Title: Tuned In – Memoirs of a Piano Man: Behind the Scenes with Music Legends and Finding the Artist Within
Author: Jim Wilson
Publisher: Willow Bay Media
ISBN: 979-8989538416
Hardcover ISBN: 979-8989538409
eBook ISBN: 979-8989538423
Genre: Music/Songwriting, inspirational, Biographies, Non-Fiction
Availability: Paperback, Hardcover or eBook
Language: English
Paperback: 264 pages
Item Weight: 13.8 ounces
Dimensions:
6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
Review:
There is a quote from Bob Kerrey that I read a long time ago that goes: “Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.” In my life, I’ve seen unexpected kindness build everything from everlasting friendships to undying love.
In Jim Wilson’s Tuned In – Memoirs of a Piano Man, readers will be able to see how a single seed created by the act of an unexpected kindness flourishes into a garden filled with cherished memories, life-altering bonds, and successes that one can only dream of.
The story begins sometime during the author’s youth when he accompanies his mother to return some paintbrushes to a friend of hers. While his mother and the friend, Toy, are talking, the young Wilson finds a dusty relic of a guitar and starts to pluck at the strings. At the end of the visit, as the author and his mother are leaving, Toy mentions seeing him with the guitar and asks if he likes it. Wilson responds that he did, Toy tells him, “Take it, it’s yours.”
That was the beginning of the author’s lifelong love of music, all started with a random act of kindness.
Jim Wilson’s accolades are many, I listened to a list of his songs, which I played in the background while reading his book. His music was complementary to his book as it eventually shed light on the inspirations behind his beautiful pieces.
Jim Wilson’s autobiography is eye-opening. It was fascinating to read how a simple act of generosity and kindness could irrevocably change someone’s life in the way that Toy had done for Wilson. In that moment, Toy couldn’t have been aware that he had just planted a seed that would shape Wilson’s life in the way that it did and sadly, he wouldn’t find out as he would pass away before he could see that seed grow into a sturdy tree.
Outside of the various twists and turns that his career took, Wilson is very introspective and very candid about himself when it comes to his life and struggles, which is refreshing to read as most people would shy away from revealing such details about themselves, especially when it comes to the mental health. He points out his shortcomings, where he went wrong in life, and how he worked to better, not only for himself but for others as well. It made him empathetic during those periods of heartbreak.
The writing is spectacular. There are moments when the memoir was so vivid that I felt as though I was watching a documentary. I also enjoyed when the author introduced someone, he would give a succinct background on who they were, which was helpful. I’ll also give special mention to the great detail the author goes into detailing his work with pianos. As non-musician, I learned a significant amount of information about pianos from the book. I learned about techniques such as “Voicing,” which works on the tuning of a piano, and all of the information that would go into the MIDI. It not only demonstrates Wilson’s vast knowledge of his craft, but also how much care went into working with such a complex instrument.In the end, there are lessons that readers can take away from this book. You can say that the act of self-determination is what won him the day, the dizzying effects of pushing oneself with determination through desperation to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, that mastering such a niche artform like piano tuning can open doors one would never expect to walk through. The author’s belief in the Power of One was justified or just going for it and taking that leap into the abyss just to see if you can do it was key to all of this success. However, the biggest takeaway from this book for me personally, is that the author’s greatest attribute is his personality and his ability to forge bonds.
Wilson’s ability to strike up a friendship and build connections in his journey from a regular person with a dream to becoming a legend in the music industry is such an underrated skill to have. Yes, all of the other things I mentioned assisted him, but it was those bonds that helped him succeed and ultimately helped him achieve his dreams.
Strangely, I’m reminded of the stories I read about Ringo Starr. After the Beatles disbanded, all of the other Beatles and other rock stars lined up and helped Ringo with various parts of his career, which notched him a lot of acclaim as a solo artist. This was so prevalent that the Mersey Beat, which was a music publication in Liverpool, England in the early 1960s, dubbed Ringo “The Loveable Beatle.” Being a likable, friendly person is an underrated skill and Wilson shows that if one can tune it, much like a piano, anything is possible. Add a massive amount of talent like Wilson’s and anything is possible.
The book is a great read and includes a number of pictures of the author and many industry giants, which was a great bonus to have and adds so much to the overall book as well. Without any hesitation, Tuned In – Memoirs of a Piano Man earns an award-winning recommendation from me. Go out of your way to read this autobiography. ★★★★★ – Elijah B. (Explore Authors Magazine)