Author: Richard Blade
Publisher: BladeRocker Books
Softcover: 218 pages
Tell me more: Author Richard Blade's thriller "Birthright" is a fast-paced and involving story spanning from the crime-ravaged streets of 19th century London to modern-day America, England and Ireland, with current events very much a part of the compelling story line. Blade's clear and colorful writing style brings his three far-flung protagonists fully to life, as well as the darker and equally-vivid characters who pursue them. Jack the Ripper's final murder is the starting point for a thriller that is enhanced by events that are never less than plausible; a solid mix of action, character development, lively locales and the effective infusion of current affairs — including the coronavirus pandemic — help catapult the reader through "Birthright." I tore through this novel in a day cheering for the lives of professor Alex Turner, his young assistant Cate Shannon and teen Eddie York in their quest to solve a monumental puzzle while simultaneously trying to survive frightful villains out to kill them. Richard Blade is one of the most celebrated DJs in the U.S., having been a mainstay at KROQ-FM for many years; he is now a host on both SiriusXM and KCBS. The same passion he has championed as a groundbreaking DJ is displayed via top-tier storytelling across the wonderful Birthright." Information: RichardBladeBook.com.
Authors: Eddie Floyd with Tony Fletcher
Publisher: BMG
Hardcover: 302 pages
Tell me more: The just-published "Knock! Knock! Knock! On Wood: My Life in Soul" is a wonderful and truly joyful look back at the 60-year career of master soul singer-songwriter Eddie Floyd. Best known for his bona fide classics "Knock on Wood," "Raise Your Hand," "634-5789," "Big Bird" and "I've Never Found a Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)," his unique first-hand account of a rich life (Floyd celebrated his 83rd birthday in June 2020) jumps off the page with each chapter. In addition to revisiting a life's journey taking him from an Alabama reform school to his rise as both singer and acclaimed songwriter, readers will be treated to once-in-a-lifetime tales such as the day he met Bruce Springsteen (who is a tremendous fan of Floyd) and they performed "Knock on Wood" and "Raise Your Hand" in concert together in Memphis in 1976, Muhammad Ali attending his sixty-ninth birthday and earliest memories of working with his great contemporaries (Wilson Pickett, Booker T. & The M.G.'s, bluesman Willie Dixon, Otis Redding and more) on stage, in the studio or via songwriting sessions. The autobiography also includes a number of marvelous images of Floyd and his family, as well as promo shots, concert photos and other images of him throughout his long career — including moments shared with the likes of Wilson Pickett, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Jones and Muhammad Ali. "Knock! Knock! Knock! On Wood: My Life in Soul" works as both a celebration of the life and career of Floyd as well as an important history of many of the key moments and players in the rise of soul music, notably at famed Stax Records in the 1960s and '70s. Information: BMG.com.
Authors: Skip Daily and Eric Hansen
Publisher: Insight Editions
Hardback and ebook: 496 pages
Tell me more: Weighing in at well over six pounds, the mammoth "Rush — Wandering the Face of the Earth: The Official Touring History" covers the complete history of the Canadian trio's treks encompassing the period of Sept. 6, 1968 to Aug. 1, 2015. With the passing of master drummer/band lyricist Neil Peart on Jan. 7, 2020 and the recent 5-year anniversary of the band's final show on Aug. 1, the publication of this tabletop book has taken on even greater significance; this is truly a labor of love from authors Skip Daily and Eric Hansen and rightfully celebrates the most successful Canadian music group in history. Peart along with singer-bassist-keyboardist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson created a series of enduring albums whose collective power was further enhanced whenever the trio went out on tour. "Wandering the Face of the Earth" is filled with revealing facts, essential details and a plethora of previously-unseen photographs that chronicle the band's career on the road. A mix of stunning concert shots, actual concert setlists, colorful ticket stubs and well-written text make for a fantastic journey down Memory Lane. For example, this writer was able to revisit the history of his first time seeing the band perform (at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa in May 1986 with the Fabulous Thunderbirds opening), a date where reserve seats were a mere $17.50! Information: InsightEditions.com.
Robert Kinsler
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