Set against the backdrop of the musical revolution that started with the Beatles, the novel begins in 1968, a year after 'The Summer of Love' and follows the story of Daniel Luckham, a young classical pianist studying at the Royal College of Music. Seduced by the rock music scene and vibrant counter culture in London at that time, he contrives to leave college and pursue a career in 'Rock'. But some bad decisions lead him down a dark and dangerous alley, populated by drug dealers, unscrupulous managers and femme fatales. On his journey to fulfil his dreams, Daniel finds his integrity challenged, and the innocence of youth cruelly stripped away.
ABOUT THE ROCK ARTIST'S PROGRESS
The Rock Artist’s Progress – Welcome To America, is the second in a trilogy of novels by Charles Shorwell – better known to most music fans as Darryl Way, virtuoso violinist from progressive rock founding fathers Curved Air.
Mining his over 40 years worth of memories, experiences and observations of the music industry, Darryl Way (aka Charles Shorwell) authentically recreates the music scene of the 60’s and 70’s, bringing back to life a time of great energy and change. Darryl’s story telling displays an eye for detail which can only be achieved by someone who has truly lived it.
The Rock Artist’s Progress charts the adventures of a young, up and coming musician as he attempts to navigate his way through the vibrant, yet notorious difficult music business of the era.
In this, Darryl’s second novel in the trilogy, our protagonist, Daniel Luckham, finds himself playing keyboards for a prog rock band whose star is on the ascendant. Swept along by the excitement of being in America, the home of “rock n roll”, Daniel begins an adventure which takes a number of unexpected twists and turns. From a hair-raising encounter in Harlem, an un-trustworthy manager, a terrifying plane journey to rapacious groupies and a devious tour agent. Luckham experiences it all. Yet he also has encounters with some of his musical heroes, including Keith Emerson, Ian Anderson and Johny Winter. Darryl Way shows us both the good and the bad of trying to make your way as a musician.
‘Darryl Way proves to be a natural storyteller, in this highly entertaining, nostalgic comedy novel. The colourful tale is populated by muses, crusty hippies, dodgy dealers and even dodgier managers, homely girls and femmes fatales. A really enjoyable read!’ ~ PROG Magazine
THE ROCK ARTIST'S PROGRESS STORE
You can buy PDF downloads of both volumes of The Rock Artist’s Progress as well as the Magenta Aura CD and print edition of Volume One bundle exclusively from Burning Shed.
