Way Down - by Jerry Scheff (Paperback)

About the Book

WAY DOWN: PLAYING BASS WITH ELVIS DYLAN THE DOORS AND MORE

Book Synopsis

In this candid and perceptive memoir of his 45-year career, bassist Jerry Scheff takes us onto Elvis's private jet, on tour with Bob Dylan, and into the studio with The Doors. A stalwart presence behind some of the greatest names of popular music, Scheff has also played with Roy Orbison, Elvis Costello, the Association, Neil Diamond, Johnny Mathis, the Everly Brothers, John Denver, and Nancy Sinatra, to name just a few. Eschewing hype, Scheff provides a behind-the-scenes perspective, from having worked sleeves rolled up, side by side, with the great artists in their factories.

The book opens with the TCB band's learning of the King's death while en route to a tour date, a pivotal moment for him, the rest of the band, and the world at large. He then proceeds on a nonlinear journey that mirrors the process of true life-reflection, from his roots in San Francisco to his touring all over the world.

This is a tale of a man who has truly grown a career from a genuine love of music and of his instrument, proving how following that gift can bring a person to places beyond his wildest dreams. It is an exciting inside view of the evolution and craft and work of making rock and roll - a must-have for true music craftsmen and music junkies in general.

About the Author

Jerry Scheff (Berwickshire, Scotland) spent his early life in Vallejo, California, moving to Sacramento when he was fourteen. In the early 1960s after a brief spell in the Navy and time spent building his chops in Southern California, he took the leap to move to Los Angeles, where he quickly rose to the top among the droves of pro session players. In the late sixties, he began his work with Elvis Presley. He has played with countless artists and continues to tour with the TCB band.