JOURNEY TO A DESTINATION UNKNOWN
by Barbara Thompson MBE
Published by Jazz In Britain
This is the remarkable story of Barbara Thompson's extraordinary career in music. Spanning more than fifty years, Thompson outlines how her passion for music was ignited as a child and how this, through sheer grit, determination and hard work, brought a shy young woman to the forefront of jazz in the UK and beyond in what was a male dominated scene. Over the years, with her indomitable spirit, she has forged a career that has seen her pack out venues across the world with her unique brand of jazz-rock inspired music, as well as enriching the classical repertoire for the saxophone.
What makes this book so thoroughly readable and enjoyable is the author herself. She writes with an easy conversational style that is very direct and affecting, and for those that have met, or know Barbara it is if she is sat with you casually chatting about her remarkable life. As in person, the words capture Barbara's shyness and modesty about her career, almost as if she is in disbelief herself of her incredible achievements, and the joy she has brought to others through her music.
She deals vey candidly with many important events in her life, and where others may wish to bemoan their luck or complain about the hand they have been dealt, Barbara simply brushes them off, or dismisses incidents from the past that have been and gone and moves on, not letting things stand in her way or others hold her back. All this she does with humility and an optimism that is present throughout, and we watch as a sometimes niaive young lady learns quickly in a tough and difficult industry to take charge of her own destiny.
What is also refreshing about this autobiography is that is a shared story, and the role of her husband and the love of her life, Jon Hiseman is a constant present. More than just husband and wife, or musical partners, their story is simply inspirational in how they juggled working together while allowing each other the time and space to run separate yet parallel careers. No sense of ego from either, just love and support for each others goals and achievements. In addition, what shines though is the joy in the couple shared in bringing up a family together despite their burgeoning work commitments.
When talking about her music, the saxophonist is enthusiastic yet modest in her achievements, often referencing musical situations and bands in which she found herself, and frequently doubting if she was good enough to be there. The proof, if any needed is in the recording she has made during her career, either as a sidewoman or with her own bands, Jubiaba and of course, Paraphernalia. It is therefore fitting that, as if to accompany the book, the box set Live At The BBCis to be released on 25th November featuring 14 hours of music from 27 complete radio programmes made between 1969 and 1989.
The book is beautifully presented and scattered with lavish illustrations and photographs from throughout Barbara's life, both on and off the road, that serve to further bring her words to life, in journey that will have you laughing out loud one minute and almost in tears the next at the poignancy and sadness that has also been a part of Barbara's life.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
Published by Jazz In Britain
This is the remarkable story of Barbara Thompson's extraordinary career in music. Spanning more than fifty years, Thompson outlines how her passion for music was ignited as a child and how this, through sheer grit, determination and hard work, brought a shy young woman to the forefront of jazz in the UK and beyond in what was a male dominated scene. Over the years, with her indomitable spirit, she has forged a career that has seen her pack out venues across the world with her unique brand of jazz-rock inspired music, as well as enriching the classical repertoire for the saxophone.
What makes this book so thoroughly readable and enjoyable is the author herself. She writes with an easy conversational style that is very direct and affecting, and for those that have met, or know Barbara it is if she is sat with you casually chatting about her remarkable life. As in person, the words capture Barbara's shyness and modesty about her career, almost as if she is in disbelief herself of her incredible achievements, and the joy she has brought to others through her music.
She deals vey candidly with many important events in her life, and where others may wish to bemoan their luck or complain about the hand they have been dealt, Barbara simply brushes them off, or dismisses incidents from the past that have been and gone and moves on, not letting things stand in her way or others hold her back. All this she does with humility and an optimism that is present throughout, and we watch as a sometimes niaive young lady learns quickly in a tough and difficult industry to take charge of her own destiny.
What is also refreshing about this autobiography is that is a shared story, and the role of her husband and the love of her life, Jon Hiseman is a constant present. More than just husband and wife, or musical partners, their story is simply inspirational in how they juggled working together while allowing each other the time and space to run separate yet parallel careers. No sense of ego from either, just love and support for each others goals and achievements. In addition, what shines though is the joy in the couple shared in bringing up a family together despite their burgeoning work commitments.
When talking about her music, the saxophonist is enthusiastic yet modest in her achievements, often referencing musical situations and bands in which she found herself, and frequently doubting if she was good enough to be there. The proof, if any needed is in the recording she has made during her career, either as a sidewoman or with her own bands, Jubiaba and of course, Paraphernalia. It is therefore fitting that, as if to accompany the book, the box set Live At The BBCis to be released on 25th November featuring 14 hours of music from 27 complete radio programmes made between 1969 and 1989.
The book is beautifully presented and scattered with lavish illustrations and photographs from throughout Barbara's life, both on and off the road, that serve to further bring her words to life, in journey that will have you laughing out loud one minute and almost in tears the next at the poignancy and sadness that has also been a part of Barbara's life.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
