This 235-page book, the result of a number of interviews with Britt Alexander that began in 1998, comprises 114 short chapters that are Idris Muhammad's recollections, in a roughly chronological order, beginning with his early memories in New Orleans, including his first gig as a nine-year old that led to his decision to become a musician.



Idris Muhammad (born Leo Morris) describes why he began using different weight sticks in each hand, how a birthday gift helped him develop his sound and talks about taking a drum lesson with Paul Barbarin. He then explores his move to New York where he became house drummer at the Apollo Theatre and the original drummer on the Broadway show Hair. Outside of music, he discusses his spiritual journey that includes becoming a Muslim and changing his name and, more recently, being an Indian chief in the Congo Nation tribe and enjoying his retirement.



It's an easy, informative and highly enjoyable read that gives equal insight into both Idris Muhammad's life and character and would make a superb audio book if read by Muhammad himself.