I know, I know. The music books are getting out of hand. I am part way through this bio of eccentric and avant garde(ish) musician Robert Wyatt. Wyatt started out in English psychedelic experimentalists Soft Machine who toured the USA twice in 1968 with Jimi Hendrix and with whom Wyatt was good friends. He had a rather interesting bohemian upbringing spending summers in Mallorca with poet Robert Graves who was a family friend. I am up to about 1970 where Soft Machine has just released their third album and Robert is looking like he's about to exit the band.
Next on the list is a book by indie rock goddess Kristin Hersh about her late friend Vic Chesnutt. I enjoy both Kristin's and Vic's music and by all accounts this is a loving tribute to this troubled man.
There is a connection between these books in that both Robert Wyatt and Vic Chesnutt pursued their musical careers despite enduring physical disabilities which left them both wheelchair bound. All the more remarkable considering how difficult the world is to navigate for people with disabilities.
Until next time, peace and love.
