The following review by Ian Macgregor - Secretary and Newsletter Editor of The Jazz Guitar Society Of Western Australia - appeared in their Newsletter No 116 February 2009. Ian has kindly allowed me to reproduce it in full here :-

This book was a Christmas present from my daughter, and coincidently my review of it runs adjacent to Roy Rose’s tribute to Tal Farlow on page 4.

The author Guy Littler-Jones is an Englishman who has been a fan of Tal Farlow for many years. His research is comprehensive and starts with his early years growing up in Greensboro, North Carolina, his eventual move to New York, and his time with Red Norvo. These first few chapters are extremely interesting and you feel you are a part of the scene at that time. A detailed description of Tal’s technique is covered in chapter 4. His subsequent self imposed exile from the jazz world at the height of his powers to his home in Sea Bright, New Jersey are covered as is his “Return” in the late 60’s. His later years when he started touring again and the honours that followed give an insight into the man who was much loved by both his fans and peers. A complete discography and a list of his films, videos and articles about him are included. This is a very interesting read and a must for Tal Farlow fans.

The following review by renowned jazz guitarist Jack Wilkins appeared in the May 2008 issue of Just Jazz Guitar magazine. Jack and JJG Editor Ed Benson have kindly given me permission to reproduce it here in full :-

This biography of Tal Farlow by Guy Littler-Jones is chock full of historical information about Tal’s recording and performance career as well as interesting anecdotes by Steve Rochinski and Greg Clayton. This incredibly researched and readable book is a must for Tal fans. Guy writes about Tal’s early years, his experiences with the Red Norvo group with Charles Mingus, Tal’s “little red guitar” as Michele Farlow calls it, and a chapter on Tal’s unusual technique. (Chapter 4). This chapter will surely interest any guitarist who wishes to learn how Tal executed some of his uncanny lines, harmonies, and snare drum effects. Tal’s sign painting is discussed, his home in Sea Bright, his interest in electronics, and his “retirement” and return. Fascinating! Especially interesting to me are the stories of Tal’s time with Jimmy Raney and Sal Salvador.

Guy lists every recording, date, sideman, and tune ever recorded by Tal and company. Included are films, videos, and a complete bibliography. There are quotes from “Just Jazz Guitar”, “Downbeat”, “Crescendo”, “Guitar Magazine” and many other publications. Quite an undertaking. Obviously Guy has much admiration for Tal and his music.

The Epilogue chapter (10) is endearing and gives a short summary of a wonderful artist, guitarist, and very special man.

How fitting that I'll be filing Guy Littler-Jones' book next to the biographies of Lenny Breau, Wes Montgomery, Martin Taylor, Grant Green, Billy Bauer, and Bucky Pizzarelli. Tal Farlow should feel right at home. He was a monster of rhythm, melody, and innovation, all delivered at a lightening-fast speed (if desired). Thanks to Jones' book, I now have a good sense of Tal the person. He was a true inspiration, performing well into his later years and always with class and style, not to mention a creativity and technique all aspiring guitarists should strive for. Jones also does a fine job of detailing Tal's life's recorded work. For future editions I'd love to learn more about Tal's marriage of 35 years, his students, etc.

All in all a well-needed and well-done biography of this guitarist who stands tall among the giants in the history of classic jazz guitarists!