Foreword to the Third Edition

I figure that James and I may be only 10 years apart in age. We haven't seen each other in, I'd imagine, 35 years. I seem to remember we were a bit cautious of each other. He had his stable of acts, as did I, back then, and the only act we both worked on was Procol Harum—I, once, at the Hollywood Bowl, and he on tour.

I was flattered when he asked me to write a foreword for the third edition and asked for a curriculum vitae/ bio/résumé so I could catch up. I received 51 pages from James—this was not the book, this was only his CV. My immediate reaction was to cancel all my plans to write … anything.

OK, reality. Here's a scholar who has received numerous accolades, a vet, a sponsor of numerous awards, a member of the Coast Guard, and a real professional at any type of performance, tour, one-offs, video, majors such as the Super Bowl et al.

I do, in fact, remember seeing a Dolly Parton presentation, by James at the Universal Amphitheater way back when. His palette was soft and understated, and Dolly looked beautiful. A lighting designer has but four brushes: color, angle, intensity, and, most critical of all, timing.

James had captured all four. I never went for beauty as he did. If you choose a harshcutting tune, then you are not meant to be beautiful. The lighting designer is then left with the fifth and sixth arts: camera and direction, which James has also well mastered.

I extend my congratulations to James for his accomplishments. Ladies and gentlemen, you now have the tools … apply them.

Fondly,
E.H.B. “Chip” Monck
Victoria, Australia