jonblake

Ok, here's a short extract from the novel which isn't at [url="http://dylan69.com"]http://dylan69.com[/url] and features the two main characters under the stage as The Band perform: Every aspect of the Band's masterful musicianship was amplified in Scott and Jayne's magic cavern: the thumping union of bass and drums, the orchestral swirl of the Leslie, the joyful duel of piano and guitar. “It's my dream!” exclaimed Jayne, with a gleeful grin. “I'm under Rick Danko” Scott bridled. “He's not that good-looking” he replied. “Oh shut up, Scott, he's beautiful!” countered Jayne. “Stop being so competitive” Confident they were safe and alone, Jayne sank to her knees, tipped back her head and savoured her good fortune. Inevitably she had a little something prepared for such a situation. “Fancy a J, Scott?” she asked, flourishing a spliff every bit as well constructed as the stage above. “Is it cut with a mandy?” asked Scott. “Don't worry, babe” replied Jayne. “I don't want to cripple you”. Scott was hugely pleased. No girl or woman had ever called him 'babe'. It was as if they were already a couple. Jayne lit up, drew deep, then exhaled upwards past her nose. “Good sh*t” she murmured, and as if in reply, Rick Danko's soulful waver announced the beginning of Long Black Veil, a meandering country tale perfectly suited to the absorption of the sacred weed.

[quote name='Len_derby' post='1259688' date='Jun 7 2011, 01:55 PM']Well Jon, your book extract has made me dig out 'The Big Pink' again for a listen. Thanks![/quote] That's great, Len, although I was hoping it would inspire people to dig out my book!

I was researching a novel about the Isle of Wight festival in 1969 (UK's first great rockfest, for the uninitiated) when I came across a guy who had got underneath the stage when The Band were rehearsing: a memorable experience which impressed upon him how great those musicians were. I made use of his experience in the climactic scene of the novel, where Rick Danko unwittingly plays a major role. Rick's sad death also gets a mention at the end of the book. How great a bass player was he? Even those who doubt his technical ability seem to agree he had something rare. Hope the book will serve at least as a small memento. Extracts can be found at [url="http://dylan69.com"]http://dylan69.com[/url] .