The Book Band

Publisher: Seraphim Editions
Genre: biography & memoirs
Format: paperback; 172 pages; black and white photographs
Price: $22.95

Cool Fool covers the southern Ontario Blues scene in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. It is the story of Doug Carter's life in the music world, playing with Blues harmonica virtuoso Richard Newell (aka King Biscuit Boy) in the band Son Richard and the Chessmen. The Chessmen toured England, as well as playing clubs in Canada and the United States. During his career Doug played bass in company with many musicians, and has co-written numerous songs with Newell and with Guitar Mikey McMillan.

Review: “Carter’s been writing for years, both in his jamilton.ca blog in which he covers blues along the border from his outpost in rural Niagara, and his Blues Rockin’ blog, which birthed this book. And what a fine book it is. He pens an engaging, madcap journey through Hamilton musical culture, its bars, clubs, managers, musicians, agents, morals, sensibilities, etc. He’s got the Hammer sussed. Carter’s got a quickstep, greasy writing style; sort of like a less-amped Hunter Thompson …” -  Gary Curtis, The Hamilton Spectator

Review: “Doug Carter was there from the beginning, picking up electric bass around 1961 and joining The Barons, which later morphed into The Chessmen and then as Son Richard and The Chessmen. Both bands featured future Blues legend Richard Newell  a.k.a. Son Richard a.k.a King Biscuit Boy. .. for some reason an army of magnificent Blues, Soul and Rock talents emerged from Steel Town. This book explains why and eloquently so.  (It) is chock full of obscure and enlightening photos, which add to the tremendous value of this memoir. Blues fans (and especially King Biscuit Boy’s thousands of fans all over the world) will cherish this wonderful (book). … I really must say Carter has given us the Best Book on Canadian music ever written. -  Andy Grigg, REAL BLUES Magazine