Author: Martyn Hanson. Editor: Colin Richardson
Published by Temple
Music
"…the absorbing inside story of Hiseman’s professional journey…meticulously
produced… a thoroughly absorbing account of a richly varied life on the road and
in the studio"
Russell Newmark in "The Beat" magazine
"….very impressed by this entertaining and informative biography of one the
greats of British jazz and jazz fusion, Jon Hiseman"
"…I am pleased to report that this is one of the most comprehensive
rock/jazz/(blues) biographies I’ve read in respect of its completeness and
balance..."
"…extremely readable – I can’t recall at any time flicking through any dull
pages".
Dick Heath for
ProgArchives
"Playing the Band" features an extensive cast of musicians and others industry
figures with whom Jon Hiseman and Barbara Thompson have been associated over the
years. Some of the great characters of British music are here, among them Graham
Bond, John Mayall, Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce and Colosseum’s original saxophonist
the great Dick Heckstall-Smith. Inevitably there are some great stories, some of
them highly amusing, but at other times the book can be surprisingly moving.
If you're a fan of any phase of Hiseman's career this book has much to offer and
for its comprehensiveness alone is highly recommended.
Ian Mann
A thorough chronicle of one of Britain’s all-time great drummers…
Martyn Hanson’s authorised biography recounts every step of a long and amazingly
wide-ranging career…meticulously researched.
Geoff Nicholls, "Rhythm" magazine
We highly recommend Jon’s book "Playing the Band"...
Alex Hutton & Kate
Winter
Anyone remotely interested in British blues, jazz and rock of the past 50 years
will find much to relish in the detail on such diverse figures as Graham Bond
and John Mayall…Jack Bruce and Dick Heckstall-Smith…Neil Ardley and Gary Moore.
…a suitably sized tribute to an often gargantuan talent, its 400 plus pages
complemented by many a black & white or colour photograph…of keen documentary
interest.
...an essential read for anyone interested in Hiseman and his times.
Michael Tucker in Jazz Journal
Hiseman’s story is one of single mindedness, tenacity, versatility, foresight
and hard work…. musically speaking, he was at the heart of the British
jazz/blues boom in the ’60s, working with the likes of Graham Bond, Mike Taylor,
Georgie Fame, John Mayall and Jack Bruce.... a well written and truly inspiring
story of one of Britain’s great musical assets.
Brent Keefe in "Drummer" magazine