'Grand Prix: The Killer Years'

A BBC documentary titled "Grand Prix: The Killer Years" is both fascinating and gut-wrenching in documenting the horrific period in the late 1960s and early 1970s when Formula 1 drivers were perishing right and left. 

The archival footage is remarkably illuminating in capturing the dangers of driving a race car in those days. But it's the effective use of interviews with former drivers, mechanics, journalists and widows that pulls the story together and makes the hourlong documentary fly by. 

The documentary ends with a particularly tragic scene -- but one that encapsulates the theme and reminds us that racing is a much better industry thanks to brave souls like Jackie Stewart and David Purley who refused to simply accept common belief that death was simply something at which to shrug your shoulders.  

The rhythm genius of James Brown

Here's a terrifiic Los Angeles Review of Books podcast in which host Oliver Wang interviews R.J. Smith, author of "The One: The Life and Music of James Brown."

Smith shares great insight into Brown's colorful personality and long, varied career.

But Wang and Smith also spend a lot of time diving into the nitty-gritty of Brown's musical philosophy. Of particular note to me is a fascinating segment beginning at about 17:00 that breaks down the drum track on "I've Got Money" and debates Brown's impact on shifting rhythm patterns in popular music, the difficulty of playing a true shuffle and the contrasts and commonalities of Brown's two main drummers. 

Quick review: 'Street Player: My Chicago Story'

"Street Player: My Chicago Story" is Danny Seraphine's biography of his time as drummer in one of the world's most successful rock bands. 

What was originally Chicago Transit Authority quickly evolved into simply Chicago, and became a hit machine from the late 1960s through the 1990s. I've beeen a longtime fan of the band -- mostly the '60s and 70s output -- and particularly Seraphine's spectacular musicianship, so I read "Street Player" from a fan's perspective. 

To my knowledge there's no authoritative history of Chicago, so Seraphine's story shares a rich backstory about a prolific band whose blend of rock and jazz remain mainstays of American radio. And Seraphine hangs it all out, sharing warts and all of a band that lived the rock 'n' roll lifestyle 24-7 and had ups and downs you'd expect from any large family living under intense presssure to stay on top. Seraphine and co-author Adam Mitchell aren't gifted writers but the detail from 40 years in the music biz makes for a fast read.

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