PRESS
PRESS RELEASES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCTOBER 24, 2011
Contact: Erin Rolfs erolfs@lsu.edu/ 225.578.8282
Barbara Adolph /baprpro@gmail.com
Multimedia Novel, Dirtdobber Blues, Singled Out by House of Blues for Premiere Retail Locations
Book mixes rock n’ roll, viz art, and the life and death of a Louisiana legend, now in House of Blues
“Reminiscent of Kerouac’s...On The Road”- ForeWord Magazine
Among the first to incorporate recorded music, sheet music and full-color works of art into a hard cover and e-book, author Cyril E. Vetter and his novel Dirtdobber Blues have been generating buzz in music, literary and tech circles since the publication’s debut this spring. This innovative multimedia tale of a blues and rock musician and graphic artist fits seamlessly into the House of Blues aesthetic and the book will be available nation-wide in select stores this month.
Through a compelling narrative, original music and striking artwork, Dirtdobber Blues recounts the life of late Louisiana singer/songwriter Butch Hornsby. A fiery good old boy Southern rocker, Hornsby enjoyed the freewheeling atmosphere of the 60s and immersed himself in the era’s culture of sex, drugs and rock n' roll. Vetter has faithfully captured that zeitgeist.
The whirlwind that was Butch Hornsby is brought to life in Dirtdobber Blues and enhanced by the songs and images he created. Both the print version and the e-book include the recorded music, lyrics, sheet music and images of Hornsby’s artwork. The chapters are titled and loosely themed with the songs. The music of the book is also available as an MP3 download on iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody and wherever digital music is sold.
Dirtdobber Blues has been described by Rachel Mennies in ForeWord Magazine as reminiscent of the beat generation classic On The Road by Jack Kerouac. Butch Hornsby was a talented musician, lyricist, poet, actor and bohemian graphic artist. He wrote all the music and lyrics; a few recordings of his voice still exist, several of which are included in the recorded music. Despite his immense talent and charisma, Hornsby’s self-destructive tendencies nearly led to his death. Only through the redemptive power of a woman’s love did Hornsby recover his life and his artistry.
The 60s were genre defining years of the rock explosion and Butch spent five years in Los Angeles trying to secure a record deal and studying acting, which inspired his song "Rock Bottom on Romaine," a commentary about his Hollywood experience. The music included in the book can be sampled at www.dirtdobberblues.com or at Dirtdobber Blues on Facebook.
Cyril Vetter has a history deeply rooted in music and the radio and television business. He is a member of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame and co-wrote the frat rock classic, "Double Shot Of My Baby's Love."
Dirtdobber Blues is distributed by LSU Press.
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