Counterpoint

Rating:
Summary: humerous and honest
Review: COUNTERPOINT, the frank account of the varied and exciting life of Joe Harnell, pianist, composer, arranger, bandleader, will be sure to appeal to anyone who's a fan of mid to late 20th century popular culture and it's major players, louis armstrong, marlene dietrich, etc.
While not always pretty (Harnell has no desire to gloss over the more unpleasent aspects of his life), it is an always honest and very revealing account of the artistic and personal development of a musician's musician. After reading this book, it is difficult not to be touched by Harnell's humanity whether or not one is aware of his work and contributions to popular and television music over the last five decades.

Rating:
Summary: A candid look at an artist and time period
Review: Joe Harnell pulls no punches in this great journey from boyhood to the present. Not only did I love the descriptions of the places and times Joe has traveled through, but the insight into the musicians and stars he worked with was rewarding. The fact that he is so out front with his personal life only makes you like him more for his human foibles and the peaks and valleys that we all experience. I'm from a younger generation but truly enjoyed reliving this time period through the words and music of Joe Harnell.

Rating:
Summary: ON CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN
Review: ON CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN

Review by Edward Thomas

"Counterpoint, The Journey Of A Music Man" is indeed an exalted journey, well set forth and at times both intimidating and awesome. Joe goes into the very depths of his soul to express his innermost sensitivities and pain of his life as he experienced it without giving in to any compromise. How many of us would have the courage to be so forthright about such personal matters for all to see? It is this very courage which gives "Counterpoint" its significant thrust and shows the side of a brilliant creative artist going far beyond the mundane and seeking fulfillment in his many artistic talents.

Here we have a man who has done it all-- Joe Harnell-- master musician, first rate orchestrator, music director for some of the greatest names in show biz-- Peggy Lee, Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra to name a few. TV personality and conductor on the Mike Douglas Show, innumerable recordings of every kind including his great hits "Fly Me To The Moon" featuring Joe at the piano along with his brilliant orchestration and "Fever" with Peggy Lee not to mention his numerous national appearances with many of the premiere artists of their day.

I highly recommend "Counterpoint" to one and all! People in the television, musical and recording arts will find the book compelling reading to be sure. However-- for people not intimately acquainted with these areas-- this book will give great insight into that seemingly mystical world. A fascinating, entertaining, sometmes painful, yet satisfying journey of journeys. Once in a lifetime and that once is now. Do indeed buy the book at your earliest convenience! You will not be sorry you did.