PopMarket Backstage

Light & Shade: Conversations with Jimmy Page
by Brad Tolinski
(Crown)

While working for Guitar World,  journalist Brad Tolinski got to interview Jimmy Page consecutively over the past 20 years and this book comes from many of their conversations.

Filled with black-and-white photos, the book discusses everything you want to know about one of rocks most legendary guitarists. From Page’s early beginnings as a touring and studio musician, to the influence of art school on his music, his relationship with fellow musician Jeff Beck, the foundations of the Yardbirds, the origins of Page using a violin bow on electric guitar, and the evolution of Led Zeppelin. Also included are interludes of conversation with musicians and people like Jack White, John Paul Jones, Danny Goldberg and more.

Here is a quote from the music documentary It Might Get Loud, where Jimmy briefly touches on what the term ‘light and shade’ means to him: “Dynamics…whisper to thunder; sounds that invite you in and intoxicate. The thing that fascinates me about the guitar is that no one ever approaches it the same way. Everyone plays differently and their personality always comes through.”

Overall, this book is as close to the mystical Jimmy Page as one can get and if you’re reading this I highly recommend you buy it.