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Collins sings, plays guitars and drums and is assisted mainly by bassist Paul Stingo, who also adds delightful supporting vocals.

Sam’s wondering, increasingly erotic regard of Marian brings to mind William Styron’s Stingo and Sophie, or even Philip Roth’s Zuckerman and Amy Bellette.

He heard me play for several days in a row, interrupting sonatas by Locatelli and Leclair to request “Cup o’ Stingo” and “Cold and Raw.”

“He and the music-master can play ‘Stingo!’ by rubbing wet goblets.”

Liebling and Joseph Mitchell trafficked in composite characters—Colonel Stingo and Mr. Flood, respectively.