Published by Vagabondage Press, EXPERIENCED: Rock Music Tales of Fact & Fiction explores the topsy-turvy world of rock 'n' roll as only fine literature can. Its 16 compelling narratives relate the lives of touring musicians and touring fans, label signings gone awry, the evolution of life as a roadie, or (in one case) a DJ with a serial killer for a caller. While the stories are unique to each writer, you’ll discover within them an experience that is universal. Some are fiction and some non-fiction, but they’re all true.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Review of EXPERIENCED by Outsider Writers Collective

Mel Bosworth wrote a generous and insightful review of EXPERIENCED for the Outsider Writers Collective. He writes: "There’s a very real and touching nostalgia seeping through these pages, a steady drip that induces bittersweet twinges in the stomach"... and... "Experienced is an honest and wild ride through the thumping bass and scorching guitar dreams of our youth and beyond that’s well worth the price of admission. Flash your breasts or forge a ticket, but make sure you get through the gate."

You can read the entire review here

Rock Radio Studio as Confessional



In Scott Nicholson's "Dead Air," a late-night DJ at odds with management due to few listeners finds his ratings suddenly skyrocket thanks to a new caller who moonlights as femme fatale serial killer, "dynamite, exploding at no charge."




Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Reviewed in Houston Press



Today EXPERIENCED was reviewed by Bob Rugierro, music writer for Houston Press.

Bob asks "Are You Experienced? Can You Tell Fact from Fiction?" And says "Standout pieces include a band member's account of Guided By Voices' wooing by a major label, a profile of openly gay blues harmonica player Jason Ricci, and some sketches of Dee Dee Ramone by a neighbor."

Read the full review here


Madonna...and a whole lot more...




In story numero cinco in EXPERIENCED, Harold Jaffe, the master of "docufiction," riffs on the former Louise Ciccone and mid-80's culture--everything from Madonna's navel to England's Queen mother to "Dallas" reruns to London's Sikhs to Reagan's Cabinet to technological growth to Cold War games to budding Globalization, all wrapped in an 1831 word sentence that will leave you gasping for air!



Thursday, August 18, 2011

Jason Ricci's LIfe on the Road



The fourth chapter of EXPERIENCED, Brad Kava's "Road Life Wearies Harmonica Virtuoso," details the ups and downs of endless touring experienced by harp great Jason Ricci and his band New Blood. Respect and admiration from peers is something Ricci has in spades, but making a comfortable living is another matter. Success on the blues circuit is hard to come by, especially when you're openly gay.