Backstage Passes & Backstabbing Bastards

Al Kooper's story is one of various chapters that seem to defy a theme. His early career is an amazing tale of unlikely success. The underdog - right place, right time, hits the big time with Dylan during a session that must have been a surreal experience. At that point I sensed this was a guy who would make the very most of his skills. While I enjoyed parts, too often this reads like a mediocre book report (“what I did last millennium”).

In the end I couldn't help but feel some sympathy for a guy who was immersed in the music business; the plastic, hyper materialistic land of - at best, very conditional - at its worst, phony friendships and convenient, shaky alliances. I'd say one couldn't help but be bitter, but I did also feel used, because its clear Al wrote this book partly to do some subtle settling of scores. The second half of this book especially, feels like a series of diary entries by a scarred and insecure individual who is presenting his side of the story regarding a series of engagements/endeavors that didn't quite work out.

It is worthwhile reading about his early experiences of starting the Blues Project, BS&T, working with Dylan and the Stones. But even those are too thin and there's a lot in there about Al's views, feelings and memories but not quite enough observation of the rich characters around him. Very few of us are story-tellers, Al is not the exception, and when it comes to books like this, the art of storytelling is essential.

To be honest I got about 85% through but couldn't finish it just now. I wouldn't use the word “boring” but there is a point where it starts feeling very monotonous. I guess if you're one to gush at an inside look at the Lives of the [sometimes] Rich & Famous, you might enjoy it all the way through. But for me there was way too much minutiae regarding a series of transactions. Come to think of it, that might be the best way to describe my feeling about this book: too transactional and self conscious. Sorry Al, and sorry to some of the more sensitive people who read these reviews.

I started by saying the book - i.e. his life story, lacked a theme, but I have to believe there is a theme in there somewhere, and it's just a matter of the author puling himself up a few thousand feet for the sake of perspective.

In the end I'm still a fan of his music and think he's probably a decent guy, but I have to say I liked him better before reading this. Love the title though!