“An incredibly detailed book” by Reggae Vibes

“First off, this book is in French but if that is no problem, read on…
The book’s subtitle (La biographie discographique par les historiens du reggae) indicates that this is both a biography and discography of the least-known and little- (accurately) documented period of The Wailers. The direct inspiration and source for this incredibly detailed book was the 15 CD reissue set that was titled the same as this work and appeared between 1997 and 2002.
Bruno Blum, along with the world’s foremost Bob Marley expert Roger Steffens and American researcher/historian/musician Leroy Jodie Pearson painstakingly researched, over a quarter of a century, the time from more or less Bob’s 22nd birthday to his signing for Island Records in 1972 and subsequent global success, and they ultimately saw the fruits of their labours when the project was released – in its entirety only in France, though portions did appear elsewhere. It was sadly short-lived. Blum here relates the process involved, linking up Kingston, Jamaica, Paris, London and New York, and the reasons for its all too brief availability. It is quite a story in itself…
The music is given context with an overview of Jamaican R’n’B, ska and rocksteady and a biography of Bob and his associates up until the set’s timespan – then the book begins in earnest, a deep dive into the 209 songs themselves (!), each one given a description of its provenance, significance, meaning, musicians involved where known, and where it has also been reissued if appropriate. Bruno has been actively involved, and key figures have been interviewed and are quoted here, slim leads followed and some incredibly rare records hunted down. A book that deserves to read – in this form – by everyone with an interest in Bob’s music that goes beyond the standard biographies.”
By Norman DARWEN – REGGAE VIBES