Review: DAVID THRENODY - A BLUES MUSCIAN!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 31, 2014
The Psalmist by Jason Akley is a work of “fiction and not a history lesson” that details the life of a man whose music inspired the author to take the spur of a moment decision to write about him the first time he heard him sing on the radio. Akley was driving and lost in the melody of the song when he comes to a rail crossing. The deafening noise of the passing train couldn’t fade away the voice of the singer as Akley was lost in his own world. He admits, “I suppose that’s when I became a fan. And why I decided to write this book about him.”The Psalmist is not your average book. It is a lengthy and detailed story of David Threnody (1918 – 1988), a blues musician. Some important milestones in David’s life:1918: David Threnody born in East St. Louis1927: The Mississippi floods; David receives his first guitar1933: Gerald, David’s eldest brother, flees to France1938: David plays guitar for money the first time at a Soulard Mardi Gras1941: David joins the Army1945: David records his first album in New Orleans; meets Bethany; they begin an affair1946: David marries Bethany1948: David and Bethany divorce1951: David records his second album in Austin, Texas1955: David records his third album1960: David records his fourth album1965: David begins an affair with Maddie1966: Benjy attempts to kill Maddie, Maddie dies saving David1967: David returns to the crossroads in Mississippi; records his fifth album1988: David Threnody diesThe Psalmist will delight fans who have known David Threnody during his lifetime or have heard/listen to his music. The book as a whole is readable and enjoyable.