Count Me In: A Musical Memoir
By (Author) Tom Stehlik
Brolga Publishing Pty Ltd
Brolga Publishing Pty Ltd
20th July 2022
Australia
General
Non Fiction
Composers and songwriters
Percussion instruments
Autobiography: arts and entertainment
Memoirs
Military history
Military administration
781.66092
Paperback
221
Width 135mm, Height 210mm
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
"Toms book is really, all about love...Love of the music...Love for all the musicians hes ever played with...And for the Big Circle Of Love hes created in his life, by sharing so muchmusic with so many friends."
Greg Champion, Musician and Broadcaster
"Count me in leaves little doubt about Toms 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. Its 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.