Zoot Horn Rollo – Captain Beefheart guitarist – Book review – Lunar Notes.

Bill Harkleroad aka Zoot Horn Rollo is one of my heroes. I was fortunate enough to see the best band in the universe – Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band – a number of times back in the sixties and seventies. They were undoubtedly the greatest band that ever lived (and I’ve seen most of the biggest bands on the planet). Their interweaving rhythms, guitars and bass was the most complex and exciting sound to have been generated by any band. When that is coupled with Don Van Vliet’s (Captain Beefheart) incredible voice and poetry the result is in another planet.

Zoot was an amazing guitarist and remarkable individual. To see him play live in that band was a revelation.

This book is not a professionally written/ghost written book. It is not carefully crafted. It is Zoot reminiscing and talking about his experience in that band. I can imagine him talking into a tape-recorder with a friend. He saws he is not a writer, and he isn’t, but this is his story and recollections. I enjoyed it immensely.

Thanks Zoot. I loved your live performances and those brilliant albums you played on.

The Magic Band are still together with Drumbo, Rockette Morton and Denny Whalley. They are still brilliant and they are touring in November. Still one of the best bands around even without Don. What I would give to see Zoot do a guest appearance!