Sobering

Richard Pryor doesn't hold back in describing the worst jawdropping seminal/formational events in his life - including growing up in a whorehouse, sex addiction, multiple failed marriages, battles with racism & being black, a suicide attempt, truly devastating drug addiction, and calamitous health problems. He sadly focusses on the nasty elements of his upbringing & career without offering any of the balancing triumphs.
Instead, he attempts to lighten the oppressive mood of the book by inserting familiar bits from his standup routines (monkeys in the trees, black women at funerals, shooting his car, white vs. black wives, etc). NOTE: I also recognize that introducing each Part of the book - Chapters 1-17, 18-29, and 30-34 - with a 'Mudbone' pronouncement works brilliantly.

Reader JD Jackson does a professional job reading the book - exhibiting capable diction, timbre, cadence, and a sombre/serious tone - but his voice-acting is "average", and - while I appreciate that he doesn't attempt to mimic Pryor's stage delivery - he doesn't have enough comedic timing where it's called for. Highbridge Publishing did "okay" but could have cast this project better.

Altogether, this recording of 'Pryor Convictions and Other Life Sentences' merits 6.5 stars out of 10. Although poorly balanced and uncomfortably dark, it was a serviceable distraction for a couple of quiet afternoons as a 'Plus' selection. I merely suggest that you save your Credit for something else should they ask for one.

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