About:
Light & Shade: Conversations with Jimmy Page by Brad Tolinski is a non-fiction book which is a compilation of interviews the author did with the famed and private guitarist. Mr. Tolinski is the editorial director of Guitar World, Revolver and Guitar Aficionado magazines.
My rating for Light & Shade — 4
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Thoughts:
Light & Shade: Conversations with Jimmy Page by Brad Tolinski shades some light (pun intended) on Jimmy Page, mostly known as Led Zeppelin’s guitarist, his career, life and profession. Through hours of interviews we get a glimpse into Page’s life and aspects of his life which he has had much influence (fashion, magick and more).
I’m sure that if I wanted to know more about Led Zeppelin I could find an almost unlimited amount, all written by other people and maybe with a cooperation of the band. Even though the band is legendary, the members of the band rarely let the public into their private life which is why I chose to read this book.
In the interviews which compromise Light & Shade, Page talks about his early career, becoming one of England’s most admired session guitarist, to his work with The Who, Clapton, The Kinks, The Yardbirds and of course Led Zeppelin. The interviews continue past the Led Zeppelin era into other projects which Page was involved in. It was surprising to learn from the book how professional the members of Led Zeppelin were. Page & Bonham were at the top of their game before even starting the band, they didn’t hang out socially (unless on tour) and enjoyed each other’s company as professionals and musicians. I also never realized that Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton were longtime friends.
The collection of interviews with Page is comprehensive and gives the reader a glimpse into the genius of the fabled rocker. Some of the subjects (drugs for example) are glossed over by Page, but Tolinski turns to other interviews so the reader can get the complete picture and understanding of the artist. My favorite, as always, are the anecdotes and insights which make rock history and are the backbone of such books.
Buy this book in paper or in electronic format*
Zohar – Man of la Book
Disclaimer: I got this book for free.
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This is book right up my alley. I love books about rock n' roll and Zeppelin might be my favorite band. And now that I think about it, I've never read a Jimmy Page interview, ever.
Thanks for the comment Ryan. I believe the whole Led Zeppelin group were very private folks.
I don't know if I should admit it, but I was a huge Zeppelen fan when I was younger. Every now and then, when I get the urge, I'll listen to Black Dog or Stairway to Heaven on youtube. There's some pretty interesting interviews on the band there as well. Thanks for the review!
One more thing: you might find this interview of Jimmy Page when he was 14 on youtube interesting:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKUyHpoWnT4
Very cool Sharon, thanks. In the book it states that Page was already famous among guitar player circuit (with Beck & Clapton) when he was 18 -20).