Cymbal Press is thrilled to announce the release of our latest book, Pity the Genius – A Journey through American Guitar Music in 33 Tracks, by guitarist and author Joel Harrison. The book is for sale on Amazon.com and wherever you buy books. Choose softcover, hardcover, or Kindle editions.
Pity the Genius is a deep dive into the often-tumultuous lives of 33 extraordinary guitarists, capturing their brilliance, triumphs, and struggles through biography and musical analysis of seminal tracks. From Arthur Rhames’ volcanic performances to the introspective elegance of Pat Martino, Joel Harrison encapsulates the essence of these musicians in a way that is both intimate and illuminating. The tracks he selects tell the story of American music across time and genre, representing jazz, rock, blues, country, folk, roots music, and more.
Beyond the music, this book delves into the personal challenges and societal obstacles these artists faced. Whether it’s the tragic early deaths of guitar prodigies like Danny Gatton and Jimi Hendrix or the enduring influence of genre-defining musicians like Prince and Joni Mitchell, Pity the Genius presents a vivid tapestry of musical stories that have shaped the sound of America. Ultimately, this is a celebration of guitarists and the extraordinary music they gifted the world.
Highlights:
- Arthur Rhames: An extraordinary talent whose life and career were cut tragically short.
- Pat Martino: A journey of recovery and rediscovery after a near-fatal aneurysm.
- Danny Gatton: The highs and lows of a guitarist whose virtuosity was matched by his personal demons.
- Emily Remler: Breaking barriers as a female jazz guitarist and her tragic struggle with addiction.
- Blind Willie Johnson: The spiritual and soulful depth of his music—and the hardships he endured.
- Jerry Garcia: The iconic figure of the Grateful Dead, known for his improvisational genius, blending of genres, and impact on rock and counterculture.
- Allan Holdsworth: The innovative genius who pushed the boundaries of guitar technique and tone.
- Roscoe Holcomb: His unique style and contributions to the Appalachian folk music tradition.
- Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The godmother of rock and roll, whose gospel music influenced countless rock legends.
- Prince: The multifaceted musician whose groundbreaking work in funk, rock, and R&B changed the music landscape forever.
- Joni Mitchell: The legendary songwriter and guitarist whose poetic lyrics and unique guitar tunings have inspired generations.
- Curtis Mayfield: The soulful guitarist and social activist whose music became the soundtrack for the Civil Rights Movement.
- Jim Hall: A master of subtlety and nuance, whose contributions to jazz guitar set new standards of excellence.
See the complete list of profiled artists here.
Advance Praise:
“This is really profound, evocative stuff—Joel is not only a great player, he’s a great writer. Everyone should read this book.”
“Pity the Genius reads like a memoir told through the lens of a listener, student and friend of pivotal, emotionally complex, guitar innovators of the 20th century. Joel Harrison takes the reader on a deeply personal tour that highlights the musical contributions and the humanity behind the artists.”
“What a wonderful series of essays. While Harrison is writing about guitarists, his subject really is how people deal with the need to make art, what happens at the intersection of creativity and personality. And Harrison was there: Allan Holdsworth, Danny Gatton, you’re finding out what it was like to be in their presence, what the world was like then, what was expected, what happened. Deep, deep stuff, sometimes profoundly sad, sometime ecstatic, but always illuminating.”
“Music is one of the most glorious professions, but it’s also among the cruelest. For every original artist who makes it over, there are hundreds who remain confined to the shadows, forever exiled from mainstream – or any – recognition. In Pity the Genius, a collection of tributes to maverick guitarists many of whom never got their due while they were alive, Joel Harrison rescues his subjects from what E.P. Thompson called ‘the enormous condescension of posterity.’ He captures the music they left behind in a deeply American prose, full of wit and existential wisdom, and refreshingly free of the pretentious cant often disguised as ‘music criticism.’”
“It is rare to find an accomplished musician who is also an accomplished, insightful writer. Joel Harrison’s Pity the Genius is the best of both worlds. Harrison finds the brightest light and the most secret dark in his subjects, and writes them out so they become, for a while, your own experience. If you are at all curious about the phenomenon of obscure mastery, including perhaps your own, read this book. Pity the Genius is a clear source of self-awareness for writer and reader alike.”
“Joel Harrison has created a book that every serious guitar player should, and will no doubt want to, read. It’s as comprehensive a collection of profiles as I’ve ever seen. He’s presented us with an eclectic but seriously comprehensive list of players from Snoozer Quinn to Pat Martino to Jimmy Wyble, Thumbs Carlisle, Danny Gatton, Dennis Budimir and many more extraordinary and smart choices. I can’t think of a good guitarist who wouldn’t think of this book as a delightful way to spend an evening and learn about this amazing art form.”
About the Author:
Joel Harrison, an acclaimed guitarist and composer, brings his unique perspective and deep musical understanding to this project. His previous book, Guitar Talk, laid the groundwork for this more expansive exploration. Harrison’s writing is informed by personal connections and in-depth research, making Pity the Genius a heartfelt tribute to the musicians who have inspired generations.
The book also includes contributions by Nels Cline, Bill Frisell, Vernon Reid, Henry Kaiser, Adam Levy, and Elliott Sharp.
Dive into the captivating lives of these guitar legends and explore the profound impact they’ve had on the world of music. Pity the Genius is a must-read for music lovers, historians, and anyone intrigued by the interplay of creativity and human experience. Embark on an unforgettable journey through the sounds and stories that have shaped American music.
Learn more about the author and his all-star contributors here.