Bill Harkleroad joined Captain Beefheart's Magic Band at a time when they were changing from a straight ahead blues band into something completely different. Through the vision of Don Van Vliet (Captain Beefheart) they created a new form of music which many at the time considered atonal and difficult, but which over the years has continued to exert a powerful influence. Beefheart re-christened Harkleroad as Zoot Horn Rollo, and they embarked on recording one of the classic rock albums of all time - Trout Mask Replica ¬- a work of unequalled daring and inventiveness. Further LPs like Lick My Decals Off Baby and Clear Spot highlighted what a truly innovative band they were, and what a dazzlingly original guitarist Harkleroad was becoming. Since Captain Beefheart's retirement from the music industry, many outside commentators have tried to put their finger on what was so special about The Magic Band of that time. Now for the first time we get the insider's story. Harkleroad reviews the often uncomfortable and difficult inner workings of the band, giving an unparalleled insight into the way the music was put together. At last, we find out what it was like to record, play and live with an eccentric genius such as Beefheart.
