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Ladies and Gentleman … is the adult version of a bunch of kids saying, “let’s start a band,” which sounds like an entertaining read to me for that reason alone. However, it is also (as this line stolen from the book puts it), “a lesson in persistence, perseverance, salesmanship, and faith.”
The main characters in this book are much different (which is where a fair portion of the story conflict comes from), but each needs “redemption” for different reasons. Even the wild card in the band needs something, although he doesn’t realize it and what it is isn’t readily apparent. A fun, feel good story.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
A story filled with rich and colourful characters whose interaction make it believable and enjoyable. I love a tale that pulls us through the trials and tribulations of fulfilling a dream.
Not only music fans will relate to this welcoming tale.
Great writing, Michael and thanks for sending 'Redeemers' to me.
Julie Elizabeth Powell, author of Gone, Slings & Arrows, The Star Realm, Invasion, Knowing Jack, A Murderer's Heart, Of Sound Mind, Figments and Misadventures Of Fatwoman
vvb32
Posted August 18, 2011
The comraderie and passion for musical performance held my attention throughout this story.
I loved watching the formation and growth of a music band. The interesting twist is that the band members are not all young hotties.
Ladies And Gentleman...The Redeemers is a fictional account of one mans rise from the gutter.
Bert Ingram was once a successful rep in the music industry who, through his own self-torture, loses it all, his career, his family and his contacts. One day he is living the good life, the next he's wearing clothes from the garbage and sleeping on a heat vent in some run-down neighbourhood.
One afternoon, while working the subways for his next meal, he happens upon a blind guitar player, named Abe, singing some Motown and Bert has an inspirational epiphany. He is going to put together a band that comes from the soul of the streets. After approaching Abe, and being rebuffed several times, he finally succeeds in getting some interest out of the old-timer who shares with Bert the name of an exceptional saxophone player. Taking the tip, Bert heads off on his quest for the ultimate band, his instincts are ticking again and he knows he is on the correct path this time. Taking one last swig of his bottle of liquor, he throws it into the river and embraces the future.
Charlie is a great saxophone player and after hearing Bert's pitch, joins on and becomes Bert's sidekick and advisor and together the two ride the subway rails in search of America's next stars. After months of searching they are growing frustrated with the raw sound and energy they are hunting for, while they have a few potentials, they aren't exactly what they require for their 'street thump' sound.
Dave Hollaway is going through a mid-life crisis, his dreams of being a great concert pianist are over, and he is deluded on his path in life. When he meets Bert and Charlie he is against the idea but soon warms up and joins the group. Next on board is Bongo Joe, a young lad with the dream but not the drive, who just needs the right people to believe in him to make his drums pump out the rhythm they were meant to. Ethan, the uptight university student, who believes he is better than everyone in the group plays lead guitar. Gene is a retired background musician living in a retirement home, Bert remembers working with him in the past and recruits him for his mean bass playing ability.
With everyone in place, the group begin to practice. Dave is great at writing music, Ethan has a way with words and everyone plays horribly together. Each member playing his own thing without thinking about the whole, and its up to Bert to find a way to bring them all together, to be the band he knows in his heart they are destined to be. Will he succeed in bringing this motley crew of redeemers together and making the big time or will all he succeed in is driving himself further into oblivion where there is no hope for rescue. This is Bert's one last shot to make it out alive and he's giving it all he's got!
This was a really good read, the characters were all enticing and believable. I thought their personalities to be endearing and loveable, even Ethan with his snobbish attitude, you just know underneath his demeanor is someone waiting to be loved and appreciated. I loved the back stories regarding each character and the choices in life they made in which they found themselves a part of "The Redeemers".
Quite truthfully, I would love to see this book made into a movie, it has a feel good attitude about it that makes you feel inspired to reach for your dreams, even as remote as they may seem in the beginning. I'm thinking there is enough character insight and
This is a wonderful book, well written and entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed it. 'Ladies and Gentlemen... The Redeemers', tells the story of Bert Ingram, a once successful music rep who worked for a major record company. Now facing middle-age, he finds himself destitute with nothing to show for the years he spent following his dream and the passion he has for music and spotting great talent. His former colleagues have given up on him and he seems destined to spend the rest of his life as an outcast. Bert has something to prove, so he makes it his mission to find raw talent among the down and outs in San Francisco; the musicians who play music on the streets. He has already set his sights on a singer he has spotted at Montgomery Street BART Station. We follow Bert as he tries to put together a band of musicians and lead them to super stardom, to prove to his former associates that he is still a major player. The characters are introduced by the author in individual chapters, where we learn about their backgrounds and lives. Although they are all quite different, they are brought together by one man who has seen something in them. Bert Ingram prides himself on being able to spot talent when he sees it. I liked the interaction between the band members and between Bert and the individuals in the band. It is a very realistic portrayal of a band and all of the behind the scenes aspects of that. I recently read an excellent memoir about the life of a touring band '33 Days' by Bill See, and I was reminded of certain parts of that book when I was reading 'Ladies and Gentlemen... The Redeemers'. The story of The Redeemers teaches us that everyone can learn something from another person, no matter who that person is. It also shows that it is possible for people of different social classes and backgrounds to come together and get along with each other when ignorance and prejudice are set aside. 'Ladies and Gentlemen... The Redeemers', reminds us that following our dreams is important, and listening to those who have experience is an important part of the journey. Highly recommended. Reviewed by Maria Savva as a reviewer for Bookpleasures.
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Posted January 31, 2011
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. Very uplifting and entertaining.
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Posted January 28, 2011
I orginally only got this book for two reasons. 1. It was free. 2. The writer's name was Micheal Scott( lol, the Office) anyway, I wasn't expecting it to be all that great, but wow, was I suprised! This book was amazing! I fell in love with the characters, and was almost sad when the book ended, because I wanted to keep reading about them. Awesome book that everyone would love.
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Posted November 24, 2010
Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.What if that bum you walk by every day is a brilliant saxophonist? Or suppose the slacker kid washing dishes at your local diner has enormous potential as a world class drummer but just needs someone to believe in him? These people exist. Often, the only difference between success and obscurity is one chance encounter.
This is a story of redemption. But it's also fun, well-written, and full of characters that grab hold of you and won't let you go. A truly great read.
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Overview
Ladies and Gentlemen…The Redeemers tells the story of Bert Ingram, once a successful rep in the music industry, who has lost his way. Desperate for redemption, the perpetual dreamer decides to put together a band, recruiting musicians who have only one thing in common: the need to overcome a significant obstacle in their lives. The volatile mix of the musicians' personalities and backgrounds threatens to derail the band at every opportunity, but in time, the Redeemers begin to realize they have more to gain from one another than they ever could have imagined.