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John Densmore: The Seekers: Meetings With Remarkable Musicians (And Other Artists)
The Seekers: Meetings With Remarkable Musicians (and Other Artists) John Densmore
240 pages
ISBN: #978-0306846236
Hachette Books
2020
John Densmore
drumsb.1944
Densmore generally maintains a down-to-earth air, at least when he's speaking as a self-avowed musiclover to a like-minded readership. And when he alludes to or comments directly about the mystical power of the art form, he maintains his acuity, refusing to become lost in his verbal meditations; this clarity of mind only renders more credible the bedrock premise here, that is, that we all contain the creative impulse within us and only need to nurture it. Still, at least in the early going. the writer can't resist turning pedantic: tossing out technical terms such as 'pianissimo' and 'fortissimo' or 'jazz slang' like 'traps' only makes him sound like he's straining for effect.
By the end of these two-hundred and one pages, it's impossible to dispel the notion that a more refined concept might have been applied to The Seekers. Seemingly chronological,there is no specifically designated order to the two dozen chapters so perhaps separating the encounters with musicians from other artists, allocating separate segments for spiritual ruminations or simply devising a completely separate book devoted to philosophy, would lessen the mixed messages and often muddled tone of what's otherwise a rather remarkable array of subjects.
Then again, the solution to that conundrum may be as simple as carefully picking and choosing what to read and in what order. Perusing John Densmore's pieces on the musical artists first, and then all the others would provide a clearer filter on the aforementioned main theme. That would not erase the implicit pretension of Viggo Mortensen's introductory verse, '"Seekers All," but it would more effectively sublimate a creeping sense of holier-than-thou sanctimony that arises as the book comes to a close with the author's 'Blessings.'
Fortunately, that off-putting dynamic only surfaces at fleeting intervals. Densmore does sounds oddly detached in the piece devoted to his late Doors band mate, vocalist/composer
Jim Morrison
vocals1943 - 1971
Robbie Krieger
guitar
Willie Nelson
guitarSuch quasi-mystical implications, though, are a stark contrast to the writer's apparent namedropping. For instance, when Densmore recounts his attendance at an appearance of the Dalai Lama, mentions of other notables including actors Harrison Ford and Richard Gere, threaten to overshadow his magnanimous reaction to what he perceives as an affront by the spiritual master. He is hardly so charitable when admitting to a year-long grudge against
Van Morrison
vocalsb.1945
And that's also where a certain misplaced sense of ego intrudes upon Meetings With Remarkable Musicians(And Other Artists). Unlike those who may not have the means to indulge our own artistic sides, much less have the green room access so often described here, John Densmore sounds blissfully unaware of his rarefied status, at least in the circle of professional musicians. Luckily, he more often than not posits himself earnestly and humbly as a fan and admirer of those about whom he writes such as the late reggae icon
Bob Marley
guitar1945 - 1981
Ravi Shankar
sitar1920 - 2012
That's a sensation even more apparent if the objects of John Densmore's esteem, such as poet Robert Bly and historian Joseph Campbell, reside outside the percussionist's community of peers. There's no question that relegating accounts of contacts with the likes of his idols, like drummer
Elvin Jones
drums1927 - 2004
Ultimately, though, that shortfall doesn't undermine how essentially fascinating it is to read this veteran musician's thoughts. Densmore's greatest charm here may very well be that he is not averse to demonstrating his enthusiasm and excitement about his subjects, even if he has a tendency to become overly effusive. In that regard, these reflections should striking a resonant chord in any aficionado of the arts, especially if that individual has acted upon the inspiration taken from his/ or her object(s) of admiration.
Tags
Book Review
The Doors
Doug Collette
Hachette Books
John Densmore
Jim Morrison
Willie Nelson
Van Morrison
bob marley
Ravi Shankar
Elvin Jones
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