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Absolute Beginner
- Memoirs of the World's Best Least-Known Guitarist
- Narrated by: Kevin Armstrong
- Length: 8 hrs and 45 mins
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Absolute Beginner
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Summary
"Kevin does what I pretend to do. Kevin’s a proper musician." (David Bowie)
"Kevin Armstrong has been around, and around." (Iggy Pop)
Growing up in a world of punk squats and the London pub-rock scene, suburban rookie guitarist Kevin Armstrong found himself signed to EMI as a solo artist in the early 80s, but fate had other plans for him, his life and career changing in an instant when he was called for a studio date with an unnamed star at Abbey Road.
That unnamed star was soon revealed to be David Bowie, and that afternoon’s recording catapulted this unlikely lad onto the world’s grandest stages alongside some of the biggest names in the business. Kevin has gone on to carve out a singular career as a producer, songwriter, and guitarist, performing live and recording with everyone from Grace Jones to Paul McCartney, Iggy Pop to Roy Orbison, Sandie Shaw to Alien Sex Fiend.
Absolute Beginner is the story of what it takes to survive as a self-taught musician. It provides an honest and funny glimpse into the backstage world of the artists Kevin has worked with, and is packed with acerbic, laugh-out-loud observations on popular music and musicians from someone who has had a prime seat at the high table of rock’n’roll for more than 40 years.
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What listeners say about Absolute Beginner
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- Mr L.
- 11-12-23
Great insight into a rock and roll lifestyle and that of a jobbing guitar player
Listening to this over the course of two weeks with my Kokoon night buds was a relaxing and enjoyable experience (I am a late night bedtime listener to audible). Kevin gives some wonderful insight into his early life and experiences and some fascinating insight into the music industry and the characters that inhabit it. It’s truly amazing the amount of people Kevin has played with over his long career, and musical giants.
Kevin narrates this himself, which I always find is better with these biogs, and his delivery is excellent. He reads it with great humour and affection and tongue in cheek manner. I especially found the part when he deals with creating music for the advertising industry later in his musical journey hilarious.
I’ll definitely take another listen in a few months time as there is always stuff you don’t pick up on the first time.
If you are interested about hearing about the music industry over the last 40 years, and what it takes to be a guitarist and musician in up to your elbows give it a punt.
PS. Also take a listen to Kevin’s Album “Run” which he mentions at the end of the book, it’s a cracking album in my view!
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