Includes a detailed discography and lyric sheets.

    Written by David Clayton and Todd K. Smith, the narrative guides the reader through the foundation and early influences that inspired four young musicians to combine forces and plunge headlong into the late sixties revolving music scene. Entitled Heavy Load, this 300-page epic catalogues the long months of a struggling band playing smoke filled pubs eventually winning an overwhelming fan adoration. It marks the heady days of having a hit single and album, which eventually lead to the inevitable first split in 1971. The short-lived splinter bands, KKTR, Peace and Toby, are explored and the reasons for Frees reformation in 1972 explained. This volume runs right to the very end of their career in 1973 and into the early exploits of Bad Company, Sharks and Back Street Crawler leading inevitably to the tragic death of Paul Kossoff in 1976, the true end of Free. Their legacy lives on through musicians as diverse as Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Black Crowes, Ocean Colour Scene, Paul Weller and Gov't Mule, all who have sighted them as a major influence. Their mentor, Alexis Korner, called them "The last major band to come out of the sixties", and famed producer, Al Kooper hails them as "The greatest band that ever lived".

    Packed with hundreds of astonishing photographs, Reggae Bloodlines captures the restless rhythm of reggae culture like no book before or since.

    Is it pearls of wisdom from an experienced pro, or rambling drivel from a burnt out road dog? I guess that's up to you the readers. (Reviews have been kind.) The book has anecdotes from the road, essays, advice, cartoons and more - all with humor and a sense of how special it is to be a musician and working with other great players.The most often quoted excerpt from the book is "In the Beginning" - a quasi biblical chapter about bass playing - it's circulated around all the Net numerous times, as forwarded humor.An early review: ".... a fun melange of wisdom that could have come only from someone who's logged as many road miles and studio hours as Tony Levin. At times whimsical and at times profound, the book provides a unique glimpse into the life of a top-echelon working musician. Nowhere else can you learn as much about bass and life--we all benefit from Tony's decades of experience with both." ------Karl Coryat, Senior Editor, Bass Player Magazine