1st EDITION AUDIO REVIEWS

JOHN LENNON / FOREVER
PAUL McCARTNEY / INSIDE THE MYTH
DARK HORSE / GEORGE HARRISON
THE LOST BEATLES INTERVIEWS
ROCK & ROLL CONFIDENTIAL / TALKING WITH THE BEATLES
ELVIS / CONVERSATIONS WITH THE KING
THE BEATLES / IN THEIR OWN WORDS
PRINCESS DIANA / PRINCESS OF WALES, QUEEN OF HEARTS

“Another CD package featuring the Beatles (minus their music) is creating substantial retail interest both here and overseas. Entitled the Beatles / In their own words, the collection consists of a – CD talking book assembled by North American super fan Geoffrey Giuliano. The 40 – something Giuliano is the penultimate memorabilia collector turned writer and has authored books on all manner of people including Rod Stewart, Pete Townshend, The Stones, The Beatles and members thereof. Along with Beatles members and (Yoko; john’s uncle Charlie, Paul’s brother, Mike; John’s sister, Julia Baird; Julian Lennon, John’s maternal cousin, Dr. Leila Harvey), Giuliano has assembled quite a diverse cast to spread their reminiscences and experiences over the vast acres of spoken word spaced over five CDs. It’s quite a laugh really when you get down to exploring the verbal grooves. At times it’s almost like a pantomime. There’s Ringo’s boyhood neighbour, auntie Nellie; former Beatle Pete, Best’s mother, Mona; early Beatles compeer, ‘father’ Tom McKenzie and George Harrison Sitar instructor, Shambu Das. There’s a clutch of fellow Rock Recording artists including Donovan; Ben e. King; Denny Laine; the late Harry Nilsson; Rockabilly veteran, Ronnie Hawkins; members of the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band and Billy J. Kramer’s group; tiny time and Jethro Tull’s drummer, Barrymore Barlow. All offer varying perspectives on the cultural impact and ultimate attitudes of the four lads from Liverpool, especially with the benefit of distancing from the key events which transpired in the seventies and eighties. Their contributions are bolstered by the inclusion of privileged inside information from the likes of former apple corps director, peter brown; the band’s one-time personal assistant, Alistair Taylor and me – variously described as a confidant, an insider and John and Yoko’s latter-day, right-hand man. The release of this 5-CD set comes as a complete surprise to me and you, but one suspects it will find a ready audience with serious Beatle-heads. Certainly it provides a different way of looking at the exploits and achievements of these extraordinary entertainers.”
– Ritchie Yorke, Sunday Mail, October 29, 1995

“The Lost Beatles Interviews  was picked by publisher’s weekly as one of the retailer’s top holiday suggestions and was on their audio bestseller list for the 1994 holiday season for the month of October.”

“In the first of the Rockumentary series, the publisher has produced a number of Beatles titles, which are read by the author. Giuliano does more than a credible job as the narrator. One doesn’t have to be a Beatles nut to enjoy these interview-laced productions. They are not only informative, but also well-written.”
– St. Louis Post-Dispatch, October 20, 1994

“If there was ever a no brainer that could put audio publishing on the map once and for all, this five tape series is it! Budget priced at five dollars and running a fat 85 minutes, this series looks at the Beatles, talks to the Beatles, talks to those around the Beatles and puts you as close to the source as possible. For the fan, the new comer, the curious, this is a traffic builder and should fly out of any store it goes into. A winning series.”
– Chris Spector, Midwest Record Recap, October 1994

“In all, the spirited Giuliano narrates, drawing from material published in his many pop biographies and also from a wealth of archival recorded material. This includes the author’s interviews and period press conferences. The resulting mix has the jovial, tabloid tone of the British press. We learn of reluctant Beatle Harrison’s boyhood as the son of a bus driver, his growth as a musician and his turn to Indian music and religion. A highlight includes a giggling phone interview with Harrison’s onetime Maharishi. As a mass market impulse item, this cassette delivers its promised goods with little extraneous fuss.”
– Library Review, October 1994

“Years ago, author Geoffrey Giuliano recorded in-depth interviews with each of the fabulous four and with their friends and colleagues. Those interviews have recently been unearthed and are now available, for the first time. Can there possibly be anything new to learn about John, Paul, George and Ringo? They seem to think so. According to George Harrison, ‘[Giuliano] knows more about my life than I do.”
– Book of the Month Club, September 1994

“This is the future of rock history!”
– Billboard, September 1994

“Durkin Hayes debuted a ‘Rockumentary’ series at last week’s aba (the lost Beatles interviews: Beatlemania and the solo years) and was swamped with advance orders.”
– Publisher’s Weekly, June 6, 1994

“You’ve heard him singing in your car, now it’s time for the king to chat. Though he has been dead 18-years, Elvis Presley remains with us in spirit and in sound, the latter tradition being advanced by Elvis / conversations with The King. This post-Presley production interviews with Elvis by rock journalist Geoffrey Giuliano, who has previously turned talks with former Beatles, Paul McCartney and George Harrison into hardcover books. This time around Giuliano lets us share in the real thing.”
– Tampa Tribune, August 24, 1995

THE BEATLES / IN THEIR OWN WORDS
THE BEATLES / INSIDE INTERVIEWS
THE SAVAGE YOUNG BEATLES / IN HAMBURG 1961
ELVIS PRESLEY INTERVIEWS
THE ROLLING STONES INTERVIEWS
THE BEATLES A CELEBRATION (VIDEO AND DVD)
THE ROLLING STONES INTERVIEWS (3 CD BOXSET)
THE SUMMER OF LOVE (3 CD BOXSET)
JOHN LENNON / WORKING CLASS HERO (2 CD BOXSET)

“This lovely package delivers over three hours of fun for Rolling Stones fans, although it’s definitely not for the faint of heart… Disc one is devoted to the salacious rumor surrounding the untimely, or as Giuliano puts it, the ‘violent death of Brian Jones. Drawn from Giuliano’s own published contributions to the ‘death of a stone’ mill, this is the most interesting disc, at least from a conspiracist’s point of view. Certainly there is enough evidence here to suggest that, jones didn’t forget which way was up after too many drinkie-poos… More scintillating is the ‘bad boys of Rock’N’Roll’ disc, where mick and company bounce back and forth in bravado-laden legends of life in the spotlight. By comparison, anyone else’s testosterone level seems very low indeed. It is interesting to hear these stories directly from the horses’ mouths; or at least, it feels more real than reading little lines of quoted print… Notable is Giuliano’s ever entertainingly lucid prose linking the choice quotes. These sometimes overwhelming anecdotes are nicely strung together, and the interspersed narrative help them flow…. Most likely, this set will be of the greatest interest to those serious fans who just have to keep their collection complete… So add it to the catalog and enjoy the stories!”
– Amy Hanson, Goldmine, April 1997

“It’s gratifying to note that despite appearances, Laserlight’s line of audio books veers sharply away from the standard interview disc, presenting instead a coherent stones history from a plethora of different sources, all linked and what a story it is! Three discs are devoted, respectively, to the ‘death’ of Brian Jones; the stones’ unrelenting status as The Unashamed Bad Boys of Rock’N’Roll; and ‘a closet full of skeletons’ regarding the band members’ private lives… Laserlight would seem to be ideally placed to bring this principle [of the enhanced interview disc] to fruition.”
– Dave Thompson, DISCoveries, March 1997

THE BEATLES / INSIDE INTERVIEWS (5 CD set)
IN THEIR OWN WORDS (5 CD set)
THE SAVAGE YOUNG BEATLES IN HAMBURG 1961

“Over the last decade, Geoffrey Giuliano has established himself as one of the most prolific and resourceful chroniclers of the Beatles. Nowhere is the extent of his efforts more apparent than on this batch of interview CDs from Laserlight. These 11 (!) Discs collect archival interviews with the Fabs and Giuliano’s own conversations with an impressive array of Beatle people: nems artist Billy J. Kramer drummer Tony Mansfield, cavern club doorman Paddy Delaney, the great Tiny Tim, George’s sitar instructor Shambu Das, apple exec Peter Brown (of ‘called To say/you can make it okay’ fame), ex-wings Denny Laine and Steve Holly, Paul’s brother Mike (McGear), Neil Innes (Bonzos, Rutles), Harry Nilsson, John’s uncle Charlie, cavern club compere Bob Wooler and many others. Some of these interviews are inevitably more interesting than others, but all will hold appeal for devout Beatlemaniacs. Especially enjoyable are the vintage recordings of the fab four themselves in top form at various press conferences. Everyone’s heard the best-known sound bites – ‘turn left at Greenland,’ etc. – but there are plenty of equally worthwhile gems included here. Noteworthy for the inclusion of musical selections is “The Savage Young Beatles” disc, which alternates between the Hamburg-er tracks the Fabs cut backing Tony Sheridan and interviews with those who knew the group during that period. Also, it should be pointed out that the “inside interviews” set includes two discs featuring Glenn a. Baker’s, “talk downunder” material, which chronicles the Beatles’ 1964 visit to Australia.”
– Robin Plum, Discography, September 1997

THAT FATEFUL NIGHT / TRUE STORIES OF TITANIC SURVIVORS IN THEIR OWN WORDS

“This collection of interviews with survivors of the Titanic disaster proves that this exciting story doesn’t need teen heart throbs and special effects to interest an audience. Eva Hart, Charles Lightoller, Arthur Rostron and many others recall the events of 1912 with such emotion and clarity that listeners can’t help but be moved. While they played different roles-passenger, crew, rescuer-each came to the conclusion that the disaster was the result of the arrogance of man and his belief in the superiority of machines. The audio quality is clear, even on the older recordings of Lightoller and Rostron. The narration by Geoffrey Giuliano is well-paced and not intrusive. The inclusion of music from the era-especially the version of “Nearer My God to Thee” that Eva Hart could never bear to listen to after the disaster-adds tangible emotion to the narrative. Listeners in middle school and above will find the recollections fascinating. Hot on the heels of the movie, this is a respectful, thoughtful look at the most incredible man-made disaster of the century, if not of recorded history.”
– Christine Moesch, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, NY. 

“A Most of the stars of this real-life Titanic story are Stalwart British women who survived the disaster on that fateful night in the north Atlantic. The eyewitness accounts, eerily brought to life by the survivors own voices, include tales of astonishing bravery, selflessness, terror, and even the supernatural. The recollections of the lucid and matter-of-fact Eva Hart, who was only seven at the time, are particularly moving. She recalls the dreadful screaming she heard and her anguish as she watched the titanic split in two and plunge into the sea. Perhaps just as riveting as the memories of the sinking, (and completely absent from the megahit motion picture), are the descriptions of the rescue by the Carpathia. The lengthy interview with the eloquent sir Arthur Rostrun, Captain of the Carpathia, is especially enlightening from a historical and nautical standpoint. He downplays the huge risks his own ship took in coming to the aid of the Titanic and is obviously still deeply trouble when he remembers learning the Acolossal nightmare of a fish had sunk with so many passengers and crew unrescued. The informative narration linking the interviews is ready by Geoffrey Giuliano. That fateful night is a valuable piece of oral history chock full of fascinating stories, each colored by the unique perspective of those who lived to tell their tales.”
– Elizabeth Laskey, Amazon.com

“The two cassettes offered here are as different as night and day, and one of them is definitely worth a listen for those more than those casually interested in the late, great singer – but it’s not the kind of material you’d expect on a tribute. “Cassette two is concerned largely with Sinatra’s attempt in the early ’80s to get a Nevada gaming license. And after introductory statements at the gaming board’s hearings by actors Gregory peck and Kirk Douglas, each testifying to Sinatra’s good character, the man himself answers a raft of questions about his ties to organized crime. As explained on the tape, this material is included because it gives Sinatra the chance to rebut the allegations of mob connections. But as he discusses at length his acquaintances with such infamous figures as Sam Giancana, Lucky Luciano and Carlo Gambino – each totally innocent, he says – along with fistfights and other altercations, listeners may draw other conclusions.”
– Alan Rosenbery, Audio Books, June 1998

“Congratulations on the most informative and beautifully presented audio tape about the Titanic disaster I have ever heard!”
– John Booth, White Star Publications, July 30, 1998

“A good way to feed the ravenous appetite for titanic trivia is to listen to that Fateful night. This compelling assemblage of anecdotes and memories recorded by survivors is reproduced here in their own voices. Many of the participants were children at the time of the disaster and here they combine their own memories with stories told to them by their parents. They discuss premonitions, rail at the folly of having too few lifeboats (‘one life is worth more than that whole ship, surely!’) and recall the last time they ever saw doomed loved ones. This program provides an eyewitness account that is even more poignant than the many fictionalized and dramatized versions.”
– Glenda Winders, Burrelle’s World Wide Web Edition, School Library Journal, June 28, 1998

“Most of us know the details of the legendary sinking of the titanic: a starry night. An iceberg. April 14, 1912. And 2,228 passengers and crew. What we didn’t necessarily know were the horrors experienced by those aboard the ill-fated voyage. This collection of first-person accounts by survivors recreates the full range of emotions that raged through the decks of the behemoth as it slipped beneath the sea. Passenger Eva Hart captures a moment in time as she remembers hearing the ship’s band play on, even as the lifeboats sailed away.”
– Chicago Tribune, Sunday, June 21, 1998

“The audio book adds a compelling dimension to the many writings on the subject. We hear the patrician voice of survivor Eva Hart and second Officer Charles H. Lightholler, among others. Also included are interviews with Sir Arthur H. Rostron, captain of the Carpathian; undersea explorer Robert Ballard, who located the wreckage of the titanic in 1985; and James Cameron, director of the film “Titanic”.”
– Gayle Sims, Philadelphia Inquirer, Sunday, June 21, 1998

“This collection of radio transcriptions, taped interviews and anecdotes provides a chilling window into the lives of the people who survived the sinking of the great ship in 1912. Some of the accounts are funny, some sad, and others quietly poignant such as the recollections of the captain of the Carpathian, the only rescue ship to arrive at the site of the sinking. Here also are stories from descendants of a few of those who went down with the liner and into history, leaving behind family to contend with the legends and rumors of how their ancestors behaved at the critical moment. Some of the recordings in this collection are decades old; others are contemporary, such as news-conference clips featuring Dr. Robert Ballard, the oceanographer who discovered the ship’s final resting place, and “Titanic” film director James Cameron.”
– Kate Deago, Dallas Morning News, Sunday, June 14, 1998

SINATRA: A TRIBUTE

“Longtime fans will dig Giuliano’s Sinatra tribute. New and hot is Sinatra: a tribute. Written and narrated by Geoffrey Giuliano, the tape begins with Sinatra providing an audience with short version of his early days in Hoboken and his beginning musical career. His father wanted him to be a civil engineer and when Sinatra and three friends won a tour with the “Major Bowes Amateur Hour” troupe, Sinatra’s father did not speak to him for a year. Giuliano touches a lot of bases – a lot of famous friends come forward with praise and so eventually this turns into something that will be valued by longtime fans.”
– J.C. Martin, The Arizona Daily Star, Tucson, Friday, June 26, 1998

RONALD REAGAN / A TRIBUTE

“Traces Reagan’s rise from his early years as a Hollywood actor to his six terms as President of the Screen Actors Guild to the governorship of California to the Oval Office by Geoffrey Giuliano. ”
– School Library Journal

“A commemorative audio chronicling Ronald Reagan’s life from actor to President of the United States. 2 CDs.”
– Ingram

ELIZABETH TAYLOR / A TRIBUTE

“From her academy award-winning days in Hollywood to her vast charity work, this all encompassing aural portrait of Elizabeth Taylor’s life features actual audio recordings from different points in her life and key chronological and historical information to weave a rich tapestry celebrating Taylor’s life and achievements.”
– Ingram

KATHRINE HEPBURN / A TRIBUTE

“Katharine Hepburn’s life has had its share of celebrated triumphs and heartbreaking setbacks. Geoffrey Giuliano gives a clear account of Hepburn’s life from her happy-go-lucky, unorthodox childhood to her rise as a shining star in theater and film, to her secretive love affair with the great Spencer Tracy, and her life post-Tracy. He earnestly describes the kind of person Hepburn was off-stage, within the center of her friends and family. A few exclusive interviews are included with her younger brother, Dr. Robert Hepburn; John Wayne’s oldest son, Michael; and remarkably, Kate herself. Those closest to her reveal their respect and devotion, and Hepburn candidly provides rare personal commentary. This is a glorious tribute to a deserving icon. ”
– B.J.P. AudioFile

GEORGE HARRISON / A TRIBUTE

“Recently deceased rock icon Harrison, known as the Aquite Beatle, stands out both musically and spiritually as a true man of his times in Giuliano’s audio homage…Giuliano uses a clearly deferential and reflective tone to show how Harrison, Ano guitar prodigy, attained his talent through sheer labor. He gives background on Harrison’s fortuitous meeting with Paul McCartney at the Liverpool institute and makes brief references to Beatles manager Brian Epstein, Harrison’s marriages and child, and his recently publicized bouts with illness and misfortune. Harrison’s spiritual journey and lifelong interest in eastern religion, the profound effect of Ravi Shankar, meditation, the Hare Krishna movement and yoga are more extensively covered (included is a rare humorous recording of Maharishi Mahesh yogi talking about the musician). Giuliano’s professionally modulated speech and smooth reading style counterbalance the sometimes unduly long audio clips he relies so heavily upon, making this a satisfying homage.”
– Publishers Weekly

“Geoffrey Giuliano condenses the life of musical great George Harrison into a whirlwind 90-minute look at his life, career, music, and faith. Produced shortly after Harrison’s death, this retrospective includes interview clips with the “quiet Beatle” at various points throughout his career, as well as comments from other members of the Fab Four, associate Alistair Taylor, and even the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. At a glance, the book appears to be cashing in on the passing of an icon, but Giuliano is clearly passionate about his subject and reads with a reserved and awed enthusiasm. For any die-hard Harrison fan, it’s an interesting, although brief, look at the high points of Harrison’s illustrious career. The interviews are what makes this production interesting; no extra bells or whistles are added to the performance.”
– AudioFile

MICHAEL JORDAN / IN HIS OWN WORDS
FIVE STAR RATING ON AMAZON.COM

THE TRIPP / LEWINSKY TAPES
EDITED AND NARRATED BY GEOFFREY GIULIANO

“When people struggle to comprehend how it was that Bill Clinton became the first American president put through impeachment proceedings in over a hundred years, they will inevitably–like it or not–have to confront a set of telephone conversations between a confused young woman (distraught at the end of a prolonged emotional and sexual relationship with the leader of the free world, conducted in furtive encounters in his office) and the co-worker who claimed to be her friend but was surreptitiously taping every phone call (either to feed information to parties hostile to Clinton or gather material for her own book deal). Those tapes eventually found their way into the hands of Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr, who became so hot and bothered by their contents that he launched a grand jury investigation into Clinton’s relationship with Lewinsky and the way he handled their “breakup.” For anybody who clings to the notion that the impeachment trial of William Jefferson Clinton represents a noble struggle over the ideals of democratic leadership, The Tripp/Lewinsky Tapes is a bracing dose of reality. From the hours and hours of intimate “girl talk” between Tripp and Lewinsky, producer Geoffrey Giuliano has culled 90 minutes of bathetic highlights. If Tripp’s recordings are the raw stuff of history–as Giuliano’s introduction posits–they’re also a reminder that the American history taught in most classrooms is an idealistic fairy tale.”
– Ron Hogan, Amazon.com Audiobooks