Working for the Man, Playing in the Band

May 1, 2018

Guitarist Wood spent six years playing for James Brown as part of Brown's backup band The Soul Generals. By 1999, the hits had long been past, but Brown "never gave less than 110 percent," and here Wood delivers a fascinating insider's account of what it was like accompanying the "hardest-working man in show business." Brown cultivated an amazing group of players through the years, and many of them did their best work during their time with the band. Brown demanded top performance from his players and then raised it to the next level, and fans will delight in the stories related by Brown's longtime sidemen. Brown was by turns generous, volatile, exasperating, inspiring, and exhausting, and it's no surprise that Wood's tenure came to an abrupt end. Even so, for the author it was his greatest experience. VERDICT An insider's account that will delight both Brown fans and those interested in what it's like working for such a dedicated showman. Kudos to Wood for delivering the inside scoop on a demanding performer with exacting standards who brought it, every night.--Bill Baars, Lake Oswego P.L., OR

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