|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
An Extensive and Entertaining Ride A SoundPress.net Feature Article by Laura Lynch Gary Wien graduated from Lynchburg College with a B.A. in English. Since that accomplishment in 1992, he has been a freelance author, playwright and web designer. The inspiration for Beyond the Palace was his memories of growing up in Red Bank, New Jersey and hanging out in Asbury Park on the weekends. He recalls the Palace Amusement center, the boardwalk and getting into music clubs. His idea manifested itself into a comprehensive documentary of the Asbury Park music scene from the late 60's into the present. Gary has done extensive research and conducted over forty interviews to tell the amazing rock history of Asbury Park, New Jersey.
Debra L. Rothenberg is a professional photographer whose work has appeared in Rolling Stone, the New York Daily News and Backstreets. Wein has respected Debra's work since the 70's when she photographed Bruce Springsteen jamming with Marshall Crenshaw at the Stone Pony. The two met in an Asbury Park night club and remained friends over the years. When Wein first got the idea to write a book about the Asbury Park music scene he contacted Debra for photographs. The collaboration of these two talented individuals positively brings the whole story together. Gary states that Beyond the Palace "has been a true labor of love for me and I'm proud to include so many of Debra's photographs within its pages." The book right from the start should grab your attention with it's black cover and neon colored photograph of the Palace Amusement building with the catch phrase "the struggling city along the Jersey Shore with a music history unlike any other..." Turning to the back cover is a fuzzy black and white picture of the boardwalk and Madam Marie's. Four sharp quotes advise readers that this book is thoroughly researched. In a word Beyond the Palace is comprehensive. A quick glance at the table of contents reveals fifty-five chapters of interviews, descriptions of well-known music venues and band profiles. The last pages of the book includes official website listings and a brief bio of the author. In between is tons of great information and over seventy-five photographs. This book goes well beyond the Springsteen and Southside Johnny histories that have been the norm. Beyond the Palace tells the whole story from people who were there and who were a part of this unique music scene. My first experience in Asbury Park was a day trip to the beach with my older sister Joanne. We frolicked in the sea and went on some of the rides that were still there in the mid-seventies. On the way home there were still tickets available for a Poco show at what was then known as the Garden States Art Center. Hence I went to my first rock concert in the fifth grade. Little did I know of the thriving music scene in the seaside town that we left behind at exit 102. Gary's opening chapter is entitled The Upstage. As many may know this is where Bruce started playing but it was also the jam spot for many other promising musicians. It was a sub-culture in itself and Wein truly captures the spirit and energy of that famous club. Tony Amato from Boccigalupe and The Badboys is quoted in the book and explains that "most of the guys didn't show up at the Upstage until after their gigs were over... everybody gets to play. You start out with your own bands and then everybody starts mixing and mingling. That's how we met each other. Basically we created this, whatever you want to call it, sound of Asbury Park." (pg. 10) Details and descriptions are a high point of many of Gary's chapters and the opening one sets the tone for the rest of the book. Chapter two focuses on Convention Hall and the Paramount Theater where many big name acts played. Asbury Park was an ideal location for a concert as it was between New York and Philadelphia and Boston and DC. Many bands stopped over in Asbury Park between their shows in bigger cites (pg. 13). Therefore, this rather small town was a thriving center for music. The following chapters discuss some of the smaller clubs such as The Student Prince and the amazing people that played these halls. Chapter five is the start of the interviews Personal perspectives and memories are discussed in a question and answer format that gives the reader an idea of what the scene was all about in its heydays. Interviews and artists profiles scan the 70's into the present. Gary often uses similar questions which adds to the organization and flow of the book. A favorite inquiry appears to be what do you/your band want to most remembered for? It is astounding how many people Gary interviewed for this book. The wide ranging list includes well known musicians Glen Burtnick who is currently in Styx, Southside Johnny and Dennis Diken of the Smithereens. Younger artist such as Joe D'Urso, Mimi Cross, Highway 9 and Danny White were also contacted for their insights and experiences in Asbury Park. Wein scans more than three decades of change in music and a community in Beyond The Palace. This book is an entertaining educational volume extensively documenting music history but also describes the peak, the fall and the rising again of Asbury Park, New Jersey. Beyond The Palace can be purchased at www.asburymusic.com. All orders of books purchased directly from AsburyMusic.com will include a donation made to the Jersey Jams Fund, a great cause with a cool CD full of Jersey artists you should check out. Related Links: For more information on Beyond the Palace and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- AsburyMusic.com (Originally Published on July 23, 2003) |
PLEASE CONTACT US AT -- PHONE: 973.556.5400|E-MAIL
About Us | Band & Artist Community | Client Testimonials | Concert Tickets New Members & Music | Press Releases | Radio Show | Reviews-CD | Reviews-DVD | Send Music
© 2012 SoundPress.net | All Rights Reserved
|
