The Hellhound Sample - ****

By Charles Shaar Murray, published by Headpress, 287 pages paperback, £12.99

The book charts the story of James 'Blue' Moon, a fictional story of one of the greatest blues musicians of all time.

The beginning starts in 1932 when Moon is 10 years old and first sees Robert Johnson playing his guitar on a street corner. Moon was the son of a strict preacher, who renounced the guitar as the devil's work. The myth was that Robert Johnson met the devil at the crossroads, and sold his soul in return for the musical ability he craved in his voice and guitar. That day however, Moon became transfixed by Johnson's music, and a few years later at the age of 16, he manages to acquire Johnson's guitar. This would help shape his destiny into history as one of the most respected bluesmen of all time.

The bulk of the story however is set over 70 years later in 2004, with Moon now 82 years old and dying of cancer. His last wish is to reunite his estranged family to make one last album together. This includes his daughter Venetia from his previous marriage (a now famous soul diva), his grandson Calvin (a respected hip hop music producer/mogul) and one time protege, Mick Hudson, a now ageing British rock and roll star. Interspersed with flashbacks to years gone by to flesh out the characters, we find out more about each of their less than straight forward lives, and the turmoil which meant deep emotions keeping them all apart for many years. Moon's quest is in some way brought about by his own need for redemption, to right some of the wrongs he did himself in his earlier life, particularly during his first marriage which he neglected for his music.

Notwithstanding the 'devilish' undercurrent within the story, which is present but in small doses (predominantly encompassed through character dreams), this book is really about the people and the music, and this is what bonds it together and drives your interest. Certainly once the well developed character studies are pulled through in the first half of the book, the second half builds up strong momentum into an enjoyable page turner.

Being extremely well written, it also encapsulates the feel of each musical period and genre (blues in particular clearly) into an accessible and lifelike way, even for someone with no real appreciation for this type of music.

Because of its title and its themes it is hard to categorise this book into a particular genre but it doesn't really matter. Essentially you have a story which presents a good read, joined together by the well developed lead characters. This is the first fictional novel by respected music journalist Charles Shaar Murray, and based on the notes in the book, appears to have been a labour of love for many years to write and get published. Hopefully it will find a deserving and appreciative audience.

Dino Marabese

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