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Check it out... a new album! Formanism is now available!
Soundclips are available at CD
Baby or iTunes
To order your copy of Formanism,
send a check for $17
($15 + $2 shipping/handling) to 305 E Laurel Ave, Sierra Madre,
CA 93924
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This disc is a culmination of a concept that I've been working on
for years. It is compilation of tunes-both original and reworked
standards-that exemplify some of the qualities of the great masters
who have had a profound effect on me and have guided my path throughout
my years of playing. Because these artists had so much to offer,
in so many ways, I found myself zeroing in on a particular aspect
of their style and then added my signature to the mix. In many cases-even
in the context of an original by that artist-I may have made changes
that I felt best suited my style, that of the band, and strengthened
what I wanted to bring forth in our evocation and respect of that
person's artistry. I hope that through our efforts you will gain
a greater understanding and appreciation of these talented American
originals and that you enjoy listening to this as much as we enjoyed
playing it.
Click here to download the liner notes for this
CD (MS Word format)
To order your copy of Dedication,
Bootleg Vol. I, send a check for $17
($15 + $2 shipping/handling) to 305 E Laurel Ave, Sierra Madre,
CA 93924
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A Faustian frolic, an operatic adventure story told through jazz,
mysticism, and human folly. Imagine Don Quixote as a be-bopper and
you’ll understand Sam Mann’s compelling and poignantly
comedic quest. Besides the fun, there’s real humanity here—the
characters’ and ours.” — Peter Coyote, Actor,
and author of Sleeping Where I Fall: A Chronicle
“A tongue-in-cheek romp through the seamy side of the jazz
music scene on the West Coast. The story carries overtones of Faust,
coupled with Native-American shamanism. An excellent read, especially
for the author’s characterizations and intimate knowledge
of jazz guitar. We rate it four hearts.” — Heartland
Reviews
Jazz guitarist Sam Mann has been paying his dues for years; now
he’s ready for a little fame and fortune. When smooth-talking
talent agent Jim Dibbook offers him an irresistible package deal,
Sam goes for it, violating his own first rule of sensible behavior:
Never trust a guy who says, “Trust me.” So begins Sam’s
best shot at realizing his dreams, and his journey of self-discovery
through romantic love, betrayal, vengeful obsession, and ultimate
redemption in the bittersweet acceptance of his own common humanity
and his humble place in the grand cosmic scheme.
"Trust Me is a look at contemporary jazz musicians, and is
also a fine first novel. The characters are solid, the dialogue
is true to life, and in-depth detail is given to each relationship.The
jazz audience will find this novel a fast-paced and entertaining
reading experience. Blunt, honest, and surreal at times, Trust Me
is a novel that's hard to put down!" -- JazzReview.com, 2003
"Sam definitely has a lot going for him.. Over the years, he’s
attained a moderate degree of success as a jazz guitarist, which
enables him to book fairly decent gigs. Something, however, seems
to be missing: Sam wants a little more. So when talent agent Dibbook
approaches, promising fame and fortune, Sam jumps at the opportunity,
even though things don’t seem completely on the level. So
begins Bruce Forman’s recently published novel, Trust Me.Forman
, like his character, Sam, carved a niche for himself in the jazz
world with his impressive guitar playing. He provides a compelling
story that never loses the reader’s attention. Of course,
a novel needs more than an interesting plot to make it really good.
Forman obviously knows this. He creates believable characters and
provides thought-provoking situations. Throughout the book, he also
shows a definite skill for writing humor. Several scenes in Trust
Me are downright hilarious. There’s more here than just humor,
though. Trust Me delivers on many different levels.All during the
time Sam was on his journey, Dibbook was taking him for a ride.
Now a new quest begins, this time for revenge.This solid and well-crafted
work takes its readers along on Sam Mann’s journey. In the
long run, though,they might find themselves reconsidering their
own priorities. For a writer, that’s definitely a wish come
true." -- Book Review from All About Jazz by Kyle Simpler
To order your copy of Trust
Me, send a check for $17
($15 + $2 shipping/handling) to 305 E Laurel Ave, Sierra Madre,
CA 91024
To pay by Credit Card, order this novel at Cypresshouse
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