Intro:
One of the most rewarding things about EAR CANDY is when we come across a "best kept secret", whether it is a book, film or music. One project that easily falls into this category is Brian Joseph's THE GIFT OF GABE book. Even though I'm not a big fan of 'fiction', I found the book a truly phenomenal read, combining two of my favorite things: rock 'n roll and spirituality. I recently spoke to author Brian Joseph about his unique lyrical interpretations in this book and his plans for future books.

E.C.: First, tell me how THE GIFT OF GABE came about?

Brian Joseph: I love music and there was a series of experiences that caused me to view music that I was familiar with in a way that was different from how I had heard it before. I wanted to share this different understanding - that is what led to the book.

E.C.: What is your background in regards to music? Are you a musician or just a writer?

Brian Joseph: I'm just a writer. The only musical instrument that I can play is the kazoo. Like the narrator of the story I'm a social worker. I have a Bachelor's degree with majors in psychology and sociology and a Master's degree in the humanities with a specialization in philosophy.

E.C.: Did you base the character of Gabe on anyone you knew in real life?

Brian Joseph: The character Gabe is very loosely based on someone that I have known.

E.C.: One of the first things I thought when I heard about this book is Lennon's "gift of the gab" quote. Was the title THE GIFT OF GABE a word play on this, or just a coincidence?

Brian Joseph: This is the first that I am hearing of this Lennon quote, so it is just a coincidence, one of many. Originally the title was going to be "Shathiyat", that is what some of the Sufi call poetry and prose that is created during what they call an ecstatic state. When I was finished writing the book I thought about changing it to "Gabe's Gift" or "The Gift of Gabe". I ran all three by a friend who said "The Gift of Gabe" sounded best.

E.C.: Interpreting lyrics is always a risky proposition, because you run the risk of appearing as a "kook" like Charles Manson or Michael Fairchild. Yet the interpretations in your book are always thought provoking, even making such well-read Beatles fans such as myself say, "Hmmmm, I've never thought of it that way before!" In addition to philosophical interpretations, you also include spiritual ones. How did you approach the subject of spirituality, without appearing to "isolate" readers who might follow a specific religion or path?

Brian Joseph: I guess that I'm not too worried about being labeled a kook. People can use labels to discount something without even knowing what it is they are discounting. Maybe I'm less concerned than some would be about being labeled a kook since I've been working for a mental health agency for over a decade. I've heard from a few people who have called the book new age nonsense. Interestingly the few people who have said this had not even read the book. The spirituality represented in the book is open and focuses on commonalities, different paths can lead to the same place. A lot of the readers that I hear from have different backgrounds and different interests and really like the book. One of the things that seems to fascinate serious Beatles fans is the interconnections Gabe points out between so many different songs. Gabe looks at the songs as one might look at the works of William Blake, Rumi, Ralph Waldo Emerson and other artists whose work has expressed the visionary perspective.

E.C.: Most of the songs that Gabe interprets in the book are by The Beatles, both as a group and some of their solo songs. Reading the book, there was one album that immediately came to mind: The Beach Boys (original and unreleased) SMILE album from 1967. It's too bad that it took Brian 37 years to finally put it out, but I would have loved to hear Gabe's take on the lyrics. Especially with the spiritual undertone of the original lyrics. But THE GIFT OF GABE also includes songs by other bands. How did you decide which songs to use and what were your criteria for songs?

Brian Joseph: Most of the songs in the book are songs that a lot of people are familiar with. Being mindful and respectful of copyright protection this was done in a way that never directly quotes a song. People are so familiar with a lot of the songs that they can play them in their head. While most of the songs mentioned in the book are Beatles songs there are also quite a few Hendrix songs, some of the Police, some Jethro Tull, and others. One never knows, in the future maybe Gabe will have something to say about SMILE.

Right: Author Brian Joseph

E.C.: Another thing that comes to mind when reading the book is it's similarity to Carlos Castaneda's "The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge". Both books have a sort of young pupil/elder teacher vibe going in terms of learning spirituality. It is also cool how you interjected actual books into the story, giving the reader a chance to explore more on the themes if they are so inclined. Other than these books mentioned, are there any that inspired you in terms of THE GIFT OF GABE story?

Brian Joseph: I haven't read Castaneda, started to a couple of times but don't really like his writing style.I know what he wrote about and his general theme from reading what others have had to say about his books. He used the archetype of wise old man, The Gift of Gabe uses the same archetype. I know that Lennon was a reader of Castaneda, as is mentioned by his friend Pete Shotton in his book "John Lennon:In My Life" which is a nice book. I'm more inspired by music and poetry but all of the books mentioned in "The Gift of Gabe" are wonderful books for people interested in states of consciousness.

E.C.: There are many books out there that deal with the meaning behind the lyrics of Beatles songs. I know that you quoted many interviews with the Beatles in which they discuss their songwriting and the meanings behind their songs. What did your research for this book include?

Brian Joseph: Most of it just comes from the songs. The interviews mentioned more or less support what Gabe says about the songs.

E.C.: In your "A Note to the Reader" you state that ideally, THE GIFT OF GABE would come with a soundtrack. But rather than a soundtrack, I think an "audio book" would be perfect medium. Is there any possibility of this?

Brian Joseph: That would be nice but if something like that were to happen it would likely be a long way off, there would be all types of copyright issues to deal with. One reader said that over 6 hours of music is mentioned in the book, so it would be a long audio book. The book has only been available for about 5 months. There isn't a large promotional budget or anything like that so I chuckle when I hear from readers who ask if it might one day be a movie. Most readers have heard of the book by word of mouth from other readers.

E.C.: You told me that THE GIFT OF GABE is part of a planned trilogy and that the next book will include "Penny Lane". Without giving too much away, what can you tell us about the trilogy, how they will fit together thematically and how they will differ? Will you have to read each book to have a complete understanding?

Brian Joseph: Penny Lane will be looked at in the next book along with other songs by the Beatles and others. The books are all tied together, it would be difficult to understand book two without having read book one. They sort of build on each other. There will be more characters in book two, including some that are just briefly mentioned in "The Gift of Gabe". Music will play a part in each of the books.

E.C.: What is the timetable on the release of your other books?

Brian Joseph: Book two is pretty much written in my head and a few notes, have to get it all out on paper. I hope to have it out by November or December of 06 but it depends on how busy I am with other things. I'm not sure when book three will be out.