Reviews of the Soul of Key West
Kevin Stroud
Long time Key West visitor and musician, Kevin Stroud said, “I travel for music quite a bit. I have been to Austin, Nashville, New Orleans, and Memphis numerous times. I live within a couple hours from Chicago so I’m a regular there. But out of all the iconic American cities known for their music, none holds a candle to Key West for the “density” of so many acts, all within walking distance of each other. Key West is also unique in its relaxed atmosphere. Sitting under the palm trees, drink in hand, listening to a ballad on solo acoustic guitar is the most relaxing thing in the world to me!”
Elizabeth Warner
5.0 out of 5 stars Cool and beautiful! Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2016
This is the most beautiful book in my home and sits, of course, on my coffee table. Anyone who sits in my living room looks at it and comments on what a cool book this is, because my friends all love music!
Tim Carter
5.0 out of 5 stars Writers like Hemmingway, Musicians like Jimmy Buffet. – Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2016
Key West Florida has always been known as a community of Artists… Writers like Hemmingway, Musicians like Jimmy Buffet, Artists like Wyland and now Photographer Ralph De Palma has made his mark on this magical little island… he has served up a special collection of photographs on some of Key West’s finest musicians… these are musicians who live and work mainly on the island itself, and they are as colorful as you can get… Looking forward to more from Ralph De Palma… thanks for this
Jeffery Donahue
Hello Ralph, hope all is well, still picking up your book and reading about the different musicians. Never before have I done that with a book, again excellent job. I am writing to see how the second book is coming along, and when it will be on the market for sale.
Kenneth S. Rosenstock on December 8, 2013
Having visited the Florida Keys many times over the years, I have had the opportunity to take in the sights and sounds that make the island a vibrant experience. Ralph De Palma’s newest chronicle brings the melodies right through the pages and makes you want to smile, clap, and dance. The images are stunning and the prose is well researched. I felt as if I was talking directly to musicians, several of whom, I know personally. The book should be a cornerstone on your coffee table. You will be intrigued and captivated by the stories told by these singer songwriters, who have traveled the country, but landed in a city commonly known as paradise.
R Ramirez on December 4, 2013
this book is amazing! For years I have been listening to and watching so many talented musicians in Key West and now I finally have a “story” to put with their names, faces and music! The stories are genuine and you can “hear” the music through the photographs that truly portrait each artists talent, personality and style.
Mathew Smith on December 3, 2013
DePalma and Galbraith give their readers a journey into the personal lives of Key Wests’ contemporary musicians. This is a must read if you’re visiting Key West anytime in the future. The bars are real & the bands are real. Venues (live music bars) are listed on pg 102.
Alex Counts on December 27, 2013
Ralph De Palma has created a unique and terrific resource that tells the story of Key West as a place for music lovers through compelling photos and poignant sketches of the island’s best performers and a few others who are essential to the scene. I know some of the musicians he profiled (a couple are good friends) but I found myself learning a lot about them and how they fit into one of the best live music scenes in the country, and perhaps, square foot by square foot, in the world. Anyone going to Key West with even a passing interest in live music, or even someone who is trying to make their town more of a live music destination, should read this book.
Steve Craigo on May 8, 2015
I had the good fortune to meet Ralph last year in Key West while he was ” shooting ” Raven Cooper at the Schooner Wharf. I bought ” The Soul ” and have really enjoyed the incredible pics and biographies of the musicians I was fortunate to experience in person and many others I hope to see soon. The performers featured in this book are a big part of the the reason I’m moving to Kew West. Thank you Ralph for bringing the music scene of the keys to life in the pages of your book.
Thomas D. Stubli on June 11, 2014
The author managed to fit historic venues in Key West with historic musicians from all over who now consider Key West home. The write ups on the musicians are well written and gives the reader a sense of knowing them. The pictures are classic. A great photographer, Ralph DePalma has managed to combine photography and bios in a super book that will be a great addition to anyone’s collection. This is Volume I. Looking forward to Volume II already!!
Rusty Hon January 24, 2015
Finally someone has captured the soul of music in Key West in prose and photographs. And I’m pleased it’s Ralph De Palma, who not only knows and appreciates the music scene in Key West, but is also one of the premier photographers in town. This book is also a wonderful history of music in this magical town. Ralph – well done!
Gary Rivenson
5.0 out of 5 stars Ralph’s intimate knowledge and involvement in the Key West music … Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2016
Ralph’s intimate knowledge and involvement in the Key West music scene are what makes this book so significant, both in it’s historical perspective as well as it’s comprehensive coverage of the current musicians on the scene. The layout and photos are first class and makes this book a treasure to own.
Ben Solove
5.0 out of 5 stars MUSIC LOVER’S MUST HAVE BOOK. – Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2016
AMAZING book about the Brilliant Key West music scene which truly is second to none. De Palma’s photography and stories make this book a real treasure. He obviously spent a lot of time interviewing some of Key West’s finest musicians to include some unique personal information about each one. This is a must have for ANY music lover!!
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Pictures that feed your senses. – Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2016
This book is filled with great information about some of the most talented performers I have ever heard. It is a testimony to the fact that Key West is one of the best locations in the world for musicians and lovers of music. It is a visual reminder of listening pleasures in paradise.
PJ Royalon January 5, 2015
A beautifully presented work that epitomizes the passion and soul of Key West musicians, and a much-appreciated asset to my library. The photographs are beautiful and the accompanying narratives provide a much deeper understanding of what moves and motivates these incredibly talented performers. Thoroughly enjoyed – but with one question for Ralph De Palma – when is volume two going to be available, because I want one!
Tara DeBloom July 23, 2014
Awesome book!!! Beautiful pictures and great stories about the artists. A must-read for anyone who has been to the Keys or is planning a trip there.
By KW Girl
5.0 out of 5 stars The Title Says It All! Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2016
This is a wonderful book about the artists on the island! It’s a must read for anyone planning to come for vacation. Vol. II was just released and I would recommend buying both of them.
Katchen Duncan
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing photos of the fabulous musicians of Key West. – Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2016
Amazing photos of the fabulous musicians of Key West! A great gift for the music lover in your life
DaleDapkins-2timewinner of LorianHemingwayShortStoryCompFirstPrizein TennWilliamsShortStorycomp.
5.0 out of 5 stars What a great book. Truly captures the soul of Key West – Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2016
Wow! What a great book. Truly captures the soul of Key West!
Kevin S.on June 20, 2014
I’ve been coming to Key West for nearly 30 years – specifically for the music environment there as it’s unlike any other in the world…
The Soul of Key West captures that completely – the “density” of the music available in such a small area in/around Duval Street, and the genuine “breadth” of musical styles and artists. Best part for me is that even though I thought I knew a lot about the artists and where to catch the good acts, this book broadened my knowledge and I can’t wait to go back for my annual pilgrimage knowing even more about who/where to catch the best musicians.
Conchscooter
5.0 out of 5 stars Key West through other eyes. –Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2016
A view of Key West not often thought of.
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful collection of photos by Ralph De Palma and stories … Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2016
A beautiful collection of photos by Ralph De Palma and stories oh the history of Music in Key West.. gorgeously done but of course I’m biased because those are my husband’s hands on the cover!
Little Shop of Os
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully done book. –Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2016
Beautifully done book! Fantastic history of Key West Musicians with wonderful images. Fantastic coffee table book or gift for any music lover!
John
5.0 out of 5 stars Local gains a fresh perspective – Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2016
I’m a Key West Local and feel I am seeing my favorite Musicians through a new lens! Ralph makes me love them even more.
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars This is a great book that catalogs Key West’s great musicians – Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2016
This is a great book that catalogs Key West’s great musicians. Bill Blue, Caffeine Carl, Eric Holt, Mike McAdams and the Doerfels are some of my favorites discussed in this book. The photography alone makes this book well worth the price.
Tammy Lei
5.0 out of 5 stars The Soul of Key West should be on EVERYONE’S coffee table and/or book shelf…REALLY! – Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2016
Tammy and I love this book as the pix and stories are wonderful and really capture the awesome music scene of Key West! It is on our coffee table as it should be on everyone’s who is a music lover such as us! Marc A. Hollander
EddieG
5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT – Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2016
As a devout lover of music in Key West, De Palma’s books do an excellent job of taking the reader inside that world. I only wish there was an accompanying CD. Highly recommended!
KW Girl
5.0 out of 5 stars The Title Says It All! – Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2016
Verified Purchase
This is a wonderful book about the artists on the island! It’s a must read for anyone planning to come for vacation. Vol. II was just released and I would recommend buying both of them.
Charlies Dad
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book! – Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2016
This is a must have book for anyone who goes to Key West, wants to go to Key West or wants to know more about the Key West music. The photographs are fantastic as is the prose. I especially enjoy this book when it’s 20 below in Montana and watching a blizzard. Reading this book takes me back to my most recent trip to Key West and provides a much needed respite from the winter.
Bob Macy
5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent depiction of what Key West – Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2016
An excellent depiction of what Key West, it’s artists and musicians, and soul are all about, through the eyes and mouths of the people themselves. Ralph De Palma does a fabulous job of bringing this all out to us in pictures and interviews. It’s an amazing place for musicians and fans alike. The atmosphere in Key West is magical and the live music is a huge part of that magic and soul. You just have to experience it for yourself. There’s no other place like Key West and the people and the music and the art and the beauty of it all will make you never want to leave. Great job Mr. De Palma! Now on to Volume II Peace
Adele W. Gerbracht
5.0 out of 5 stars This book takes a terrific look at the Key West music scene by showcasing … Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2016
This book takes a terrific look at the Key West music scene by showcasing the musicians who have made Key West their home. Because of these talented musicians, many of whom have come from fast moving professional careers, Key West has become well known for quality music in a variety of genre. Throughout the day you can wander from venue to venue and will likely hear any number of the musicians De Palma has interviewed and photographed. I found it fascinating to read about these musicians, as well as enjoy the exceptional photographic skill of De Palma who has captured their musical passion. If you love music and Key West this book is a must read.
