From the South Side: A memoir

From Garage band to Motown Dreams — A True Story of Music, Friendship, and Coming of Age.

From the South Side: A memoir is a vivid coming-of-age tale chronicling the real-life experiences of a trio of friends—John LiVigni (known as “Jake”), Anthony F. Siciliano (“T”), and Larry Klimas (“Lorenzo”)—growing up on Chicago’s South Side.

Set between 1964 and 1975, the memoir captures their youthful adventures amidst a backdrop of seismic cultural and political upheavals: assassinations, Vietnam, civil rights, Woodstock, and the explosion of jazz-rock music (amazon.com).

The narrative details their transformation from local club musicians into the groundbreaking band Puzzle—the first white jazz-rock group to sign with Motown—offering unique insider perspectives on the music business and Midwestern music scene (amazon.com).

As Jake, T, and Lorenzo embark on road trips touring the Midwest and beyond—playing show clubs, Go-Go bars and strip joints in Chicago, Boston, Florida and all points in between—the memoir humorously and poignantly explores friendship, family, ambition, and the trials of early adulthood.

Their musical journey intersects with the mob, drugs, brushes with the police, escaping the draft and the realities of life. The story takes them from cover band to writing original material and thanks to T a recording contract with Motown Records.

The book takes you into the legendary Motown Hitsville Recording Studio in Detroit where they record their first album and then to Los Angeles where they record two more albums. (amazon.com).

Their story strikes a chord with readers, musicians and reviewers alike, and according to Amazon reviews, the book is “very well written,” and “laugh out loud.”

Other readers say “Enjoyable coming of age buddy story that can speak to anyone’s early adventures in the creative arena. Five Stars! Loved it” and…

“A Great look into Chicagos south side music scene!”

“The memoir’s “you are here” feel can’t be beat. Anyone who loves pop and rock music, or once aspired to participate in it (or in a band) will find From The South Side thoroughly engaging. The fact that the band made history through their connections and achievements, and that it’s captured here for the world to read and remember, makes for an important review of these heady musical times.”
   Donovan’s Bookshelf Review

From The South Side is ideal for book clubs, music lovers, and readers seeking stories rooted in real experiences.

Co-authored by cousins Larry Klimas and Anthony F. Siciliano—both South Siders—the memoir is their first collaborative book (amazon.com). During the memoir’s period (1964–1974), they were bandmates.

After their group disbanded Anthony spent several years playing for Rick Nelson, Mac Davis and Johnny Tillotson before becoming a top-tier Yamaha piano dealer in Los Angeles and Miami Beach. He remains active selling pianos and producing jazz concerts throughout southern Florida (amazon.com). 

Larry went on to a successful career as a freelance musician, leading the house band for NBC’s The Midnight Special, touring and recording with acts like WAR, Chicago, Manhattan Transfer and Neil Diamond, and releasing two solo CDs. Retro-Spec-(t) and The Ledge. (amazon.com).

From the South Side speaks directly to fans of memoirs, music history, and 1960–70s Americana. Its #304 ranking in Jazz Musician Biographies and #554 in R&B & Soul on Amazon underscores its appeal to music enthusiasts.

“Puzzle, the idea of Berry Gordy, the boss of Motown, was to ride the Chicago and Blood Sweat & Tears wave, offering soulful rhythms and a killer horn section! Featuring Italian Soulman John Valenti’s Soulful voice.  Two albums (Puzzle 1973 and The Second Album, 1974) that many considered as great classics… A re-release is a must.”…Rolling Stone magazine