Unmasked by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Title: Unmasked
Author: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Published: 2018
Call #: 782.14092 LLO

 Andrew Lloyd Webber is a talented composer, of that there is no doubt, but he is also conversational, funny and engaging in this story of his life and career.   This is a no-holds-barred memoir and can get quite cheeky at times. He focuses almost entirely on his theatrical career and only briefly mentions his other passions for art collecting and architecture.  The early chapters deal with his rather idyllic childhood, but the bulk of the memoir is focused on his career and rightly so.  He takes the reader on a journey through each show, beginning with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat through the opening night of Phantom of the Opera. The stories behind each musical are fascinating and the reader will never look at them the same way again.  Lloyd Webber also delves into his relationships with Tim Rice, Sarah Brightman, Don Black and others, although the anecdotes involving them are often cut short for various reasons.  This is a definite recommendation for fans of Lloyd Webber, musical theater or even just theater in general.  

Michaelle S.
Popular Materials Assistant

Maximum Volume: the Life of Beatles Producer George Martin, the Early Years 1926-1966 by Kenneth Womack

Title: Maximum Volume: The Life of Beatles Producer George Martin, the Early Years 1926-1966.

    By: Kenneth Womack

    Published: 2017

    Call #: 782.42166 WOM

  This biography gives the reader a glimpse into the mind and the man who was behind the music of one of the greatest bands in history--The Beatles.  The life of George Martin and those of the Beatles came together in a fascinating and remarkable way to create the most exceptional music both artistically and commercially.  The early experiences of George Martin, his career and life choices alike make him THE man to produce the Beatles.  In this first book of two, the reader discovers how Martin made a name for himself as a producer while simultaneously saving Parlophone Records from ruin. The most riveting parts of the biography delve into Martin's discovery of and relationship with the Beatles.  It was Martin, with the Beatles, who created the job of “producer” that we know today; someone with artistic and technical background who could arrange music and bring musical suggestions to the group.  He was the first great music producer and his story is just as interesting as that of the Beatles themselves.  If you love the Beatles, George Martin,  pop music, or rock’n’roll or just biographies read this book!

Michaelle S.

Popular Materials Assistant