Review: The chaotic life and times of a Jazz musician
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 3, 2014
After reading the uniquely crafted Lazarus by Jason Akley, I was curious as to how The Psalmist, almost by Jason Akley, would stand up to its brethren. I have to admit that The Psalmist was just as unique and intriguing and entertaining as Lazarus was. Chronicling the life and times of jazz musician, David Threnody, Akley writes in a lyrical, stream-of-conscience manner that evokes the slow and easy style of jazz. Peppered with diary entries from David and his mother, interviews by David and his family and friends, radio and television interviews, and one-on-one interviews of those familiar with David Threnody, Akley looks at the complete picture of the devastating and chaotic life and times of David Threnody. A hero at moments and a villain at other times, David led a life that is hard to imagine for readers of today.I was particularly intrigued by David's story because much of it took place in East St. Louis, St. Louis, and the surrounding areas---my hometown. My mother used to sneak out of the house and go to Gaslight Square in St. Louis to see the great musicians and singers of that time. One of her favorite memories is of seeing Ike and Tina Turner perform there. I can just imagine her watching David Threnody perform on stage as well. The history of my hometown as told from David's perspective--booze, pot, women, racial tensions, poverty, violence--is more in-depth, personal, and much more colorful than anything that I learned in school. This is one biography that will haunt the reader for years to come.