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Rating: 
Summary: Another viewpoint
Review: A quick read from one of the conerstones of the Motown Sound with another viewpoint. Some great photos of important people who have often been overlooked who made the company tick. Martha's intro says it all about the Funks. She has credited these musicians for years! Only wish the book had been longer and the photos on better paper.
Rating: 
Summary: Warm memoir from a talent who's still one of us
Review: I first saw Jack in the "In the Shadows of Motown" movie. A cool dude with a super pleasant on-screen persona... His life story is a great bumper car ride going the course from a fantastic, old-fashioned (I would say a "cheese-steak- sandwich/mustard-on-pretzel") Philly-kind of beginning to a Berry-Gordy-pulled-the-plug-on-Motown kind of near-end. There are a lot of great forks in the road.... being drafted; burgeoning success touring; being scouted for Motown by Marvin Gaye and becoming a cog in Berry's music dyno; and independent label activities. Jack Ashford survives (no matter what it takes this side of the law) in the bleak, post-Motown vacuum. Jack is blessed in being able to return to his niche in the vibes department and to re-unite with the Funk Brothers for that masterpiece movie and subsequent musical performances. As with most of us, his "what-if"s are un-resolvable. His book is a good read of his trials and tribulations. Jack seems like a nice guy with a great love for his family and those with whom he shared his passage through life. His wife and co-author must have steered him through the sensitive recalling and selecting of memories. I value this volume as a new and clear perspective of the Motown whirlwind by one of its great musical talents. Thanks, Jack!
Rating:
Summary: essential reading
Review: This is a top read for anyone who's interested in Motown and the Funk Brothers, who were behind the distinctive Motown Sound and can be heard on hundreds of hit records. The style's immediate and readable, and there are some wonderful anecdotes about some of the top Motown stars. If you saw the movie Standing in the Shadows of Motown you'll want to read this book. I can't recommend it highly enough. Just buy it - and make sure you catch the Funks in London in January 04!
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