David Tell
Midtown Messenger
March 21, 2005
Before Phoenix was-Uh, Cool?
There are times when I’ve felt stuck in Phoenix. And there are those who felt it, and have vamoosed. One of them, musician, author and artist Arthur Edwards, made it out and has hardly looked back-til now.
It was Edwards, and his fictional surrogate, Josh Hotle-“Hote”-who felt stuck, in limbo, briefly spinning his wheels (literally) over the few days’ time in the early ‘90s when he was planning to leave … just about to hit the road to join the then-nascent Seattle music scene.
The story takes place over three days, and thus could also have been titled, “Three Days in the Valley,” except there’s already a film called “Two Days in the Valley” (different valley, and it came first).
Still, the book being organized that way, with sub-chapters, is effective-Edwards exhibits some of the same storytelling skills in his little novel as the makers of some short films reviewed elsewhere in this issue displayed in their medium.
To whit, the book starts out with Hote having a last cup of coffee at a Waffle House at Baseline and Priest. His Pontiac Ventura is loaded up with his earthly possessions-most importantly, his bass guitar. See, he’s been invited to join a band in Seattle, and needs to be there by Sunday evening for a jam.
But, a woman and a local engagement-in fact, an opportunity to be bassist for a new band with a regular gig at Chuy’s-complicate things. Will he, or won’t he? Should he or shouldn’t he? Hote’s already reassured the maker of the Seattle offer to hold his spot, he’ll be there … still, it seems he’s dallying, stuck outside of Phoenix.
Which new life is the one? Well, no spoilers here, but hanging in there to learn Hote’s decision is an enjoyable ride, possibly a nostalgic one too for those familiar with Phoenix and its music scene in the early ‘90s. (Or for those who aren’t, but who will see the roots and landmarks of some of the current cultural and physical landscape in this diverting little tale).
What’s clear is that this is Edwards’ scene, and, to some extent, his life and choices. He’s a pretty good observer, conjures up both Hote’s inner and outer world with concrete detail, down-to-earth dialogue, and unsentimentally but sympathetically drawn characters.
Midtown Messenger
March 21, 2005
Before Phoenix was-Uh, Cool?
There are times when I’ve felt stuck in Phoenix. And there are those who felt it, and have vamoosed. One of them, musician, author and artist Arthur Edwards, made it out and has hardly looked back-til now.
It was Edwards, and his fictional surrogate, Josh Hotle-“Hote”-who felt stuck, in limbo, briefly spinning his wheels (literally) over the few days’ time in the early ‘90s when he was planning to leave … just about to hit the road to join the then-nascent Seattle music scene.
The story takes place over three days, and thus could also have been titled, “Three Days in the Valley,” except there’s already a film called “Two Days in the Valley” (different valley, and it came first).
Still, the book being organized that way, with sub-chapters, is effective-Edwards exhibits some of the same storytelling skills in his little novel as the makers of some short films reviewed elsewhere in this issue displayed in their medium.
To whit, the book starts out with Hote having a last cup of coffee at a Waffle House at Baseline and Priest. His Pontiac Ventura is loaded up with his earthly possessions-most importantly, his bass guitar. See, he’s been invited to join a band in Seattle, and needs to be there by Sunday evening for a jam.
But, a woman and a local engagement-in fact, an opportunity to be bassist for a new band with a regular gig at Chuy’s-complicate things. Will he, or won’t he? Should he or shouldn’t he? Hote’s already reassured the maker of the Seattle offer to hold his spot, he’ll be there … still, it seems he’s dallying, stuck outside of Phoenix.
Which new life is the one? Well, no spoilers here, but hanging in there to learn Hote’s decision is an enjoyable ride, possibly a nostalgic one too for those familiar with Phoenix and its music scene in the early ‘90s. (Or for those who aren’t, but who will see the roots and landmarks of some of the current cultural and physical landscape in this diverting little tale).
What’s clear is that this is Edwards’ scene, and, to some extent, his life and choices. He’s a pretty good observer, conjures up both Hote’s inner and outer world with concrete detail, down-to-earth dialogue, and unsentimentally but sympathetically drawn characters.