Both a great American adventure and a rare entry into asheltered world; Under the Big Top describes one mans pursuit of every childs fantasy: running away to join the circus. Bruce Feilers unforgettable year as a clown will forever change your view of one of the worlds oldest art forms and remind you of how dreams can go horribly wrong -- and then miraculously come true.
#735073 in eBooks 2009-10-13 2009-10-13File Name: B000UVBT4K
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Long overdue story of forgotten classic icon.By RalfonsoProcal Harrum was one of the more adventurous British bands of the late 60s-70s.Anearly version of the band recorded the most played song in radio for the past 70 yearsthat being;"A Whiter Shade of Pale".The author does a good job following the earlybeginnings of the band up to its current lineup.One cant say enough about Gary Brooker the lead singer ;pianist and composer of 90% of the songs.He is one of thegreat singers of this era.Keith Reid was the lyricist and his images are sometimesliteral but often times trancendent and evocative.Procol was one of the first bandsto record a 17 minute opus titled In Held Twas in I showing its classical leanings.Onemust also mention the contributions of organist Matthew Fisher who was there fromthe beginning and finally was recognized for a writing credit for Whiter shade after40 plus years.One chapter devoted to the court proceedings during 2005-2009 .The author had access to all the major players and songs are discussed with BrookerFisher and Robin Trower.There is no tales of drugs and orgies with the exceptionof Brookers bitterness of Fisher getting a 25% composers credit for Pale.He saidhe didnt do it for the money but for the historical recognition.There is a nice discography featuring all the recordings of each band member.I saw Procol 4 times (with Trower;Grabham; and Whitehorn as guitarists) andonce with Ringo Starrs band with Jack Bruce and Peter Frampton and Gary Brookerwas never less than outstanding.Garry Brooker and Keith Reid are the two constants in this saga which hopefullywill continue.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great biography of a great band!By Jim RichmondGreat book about a much neglected band that deserved to be among rocks greats (well; we can still do that in our own minds).The book covers a lot of ground; and evenly treats all periods of the band (and solo work as well). There is lots of inside information from the band; to give it the needed "personal" feel from within the band (something that many other biographies lack). I read it while getting familiar with the band musically - getting all their albums - and that made for a wonderful pairing.The only area I would have improved would have been to have more pictures; like along the lines of `Genesis - I Know What I Like; though there are definitely a sufficient number of pictures included. I really cant see how anyone would give this less than 5 stars. This book does exactly what it needs to do; and completely fills its role.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great overview.By Steve ZeeGreat overview of this legendary band and includes all the details of Matter Fishers authorship suit against Gary Brooker for A Whiter Shade of Pale.