BOOK REVIEW: PRINCE-THE BEAUTIFUL ONES

4/5

Purple Page, Purple Page. 

Bringing to life a vision in the purple one's mind. The late, great Prince's curated memoir 'The Beautiful Ones' shows that sometimes the greatest stories remain unfinished, but still told regardless. Painting a perfect picture, Dan Piepenbring (the former editor of 'The Paris Review' who co-wrote, 'Chaos: Charles Mansen, the CIA and the Secret History of the Sixties' with Tom O'Neill for all you 'Mindhunter' fans) brings the book he was writing with Prince-before the rock, funk, jazz, R&B and every other genre God passed-back to life. Breathing new vision into it after only having 20 pages of an actual autobiography to work with. For this Penguin production, Prince picked Piepenbring as his paperback writer (say that six times) after working his way through the "rhapsodic" raw review writing of blogs (giving this writer further evidence(?) that Prince may have read my gig review back in 2014 when I received an email from "the offices of Prince"...oh and the fact that it's a mystery, makes this one even more beautiful) to write this 'Beautiful' book with him, blackout back and forth between the chapters. And now on some bittersweet way it's all ended up exactly like that. As Piepenbring's prologue penmanship of almost 50 nostalgic pages of a frozen moment in three months with the real king of pop, Prince precursors the even more moving memoir of beauty, and eye icons (not emojis people) 2 U. Wrote in his way that nothing compares to. All before a Paisley Park photo album vault looted comes into play like a perfect memory along with a transcription of the treatment he wrote for the original movie that became a classic album, that became a hit song and forever in hue colour scheme. Something about indigo precipitation?! Let his royal funkness reign.

Hitting and running through all the epic work of his estate almost seems like graveyard robbery on a 'Moonbeam Level'. But from the bare essentials of the stripped down 'Piano and Microphone' show turned soundtrack, to the absolute off the charts 'Hollyrock' and its straight outta Hollywood animated music video, there's just so much work here. The work of genius. And from the Sam Cooke like napkin lyrics of gospel, to the legal pad prose of his first book it all seems meant to be, or at least (we hope) like he wanted it to be shared. Unlike the legend of the duet album with Lenny Kravitz, which on completion he if rumour has it told the guitar hero he references in these pages, "this is just for us". Certainly though with these chapters that sadly will never see an epilogue, but deserve an acclaimed acknowledgement. In 2016 we lost Prince, the King, Ali and Ziggy Stardust himself, David Bowie. And what did we gain? Brexit and Donald f###### Trump. So yeah...we've had better years. That one sounded like something out of the apocalypse although this writer fell for the love of his life...but I lost that too. In the same year the only man to come close The Boss (no not Mr. McGee), Bruce Springsteen released his Kerouac beat like acclaimed autobiography before he hit Broadway and these cinematic 'Western Stars' named after one of his signature songs and sets, 'Born To Run', Prince was writing the same after one of his super singles like a Mariah Carey and Dru Hill classic cover before the picture was smashed. But now 'The Beautiful Ones' is here to stay always. Falling under our Christmas tree in a purple package (excuse me?) underneath the dove decorations (but not the two turtle ones Macaulay Culkin 'Home Alone' found 'Lost In New York' for this guy who even locker room references John Hughes movies) this Christmas like a New Year celebration alongside the legendary likes of icons like Red Hot Chili Pepper Flea's 'Acid For The Children' bass line and the 'Rocketman' farewell tour movie of Elton John's magnificence as he, 'Me'. But still chapter and verse, this Prince project is just as prolific even if his life story is sadly cut short. But only in writing. The real tragedy is the loss of his life. But yet Prince's still lives in his body of work, like the soul of this story.

Mama. It all begins with his mother. Like life itself. All in her eyes. The kind Tupac talked about on 'Thugz Mansion' when he grabbed that nine, contemplating suicide until he saw. And it ends...well it doesn't end now. Life goes on even when it doesn't. In spirit. For icons like the love symbol in sound. And now with this for the record in words. That will love and live on in infamy like King or Rowling. J.K. Or J.R.R. Tolkien for this epic fantasy. Except it's reality. Prince's Paisley one. After Piepenbring's inspired introduction, mapping out the intended gameplan script for this story, Prince begins the beauty of his life and family tree. How the young Rogers Nelson was nicknamed Skipper by his mother, taking that one to school as the teachers couldn't believe this kid was called Prince when they took roll. Well now we couldn't imagine anyone else with this man's decreed name by royal appointment. Not even Harry or Wills (with all bowing due respect). All the way through a childhood that shaped his story and the 'Purple Rain' screenplay. All the way to the first album he made, cutting a record deal with Warner and producing, playing every instrument and even designing the artwork 'For You'. And as his last autobiography words focus fittingly on that look between two lovers as one ("one what") that without a voice appropriately speaks louder than a thousand words, the man that handed in a couple of them wrote down perfectly couldn't say it better. If only he could have memoir said more. But he already did and did so much in his other work. Annotated personal Polaroids, scrawled down lyric sheets bordered by doodles and famous quotes from magazines tell the rest of the story like read all about it. And do even if it seems a little intrusive. Because the more original drafts of classics like 'Purple Rain' you see like you've never heard, the more you feel The Artist you thought you had taken as read. Now making your way through this curated collection like the 'Living In A Material World' George Harrison coffee table one, you may think the story of the man who owned everyone (Tom Petty, Steve Winwood, Jeff Lynne and all of them) freestyling a solo of that Beatles gently weeping guitar, before throwing his axe back into what seemingly felt like the heavens isn't complete (one that was originally meant to touchdown in his indelible Superbowl show). But who's ever is when they inspire enough generations for decades upon decades of a couple of lifetimes over? Like seven hours and fourteen days nothing could take this love away. Baby, baby, baby. In the end it turns out Prince and Piepenbring got to write Skipper's book the way they always intended to...together. Now that's a beautiful one. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Bruce Springsteen-Born To Run', 'Elton John-Me', 'Flea-Acid For The Children'. 

BOOK REVIEW: ELTON JOHN-ME

4/5

His Majesty.

Regaling us with story after story, don't say the glam queen bitch is back. He's been here for years. Taking his farewell tour after decades and decades of star spangled music from the Great British national treasure-from 'The Lion King', to Princess Diana tributes-around the world and Phileas Fogg back again. And this crowning glory has been the 'Rocketman's' year of coronation with his bags packed, zero hour, nine AM. With his 'Kingsman' sequel co-star Taron Egerton taking the throne as him in a beautiful and bohemian biopic from Queen, 'Rhapsody', Rami rivalling director Dexter Fletcher. And now after all this behind the same star sunglasses Arnold Schwarzenegger donned for 'Terminator 3', Elton John gets really personal and diamond sequin and feather boa stripped down and away in 'Me', his long awaited autobiography. Not his first book, his AIDS awareness mission statement, 'Love Is The Cure' demands everyone's attention. But this in the same year as an unsanitized, coke and all biopic-as blow brutal as it is big and beautiful-is his most personal project yet. And probably the best book and most musical, amazing autobiography since Steven Tyler of Aerosmith's 'Noise In My Head', the Red Hot Chilli Peppers' Anthony Kiedis' 'Scar Tissue', or Rolling Stone Keith Richards' 'Life' (we're yet to get to Prince's unfinished 'The Beautiful Ones' out now too. But can hardly wait). "Sea turtles mate". The last one was audiobook read by 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' son Johnny Depp. Even more fittingly here after a perfect prologue read by Sir Elton-before he supposedly goes off to shop-the perfectly named 'Me' is read by none other than, you guessed it, Taron Egerton himself. And this audiobook version of the autobiography (the voice keeping me company so I'm not lost in translation, trying to teach in Tokyo, Japan like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's audiobooks when I was travelling Hong Kong during a depression) needs a lent ear as the relationship between actor and star muse is much more than music, or even acting. Egerton's epic and energetic reading of 'Me' (or him) like his portrayal of the pop star is an incredible dedication to the man. With just as much charismatic character as the words wrote. Dare I say the best one/two, dynamic duo since Bernie and the 'Benny and the Jets' singer? Cue the piano introduction.

You'll laugh at the fact that 'Stan' Grammy collaborator that Elton sobriety sponsors, Eminem calls him a "C U Next Tuesday' everytime he calls. You'll shed a tear at the last story about dear John Lennon. He talks about 'Heartbreaker' Ryan Adams inspiring him despite the cancelling controversy. He tells us while he still plays Russia and would rather "build a bridge" with Putin than "a wall" (take that you know who). He also speaks candidly and fairly about the queen Madonna without backing out of the corner in defending the Godmother of his first child Lady Gaga from Madge's slights. The born star is this way, his way and the highway only. From taking a truck full of bandmates across the country, backing up soul acts who told him to kill Reg Dwight as he ended up taking his bandmates names, to wanting to die on stage like a Last Vegas residency until he started a family that was worth more than all the Troubadour and trouble that got him to this point. A true lion never flickering like a candle in the wind. From Pinner to Disney. Hollywood and Buckingham Palace. A friend of the royals by decree and our king of queens by knighted appointment. The crown is his like Claire Foy or Olivia Coleman and he takes his throne in this entertainment game with a tilt and tip to everyone who helped build his musical castle. And even those who threw rocks at one of rock and rolls greatest like a Rolling Stone. There's even a hilarious story about being "high as a kite by then" and thinking the great American songbook of Bob Dylan was homeless. But much like how John has found a residence in those classic Sinatra standards at his live shows, his own epic, eclectic catalogue of a collection now belongs in the Great British rock and roll songwriting hall of fame with Bernie Taupin like the crown jewels that they are. And you get plenty of words behind the lyrics to go here for a man who has worked with everyone from Fall Out Boy to A Tribe Called Quest.

But this is his song. And none rings truer that the ode to family and matrimony to that. For better or worse, cradle to hearse. It's a little bit funny (as a matter of fact it's f###### hilarious. The amount of times I've bust out laughing in public from him telling someone to take something and shove it up their proverbial arse). But there's so much more feeling inside. Especially when it comes to the Dwight family circle of life. From the 'Tiny Dancer' days of playing in pubs were 'Saturday Night Was Alright For Fighting', to the 'Crocodile Rock', 'I'm Still Standing' and swinging days atop the piano of baseball bat knocking it out the Dodger Stadium park in a jazzled, diamond encrusted uniform, Reg has always kept his family close and the enemies he's made because of that closer. Life wasn't easy for Elton growing up with his parents and that didn't elude him when fame came his way. Coming out to the world and being a LGBT pioneer for being true to who you are before we even put those letters together with us as a society. Not to mention a groundbreaking, life changing advocate for AIDS research, in search for a cure as strong as love. But in a world were were  seems to be the hardest word, Elton still gives his everyone candidly and in hindsight, honestly and reflectively in hope that we will learn from his mistakes aswell as be boldly inspired with the many things he did beautifully right. Overcoming drink and drugs was one of John's greatest struggles and challenges he overcame down the yellow brick road, but some of the people in his circle throughout his life became his true sacrifice. But it's all come back round to a love you can feel tonight like his family with David Furnish. As the man who was once lip synced by 'Iron Man' Robert Downey Jr. (the amazing anthem 'I Want Love') and pop superstar Justin Timberlake (the dressed up 'This Train Don't Stop Here Anymore' which showed J.T. was almost capable of playing Sir Elton like Tom Hardy) in magnificent musical videos now has his own movie and book to take on the road as the show goes on. Heartfelt and hilarious, with so much tongue for your cheek. This is the perfect program for his Farewell Tour like 'Rocketman' is the movie, musical soundtrack that scores like Watford for the chairman of this board, sure there's a lot of me in 'Me'. But what else would you expect from Elton? And I personally wouldn't have it any other way than his way. Me oh my! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

BOOK REVIEW: COMMON-LET LOVE HAVE THE LAST WORD

4/5

Common People.

468. That's how many times the word "love" is used in rapper slash actor Common's new memoir and second scribe, 'Let Love Have The Last Word'. Believe me I counted. Why? Because this language truly is a labour of love. Almost 500. Half of a thousand. Even though love doesn't appear at first until the seal of the seventh page. That's more than twice as many times than there is pages to this books body of text. But never overused. Always heaven sent meant. "I never knew a love, love, love like this". You truly are seeing the light here. Love is all around and all you need. It's something we all have in common, hurt or heartfelt. It has the power to lift you up...and put you right back down. It can break your heart. And it can heal all world war wounds. It can come from mother, daughter, father's and sons. Lovers and friends. And everyone all around us. To what could become of strangers on the street street to those we will never meet. There's love for the physical. The spiritual. Animals. The earth we live on and the wildest dreams we fall asleep with every night, looking towards the future. It can even happen as the author of this book tells us in simply holding the door open for another person. "Love is a verb" as Common says. A doing word. A call to action. "The first emotion I ever experienced was love", Lonnie Lynn wrote in his autobiography almost a decade back. His first New York Times bestselling book, 'One Day It'll All Make Sense', named after one of his hallmark hip-hop classics like 'Can I Borrow A Dollar', 'Resurrection' and the double-header of definitive healing in 'Be' and 'Finding Forever'. Not to forget the beautiful and experimental 'Electric Circus'. And this four letter word runs through his follow up and most personal and profound prose yet like blood through your veins and hope to your heart. The 'Glory' Oscar winning singer who has also appeared in 'Selma', 'The Hate U Give', 'Terminator' and 'John Wick' movie chapters, fighting with Batman, Christian Bale and kicking Keanu Reeves ass like their was a bounty on the boogeyman and used to love H.E.R. fist to desk, taps in and lets us feel how his heart really beats with the click, clack of his typewriter. Like we all will in unison time.

Love is...this. The corner of your bookshelf really is about to give you this feeling. The dreamer and the believer will give you the desire and faith of this with his vision that is more than just the words you see on the page. The genre icon who once sang with John Legend that he's "from the land where money talks and love stutters," gives it it's voice here for all those who can't find the words. "God is Love. Forgiveness is Love. Self-Care is Love. Art is Love. Compassion is Love". The Sam Cooke and Stevie Wonder soul of hip-hop and the greatest and most inspirational conscious rapper of all-time gives us the perfect Spring read for the park or early evenings as the light from the sun comes in. Giving us a memoir manual as inspirational as the king Muhammed Ali's 'Soul Of A Butterfly' or the late sportscaster Stuart Scott's 'Every Day I Fight' cancer battle, the man who fell in love with her, Erykah Badu and tennis ace legend Serena Williams as well as his beautiful mother and daughter details his loves life and times, whilst relating to ours and offering a mirror through his words of wisdom for us to reflect. Like his chapter bookmark beginnings with love quotes from the legendary likes of Martin Luther King Jnr, Maya Angelou and Socrates, all with intention not pretention. Like the closing quote of 'If Beale Street Could Talk' author James Baldwin tells us, "Great art can only be created out of love". And you can see where the 'Come Close' and 'Retrospect For Love' artist got his inspiration from like Mary J. Blige and Lauryn Hill. Preaching gospel, compelling and eloquent, Common shows us what love means to him in relation to God, family, his passion projects like this one and his desires and dreams for another partner and to one day be a husband as well as a father. Vulnerable in his commitment he reveals his flaws when it comes to wanting to make this house a home and his mistakes as a man. All so we can pay attention and heed. All so we like he can learn from his mistakes in our own love for self and what in turn that can do for us opening our hearts to others. Love in action over love addiction sure sounds like a plan...straight from the heart.

Honest and genuine, the philanthropist, Lonnie Corant Jaman Shuka Rashid Lynn gets real and raw when he gets to the real heart of matters like watching his pops pass or his stepfather never leaving his mother's side when she was sick. Yet for all the times it's used-even in its unaccounted for past tenses-the word "love" is missing from many pages detailing prison visits from the rapper in concert like country late legend Johnny Cash performing at San Quentin. All until the end of these passages. This could be because Common's love in action with this reaching out to the bonds of the incarcerated speaks for itself without puffing it's chest out. Or it may be symbolism to show what is truly missing from our prison system today. Common also opens up the conversation further on mental health matters, especially in relation to the immeasurable amount of men not speaking up, out, or being spoken for. Especially those hiding behind the shame of abuse. And Lonnie Lynn too after decades in the spotlight and even more in coming to terms with this all in this moving memoir reveals he was molested. And in making this stand against toxic masculinity and sexual violence towards people in more ways than one, he bravely gives more than himself a voice. Showing he, we, you, I, him and her are never alone in this. His story like his life is really something. Prologue to the closing chapter. And in an epic epilogue of powerful portraits and personal playlists Rashid gives us something for our Spotify to show us what he was jamming to whilst putting all this lasting 'Love' down. Classics like 'A Love Supreme' by John Coltrane, 'The Makings Of You' ("children laughing all around you"...truly) by Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye's 'God Is Love', the Commodores 'Zoom' and 'The Way Young Lovers Do' by Van Morrison. Get in sync now to this headphone rhythm. But if that isn't enough for your lent ears, like it all making sense one day, it seems like love just won't have the last word in these here pages. Like naming his first book after one of his albums, Common will names his next album after this book. A summer album set to smash feature J Dilla, Kendrick Lamar and soul man Leon Bridges. And songs like the tear inducing, Marvin Gaye inspired 'God Is Love' with the aforementioned, the bicep curl strong 'Hercules' and 'Her Love', a spiritual sequel to his signature classic 'I Used To Love H.E.R.' like this album is to this book. Showing that when it comes to rappers writing with a pad and pen, their true love will have the last word on wax. Because after all like Rashid Lynn's Common Sense tells us 'Let Love Have The Last Word' "is not just a declaration. It's a statement of purpose." And what a one to make with so much of that. Love to some may just be a word. But it's one to the rest that will last forever. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

BOOK REVIEW: JACKIE CHAN-NEVER GROW UP

4/5

Crazy, Rich, Amazing.

Never count Jackie Chan out. From Hong Kong to Hollywood the megastar has starred in around over 150 films and counting. But you know he's broken even more bones than that...and counting. Worldwide this superstar is one of the most globally recognised icons and idols in all of entertainment. Let alone the acting game he changed, redefining the all action hero to an everyman embrace. This pop star has even made albums...you saw him sing along to The Beach Boys on 'Rush Hour' too, don't deny it. There's a reason this million seller, billion served and counting even has had an honorary Oscar made for him. And this Academy member is the real deal to the award envelope. As 'Crazy Rich Asian' star and 'Supercop' co one (who came up from China with Chan and started this 'Crazy Rich' revolution of the continent you see today from the idols of BTS to Henry Golding even being in consideration for the running of the next, revolutionary James Bond), says Jackie has that, "infectious exuberance". Or as partner in crime stopping 'Rush' motormouth by the hour Chris Tucker simply and poignantly puts it, "I love you (Jackie). You're a part of me"! Even possibly the most recognisable and successful face in all of acting Tom Hanks coins it perfectly when immortalising the man who combined the action heroism of John Wayne with the comic timing of Buster Keaton when it came to making his own Hollywoodland legend, Jackie is just "Chantastic". And still to this day, from 'Police Story' to the 'Shanghai' series of noon and nights and the 'Rumble In The Bronx' to 'Kung Fu Yoga' this man who gave the Schwarzenegger age it's last action hero is far from expendable. No matter how hard Sly tried to get this franchise face in that all action, pension fund series. Chan once in Sylvester's Hollywood home, touched Stallone's Oscar, kissed it and probably held it infront of a mirror whilst rehearsing a speech. And on reflection he was right to. Although Jackie Chan as a moviemaking symbol himself is his own reward. And he's still doing it to this Netflix 'Skiptrace' streaming day. Taking on James Bond Pierce Brosnan in 'The Foreigner' and getting serious in his old age like the time he made you cry out of nowhere in the Smith family 'Karate Kid' reboot remake. But for all the stories this man has and still tells none are as real as the simple ode in his memoir to 'Never Grow Up' from the forever young Peter Pan that is Chan, who also never gives up.

Cannonball Chan. The young kid was nicknamed for running around everywhere with that infectious energy. His humble beginnings saw him bullied at school but he always knew how to fight back with his fists and wrists finding a new way home up in the hills. As his Chinese Civil War refugee parents found refuge working for the French Ambassador as they lived a team trip up Hong Kong's vivid Victoria Peak where a waxwork of him now resides in Madame Tussauds. A perfect, picturesque place where Jackie would look to the stars and the skyline of the city that would eventually belong to him in time. Lost in clouds wasn't the word. He was destined for them. And even when he got bored and boarding school called with a strict decade long institution, he was always going places but taking home with him. Even when his parents relocated to Australia and he'd sometimes join them for months at a time when the acting didn't quite pan out the way he read it in his life scripts before the die was cast. But this man who used to play dead perfectly to get on screen when he broke out as more than Bruce Lee fist of furry cannon fodder. As his entry to the industry in the legendary 'Enter The Dragon' saw him meet his idol face to fist first. Talk about being extra. Chan wanted to show the world the lighter, even realer side of the art he martialed. Bruce Lee looked invincible when he fought. Jackie wanted to show you it really hurt. But that there was a certain humor aswell as heart to it all. And Chan earned all his pain. His reel (you just can't call these things "bloopers") of stunt fails have made the legendary rounds on YouTube long before that video platform was even really a thing. When people were watching on desktops instead of phones. And you know to this day people would look up from their phones, even if they macably used them to point up and film. As Chan the man would fall from rooftops with only two bits of cloth to shroud his fall. Or fireman slide down the lightbulb smashing, electric eel like lights of a pole in the middle of the biggest mall you've seen this side of Christmas, top to bottom. Shutting it and almost himself down for good in the process. And then when his list of injuries medical report up like something out of that old arcade game 'Theme Hospital' his strained reaction always looks more like he stubbed his toe than stunted his whole damn body. This guy's broken everything in your body you could think of...even the stuff you can't...or simply don't want to. He's even nearly lost one of his pupils. And we aren't talking about one of the members of his iconic, family first stunt team (thankfully). But as the eye of Jackie Chan says, "Jackie always Ok"!

Reporting for the 'Police Story' precient franchise it became a whole new story for Jack Chan. He became a megawatt megastar and helped put Hong Kong on the moviemaking map of the planet like its own Hollywood...which he humbly doesn't give himself enough credit for here...so we will. Then came the money, the wining and dining, the women and of course the entourage. Think Jet Li in 'Fearless' when he's on top before he faces his greatest one and great fall. Chan even had his 'Pretty Woman' moment like revenge in a boutique store whose sale assistant looked down on him like Julia Roberts in that infamous, iconic scene. But this time walking down the street with an army of followers he brought out the whole, damn shop. But Jackie admits now that foolish arrogance like that cost him more than Hong Kong dollars. As he also laments with honest beauty of wisdom about standing on the beach watching the tide come in with the one that got away like being lost at sea. And after Hollywood came calling, from 'Rush Hour' to the "WOW" of Owen Wilson, Jackie reached all new levels of hills stardom. Although always remaining true to himself and his art. Even upstaging co-stars like Wilson and the attention chattering one-liners of the one and only Chris Tucker who were meant to do that to themselves to the man who was more than a one dimensional, one man funny fighting machine. Jackie and Tucker even combined for the first big budget, Hollywood blockbuster to feature no white males in the lead. This more than 20 calenders before this years 'Crazy, Rich Asian' revolution. Chan smartened up a previously ignorant industry all the way to the 'Tuxedo'. And he's still doing it today. All whilst practicing the preach of staying loyal to family and where you came from no matter the mistakes you make in this young life. Preserving history more than in movies like the historical drama 'Railroad Tigers', but also actually protecting artifacts from traditional Chinese history and bringing them back to where they belong. So Jackie Chan and the Hong Kong he has forever represented and camera captured to the world with that warm, award winning smiles story is far from over. And as he writes even more chapters to this verse it's great to look back on this perfect preface of decency, integrity, inspiration and dedication in all the rise and fall lessons that come with this life and its many loves. Because wonderfully wrote this is merely a bookmark. The 64 year old and only countryman with both a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and his hands in concrete outside the Mann's Chinese Theatre is just getting started. And like this one it'll be a story like no other. Chapter one. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

BOOK REVIEW: TOM HANKS-UNCOMMON TYPE

4/5

Hankswritten.

We don't deserve Tom Hanks...or at least Hollywood doesn't. In a once inspired industry (despite previous problems that still needed to be resolved), now well and truly corrupted by the cruel and callous behaviour of some of those in power who have harassed and abused for countless victims and decades. All until the rise of to the minute social media has given them nowhere to hide and those without one finally...a voice. Even when some of the biggest names in the business have been sullied, Tom Hanks remains a constant beacon of light and truth. The actors actor. The regular working mans Hollywood star. The Bruce Springsteen of movies. The Boss even gave him quite the Academy Award winning intro for his Oscar moment fighting injustice for the LGBT community decades before Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto's 'Dallas Buyers Club' did in 'Philadelphia'. Hanks has been doing this since the early eighties. Even years before this now 32 year old writer was born. And not to make anyone sound old but you know we've all grown up with him too. From the 'Turner and Hooch', 'Big' fun of the eighties, to the 'Captain Phillips' or 'Sully' saviours of the real world he plays tribute to these days.

Hanks has saved a private named Ryan, brought togther a band of brothers, taken on a ship hijacked by Somali pirates and survived and landed a plane in...no ON New York's Hudson River. He's survived on a desert island with nothing but a volleyball, told us life was like a box of chocolates and even caught Leonardo DiCaprio like no one else can. Not to mention he's played both Walt Disney and Pixar's next generation own cowboy with a snake in his boots, Woody. He's done it all and we haven't even mentioned the 'Apollo 13', 'Green Mile' and 'Bridge of Spies' best. Let alone the trilogy of Dan Brown works and partnership of Meg Ryan romantic comedies. Did you just miss the fact that this guys been to space? Is there anything he can't do? Well apparantly not. Because after directing and managing his own band, coaching a womens baseball team featuring Madonna and becoming C.G.I. for a yuletide trip on a train more lavish than the Orient Express every Christmas (not to mention bringing into this world an all acting and rapping lookalike son), Hanks senior has shown he can put pen to paper too. Or is that hands to paper roll and carriage and fingers to keys? As Tom releases his most personal project yet from the desk of his home study...'Uncommon Type'.

And bringing us the best of common people like you like he does in his movies with this pulp fiction, Hanks is just the type for this sort of side-project venture. Not a long-awaited, sought after autobiography which we will hope to amazingly read one day, 'Uncommon Type' is even better. A classic collection of seventeen sweet and at times soberingly somber short stories from the man who has played them all. And here he gives a voice to the rest too in this wide world of wonder. A man dating a younger, more active woman who completely turns his life around...whether he likes it or not. A father driving home for Christmas with more than egg nog, family and present anxiety on his mind. A young actress looking for her big break and her place in the city. A group of friends on an exhibition, trying to populate Mars like Matt Damon's 'Martian'. And a local bowling alley hero bigger than Lebowski amongst so many more weird and wonderful characters and the stories they share. Not to mention some old fashioned newspaper blurbs from 'The Burbs' actor in journalistic character going against the broadsheet beating social media type. These columns and chapters all share something in type too. Not only so they feature in some small or significant way a reference to the greatest tool between the ages of the pen and the laptop in the hallowed typwriter, they were all perfectly wrote on one too. As each story stars with a beautiful black and white portrait of a different type of this magical machine in all its mechanics matching the outstanding, orange Penguin jacket of this instant modern classic looking read. This isn't the Tom Hanks you know. But this is what the readers truly want. A different side of the Hollywood star. And hats off to all his quirky short stories and whimsical writing with so much soul. Ones that like his legacy lasting, legendary roles get to the heart of what's most important in this world, an individuals character. And in the world of entertainment no one has more than Tom. "Hankful". TIM DAVID HARVEY.

THE SHOW GOES ON-An Interview With Roland Lazenby (Author Of Kobe Bryant 'Showboat')

Showtime & Tell

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

#TheKobeSeries

In his NBA lifetime the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan wore the number 23. The closest player to him and his greatness Kobe Bryant, 24. Kobe won five titles with his Los Angeles Lakers. Mike won six as a Chicago Bull. As a matter of fact there's little much else between the two retired, legendary 6'6, two hundred and something in the tens pound guards. Both have a legendary line of Nike sneakers that keep stepping out even after they've hung them up. Both men were coached by Phil Jackson and have played with legends like Dennis Rodman and Ron Harper. Both men have won Slam Dunk Contests but also knew how to step back and hit the iconic fadeaway. Both men have a magazine cover pin-up smile but a hero killing villain death stare when everything is flipped. Both men speak in tongues, shrugs and shooting for the heart. One-on-one you've never seen two players as competitive. And now Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant have both got biography bestsellers on the bookshelves thanks to basketball writer Roland Lazenby. The legend who was once most famous for his book on the NBA logo Jerry West, rewrote what was considered his definitive and most iconic read when he gave us 'The Life' of Michael Jordan in 2014. And now he looks to go better once again with number 24 as his book on Kobe Bryant 'Showboat' is sailing through Kindles and coffee tables as we turn. We caught up with Lazenby once again inbetween reads and what seems like a life that will always write to talk about his latest muse Kobe Bryant and the book about him that has come just a year removed from his last one and some months after the player himself retired. Because after all the show must go on...

Q. Hey Roland! Great to catch up with you again. Congratulations on all your success with your last book 'The Life'. After writing about Michael Jordan was Kobe Bryant always the next logical progression for you?

No, I looked at an array of options, as I always do. Ultimately, the decision is made by what the publisher will buy.

Q. How did the reception and success of writing about Mike inspire and motivate you to write about Kobe?

Well, confidence is big in any endeavour. You would think at my age that confidence is never an issue. But I’ve discovered that being in my 60s is much like being an adolescent. I love doing biography, and if you’re going to do that much work, it sure helps to have success.

Q. What was the starting point for your account of the life of Kobe Bryant mere months after he retired?

I always try to go for what I consider the revelatory moments. Showboat, the book on Kobe, actually began in three different places. An overview beginning after his first basket. An emotional moment following his second championship. A pivotal moment in the career of his father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant.

Q. Can you tell our readers more about the name of your Bryant book 'Showboat'? It was an old nickname that Shaq gave him right?

Yes, and it was a lineage he shared with his father, a great showboat player off the playgrounds of Philadelphia. The showboat elements of the game have always been at odds with the purists. But the dunk and other fancy elements have always thrilled fans, i.e. the Globetrotters. Sports stories are often a father/son romance, and this one is about that thing they shared, the love of showboating.

Q. You begin this book beautifully with looking at the career of Kobe's father Joe 'Jellybean' Bryant and his sons upbringing in Italy. How important are these themes in setting the tone of the text?

They define, in many ways, everything about how Kobe approached the game. Ultimately, he grew to become very much his own man. He defined that by making up a nickname and an identity for himself, Mamba, the killer snake.

Q. And with Kobe's purple and gold glory days with the Lakers how much did researching and writing about this take you back to your times sideline reporting with the Lakers?

So much of it did take me back. The Lakers are an amazing story as Hollywood’s franchise. I’ve spent much of my life exploring all of the elements of the Lakers story, and that began years before Kobe arrived there. Every book I do allows me to learn more and more about the Lakers. It’s not a simple story, as you might assume.

Q. How difficult but important was it to ask and talk about not only the accomplishments but the controversies of Kobe's life and career?

That’s always the difficult part of these books, the family and personal stories are always immensely complicated. And that raises questions about what should be reported. Some of it should be reported, because invariably I find that it raises my estimation and understanding of the person and his family. At the same time, I always look for limits. For example, as I rule I don’t write about a person’s sex life, unless it becomes a controversy and part of the public record. Even then, I don’t get into detail, because one’s love life is a private, private matter. I also think of my own family as I write biography. My parents were quiet, everyday people, but our ancestors were quite the rowdy bunch. Every family has its difficulties and conflicts and disagreements. I write about those to some degree because it often reveals the character or personality of the figure I’m writing about.

Q. Just like your book on M.J. this story is rooted in family how do the two books and players compare and contrast in this and how as a writer do you get to the core feeling of this?

Well, MJ is such a global iconic figure, the long story of his family is essential to understanding him. I don’t go into quite the depth of background with Kobe, because the big issue with him was his father as a pro player, the experiences for the family that created, etc.

Q. Which journalists and player peers were the most helpful and insightful in your look into the life of the Laker legend?

Gosh, quite an array of people offered different insights, journalists such as Shelley Smith of ESPN who covered him during the rape charges, or well-known basketball writer Howard Beck, who got to know Kobe as a young guy and had a great affinity for him. Rudy Garciduenas, the Lakers longtime equipment manager, was close to both Shaq and Kobe and offered tremendous understanding of both men, of the dynamic in the Lakers locker room over the years, and the personality of the franchise itself, from Jerry West to Jeanie Buss to Phil Jackson.

Q. You really draw us in to particular moments vividly. One being the preface standout of a championship cap wearing Kobe sitting in the Philadelphia visitors locker room alone and forlorn after winning his second NBA title. What can you tell us about this moment?

On the eve of the playoffs he had thrown his family out of his life in a dramatic move. Once he won the championship, the emotion of his actions and the conflict came flooding in all at once.

Q. Can you tell us how 'Showboat' differs to your other books on Kobe Bryant including 'Mad Game' now his career is said and done?

I wrote Mad Game in 1999. It was about Kobe’s adjustment to the NBA. Showboat is his full life and a full effort at understanding all the factors that have gone in to making Bryant the competitor and person that he is. Showboat reflects much greater understanding on my part because of how much I’ve learned in writing biography.

Q. In completing this story how has Kobe's farewell season and final game drawn a line under his basketball story and career arc?

His final game emphasized the title of the book. It was utterly a Showboat moment.

Q. Before Jordan you where known for writing the book on the logo Jerry West. A legend instrumental in bringing Kobe to L.A. How do the two books and players compare and which icon in your opinion is the greatest Laker?

Well, West teamed with the great Elgin Baylor to popularize the Lakers, a new team in LA in 1960, and over the next 14 years made them legendary. West then went on as GM to define the franchise in terms of his fanatical leadership and personality. He cared deeply, and the franchise benefited from his insane pursuit of perfection. Kobe’s story is about Kobe. He now has an opportunity to make it about more than himself. And he may just do that. West himself was quite self-focused as a player, too.

Q. After your biography 'The Life and Legend Of A Basketball Icon', Jerry West wrote his own autobiography. Are you hoping the same happens for number 23 and 24's memoirs?

Yes, that would be great. Biography has tremendous importance, I believe, as an independent look at sports/cultural figures. It’s important that it be independent because these wealthy figures long to control their own narratives. However, their own books are immensely important because they offer different levels of information and sometimes truth.

Q. Two classic books in the last couple of years you sure deserve a rest, but what's next? Maybe an appointment with the King?

I’m taking a long break. My wife just retired and we’re going to enjoy life a bit. Then I’ll start thinking about the next project.

Roland we thank you for your time. We really appreciate it. We wish you all the best for the future. Thanks again.

BOOK REVIEW: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN-BORN TO RUN

4/5

Born To Read.

Birthed on the boardwalks of a New Jersey's American Dream. Wrapped like a bandana around the steering wheel of a classic muscle car until it was tighter than the rest, Bruce Springsteen took to the iconic road metaphor of his lifes work and ran with it. Forget "the new Dylan" or even being his own "Boss". There is only one Bruce Springsteen and the blue collar representation of his hard work has made him one of the greatest singer/songwriters of all-time when it comes to the great American songbook. That's quite a road travelled and a legacy traversed for the legend. Every Springsteen song tells a story. From the downtrodden to the uprisen. He's made classics both in the youth of his career ('Greetings From Asbury Park N.J.') and the latest latter days ('Wrecking Ball'). He's released acoustic stripped down albums that get to the bare bones of his narrators (like the dark desperation of the 'Nebraska', 'The Ghost Of Tom Joad' and 'Devils and Dust' trilogy) and even an uplifting album in memory of those lost after the terroist attacks of September 11th on New York's trade towers (the raw, redemptive resolve of 'The Rising').

Yet we've always wanted to hear more from the bosses mouth for the man who has spent his life speaking up for others and telling their story. Sure there's been a lot wrote about the Boss. From the inspired interview inserts of Clinton Heylin's 'E Street Shuffle' (not to mention the 'Dylan On Dylan' like 'Talk About A Dream'), to the brilliant 'Bruce' book by Peter Ames Carlin, at one recent point thought to be the closest biography we'd get of Bruce to something more like a memoir. But Springsteen who wrote a powerful foreword in late, great partner in live E Street serenade, Clarence Cleamons' 'Big Man' autobiography has finally published his own mesmerizing memoirs. As the autobiography 'Born To Run' (named after his breakthrough and biggest album and hit song of the same name) instantly becomes our new, most sought after Springsteen scribe. With all due respect to the Robert J. Wiserman's wonderful chapter mixtape 'Walk Like A Man' featuring the songs and stories that inspired the rivers of his life. 'Born To Run', accompanied by the musical composition 'Chapter and Verse' of the same black and white, thunderbird lent falls snow drive cover. An inspired and interesting greatest hits package that features bootleg aside, previously unreleased material from his early days with The Castiles, Steel Mill and Bruce Springsteen band, featuring stand outs like 'Baby I', 'The Ballad Of Jesse James' and the before its time aptly titled, 'You Can't Judge A Book By It'S Cover'.

Streaming through his consciousness and the fathers land of his U.S.A. country he was born in, Springsteen writes something as deep as the Man in Black, Johnny Cash's amazing autobiography and as entertainingly well wrote as Willie Nelson's 'My Life'. As a matter of fact the next time you say hello to your four walls and read this by lamplight each night you'll see this story and the writing before your eyes brings even more depth and distinction that the tales he spun before your ears on many a record you and your headphones fell asleep to. Springsteen's scribles even turn a phrase around more times than the conceptual rotations of one of his classics. As he details his life on the road and all the love and sometimes hate he picked up on the way, his never defeated spirit is even scrawled down in an off-beat poet style. Kerouac would be proud. Of course the candid Boss talks about the heart of matters. Where he was born. Where he was raised. His mother. His father. His lovers. His Patti. His band and of course the road he took from E Street to the rest of the world where he showed his soul with all his heart. There's stories you know and ones you don't. Something Jack Nicholson said to him about old blue eyes at Sinatra's funeral, or just how much one of his sons favourite punk bands are a fan of Springsteen senior are worthy of your spoiler free own discovery. There seems like a million little stories like that from a man that has moved more than that many people as he's sung about all their tales of trial and tribulation to. The darkness of his now brought to the light depression serve to soothe other souls however in its powerful poignancy. But here as he really writes about every album and everything for the record you finally get closer to the American icon you've only dreamt of seeing or emulating. At first it seems strange that this formidable figure with a spirit of some mystery is baring all in the book, but this is one case were you should meet your heroes. As Springsteen sings from a different type of hymn sheet and teaches us even more life lessons than he already has in stories and soliloquys that are all power and no preach. It's a gospel that we should read and heed, again and again, time after years down the line, chapter and verse. Run with it, like that runaway American dream...it's your birthright. TIM DAVID HARVEY.