Count Me In: A Musical Memoir

Description

Drummers in bands are often overlooked whereas the singers and lead guitarists get all the attention. But who is it that they turn to and ask: 'Count me in?' Tom Stehlik picked up the sticks at 14 and has never dropped the beat since. With over 50 years behind a drum kit, he provides a unique perspective 'from the drum stool' on the contemporary music scene with vivid recollections of gigs, people, places, sounds and sights. From meeting Paul Kelly at university in Adelaide in the 1970s and playing in his first band; to touring Australia with Redgum in the 1980s; playing avante-garde music with quirky Adelaide bands such as Systems Go and Speedboat; gigging, touring and recording blues, rockabilly, jazz, country and psychedelic pop; playing at gigs ranging from audiences of three people and a dog to performing in front of thousands and through it all, Tom has never lost his passion for drumming. This book is in celebration of drummers, Tom Stehlik and his love of the beat, and each time he was asked to join a band his response: 'Count me in!' "An entertaining and insightful look into the everyday life of an artist." Paul Kelly, Musician "What a lovely read, I so thoroughly enjoyed this book and trip down memory lane." Adrienne Sach, Sydney Conservatorium of Music "Tom's book is really, all about love...Love of the music...Love for all the musicians he's ever played with...And for the Big Circle Of Love he's created in his life, by sharing so much music with so many friends." Greg Champion, Musician and Broadcaster "'Count me' in leaves little doubt about Tom's enthusiasm for music. While he might have started playing rock, the genres span folk, rockabilly, avant-garde, jazz, blues, and a catalogue of original material. It's an enticing read, covering band politics, informed by keen observation and commentary." David Moncrieff, Writer and Arts Broadcaster

Tom Stehlik has lived a life in music. Having picked up the drumsticks at 14, fifty years later he is still passionate about drumming. He has played in bands throughout his adult life as a semi-professional musician while also juggling a relationship, children, full-time teaching jobs, and eventually a career as an academic. Count Me In is Tom's first book.