Richard Manning featured at Open Book Club, Nov. 13

SEELEY LAKE - Richard Manning's new book, "If It Sounds Good, It Is Good: Seeking Subversion, Transcendence and Solace in American Music" brings another side of his life to our attention, showing us here his passion and love of music and how he taught himself to play. He shows us that we all have music, it is fundamental, a need in our lives. His whole discussion of those whom he met and played with, the greats he learned from and the friends he makes. His love of music and his path to playing and those who shaped his life in music, shine through this story.

Here, also, is how American music advances, American musicians playing four strings and no frets, on their banjos and drums, and founding American music as they play. Here also come the Irish, fleeing potato famine, with their fiddles and voices added, all blending to make new sounds for a new time. Now we have the blues leading the way and Manning proceeds to let us into those stories as they fill the spaces from thereon, American music now and for all time.

This is a great read, full of humor and historical facts of the progress of music, as well as the fascinating story of his own growth and life in general. It also shows us the truth of fellow writer Rick Bass' advice "...read this book and then read everything else he has written and everything he will ever write."

Manning will be reading from his book and performing music at Alpine Artisans' Open Book Club this Saturday, Nov. 13 at the Seeley Lake Community Foundation at 7 p.m. The event is free and everyone is welcome.