Making the Low Notes: A Life in Music is an autobiography by Bill Harrison. What grabbed me was a combination of the double bass on the cover and the first part of the title. Even through, as a bassist myself, I’ve probably got an above average-length list of bass players in my head, Harrison’s wasn’t a name that rang any bells. I figured that I’d have a better idea by the end and might even pick up a playing tip or two along the way.

I suppose I did have a little more idea of who the author is at the end, or at least how he has chosen to present himself. However, while it tells a lot about his life and experiences around music, it didn’t teach me a whole lot about the instrument. He’s met and sometimes played with people I’ve heard of but, despite the bass connection, I didn’t click with his account and it didn’t become a compelling read to me.

Autobiographies are often worth a punt but, if the first few chapters fail to grab you, don’t expect any ‘plot twist’ or development in the writing to change your mind.