This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Just Play Like You Do in the Basement is Rick Porrello's memoir of his life as a drummer, starting with his first professional rehearsal under conductor George Rhodes. He details his family’s musical roots, his father’s union work, and mentorship from his brother Ray. Porrello talks about competing in the Louie Bellson National Drum Contest and traveling to Las Vegas for the finals. He auditioned for Sammy Davis Jr.’s band, quickly adapting to touring life, learning from Rhodes, and performing internationally. Porrello recounts his time with bandmates, crew, and the greats of the entertainment industry, including Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope. After years on the road, he switched to pursuing a career in law enforcement, earning a criminal justice degree and working with police departments while continuing with occasional drumming performances.
Rick Porrello’s memoir Just Play Like You Do in the Basement is chock-full of well-written and genuinely interesting stories from what has undoubtedly been a fascinating and full life. As a reader two generations removed, I learned a great deal, including about many notable figures Porrello worked with, whose significance I had not previously appreciated but now respect. Porrello's shared moments, like his travels with Sammy Davis Jr., including a dramatic incident in Mexico City and a unique prison performance, really dig into the range of what he has seen, heard, and experienced. His detailed recollections extend beyond music to his transition into law enforcement, which is admirable, and his dedication to the steps necessary, like a later-life degree, rounds out everything he tells us. From international tours and entertainment industry shifts to personal issues and career highs and lows, this memoir offers readers a rich account of a multifaceted life, well-lived and well-told.
