Portfolio 2 Columns

Author Geoffrey Giuliano and Bonzo Dog man “Legs” Larry Smith had a professional relationship that spanned six wry, weird years in the early 1980s. Together they crafted a cockeyed film script for Giuliano’s firm, intended for George Harrison’s Handmade Films, entitled Half of Larry’s Lunch, which, unfortunately, never made it to the screen and was eventually dropped. With concentrated work on the project conducted in pastoral Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, and Toronto, the two men spent untold months living and working together. Only recently was the interview and other material used in the production of this unique audiobook discovered after being lost for over three decades. With a lively, fairly bizarre interview between the two, an oddly amusing collection of Henley street interviews conducted by Geoffrey, and other Giuliano-penned musical odds and ends, here is a rare inside look at not only the unlikely relationship between these two talented men but also a breakdown of the creative process in its rawest and most primal form. An audio biographical must for all pop and rock fans, Bonzo Dog freaks, film buffs, underappreciated punks of all shapes and sizes as well as all university and school systems.

The enigmatic founder and leader of the Beatles, John Lennon was not only a groundbreaking musician and composer for the ages but also a keen philosopher, seeker of truth, and politically savvy advocate of nonviolence, tolerance, and unrestricted personal freedom. The enlightened big brother to now several generations, Lennon consistently gave everything he had, and then some, to his liberated, infectious music and wide-ranging, common-sense political ideals. In this expansive, comprehensive collection, the very best of John Lennon’s thought-provoking words, the myth, legend, and rumor surrounding this great man is stripped away, and the real John as artist and thoughtful global citizen emerges. Carefully edited to relieve the listener of the tedious twee of the almost always ill-informed and sensationalist-seeking interviewer, Lennon is free to speak his mind on an incredible array of subjects; including his work with the Beatles, his days as a freaky peace politician, his relationships with the other members of the group, the painful trails of his parentless childhood, the creation of his artistic work, and other equally engrossing entertaining Lennonspeak. Here is the perfect collection of the great John Lennon for every dedicated Beatles fan, music historian, the media, as well as all school, library, institutional, and university collections.

Once again, the delightful children’s storyteller The Old Gray Goose enlightens and entertains children of all ages in this comprehensive collection of stories, songs, and white lies dedicated to the joyous Christmas season. Goose, the evergreen advocate of kids everywhere, is that one in a million who not only dedicated his life to helping young people grow with the proper values but was also a magically engrossing spinner of tall tales, instructive stories, and just plain good old-fashioned fun. The Old Gray Goose is throwing a Christmas party, and you’re all invited! As entertaining as they are educational, here is the perfect Christmas present for all boys and girls, parents, educators, and library systems. A very merry Christmas from The Old Gray Goose!

The original ‘Yoga Secrets of Patanjali’ are in themselves exceedingly brief, less than ten pages in the original ancient texts. Yet, as they are based upon the great, timeless BHAGAVAD GITA they contain the essence of all practical wisdom, set forth in admirable order and great detail. This timeless theme, brings forth a palpable spiritual regeneration, the re-birth of the spiritual from the psychical: the same sacred theme which the realized yogis of India so wisely and eloquently set forth over 5000 years ago. Perfect for all students of the eight fold yoga path, curious commuters, and all library and school collections. A once-in-a-lifetime audio experience event. Perfect for universities and digital educational media.

Ginger Baker was, without question, the foremost drummer of his generation, having formed supergroups Cream and Blind Faith. In the early 1990s, author Geoffrey Giuliano received a call from Baker asking if he would be interested in writing his autobiography. From there, a turbulent, yet fruitful relationship ensued between the two. While the book they wrote together has yet to be published, here, at last, are the exclusive, in-depth, upfront, and highly personal conversations the two unlikely friends recorded in a Clarence, New York studio all those years ago. Ginger speaks his mind, holding forth on the particulars of his amazing life and work and in so doing reveals something he has always ardently tried to hide – that he is really a lovely, caring, sensitive man. For everyone interested in the history, art, and cultural significance of the popular music of the 20th century, this bold series is a once in a lifetime, must have audio event. Perfect for universities and all educational media as well as music fans everywhere, Contains adult language and mature themes. Not recommended for children. Parental warning – graphic content.

Wuthering Heights is an 1847 novel by Emily Brontë, published under the pseudonym Ellis Bell. It concerns two families of the landed gentry living on the West Yorkshire moors, the Earnshaws and the Lintons, and their turbulent relationships with Earnshaw’s adopted son, Heathcliff. It was influenced by Romanticism and Gothic fiction. Wuthering Heights is now considered a classic of English literature, but contemporaneous reviews were polarized. It was controversial for its depictions of mental and physical cruelty, and for its challenges to Victorian morality, and religious and societal values.

Although Wuthering Heights is now a classic of English literature, contemporaneous reviews were deeply polarised; it was controversial because of its unusually stark depiction of mental and physical cruelty, and it challenged Victorian ideas about religion, morality, class and woman’s place in society. The English poet and painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti, although an admirer of the book, referred to it as “A fiend of a book – an incredible monster The action is laid in hell, – only it seems places and people have English names there.” Wuthering Heights was influenced by Romanticism including the novels of Walter Scott, gothic fiction, and Byron, and the moorland setting is significant. The novel has inspired many adaptations, including film, radio and television dramatisations; a musical and even a ballet.

What is it which still drives The Rolling Stones, all well into their 70s (with the exception of guitarist Ron Wood) to continue to commit to the grueling grind of international touring year after year? Although they all have large families it certainly can’t be the money anymore. They pretty much all stopped drinking and drugging, and despite their sometimes outrageous appearance lead fairly conservative familial lives. The wild adulation of the fans, let’s face it, after 50+ years must, by definition, become rather tiresome. Yet still the answer as to why they continue to do what they do so well is very simple – it’s the music stupid. The fact is the Rolling Stones get the same incredible high-octane kick out of their music as the fans do. And why not play music into your 70s – all of their original heroes, the old Delta blues men certainly did! In this unique audiobook by actor, author, narrator Geoffrey Giuliano you’ll find the very best of the Stones in their own words and of those who know them best. For every committed fan, popular music historian, casual listener, student of 20th century art and culture, curious commuter, as well as all library and school systems, here is the perfect audio addition to your collection. Listen to it, learn from it, and enjoy the incredible spectacle, high art and unthinkable longevity of the fabulous and imaginative rock band founded so many years ago by the late great Brian Jones. Ladies and gentlemen The Rolling Stones!