Testimony

De: Robbie Robertson

Narrado por: MacLeod Andrews

Duración: 18 h y 38 m

Resumen del Editor

New York TImes best seller

On the 40th anniversary of The Band's legendary The Last Waltz concert, Robbie Robertson finally tells his own spellbinding story of the band that changed music history, his extraordinary personal journey, and his creative friendships with some of the greatest artists of the last half-century.

Robbie Robertson's singular contributions to popular music have made him one of the most beloved songwriters and guitarists of his time. With songs like "The Weight", "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down", and "Up on Cripple Creek", he and his partners in The Band fashioned a music that has endured for decades, influencing countless musicians.

In this captivating memoir, written over five years of reflection, Robbie Robertson employs his unique storyteller's voice to weave together the journey that led him to some of the most pivotal events in music history. He recounts the adventures of his half-Jewish, half-Mohawk upbringing on the Six Nations Indian Reserve and on the gritty streets of Toronto; his odyssey at 16 to the Mississippi Delta, the fountainhead of American music; the wild early years on the road with rockabilly legend Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks; his unexpected ties to the Cosa Nostra underworld; the gripping trial-by-fire "going electric" with Bob Dylan on his 1966 world tour and their ensuing celebrated collaborations; and the formation of The Band and the forging of their unique sound, culminating with history's most famous farewell concert, brought to life for all time in Martin Scorsese's great movie The Last Waltz.

This is the story of a time and place - the moment when rock 'n' roll became life, when legends like Buddy Holly and Bo Diddley crisscrossed the circuit of clubs and roadhouses from Texas to Toronto, when The Beatles, Hendrix, The Stones, and Warhol moved through the same streets and hotel rooms. It's the story of exciting change as the world tumbled through the '60s and early '70s and a generation came of age built on music, love, and freedom. Above all it's the moving story of the profound friendship between five young men who together created a new kind of popular music.

Testimony is Robbie Robertson's story, lyrical and true, as only he could tell it.

©2016 Robbie Robertson (P)2016 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Robbie Robertson's Testimony is a book of memories and wonders, a personal testament of a magical time in American music from someone who was there, at the center of it all, playing and casting spells and writing songs that helped define those great lost years." (Martin Scorsese)

"Well, once I started, I couldn't put it down. It is such a well-paced, well-structured narrative. Robertson's voice is powerful and strong. He has harnessed vivid language to a clean, elegant, writing style, and the sense of honesty, openness, and completeness makes it so very compelling." (Jann Wenner)

"Nobody tells a story like Robbie Robertson. I can't think of a memoir that is more compelling, fascinating, or rich in history. Across every page you can feel his love, passion, and musical genius." (David Geffen)

love the history love the band

I love everything about the book until the ending I wish he had addressed and talked about Richard Manuel and Rick Danko and Levon.

Great book

what a great read by Robbie. the guy must have a photographic memory. ups and downs shady characters, musical geniuses what a collection. I highly recommend it if you we're like me a huge fan of The Band

Testimony By Robbie Robertson

I really enjoyed this Audio it was very well narrated. Robbie Robertson's story was very interesting & enjoyable and in some ways informative. I would recommend anyone to have a listen to this wonderful story.

All Hail Robbie!

Would you consider the audio edition of Testimony to be better than the print version?

Probably the audio is better, it is more interesting as there are rather long discussions of musical/rock theory which as a non musician I probably would have skipped in print.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Although Robbie Robertson is the central character, since it is after all HIS autobiography, I am interested in his wife (ex?) and what she did after the book ends. Robertson is well known, and at one time I personally knew some of the people he talks about, he manages to be gracious about almost everyone and they all appear to be sympathetic folks.

Which character – as performed by MacLeod Andrews – was your favorite?

Andrews' performance was fine, unemotional, but fine. Robertson should have read it himself, it would have vastly improved the book.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

NO! I listen to audio books on my 90 minute (each way) commute. Three hours is plenty for any one day.

Any additional comments?

I hope volume 2 takes up after The Last Waltz.

Interesting

I thought the storytelling and fact recollection was incredible, but I also felt that the book often lacked emotion, personal reflection, and candor. While the tales about places and events were compelling, it seemed that uncomfortable details beneath or surrounding events were glossed over or omitted. I understand that not everyone wants to air their dirty laundry, but after reading other rock star's biographies, Eric Clapton and Mick Fleetwood for example, this book could have been an opportunity to set the record straight. Still a great read. I can't wait to read Levon's book.

A wonderful memoir about a great musical group!

I love The Band and I really enjoyed Robbie’s story. I agree with those who wish that Robbie addressed why the split with Levon was so bitter and how the others felt about it. Still its an excellent story about a great group.

Must listen if Fan of the Band.

Robbie Robertson's is a great story teller and if you grew up with these guys you will love the book.

Talent, History and Rock and Roll

Loved the execution, great narration, compelling/interesting/heartbreaking/lovely stories about life on the road and making music. Highly highly recommended for fans of the Band, songwriting and the creative process. What a beautiful coming together of talent talent talent during an incredible epoch in world history and rock/blues/creole music.

Sooooo good!

I loved this book! Robbie Robertson can tell the story of The Band like no other.

I wish it hadn't ended.

If you're a fan of The Band, or just rock and roll in general, this is for you.