Bob Baldwin wrote a book. Yes, the prolific jazz pianist wrote a prolific book about the music business. It’s called, “You Better Ask Somebody!”. If I were a musician (especially someone starting out) looking for a book on the ABC’s of the recording industry, I would use this book as my industry bible. Bob is teaching, not preaching. He uses lay terminology for some very complex issues. He writes with conversational ease and warmth, as though he’s intimately connected to his readers and is looking out for our best interest in the music business. In this every man for himself society we now live in, it’s so refreshing when a stranger to many of us, and someone who certainly owes us nothing, imparts such valuable knowledge. In his book, Mr. Baldwin educates us on copyright ownership, predatory contracts, as well as unscrupulous managers, agents, et al. He even teaches us music mathematics regarding royalties, auditing of sales, licensing agreements, packaging, engineering, and more. Wow! Did you ever think you’d be getting a one-on-one course from Bob Baldwin? Well, that’s what reading “You Better Ask Somebody” will make you feel like. Each page held me captive. I was fully enthralled with Bob’s matter-of-fact approach (followed by detailed examples of each point), his wisdom and tales of his own trials, misdirection, upsets and eventual triumph and success in the music business. Wait! Bob even shares health tips to help musicians combat fatigue while going from gig to gig. The book also includes a glossary of industry terms, bonus tips, as well as a chronology of Bob’s achievements and a discography. If you are or know of a musician who could benefit from Bob’s vast knowledge, please purchase a copy of “You Better Ask Somebody!” from bobbaldwin.com or amazon.com.
No comments yet.