Jerry Scheff Autobiography

[Brian Quinn]

The long awaited Jerry Scheff autobiography is now available for pre-order as follows:

http://www.amazon.com/Way-Down-Playing-MoreThe-Autobiography/dp/161713032X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327928456&sr=1-1

Brian (y)

[King Of The Whole World]

This should be a nice book. I do wish they would have used a different picture with Elvis and Jerry. I'm sure there had to be a picture of Elvis and Jerry, with Elvis looking his best.

[Elvis.com]

It was a long labour of love, but Jerry Scheff has just finished his autobiography. In this candid and perceptive memoir of his 45-year career, the well known TCB bassist takes us onto Elvis's private jet, on tour with Bob...

Link To Original Article (http://www.elvisnews.com/news.aspx/jerry-scheffs-biography-is-ready/13681)

[Lonniebealestreet]

I must read this book.

Elvis and The Doors being my favorite solo artist and band of all time, I have always been very interested in Jerry Scheff and his working with them both. (Of course that was no coincidence; Morrison being an Elvis fan he was reportedly chosen to play on the L.A. Woman album* in part because of that association to keep Jim interested.) I have wondered if Jim might have asked Jerry about Elvis and vice-versa, the former being the much likelier of the two scenarios.


* - For those not aware of this but interested, The Doors had no bass player. Keyboardist Ray Manzarek played a keyboard bass with this left hand in their live performances but for their studio work, outside bassists were normally brought in to give them a fuller sound...and I imagine also to give Ray the freedom to give his full attention to the piano/electric organ.

[Lonniebealestreet]

This should be a nice book. I do wish they would have used a different picture with Elvis and Jerry. I'm sure there had to be a picture of Elvis and Jerry, with Elvis looking his best.

Though it is a nice 1977 photo and a great exchange of looks between them, I must admit I had the same thought.

[Jungleroom76]

Definitely going to have to read this book...I always enjoy reading a different perspective on Elvis' life and career, and considering Jerry was on stage with Elvis for so many years, he certainly should have some great stories to share! (y)

Plus the list of other musicians Jerry has played with during his career is a very impressive list, so those stories should also be entertaining! :hmm:

Got my copy on pre-order! (y)

TCB!
Mike

[Lisarose]

Has anyone received and/or read this book yet? I'm buying my copy this weekend (payday!)
I'm buying it now, cause I know that in a few years it'll be selling for $100s, :lol:

[debtdbruno]

I've got it, not started it yet.......given it to my Mum to read

[Lisarose]

does it have enough photos? Of course, imo, these books never have enough :lol:

[hounddog]

for me in Australia it's cheaper to get it here, no $15 dollar postage charge from them

http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Way-Down-Jerry-Scheff/9781617130328

[Jungleroom76]

Haven't picked up Jerry's autobiography yet, but will do so soon...am definitely interested to read his point of view for sure!! (y)

Also out now is Donnie Sumner's autobiography entitled IN THE SHADOW OF KINGS which I just received but haven't had a chance to start reading yet. Yet another perspective that I am most interested in reading!! For more information on Donnie's book, just go to: http://www.donniesumner.com/

TCB!
Mike

[Brian Quinn]

Personally I expected more from this book than was actually delivered. There is nothing particularly revealing about his personal or professional relationship with his biggest act - Elvis Presley. In fact, although he comes across as liking Elvis one gets the distinct impression that he does not like the showbiz aura surrounding him - the circus atmosphere - as he puts it. One would think that a young embryo bass player suddenly chosen to play in the band of the Greatest Artist of the 20th Century would have been more generous in his praise. He could also have used a more 'kindly' photograph of Elvis on the front cover! Further, he goes on to state that the deceased musician he personally misses the most is John Denver despite his never really being friends with him whilst he was alive.

There is also scant coverage of his working with other artists e.g. Bob Dylan, The Doors, Roy Orbison and Elvis Costello. The main thrust of the book appears to be his formative years and his love for jazz and jazz musicians against a backdrop of racial discrimination experienced by them.

However, to be fair it does not pull any punches and there are some amusing stories along the way. It also shows how dedicated one must be to succeed in the music business as a musician as well as how important it is to be in the right place at the right time.

Overall a good read but could have been better with more recollections from the other members of Elvis' TCB Band.

Brian

[Jungleroom76]

Personally I expected more from this book than was actually delivered. There is nothing particularly revealing about his personal or professional relationship with his biggest act - Elvis Presley. In fact, although he comes across as liking Elvis one gets the distinct impression that he does not like the showbiz aura surrounding him - the circus atmosphere - as he puts it. One would think that a young embryo bass player suddenly chosen to play in the band of the Greatest Artist of the 20th Century would have been more generous in his praise. He could also have used a more 'kindly' photograph of Elvis on the front cover! Further, he goes on to state that the deceased musician he personally misses the most is John Denver despite his never really being friends with him whilst he was alive.

There is also scant coverage of his working with other artists e.g. Bob Dylan, The Doors, Roy Orbison and Elvis Costello. The main thrust of the book appears to be his formative years and his love for jazz and jazz musicians against a backdrop of racial discrimination experienced by them.

However, to be fair it does not pull any punches and there are some amusing stories along the way. It also shows how dedicated one must be to succeed in the music business as a musician as well as how important it is to be in the right place at the right time.

Overall a good read but could have been better with more recollections from the other members of Elvis' TCB Band.

Brian

Thanks for the review Brian! (y)

Perhaps I'll have to re-think picking Jerry's book up though if it doesn't really focus as much on his years with Elvis as it otherwise could have... :hmm:

TCB!
Mike

[King Of The Whole World]

I was going to buy this book but I may not now. I guess at least he didn't write an "Elvis and I were best friends" book. So I guess he was honest about his relationships with everyone. You would have thought naming the book Way Down he would have been a little more upbeat about Elvis.

[Lisarose]

hmm, so it's really more of a Jerry Scheff book, well, that's okay for me, too. I did buy and read Scotty Moore's book, but he did talk about Elvis almost as much as he talked about himself. It must get tiresome for talented musicians to only get asked about Elvis with no regard to their own talents. Good to know, I won't be so disappointed.