Drowning in the Sea of Love: Musical Memoirs

Taking his title from a song by Joe Simon, novelist, poet and essayist Young (Heaven: Collected Poems, 1956-1990) presents a collection of essays prompted by hearing pieces of music. Some of these ``musical memoirs'' celebrate various performers-among them John Coltrane, James Brown, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker-but more often the music calls up events in his own life. For example, Rosemary Clooney's recording of ``Come On-a My House'' leads to an account of a chance meeting with his idol, William Saroyan, one of the composers of the song; Janis Joplin's ``Mercedes-Benz'' touches off a recollection of his experiences as the owner of one of these cars. Young's exuberant essays are imaginative and lyrical paeans to the magical powers of both language and music. (Jan.)