5 stars.
I recommend the book to jazz fans as well as fans of memoirs and autobiographies. Because of the book's periodically varying theological content, with an emphasis on Christianity, as well as the occasional strong language and descriptions of drug consumption, I do not suggest it to those who, for whatever reason, find such things inappropriate.
******
The Lamb and the Dove
View: on Bookshelves |
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