The Band Guestbook, October '99

Posted on Sun Oct 31 23:52:12 CET 1999 from ppp640.on.bellglobal.com (206.172.238.64)

Richard Patterson

Lars: Not really against hunting, just trying to suggest to Lil how to get gunfire away from her house. Not in a position here to judge the ethics of hunting. Perhaps someone of Native Canadian/American culture could comment on this.

Saw a sign today (in beautiful downtown St. Kits) advertising a "drugfree butcher" shop. Have yet to run into a butcher who doesn't at least smoke pot :-).

Crabgrass: Only fitting that a vegetable should be a vegetarian.

Posted on Sun Oct 31 21:03:41 CET 1999 from dialup80.cybrtyme.com (209.149.100.99)

catbalu

sure am glad my daughter prefers Motown to Barney

R. Patterson: Thanks for Jimmy Clif. Now, i have just one more lyric to go in my "all-important and most impressionistic unknown"... and thank Mr. Powell - again - for the Mule Variations... what a collection - WOW here, too!

To All Deer-Slayers: Hunting is a foreign concept to me... farmers don't hunt, just post signs that say "no hunting - violators will be prosecuted" (backed up with an iron skillet, last i saw :))))). but as for DEER - Van Morrison's words come first... but the IMAGE is always Daniel-Day-Lewis in "The Last of the Mohicans" - 1 of my 4 all-time favorite movies. What a ballet at the opening, as they chase the deer, and bless it after the slaughter, as they only killed what was necessary to survive, and were thankful... like farmers do.

Going to miss Mr. Axton, a mighty fine Mid-westerner (like Mattk) and fellow Aries. Goin to heaven in a flash of fire with or without you.... HEy (is for horses, found at rodeos in Oklahoma.) God bless you, Hoyt Axton, rest in peace beneath the Big Sky.

Happy birthday to Jan the Man and Serge. Yeah, yeah, yeah.... better you than me :)))) And ----- OH YEAH!!! Boogie McCain is a "Marlboro Man"!!!!! kinda. to LA - go buy a carton of Phillip-Morris cigarettes... support a bluesman. :) he's gettin PAID this time! Alabama fans of his thank ya'll in advance.

SYLAs

Posted on Sun Oct 31 20:13:53 CET 1999 from ric-wht-pxy-int02.wheatfirst.com (204.238.130.68)

Bones

Diamond Lil: Thanks very much for your response to my Garth and St. Anne's question. I remember Robbie used to say that it was great that everybody was asking Garth to be on their album, but Robbie was frustrated because they would often have Garth play parts which other musicians could play. Robbie said you should have Garth play something which no other musician in the world can play. If you need something extraordinary, then Garth is your man.

Posted on Sun Oct 31 18:44:44 CET 1999 from alb2-as5200-04-52.termserv.net (208.20.67.52)

Diamond Lil

A correction to my post from late last night. Just re-read it, and realized I mistakenly credited the great Ray Charles with a tune that of course was done by the late and also great Louis Armstrong ( told you I was tired!). But either way you look at it, I still think Richard could've done an _outstanding_ job on it. What a wonderful voice his would've been for What a wonderful world.

Also just discovered I can preview and correct again here. Damn. Guess there's no excuse for some of my rambling, non-sequitor posts now :-)

Have a good day everyone..and Happy Halloween!

Posted on Sun Oct 31 16:50:49 CET 1999 from spider-wl071.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.51)

Ben Turkel

I am interested in trading live tapes of the Band. I just put up a page with my tape list. So, if there are any tape collectors here, take a look and maybe we can work out a trade. Thanks, Ben

Posted on Sun Oct 31 16:04:30 CET 1999 from alb3-as5200-20-116.termserv.net (208.20.67.116)

Diamond Lil

Heheh...thanks Lars..for the laugh. Baby Bop..geez..little sucker really used to get on my nerves. Glad my kids are a bit older now :-)

Tom Moretti: For those of us who were not in the Conneticut listening area, is there a transcript of Rick/Aaron/Marie's interview from the other night that perhaps you could post? Thanks. And btw.._love_ that Breeze Hill print. As soon as my credit cards clear from the bloodsucking plumbers, you'll be hearing from me!

Does anyone have the lyrics to '(Miss Otis) Regrets' that you could either post or send me? Love the tune...love Richard's vocals...but hard to make out quite a few of the words. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

Posted on Sun Oct 31 15:05:06 CET 1999 from 209-130-201-151.nas2.mon.gblx.net (209.130.201.151)

Lars

With all this anti-hunting sentiment floating around the GB, I'd just like to clear the record and say that although I don't believe in hurting innocent forest creatures, I do spend a lot of time sitting in my favorite tree and watching the countryside. And I bring my bow to protect myself from aggresive buck deer, who sometimes invade my personal space. I have also warned my kids that, after watching too damn many Barney tapes, that I would open up on "Baby Bop" if given the opportunity.

Band link: "Shine A Light."

Peace (not likely after this).

Posted on Sun Oct 31 12:25:46 CET 1999 from du4-2.ppp.algonet.se (195.100.2.4)

Ilkka

It is natural to FEEL like Crabgrass about the solo CD's- but the WORDS were his own. I saw John Mayall's (new) Bluesbrakers the other night (*The Father of The British Blues* or *Birmingham's own Ronnie Hawkins*:-). I surely missed Eric Clapton on his side but, hey, hands up who is doing today the same thing we did in the 60's! Ol' John was fit - mentally and physically, and that is most important. Unfortunately, The Band hasn't been visiting these woods for awhile and the news have not always been the good ones.

DIAMOND LIL asked about DINGOE. - DINGO(E) was the most famous rock/pop band in Finland in the mid 80's. With the hits like *Wild Tigers* and *The Girl In The Leather Jacket* they made girls crazy. Railtown Kalervo should know more, I think. (This was really from The Higher Level Course of The European Rock History.)

ABOUT Lil's post of deer hunting: To all hunters in the gb - if you ever get attacked by a crazy man wearing a rabbit suite from a theatre and trying to hit you with a banjo - especially if this monster is singing *Volcano* - well the chances are that it is ME! Let's sit down, let the deer run, get a beer, and talk about The Band.

Posted on Sun Oct 31 06:45:01 CET 1999 from ppp648.on.bellglobal.com (206.172.238.72)

Richard Patterson

Lil: Hope that Band music blaring out of your windows is giving the deer a "head's-up". You know if you turn that darn music up too loud you may scare off the hunters. Tomorrow I might try 'Before the Flood' at volume setting '11'. "HOW DOES IT FEEL?!!..."

Posted on Sun Oct 31 06:17:14 CET 1999 from 1cust36.tnt14.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.142.36)

Crabgrass

If one reads my last post correctly I said "To hell with the solo albums and solo careers" NOT "to hell with the individual members of The Band." The Band both old and new have always been stronger together than apart and I hope they're not apart for good regarding recording and touring. Like I said - if that is the case I think an official announcement on this website is in order. Too bad Rick wasn't asked that in his recent interview. I would have liked to hear him say something on the subject instead of hearing rumors and conjecture in the GB. BTW - when I start to doze off listening to Jubilation I just switch over to High On The Hog which wakes me right up... a huge dose of "Crazy Mama" with the repeat button pushed does the trick!

Posted on Sun Oct 31 04:03:26 CET 1999 from alb1-as5200-22-22.termserv.net (208.20.67.22)

Diamond Lil

Just heard Ray Charles doing one of my favorites "What a wonderful world"....a nice way to end the day. Can't help but wish Richard had've done that one too.

Goodnight from Crazyville. It's a comin..a brand new day.

Posted on Sun Oct 31 02:53:39 CEST 1999 from edslink8.eds.com (199.228.142.8)

Carmen

I am just looking forward to anything new. We know about Rick, anything else on the horizan. Lil, don't let the negative stuff get ya!

Posted on Sun Oct 31 02:16:30 CEST 1999 from alb3-as5200-36-132.termserv.net (208.20.67.132)

Diamond Lil

Am curious as to why a person who says " to hell" with the individuals would even give a shit if they got "back together" or not? Am I the only one missing something here?

Posted on Sun Oct 31 01:03:48 CEST 1999 from 2cust3.tnt14.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.140.131)

Crabgrass

Sad to hear that The Band (both Old & New) is no more - I thought there was a mention on this site that they would be re-grouping for a concert this November? Was I hallucinating? Hope not! If they are no longer going to play together or record did anyone film or video tape their last concert I wonder? I so,"The Last Last Waltz" or "The Next Last Waltz" or maybe "Last Waltz 2: The Sequel" would be a good title. SAD ALSO to hear that hunting season is in full swing upstate as I'm a vegetarian. Also must admit I was really turned off by former apprentice butcher Rick's encounter with a roadkill deer as recounted in Levon's book. Levon seemed to think it was humorous but I thought it gruesome - I guess it's one of those "different strokes for different folks" things maybe. BTW - If new Band has defininitely called it quits I think an official announcement on this website would be very much in order. I think the fans should not be the last to know.

Posted on Sat Oct 30 23:20:49 CEST 1999 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Dingoe

Hi Lil...

I'm a hound living in the Australian outback...

Band conneXXion? None whatsoever... :-)

Preview... back button... submit... oops... :-]

Posted on Sat Oct 30 22:43:50 CEST 1999 from alb4-as5200-12-204.termserv.net (208.20.67.171)

Diamond Lil

Unseasonably warm here in upstate NY too Richard. Feels nice. Spent the day blasting Band tunes out my open windows as I cleaned up the ungodly mess from the past few days here. If there's a plumber out there who wants to propose, I accept :-)

I know this is probably a stupid question (but hey..I've asked em before..) but could someone tell me what the heck a "dingoe" is? Been seeing it mentioned in several posts lately..and I'm perplexed (yes...even more so than usual!) Thanks.

Rifles in the not-so-very-distance here. "Bow season" for deer hunters open here now, and some of the weekend visitors to the area have a hard time telling the difference between a bow and a rifle I guess. Hate the whole hunting thing myself, and this year again, I am rooting for the deer to kick butt. Only mentioned that because it's a bit scary to sit here and hear gunfire. Hate it.

Anyhow...still can't correct "previews" here...so I cross my fingers as I hit the "submit" button that I didn't say anything too terrible. Hard to know in a rum and coke haze. Have a good night everyone.

Posted on Sat Oct 30 20:14:54 CEST 1999 from stcath-ppp73089.sympatico.ca (216.208.72.88)

Richard Patterson

Bumbles: Unseasonably warm up here in the Niagara region. Listened yesterday to the Rascals' "It's a Beautiful Morning" and it sounded great. Have dedicated this fine saturday to the three CD 'Dozin' at the Knick' by the Grateful Dead. Life is good.

Guenevere: I prefer the female version of Chaka Khan. 'Rufusized' is an even better album than 'Rags to Rufus'. Check it out.

Hoyt Axton: Another great Canadian artist gone too soon. RIP brother.

bec: The dingoe took your baby.

Posted on Sat Oct 30 18:02:39 CEST 1999 from spider-te053.proxy.aol.com (152.163.195.198)

Lee

Thanks Lil. I was going to mention to Bones that I have no idea why the St. Ann's show was never released. The only thing I know about this show is someone sent me the program for it a few years ago.

Yeah, I said Garth enjoyed the limelight as much as Levon and Rick, he's a musician not a shadow. Perhaps we can get Garth to give us a word or two on this site. Maybe.

Enjoyed two sets by Dan Penn & Spooner Oldham the other night in Manchester. Very laid back. Songs and stories kept rolling and it was wonderful. If they come to your town make sure you see 'em. Kinky rolls into town next week... should be fun.

Posted on Sat Oct 30 15:33:36 CEST 1999 from 33.philadelphia-13-14rs.pa.dial-access.att.net (12.78.213.33)

Carmen

Diamond Lil, I agree with you that it is great that the members are still making music. For me it was Robbie's music that brought me to the band. I have some questions for you if you don't mind. What is the posibility that the members do get together and put out something new? And what about using something from Richard similar to what the beatles did with John Lennon recently? Can we expect another solo RR release? How about another Band Release without RR? I am going to see Rick in Philly next week with my wife and can not wait. The Tin Angel is a great place to see a show. Anyone else going?

Posted on Sat Oct 30 14:51:58 CEST 1999 from alb1-as5200-43-43.termserv.net (208.20.67.43)

Diamond Lil

BONES: No, Im not Lee (nor do I play him on tv :-) but I want to try and answer some of your question. From what I understood at the time, there were sound and technical problems which kept the St. Ann's show from being released as a recording. Perhaps Garth, as the artist, didn't think it was up to his standards. "Our humble Garth" backing away I'm pretty sure was not the case...and still isn't. You (and other Garth fans) may be very pleasantly surprised sometime in the near future...

CRABGRASS: "The hell with solo albums and solo careers" (YOUR words, not mine). Very nice. _The Band_ is no more..time to deal with it. You can either respect the remaining members for doing their own thing now, or not..your choice..but a real "fan" would be grateful that they're still out there doing what they love to do and making people happy. Levon is happy and thriving with his blues band, Rick is always going to be Rick..bringing smiles to the faces of those who hear him sing, and Garth still puts "great lengthy contributions" into _everything_ he plays and _everyone_ he plays with. Robbie's doing his own thing (although it's not my thing) but he should be respected for it. There are many who love his solo efforts. And as for Richard, well..he's gone..but archived recordings of his are being well taken care of and hopefully will begin to surface someday soon.

And as for 'Jubilation'..I still love it, and am not sorry that it's putting you to sleep. In fact, please listen to it about 20 more times in a row, ok? I'll keep my fingers crossed that you don't talk in your sleep.

OK..shutting up now (collective cheers heard round the world:-)

PS: JOHN D: Your E-mail has bitten the dust. Hope all is ok. Please contact me when you can.

Posted on Sat Oct 30 07:54:34 CEST 1999 from 1cust84.tnt9.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.128.84)

Crabgrass

The hell with the solo albums and solo careers! How about The Band playing together and recording again? Jubilation is starting to put me to sleep - hope they do something with a little more punch soon - all they've gotta do is add a few more tunes to the leftovers from High On The Hog! (Great album BTW and unjustly underrated in the GB.) One or two lengthy solo contributions by Garth would make it even easier - and isn't there anything else of Richard's? I find it hard to believe they can't find something else that's worth putting out.

Posted on Fri Oct 29 22:14:42 CEST 1999 from ric-wht-pxy-int02.wheatfirst.com (204.238.130.68)

Bones

To Lee: Do you know why Garth's show at St. Ann's never got released? Hal Willner really wanted to do it, and hinted that our humble Garth backed away from it. You are telling me that Garth would like a successful solo career as much as Levon or Rick. I can't believe that is true.

Posted on Fri Oct 29 20:37:16 CEST 1999 from (207.198.59.198)

Tom Spinner

Dear Jim, Know that it's the day b/4 your gig at Town Crier. How you be? We've never met, but I'm a blues, jazz, & rock harp player. Been meaning to write you with the idea of seeing if you might like to jam with a reasonably "warm" harp player at a point in the near future. Jammed with Vinnie Martucci, & his combo, at an open jam at McKeever's in Pawling,(2 summers ago). Reason I mention Vinie's 'cause he's a Woodstock native, & I figure you may know each other. Also did some jammin' with Troy Mallard, a phenomenal bass player, (as is Vinnie a keybord man to inspire awe to lesser mortals). Troy, I think's gone & moved to Nashville. Anyhow I'm (as the song goes, just a poor boy, & I'm looking for help, management, & advice to try'n get a jump start on my musical career(a long time comin'). Will try to meet up with you tomorrow, but tell you the truth, I'm hurting financially, & The Crier's not my favorite place on earth. Would be willing to boogie up to your neighborhood to jam with you, if there is a friendly venue, low key, low pressure,(like that). That is kind 'a my style. Sincerely, Tom Spinner, A.K.A. "Volcano" TomSpinner99@hotmail.com

Posted on Fri Oct 29 20:03:54 CEST 1999 from cobalt.nextlink.net (206.129.70.172)

Mike

David Powell, re: Ricks new CD. Well said. It IS good. If you listen carefully and follow a particular musician all the way through a song...wow. Garth especially shines here, as does Jim Weider's understated guitar work. Caledonia Mission is a real stand-out. Here's looking forward to Rick's "real" new CD this Spring. Regards.

Posted on Fri Oct 29 18:10:24 CEST 1999 from sb2insgproxy3.dowjones.com (208.144.114.4)

Ben Eyler

A few months ago, I was fortunate enough to not only see Garth perform live, but to meet him afterwards. It was at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC and he was there playing with The Crowmatix. I may have made a big fool of myself doing it, but I went up to Garth and explained to him that whenever I see those old pictures of The Band practicing in their basement I just wish I could jump through time and space to visit them there. He was very gracious and even let me carry one of his horn cases out to the bus. What a great memory! To paraphrase something somebody once said: 'Garth sure lives in his own world. But it's a very big world!' Anyway, I'm headed up to Woodstock this weekend and I plan to pay a visit to that monument to greatness the Big Pink house on Stoll Road. Cheers!

Posted on Fri Oct 29 16:33:17 CEST 1999 from (208.218.212.254)

David Powell

Patric: When I first read about Rick's new CD I was of the same opinion--nothing new or interesting here. But after finally getting a chance to listen to the album this week I've changed my mind. Rick's new interpretations of familiar material, combined with the outstanding level of musicianship of the back-up band & great arrangements breathes new life into the songs. Think of the album as a finely focused snapshot of Rick's live act, and since his touring has been limited to only certain areas recently, this gives us all a chance to hear him playing live. In addition, the album is so well recorded that the sound is closer to that of a studio recording than that of a bootleg of a live concert. After hearing this album I'm even more impressed with the musical chops of Professor Louie, Randy, Maria, Jim Weider and the other "new" faces. Combine that with the chance to hear the always incredible Garth and Tom Malone & the horn section--you can't go wrong with this live mix of music.

Posted on Fri Oct 29 13:57:34 CEST 1999 from acay019125219.acay.com.au (203.19.125.219)

Patric

Just browsed into the web-site to see whats new and was highly excited to see a new Rick Danko CD staring me in the face, my elation quickly turned to disappointment as I read the running order...hoary old classics ?...re-worked standards?..how unimaginative.Surely there are good songs available out there, why pump the well dry ? .I always thought Rick, along with Fogerty, Jack Bruce, Levon and Richard were the best voices in music but even disguised as a " live concert " it's the same old songs. I might go " ice-fishin', too much repetition "..

Posted on Fri Oct 29 12:23:18 CEST 1999 from alb1-as5200-48-48.termserv.net (208.20.67.48)

Diamond Lil

Baby Baby..just hold on. How can you refuse? Baby Baby..just you and me. What have we got to lose? Times Like These.......

A pot of coffee and Rick's voice in the morning. Maybe it'll be a decent day afterall. Happy Friday! :-)

Posted on Fri Oct 29 10:24:59 CEST 1999 from (194.248.167.10)

Tanika Po

Okey, are the Band going to appair at VH1? I see that you are talking about a program done by VH1.Is that right? or am I just wrong....as many other times....Hmmmm...Rick Danko Band....gotta have that one. The lyrics.....Holy Cow...anyone? What about Neil Diamonds: Glory Road? Do you other guys think its grat like I do? Cool to know

Posted on Fri Oct 29 05:31:51 CEST 1999 from spider-wd063.proxy.aol.com (205.188.193.178)

Dave Z

Just picked up the Authorized Biography video... Ohhh Leee pleease be right about Garth... I love that scene where Garth just attacks the piano with an athletic aggressive lunge of the right elbow then flying fingers... yes today the music sounds real good to me... especially that opening clip of Remedy...

Posted on Fri Oct 29 04:51:13 CEST 1999 from spider-tk083.proxy.aol.com (152.163.206.213)

Ghost Rider

Guenevere:

When you wrote "Garth is like the male version of Chaka Kahn..." you were just checking to see if any of the rest of us were paying attention, right?

Posted on Fri Oct 29 01:42:09 CEST 1999 from ppp651.on.bellglobal.com (206.172.238.75)

Richard Patterson

Thanks Bill for the info, I get the chronology of King Biscuit mixed up cause some are under Crowbar, and some KBB. At any rate I think either Richard Manuel or Rick Danko sings on "The Greatest Love" from the _Toussaint_ lp. I could be wrong (and there's no credit to Richard or Rick on the sleeve, although Ronnie Hawkins sez, "Biscuit's the finest damn harp player in the world") but those who have access to this record, take a listen.

Also, I have Zoot Money (keep wanting to say Zoot Horn Rolo) with Eric Burdon, Kevin Coyne and Kevin Ayers, but no 'Big Roll Band' (would be 1965, and part of the swinging London R&B scene). If any one has heard this stuff or knows where to purchase it please comment, or send me e-mail with your opinion. Thanks.

Don't have 'Gooduns' Bill, is it a goodun?

Posted on Thu Oct 28 22:17:30 CEST 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr

talkin' Garth Bandleadin' Blues... Sweepin the garage this morning thinkin about recent posts about Garth and best band albums- realized some of my favorite work from Garth Hudson is off the "Before the Flood" record. Volatile,spontanoeous (highly combustible)-amazing work. Same goes for Richard's work on that record as well, some real barrelhouse-teardown piano playin'. Synth-organ sounds other worldly, played with gods hands- timeless, trancendent.

Posted on Thu Oct 28 19:26:13 CEST 1999 from (208.218.212.254)

David Powell

Before working at Roulette, Henry Glover worked as an A&R man & songwriter with King Records in Cincinnati, Ohio. The King label recorded many R&B as well as country artists. In 1949 Henry Glover had a hand in helping write one of the Delmore Brothers' all-time classic songs, "Blues Stay Away From Me." Glover had shown Alton Delmore a bluesy guitar riff as a way of helping make their standard country sound a bit more funky and less "hillbilly" to broaden its audience appeal. Shortly thereafter, late one night before a recording session, Alton, along with his brother Rabon and bandmember Wayne Raney, came up with some words to go along with the riff. The next day they recorded the song entitled "Blues Stay Away From Me" which soon became a hit and thereafter became a standard song in the repertoires of a countless number of diverse artists.

The song would become a long time favorite of Bob Dylan, who recorded it with Doug Sahm in 1972 and later performed it during a guest appearance with Rick Danko & Levon Helm at the Lone Star Cafe in 1983.

A little bit a Martin Scorsese trivia: In 1978 Scorsese filmed a short documentary entitled "American Boy: A Profile of Steven Prince." Mr. Prince as an actor in "Taxi Driver" played the part of the maniacal dealer of guns & pharmaceuticals who offers Travis Bickle (DeNiro) a wide array of his products. In the documentary, Prince reveals that at one time he was a road manager for Neil Diamond! Evidently Mr. Prince in real life was not that far removed the character he played in "Taxi Driver." Steven Prince died not long after the documentary was filmed.

Posted on Thu Oct 28 18:51:55 CEST 1999 from 1cust166.tnt6.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.11.190.166)

Crabgrass

When they start handing out Oscars for music documentaries I would suggest that the Maysles brothers ("Gimme Shelter"), D.A. Pennebaker ("Don't Look Back"), and Murry Lerner ("Festival," "Message to Love") should be at the front of the queue way ahead of Scorcese. These people are bona fide music documentarians who have produced a number of fine films in that genre. I don't think "The Last Waltz" even merits being called a "documentary" as it was more of a planned filming of a planned staged event. 'Nuf said. HOYT AXTON - He also penned the huge Kingston Trio hit "Greenback Dollar" in the late '50s and although he did not write "Long Black Veil" my first hearing of this song was the Kingston Trio's version which is very similar to The Band's version - makes me wonder where they got it.

Posted on Thu Oct 28 18:45:40 CEST 1999 from 56k-ml-00-22.dial.qnet.com (209.221.218.37)

Dave

Guenevere, It's true. One great musician can bring the level of a groups music way up. There are lots of bands that have their "ringer". New Years Eve with The Band. New Years Eve with The Barn Burners and The Rick Danko Band. New Years Eve with Jim Wieder and the Honky Tonk Gurus, Barn Burners, and The Rick Danko Band. Now this would be the way to bring in the New Year.

Posted on Thu Oct 28 17:18:46 CEST 1999 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

Three things, picking up on others' points:

King Biscuit Boy's Toussaint LP was his third - after "Official Music" (with Crowbar) and "Gooduns". Those two, with Richard Bell on keys, are on Stony Plain CDs (as is "Bad Manors").

Zoot Money was in Eric Burden and the Animals for at least their great "Love Is" LP, which is also graced with the guitar work of Zoot long-time cohort, Andy Summers (later of Police).

Ronnie Barron was also in Butterfield's Better Days, so played on that bad's version of "Small Town Talk".

Bernie Worrall can be connected tenuously to the Band since Funkadelic's great "America Eats Its Young" LP includes impressive session contributions from Steve Kennedy, Dianne Brooks and Doug Riley (all mentioned in recent posts).

I've wondered lately if Henry Glover ever used the Hawks to back up the artists he was recording for Roulette at the same time. Joey Dee always had great musicians of his own (Rascals, Hendrix etc), but I heard a Lou Christie single on an oldies station the other day ("Two Faces Have I"), and though it was awful I could help but think the instrumentalists sounded familiar.

Posted on Thu Oct 28 16:32:08 CEST 1999 from pm1-39.delrio.com (204.216.51.59)

Just Wonderin'

Just read this in the paper:

Oscar's most controversial category is getting an overhaul. Stung by years of criticism, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is changing the way it chooses documentary feature nominees.

Year after year, critics and filmmakers have fumed as widely praised and commercially successful documentaries have been snubbed come Oscar time. Among the non-fiction movies never nominated for filmdom's most glamorous prize: "Crumb," "Hoop Dreams" "Roger and Me" "The Thin Blue Line" "Paris is Burning" and "Brothers Keeper". Hmmm shouldn't "The Last Waltz" be included in this list? I think this is what RR had a complaint about with the academy many years ago!

Posted on Thu Oct 28 13:53:43 CEST 1999 from annex2-port30.ulster.net (208.133.193.30)

Tom

Greetings to all of you!

For all lower Hudson Valley/Connecticut listeners, Rick Danko - Roger Mason (bass) - Professor Louie & Marie Spinosa, will be live on WKZE (Sharon, Ct.) TODAY - Thursday Oct. 28 on the Parlor Sessions at 1pm. EST.
Our apologies for the late listing.

Peace from Woodstock!

Tom/Woodstock Records

Posted on Thu Oct 28 13:39:29 CEST 1999 from 182.philadelphia-08-09rs.pa.dial-access.att.net (12.78.211.182)

Carmen

Thanks Diamond Lil for the Danko lyrics.

Posted on Thu Oct 28 12:17:23 CEST 1999 from sungold1.ie.ibm.com (195.212.29.193)

Kowalski

I bought an album by an English rock'n roll band called The Charlatans the other day.Listenin' to it the Dylan and Band influence is obvious.The fifth song called "A House is Not A Home"(the title is probably from Dylan's "Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judus Priest"from "John Wesley Harding") borrows Dylan and The Bands beautiful newly electrified guitar riff for "I Don't Believe You(She Acts Like We Never Met)". The song writer later on on the album sings"look at my skin shine,look at my skin laugh,look at my skin cry" a reference to Dylan's composition "Last Thoughts On Woody Gutherie".The Charlatan's bass player even previewed the album by saying it sounds like Bob Dylan and The Band on exactasy. It's just great to see a young cool band taking Dylan and The Band as a big influence.

Posted on Thu Oct 28 12:15:55 CEST 1999 from alb3-as5200-15-111.termserv.net (208.20.67.111)

Diamond Lil

Just heard about the death of Hoyt Axton...what a shame. Not a big fan of his myself, but have a friend who's crazy about him. 2 bits of trivia here too. He wrote "Joy to the World", the one that 3 Dog Night recorded (not the Christmas tune) and his _mother_ was a co-writer of Elvis' "Heartbreak Hotel". Very talented family.

Anyhow, my sympathies to his family and friends....

Still wading in water here. Hoping for a plumber today. Hey Uncle H...where are you with that high pressure hose of yours when I need you?? :-)

Posted on Thu Oct 28 12:10:21 CEST 1999 from 1cust108.tnt2.pittsburgh.pa.da.uu.net (63.10.63.108)

medicine hat

in the keyboard sweepstakes, how's about steve nieve of the attractions (whose former lead singer and songwriter has often cited rick danko as a _major_ vocal influence). i'd say nieve and benmont tench, of all "beat group" keyboard players, come closest to garth's ability to color a song. p.s. still no word on sandra rosas.

Posted on Thu Oct 28 10:52:47 CEST 1999 from sungold1.ie.ibm.com (195.212.29.193)

Kowalski

Just bought the "Royal Albert Hall" tape the other day.What can I say.I remember someone discussing whether The Band were "rock'n roll" on this site recently,well for an hour they defined it.Dylan's comments to the "Judus" heckler sends a shiver down my spine every time I hear it.Dylan's "play f**king loud"is clearly audible just before "Like A Rolling Stone " and that magnificent piano intro. His rendition of "One Too Many Mornings" is even sweeter than the origanal on "The Times They Are A'Changin'". One of the biggest highlights of the performance for me was "Tell Me Momma",I never heard it before so it was a sweet surprize:"I know that you know that I know that you show something is tearin' up your MIIIIND"

Posted on Thu Oct 28 09:18:44 CEST 1999 from stk-pm1-32-160.dialup.slip.net (207.171.230.160)

Guenevere

Today on the radio, I heard "Tell Me Something Good" by S. Wonder and performed by Rufus & Chaka Khan.

With all this talk in the GB about Garth Hudson ...suddenly it hit me! Garth is like the male version of Chaka Khan .. in that, all Chaka Khan has to do is to walk onto a stage and suddenly the music gets better by 2000%!!! Because they are both Dynamos when it comes to band leading, her's and Garth's presence alone on a stage makes the essential difference, .... its just that Garth does it without HAVING to be the "front man" ... I'm talking strictly about "stage presence" here, can anyone here relate?

P.S. I know this is kinda "off the wall", but if this sounds like an attack to you, please don't respond!!!!!

Posted on Thu Oct 28 09:12:57 CEST 1999 from ns1.schuster.com (199.105.252.66)

Charlie Young

Just had to pass along the fact that between flights today I heard a MUZAK version of "Life is a Carnival" and I have to admit it didn't sound bad. As far as the organist discussion here, I think Al Kooper and Felix Cavaliere are both overlooked organ wizards. But as far as Garth Hudson disciples go, Bruce Hornsby's organ man, J.T. Thomas, often pays tribute to the organ sound of The Band. Just listen to the Hornsby studio version of "The Old Playground" and you'll see what I mean...

Posted on Thu Oct 28 06:29:43 CEST 1999 from 209-239-205-107.oak.jps.net (209.239.205.107)

Phil

Pat Brennan- I remember that fiasco well. Nothing like being harrassed for making a valid point-ehh? When I first heard Richard and saw his likeness in album photo's I thought, kind of reminds me of Felix from "The Rascals". Were they still "The Young Rascals" in 68/69?

Richard-'Moon In June' indeed! At the very least it's a questbook connection, which will work for me.

Posted on Thu Oct 28 05:55:02 CEST 1999 from alb4-as5200-18-210.termserv.net (208.20.67.177)

Diamond Lil

Anyone know a good plumber? Just finshed wading in and mopping up all kinds of stuff pouring out of my kitchen sink from the bathroom upstairs. What a delightful thing to be doing at nearly midnight. And go figure..I can even make a Band/Dylan connection here. My kitchen was clean..._Before the Flood_. Geez...

LEE: I may next in line to be spanked, but you are indeed right...Garth will be in limelight soon..and deservedly so.

Still can't "preview" here and am too exhausted to remember what I just said. I guess we'll all find out together when I submit. Goodnight.

Posted on Thu Oct 28 05:52:45 CEST 1999 from user-33qta78.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.168.232)

Pat Brennan

Felix Cavaliere? Let's hope there's no "amusing" lurkers about.

Posted on Thu Oct 28 04:30:23 CEST 1999 from hse-tor-ppp24045.sympatico.ca (209.226.76.65)

Blind Willie McTell

Garth Hudson is the glue that holds the Band together.

Posted on Thu Oct 28 02:35:30 CEST 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr

carmen: thanks for the tip on gettin back the first solo record. sent my adress and lookin forward to hearin from you.

found where i can get the Dr. Feelgood record with Ricks song on it. easier to find looking for Lee Brilleaux than dr feelgood which goes everywhere.

Lil: i had that problem but i thought i hit something with my cast. i was able to retrieve it by going back and forth somehow, but i'm not sure what i did. maybe i'll find out right now

Posted on Thu Oct 28 02:02:10 CEST 1999 from spider-te041.proxy.aol.com (152.163.195.191)

Lee

Holy shit. All these opinions on Garth, especially those who think he likes to sit at the back being a genius. Did people miss the shows Garth played as 'Garth & The Crowmatix?'

If this may be a secret, i'm sure I'll be spanked - publicly or privately - but I speak to Garth now and again, and I'm not embaressed to say, I love this guy. He enjoys the limelight as much as Rick or Levon, and bloody well deserves it. The spotlight will be on him, just you wait and see...

Posted on Thu Oct 28 02:00:18 CEST 1999 from spider-tj034.proxy.aol.com (152.163.213.189)

PAT

The Band is a great Band. Their music is relaxing and is easy to listen to. My favorite song is the Weight. I can't late to see them in concert.

Posted on Thu Oct 28 01:06:53 CEST 1999 from 47.philadelphia-16-17rs.pa.dial-access.att.net (12.78.214.47)

Carmen

pehr, I would be more then glad to make you a copy. E mail me your address. The reason for my interest in Rick is I will be seeing him in Philadelphia in a couple of weeks. I was able to obtain the Rick Danko CD just recently from this web site "wpmusic.com" for $9.00, so this may be your better choice: This is a good site and is a good resource for Band stuff as well.

Posted on Wed Oct 27 23:46:48 CEST 1999 from alb4-as5200-11-203.termserv.net (208.20.67.170)

Diamond Lil

Is anyone else having problems correcting posts after previewing? A soon as I hit the back button here..I lose whatever it was I was trying to say. Curious if it's my computer (although the back button works for everything else) or a problem others are having too?

Posted on Wed Oct 27 23:23:34 CEST 1999 from firewall.katz-media.com (38.150.94.163)

frank dracman

Only 1 person mentioned Garth Brook's mangling of "Dixie" on the Concert of the Century on VH1. It's only one verse it happens at least 40 minutes into the show. It's being replayed 10/28 @ 9pm EST.

Posted on Wed Oct 27 22:58:22 CEST 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr

i said hey Carmen: i dont know, but suspect robbies music and chords were taken from a fake book, and i also imagine no song sheets were published from the "Rick Danko" solo record since although a great record it was a little bit stiff. but i'll tell ya what... now if it interests you i gotta pretty good ear and could figure it out for you if ya want to tape it for me...i lost my copy in a move some time back and be happy to help put some on the site. if you are interested e mail me.

along this same line, does anyone out there have access to or know where i can find a copy or tape of Dr. Feelgood's 1979 record with the cut of "Java Blues"... it doesnt seem to be available in the states but maybe there is a way to get it. the record is called "Let it Roll". thanks folks!

Posted on Wed Oct 27 22:54:31 CEST 1999 from jan-hoiberg.hiof.no (158.36.52.15)

JH

Carmen,
If someone writes down the lyrics to songs from Rick's solo album or Levon's albums, I'll be more than happy to add it to the web site. This site is extensive because fans contribute material, there is no "politics" behind what is missing and what is not.

Posted on Wed Oct 27 22:23:14 CEST 1999 from 198.philadelphia-10-15rs.pa.dial-access.att.net (12.78.247.198)

Carmen

I just read Peter V's review on Live on Breeze Hill and it made me wonder why the LIBRARY contains RR lyrics for all of his songs but no songs from Rick's self titled album. This is not a RR bash at all, rather just a observation.

Posted on Wed Oct 27 21:48:50 CEST 1999 from ppp7675.on.bellglobal.com (206.172.191.163)

Richard Patterson

Does anyone know if Danko sang on the first King Biscuit Boy lp? "The Greatest Love" sure sounds like Danko and the King trading vocals.

Posted on Wed Oct 27 20:48:42 CEST 1999 from ppp7675.on.bellglobal.com (206.172.191.163)

Richard Patterson

Thanks to whoever mentioned 'Crowbar'. The lp they did w/ King Biscuit Boy is the cat's ass. Listening now to 'Bad Manors' (Oh, what a feeling, what a rush!).

To all you Toussaint freaks: 1st King Buiscit Boy was produced/written by Allen T. Good shit!

Guess What (Who)?: Canada Rocks!

Posted on Wed Oct 27 20:47:16 CEST 1999 from client-151-198-146-18.bellatlantic.net (151.198.146.18)

Bumbles

All this talk of organists and no one’s mentioned Felix Cavaliere, of those other feuding Hall of Fame-ers, the Rascals. Like the Band, the Rascals’ origins were in hot 60s show bands. But a New York/New Jersey pedigree combined with a most un-Band-like gift for the hit single put them in a whole ‘nother place.

Posted on Wed Oct 27 20:39:41 CEST 1999 from ric-wht-pxy-int02.wheatfirst.com (204.238.130.68)

Bones

Thanks to Medicine Hat for his post about talking to Hal Willner. The frustrating thing for me is that one can be a total introvert and still release records( supporting it would be difficult). By the way, Hal produced the Blazing Away record by Marianne Faithful, with wonderful work by Garth all over the record.

Posted on Wed Oct 27 18:18:57 CEST 1999 from (208.218.212.254)

David Powell

I always enjoy listening to Garth's work with The Call. These recordings seem to have been made at a time when Garth was experimenting with different synthesizer sounds which allowed him to explore new directions in music.

As a follow-up to Pat Brennan & pehr, the fine album that Joey DeFrancesco recorded with the late Telecaster master Danny Gatton was entitled "Relentless." It was released on CD in 1994 by Big Mo Records and features Danny on guitar & Joey on B-3 backed by just bass & drums. Together they play some of the most kicked-up instrumentals you'll ever hear, going beyond rock & jazz into the stratosphere.

Bill Munson mentioned seeing Mylon & his Holy Smoke Band. Mylon Lefevre grew up in a gospel singing family in Atlanta. At the age of 17 he wrote a song called "Without Him" that was recorded by Elvis. He recorded his debut album at the age of 19. Although he later worked with Felix Pappalardi & toured extensively with Mountain, his first album was produced by none other than Alan Toussaint. This groundbreaking album was released in 1970 by Cotillion/Atlantic. It features Toussaint's emphasis on the bass & drums with gospel-influenced backup singing from Clydie King & Sherlie Matthews. The backup musicians include three of the founding members of the Atlanta Rhythm Section. This hard to find recording is one of the first collaborations of Toussaint with one of the legions of young, white artists who were influenced by his sound.

Mylon later recorded a moderately successful album with Alvin Lee in 1973 entitled "On The Road To Freedom." This album featured contributions from Steve Winwood, Jim Clapaldi, Ron Wood, George Harrison & others. After years of battling drug addiction, Mylon left the rock & roll lifestyle behind in 1980. Since then he has devoted his life to Christian rock music & the ministry, winning a Grammy & several Dove awards along the way.

Posted on Wed Oct 27 16:45:08 CEST 1999 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Dingoe

Hey bec... grrrr...

Since you're here... if you care to listen to a few audio files on this site, you'll find out that this crappy band is not so crappy after all... whoof whoof...

Posted on Wed Oct 27 14:44:35 CEST 1999 from gateway.llgm.com (209.125.166.250)

medicine hat

everyone say a prayer for cesar rosas' wife sandra. she was apparently kidnapped (allegedly by her step-brother) and has not yet been found. the step-brother is in custody. if anyone (especially in the l.a. area) has any further updates, please post as news of this event is slow in making its way to the hinterlands.

Posted on Wed Oct 27 11:52:31 CEST 1999 from ppp-perth-185.ca.com.au (203.31.121.185)

bec

i came here looking for the dog kind of dingoes and all i find is some crappy song by a probably crappy band

Posted on Wed Oct 27 08:34:40 CEST 1999 from kir.karkkila.fi (194.211.205.77)

Kalervo

Thanks for your comments, Diamond Lil and friends. Yes, Christmas is just that for me, too, Lil. It is so good to be uncritical, at least once a year, and love almost all Christmas music. I am a fan of Mel Torme, he died this year, a fine singer, hats off... Many of my favorite Christmas songs never get airplay... Finnish..and some Hawaiian killers...Bruce Cockburn's beautiful and deep Christmas album. Just saw Bruce first time, he is one of the best troubadours in the world. His 90' s albums Nothin' But The Burning Light and The Charity of Night are real classics. Nice to see his connection to the Band. Kalervo

Posted on Wed Oct 27 07:41:32 CEST 1999 from spider-te012.proxy.aol.com (152.163.195.177)

brett

it is great to see a web site devoted to the band i have had the pleasure of jamming with rick danko and the pleasure of meeting levon but man it has been alot of years ago i am always interested to know what yall are up to and i wish you health and happiness

Posted on Wed Oct 27 07:26:06 CEST 1999 from ppp7117.on.bellglobal.com (206.172.238.229)

Richard Patterson

Phil: Moon, June, Spoon, connection; Soft Machine's "Moon in June" from 'Third' sure beats "Circle Game". This tune would represent Robert Wyatt's 'pataphysical' period.

Posted on Wed Oct 27 07:16:46 CEST 1999 from 209-239-197-180.oak.jps.net (209.239.197.180)

Phil

A lot of good keyboard players have been mentioned. Can't really think of any that haven't except for the guy from "Soft Machine" -Ratlidge or was it Radlidge? Their first three albums with Robert Wyatt (Kevin Ayres on the first one) were guit unique.

Band connection? None what so ever.

Posted on Wed Oct 27 06:23:33 CEST 1999 from ppp7117.on.bellglobal.com (206.172.238.229)

Richard Patterson

Other keyb players of note:

Bernie Worrall, Eno, Terry Riley, the dude (Booker T. ?) who plays organ on the instrumental version of "Whiter Shade" from the 'Withnail & I' soundtrack.

I agree with David Powell. The Hammond organ is the voice of the rock/jazz soloist (Emerson, Lord, Hudson, Ronnie Barron (the man who defined Tom Wait's 'Heart Attack and Vine'), Crane, Kooper, Fisher, etc.) Fresh tires and a full tank of gas!

BTW Does any one have any info, recommendations, etc. regarding Zoot Money and the Big Roll Band ?

Posted on Wed Oct 27 06:06:44 CEST 1999 from 1cust140.tnt12.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.136.140)

Crabgrass

Re: "CMBT" - well, it won't grow on me! Garth BTW did another show at the wonderful St. Ann's Church (in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn NY) about this time last year with a bunch of other musicians providing backing for a night of readings from Edgar Allen Poe. Unfortunately, I missed it but heard it was great. Everyone's right - Garth is too much of an introvert to put out a live album or take center stage but he could have given us more than 2 minutes worth of "French Girls." And he plays sax great too! REGARDING other rock organists no one has mentioned Dave "Baby" Cortez of "The Happy Organ" '50s fame. A number 1 hit for weeks on end.

Posted on Wed Oct 27 05:44:39 CEST 1999 from user-33qt8oe.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.163.14)

Pat Brennan

All very interesting. Garth really isn't an organist anymore; he relies on synths to get the sounds inside his head out into the open. Along those lines, Josef Zawinul is in the same boat. Both are amazing programmers and have developed their own unique sound. Joey Defrancesco is a Jimmy Smith acolyte--the boss Hammond B-3. Few can touch either. One thing: both play bass with their left hands on the Hammond's second manual and kick accents with their feet, although both can walk the bass with their feet if they want. Kicking the pedals to accent the left hand walking pattern adds dynamics. On ballads both with walk the bass and comp with the left hand. Joey D. also plays a nice trumpet. Beware: Joey is a jazzer with some crossover tendencies. I believe he recorded an album as a teenager with Miles. All the material I have of his is straight jazz. BTW, just got back from seeing Dylan at the Park West here in Chicago. 800 seats. Ecstatic audience, but a short show. Given the circumstances--probably the smallest club I'll ever see him in--it was something. Has anyone noticed that the two most antagonistic posters in the Mattk thing have disappeared? Nice, huh. Drop some bombs on one of the GB's more interesting people until he's chased away, then poof. Really nice.

Posted on Wed Oct 27 05:27:51 CEST 1999 from boc-stockton64.oakweb.com (208.147.34.64)

Richard Whelan-Stevens

On the topic of great organists besides Garth, Benmont Tench of the Heartbreakers is an obvious choice for me. He plays in a very understated, elegant style that is similiar to Garth's. Plus, there are two immediate Band connections (1) Robbie produced some of SOUTHERN ACCENTS for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and (2)Tench played on a couple of Dylan's albums in the eighties.

Posted on Wed Oct 27 05:08:20 CEST 1999 from proxy-383.public.rwc.webtv.net (209.240.200.83)

jhwygirl

ILKKA: Dylan recently guested on an episode of "Dharma and Greg," playing in her garage band. Just wanted to add my two cents in and say that I love It Must Be Christmas Tonight. I'm not a fan on Christmas music, but I always enjoy hearing that one and EL&P's Father Christmas.

Posted on Wed Oct 27 04:30:10 CEST 1999 from user___3.nf.sympatico.ca (209.128.34.3)

JOE

Christmas Must Be Tonight kinda grows on you. Rick has that lovely vocal. "Saw it with my own eyes..." As for a cover, I believe our young but talented Down East trio, The Enns Sisters, have it on their "Christmas on Ennis Road" CD.

Posted on Wed Oct 27 02:54:25 CEST 1999 from 201.philadelphia-20-25rs.pa.dial-access.att.net (12.78.248.201)

Carmen

Was at Borders tonight and saw a free promo CD for a band named Aunt Pat's Patoo. The CD contained a bonus track featuring Levon Helm called "Hard Inside LP version". To get the CD you had to become a member of a local radio station which plays local unknown groups or purchase the groups new release. Anyone know anything about this one?

Posted on Wed Oct 27 01:30:32 CEST 1999 from alb4-as5200-18-210.termserv.net (208.20.67.177)

Diamond Lil

The fact that The Band's "Christmas Must Be Tonight" has not been covered by anyone else doesn't make it any less special to me. There are "standard" Christmas tunes (my favorite happens to be "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas") of which this is certainly not one, but I love it just the same and like to think of it as a "gift" from The Band to all of us every year at Christmas. This is just my opinion, but "dismal" wouldn't be a word I'd use to describe it. On the cd player, with the fireplace going, and the Christmas lights on...the word I'd use is "magic".

And btw...here in Upstate New York, the tune gets _alot_ of airplay around the holiday season.

Posted on Wed Oct 27 01:10:15 CEST 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr

checked out al kooper's site at www.alkooper.com .has big pink at #20 greeatest recordings of all time. "Where masterful material meets minimalism in a world of good taste.one of the most influential debut albums of all time.Also produced by rarely heralded John Simon".

well below where i'd rank it, and one step above aja by steely dan, which i dont care for at all. kooper rates single "My Generation" at 17 and "graceland" at #6 so the guy's not infallible.Well he doesnt claim to have the order right by a long shot and it doesnt reflect the opinions of others so ya cant hate him. Well maybe i can. He states "Tumbleweed Connection" can teach the Band and the Eagles a thing or two"... well maybe he's about to leap off my list of favorite organ players. he mentions a record by danny gatton and joey deFrancesco as an "ego deflator for guitarists and organists alike" by the way. have to check out this Joey Defrancesco then...

have fun out there Mr. V... check back soon

sorry about the bad penmanship lately. i'm in a cast now so i'm clumsier than before!

Posted on Tue Oct 26 23:58:11 CEST 1999 from gateway.llgm.com (209.125.166.250)

medicine hat

i spoke with hal wilner shortly after garth's st. anne's concert. i introduced myself at a marianne faithfull concert in san francisco and asked him about a pending album with garth. as in the musician magazine article, he expressed to me his awe at garth's abilities and his frustration at trying to get garth to record. it seems garth is a rather shy man who has __no__ interest in the limelight. end of story.

Posted on Tue Oct 26 23:34:59 CEST 1999 from 2cust110.tnt11.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.133.238)

Crabgrass

The late Mel Torme's "Christmas Song" is the most recorded holiday tune of all time and Mel made tons of money (deservedly so) from royalties accruing from the hundreds of cover versions. On the other hand Robbie's dismal "Christmas Must Be Tonight" has been covered by no one and The Band version doesn't even get any airplay at Christmas time.

Posted on Tue Oct 26 23:20:35 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-110.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.110)

Peter Viney

I once watched a Yanni video in a bar in Guadalajara. After three Tequilas he seemed quite impressive, and all the locals seemed enthusiastic, but if I wanted that kind of music I’d choose Vangelis.

As for “Christmas Must Be Tonight” (see my article on the site) for me Christmas means this song (in any version, RR or The Band - though I prefer Rick singing on it) + “I Believe in Father Christmas” by Greg Lake. Way over the top, lifted from Lieutenant Kije, but that’s Christmas. Which links us to ELP, which links us to Keith Emerson which links us back to ‘Pictures in An Exhibition’ which … and now David Powell’s brought up Jimmy Smith, we have to add Grant Green and …

The only keyboard player I can think of in Garth Hudson’s league in terms of inventiveness, melody and sheer SOUND is Joseph Zawinul, but I listen to more records with Garth on. Matt K, if you’re lurking, come in here!

Posted on Tue Oct 26 22:26:45 CEST 1999 from alb1-as5200-02-2.termserv.net (208.20.67.2)

Diamond Lil

Love "Christmas Must Be Tonight"..always have. Beautiful music and lyrics....wonderful vocal by Rick.

Never a Yanni fan, but was "dragged" to see him several years ago and was fairly impressed. Another talented man in his own right.

To the person who mentioned the version of "Liebestraum" done by Richard and the Rockin Revols, I have it here on cd (thanks K!) and it's _wonderful_! Blows me away though to think that I was 2 years old when it was recorded :-)

PETER: Wishing you a safe trip and a very enjoyable "reunion".

Finally got it figured out. Howard Kalin lives with his Duck in the Crabgrass. You'd think at least one of them would have a working e-mail address though, eh?

UNCLE H: Good thoughts and hopes that things are better...Keep on keepin on...and hug :-)

Posted on Tue Oct 26 22:15:43 CEST 1999 from gw33.telekomus.com (206.2.196.66)

Band Thought

Kevin Bacon appeared in Levon's movie, "End of the Line." I believe that the Bacon Bros. opened for The Band at their last Carnegie Hall gig. The Band did an early tune called Bacon Fat. Let's see, Rick likes eggs for breakfast which is somewhat related to Kevin's surname. Ah, the list goes on and on.....

John S.

Posted on Tue Oct 26 21:49:10 CEST 1999 from m198214176144.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.144)

pehr

ok...rock organists/ lets see who can come close to garth. I dont know much about the organ but my vote(besides for Dick Heintze) might be for George Duke, a brilliant player with many groups, a distinguished solo career and the work I am familiar with, his records with Frank Zappa in the 70's. who was Zappa's organ player in the 60's? was it jim "motorhead" sherwood? some strange stuff on the early zappa stuff and the organ seemed more important as the band progressed.

next question... Can someone find Band connections to actor Kevin Bacon? lets hear from you!

Posted on Tue Oct 26 21:42:53 CEST 1999 from 1cust68.tnt14.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.142.68)

Howard Kalin

CRABGRASS - Although Yanni appeals to me in ways not appropriate to discuss on this website I agree that he is quite deficient in musical ability relying heavily on tedious arpeggios, costumes, and arm flourishes to mask the fact that his insipid musical "creations" are mere fluff. AS FOR ROCK ORGANISTS - No one has yet mentioned the fabulous Johnny and the Hurricanes who had a long string of Top Ten hits in the late '50s. Although Johnny was a sax player he mostly traded licks with the organist in the group who was at the root of the Hurricanes' driving sound. Although an instrumental group, Johnny and the Hurricanes were manic, wild rock & rollers very much in the tradition of Ronnie Hawkins.

Posted on Tue Oct 26 21:20:29 CEST 1999 from cache-hki-5.inet.fi (194.197.68.45)

Kalervo

Down to the crap bag it is to say that Christmas Must Be Tonight is the worst song Robbie wrote for the Band... To me it is a fine performance, maybe too naked and innocent for emotionally limited pseudo-intellectuals. Kalervo

Posted on Tue Oct 26 21:05:11 CEST 1999 from fw1.clari.com (204.141.88.254)

Richard

Ryan: Garth played the Lowery Festival and Lincolnwood model organs.

Posted on Tue Oct 26 20:23:33 CEST 1999 from icache-3.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Ryan Stang

What model was Garth's Lowery Organ? Was it a "Festival"? I know Garth played Lowerys because they had a pitch bending device (operated by the knee) that Hammonds didn't have. I recently got a C-3 for $200!

Posted on Tue Oct 26 20:13:23 CEST 1999 from ric-wht-pxy-int02.wheatfirst.com (204.238.130.68)

Bones

A lot of people in the industry knew about wonderful Garth's show at St. Ann's. Beside many famous artists in attendance, Musician Magazine did a marvelous review of the show, and there was some talk about releasing it as a record with Hal Willner producing(he produced the live show). I don't know what happened after that.

Posted on Tue Oct 26 19:58:01 CEST 1999 from 1cust207.tnt12.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.136.207)

Crabgrass

Although probably not the worst song he's ever written, "Christmas Must Be Tonight" is surely the worst song Robbie ever wrote for The Band. I much prefer "Jingle Bells" or "Here Comes Santa Claus!" to lift my holiday spirits. LOUISE - If ever a charlatan sat behind a keyboard (or stacks of them) it has to be YANNI! The guy can't play to save his life - and it's a mystery to me how PBS ever saw fit to air him.

Posted on Tue Oct 26 19:02:35 CEST 1999 from (208.218.212.254)

David Powell

Jimmy Smith is one of the pioneers in the development of the modern electronic organ sound. He is credited with helping to elevate the organ from a background rhythm novelty into a full-fledged primary solo instrument. Mr. Smith, who began using a Hammond organ in the early '50s, developed a style that blended jazz with R&B. Playing bass lines with his foot pedals, he would churn out chords with his left hand and solos with his right hand on the organ's keyboards. Whether playing with jazz greats Wes Montgomery, Oliver Nelson or Kenny Burrell, or with his own small combo, Jimmy Smith took the organ to a new level in modern music.

Posted on Tue Oct 26 18:43:56 CEST 1999 from du80-0.ppp.algonet.se (195.100.0.80)

Ilkka

Tears in our eyes we watched JOHNNY CASH (and June Carter) acting as a false reverend in the LITTLE HOUSE TV series tonight in Swedish TV4 - knowing that he is sick . . . very badly. Our prayers go to them!

Posted on Tue Oct 26 18:19:11 CEST 1999 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

Another great organist - no longer with us, unfortunately - was William "Smitty" Smith, who Band completists will know from the David Lindley LP on which Garth Hudson plays. While Smitty was best known as an LA session guy with everyone from Bob Dylan on down, his initial exposure was as singer of Motherlode's 1969 hit, "When I Die". Motherlode saxist Steve Kennedy had played previously in one of Robbie Robertson's many pre-Hawks groups.

Posted on Tue Oct 26 17:42:25 CEST 1999 from 56k-ml-00-02.dial.qnet.com (209.221.218.17)

Dave

Some of the best rock keyboardists; Hornsby, Billy Payne, Richard Bell. Some of the best organ players; Bill Champlin, Jack Jacobson(he sets 'em up,fixes 'em, and gets to play some for Huey's News), and Chester Thompson of Santana. The VERY BEST KEYBOARDIST/ORGANIST? GARTH HUDSON! Of Course! Garth is way too good to be stepping out front. He's just too good to do the "Hey, I'm blah blah blah, how would you like to buy my new blah blah blah".If you get a chance to see him play, check him out closely. That cat is so gone. I mean like free. I mean he plays with total freedom. Ah crap, ya just can't explain it. I think music at this point just flows outta him. Why the hell would he want a career when he's got what he's got? A person could do really well with three squares and all that music around. My wish is that the fans could share in some of the music still. So yeah, do an album for us Garth.(or not) I think everyone must love Mr. Hudson.

Posted on Tue Oct 26 17:32:02 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-019.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.19)

Peter Viney

Proving that everyone in rock is connected, Richard Bell played piano and Brian Auger played organ on a Fabulous Rhinestones album. And The Nice backed P.P. Arnold in the 60s who went on to do the second AbFab version of “Wheel’s On Fire.”

Bill is right that most of Richard Bell’s credits are piano- I’ve been listening to Bruce Cockburn recently and he played organ on two albums. He also played organ on Colin Linden & Tom Pachecho stuff, and the Hans Theesink album, but I guess it’s not an instrument you get to practise in The Band!

Posted on Tue Oct 26 17:25:43 CEST 1999 from (208.218.212.254)

David Powell

Our thoughts & prayers should go out to Cesar Rosas (of Los Lobos) & his family following the disappearance of his wife Sandra Ann.

Posted on Tue Oct 26 16:56:41 CEST 1999 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

A couple of things:

The discography notes that Helm, Hudson and Robertson play on two songs on John Hammond's "Mirrors" LP, but doesn't say which songs. They are, according to the liner notes, "I Wish You Would" and "Travelling Riverside". However, the instrumentation on the latter is limited, and to me the guitarist doesn't sound like Robertson and the drummer doesn't sound like Helm. By the way, I don't think the version of "I Wish You Would" is the same as appears on Hammond's one Red Bird single (as the flip of "I Can Tell").

Peter Viney might care to know that Emerson carried his stab-and-hump act with him to ELP - for at least as long as the Tarkus tour. I saw them in Ottawa, fronted by Mylon and the Holy Smoke Band - a talented Pappalardi-produced outfit from the southern US (though peppered with a couple of Canadians).

As for other organists, I'm not sure that Richard Bell has done all that much of note on organ. I think his most famous work, for Janis Joplin, was on piano, and his best, as far as I know, was with King Biscuit Boy (and Crowbar). Bell's organist foil on the first KBB LP was the truly great Doug Riley (aka Doctor Music - see the discography). No doubt one of the very best around.

Robertson's "Between Trains" was mentioned a little while ago. As far as I'm concerned, Robertson's faults (even those he may still have after a couple decades of maturing) are those shared by many of us on this earth - and on this site. This far along, the only thing that bugs me about the guy is that he grabbed all the credit for the vocal performance of that song, unjustly relegating Manuel to just bg vocals in the credits. Hmmph.

Posted on Tue Oct 26 16:21:22 CEST 1999 from dal-tgn-tkg-vty27.as.wcom.net (206.175.236.27)

Dexy

I know I've mentioned him before, but since we're on to "other" great organists, it's hard to beat Mike Finnigan.

Posted on Tue Oct 26 14:27:33 CEST 1999 from kir.karkkila.fi (194.211.205.77)

Kalervo

Nice to see this web site going strong. Fans of the Band are mostly (maybe) a bit yang side, so they may not get my message (I think this is reason - that many fans of the Band don' t like Robbie's new material - which is so much yin and emotional - to me Robbie has a rare balance of both): As a Christmas crazy it is joy to listen Christmas Must Be Tonight from Islands, one of the best Christmas songs I know. Rick is in fine form and Robbie' s pen has been sensitive and understanding as usual. Kalervo Koskela

Posted on Tue Oct 26 14:12:26 CEST 1999 from gw33.telekomus.com (206.2.196.66)

Band Thought

On Garth's World: Back around the 1989-90 timeframe, Garth headlined his very own show at St. Ann's Church in Brooklyn, New York. Gene Shepard (remember the great PBS show Gene Shepard's America and the holiday movie A Christmas Story?) served as the MC and among those in the audience (all sitting in pews in deference to the holy Garth) were Paul Schaffer and John Simon.

Garth performed to a full church that night, appearing first with a small chamber group (I believed he played sax). Without question, the highlight of the evening was when Garth disappeared from the stage, only to re-appear above the crowd at the back of the church, seated behind the mammoth church organ. I still don't recall how long he played there, but the experience was truly religious.

I say Rick and Levon walk in the back of the church after the show, perhaps a bit late but clearly there to pay homage to Garth. This was a one-of-a-kind event, and I do agree that another is long overdo from the man who was the Ace in the Band's loaded deck.

Posted on Tue Oct 26 14:06:17 CEST 1999 from stk-pm1-45-173.dialup.slip.net (207.171.230.173)

Louise

On page 20 of Barney Hoskyns' book about The Band he mentions that Richard did a boogie woogie version of the Schubert classical composition "Liebestraum" in the Rockin' Revols days. Interestingly, this piece in it's original form was a mainstay in Liberace's repertoire and was not only included in his live shows but put on wax numerous times. Merely a coincidence? ALSO - with all this talk of keyboardists I find it hard to believe that no one has yet mentioned the greatest of them all - YANNI - an artist who has filled stadiums and arenas around the globe and played and recorded with some of the world's finest orchestras! If anyone can play circles around anyone else it surely has to be YANNI!

Posted on Tue Oct 26 13:45:14 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-102.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.102)

Peter Viney (again)

Sorry, a second lengthy post, but I will be away for five or six days from tomorrow!

Liberace: I find it difficult to visualize his playing at this distance but remember it as “florid” and decorative. The influence of popular keyboard players on TV shows started me on a line of thought. The late 50s / early 60s in Britain featured three “variety” (i.e. vaudeville) type pianists who had several hit records, Winifred Atwell, Russ Conway & Mrs Mills. All had a similar style in that they played extremely fast, and the pianos sounded like they had thumbtacks in the hammers, and may well have done so. This speeded-up player piano style was influential on a lot of British players, though subliminally. I’m sure they’d never admit it, but it leads to the “I can play faster than you” syndrome that bedevilled British rock music on both guitar and keyboards. The players would point to Jerry Lee Lewis as an influence, but the truth might be in these TV influences.

As a result, they were often dismissive of touring American musicians. In the late 60s the British music press (and those who saw them) slated The Byrds, Jefferson Airplane, The Grateful Dead and The Doors as incompetent live bands. The Byrds have more or less admitted that they were on their first tour. (Untitled proves they got better fast). The Airplane and The Dead were playing to a different agenda. Twenty minutes tuning-up and fiddling around was not acceptable to a late 60s audience here. The Doors - well it was said they were just plain incompetent, as individuals and a group. I wonder how much this was different viewpoints? Or the state they were in while in London (combined jet lag and chemicals)? I must say that while I love the Byrds, Airplane and Dead, the critical view of The Doors has stayed with me. Don’t phlame me for it, as I will give them another listen today! But that brings me to The Band who were considered to be the ultimate consummate professionals by the same critics. Rightly so.

While discussing great organists, let us not forget Richard Bell (who’s recorded about as much on organ as piano), Zoot Money and Billy Preston.

Posted on Tue Oct 26 10:11:58 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-007.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.7)

Peter Viney

Carmen: “Soap Box Preacher” . Robbie did a lot of press interviews around Storyville, and without looking for the actual piece I’ll give you the gist of my recall. He said that Rick had been going to sing the second part in “Soap Box Preacher” but had to drop out after the fire at Levon’s barn, and so he asked Neil Young because he wanted (and I do remember these words) “that high Canadian sound” on the vocals.

I saw Keith Emerson several times in Britain with The Nice and in those days his greatest feat was lifting the Hammond quite high (with one end on the floor of course) and alternately knifing it and humping it. Do not try this at home. This was of pretty dubious taste, and I think it was in “America” when things were done with an American flag that might have been inadvisable from foreigners in US concerts, even then. The Nice were definitely highly entertaining instrumentalists, though unfortunately they used to sing a couple of songs as well, and the guitarist was dreadful. They knew this and reduced to a three piece.

As we’re discussing organists, I found a budget copy of the “Julie Driscoll with Brian Auger & The Trinity”compilation yesterday, and I’d forgotten how clever their choice of covers was - as well as the original hit version of ‘This Wheel’s On Fire” (which stands up very well to the passage of time) she did a definitive “Season of The Witch” but an appalling attempt at “Tramp” which sent me running back to the Carla Thomas / Otis Redding version. Well, Brian Auger was a highly rated organist of the era, in spite of a strange concept of stereo (drums full left, organ full right).

But … Garth is in a totally different league to any of these people.

Posted on Tue Oct 26 05:41:09 CEST 1999 from user-33qt83u.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.160.126)

Pat Brennan

Nice to see Liberace make it to the Guestbook. As a little bitty boy I remember seeing his show (b&w) on the tube around the noon hour. Thought he was a dork but my mother liked him. There's a big difference between the Liberace/Keith Emerson school and Garth Hudson. Lee and Keith were classical players with classical attitudes. Write these great parts out and play them great. A little improv but mostly stick to the music. Emerson could improvise, no doubt, but he tended to dish out the orchestrated stuff. Garth, the soul of improvisation, and capable of making it sound like it was written. I must have twenty versions of Genetic Method et al and no two are even remotely the same. Run through the live boots and Garth's parts change constantly. I recall reading the difficulty outside producers had with him because he wouldn't play the same thing twice. Beautiful moment in the Classic albums video: Garth is improvising and hits a chord. Suddenly he's a bit perplexed and he looks up at the camera and says something like 'where do I go from here?' He quickly figures it out. Where Emerson would do something like that at the piano in the privacy of his own composing room, Garth takes that attitude on stage every night. I do love Emerson, thought. That kind of technique is something else, and his Hammond tone was amazing.

Posted on Tue Oct 26 03:42:29 CEST 1999 from alb4-as5200-04-196.termserv.net (208.20.67.163)

Diamond Lil

Heheh...Whoever mentioned that Liberace could play circles around Richard and Garth...thanks for the laugh. I needed one.

And to the person who asked if "French Girls" is all Garth could come up with in 30 years, you really haven't been listening, have you? Garth, in my opinion..is a musical genius..way ahead of his time. I happen to be lucky enough to own a copy of his "Our Lady Queen Of The Angels"..and trust me when I say that this incredible 'garthesque' music could blow Liberace's candles right out.

And as for Richard's piano playing...there was passion and soul there that can't be matched by many. He put 'himself' into everything he played, and for that there is no substitute. Liberace may have been a very talented performer in his own right (although a bit too flamboyant for my taste) but when it comes to creativity and passion...Garth and Richard complete the circle for me.

Jan: Still can't make corrections after previewing here and am too tired to figure out why. Maybe you can help...when you awake :-)

Posted on Tue Oct 26 02:02:12 CEST 1999 from edslink8.eds.com (199.228.142.8)

Carmen

Question to Peter Viney: Peter, you said that Rick was slated to sing the Neil parts in Soap Box Preacher. Can you tell us why Neil and not Rick? Thanks!

Posted on Tue Oct 26 01:58:11 CEST 1999 from cfa1.execulink.net (199.166.6.10)

Paual,helvetica" color="#662200">Carmen

Question to Peter Viney: Peter, you said that Rick was slated to sing the Neil parts in Soap Box Preacher. Can you tell us why Neil and not Rick? Thanks!

Posted on Tue Oct 26 01:58:11 CEST 1999 from cfa1.execulink.net (199.166.6.10)

Paul Godfrey

In a Toronto interview when the original 5 were still together Levon said that he would most certainly like to see Garth do his own album and then we would all see just how many instruments he could play really well.

When asked how he would like to be remembered...Roy Orbison said:"Oh, just as one of the Boys!" One wonders if that might fit Garth? Garth is Garth..he is an Original. He was the Band's music teacher and somehow always will be.

A while back someone took exception to Joni Mitchell and Neil Young being part of TLW. From a Canadian view-point one has to realize that both are contemporaries of the Band and came up thru the ranks on the streets and even coffee houses of Toronto's Yorkville. Whether it be Robbie, Joni or Neil, we are all very proud of what they have accomplished. Canadian's are not flag-wavers! Understand though, I am not anti-American. But, I am proudly Canadian and especially proud of any who have contributed to the music world.

Posted on Tue Oct 26 01:23:38 CEST 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr

back to al kooper... i heard the way al tells of his initial involvement with the highway 61 sessions as a fluke- al to me is a very funny and interesting storyteller for sure but i wonder how much of this tone is self effacing as opposed to strictly accurate. while kooper's playing on the record is not reflective of tecnical virtuosity there is a sound that is not decorative but essential to the form and structure of the sound and it's structure. kooper certainly had no shortage of studio calls after the 61 sessions, everyone it seemed became interested in this sound, which is why i consider him influential. Now i dont know this for sure but i would imagine alan rothschild's job of selling the doors to record companies was made alot easier by the sucess of "Like a Rollin Stone". now i could be wrong, but i always was under the impression that the manzarek sound was related in some way to the popularity of this record. Kooper certainly fleshed out his approach to the b3 with the blues project and both super sessions records he did with bloomfield. his skills as an arranger were in great demand and utilized and integrated with his oter gifts in his forming of blood sweat and tears- a very ambitious project. personally i never cared much for his solo albums after the super sessions records but i collected them anyway as a fan. he went on to produce some famously recieved bands that had to be influenced by the work of our boys. now i dont know if kooper is in the rock n roll hall of fame yet but he would be a most deserving candidate: so yeah, i stand by my inclusion of him as being one of the 60's most influential and important musicians on the organ. his website is a kick, i enjoy his style of writing about the music biz much better than the marsh and landau's out there.

incidentally for you fans of all time lists kooper has his own printed up-i cant remember where our boys stand there... but it was al kooper that wrote probably the most famous review for "Music From Big Pink".

oh yeah. Garths organ work speaks for itself. i imagine that ther is one heck of a solo record/or a hundred that can come outta that fella!

Posted on Tue Oct 26 01:18:48 CEST 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr

back to al kooper... i heard the way al tells of his initial involvement with the highway 61 sessions as a fluke- al to me is a very funny and interesting storyteller for sure but i wonder how much of this tone is self effacing as opposed to strictly accurate. while kooper's playing on the record is not reflective of tecnical virtuosity there is a sound that is not decorative but essential to the form and structure of the sound and it's structure. kooper certainly had no shortage of studio calls after the 61 sessions, everyone it seemed became interested in this sound, which is why i consider him influential. Now i dont know this for sure but i would imagine alan rothschild's job of selling the doors to record companies was made alot easier by the sucess of "Like a Rollin Stone". now i could be wrong, but i always was under the impression that the manzarek sound was related in some way to the popularity of this record. Kooper certainly fleshed out his approach to the b3 with the blues project and both super sessions records he did with bloomfield. his skills as an arranger were in great demand and utilized and integrated with his oter gifts in his forming of blood sweat and tears- a very ambitious project. personally i never cared much for his solo albums after the super sessions records but i collected them anyway as a fan. he went on to produce some famously recieved bands that had to be influenced by the work of our boys. now i dont know if kooper is in the rock n roll hall of fame yet but he would be a most deserving candidate: so yeah, i stand by my inclusion of him as being one of the 60's most influential and important musicians on the organ. his website is a kick, i enjoy his style of writing about the music biz much better than the marsh and landau's out there.

incidentally for you fans of all time lists kooper has his own printed up-i cant remember where our boys stand there... but it was al kooper that wrote probably the most famous review for "Music From Big Pink"

Posted on Tue Oct 26 00:53:09 CEST 1999 from (207.237.89.80)

Jon Lyness

Crabgrass: it's interesting to speculate why Garth has never done a solo album -- I think everyone can imagine how good it would be and what he's capable of. My guess has always been simply that he genuinely enjoys backing other people up, and whether due to shyness, modesty, or whatever, thinks of himself as a sideman more than a frontman. I was lucky enough last year to see him perform (for about 40 minutes, at least) "solo", backed by an orchestra, and it was interesting to see his reaction at being the center of attention. At first, he seemed to be going out of his way to defer to the conductor of the orchestra, for no apparent reason...even when he was a frontman of sorts and the center of attention, he seemed to take comfort in interaction with another. Needless to say, his playing that night was mesmerizing. We can only hope that he _will_ finally do that solo album someday!

Posted on Tue Oct 26 00:27:39 CEST 1999 from max1-84.intellistar.net (206.105.68.84)

Dan

Crabgrass' comments regarding Garth Hudson are banal. The lack of a solo album does not impute lack of greatness. Fact is, he made, and continues to make, everybody he plays with sound better. Every member of The Band, old ane new, is united on that. Who cares if Keith Emerson could play keyboards with a kitchen utensil! My request that Rick ask Robbie to play a cut or two on the new album should not be perceived as a slight to Weider, Carliante and Bell. I have seen the new Band live on a number of occasions and I liked the new albums, especially Jubiliation and Jericho.

Posted on Tue Oct 26 00:06:18 CEST 1999 from 2cust17.tnt12.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.137.17)

Crabgrass

STANLEY - How about Keith Emerson ("The Jimi Hendrix of the Organ") who started with The Nice and went on to form Emerson, Lake, and Palmer who are still going strong today? And Emerson used to stab the keyboard with a knife and vault over it -- I've never seen Garth do that trick! He might even have been able to teach Liberace a thing or two! As regards other organists - Ray Manzarek is definitely up at the top of the list for his distinctive and inventive work with The Doors, but Al Kooper (as widely written about) could barely play and his and influential organ sound on Dylan's "Highway 61" album was a complete fluke. And I stand corrected on my earlier PH comment - Keith Reid was indeed Procol's lyricist! And a great one. AFTERTHOUGHT: If Garth is so incredible why no solo album? He's had over 30 years to get one together. Is the 2 minute long "French Girls" all he can come up with?

Posted on Mon Oct 25 23:47:04 CEST 1999 from ric-wht-pxy-int02.wheatfirst.com (204.238.130.68)

Bones

Rick Danko has constantly referred to the "CD windfall" in interviews. The members of the Band still get royalties from CD and tape purchases. Granted, the songwriter gets the larger cut, but Rick has said that they are all, including Levon, comfortable. I know that Levon is always talking about how he's getting "screwed by the suits", but the real groups who have a complaint are the old R&B groups like the Coasters, Drifters, etc.. They did not receive anything.

Posted on Mon Oct 25 22:47:39 CEST 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr

i certainly respect Liberace, and never got to see his 50's tv show. but i prefer garth and richard to just about anybody on the keyboards. appropos garth and the organ, in rock n roll i think he is the master...it was i/nteresting to see mention recently of other bands that featured 2 keyboards or organ. i'm interested in who people might think if organists that defined the era along with garth. i would start with booker t, al kooper (has a fun website)ray manzarek at first thought. in terms of sheer improvisational ability the one who comes closest to garth's talent IMHO is Dick Heintze, just a monster player no longer with us. you can here him on Roy Buchanan's early records. Back to Garth, i particularly enjoy his use of the lowery organ that has the occilating pitch.

Posted on Mon Oct 25 22:43:58 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-047.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.47)

Peter Viney

Daniel: You’re right, On “Robbie Robertson”, Garth plays on two tracks. Rick sings on "Hold Back The Dawn" on Storyville, and was originally going to sing Neil Young’s part on “Soap Box Preacher.” Garth is on 'Resurrection' and 'Soap Box Preacher.' Richard and Garth played on the solo “Between Trains,” and again on the “Raging Bull” soundtrack. People forget this. And Rick and Garth performed with Robbie at the Grammys.

Gary Brooker / Robbie Robertson connection: Gary plays on “It’s in the way you use it” (Eric Clapton /Robbie Robertson) from “Color of Money.” No doubt views on PH were not exchanged.

Posted on Mon Oct 25 22:24:56 CEST 1999 from lab31.law-lab.depaul.edu (140.192.43.31)

Paul K

Great website; glad to see you're keeping it alive. I just wish Robbie would get together with the old gang again. I really haven't enjoyed his recent efforts, especially that "Redboy" album; to think that the man who once wrote "Acadian Driftwood" and "Dixie" is now playing techno (or something that sounds like it) is really tough to swallow.

Posted on Mon Oct 25 21:39:02 CEST 1999 from alb1-as5200-02-2.termserv.net (208.20.67.2)

Diamond Lil

MR.KALIN: I apologize if I in any way insulted you. I assure you that was not my intention. Perhaps was wasn't there for me is something that was there for you..and I should've been more sensitive to that. Please understand however that what was posted about Rick did not come _from_ Rick...which was the point I was trying to make. It's my belief that everyone is entitled to live their lives however they choose, and I in no way meant to insinuate otherwise. Thanks.

Jan: Am having a problem after previewing entries here. After hitting my back button, I get a blank screen (which means you probably have a whole bunch from me hanging out there unsubmitted). Anything I can do to correct this? Am going to submit this now without previewing since I'll lose it if I try. I apologize in advance for any typos or whatever since I can't go back and correct anything. Thanks.

Posted on Mon Oct 25 21:16:24 CEST 1999 from 1cust116.tnt6.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.11.190.116)

Howard Kalin

LIL - The "something that's not there" for you "is definitely there" for me. And BTW the only recent victim of the "uncalled for insults and name calling" which you allude to is ME! LOUISE - I do not think it is fair to label me as a "Liberace Basher." I only lumped him in with the VILLAGE PEOPLE and RUPAUL because of his flamboyant style. I respected his musical abilities and certainly he was not out to just make a quick buck by exploiting his lifestyle. And I do agree with the other poster who defended Garth who in my opinion could hold his own against Liberace, Andre Watts, or any other classical pianist.

Posted on Mon Oct 25 20:07:29 CEST 1999 from du105-249.ppp.algonet.se (195.100.249.105)

Ilkka

WAHOO! Tomorrow is the day! Johnny Cash and June Carter are acting in the LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE TV series in Swedish TV4. Johnny Cash is a *reverend* and June is - of course - his wife. BTW TV: There go rumours in these deep woods that Bob Dylan is acting on TV, in a comedy(?!). Have *our boys* ever done it?

Posted on Mon Oct 25 18:25:47 CEST 1999 from 209-20-16-76.dialin.interlog.com (209.20.16.76)

Stanley Landau

I don't post too often, but I think whoever said that Liberace could "play circles" around Garth, was dead wrong. I don't think many or any living or dead can or could play circles or any other shape around Garth.

Posted on Mon Oct 25 16:46:31 CEST 1999 from max1-84.intellistar.net (206.105.68.84)

Dan

Thanks for posting the Rick Danko interview. I am looking forward to the new album. Since Rick is working on 40 songs or so, it would be a great way of shaking hands to have Robbie guest on a song or two, thereby returning the favor of Robbie's first two solo efforts where Rick and Garth guested.

Posted on Mon Oct 25 16:19:20 CEST 1999 from levon.hiof.no (158.36.51.54)

jh

Just testing ...

Posted on Mon Oct 25 13:09:18 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-038.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.38)

Peter Viney

Rock books: one of the disadvantages of this website is that you hear about everything in advance, so that bookstores and record stores hold no surprises when you’re browsing. This morning I saw “The Book of Rock Obituaries” by Nick Tavleski (Omnibus Press). I realized it was probably garbage from the title, but wondered if they’d included any interesting contemporary pieces on Richard. No, it was just the usual stuff, mainly lifted from the various rock encyclopedias etc by a careless idiot, who was edited by someone just as incompetent. The misinformation it gives includes the fact that “The Weight” is notable for Richard’s falsetto, and also Duane Allman’s slide guitar playing, and that “Robinson” left the group, and that Winterpark is one word. How does this crap get published?

On Robbie’s quotes on Procul Harum, it’s clear in retrospect that he was an easy touch for a journalist looking for a controversial line. He also knocked The Beatles, Tom Jones, San Francisco music in general, and “Jockstraps and feedback” groups which I always took to mean Cream. This is something that people tend to do at the start of their success, and it comes back to haunt them. First they’ll invariably find themselves meeting the people they’ve knocked in a social situation, then they’ll find that they like them as people, then they’ll find that the person has read the knocking copy. Still, they all did it via The Sex Pistols to Oasis.

Posted on Sat Oct 23 10:24:21 CEST 1999 from spider-tn033.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.58)

Ben Pike

I haven't read the Marsh peice that everyone is talking about; but I do know that Marsh took an anti Robertson stance years and years ago and it sounds like he is just reprinting the same stuff. Thing is, even if you think Cahoots(or Stagefright) to Islands are completly worthless, his arguement doesn't make much sense. One more time, what has Rick, Levon, or even Richard(remember the sad last interview) ever achive that suggests they were being "held back" by Robertson in the contex of the group. Even though I kinda like them, "Rick Danko" and "American Son" STILL aren't even as good as "Islands."

But these are old arguments to us Band fans. The sadest thing about Dave Marsh is that he's a Rock and Roll writer. And for all the ink he's wasted trying to sell us Madona as relevent, Rock and Roll was on life support by the mid-seventies. Saturday Night Fever pulled the plug.

Posted on Mon Oct 25 11:23:29 CEST 1999 from alb4-as5200-33-225.termserv.net (208.20.67.192)

Diamond Lil

Forgot to mention that I seem to be way outnumbered on the Procol Harum issue. Some of you who are certainly more knowledgable about music than me probably have alot of valid points, but the band just never did anything for me as far as listening goes. Different strokes for different folks as they say...

Have a good day everyone :-)

Posted on Mon Oct 25 10:25:54 CEST 1999 from alb4-as5200-33-225.termserv.net (208.20.67.192)

Diamond Lil

HOWARD KALIN: Noone in any way is judging anyone's right to their own lifestyle here, and I'm with Ghostrider when I say that reading into something that's not there is only going to start another round of uncalled for insults and name calling. And for what it's worth, have known Rick for a very long time, and the man has no homophobic tendencies that I've ever heard or seen. Let's get back to the music now, ok? Thanks.

Posted on Mon Oct 25 08:04:44 CEST 1999 from stk-pm1-60-188.dialup.slip.net (207.171.230.188)

Louise

Howard - With all due respect for your chosen lifestyle I think your Liberace bashing is entirely uncalled for. Liberace was an accomplished musician who turned many a child on to classical music and the piano (perhaps Garth and Richard among them) with his early afternoon TV show in the '50s. And despite his obvious effeminate affectations he turned many adults on to the joys of classical music (people who would never have set foot into a concert hall.) I'm sure that both Richard and Garth would not demean his musical talents and would readily admit the obvious - that he could play circles around both of them with one hand tied behind his back! Also, Liberace and Dylan both appeared on the same David Letterman show a number of years back if anyone is looking for a Liberace/Band connection, and had it not been for Liberace the King of Rock & Roll -- Elvis would never have acquired his famed gold lame jacket!

Posted on Mon Oct 25 05:58:26 CEST 1999 from user-33qt8tn.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.163.183)

Pat Brennan

Now, let's not forget that Gary Brooker had nothing to do with PH's lyrics. Keith Reid was the group's exclusive lyricist and a fine poet on his own. Everyone was influenced by Dylan back then, but I have no doubt the Reid was well-versed--like Dylan-- in the French surrealists and the Beats. While PH's regard for the Band is well documented, Robbie was quite the castigator of PH. I've always found that odd because I understood that RR claimed to listen to very little contemporary music. Of course, I recall him ripping the soundtrack to Easy Rider when he was trying to position the Band to become the sole scorers of the film. Anyway, I happen to have the Rolling Stone Record Review that covers the late sixties/early seventies. Very funny stuff. Jon Landau rips Jimi Hendrix's first album, John Mendelsohn destroys Led Zep's first two ( something about the name John/Jon perhaps. Oops, I hope I didn't offend anyone). PH reviews obsess on the Band big time. :"BJ Wilson often sounds like Levon Helm taught him how to play drums"--as though that's something bad. What's really funny is the schizo world these critics live in. In one review, lyricist Reid is a Dylan rip-off; in the next, he's "too diffuse, too self-conscious"; in the last, he's "as fine as ever." Nothing like criteria, is there? In the SHine On Brightly review, the critic (Jim Miller) haughtily mocks the group for quoting Rodrigo, but the genius misses the huge Hadyn interpretation, calling it "an electric mass of sorts." BTW, the PH website previously mentioned is quite nice.

Posted on Mon Oct 25 05:19:32 CEST 1999 from 1cust3.tnt11.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.134.3)

Crabgrass

Obviously, Gary Brooker would have heard Dylan do "Ballad of a Thin Man" on that tour. That's the surrealistic Dylan song that inspired Procol Harum songs like "Whiter Shade" and "Hamburg." And Matthew Fischer's organ is an obvious emulation of the sound which Al Kooper created for Dylan's album version of "Thin Man." As regards the "moons and Junes" rhyme on "A Salty Dog" Joni Mitchell's "Circle Game" ("Moons and Junes and ferris wheels")is plainly the influence here! And BTW, while we're on the subject, that black and white drawing on the cover of Procol's first LP is by gay artist/designer Aubrey Beardsley! And let's not forget Allen Ginsberg's friendship and influence upon Bob - although Ginsberg admitted many times that Dylan was the greater poet because people would better remember his words.

Posted on Mon Oct 25 04:43:00 CEST 1999 from 209-239-193-177.oak.jps.net (209.239.193.177)

Phil

Richard- have passed since we made LAND..... Salty Dog......

What's wrong with that? You naughty boy!

Posted on Mon Oct 25 04:31:44 CEST 1999 from spider-wk042.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.167)

Ghost Rider

Howard Kalin:

Please don't EVEN go there. The last thing this Guestbook needs is another person reading something that's not there into something someone posted ( or, more likely in this case, pretending to have read something, and using it as an excuse to lead us down a demeaning tangent! ) What set you off? HomeGroan's use of the word A.I.D.S.? Please, crawl back into your closet (or your turtleshell) and let peace and sanity prevail here.

Posted on Mon Oct 25 03:37:55 CEST 1999 from ppp7736.on.bellglobal.com (206.172.191.224)

Richard Patterson

"How many moons, and many Junes..." ('A Salty Dog'). Is this even remotely close to Dylan's surrealistic period ? Well OK, Dylan might have sung about moons and junes, but what was the next line? The comparison is not too complimentary to Procol Harum.

Re-listened to the first three PH lps, in the wake of the flood of defence, to conclude that 'Shine On Brightly' isn't bad (the most prog of the three). 'A Salty Dog' is a stone bore. And "Whiter Shade of Pale" is stone brilliant. Watch out for the versions of "WSOP" in fake stereo, better to have it in _real_ mono (this is the lp where the cover art is as big as the cover). Always loved them as a kid though, but had only heard "Conquistador" (live version, where the Edmonton S. O. rocks harder than the band) and "Whiter Shade of Pale" (Lennon has good taste-go figure). I think I prefer Robin Trower's odd rockin' tune with the band (70's PH) or his solo music.

Peter V.: I can see the similarity to Spooky Tooth, but I prefer my British blues a little more lively.

Posted on Mon Oct 25 03:04:22 CEST 1999 from 1cust113.tnt9.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.128.113)

Howard Kalin

I have loved The Band's music since I was 12 and always will. But recent revelations about Rick's homophobic tendencies frankly leave me somewhat distressed. We gays are into much of the same music that everyone else is and I personally find the Village People, Rupaul, and the late Liberace an insult to my intelligence. Most of my buddies dig the Stones, the Beatles, Dylan, Led Zep, etc. (Admit I really loved Jagger's tonguing of Ron Wood on that old SNL repeat though!)

Posted on Mon Oct 25 00:16:27 CEST 1999 from ti09a61-0307.dialup.online.no (130.67.57.51)

Home Groan

I've done sound for Rick Danko and Levon Helm on a few occasions and will always remember the bustling energy of Rick Danko after a days drive through Arlo Guthrie's backyard of western Massachusetts. Upon arrival in Cambridge, Rick exclaimed the drive had been beautiful, he was "on", what a great guy ! He shared the bill with Michelle Shocked and they sang a couple of tunes together. The second show was also great with an interesting sequence where Rick in the early aids days made a point of peeling the wind screen off a Shure sm 57 muttering some words of catching the dreaded disease.......It makes no difference

Posted on Mon Oct 25 00:04:52 CEST 1999 from 209-239-199-109.oak.jps.net (209.239.199.109)

Phil

I visit 'Beyond The Pale', the Procol Harum website from time to time and have read both of the articles mentioned by Bill. There are no fans or anyone claiming PH influenced The Band. They are just articles pointing out similarities between the two groups with a link to the Paul William's liner notes that A&M records stuck on the American release of their second album 'Shine On Brightly' as Pat Brennan mentioned. These notes were not on the British release and were put on the US release without the group's knowledge, much to their embarrassment from what I've read. Now I have read that Gary Brooker decided he wanted an organ-piano combo in PH after seeing Bob Dylan and The Hawks in '66 in England. Seems PH remained Band fans throughout the 60's and 70's . The late B.J. Wilson's (PH drummer) favorite drummer? Levon Helm.

Posted on Sun Oct 24 23:41:42 CEST 1999 from 1cust97.tnt11.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.134.97)

Crabgrass

As usual, I find myself in complete agreement with the majority of recent posters. John Lennon loved "Whiter Shade of Pale" and I don't think anyone would say HE sucked, would they? Procol Harum were great live and Gary Brooker's vocals, poetry, and piano were perfectly complimented by Matthew Fischer's etherial organ strains and Robin Trower's tempered though pungent guitar playing. PH's words were more inspired by Dylan's surrealistic period particularly "Ballad of a Thin Man" whereas The Band was more influenced by Dylan's post accident writing frame of mind. Procol's albums thru "A Salty Dog" are a major achievement. The covers of these albums are classic album art too.

Posted on Sun Oct 24 23:23:02 CEST 1999 from webcachew01a.cache.pol.co.uk (195.92.197.36)

Dave Leek

Only just found this excellent site. Why do people get upset about comments by Marsh, Taylor, etc. when we know The Band were/are by far the most musically proficient group of all time? Good fun reading them though! See you soon.

Posted on Sun Oct 24 22:46:42 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-113.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.113)

Peter Viney

I don’t think Procul Harum suck at all. “A Whiter Shade of Pale” is still a great record, out at the same time as ‘Sergeant Pepper’ in a year of great records. I don’t think they were an influence on The Band either. Both were using twin keyboards well before they made it big. ‘Air on a G String’ is still being mined, witness Sweetbox’s “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” last year. The fact that The Band mined ‘Tocatta & Fugue’ and used the same line-up is bound to lead to comparisons, though I think it’s parallel development. Shine on brightly. If you want to investigate groups with twin keyboards from that era, try Spooky Tooth (featuring Gary Wright), who did a reasonable cover of “The Weight”.

Posted on Sun Oct 24 19:09:39 CEST 1999 from user-33qt89i.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.161.50)

Pat Brennan

First of all, I saw Procol Harum before Big Pink came out, and they were an incredible live act at the time. So I bought their first two albums about the same time I bought Big Pink. I didn't notice many similiarities between the two groups, but I must admit I enjoyed both. I was struck by the liner notes of PH's "Shine On Brightly" which mentions (from a British perspective) the supposedly obvious influences--but more as limbs from the Dylan tree. So the argument that PH influenced The Band somehow is an old one, over thirty years old to be exact. Beginning with Salty Dog, PH adopted some "country" flavorings that mimicked (in my eyes anyway) a certain Band vocal thing. This continued through the balance of PH's career. But the guitarists in PH tended toward a Les Paul/Marshall sound, the drummer was much busier than Levon (brilliantly fitting, in the PH style),PH only had one main vocalist (although the organist sang a few songs over the first three albums, and Trower also sang a couple), and I'd say PH classical leanings shone a lot brighter than Garth's, who included many other stylings in his bag. Needless to say, I regard PH as a very important group in the British wave. If you only know them for "Pale" and "Conquistador," I recommend a deeper listen.

Posted on Sun Oct 24 18:43:31 CEST 1999 from polaris-fw1.nspco.com (206.10.243.20)

Dave Z

Hey Diamond Lil: If the sundon't'll shine... Maybe that full moon'll do... I've been a little blue myself lately... but I just picked up the Jimmy Hollywood soundtrack... Ohhhh Bad Intentions... and that full moon... Far and Lonely Cry of Trains... Slo Burn... and wa la ... I got lucky last night... after the 16 month old twins went down... old men still have the passion... I know, more than you wanted to know... But lately I've been praying real hard for some help from the sun... for now the moon and other things... will have to do...

Posted on Sun Oct 24 17:57:36 CEST 1999 from alb3-as5200-28-124.termserv.net (208.20.67.124)

Diamond Lil

There's a dark and a troubled side to life. There's a bright and a sunny side too. Though we meet in the darkness and strife. Well the sun'll shine..it'll see us through...

A good thing to remember. Listening to Rick singing it now, and thinking about how a good friend always told me to believe that the lost are found. I hope so.

ELECTRICITY BILL: Other than "A whiter shade of pale"..PH sucks in my opinion too :-)

Hi Ragtime! Long time no coffe...cuppa soon, ok?

Posted on Sun Oct 24 17:38:59 CEST 1999 from (221.138.64.2)

Electricity Bill

Procol Harum fans are weird, now they claim that Procol Harum was a major influence on The Band when they made Music from Big Pink. See

http://www.procolharum.com/sc_ph+band.htm

and

http://www.procolharum.com/the_band.htm

PH suck, IMHO.

Posted on Sun Oct 24 17:22:59 CEST 1999 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime

Ragtime's free advice to Gene & others:

Unless you have money to burn - stay away from eBay. Do a search for used book/record/videostores or try trading with other Band friends. The cost will be more than the original price but at least tolerable.

Posted on Sun Oct 24 16:05:07 CEST 1999 from ph17s.pharm.sunysb.edu (129.49.165.34)

Ed

I am looking for a "good" copy of "The Complete Last Waltz". If anyone has one that they would like to sell, please e-mail me. Dr.Ed@EdHayes.com

Posted on Sun Oct 24 04:55:07 CEST 1999 from alb2-as5200-31-79.termserv.net (208.20.67.79)

Diamond Lil

No comment. Brownies already burnt. Listening to Richard....rum and coke....life can be good.

Uncle Hangover: Hug :-)

Posted on Sun Oct 24 04:41:45 CEST 1999 from alb2-as5200-31-79.termserv.net (208.20.67.79)

Not quite Diamond Lil

Visiting the coal mine with a Diamond in the rough. While the brownies were in the oven Lil made me hear something that would truly see 'who is the band'. . After hearing Richard manuel solo , it was Richard. the man played chest fever alone. and it blew me away. It blew Billy Joel off the top 5 pianists of all times. And Richard , I met you and now know why you had to go to rest. The band was you. and being at your Woodstock memorial amungst friends and family the universal feeling was understood, 'you were released.'

Posted on Sun Oct 24 04:32:11 CEST 1999 from cf3k-3.paradise.net.nz (203.96.152.183)

Rod

Rick mentioned in an interview a while back that the release of The Band's catalog on CD had been a real bonus for him - implying he'd made a reasonable amount of money out of it.I doubt that it was just from his writing credits.

The release of

Posted on Sun Oct 24 04:03:25 CEST 1999 from ns1.schuster.com (199.105.252.66)

Charlie Young

The VH-1 "Concert of the Century" today from the White House featured Garth Brooks mangling "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" as part of an ill-conceived medley of socially-relevent songs, while Hendrix wannabe Lenny Kravitz messed around with the words to "All Along the Watchtower." The show was an attempt to build awareness about the need for music education in public schools in the USA, but I think in the case of those artists it simply pointed out the need to search for a lyric sheet...

Posted on Sun Oct 24 00:55:50 CEST 1999 from dialin-221.poughkeepsie.bestweb.net (216.179.14.55)

Gene

eBay usually has a few auctions going on for "Eat the Documentary", too.

Posted on Sun Oct 24 00:37:31 CEST 1999 from 1cust44.tnt12.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.136.44)

Tom Corbett

Dylan once said something like "We're all just re-writing the same 5 songs." -- referring to his contemporaries in general to which I think there is some (if not a lot) of truth. "Acadian Driftwood" is essentially a re-write of "Dixie" but has a less dramatic theme and "Dixie" in turn is a re-write of "The Weight" though it tells a different story in a more straightforward manner. The "Caves of Jericho" is also a re-write of the three previously mentioned songs although the composers differ. They're all pretty good songs though just the same - but definitely related to each other.

Posted on Sat Oct 23 15:43:43 CEST 1999 from d94.as3.clmb.oh.voyager.net (216.127.13.222)

greg

bob, the coke commercial was shown during the winter of 93-94, coinciding with the jericho tour and the bands' induction into the rock and roll hall of fame.

Posted on Sat Oct 23 12:59:19 CEST 1999 from node111.standardradio.com (209.89.149.111)

BOB

PHIL..........YOU ARE RIGHT. DYLAN GOT THE PUBLISHING ON THE FIRST ALBUM, IN ORDER FOR THE BAND TO PAY HIM BACK FOR "KEEPING" THEM FOR A YEAR OR MORE.

Posted on Sat Oct 23 05:51:38 CEST 1999 from user-33qt8t2.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.163.162)

Pat Brennan

The Coke commercial is from at least a couple of years back (time does compress as we, er, age). I would guess the publishing for that song has gone through some changes. Most publishing rights transfer a number of times through their shelf-life.

Posted on Sat Oct 23 05:41:42 CEST 1999 from spider-wm023.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.158)

Bob W.

I'm a little confused. Is this Coke commercial a new one?

Posted on Sat Oct 23 05:16:17 CEST 1999 from 209-239-210-172.oak.jps.net (209.239.210.172)

Phil

I think The Bands old friend Bob may have made out the best on that Coke comercial. Wasn't it his publishing company (Dwarf something or other) that published the song's from MFBP (excluding "Long Black Veil")?

Posted on Sat Oct 23 04:38:47 CEST 1999 from elm-host-7-144.exotrope.net (209.187.30.144)

Dennis

This is a great web site. I saw the band back in the early 80's, and four or five times after their reunion. I'm quite bummed they broke up again. My wife and I saw them at the 96 Carnegia Hall show and would love to be able to find a tape of the show. Free Your Mind and the Rest will follow. Anyone who could steer me in the right direction, I would be much obliged. Thanks

Posted on Sat Oct 23 03:47:01 CEST 1999 from alb4-as5200-32-224.termserv.net (208.20.67.191)

Lil Again

I'd just like to add a "PS" to my last post by saying that Mr. Danko is a _very_ generous man when it comes to friends and charities. He gives because it's in his heart to do so. Caring and generosity such as his should be commended. Thanks.

Posted on Sat Oct 23 03:30:01 CEST 1999 from alb4-as5200-32-224.termserv.net (208.20.67.191)

Diamond Lil

CRABGRASS: I would respectfully like to suggest that Rick's legal problems from the Japan fiasco are his own business.. and is what he does or doesn't do with his money. There are many sides to every story, and not one of us here has the right to speculate on why the money Rick received came at a "good time". Hey..the man has a family and bills just like the rest of us...and he's entitled to a little privacy when it comes to such personal matters. Obviously, there's been some kind of breakthrough in what should rightfully be shared financially, and that's a very good thing. Families fight, friends fight..but underneath it all.. there's a genuine caring that just doesn't go away. And despite all the speculation of feuding among the members of The Band...my feeling is that the bond they share will never ever be broken. There are human souls behind the outward appearances, and things are not always what they seem...

Posted on Sat Oct 23 01:58:03 CEST 1999 from user-33qt84a.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.160.138)

Pat Brennan

Not being privy to the present financial arrangements, I can't say exactly why Rick said it. Perhaps a new deal has been struck. Perhaps he still holds his rights as a player and singer on the song. It depends on how the song was sold to Coke, the vagaries of which are too complicated to deal with here. I do know he said it. And, Crabgrass, I'm not up on legal costs in Japan. Perhaps you can enlighten us.

Posted on Sat Oct 23 01:29:48 CEST 1999 from spider-wm043.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.168)

Mike Carrico

What is striking about Dave Marsh's "review" of Anthology is that it is not much of a review at all - There is no detailed discussion of the music on the record; he mentions only a handful of songs by name, speaking instead in generalities about the first 2 or 3 Band albums vs. what was released later.

Marsh uses the review format as an excuse for an extended exercise in ragging on Robbie - at times Robbie is arrogant and full of himself, but his personality quirks are a seperate issue from the quality of his music, which for me has been consistantly well above average and often exemplary.

If Marsh had concentrated more on the music, maybe we could have learned why he apparently believes that a song from NLSC, such as "Acadian Driftwood", is inferior to anything on Tommy or Harvest.

Posted on Sat Oct 23 00:37:14 CEST 1999 from 56k-ml-00-30.dial.qnet.com (209.221.218.45)

Dave

Another album from Mr.Danko is a great idea. I'm still playin' Live At Breeze Hill alot. I'd love to see some new songs written in-house. The John Hiatt connection might be a good alternate source to tap into. It's sure exciting to hear that there's gonna be lots of songs to pick from by next spring. Way to go! Rick! (Get some participation from Garth and Levon please.)

Posted on Sat Oct 23 00:06:34 CEST 1999 from (207.237.89.80)

Jon Lyness

Great to hear about Rick's solo album in the works! I think a great candidate for inclusion would be "Rivers of Babylon". The few times I've seen him perform it, he's blown the audience away, & it is a true highlight of his sets. Whoever suggested the 80s-Band-live-version should've been included on Best of the Band Vol. II (sorry, can't remember who) is right on the money -- always hoped that one would make it to an album someday.

Posted on Fri Oct 22 19:14:48 CEST 1999 from 1cust189.tnt14.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.142.189)

Crabgrass

Yeah, that "great time" must have been while Rick was in the slammer over in Japan. I hear legal costs are very high over there.

Posted on Fri Oct 22 19:01:03 CEST 1999 from proxy1-external.blfld1.ct.home.com (24.4.252.36)

AHROOO!!

Whoah! Pat! Rick said the money helped him at the right time from the Coke ad of "The Weight?" What happened to Helm's claim that the other Band members gave up their share in royalties and publishing?

Did something happen or has somebody been pulling our chain?

I agree about Duran Duran. Where are THEY now? They had their 15min. of fame, and now John Taylor thinks he's an expert at knowing what kind of music there was in the 70s. It wasn't all glam, make up, and pyrotechnics. Led Zepplin was still going strong. Clapton came out with some of his greatest hits in the 70s. There was California Rock or softer Rock with the Eagles, Poco, Doobie Brothers. Stadium Rock with the likes of Boston, Kansas, Journey. Folk, Joni Mitchell released quite a few albums. The list goes on.

AHROOO!!

Posted on Fri Oct 22 15:04:01 CEST 1999 from user-33qt87n.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.160.247)

Pat Brennan

When asked about the Weight/Coke commercial, Rick Danko said it came at a great time for him--the considerable money he made from it was extremely helpful. Evidentally, there's been some restructuring.

Posted on Fri Oct 22 07:40:49 CEST 1999 from 1cust16.tnt11.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.134.16)

Horace Wexler

Most likely Robbie approved of his music publishing company's licensing of "The Weight" for the Coke commercial. At any rate, as the composer there's big money in it for him but probably he's donating it all to Native American causes I'm quite sure. He should have sung it himself though in order to boost his sagging career.

Posted on Fri Oct 22 06:13:59 CEST 1999 from ns1.schuster.com (199.105.252.66)

Charlie Young

Speaking of The Who, Pete Townshend's new live, benefit CD includes a version of Dylan's "Girl From the North Country." Unfortunately, someone thinks Pete wrote the song, mistitled "North Country Girl" in this version...

Posted on Fri Oct 22 06:10:49 CEST 1999 from user-33qt8of.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.163.15)

Pat Brennan

The thought of John Taylor of Duran Duran (Duran Duran???) commenting on the Band turns my stomach. People like Dave Marsh also make me sick. They create the rock paradigm that everyone must follow to attain credibility. It's a type of fascist mentality that squeezes the joy out of music. Look at what he wrote. The comment about the 60's collective betraying its soul. And what is Marsh doing? Writing for a newspaper. Practice what you preach, you hypocrite. Move to Boulder and make candles instead of helping to sell ad space for a media conglomerate. The Who? Tommy? When was the last time anyone in the world listened to all four sides of Tommy? Of course, tune in to the tube and check out the Who shilling for any number of products. Yeah, the Weight for Coke, I know. But the boys aren't making the argument. Dave Marsh is. And it's so shot full of holes, Marsh whistles when he walks. And Harvest is one of Neil's personal dislikes. Gee whiz, a rock critic who is full of shit. Whadda surprise!!!

Posted on Fri Oct 22 06:01:51 CEST 1999 from spider-tk022.proxy.aol.com (152.163.206.182)

Ben Turkel

I don't think the Dave Marsh review is that off the mark. He is critical of Robbie and Capitol records, and credits Levon with inspiring Robbie's songwriting. The comment about 'Harvest' and 'Tommy' seems to be misunderstood. He seems to only be saying that they were major commercial successes, moreso than any of the Band's albums. At least he doesn't claim that Richard sings 'A change is gonna come'.

Posted on Fri Oct 22 03:55:39 CEST 1999 from pm452-05.dialip.mich.net (198.110.20.111)

Twilight

Dave Marsh is a proponent of the rebel rockers who are out to change the world. He wrote many reviews in the first two Rolling Stone Record Guides. Many of the reviews are hilarious but he makes no bones about not liking pretention - he dislikes the Doors and CSN, Grateful Dead. I think he dislikes a certain kind of arrogance - which he associates with Robbie Robertson - not Levon Helm. However - he has written great reviews for a lot of young artists around here like Jim Roll and Chris Buhalis - two up and coming musician/songwriters. If you want to make an interesting comparison between the Band and the Who, check out the new version of Who's Next. It has the who doing "Baby Don't You Do It." I like both the bands for different reasons. Let's just say that the Band is a bit closer to my North American roots.

Posted on Fri Oct 22 01:59:04 CEST 1999 from proxy1-external.blfld1.ct.home.com (24.4.252.36)

AHROOO!!

I got to view the latest episode of "The List" on VH-1. The host this week is none other than Kevin Bacon who knows his music. Today they had a guest panalist of Rick Springfield, Michael Bacon, Jon Taylor, and Danny Bonnaduce (who acts like a jerk.....still does).

The topic was Best Bands or Artists of the '70s. It seems as though Mikey chose The Band as his third choice and explained how he thought they were influential in the 70's, and talked about "Music From Big Pink." If anybody knows how this game/show is played once everyone picks their favorite three, they then have to wipe away one from any of the guests until the number is down to ten or so names left. Jon Taylor (I never did like Duran Duran) wiped away The Band because in his mind the 70s was about people wearing make-up and wearing outrageous clothes. But isn't that what we LIKE about The Band? No pretentious ways? Meaningful lyrics and not theatrics?

So, the top three that the audience picked were Led Zepplin, Queen, and top choice was the Bee Gees. Okay, so with all of Dave Marsh's hyperbole and having his head stuck up somebody's behind, nobody chose The Who or Neil Young. So there goes that. I guess "Tommy" and "Harvest" were overlooked by three musicians as well.

I overlook anything Dave Marsh says anyways. The man is a joke. Pick up his book that he wrote with James Bernard called "Rock Lists." The man caters to rap and very much dislikes The Grateful Dead and all that they stand for.

AHROOO!!

Posted on Fri Oct 22 01:18:47 CEST 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr

viney: big pink and brown albums-best records ever made by anyone not black and from the mississippi delta or therabouts(Blonde on Blonde). the who- pretentious, cheap, loud and obnoxious/ an adolescent guy thing basically, but whats wrong with that?Anyway, thanks for the stories of what @$$h0!3$ they are. quite a few stories there. a buddy of mine sold popcorn and stuff when he was a kid at the performing arts center. he got to meet townsh*t and was given the 3rd degree dressing down, just brutal. this was after the guitarist had impaled his hand thru the whammy bar, was a real drunk with the worst b.o. ever. theres the other story of pete getting ejected from a posh restauraunt for drinking champagne by himself and pukin in the ice bucket. well i dont think i'll invite them to play my wedding!

still though its ok to not be as great as the Band after all and they do rock and someone had to be the first to be cheaper than the stones: i respect them for that. more power to ya for calling elton an improvement... i cant quite feature that. anyway Marsh schmarch. i said it before/he's a crushin bore!IMHO you could take him to school!

Posted on Fri Oct 22 01:09:44 CEST 1999 from spider-tr074.proxy.aol.com (152.163.201.209)

Bashful Bill

I'm red-faced with embarrassment again. In yesterday's post re The Mavericks and the Johnny Cash tribute I forgot the biggest and most obvious Band connection: Dylan! He and his band played a J.C. song via sattelite. They collaborated a long time ago on" Nashville Skyline". Thanks for the Kristofferson-Danko connection, pehr. I have been a K.K. fan since '71 but have only seem him twice. He is past his peak but in his prime I think he was one of the great American songwriters. His last 2 albums aren't too shabby either. One more Band connection- I once saw an interview where K.K. said his very first live gig was opening up for Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks. Which version of the Hawks, however' I'm not sure. I also understand that K.K. and the Hawk are friends to this day. "

Posted on Fri Oct 22 00:41:07 CEST 1999 from 56k-ml-00-27.dial.qnet.com (209.221.218.42)

Dave the Phone Guy

You are all wrong. Dave Marsh had his head up his own ass.

Posted on Fri Oct 22 00:29:02 CEST 1999 from gewen.ne.mediaone.net (24.218.126.231)

DR. UGG

Please can I find guitar chords for Rick's newer stuff. I mean you can't find it anywhere. I am just a "campfire musician" in need of some chords from "THE DANKSTER OF OPUS"

Posted on Fri Oct 22 00:27:30 CEST 1999 from proxy2.datacomm.ch (212.40.5.56)

Waiting 4 Robert

Cool Site. Keep up that good work & visit our homepage! Adrian

Posted on Fri Oct 22 00:12:48 CEST 1999 from dialin-217.poughkeepsie.bestweb.net (216.179.14.51)

Gene

Moonie was one heck of a drummer, though.

Posted on Fri Oct 22 00:02:11 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-061.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.61)

Peter Viney

Sorry, I don’t usually like hot-under-the-collar polemics, but here goes. As an avid reader of “Best 100 / 1000 / 10 / 237” Albums of All Time lists, I think it fair to say that The Brown Album and Big Pink fare better in both critics’ and fans’ polls than either ‘Tommy’ or ‘Harvest.’ This may be prejudice, but any mention of The Who is like a red rag to a bull for me. I saw The Who at their nadir, just before the pretentious Tommy rescued their limited talents and rapidly declining fortunes, and will never forget seeing an unfortunate drunken heckler invited on stage in Hull. The guy was shouting for something they didn’t want to play, possibly ‘I Can’t Explain.’ They let him rant away on mic then Daltry pushed the mic hard into his teeth while Townsend swung his guitar straight into the back of the guy’s neck. Extremely hard. Blood everywhere. A year earlier I saw Keith Moon beat up a guy in a coffee bar in Bournemouth. The offence? Putting ‘Substitute’ on the juke box. All good clean fun from rock’s favourite joker? Tommy had about two good songs. And Tina Turner and Elton John improved on both of them. So Marsh reckons Tommy a greater achievement than The Band or Big Pink? Uh-huh. He’s welcome to The Who. I’ll stick with the Band!

Posted on Fri Oct 22 00:02:07 CEST 1999 from dialin-217.poughkeepsie.bestweb.net (216.179.14.51)

Gene

$153.50, final bid for The Complete Last Waltz.

Posted on Thu Oct 21 21:40:01 CEST 1999 from pc19f127a.dip.t-dialin.net (193.159.18.122)

Wolle

Hallo The Band Fans, möchte hiermit alle grüßen,wer mal was über The Band in Deutsch lesen möchte,klickt meine Homepage an! Wolle. PS. Wann kommt The Band nach Germany,zwecks Concerte???????

Posted on Thu Oct 21 23:58:05 CEST 1999 from ns1.schuster.com (199.105.252.66)

Charlie Young

I came home with Indigo Girls' "Come On Now Social" and Best of The Band, Volume II today. The later is oddly light on Danko vocals and pretty pointless in general (move the merch for Christmas?), while Garth's intro to the song "Gone Again" is the highlight of the Indigo Girls' album. I saw them in concert at the college near me last year and drummer Jerry Marotta was the most interesting part of the show. The new CD seems like a move in the right direction, though. If the Indigos were to develop some sense of humor, they could be truly worthwhile...

Posted on Thu Oct 21 23:47:27 CEST 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr again again

BASHFUL BILL: here's a Kristofferson connection... his lead player is a fella from Austin named Steve Bruton. Bruton used to watch Danko's horses and helped build his fence when he was a kid! (Bruton, not Danko!) also, Bruton plays with Bonnie Raitt and produces records by Alejandro Escovedo among others.

Posted on Thu Oct 21 23:33:06 CEST 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr again

o.k., "Quadrophenia" doesn't stand up to Howlin' Wolf and all his buddies (Muddy, Sonny Boy, MR. Johnson,et. al but still, its a helluva gooder.

Posted on Thu Oct 21 22:35:10 CEST 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr

IMHO: dave marsh ah phooey. where is his brown album? we got better writers on this website. but carmen i thought marsh's head was up townshends derriere all this time!well i'm on a roll an y'all gonna hate me. TFNB. robbie haters i love you all but the man can do no wrong by me. there i said it. further phlame material: i like big pink better than brown album... it rocks a little harder- it punks! now dont get me wrong folks i lub de brown album but stage fright is a bloody good rekkid too,an i dont care what anybody says. final flame material: quadrophenia, IMHO, stands up to anything, anyway ,anyhow anywhere. when my pals slag townshend i tell 'em hey, the guy wrote "Quadrophenia" he can say whatever he wants.anyone ever find Danko in the kids are allright yet? just checkin. he's listed in order of appearance after Steve Martin an i still cant find him.DEXY... you mean bones malone, or Bones from the guestbook?

Posted on Thu Oct 21 22:11:56 CEST 1999 from 1cust74.tnt9.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.128.74)

Crabgrass

The Who do not have an album to rival "The Brown Album" though in my opinion "Who's Next" is the Who's "Rubber Soul" (US shorter version of "RS" - unfortunately never released on CD - where every track is great - I'd say that too for The Band's first 3 albums.) Springsteen does not have any album which rivals "The Brown Album" either and neither does Dylan for that matter. Townshend is from another country and there was no closeness to Dylan's (granted ever-changing) vision of music and poetry. Besides the Hawks were virtually unknown to the masses while the Who were already major stars. Plus a couple of dozen other reasons.

Posted on Thu Oct 21 22:09:48 CEST 1999 from ric-wht-pxy-int01.wheatfirst.com (204.238.130.67)

Bones

Dexy: I know that Snooky Young used to play in Doc's Tonight Show Orchestra, and he also played on Rock of Ages, but that is all I can think of right now.

Peter Viney: I totally agree with you regarding the Marsh article. He is not very astute about Band history. Unfortunately, like most critics, he knows just enough to be dangerous.

Posted on Thu Oct 21 19:58:05 CEST 1999 from edslink8.eds.com (199.228.142.8)

Carmen

For all those who agree with Dave Marsh regarding RR, one question; I wonder why Dylan (argubaly one of the most influential persons of our time) did not select Townsend to help him re-create himself. This is a big part of his legecy. I also think that the Brown album beats any work by the Who and just about any other band past or present. Another thought, I am amazed that Dave Marsh was able to get his head out of Springsteen's but long enough to write this piece.

Posted on Thu Oct 21 19:36:44 CEST 1999 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

To correct something I said yesterday, the Ugly Ducklings' first b-side was a copy of the Hammond/Hawks arrangement of "I Can Tell", not of "I Wish You Would". They did do a copy of the latter, but it wasn't let out of the can until a retrospective LP released in '82. Interesting that they chose to copy both sides of Hammond's rather obscure Red Bird 45. (By the way, Hammond's Mirrors version of I Wish You Would is not the same as on Red Bird.)

Posted on Thu Oct 21 18:50:57 CEST 1999 from 1cust64.tnt12.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.136.64)

Les Kaufman

Right on Dave Marsh! Where indeed is Robertson's "Harvest" or "Tommy?" His creative powers have indeed steadily declined since the Brown Album. Robertson's greatness will always be inseparably linked to his achievements on The Band's early albums.

Posted on Thu Oct 21 17:09:35 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-026.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.26)

Peter Viney

Re-reading the Rick Danko interview. He mentions “This Wheel’s On Fire” as the theme song of “Absolutely Fabulous” - and there are two versions, one by Adrian Edmonson & Julie Driscoll, the other by P.P. Arnold & Marianne Faithful - made me wonder. Which Band song exists as a recording in the largest number of homes worldwide? The versions of The Weight are numerous, and there are plenty of Aretha’s Greatest Hits & Easy Rider videos and albums around, but as I see piles of AbFab videos everywhere - and it begins and ends each episode on every one of them - it might just be “This Wheel’s On Fire”, especially with the Dylan versions too. In which case, Levon was clever with his choice of title for his book.

Dexy - I meant Levon rejoining in Fall 1967 after nearly two years away.

Posted on Thu Oct 21 16:56:45 CEST 1999 from dialin-215.poughkeepsie.bestweb.net (216.179.14.49)

Gene

Ghost Rider - a follow-up on The Complete Last Waltz auction on eBay. It's now almost 8AM on the west coast. The auction ends in a little over 2 hours. Current high bid is $130.55. The item # is 182655037. Good luck!

Posted on Thu Oct 21 16:21:43 CEST 1999 from dal-tgn-tky-vty7.as.wcom.net (216.192.234.7)

DEXY

PEHR -- re: NRBQ/BAND/NBC Orch. -- Bones?? VINEY -- re: new Danko interview. Were you reading between the lines or did I miss a message about a possible Danko/Hudson/Helm et.al. announcement?

Posted on Thu Oct 21 08:15:47 CEST 1999 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime

LIL: try to figure out who sings Holy Cow & you'll sleep like a baby... when you awake you won't remember anything :-)

Posted on Thu Oct 21 06:52:42 CEST 1999 from 1cust237.tnt9.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.128.237)

Crabgrass

Despite others who see Marsh's review of "Anthology" in an extremely negative light I view it as dead accurate on each and every count. I don't have to elaborate here obviously - Dave did it all for me over 20 years ago. Thanks Dave - wherever you are!

Posted on Thu Oct 21 04:54:12 CEST 1999 from user-33qt94v.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.164.159)

Pat Brennan

The Dave Marsh review of Anthology recently posted on the site proves that any goof with an ax to grind can be a critic. A life well spent, uh-huh.

Posted on Thu Oct 21 04:03:01 CEST 1999 from spider-wi084.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.59)

Bashful Bill

Just a quick bit of info re: groups who very competently can back a varity of other artists. This isn't connected with pehr's contest but could be Band-related. A couple months ago I watched the Johnny Cash tribute on T.V. The Mavericks( who are a great group and highly recommended in MHO}were the house band backing up a number of mostly country acts playing J.C. songs(including one by J.C. himself).Emmy Lou Harris is the obvious connection, others were Marty Stuart, Rosanne Cash, Rodney Crowell,Willie Nelson. My personal favorite was a beatiful duet by Kris Kristofferson and Trisha Yearwood doing "sunday Morning Comin' Down" I believe it was the only song not written by J.C. performed on the show. It was written by Kristofferson but J.C. had a big hit with it and it jump-started Kristofferson' career. June Carter CAsh sang a couple tunes and played some sort of a stringed instrument.She finger-picked it But it wasn't a guitar. I recall a lot being written about the Carter Family recently in the GB and also read that she has a fine solo album out. And I just thought of another obvious Band connection-Kris Kristofferson wrote "Me and Bobby McGee", was personally as well as professionally involved with Janis, who toured with The Band and many other groups on that train trip in Canada. On a VH1 Legends episode on Janis{narrated by Kris} you can see a quick shot of a young Rick Danko seated next to Janis pouring shots of a mystery liquid.

Posted on Thu Oct 21 02:33:47 CEST 1999 from spider-wj041.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.36)

Ghost Rider

Others have posted comments here about Band merchandise available at auction on www.ebay.com

Taking their advice I've been able to pick up copies of the Authorized Biography video, the Band Is Back video, the Time magazine issue with them on the cover, and copy of the Planet Waves CD --- each in the $5-$8 range

Among the items available at that site right now are a 4CD set of The Complete Last Waltz (current top bid = $52) and Levon's book (last bid = $2) Both remain available for about another 24 hours. Go to the site, select "Books, Music..", type in the band on the Search screen, click and scroll and follow the directions.

Sweet dreams, Lil.

Posted on Thu Oct 21 01:18:36 CEST 1999 from alb4-as5200-04-196.termserv.net (208.20.67.163)

Diamond Lil

PETER: Rick's talked about writing a book several times recently.....and I think alot of gaps would be filled in if indeed he does. It's nice to get different perspectives of things we've heard so much about, and Rick's would be straightforward and probably humorous as well. I, for one would love for him to do it.

Trying to beat insomnia here this past week and am failing miserably. The only cure I know of is sleep. A viscious circle if I ever did see one. Going to try lulling myself to sleep tonight to the sound of Richard's voice. A soothing, comforting voice can sometimes make all the difference in the world. Goodnight.

Posted on Thu Oct 21 00:30:21 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-032.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.32)

Peter Viney again

Quick additional note: Tom's interview with Rick Danko was superb, and Rick added new information. I knew there was a retainer, but this is now in perspective, plus he's great on Levon rejoining. I agree, there's a fascinating book waiting there by Mr Danko … share it! There are so many gaps to fill between Hoskyns & Helm / Davies. Fill them in!

Posted on Thu Oct 21 00:18:30 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-044.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.44)

Peter Viney

Dave Marsh: thanks Jan for including this piece. Bill Munson said it better than I’m going to - in one neat sentence!

Dave Marsh set out his position in "The Heart of Rock &Soul: The 1001 Greatest Singles Ever Made." This kind of book is fun, because for most readers it is mixing insight (I Heard it Through the Grapevine is number one, perhaps the wise reader agrees) and nonsense (the reader disagrees … too many examples for me to list). But all his Top 20 are fantastic songs. For the record on Band / Hawks material, he places "One of Must Know" at 208, the live "Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues" (the B-side recorded in Liverpool) at 243, and "The Weight" at 616. Tom Thumb is astute and unusual, though I don’t know how a B-side qualifies, and 616 for "The Weight" is between 614 and 616 places too low. He praises Little Richard’s ‘Slippin and Slidin’ while failing to mention that the covers by Buddy Holly and by The Band are both great.

He has just the same unpleasant digs at Robbie Robertson in ‘The Weight’ article in the book as he does in the Boston Phoenix piece. So what did Robbie do to rattle his tree so badly? Sounds like personal affront here! History proved him wrong. Robbie had his hit single after all, and it was deserving of a place in a 1001 Greatest for me. And one of the daftest lines Marsh has written is ‘There’s no Tommy or Harvest on his resume.’ Try seriously listening to ‘Tommy’ thirty years on. I bet Neil doesn’t think the commercially-savvy Harvest was his best work either. Anyway, according to Marsh "only Robertson’s songs appeared on (subsequent) Band albums, and no one has ever claimed this was because Rick Danko & Richard Manuel weren’t writing." Uh, sorry, Dave, I think everyone makes just that point …

Posted on Thu Oct 21 00:03:44 CEST 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr

Bill: real great post there. i was curious about the band connections- i was sure that there were some, but i wondered who might dig some up.

By "spaced" i mean that inexplicably it didnt even occur to me, as if i were momentarily pelted by radiation from outer space, which happens sometimes, thats all. thanks again!

Posted on Wed Oct 20 23:23:04 CEST 1999 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

Pehr, what on earth do you mean by 'spaced'.

As for connections, NRBQ's Joey Stampinado was in the band Keith Richards assembled to back Chuck Berry in the documentary of 10 or so years ago. I won't bother filling in the steps from there to our guys. Ditto for the steps between the Band and Martin Mull, on one of whose LPs the NRBQ horns played.

The other's a bit more challenging since I don't know NBC personnel other than Doc Severinsen. But I do know that NBC's Tonight Show Orchestra - led by Doc - backed vocalist Dave Byngham on the Ugly Ducklings' huge local hit, "Gaslight". And since Dave's a friend, I know that one of his very favourite LPs was John Hammond's "So Many Roads". The Ducks' first B-side was a copy of the Hammond/Hawks' rearrangement of "I Wish You Would".

Posted on Wed Oct 20 23:08:22 CEST 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr

Tom: thanks for the danko interview. i could listen to rick on the Big Pink days forever...

jan: really enjoyed the list of groups that have covered band songs. thanks for all the extensive work the project must have entailed. enjoyed particularly the entry on DR.FEELGOOD's cover of java blues. Gotta go get that rekkid!

Posted on Wed Oct 20 22:46:50 CEST 1999 from ric-wht-pxy-int01.wheatfirst.com (204.238.130.67)

Bones

To Bob W : Robbie is on Willie Nelson's Teatro film by Wim Wenders. The film is 60 minutes long, and Robbie shows up to play a song with Willie, Emmylou and Daniel Lanois. CMT will replay the special a few more times this week.

Posted on Wed Oct 20 22:16:47 CEST 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr

hey gang, great guesses on the little quiz i tossed out! i wanted to pick up on some ideas of other ensemble greats of recent memory... i personally spaced the nevilles but next time i ask someone the question will be that much better. further apologies for spacin Booker T and MG's sheesh!!!! so what was i thinkin????!!!

THE BAND, NRBQ and NBC Orchestra!!!!! band connections anyone?

thanks to you all who responded!

Posted on Wed Oct 20 21:55:27 CEST 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr

hey gang, great guesses on the little quiz i tossed out! i wanted to pick up on some ideas of other ensemble greats of recent memory... i personally spaced the nevilles but next time i ask someone the question will be that much better. further apologies for spacin Booker T and MG's sheesh!!!! so what was i thinkin????!!!

NRBQ and NBC Orchestra!!!!! band connections anyone?

thanks to you all who responded!

Posted on Wed Oct 20 21:52:39 CEST 1999 from wwwproxy.westgroup.com (163.231.254.21)

Chugga

Great Web-Site!! I'm still blown away by The Band. I was fortunate enough to have seen them three times in my life, the most memorable was the Watkins Glen show. I went there with seven friends and was the only one to have caught the show. I was so determined to see them up-close that I just started from the back of the crowd and walked over the bodies for about 45 minutes till I reached the front of the stage. I stepped on a lot people that day and if you were one of them, I apologize. My one saving grace was the fact that I had a very good buzz going and was armed with a full gallon of water. Everytime I stepped on someone, I would just offer water and an apology. It worked! The people laying in that field didn't appreciate me clomping on them, but they did appreciate the water. By the time I got to the stage, I had about three fingers of water left in the bottle which I shared with as many folks as possible. I was 19 at the time so the severe rains didn't bother us at all. It was over too quickly but the memories of that show are of the best show I've ever seen. Great comments here too.

Posted on Wed Oct 20 20:56:38 CEST 1999 from proxy.netsgo.com (210.115.123.112)

Lee,Hyoung Won

Wow~!! It's wonderous to be here and the compositions of this site also great!! In fact,many Koreans don't know the Band is one of the greatest musicians of our time. Hope Koreans appreciate this unforgettable music heroes... Good luck to the new Band & all of their fans.. R.I.P, Richard...

Posted on Wed Oct 20 20:14:21 CEST 1999 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

Just read the newly-added Dave Marsh review of Anthology. Holy smokes - and he has the nerve to call Robbie Robertson pompous!

Posted on Wed Oct 20 19:42:49 CEST 1999 from du181-2.ppp.algonet.se (195.100.2.181)

Ilkka (again) - but this is ROCK!!!!

Neil Young (plus Crosby & Stlls) were here yesterday. They gave an interview sitting in a baroque sofa in Stockholm's fanciest hotel in the clothes I use for car washing. The sexy reporter (who kept the tough guys in a good mood) asked if they ever talk about the good old days, you know, the 60s. Neil Young who didn't say too much - turned away and said NO. Mr Crosby answered ironically - Well buddies, wasn't it great in Woodstock? . . . no, we don't say that! - This wasn't really what I wanted to here, was it.

Levon has his book, I was lucky enough to ease my Jet lag with an RR interview in VH-1 in Frisco but how is it with other boys? Can I expect some memoires from Rick or especially Garth? There are so many gifted journalists in this guestbook. Please, do something - how hard it might be for you - I'll buy your books for sure!

Posted on Wed Oct 20 18:47:25 CEST 1999 from du170-0.ppp.algonet.se (195.100.0.170)

Ilkka

TO TOM IZZO: Your home page server doesn't answer (not for me, anyway :-] please mail me your current homepage address!

Posted on Wed Oct 20 14:38:26 CEST 1999 from 208-227-140-122.apex2000.net (208.227.140.122)

mike adam

have been reading the guestbook and amglad to see so many fans out there,am one of few in this town,i think. jan hoiberg suggested that i post a "wanted to buy" note here. have been having a real HARD time locating a cd copy or a cassette copy(cd preferred)of the album "Anthology" the only one i have is on its last revolutions in the tape player. dog peed on the album and guess uric acid content damaged the lp Capitol-SKBO 11856.i have most of the band but this particular compilation of cuts demonstrates their range/versatility and the depth of musical knowledge and sklls that are a trademark of "the band". out here you ask somebody about the band and they say what band. you refresh their mind by asking if they know who bob dylan is? they say yes,m but can't really say that they know who the band was that was with him in the early years. ever meet anyone like that??????????????

Posted on Wed Oct 20 13:08:02 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-070.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.70)

Peter Viney

pehr: I can’t find the “n” in Booker T & the MGs either, but I’ll keep looking. I suppose there is if you put aNd rather than “&”. The newly digitally-remastered 2 CD set “Atlantic Soul” has so many proofs of their ability. But what were your three? Nitty Gritty Dirt Band backed a lot of different artists on their compilation, but that’s not so recent. Los Lobos seems a pretty tight group, but no “n”. David LettermaN house band? They’ve backed everyone! No, I give up.

Posted on Wed Oct 20 08:59:03 CEST 1999 from (194.248.167.10)

Tanika Po

Well I think that Scorsese interwied Robbie alot more than the other guys....It seems like he forgot the other ones...especially Richard..But The Last Waltz is great, no one can step inside this guestbook and say it sucks. I love how the cameras works in it, it slides so gentle...I would like to see Down South In New Orleans on tape....That one is soooo cool!

Posted on Wed Oct 20 03:24:12 CEST 1999 from alb3-as5200-37-133.termserv.net (208.20.67.133)

Diamond Lil

TOM: Thanks so much for posting your interview with Rick Danko on your site. Knew he was working on a new cd...can't wait for the finished product!

And Rick..if the lady whose last name you could never spell :-) could make a suggestion, 'Times like these' and 'Your eyes' would be much appreciated. (Might even make up for all those years that you smoked all my cigarettes:-) Love you...and looking forward to "the best" one yet.

JOHN D: Your e-mail account seems to be unreachable. Hope all is well. Please keep in touch.

UNCLE H: Haven't seen a post from you in awhile. Must be busy catalogue shopping, hm? :-) A couple of bottles of red would also be a nice touch. Life is short and you only go around once. Might as well get dizzy as you do :-)

Posted on Wed Oct 20 03:24:01 CEST 1999 from spider-wb014.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.154)

Ghost Rider

TOM from WOODSTOCK RECORDS:

Thanks so much for posting your conversation with Rick Danko on the Woodstock Records website. Lots of good reading there for us Band fans: News about the new album (featuring All Our Past Times) scheduled for the Spring; More lore from Big Pink; And some nice-to-hear words that show a genuine affection on Rick's part for Levon.

Posted on Wed Oct 20 02:29:29 CEST 1999 from hse-tor-ppp24075.sympatico.ca (209.226.76.95)

Blind Willie McTell

Pehr: Neville Brothers, NRBQ. What about Booker T and the MG's?

Posted on Wed Oct 20 01:26:34 CEST 1999 from spider-wk042.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.167)

Dave Z

pehr: Neil Young with Crazy Horse; Neville Brothers; New Power Generation... Gotta go check out the Danko interview now... See ya...

Posted on Wed Oct 20 01:06:35 CEST 1999 from annex2-port4.ulster.net (208.133.193.4)

Tom

Greetings All In BAND-LAND!

I interviewed Rick Danko last night at the studio where he's making his new solo record.
Rick wants to pass along his regards and love to all of you who have supported him and The Band over the years.

Read Rick's words from last night on the "WORDS FROM THE STUDIO" page on the Woodstock Records website or cut and paste http://www.woodstockrecords.com/studio.html to access it.

Once again -Thanks for your support and kind words all around!

Peace From Woodstock!!!

Tom/Woodstock Records

Posted on Wed Oct 20 00:37:10 CEST 1999 from spider-to022.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.52)

Bob W.

did someone recently say that Robbie would be on "Willie Nelson's Teatro?" I think the first episode is this thursday, and i was wondering if he'd be on. let me know. Thanks-Bob

Posted on Tue Oct 19 22:55:03 CEST 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr

The Last Waltz was a major show that spotlighted the awesome power of the group; not as an individual star and his flunkies- although some people will disagree mainly from those who have had enough of Robbie- but the band come off in the film as an ensemble, with the ability they posess to make other artists sound so good

Along this line of thought i am interested in other groups that would follow this line of being more than a group but an ensemble, with the ability to back up anyone

I have my votes for the top three in recent memory. They all have the letter "N" in their names as a clue and the first group should be obvious. the other two's names begin with "N". can anyone guess who they are, and supply band connections?

Posted on Tue Oct 19 19:38:58 CEST 1999 from (137.187.144.172)

Jonathan Katz

My version of Netscape has a location on the page to click for "What's Related" to the page that is being accessed. For this site, Netscape gave the following: BTO, Aerosmith dot com, The Byrds, Hyperrust Never Sleeps, Dead, Davidbowie, and Black Sabbath.

Amusing at best!

Posted on Tue Oct 19 17:29:35 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-071.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.71)

Peter Viney

This recent discussion of TLW has got me watching it in bits again, I still agree about Garth & Richard, which is circumstances, but honestly don’t think either Rick or Levon are hard done by on the camera angles. I do think TLW was a “highlight” which might be the basis of the problem. We went over this last year (see archives), but according to Levon’s book, at some point three sold out their shares (he didn’t), whether in publishing, the name or whatever isn’t exactly clear. So presumably they either don’t profit from back catalogue, or don’t profit as much as they might otherwise have done. Just after TLW, but before the film came out, with Rick’s solo career looking very rosy, and Levon going great guns with the RCO All Stars, it would have been very difficult to estimate the ongoing value of the Band back catalogue. “Islands” might have been the last example of their seeming sales potential. As it turned out, the future recognized their worth, back catalogue has stayed on the racks, their albums feature in “Best of All Time” lists - and they win Norwegian internet polls :-) But back then, either way was a gamble. TLW could have been a total flop. The Band might have faded into obscurity, as many major 50s artists had between say 1956 and 1976 (Guy Mitchell anyone? Johnny Ray?). But TLW wasn’t a flop, it brought in many new fans (as evidenced here) and helped maintain the legend, which (hopefully) grows and grows … In fact 60s artists have remained popular on the whole, but looking at the racks some have faded more than others. You don’t see a lot of Country Joe & The Fish around, or from the early 70s, much Grand Funk Railroad. There’ll always be a nostalgia market for anyone who was a huge success, e.g. Kiss, but The Band, like The Byrds, the Beatles, the Beach Boys (that’s just the Bs) and many of their contemporaries still have something to say to new generations. This is great. TLW was a major force in boosting their name at a low point and keeping it going. It put on record how good they were, with a full movie, available to buy and rent, not just an SNL extract. So now most of them look back at in in anger. As Pat has said several times, they sounded better at the Paladium shortly before or at various other gigs, but this was the artifact to survive. It’s also surely a bitter reminder that three of them called “heads” at the time, Robbie called “tails” and that’s the way the coin landed up.

Posted on Tue Oct 19 05:29:36 CEST 1999 from spider-wg041.proxy.aol.com (205.188.196.36)

Bashful Bill

I,m red-faced with embarrassment! How the heck(I,m much too shy to swear even in the presense of virtual companions) do you correctly compose paragraphs in the GB? It looks fine when I "preview" but appears as one long stream of conciousness type thought when I hit "submit". Help!!

Bill, see the guestbook FAQ to find out how to make paragraphs, like I did with your entry below. Oh ... and the Alaska salmon served at TLW came from a fishery owned by Bob Dylan's friend since their childhood, Louie Kemp, see e.g page 341 in Hoskyns' book. -- JH

Posted on Tue Oct 19 04:51:37 CEST 1999 from spider-wg041.proxy.aol.com (205.188.196.36)

Bashful Bill

Some responses and a few more memories: Jan-Thanks for the formatting assistance-I think I figured it out-just skip a space, right?

Lars-great line speculating TLW was their "harvest". Hoskyns or a score of magazine writers will envy that one.

Someone asked about the poets-there were several Bay-area based poets who did some humorous, slightly avant-garde stuff during intermission,including Lawernce Ferlinghetti,Emmett Grogan, Michael McLure(all famous and infamous Beat figures), as well as several others,including a Hell's Angel who's poem was carved in wood.

Peter Viney-Your memory serves you well-Dylan had something to do with the salmon, it was written up in the S.F. rags in their extensive coverage(does anyone have them? I'm sure Jan would love to have them in the library). The "flesh lady" was hilarious. She was seriously well-dressed, as were very many attendees,had a very high-pitched voice and was energettically cursing Bill Graham for her inconvenience.

Graham's staff did a great job. Winterland probably hadn't looked so spiffy since her early ice-rink days. But when I saw the Dead there the following March things were back to the usual shabby, falling apart status.

Someone said the jam at the end "sucked". I won't go that far, but it was nothing to write home about, either. I always thought the original 5 doing some blues with the likes of Paul Butterfield, Bobby Charles, etc. would have been more appropriate and enjoyable for the "show after the show"

One more thought-I've always felt that Richard and Garth got better treatment in 15-20 minutes on SNL a few weeks earlier than they did in that entire movie. Especially those overhead shots og Garth and the keyboards(on SNL)

Anyway, thanks for putting up with my memories, for what they're worth.

Posted on Tue Oct 19 04:45:59 CEST 1999 from spider-ta052.proxy.aol.com (152.163.205.67)

Mike

Don't mean to be morbid, but I was surfing the web at work today (on break, really!) and came across this website. I thought it would be of interest to the folks who wanted to travel to Stratford, Ontario, to see Richard's grave. The website is www.findagrave.com and there is a picture of Richard's headstone with the piano keys (search for Manuel). Happy belated to you, Jan. Still the best site around. Thanks for all the hard work and info. The Band is still the greatest. I've been listening to Rick's "Live on Breeze Hill" lately, and I'm still in awe of Garth's work. He finds new ways to dress things up, especially the old standards. He's an under-rated master, but then we all knew that, didn't we?

Posted on Tue Oct 19 03:48:44 CEST 1999 from cfa1.execulink.net (199.166.6.10)

Paul Godfrey

Way to go Ilkka...so you found Sammy Souvlaki's - love it. Keep lookin in...maybe one day you will see Garth having a sandwich there. Next time I am in that neighborhood I will give you a wave. Carmen...congratulations. You are the classiest guy in the Philly suburbs. Turn it up LOUD!

Posted on Tue Oct 19 03:41:18 CEST 1999 from 1cust217.tnt14.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.142.217)

Crabgrass

To know that even one teenager back in the '70s was swayed from getting into KISS by seeing The Last Waltz makes the movie seem somehow all worthwhile in the long run! (Just out of curiosity though I'm gonna check out the KISS website to see what kinda folks those KISS fans turned into! I bet it's a shambles!)

Posted on Tue Oct 19 02:42:55 CEST 1999 from 209-130-200-214.nas-2.mon.frontiernet.net (209.130.200.214)

Lars

I find these posts about TLW very interesting, especially from those people who were actually there. It gives us newer Band fans an insight on what the whole thing was about from a fan's viewpoint.

To me, the Band has always reminded be of Americana kinds of things: dogs lying in front of wood stoves, checkered wool shirts, living in the woodlands and watching the seasons change. Getting wood in for the winter, fixing the screen door, and sensing the time of harvest. As I looked at the beautiful Catskill Mountains today, the maples all colors of orange, I was reminded of the Band and how they seemed to embrace this land and it's harvests. Maybe TLW was, in a sense, their harvest. They spent all that time perfecting their music, and it was time to bring it in. It was a good crop.

Posted on Tue Oct 19 02:27:21 CEST 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr

on the latest TLW flurry i gotta side with ms.sugar. there is no way to estimate the impact the movie has had. it is a great, great movie that captures the essence of what the band was about which for me was indescribable(sp? help!) in its depth, but had something to do with love and aspects of its essence. how many bands hunker and watch this movie and dream, hope, visualizing being a part of such brotherhood in their lives... how many people decided to write songs, play an instrument, saw themselves in a new light as a result of this movie? certainly there are sparks bound to fly in relationships among artists and all relationships all change over time. i respect robbie for continuing to speak highly of levon and sharing the positive aspects of being part of something that must have been profoundly challenging to say the least. i watched the movie probably 20+ times this year. I'd forgotten how good a movie and how great a band they were, and how much they affected my thinking in high school when everyone else was into kiss,and so on. in fact it was after seeing the film that i found this website and became involved in an entirely new level, thanks to all the interesting fans that enjoy fellowship here.I'd like to have seen more of richard and garth, going beyond just this movie, but thats what we have and i'm grateful for being aware of giants of that magnitude while many others may not be. kerrilynn: under pictures you will find band fans with their heroes. in this section you will find plenty of pictures and info from people who have been to the "mountaintop" p.s. i dont think that our boys have had it. not by a long shot. i wish they'd come to my town... or close to it!

Posted on Mon Oct 18 23:17:44 CEST 1999 from pool0583.cvx25-bradley.dialup.earthlink.net (209.179.218.73)

Gary Swan

Here is a old picture of Floyd and me backstage at the Grand Ole Opry. Love to all from Unpublicville. I look forward to hearing your new CD.

Posted on Mon Oct 18 23:00:38 CEST 1999 from spider-tn074.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.79)

Band Thought

No doubt that The Last Waltz was a visually powerful movie with some great guest performances. The Band was on their game as they later attested to. After years of attending Band concerts, I would have loved to have been there - thanks to those who shared their experiences. As a 14-year-old, I had the pleasure of sitting up in the balcony at a particular New Year's Eve show at the New York Academy of Music back in 1972. The Rock of Ages release that followed (recorded over the course of at least two shows that week)IMO captured The Band at its best; to this day it is still regarded as one of the best live albums of the era. The venue played a very strange samurai movie before The Band arrived on stage shortly after 10 PM. The boys played EXTREMELY loud throughout, and were later joined by the then reclusive Bob Dylan for a few encores. A magical night. Oh yes, and the power of the Internet... in discussing the ROA concert on The Band AOL board a while back a guy named Steve said that you can clearly hear him yell 4% Pantomime right before Get Up Jake - and you can -how's that for a fifteen minutes of fame. And a bit of uninteresting-to-most trivia. At the very beginning of ROA's, a male voice yells, "The Band" a bit louder and forceful than those you hear on record. The voice belongs to Anthony Dennison, who gained some claim to fame as the young mob character Ray Luka opposite Dennis Farina in NBC's "Crime Story." He also played opposite Drew Barrymore's Amy Fischer as Joey Buttafuco in an infamous NBC TV movie (he is also my sisters ex-husband). How's that for an unintersting sixth degree of separation? John S.

Posted on Mon Oct 18 21:30:49 CEST 1999 from 1cust15.tnt11.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.134.15)

Mal(GREENHEAD)Mallard

No way, Jose!! I doubt if ANYONE can - TWO big turkey feathers in your cap!! And I'm outta here! Quack! Quack! ~~~waddle ~~~waddle

Posted on Mon Oct 18 20:21:20 CEST 1999 from (208.218.212.254)

David Powell

Thanks Paul, John & Bashful Bill for your reminiscenses on TLW. I guess that those of us who were not fortunate to have been there tend to forget that above all it was the ultimate Band concert and a marathon one at that.

It seems as if Jonathan Taplin was instrumental in helping Robertson bring Martin Scorsese on board for the project. Taplin, the one-time road manager for The Band, had left rock & roll for Hollywood and went on to produce Scorsese's 1973 movie "Mean Streets." Taplin would also serve as executive producer on TLW. No doubt Scorsese's 1976 breakthrough hit "Taxi Driver" also influenced Robertson's decision.

Minor quibbles about camera perspectives aside, I guess we should all be greatful for Scorsese's work on TLW. His participation probably influenced United Artists' decision to buy the movie. Scorsese also brought in some of the finest cinematographers in the business to film the concert--Laszlo Kovacs, Bobby Byrne, Freddie Schuler, Vilmos Zsigmond, Hiro Narita and Michael Chapman.

In last year's VH-1 interview, Scorsese credited Chapman as "the key man" in filming TLW. Chapman "implemented" the lighting and camera positioning. Chapman had earlier worked with Scorsese on "Taxi Driver". Chapman would later win two Oscars for best cinematography on Scorsese's "Raging Bull" in 1980 and for his work on "The Fugitive" in 1993. Levon's old buddy Tommy Lee Jones also received an Oscar for best supporting actor for his work on "The Fugitive." Although filming rock & roll concerts might not have been his usual gig, Chapman was used to seeing some wild scenes through his camera lens. In addition to his work with Scorsese, he had also worked as a cameraman on both "Jaws" and "The Godfather."

Posted on Mon Oct 18 20:06:02 CEST 1999 from du115-3.ppp.algonet.se (195.100.3.115)

Peepin' Ilkka

Hi to all you voyeurs in the gb! There is a web camera in London, Ontario, Canada which shows a fast food place. I haven't seen Garth eating a burger yet, but someday I maybe will. The address is www.sammy.on.ca/index.html
BTW this is my entry to The Most Stupied Post In The Guestbook Competition. *Duck*! - can you beat this?

Posted on Mon Oct 18 19:34:15 CEST 1999 from ric-wht-pxy-int01.wheatfirst.com (204.238.130.67)

Bones

I feel like I need to clarify my "highlight" statement to Lee, Diamond Lil and others who might have misunderstood me. When I say that the Last Waltz was a highlight in ALL their careers, it was on a clear and simple basis. IT WAS! Now I am well aware that Levon hated it, but you can't deny that this was not a highlight. I have often heard Levon say he never got paid for The Last Waltz. However, he does not realize how many people, like me, saw that movie and ran to the store to buy all Band records and his solo records. Not to mention the fact that American Son depicted TLW on its cover along with other Levon highlights. I truly disagree with anyone who tells me that TLW did not help Levon's career.

Posted on Mon Oct 18 18:34:14 CEST 1999 from edslink8.eds.com (199.228.142.8)

Carmen

All this talk on TLW this week so I deceided to rent it again from my local video store. When I brought it to the counter the owner told me to keep it since I was the only person who ever rents it. How is this for dumb luck!

Posted on Mon Oct 18 14:39:21 CEST 1999 from (194.248.167.10)

Tanika Po

The Weight with the Band and the Staple singers rocks!! Just a thought...

Posted on Mon Oct 18 14:33:42 CEST 1999 from wwwcache.uce.ac.uk (193.60.140.247)

Roger Woods

I've been away for a few days and am just digesting the analyses and reviews, from those who were there, of The Last Waltz. It's interesting to hear references to Don Pennebaker and others, but I'm glad an up and coming, maverick but major, director got the gig. "Don't Look Back" is a wonderful film, a cult classic but is rarely screened whereas I've seen TLW on TV in three different countries in the last three years. If my memory serves me well it was TLW which blasted Jan Hoiberg away. So - no TLW, no Web-site. In that, sense Diamond Lil, I'd agree with Bones that TLW was a (not 'the') highlight for their careers - assuming some moderate benefit to the current group's career as a result of the Web-site. Sure, we all know the arguments about too little of Richard and too much of Robbie. I share Peter's view that the very nature of the project was going to marginalise seated musicians. I shall still treasure the movie for what it offers us. I can put up with "Beautiful Noise" for the rest. There are several bits - all guests - which I wouldn't be particularly interested in other than for their inclusion in the film. That doesn't mar the thing. Like any collection of items I prefer some to others. It's Interesting that Joni's act damped things down. I've always loved "Coyote" and prefer the TLW version to the track laid down on Hejira.

Posted on Mon Oct 18 13:47:50 CEST 1999 from spider-wn053.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.173)

Tom Izzo

The lovely wife and myself took a fall foiliage ride up to Woodstock Sat. (a 3 Band and 1 Tom Pacheco CD Ride)Big Pink looked beautiful surrounded by the colorful leaves.Woodstock was jumping that day.Looks like the powers that be finally got the venders and musicians off the town green as there were none there that day. Too bad. Tinker Street Cafe closed. Too sad. All and all,a nice excursion. Was hoping to see some regulars in Danbury for Jim Wieders gig (Lars,Diamond Lil et al)alas this is the same date Scott and myself are hosting an open mic night in Waterbury. Oh well, next time guys. BELATED: Happy biirthday Jan! Congradulations Mary and family on your new baby!!! (duckling?) Thanks for the kind words Lars.Keep in touch. Peace: Tom and Marianne Izzo

Posted on Mon Oct 18 13:05:10 CEST 1999 from mp92.sihe.ac.uk (193.62.89.92)

Paul Simon Harry

The band were a truly great group, with talents which people dream of. The music, lyrics and ore of 'The Band' is tremendous. In my option 'The Last Waltz' (if you don't have it then get it) is one of the best CDs around.

Posted on Mon Oct 18 11:59:25 CEST 1999 from slwol52p26.ozemail.com.au (203.108.231.90)

Thunder from Down Under

What a brilliant website and what a fine tribute to The Band, both past and present lineups. In relation to the '99 lineup, we hear way down here that Levon and Rick are having some kind of argument which has contributed (with Levon's illness) to the group being off the road for most of this year. Anyone know if the group is still together, intends recording anything new or has folded. Frankly I thought Jericho was right up there with their best stuff (excluding the brown album)and ditto parts of Jubilation although I thought HOTH was a bit ordinary by their standards. Hope the guys play on for a long time yet. Given some of the vile garbage that passes for music these days, a world without Levon, Garth, Rick and Co is just too terrible to contemplate.

Posted on Mon Oct 18 09:56:26 CEST 1999 from (208.202.238.228)

Ted Haycraft

I caight TLW at an art house movie theater in Lexington, KY not too long after the film had its first run. Boy was I juiced by it and I remember vivdly walking out of the theater wanting to become a singer/drummer because I thought Levon really looked and sounded so cool on the songs he did leads on! I can really mark that time as my really first "entry" to becoming a huge Band fan!

Posted on Mon Oct 18 07:17:25 CEST 1999 from cfa1.execulink.net (199.166.6.10)

kerrilyn

Hi, this may be a strange and morbid question. I thought of it while reading one of the older posts, the girl from Norway who wants to travel to Big Pink and Richard's grave. Got me thinking - where is Richard's grave? Was he buried in his hometown of Stratford? Just curious. I really liked the sound of Rick's Sip the Wine song played in the Last Waltz. I played that part of the video over and over to hear what the name of it was, and I still never understood what he said. I recorded the movie off the TV back in highschool and found it had horrible white noise in the background making the interviews hard to understand. Unfortunately I never found his solo record with this song on it. I'm disappointed to hear that Levon's Cafe in New Orlean's closed down, I'm going there for New Year's and was really looking forward to visiting it. I assume if he's playing a concert with Robert Cray his reported medical problems are improving. I hope. I'm sure his condition has been mentioned in previous posts, but I'm not in here alot and with the frequency of everyone's posts a person could spend hours just reading the last 2 weeks worth. Well my trip just isn't going to be the same.

Posted on Mon Oct 18 05:35:24 CEST 1999 from alb2-as5200-20-68.termserv.net (208.20.67.68)

Diamond Lil

Spent part of this past weekend with an old friend who collects player pianos. Been a hobby of his for years. Has one in particular that has actual instruments attached on and around it..all programmed to play as the music 'rolls' play. Even had "The Weight" which blew me away, to say the least. Me and 'Gentleman Jack' sat back and really enjoyed the experience. The memory (and the headache) still linger on %-)

Posted on Mon Oct 18 05:29:32 CEST 1999 from trt-on10-14.netcom.ca (207.181.83.142)

John Boy

Thank You Levon, Richard, Garth, Ricky, Robbie, Jim, Richard and Randy. My life has been forever changed through your music. To the original 5, a very special thanks.

Posted on Mon Oct 18 04:18:07 CEST 1999 from 2cust63.tnt12.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.137.63)

Mal(GREENHEAD)Mallard

"Where standeth I on 'half-wit'? Upon he that asketh the name doth fit!" - from Shakespeare's "MacDuck" Act III, Scene 3 (just before Prince MacDuck is slain by the Earl of Patby for rejecting his most unwelcome advances) Enough high-brow culture for today! I'm outta here! Quack! Quack! ~~~waddle ~~~waddle

Posted on Mon Oct 18 02:16:39 CEST 1999 from ts7-78t-15.idirect.com (216.154.37.15)

Jerry

I've recently become obsessed with the band. I can't believe how amazing they are. This is a little strange because I was born in 1976, the year of The Last Waltz. Anyway, this website is amazing! I can't believe how thorough it is. You guys are doing a great job here. Keep it up!!

Posted on Sun Oct 17 23:42:21 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-058.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.58)

Peter Viney

Bashful Bill: great to hear your account of TLW. There are times when it’s profitable to pay the scalper’s price and this certainly must have been one of them. I can see that woman with ‘No flesh … No flesh …’ Where did I read that Bob Dylan contributed the salmon? Imagination or far back in the memory banks?

I wish Robbie would do the book too. It’d be a great audio book and I reckon he could do it that way and get someone (preferably not Stephen Davies) to transcribe and link it. There are large chunks of it on radio shows. I’d love to see it from another point of view. In around 1994 interviews in Canada suggested Rick was contemplating a book as well. Any more thoughts? You know the old thing they do for trainee lawyers, where actors play out an event and then they have everyone describe it? The truth isn’t going to be any single one of the accounts. You start to pick up a sense of where it’s hovering from reading all of them.

Crabgrass: The late 60s and 70s definitely under-rated video, but there must be a few good bits on the floor somewhere. The Weight survives from Woodstock, but I guess it was all filmed … lots more too.

Posted on Sun Oct 17 21:37:11 CEST 1999 from 1cust232.tnt11.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.134.232)

Crabgrass

Now that I know it was Levon who "stuck The Band with the Cate Bros." I'm more pro-Levon than ever! And I'm very thankful for the two great videos ("THE BAND IS BACK" and "MADE IN JAPAN") which came out of that union. I watch them over and over and love them -- they really cook in my opinion. I wonder if it was also Levon who "stuck" The Band with Randy, Richard Bell, and Jim Weider too? Levon's nephew Terry Cagle (incredible resemblance between them) who plays drums with the Cates is great on those videos too. It's too bad TLW is practically all we have to represent the original Band visually - record companies were very short-sighted in the '60s and early '70s in seeing the future potential of home video. Although, TLW looks great on the big screen (despite obvious flaws) the videos with the Cates capture to a far greater degree the feeling of actually being there while it's happening (this is the nature of the video image as opposed to the film image). It's unfortunate that the CBC didn't realize what a national treasure The Band was earlier on and produce several concert specials while they were still intact.

Posted on Sun Oct 17 19:43:04 CEST 1999 from max1-96.intellistar.net (206.105.68.96)

Dan

Helped by my parents being lucky enough to see the Before the Flood tour at Nassau Coliseum, I saw the Last Waltz on PBS the night before going off to college in 1985. Rick and Richard were being interviewed during the fund raising breaks. Richard was talking about the upcoming tour and said fans would hear "some real music." I was hooked and so were a bunch of my dormmates. I write now because I am tired of the acrimony about Levon & Robbie and the Last Waltz. It was unfortunate that Levon published his book and the finger pointing starts. It could not have been as bad as Levon's "co-writer" makes it out. Rick and Garth both played on Robbie's first two solo albums, Garth rather extensively on the second. Rick also gave a very complimentary interview about Robbie's first album in Musician magazine. It was Levon, not Robbie, who stuck The Band with the Cate Brothers.

Posted on Sun Oct 17 18:34:02 CEST 1999 from user-33qtagl.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.170.21)

Pat Brennan

Duck, where do you stand on "half-wit"?

Posted on Sun Oct 17 14:27:56 CEST 1999 from pec-72.au1.k2.uunet.de (149.228.235.72)

Guido

Hello everybody ! I'm looking for scans for my concert ticket gallery on my HP. Send any kind of music. Would be great if someone has Scans of The Band or can make. If you want you will be quoted. G.

Posted on Sun Oct 17 09:42:40 CEST 1999 from 209-239-198-28.oak.jps.net (209.239.198.28)

One who was there

Eric Clapton's guitar was mixed extremly loud at the end of FOUTR

Dylan's guitar was mixed extremly loud at the beginning of BLMFYD

Bill Graham was in a white tuxedo and all over the place

The jam at the end sucked and Neil Young was way too loud.

The food was damn good

The Band were absolutely brilliant

The sound was more like 'Cahoots' than 'The Brown Album' after all, it was a concert-loud,live and wonderfull. You should have been there.

Posted on Sun Oct 17 07:54:01 CEST 1999 from 1cust169.tnt12.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.136.169)

Crabgrass

Ms. S - You're absolutely right! It's all Levon's fault for writing that damn book of his! Even I got suckered into viewing Robbie in a less than positive light at times. Obviously, the only thing that can put this whole thing in perspective is a tome from RR which I eagerly await! BTW I don't agree that The Band "doesn't have it anymore" as I've seen the new lineup 5 times in the last 7 years and also really like their 3 '90s albums quite a lot. And I'm hoping they record a few more before they hang up their rock & roll shoes!

Posted on Sun Oct 17 05:19:12 CEST 1999 from spider-wc031.proxy.aol.com (205.188.193.31)

Bashful Bill

This is only my 2nd G.B. post.My first was a day or so before Jan infamously pulled the whole thing off a couple of months ago.

I was at the L.W. I'd like to share my highlights and lowlights, at least the ones That I can remember right this moment.

Highlights:

1. Van the Man. As Peter Viney notes from watching the movie...He brought it back after Neil Diamond and Joni Mitchell brought it WAY down.
2. Cripple Creek...a beautiful, loud version. The only time I enjoyed it more was at The King Biscuit Blues Festival (10/94) It sounds great on the album too.
3. Muddy singing his heart out on "Caledonia"
4. GARTH!!!!
5. Seeing the Hawk in action
6. The happy surprise at Richard singing the 1st verse of "Tura Lura Lura"
7. The whole Dylan experience was cool. It was the 1st time I saw him.
8. Levon's voice, right on the mark and clear as a bell all night. (Levon, if you ever check in here, THANKS for the 30 0r so times I've heard you sing, indoors or outdoors)

Lowlights: These have as much to do with the movie and album as much as personal experience.

1. Neil Diamond...I understand why R.R. included him, but ugh!
2. Joni...who I like a lot, but I thought at the time and in retrospect, that it was ballsy for her to try out 3 brand new tunes...wrong time and place, Joni.
3. I think it's a total travesty that "Wheel" and "All Our Past Times" were left off the documented versions.
4. Ditto for Garth's "Chest Fever"
5. It was a SAD day for me.

But enough of that. I could come up with more lowlights, but it was a fun and memorable experience. Someone before mentioned the lights...it really was a unique atmosphere. I remember a lot of people dressed to the nines, dancing to the waltz music. I remember seeing a lot of fat cats very openly doing lines at the tables at dinner. I remember a good meal, I even got a drumstick, keeping my Thanksgiving tradition intact. I remember the woman in line ahead of me being furious that more vegetarian fare wasn't provided. (The main course was turkey, of course, and salmon. "No flesh, no flesh" she kept saying. I remember the chandeliers. I remember Bill Graham(rest his soul) running around with a clipboard, as if he was in control. I also recall that the cameras really weren't intrusive at all, and the crowd was oblivious to the hulabaloo. They were there for the same reason I was, to share a special day.

Finally...one more memory...a good one. My buddy and I got in by paying a friendly scalper face value, the then astronomical price of $25 a piece , to get in.

A couple G.B. points...Thanks to Dr. Pepper...thanks to you I have the audio unabridged L.W...warts and all, just like my memories.

Peter Viney...thanks for throwing in your opinions, sometimes more than once daily.

And Ms. Webb...I'm sure you've heard the saying,"if you can't say anything nice..." Like I said a couple of months ago, disagreements are great, give and take is great, but uncalled for attacks, and rudeness should go elsewhere.

I'm too shy to write in here regularly, but I enjoy reading it regularly and I can't stand rudeness!

Finally...Thanks Jan, this is a great place you have created. You should be proud. (and belated happy birthday)

I've already thought of a couple more pros and cons, and if I review the tapes and video I can probably come up with many more, but you poor readers have probably had enough. Maybe another day...

Posted on Sun Oct 17 04:24:28 CEST 1999 from spider-wj033.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.33)

Dave Z

John/Paul/Lee: Add my thanks to those of the others for sharing your memories and inside info on TLW... Or maybe I should add an R for real, and call it TRLW to distinquish it separately... One question, there were only two poets in the film... were there more in the real show?

Bones: I agree with your "highlight" statement... In the sense that I bet TLW has been the point of entry for a lot of fans into the Band's music...

Peter: As far as history maybe goes... I was just wondering if anybody should be concerned that what's really missing from TLW, or what you really don't get --- is a sense of the music from the first two LPs as played on those LPs... Maybe the real thing about the Band that's missing is not an accurate portrayal of less-Robbie-more-Garth-and-Richard but rather the fact that they stopped playing like the Hawks for the first two albums to do something different... and other than a BT like "Old Time Religion" clip, we don't really get that in TLW.

Posted on Sun Oct 17 03:33:57 CEST 1999 from pm1-11.delrio.com (204.216.51.31)

Just Wonderin'

I was just browsing Ebay and found a copy of a kiddie video called "Nelvanamation" with music by Rick Danko...it reminded me that back in the mid-eighties Rick did some music for a canadian cartoon show called "The Racoons". Anyone ever heard of either?

Posted on Sun Oct 17 02:32:38 CEST 1999 from cf3k-3.paradise.net.nz (203.96.152.183)

Rod

Greil Marcus once wrote that one of the highlights for him of TLW concert was This Wheels On Fire. I've never heard this version of the song but I can't understand why it was left of the film and LP. Maybe there was some technical difficulty?

RR does get alot of coverage in the film. There are perhaps many reasons for this but every film needs a hero - a focus point and RR fills this roll pretty well. The one track that really annoys me is The Weight where RM and GH only get a shot in the dying bars.

Posted on Sun Oct 17 02:25:11 CEST 1999 from ppp693.on.bellglobal.com (206.172.238.117)

Richard Patterson

Sugar: I'm with you. Scorsese is the cat's ass. And to the all knowing duck: "It makes a difference" to those of us who give a shit. Enjoy the holidays, call us when you get back.

Julie: I would have to call "Trout Mask Replica" "rock" in the same respect as everything after the Beatles. All music is rock now. But the Band may indeed be "rock and roll".

Posted on Sun Oct 17 01:58:09 CEST 1999 from 1cust112.tnt2.albany.ny.da.uu.net (63.20.208.112)

rich from upstate

right on, sugar!! AMEN!!

Posted on Sun Oct 17 00:42:17 CEST 1999 from 1cust59.tnt11.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.134.59)

Mal(GREENHEAD)Mallard

GEE WILLIKERS!! "Goldman" or "Grossman" - who the heck cares which! Why be so nit-picky? This only leads to arguments in the old GB! Half the name was correct anyway - and that's a full 50% by my calculations. I choose to view the glass as "half-full" rather than "half-empty!" I'm outta here!! Quack! Quack! ~~~waddle ~~~waddle

Posted on Sat Oct 16 23:48:19 CEST 1999 from spider-ta075.proxy.aol.com (152.163.205.8)

Lee

JOHN/PAUL: The Band wanted their family and friends at the gig, obviously, but can you tell me if their old pal/mentor, Henry Glover was in attendance? I was talking about his work with King Records when I was in the States, but I've never seen a thorough article on this great man. Anybody know of anything that's available? Mr Bill Munson, can you help us out?

Posted on Sat Oct 16 23:43:59 CEST 1999 from 33.chicago-41-42rs.il.dial-access.att.net (12.75.164.33)

Julie

Concerning TLW: First, there were FIVE people in The Band. If 4 of them didn't like what 1 of them was planning, they presumably could have done something about it. Second, if 3 apparently refused to do any work on the post-production of the movie, they have absolutely nowhere to come from complaining about how it turned out.

Posted on Sat Oct 16 23:39:06 CEST 1999 from ip206-106-18.netusa1.net (216.206.106.18)

MS. SUGAR

I've been on and off this guestbook for over two years now. I've noticed something. People are too damn judgemental and negative. It all boils down to this: If you truly like The Band, you must hate Robbie Robertson. If someone says how much they appreciate Robbie's music, someone is quick to critisize. What a bunch of shit. Was it like this before Levon's book was published? No, probably not. My feelings are this: If you are a real fan of The Band you must appreciate them ALL for what they were. God knows they don't have it anymore, but I still love their music. Relax guys! Liking The Band doesn't mean you have to hate people. C'mon! I seriously doubt that the guys sat down back in '67 and thought, "Someday our fans are all going to hate each other and hate some of us." Why are people hating Scorsese? Tell me, did you hate his films before Levon's book was published? Did you enjoy The Last Waltz before Levon's book was published? Say what you will. If you hate a member of The Band because of what someone else said, you're not a fan, you just enjoy hating. That's not what their music is all about ya'll.

Posted on Sat Oct 16 19:24:12 CEST 1999 from (154.11.214.70)

Ms Webb

Mr Donabie and Mr Godfrey, thank you for the LW stories. I had heard that the rehearsals were more fun than the actual concert. I see also that the british fantasy weaver just cannot help but throw in his DAILY two cents' worth, no matter what subject is being discussed. He now fancies himself a movie making expert.

Posted on Sat Oct 16 18:18:48 CEST 1999 from user-33qt8vn.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.163.247)

Pat Brennan

Having my head buried in books produces confusion between managers and tabloid writers. A common affliction.

Posted on Sat Oct 16 18:09:36 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-049.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.49)

Peter Viney

TLW: While we’re on this subject, do you reckon there are signs of who invited which guests? They probably agreed on a lot of them in any case, but Levon had been working with Muddy, Rick with Bobby Charles and Paul Butterfield, Robbie with Neil Diamond and Joni Mitchell, Richard and Van were friends - borne out I think by Van’s magnificent version of “You Don’t Know Me” which I always hear as a great Richard tribute. On the business side, as well as missing out on royalties for ‘This Wheel’s on Fire’ and ‘All Our Past Times’, Rick Danko was unlucky that Bobby Charles did ‘Down South in New Orleans’ rather than the much more obviously-connected ‘Small Town Talk.’ This is especially surprising as Paul Butterfield had also cut a great version. Why on Earth didn’t they all three do it? Probably too mellow for that point in the evening.

Pat: I reckon you mean Albert Grossman - I wondered for a bit if Albert Goldman had been involved (the one who dissed Lennon and Elvis)! I agree that they got out with a lot more grace and charisma that anyone else ever managed.

Ragtime: “Further On Up The Road” was a Hawks number, but so were a lot of other things. “All our Past Times” is a great song which was then right up to the minute, having just been done on that must-have album “No Reason To Cry.”

Matt K: hope you’re still looking in. Your input would have been appreciated in this recent discussion. Hoping you’re back soon.

Posted on Sat Oct 16 17:57:18 CEST 1999 from du113-249.ppp.algonet.se (195.100.249.113)

Ilkka

In this TLW discussion I'm taking Lil's and Lee's part. Without knowing nothing about nothing.
My heart tells me so.

Posted on Sat Oct 16 17:06:04 CEST 1999 from user-33qt8a2.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.161.66)

Pat Brennan

Okay, the boys are in the latter stages of what we now call The Basement Tapes. Dylan's left for Nashville, Levon's back, and Albert Goldman has agreed to manage whatever it is they're going to do. Goldman, being the master media manipulator that he is, gets a couple of record companies to face off. Capitol finally wins. Big Pink hits the stores, big ripples, but no tour. Increases expectations accordingly. Brown Album partially recorded, some west coast dates, back east for more recording and some east coast dates. Brown Album released and the world goes bonkers. Media portrays this hermetic group that lives upcountry and comes down from the mountain to regale us with musical rocks of the ages. Finally, the tours begin. Now you read accounts of this period, and you hear that they played so little because they were working on the albums and just took a few shows because the money was so good. But Goldman (I assume) twists the story into a folkloric legend while hiding the boys' past as some hard living bar fiends. Remember The Hawk's story about Levon's, errr, "qualifications" and Goldman's fury. How do you think they got on the cover of Time? Sure they deserved it, but plenty of people do. Where does all of this go? The boys, especially with Goldman at the helm, manipulated the media quite well in those early days to their benefit. They no doubt took on Goldman because of his genius management of Dylan, which also included a generous ammount of media hyping. Of course, that Woodstock decision wasn;t too smart. It shouldn't be a shock to find their last project together something of a media manipulation also. I frankly admire them for it.

Posted on Sat Oct 16 14:45:52 CEST 1999 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime

Peter:

Wasn't "Further On Up The Road" a.k.a. "Further Up On The Road" a.k.a. "Further Up The Road" but not a.k.a. "Further On The Road" a key song for The Hawks, which urged it's inclusion on TLW?

Posted on Sat Oct 16 11:44:20 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-078.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.78)

Peter Viney again

Paul Godfrey: just re-read your great recollections. So, why did Van get an extra song? I don’t know the story here and am interested as a Van fan. On the night, Van got two, but so did Muddy (+ Caldonia), Clapton (+ All Our Past times) & Neil Young (Four Strong Winds). I still think Van gave the performance of the night (Levon more or less says the same, that he “brought it back” after Neil D. and Joni.) And so why did Joni Mitchell get THREE songs? As well as backing vocal on Four Strong Winds & Acadian Driftwood? I think “All Our Past Times” is a more interesting song than “Further On Up The Road” but the guitar strap drama pointed them towards the latter - to Rick’s disadvantage in royalties, as he co- wrote the former. “This Wheel’s On Fire” is another Danko co-composition that ended on the cutting room floor, so I guess he has reason to look back in anger.

Posted on Sat Oct 16 09:50:08 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-048.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.48)

Peter Viney

Some wonderful first person memories of TLW yesterday. It would seem that Robbie and Garth were the ones who put in post-production time. Probably just as they did on NLSC. Given Levon’s attitude in his book, I doubt that he’d have participated in any faked retakes, just doesn’t sound like the man. That’s why I’d doubt that whole songs are redone, OR alternatively these guys are still real tight behind the disputes and fooling all of us (actually, I find that a comforting thought. If so, good on them.) . I did rewatch a few sections last night, and again and again the camera pans into close ups of Robbie on a continuous take. Even though it might be tight in for several seconds, because it’s a continuous pan there is no possibility of substituting footage in these shots.

Rewatch the staged interview with Robbie at the beginning. The trickster is at work with a clear wink and a nod. Twice Robbie is asked a question. He answers clearly but wants a slight correction / improvement both times, so he says “Let me plug it in again,’ and redoes his answer. Then just seconds later, he says “Ask me that again” and again rephrases an answer. This is a staged intro to the film, and has two purposes. Because you hear the “ask me that again” you get the impression that this is going to be unedited, documentary, warts and all. That’s the surface. Below that RR and MS are setting out their stall for all with the eyes to see. This work has corrections and improvements.

Then look at “The Shape I’m In” where the camera is full on Richard. It is in an awkward, non-fluid position, seemingly tangled up with equipment, and the lighting is terrible. One side of the face is dark, the other flared out. That shows you what they had from Richard’s close camera. Remember, no one wanted to compromise much on lighting the show for the audience (Graham says) rather than the camera. The lighting was as bad as it could be for that camera. The other camera that gets Richard face on (past Robbie and Rick) is at the far side of the stage, so working on extreme zoom for a close-up. Richard is not as animated as the other four in these shots. Levon is well-lit and clear, but from one position, again for a camera that couldn’t move fluidly because it was in among the equipment. As a result, the angle (to a director) would become visually dull if held too long. To get Garth, the cameraman is reaching up and over equipment, and presumably trying not to block the view for the audience. What I’m saying is that this is not so much evidence of a Robbie/Scorsese conspiracy to do the others down as the result of circumstances. And sure, if you’re the only one who puts in editing time, you’re going to choose the shots you like. Basically they set up the stage in their normal geography, which means badly for what was going to happen.

BTW, I still think they fail to consider sight lines. In both 1994 and 1996 shows Levon was obscured from at least half the audience, low down in a sea of cymbals. You won’t find Don Henley or Phil Collins losing themselves in the kit. Like Levon, they’re the singing drummers that people want to see.

Robbie a show-off? I think you’ll find that every major artist in the rock business is to a greater or lesser degree. You can’t do the job unless you have a personality that puts itself forward. Saying “Robbie’s a show-off” is like saying Bill Clinton’s a bit political, or that Michael Jordan probably focusses too much on sport.

Posted on Sat Oct 16 05:00:01 CEST 1999 from user-33qt88e.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.161.14)

Pat Brennan

Scorcese too glossy???

Posted on Sat Oct 16 03:19:05 CEST 1999 from proxy1-external.blfld1.ct.home.com (24.4.252.36)

AHROOO!!

In regards to the filming of TLW, this comes from Twayne's series on Scorsese.

When he agreed to film The Last Waltz, Scorsese did something unprecedented in concert films: he prepared a shooting script and scheduled rehearsals for all the talent. Though Scorsese admits that the shooting script was ignored in the actual film because logistics limited communications, the existence of his proposal for a concert indicates Scorsese's desire that his film compliment the music. Eventually Scorsese had the 300 pages of instructions bound in a red leather volume and gave it to Robertson as a Christmas present. The volume, he told journalist Stephen Silverman, had "all the camera set-ups, every Band lyric and chord choreographed" to his specifications and represented about three weeks of "visualizations."

Now, TLW was a seven hour long concert. Could you pick out the best footage without eliminating the guests? The Band acted as a back-up band for everyone. For the most part, two guys did this film pretty much on their own in the post production. Sure they messed up their lives for a little while but they came out of it alright. Post production itself now a days takes about a year with the high tech manners in which they make these now. Back then it was even more tough.

As people point out with all of Robbie's close-and-loving-shots in TLW, I guess the Authorized Band Video Biography sure fixed his wheel as they hardly even mentioned he was once part of that group.

As for Levon not wanting to "end it" (The Band), he hasn't. They didn't end it after Richard was gone either. They still perform under the same name just with newer members.

Here comes my comments about Scorsese's films and whatnot. His films are too "glossy?" I've never heard of that term used for any filmmakers work. Should this go along with Robbie's "slick and overproduced?" "Casino," "Raging Bull," "Color Of Money," "Age Of Innocence," "Kundun" all of them are great films. When technology comes around, that's what happens with film, they advance. He's no longer carrying around an 8mm. camera and shooting things for NYU. He's past that.

Two points against me for liking BOTH Robbie and Marty!

AHROOO!!

neeeeeeext!

Posted on Sat Oct 16 02:31:17 CEST 1999 from 2cust69.tnt11.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.133.197)

Crabgrass

The first time I watched TLW my spirits soared but plummeted quickly as the first few notes of Garth's organ signalled the incredible "Chest Fever" and then immediately ceased as the film cut to another song. Anyone who was at that concert was indeed lucky (despite the presence of Neil Diamond). I agree that someone like Pennebaker, the Maysles Brothers, or Lerner could have done a much better job of it - with major Hollywood productions the tendency is to try to make everything too perfect in order to please the masses. The real music fans would prefer something more honest.

Posted on Sat Oct 16 02:20:31 CEST 1999 from trt-on2-36.netcom.ca (207.181.81.164)

DONABIE

I would agree with Lee that Levon would not have thought TLW was a highlight by any means. Levon was prepared to "keep on playing with this group for a long time." He loved it. He had no reason to want to end it.

Paul Godfrey's post was lovely and brought back pure memories. I felt the same way that night. No one was thinking of cameras or movies. Just the music. The rehearsals, were in fact better than some of the film. There is also another hour or more that has never been shown. Van Morrison getting applause from the cleaning crew in rehearsals is a good memory.

My best memory and once again to show you the depth of Levon Helm. They were serving chicken wings one late afternoon and I was standing there with Levon and Ronnie Hawkins. After a few had taken a few bites I reached for a wing. One of Bill Graham's goons told me to get the hell out. Levon says..."He goes...... and I go! Now that's an Arkansas boy!! Yes Yes!!!!! As Levon once said to me..."You don't want to see me throw an Arkansas fit." Thank you brother.

Posted on Sat Oct 16 01:37:07 CEST 1999 from cfa1.execulink.net (199.166.6.10)

Paul Godfrey

TLW discussion will certainly waltz into the next century. From one who was there, I can only recollect that it was a celebration...all be it a sad celebration. From Winterland to Winterland it had come full circle. Most people at the concert had little awareness that the camera was rolling or could care in the least. They never knew about the back stage politics or why Van Morrison sang an extra song. Although I am so glad it turned out that way for Van the Man.

Anyway TLW was not about the audience. It was about The Band and all of their friends who dropped by for one last dance.

If you have a copy of TLW triple album set you will note a photo taken from the back of the hall and one blue spotlight shines down from the right. Don Tyson, Julia and I sat where the blue light finds the first balcony. It was like no other concert I have ever experienced. The air was purple haze and you kicked empty whiskey bottles aside as you wound your way to your seat.

On stage where the original 5 were concerned it was a concert of equals. No one stood out above the other. As Ronnie Hawkins left the stage past Levon I hurried along the aisle toward stage right and caught a photo of Ronnie waving up at me from behind the curtain. I walked out to the lobby and phoned a report back to CFTR Toronto and walked up the other side of the hall where Ronnie had found a seat on the edge of the stage to the left. He said: "Hello son...we made the big time...this time!" The original 5 had started with the "Hawk" and saw fit to end with the Hawk.

Still my memory embraces a concert of equal talents presented for those who came to celebrate the event. TLW does not reflect my memories. Very sadly Richard is lost, especially in I Shall Be Released. Garth the wizard carried a live audience into another dimension with Chest Fever. TLW does not give us that moment.

I can tell you this...Robbie had a very difficult time getting the players together after the fact to overdub needed parts of the soundtrack. Only speculation, but possibly thats why parts of the performance lay somewhere in a dark closet. So then TLW is what it is...a short segment of a much larger celebration that I will always be grateful for being invited too!

Posted on Sat Oct 16 01:26:57 CEST 1999 from alb2-as5200-48-96.termserv.net (208.20.67.96)

Diamond Lil

BONES: Sorry, but I have to disagree about TLW being the highlight of ALL The Band members careers. I've personally heard the words "joke", "farce", and "bulls**t" used to describe it. Tend to agree with Lee that if Rick and Levon were asked what their favorite part was, they'd both say 'the end'. And somehow, I doubt that "highlight" would be a word that Richard would use if were still with us either.........

Posted on Sat Oct 16 01:10:13 CEST 1999 from gnd526.nf.sympatico.ca (142.163.17.26)

Joe

So Garth thinks "We Can Talk" is the Band at its best. Dead on.

Posted on Sat Oct 16 00:20:41 CEST 1999 from spider-tm042.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.62)

Lee

Bones: I think Robbie is getting bashed for his choice of editing with Scorsese.

I think Levon and Rick would possibly argue against it being a highlight of their career. When they're asked which part did you enjoy the most they both say, The End.

For the record, I spoke to John Simon about 10mins ago and he doesn't think any of the concert footage was reshot, but he wasn't 100% sure. I remember when I asked John in an interview in 97 what he most enjoyed about The Last Waltz he said, 'The dress rehearsal the day before.'

Posted on Fri Oct 15 23:42:17 CEST 1999 from ric-wht-pxy-int01.wheatfirst.com (204.238.130.67)

Bones

JOHN: Thanks for a great post! I love and respect Garth even more now that I know how hard he worked on the project. He was the only member in the group who got singled out in the movie for his virtuosity. I am still baffled by the fact that people like to bash Robbie for his role in what is considered the greatest rock movie of all time. Anyone who watches this movie is automatically converted to a Band fan. It turned out to be a highlight in ALL of their careers.

Posted on Fri Oct 15 23:26:37 CEST 1999 from (208.218.212.254)

David Powell

On the subject of video--this weekend the PBS music series "Sessions at West 54th" will feature Los Lobos and Diana Krall. This season John Hiatt has replaced David Byrne as host of the show. Check your local public television station's listings for airtime. Although this eclectic show often features performers not to everyone's taste, it provides a great showcase of music. Taped live before a small audience in a studio, the viewer gets an intimate look at acts that are mostly more cutting-edge than commercial. I keep hoping one day to see The Band get booked on this show, but this season's shows have already been taped and alas no Band. Robert Cray and Nashville singer-songwriter Kim Richey will be on the weekend of Oct. 23.

Posted on Fri Oct 15 22:25:47 CEST 1999 from 1cust237.tnt11.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.134.237)

Housefrau Hil

JOHN - I think you're assessment of TLW is very accurate and always felt that Robbie appeared like a big showoff in the film (which ultimately backfired in terms of helping his future career endeavors which in my opinion have been a big let-down.) My hubby always says that TLW should have been more accurately titled "The Lost Waltz" because the film failed to capture the reality of the concert and even went so far as to manipulate it in order to make it coincide with a predetermined viewpoint. TLW needed to be filmed by a brilliant objective documentarian like Pennebaker or Murray ("Message to Love") Lerner rather than Robbie pal Scorcese whose films have gotten increasingly glossy over the years. That's my positive comment for today! Well, gotta get back to my ironing and dinner cooking now!

Posted on Fri Oct 15 21:16:25 CEST 1999 from trt-on5-60.netcom.ca (207.181.82.188)

John

After reading Peter Viney's piece on the TLW and also because of the fact that I was there, I wanted to share a few thoughts.

At first I could not understand the amount of coverage that Robbie received on camera, in the film, compared to the others. Most notably, Richard and above all Garth are all but shoved in the corner. Especially Garth. He was treated in the film like some sort of sideman and not as a full member. For a very long time I couldn't figure it out. Recently due to articles I have read and "think tank" sessions with friends I came to a couple of conclusions.

First let's assume that the comments and articles about post Last Waltz; from Robbie's viewpoint are true. The fact that other than Garth no one seemed to keen on working on the post editing etc. The reason that many say is why it took two years to finally get released in theaters. So you basically have Robbie and Scorsese working on the film.

Robbie and Scorsese have become very close friends by this period. Even living together after the end of Scorsese's marriage and Robbie's separation from his wife. So you spend two years with your best pal on what shots to use. M-m-m-m-?

Lastly and most importantly is the "smarts" or "cunning" of Robertson. I believe he was smart enough to know that this was the end, for him with The Band. If there was going to be a historical moment embedded in time for The Band, THIS WAS IT. People for years would remember the stinging guitar licks and the bending of the strings. This was his chance to live on after the film on video tape and one day DVD. If this is true it was a smart move. He is after all a "businessman". I am not saying he was devious; just taking advantage of the situation that he was faced with. The above are all theories that friends of mine and I have come up with.

I want to make it clear that these are theories and taken from Robertson's viewpoint that I have read. I have no first hand knowledge of what the others did or didn't do in post production; with the exception that the brilliant Garth Hudson spent five months watching the film over and over again, playing the same keys..... note for note over again because his original organ tracks were screwed up while filming.

Posted on Fri Oct 15 20:06:41 CEST 1999 from (208.218.212.254)

David Powell

"...I didn't want the audience participation in the piece. I wanted to stay on the stage, and I wanted to have each song like the song is between the people on the stage. You know, we're the audience, watching the film. So--but I put you on a stage, like--like--I always pointed this out--like a--a round in a prizefight, in a way. You're in the ring. You're with the fighters. With the performers." --Martin Scorsese (from an interview conducted by VH-1 last year)

Scorsese filmed The Last Waltz as a theatrical event rather than as a live concert captured on film doumentary style. Each song was treated as a scene in the movie, with the cameras focusing only on the performers and not the audience. If footage was indeed reshot, could it be that entire songs were redone and filmed after the fact?

Posted on Fri Oct 15 19:17:08 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-040.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.40)

Peter Viney

TLW: I think everyone agrees that Richard’s contribution is vastly under-represented in the film. Just as it it is on Best of … compilations. If Greil Marcus thought “We Can Talk” was the Band at its best, how come it isn’t on every compilation? There have been all sorts of explanations of Richard’s comparative absence on camera in TLW, from his form on the night to the positioning of the cameras. It looks as if one camera was barely functioning!

If stuff was added, they could only add those who were there and willing to be added. If they cut in tight CUs of Robbie, then it was done with surprising technical expertise in those pre-computer days, as the joins aren’t apparent. We’re talking about an era when individual frames had to be airbrushed by hand in order to eliminate an object from Neil Young’s nose. Many fans have said they first got interested via the film. Remember it is a theatrically-released film by one of the top half-dozen American directors of the last twenty-five years, it’s not a TV documentary. It’s much more visually powerful than most concert movies, not just because of the performance, but also because Scorsese is a talented director, and knows a thing or two about cutting, storytelling and of course enshrining a legend. Any A-list film director (as opposed to documentary film maker) was going to focus on a central figure because there’s a story, or legend, as well as a concert. If you look without prejudice, then sure Robbie gets the lion’s share, but Rick isn’t ignored, sharing many two shots with Robbie. And this is simply because the two standing figures moving around in centre stage are an obvious visual attraction as opposed to three seated figures. If you take the most negative view (that Robbie was scene-stealing shamelessly), it still meant that Rick stayed in shot, because he was there in the centre too. To me, Robbie looks very hyped-up and excited by the event and shows it physically. This is good drama. If the concert had been done in a studio, it would have looked completely different (as do the studio sections). It was live, with three important camera positions face-on to the stage. You can do things afterwards, but only to a strictly limited degree. When you’re editing, you have what the camera operators got, and if they failed to capture it, then you cut to what you have got. I don’t think it’s like a movie, where the director has clean takes from every angle, singles, two shots, three shots, full stage, from the front, from the side etc and then deliberately decides to devote 80% of the camera time to the female lead because he owns 50% of her contract or whatever.

Now here’s a pleasant project for someone with a copy of the video on a rainy afternoon (NOT me) - stop-watch the time on each Band member. If I had it on DVD, I’d be tempted to spend some time looking for evidence of cutting in. On commercially-produced VHS, it’s not worth the effort as things are smoothed by the lack of resolution.

Posted on Fri Oct 15 18:13:37 CEST 1999 from du98-0.ppp.algonet.se (195.100.0.98)

Ilkka

To Link Wray fans: surf to www.evreka.com (Swedish search engine) with 33 links to Link in Sweden (in Swedish).

Posted on Fri Oct 15 17:21:30 CEST 1999 from proxy-443.public.paix.webtv.net (209.240.197.37)

ED BLAYZOR

how come Jubilation isn`t represented better on the new best of compilation?

Posted on Fri Oct 15 14:36:48 CEST 1999 from webcache09b.cache.pol.co.uk (195.92.194.19)

Lee

Lil: I mentioned the point about Richard to Tom Malone and John Simon, and I know Tom agreed but can't quite remember what John said. If you've ever seen the Bootleg footage, with Richard singing Georgia, and so on, its shameful that it wasn't included. And before anyone asks... a guy in NYC was/is selling videos of this which also includes the complete Dylan footage. Quality isn't great though.

Posted on Fri Oct 15 14:07:27 CEST 1999 from gw33.telekomus.com (206.2.196.66)

A Band Thought

It is interesting to view The Last Waltz after Levon's book (and after Bill Graham's book). The dymanics between the guys turn inside-out without, thankfully, altering the power of the music. I can never view that movie in the same way again. It is also interesting to note the acting careers of Levon and Robbie following the release of the film. The easy bet might have been on Robbie to become an up and coming silver screen star. The reality is that Levon fit like a glove in his roles in Coal Miner's Daughter and The Right Stuff (ya gotta love Ridley). Having met the two I would have to attribute that to Levon's easy-going style. My guess is that Robbie just scrutinized his scripts to death after a pretty impressive performance in Carny. John S

Posted on Fri Oct 15 12:43:49 CEST 1999 from alb2-as5200-01-49.termserv.net (208.20.67.49)

Diamond Lil

LEE: Wouldn't surprise me at all if that's why there's so may close-ups of RR in TLW..in fact..have heard before what Mr. Malone told you from other sources. Frankly though, the RR close-ups don't bother me half as much as the blatant disregard for Richard in that film. _That_ sickens me. Alot less of Robbie and alot more of Richard would've balanced things out in my opinion.

BUTCH: Can you tell me if the benefit show with Robert Cray and James Taylor will be Levon and his blues band..or just Levon..or Levon and who? Thanks :-)

Posted on Fri Oct 15 10:44:23 CEST 1999 from (194.248.167.10)

Tanika Po

Think how cool it would be if The Bands last waltz was shown at the cinema again...:)I'm going to rent a auditorium so I can see it on the big screen. :)))

Posted on Fri Oct 15 02:08:37 CEST 1999 from hlfx33-67.ns.sympatico.ca (142.177.83.67)

toddcarr

LIke the vocal style of levon, garths intenseity, richards pianoplaying and of course ricksbass

Posted on Fri Oct 15 01:12:07 CEST 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr

Brown eyed johnny: thanks again for the tip on catchin zimmy on the tv. i dug the heck out of that, they had kind of a lazy sound, reminicient (jeez, dont put me in a spelling bee)of the basement tapes... there was that whurr of the organ at the end that got me goin. the drummer was no levon obviously... dug your last post about todd. i love that cut of butter's "everything gonna be allright". the guitar player on that record kills me, ralph wash i believe his name was. anybody know anything about that fella? he had a very distinctive style of playing, kind of legatto/staccatto combination (if that makes sense) i haven't heard before or since.

Posted on Fri Oct 15 00:39:04 CEST 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr

thanks peter! i'm gonna go get that right now!

Posted on Fri Oct 15 00:07:39 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-045.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.45)

Peter Viney

A Link link: When the eponymous "Link Wray" vocal album emerged in 1971, that greatly respected writer Richard Williams said in his review that anyone who had a copy of The Band absolutely needed this Link Wray vocal album. I bought it. I still play it. It can be found in its entirety on the Polydor 2CD set "Guitar Preacher", which also includes tracks from the Verocca-produced albums following it, "Mordicai Jones", "Be What You Want to Be (1973)" and "Beans & Fatback." Wray in this era came closer to The Band than anyone else did. Also check out "Broth". This was a creative powerhouse, and took place in Maryland (another link to this last week). Link Wray, like Robbie, is of part Native American background. The Neville Brothers picked up on two tracks from the "Link Wray" album, "Fallin Rain" & "Fire & Brimstone". I consider my copy of Mordicai Jones valuable because of the take on Roy Acuff's "Precious Jewel" (not on the anthology). I've said it many times, you love The Band, then check out "Guitar Preacher: The Polydor Years" by Link.

Posted on Thu Oct 14 22:36:45 CEST 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr

David Powell: very nice post, so well put, thank you. thanks also to Jonathan Katz for following up with the picture of "Whispering Pines".sheryl: ol' Link really tore em up at the continental club last month. its been a long time since anyone came in there and played really loudly, if you know what i mean (alot of lounge/nostalgia acts in town here the last few years and im lookin forward to things coming back to rawer, more rockin sounds. band connection to link wray by the way is distant but goes thru bob dylan, both played with the late great billy cross, another hellacious guitar player. speaking of which, prayers for another d.c. great, Evan Johns, who is in a vancouver hospital with liver failure. hes a great guitar player and an even greater guy to know...happy birthday serge, i love your photographs, thank you for sharing with us all. well, have a good weekend band-mates!

Posted on Thu Oct 14 21:52:46 CEST 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr

hey y'all, thanks for the interest in my post! and the grand prize goes to mike carrico for correctly identifying roy buchanan, danny gatton and link wray! i gotta go back to work, and check out the posts in more detail presently. thanks everyone!

Posted on Thu Oct 14 21:50:28 CEST 1999 from gateway.tpp.com (198.81.246.2)

Brown-Eyed Johnny

November 2 will see the release by Rhino of an expanded version of Todd Rundgren's "Something/Anything?" CD. It will be fleshed out with promos, demos, and tracks by other artists produced/engineered by Todd, including the Band's "Just Another Whistle Stop," Jesse Winchester's "Yankee Lady," and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band's live "Everything Is Going to Be Alright."

Posted on Thu Oct 14 21:09:10 CEST 1999 from 56k-ml-00-17.dial.qnet.com (209.221.218.32)

Dave

I couldn't agree more with your last post Mr. Powell. I just went nuts over Roy Buchanan way back and had to buy all the vinyl. He used that edge of the pick harmonics that sent certain notes right out to the stratosphere. He was the first guitar player I heard playing those staccato machine-gun rapid notes way before your Satrianis and Van Halens. At the time I sure thought he was the world's greatest electric guitar player. I wasn't aware of Danny Gatton until I saw him at the Fender booth at the NAMM show in Anahiem. These two guys for me played Telecasters in an amazing and musical way. Of course we all love the way Mr.Wieder wields the Tele also.(Wieder wields?)Anyway, very nicely worded sentiments David Powell.

Posted on Thu Oct 14 20:53:25 CEST 1999 from 1cust54.tnt6.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.11.190.54)

Housefrau Hil

Link Wray has played here in NYC several times in the past 2 years (He's lived in Sweden, I believe since the '60s.) Saw the first of these performances at Tramps (great music club recently closed unfortunately) - he hadn't played NYC in over ten years. Anyway, he completely blew me and the rest of the crowd away that night with a dazzling array ranging from '50s style rockabilly (did vocals too, which surprised me) to '60s psychedelic guitar work. Not Band related as far as I know but I'm sure someone else can find a "LINK" somehow!! (BTW he was age 62 then but had the body language of a lanky teenager, very long black hair in a pony-tail which surprised me too, as I'd always thought of him as '50s legend - and a beautiful younger wife who came on stage to hand him a beer - maybe that and the music is what keeps him going! Well, gotta get back to my house cleaning and cooking now... think I'll put on Stage Fright - that's always good for dancing with the dust mop!

Posted on Thu Oct 14 20:12:41 CEST 1999 from spider-wj044.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.39)

Lee

Peter, Here's something of interest about The Last Waltz that I don't think you've heard before, or for that matter many people have heard before.

When I interviewed Tom Malone he told me that some of the footage was reshot. He goes into some detail about it. After I spoke to him it made me wonder if that is the main reason there's so much footage of Robbie Robertson.

What a thought, reproduce some backgrounds on a soundstage in LA for lots of close-ups of Robbie.

Posted on Thu Oct 14 18:57:26 CEST 1999 from (208.218.212.254)

David Powell

The names of three incredible guitarists have popped up here in the guestbook--Roy Buchanan, Danny Gatton & Jeff Beck. There are striking similarities in the careers of both Roy and Danny. Both, at one time, were known as "the world's best unknown guitarists." They were both well known & admired by their fellow musicians, but public acclaim is a fickle thing and with the way the music industry works it's often hard for musicians who are primarily instrumentalists to achieve a certain level of success.

The music of Roy & Danny, as well as that of Jeff Beck, has had a great impact on me. When I hear them play & bend notes it sends chills up my spine and at other times it makes me want to weep. It's as if they've found a way to stretch out the strings of the heart across their fretboards. They say the purpose of all great music, not matter what style, is to evoke an emotional response in the listener. Without using words, Roy, Danny & Jeff, can do that with their music. Whether it's Roy playing "Sweet Dreams," Danny playing Brian Wilson's "In My Room," or Jeff playing "Cause We Ended As Lovers," you can feel emotion behind each note. Incidently, the latter song is Jeff Beck's tribute to Roy Buchanan.

It's this same emotional power I feel when I hear the singing of Richard Manuel. Although we all rightfully mourn the tragedy of the deaths of Richard, Roy & Danny, the music they gave us is immortal. Their souls live on in their music. The feeling & emotions evoked by each note that they played or sung remain--they were able to share something with us that is so powerful that it can transcend the boundaries of time & place.

Posted on Thu Oct 14 17:20:23 CEST 1999 from jmoretz.phyplant.appstate.edu (152.10.24.57)

Jimmy Moretz

Thanks for all the great music The Band made in the past It would be wonderful to hear a new recording in the future.

Posted on Thu Oct 14 16:30:48 CEST 1999 from spider-wm083.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.188)

Sheryl

Pehr - My guess would be Link Wray. I know that he lost a lung long ago and that he now lives somewhere in Scandinavia and I even saw him perform in Alexandria VA in 1978 when I lived there. He is an amazing quitarist. I was disappointed when I missed him in Austin last time he was here.

Posted on Thu Oct 14 14:15:28 CEST 1999 from levon.hiof.no (158.36.51.54)

Jan Høiberg

Thanks a lot for all the birthday greetings, and for the nice words about The Band web site.

I also want to wish my Canadian friend Serge Daniloff in Garth's hometown London, Ontario, a happy birthday today. Thanks again for all your generous contributions to this web site, and may you stay forever young.

Posted on Thu Oct 14 14:06:38 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-039.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.39)

Peter Viney

Band thought: ‘Broken Arrow’ was what I was thinking of. I like Roger’s weak connection too. Agree that Rod was “sailin’” off into mediocrity in the 70s after at least two decent albums.

DJ: The Last Waltz on DVD is definitely something I’d hope for. It would require a lot of effort to get it right. Probably more than Scorsese or Robbie would want to undertake as they don’t seem in need of the extra work. You wonder if they could squeeze a 5.1 remix off whatever masters they’ve got. Or whether, following the example of “Yellow Submarine” they’d let someone else do it for them. If they do it, I reckon (fear?) they’ll just do a straight transfer of the existing film with no bonus material of note. The overdubbing and cleaning was so extensive that I doubt they’d want to show the unsmoothed material. Of course, we don’t know whether they edited, and re-did just the bits they used, or whether they cleaned up some of the other stuff as well, before deciding not to use it. In that case, they could put it on. They must have a lot more interview material too. It looks as if they filmed it loose and rambling and just took the few minutes we know about. Even a simple transfer would be good. Anyone know if it’s in the pipeline?

Posted on Thu Oct 14 13:44:20 CEST 1999 from gw33.telekomus.com (206.2.196.66)

Band Thought

The Band-Rod Stewart connection could be the cover version that Rod did of Robbie's cinematic "Broken Arrow." John S

Posted on Thu Oct 14 11:11:39 CEST 1999 from wwwcache.uce.ac.uk (193.60.140.247)

Roger Woods

Band - Rod Stewart. Hmmm. One obvious (but weak) connection is Rod - Ron Wood - The Last Waltz. My guess is that musical connections would have dried up in the 70s as Rod S. became evermore the Glamrocker.

Posted on Thu Oct 14 06:52:14 CEST 1999 from spider-tl011.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.176)

Mike Carrico

Pehr, my guess would be Roy Buchanan, Danny Gatton, and Link Wray - though DG may be the only DC native of the three; but they all spent many years living in the area and playing around town.

Posted on Thu Oct 14 05:54:33 CEST 1999 from 1cust228.tnt4.broken-arrow.ok.da.uu.net (63.26.133.228)

D.J.

Thanks for the wonderful music. Now how about putting The Last Waltz on DVD? Please?

Posted on Thu Oct 14 05:41:35 CEST 1999 from firewall1.westpac.co.nz (210.55.236.18)

Rod

all this talk about guitars got me a thinking that nearly all of my favourite Robbie solos / parts are from songs he didn't write - eg Henry, Saved, various BTF tracks. King Harvest and It Makes No Difference are the RR penned songs that spring to mind.

Posted on Thu Oct 14 02:48:53 CEST 1999 from trt-on34-23.netcom.ca (209.146.138.151)

John D

DAVE AGAIN.....I'm not Pehr; but Danny Gatton is correct.

Posted on Thu Oct 14 01:33:24 CEST 1999 from alb4-as5200-30-222.termserv.net (208.20.67.189)

Diamond Lil

Robert Cray/James Taylor/Levon Helm....Wow! Thanks Brown-Eyed Johnny...and hi :-)

Found out today that CSNY is doing a reunion tour in 2000. New cd being released in late October titled "Looking Forward". Tour kicking off in Detroit in January, and for us New Yorkers...April 3, 2000...at Madison Square Garden. Tickets go on sale _this_ coming Monday, October 18 through Ticketmaster (212) 307-7171.

Getting kind of tired of walking in ducks**t in here. Perhaps if we stop feeding our feathered friend he'll fly south for the winter...

Posted on Thu Oct 14 00:45:26 CEST 1999 from 206-57-107-220.nas-3.mon.frontiernet.net (206.57.107.220)

Lars Pedersen

MAL: You are a bad duck (and I know something about bad ducks after that Towne Crier brawl this summer). When Tom gets back from vacation you're gonna be in a lot of hot water (little duck humor there).

I want to see Tom back on here. I want to see the harp player who stood up with the Honky Tonk Gurus on stage this summer; the guitar player who helped pull off "Acadian Driftwood" at that party in August. Come on back, Tom.

Posted on Thu Oct 14 00:13:51 CEST 1999 from 56k-ml-00-17.dial.qnet.com (209.221.218.32)

Dave again

I can remember phone numbers from 30 years ago but names are a little tough for me. pehr, is one of the other guitar slingers Danny Gatton?

Posted on Thu Oct 14 00:01:58 CEST 1999 from ti29a23-0112.dialup.online.no (130.67.132.112)

London calling!

Can anybody help me ??? On friday (15.10.99) am I going for a trip to London, and I wonder if there is a shop or place in the town where I can buy rare Band-stuff . In Norway it is about imposible to get anything but the usual things, and that is why i hope that somebody can help me with an address or something. Perhaps you also can recommend a music-club? I hope you all understand my clomsy way of writing english, and please ..... mail me soon!

Posted on Wed Oct 13 23:59:17 CEST 1999 from 56k-ml-00-44.dial.qnet.com (209.221.218.59)

Dave the phone guy

pehr, is it Roy Buchanan? I've got the other guy's CD at home but for the life of me can't remember his name right now. He was the telecaster master from D.C. Unfortunately both these guys checked themselves out early.

Posted on Wed Oct 13 23:54:53 CEST 1999 from (137.187.144.172)

Jonathan Katz

pehr - Of course I meant the one from D.C.!

Posted on Wed Oct 13 23:51:46 CEST 1999 from (137.187.144.172)

Jonathan Katz

A few last comments re: Baltimore/Washington. 1) pehr - Are we talking about Roy Buchanan?
2) Peter V. - I love John Barth. One of the highlights of my time here has been hearing him read from one of his novels at Johns Hopkins.
3) Mattk - Come on back. I like your posts and I hope that my comments re: this state [as inane as they were] did not contribute to your presence being "too soon gone."
4) Jan has promised to attach a picture of at least one reason to like this area.

Posted on Wed Oct 13 23:48:09 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-028.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.28)

Peter Viney

Rod the Mod & Vanilla Fudge: This talk of Jeff Beck’s former cohorts made me look for The Vanilla Fudge - thought I had it on CD, but alas only on well-worn LP & there’s no record deck near the computer. But perhaps it’s better left in memory than made real. No doubt people will ask for a Rod Stewart connection with The Band - there is one. But today’s a day for riddles.

I saw in a Rod Stewart article that he was “rumoured” to have played in a band called The Soul Agents. This is circa 1964 or 65. The rumour is correct. I saw them twice and Rod’s version of “Walking To New Orleans” sticks in my mind to this day.

Posted on Wed Oct 13 23:03:43 CEST 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr

band thought: great pop quiz there. had me stumped. i agree to the greatness of jeff beck, but ... well the most over the top guitar players i ever heard all come from D.C. .one even played with our boys! when he wasnt giggin he cut hair on the side. the other worked on hot rods when he wasnt giggin. the other is still alive and great as he ever was. he lives in denmark now. he served in the korean war where he lost a lung before he made any of his great records. come to think of it there are some other d.c. guitar monsters, somebody must have put somethin special in the potomac! o.k., its a wordy quiz but i'm an amateur. take a stab anyone?

Posted on Wed Oct 13 22:36:01 CEST 1999 from gw33.telekomus.com (206.2.196.66)

Band Thought

Twilight: You are one smart cookie...perhaps the Clapton reference gave it away. The recent posts surrounding Robbie's guitar prowess made me think of the guy who so often is overlooked when the discussion turns to great guitarists. For my taste, Robbie was the best of his lot as far as playing with a band; perhaps Dylan was right about the genius reference. But for sheer, flat-out playing the guitar as a soloist with a backing group, Jeff Beck has no peer. And Peter, to go beyond the Jeff Beck Group (i.e., Stewart) to figure out the answer just serves to prove the depth of your knowledge regarding good music. John S.

Posted on Wed Oct 13 22:36:20 CEST 1999 from (198.242.214.14)

Kicking Horse

HOLE "E" MOLE "E", all this back and forth jawbonin is gonna send me into a sphincter-clenching frenzy. Are some of us braggin or complainin?

Posted on Wed Oct 13 22:21:36 CEST 1999 from ric-wht-pxy-int02.wheatfirst.com (204.238.130.68)

Bones

Levon Helm is a true southern gentleman. He is gracious, funny and, like his ol' brother Robbie, a true storyteller. As most of you who have been around him know, he is very captivating. My wish is that one day he will get back together with Robbie. The two are a remarkable pair(obviously different but very much alike). It concerns me that we now hear rumors that Levon and Rick are feuding.

Posted on Wed Oct 13 21:35:04 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-121.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.121)

Peter Viney

Crabgrass: not a bad idea, but let’s not leave off Robbie’s guitar parts on Richard’s songs, the odd few covers or Moondog Matinee. And you’d need the Hawkins and Dylan stuff too.

Lest anyone imagine I like every single song Robbie has ever done, let me say at once that I think the solo B-side “Tailgate” is second-rate, and regular readers know what I think about “The Moon Struck One.” :-)

Hi-Ho Silver (Lining): I didn’t pick up Jeff Beck, probably because I thought “early in his career” would be pre-Rod Stewart. Anyway, I racked my brain for a while!

Posted on Wed Oct 13 18:54:22 CEST 1999 from 1cust20.tnt12.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.136.20)

Crabgrass

Since judging by recent posts here people seem to like just about EVERYTHING Robbie has ever done (myself included) I think it is obvious that some record company should put out a retrospective set including just that -- EVERYTHING! I suggest that they follow the Joni Mitchell "Hits and Misses" formula with the first set (3 discs) containing all of Robbie's tracks (as both guitarist and composer) with The Band on the first three albums plus "It Makes No Difference," "Acadian Driftwood," and "Ophelia" entitling it THE VERY BEST OF ROBBIE ROBERTSON. The second CD set (about 6 discs) should include the balance of The Band albums plus all of his solo, soundtrack, and concept stuff and be entitled THE NOT SO VERY BEST OF ROBBIE ROBERTSON. And since Robbie's now artistically in charge of a major player label I suggest that they put the whole project together and also think that he should re-record some of his greatest songs (as someone else suggested) like "The Weight" and "Dixie" and include them as bonus tracks -- trouble is -- who's gonna sing 'em? QUACKER - Maybe you should enroll in some night courses at Duck "U" - perhaps they've expanded their history offerings by now. Personally, I have found the continuing discussion about hemmorhoids most informative and enjoyable and hope that no one will be deterred from posting further comments on this pertinent subject matter.

Posted on Wed Oct 13 18:56:04 CEST 1999 from gateway.tpp.com (198.81.246.2)

Brown-Eyed Johnny

Levon will join Robert Cray and James Taylor in a concert to benefit the Rainforest on November 29 at the Beacon Theatre in Manhattan. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. tomorrow (10/14) via the Beacon box office and Ticketmaster.

Posted on Wed Oct 13 18:54:53 CEST 1999 from sdu32-209.ppp.algonet.se (195.163.209.32)

Ilkka

An ambitious group in GeoCities SunsetStrip community is dedicated to creating a definitive source of music information covering the last 1000 years. As a GeoCitizen myself I would like to send a short article about The Band but I'm afraid it would be in Finglish ... you know: Peas and love!

Someone else, please, take this opportunity. The address is www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Hall/6129

Posted on Wed Oct 13 18:00:32 CEST 1999 from (204.38.165.142)

Twilight

Answer to "A Band Thought" - Jeff Beck

Posted on Wed Oct 13 16:28:14 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-060.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.60)

Peter Viney

The relevance of history: Thanks David Powell and Pat Brennan for more information about Stoneman. Stoneman is relevant to the impact of the song. Some social historians believe that the public reaction to the hugely succesful “Gone With The Wind” was a significant factor in the USA’s delayed entry into the Second World War. The personalization of the war, and the graphic telling of the story made people reluctant to get into more of the same mudshed (as Joan Baez might call it).

Sherman’s total war was an innovation in the Civil War which became standard practice in the 20th century. Stoneman (or So Much, as Baez called him) was an important functionary in the policy. Even so, you won’t find his name indexed in most general histories. David points out that he was a local legend. Interesting that he was active in East Tennessee where Virgil lived, (and according to Joan Baez again, saw the steamboat The Robert E. Lee sailing through the meadow). The fact that Robertson, with Levon’s help at the library, picked on this particular character, responsible for this aspect of the war against civilians, is significant for the year in which it was written. (See my article on the site).

Haemmorhoids are, I can only assume, one of the occupational hazards of being a cavalry officer. I saw the other day that in the year 1066 tooth decay was one of the most common causes of death. You wonder about cavalry campaigns …

Carmen- These are from various soundtracks - Carny, The King of Comedy, The Color of Money, Jimmy Hollywood, Phenomenon. Robbie’s soundtrack albums are detailed on the site under Discography.

Posted on Wed Oct 13 15:43:43 CEST 1999 from gw33.telekomus.com (206.2.196.66)

A Band Thought

A little quiz... Who am I? I am in my mid-50's, yet still strike a strong resemblance to my former late 1960's self... I played guitar early in my career with a now famous singer... I have played alongside Eric Clapton - even showed him a thing or two... I release a new CD every few years and people say they can't get enough of my Fender picking... I have a sense of melody that is unmatched amongst rock guitarists of my generation... Who am I? John (by the way, I have never played with The Band)

Posted on Wed Oct 13 15:20:32 CEST 1999 from (207.237.89.80)

Jon Lyness

Just opened the paper and there is a full page ad for the following upcoming concert: "Smart Sounds: Music for the Planet III: A Concert to Benefit the Rainforest Alliance" featuring Robert Cray, LEVON HELM and James Taylor, November 29th at the Beacon Theatre, NYC. Anyone know anything about this?!?

And (belated) happy birthday, Jan!! Just one more voice joining the chorus of thanks for all you do to keep this site going--it means a lot. Thanks again.

Posted on Wed Oct 13 15:15:41 CEST 1999 from user-33qta23.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.168.67)

Pat Brennan

Duck, the irony of you commenting on "good sense" is indeed delicious.

Posted on Wed Oct 13 14:56:01 CEST 1999 from gateway.tono.no (212.71.68.22)

Jens Magnus

For he's a jolly good webmaster. Gratulerer så mye, Jan!

Posted on Wed Oct 13 14:12:32 CEST 1999 from edslink8.eds.com (199.228.142.8)

Carmen

I am very familiar with RR's four releases. I have noticed however that some of you have listed RR songs I am not at all familiar with. Where can I get my hands on these? Thanks for any advise.

Posted on Wed Oct 13 09:51:39 CEST 1999 from (194.248.167.10)

Tanja

okey, I'm sad...I gotta meet the Band and Robbie soon. gotta save all my money so I can see Richards grave, big pink (hope it exist...:), hope they will visit Norway soon...I gotta see them live sometime!

Posted on Wed Oct 13 09:28:21 CEST 1999 from (194.248.167.10)

Tanja Flåan

okey maybe this is a bit late but: Gratulerer med dagen som var Jan! I'm getting 16 very soon now, at Halloweens day actually..Hmm...where can I find the lyrics to Holy Cow, I can't catch every sinlge word they sing....And I gotta admidt something...I like one song from Robbies album contact frim the underworld...It's called in the blood, I love the women...they sing so swell! Robbie has many good songs....I love soap box preacher and somewhere down the crazy river.....catch the bluetrain...

Posted on Wed Oct 13 09:13:59 CEST 1999 from gateway.tono.no (212.71.68.22)

Jens Magnus

Well, mr. Greenhead, why don't you do as you promise, and get outta here? The guestbook will manage without your sarcastic observations. There are several readers who take interest in information that can give us better access to Robertson's lyrics. If you don't care, waddle on. There might be better sites where you can join the other ducks. Bye bye.

Posted on Wed Oct 13 05:02:01 CEST 1999 from firewall1.westpac.co.nz (210.55.236.18)

Rod

RR best of: Fallen Angel,Big Sky,Broken Arrow,American Roulette, Crazy River, Night Parade, Soapbox preacher, Back to Your Woods,Between Trains, Breaking The Rules.

Between Trains is as much of a Band song as anything from Jericho on - but with the other line up.

Posted on Wed Oct 13 04:48:32 CEST 1999 from tjclc-5.cc.umr.edu (131.151.22.27)

Jason Stanley

Don't lose faith in all young people's taste in music. I'm only 18, but I have been diggin' The Band for over four years now. The Band just has a feel that is really great. God help the man who say The Band is not best.

Posted on Wed Oct 13 04:41:10 CEST 1999 from 1cust100.tnt11.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.134.100)

Mal(GREENHEAD)Mallard

Holy Toledo!!! I'm glad someone had the good sense to enlighten us GB readers about General Stoneman's hemmorhoids. You just don't learn this kinda stuff in American History 101 or 102!! (at least I didn't at old Duck "U") Gotta run now or my bladder will burst -- I'm outta here! Quack! Quack! ~~~waddle ~~~waddle

Posted on Wed Oct 13 02:45:58 CEST 1999 from dal-tgn-tvo-vty10.as.wcom.net (206.175.229.10)

Dexy

As I patiently await Mr. Dylan's sitcom premiere, I can't help but imagine that he'll sing -- gravelly, deep and wobbly -- Happy Birthday!

Posted on Wed Oct 13 02:36:44 CEST 1999 from spider-wa033.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.33)

Ghost Rider

Happy Birthday, Jan Hoiberg. Thanks for the use of your website.

Posted on Wed Oct 13 02:31:43 CEST 1999 from user-33qt85m.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.160.182)

Pat Brennan

With thanks to David Powell re: Stoneman and Robert E. Lee. Stoneman actually had a varied career during the Civil War.He was originally an infantry officer, gaining divisional and corps command. He's best known for leading a cavalry raid during the May 1863 Chancellorsville Campaign. When his raid failed to produce any strategic result, he requested and received a leave of absence, ostensibly to treat a terrible case of hemmorhoids.

Posted on Wed Oct 13 01:14:43 CEST 1999 from m198214176144.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.144)

pehr

brown eyed johnny: thanks for the post on bob D on tv tonite... howdid ya scoop that? thanks butch also for keepin us posted on the big levon shows. i sure wish he'd come to austin an play antones club sometime... i like the robbie moments too. i dig the screech of feedback that opens the solo on "Mighty Quinn". that was my first robbie moment come t think of it. i had a bad fall this morning an hurt my wrist an cant do much of anything well but i still can struggle in a post. i enjoy this site so much. have a good day everyone.

Posted on Wed Oct 13 00:07:26 CEST 1999 from spider-tk071.proxy.aol.com (152.163.206.206)

Stu Hruska

Jan, Many happy returns, continued good health and a very Happy Birthday. May all your birthday wishes come true. And once again thanks for your gift to all of us.

Posted on Tue Oct 12 23:35:32 CEST 1999 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime

It's almost midnight in the Nordic countries, but still...

Happy birthday Webking Jan!

Keep up the good work on this great site, that gives the people so much delight!

Posted on Tue Oct 12 23:32:10 CEST 1999 from spider-tm031.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.56)

Ben

It would have been nice if Pyramid records would have done this with 'Best of vol.2'. They could have included live versions of some of the older songs. I believe this is what Sony did on the second Leonard Cohen collection that came out a few years ago.

Posted on Tue Oct 12 23:28:47 CEST 1999 from (208.218.212.254)

David Powell

On this 129th anniversary of Robert E. Lee's death I would like to mention a few details about Union General George Stoneman. As discussed here in the guestbook before, "Stoneman's cavalry" is one of few historical accuracies contained in the song "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down."

I recently discovered a fine article written by Chris Hartley about Stoneman, entitled "War's Last Cavalry Raid", which was published in the May 1998 edition of the magazine _America's Civil War_. Those of you who are interested can access the article online at: http://www.civilwartimes.com/AmericasCivilWar/articles/1998/05982_text.htm

In the closing days of the war, Major General George Stoneman, as the commander of the East Tennessee district, oversaw a raid by a division of Union troops across the rugged Blue Ridge Mountians into northwest North Carolina and southwest Virginia. Their orders were not to fight battles but to punnish and demoralize the Southern civilians. Stoneman, having previously served under General Sherman in the Georgia campaign, had learned Sherman's methods of "total war"-- the concept of targeting civilian as well as military objectives in order to destroy the enemy's will to resist.

Stoneman's cavalry troops were still exacting revenge on the Southern civilians at the time that General Robert E. Lee was surrendering at Appomattox. Stoneman's forces plundered & destroyed tons of supplies, including foodstocks & grain, along with miles of railroad supply tracks. Even after the shooting war ended, they assisted in chasing down and capturing Confederate President Jefferson Davis.

After the war, Stoneman remained in the regular army until he retired in 1871 at the rank of Colonel. He moved to California and lived on a large estate called "Los Robles" near Los Angeles. As a Democrat, he held several public offices and was Governor of the state from 1883 to 1887. Stoneman died on September 5, 1894 in Buffalo, New York.

Even though Stoneman, on the surface, may appear to be just a footnote in the history of the Civil War, in that part of the U.S. where the borders of Tennessee, North Carolina & Virginia meet, his name lives in infamy. The exploits of his plundering cavalry troops in the last days of a defeated Confederacy are still a part of local legend. In this respect, I feel that Robbie Robertson succeeded in capturing this sentiment accurately in the song.

Posted on Tue Oct 12 20:10:24 CEST 1999 from ric-wht-pxy-int02.wheatfirst.com (204.238.130.68)

Bones

Peter Viney: A trick they do a lot these days to bypass record companies is re-record old hits for the new record company. Actually, come to think of it, they have been doing this forever. So Robbie could go into the studio and re-record "The Weight" or "Dixie" and release it on whatever label he is currently on. This would make the "Best of" compilation even more interesting.

Posted on Tue Oct 12 20:05:02 CEST 1999 from gw33.telekomus.com (206.2.196.66)

A Band Thought

Mr. Hoiberg, a very happy birthday. The fans and The Band owe you a great debt of gratitude for your tireless efforts. If The Band were a company, you would surely be the advertising department. John S

Posted on Tue Oct 12 19:57:37 CEST 1999 from (208.218.212.254)

David Powell

Happy birthday Jan. Today also marks the anniversary of the death of Robert E. Lee in 1870.

Posted on Tue Oct 12 19:34:58 CEST 1999 from client.ici.org (198.6.202.231)

Mitt Stampler

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAN! (Sorry, just had to shout :)) Best of Robbie? I'd buy it. I know the song's come in for a bit of controversy, but my personal favorite is *still* "Fallen Angel." It's featured on the soundtrack to a rather wonderful movie called "Powwow Highway," which I highly recommend. ("Sweet Fire of Love" is on the soundtrack too--a song I liked the first thousand or so times my beloved spouse played it, but it got old after that.) Never did decide what I thought about the Leonard Peltier song, but I suspect that's been covered in a Guestbook incarnation that I missed. Anyway--Happy Birthday again! And thanks so much for this site.

Posted on Tue Oct 12 19:09:41 CEST 1999 from pm2-46.delrio.com (204.216.51.167)

Just Wonderin'

Happy Birthday Jan! Thanks for this wonderful site!!

Posted on Tue Oct 12 18:42:42 CEST 1999 from sdu6-208.ppp.algonet.se (195.163.208.6)

Ilkka

This Guestbook is also for the COMMENTS OF THIS SITE:

(1) Nicole wrote that there are so few links. The nuclear of Internet is links but for an ambitious site like this it would need enormous work to check every link - every day. Are they in the line of the site, do they still exist (no 404's), do they keep an acceptable standard?
(2)I have visited this site with different browsers and from 3.0 to the 5.0 versions and it works - of course. No irritating *Javascript errors*. There is an enormous pressure for a Webmaster to use the latest technics but Jan has kept his feet on the ground.
(3)The different standards in Plug-ins (audio, video) are doing that I seem never have the right ones.
(4)Happy Birthday!

Posted on Tue Oct 12 18:34:46 CEST 1999 from cfa1.execulink.net (199.166.6.10)

Paul Godfrey

Happy Birthday Jan...from the Home of Garth Hudson...London, Ontario Canada...& Shine On!

Posted on Tue Oct 12 17:14:13 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-028.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.28)

Peter Viney

Classic Albums Series 2: the two new DVD titles I couldn’t remember are “Who’s Next” & “Bat Out of Hell” joining U2 ‘The Joshua Tree’, Steely Dan, ‘Aja’, Phil Collins ‘Face Value’ and The Wailers ‘Stir It Up’. “Stir It Up” is head and shoulders over the rest of series 2. But Series 1 with The Band, Rumors, Graceland, Songs in The Key of Life, Electric Ladyland & the Dead seemed stronger. My thoughts ran to the stuff they missed from series one - most obviously Dylan, Beatles, Stones, Van Morrison, Bruce Springsteen, Joni Mitchell, Beach Boys, Elvis. Allowing that they’re not repeating artists, there are many possibilities from the above list. I’d have pushed for ‘What’s Going On’, ‘There’s A Riot Going On’, ‘Hejira’ for a start. Plus ‘Stir it up’. If they’d done ‘Royal Albert Hall’ as a Dylan one it would have added interest tracing its bootleg history, plus at last we might have got to see more footage. Anyway, given the possibilities I think Phil Collins and Meat Loaf are disappointing choices.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAN!

Posted on Tue Oct 12 15:15:56 CEST 1999 from gateway.tpp.com (198.81.246.2)

Brown-Eyed Johnny

That famous friend of the Band, Bob Dylan, will be on "Dharma & Greg" at 9 p.m. tonight on ABC-TV.

Posted on Tue Oct 12 14:17:10 CEST 1999 from as30.infoflex.com.au (203.23.250.69)

Anthony Frazer

Another RR great guitar moment for the record - that beautiful pause between notes on his solo during Unfaithful Servant (Brown Album version) where you can just hear Robbie draw a quick breath. Listen carefully, I'm sure I'm not just hearing things. It makes that album all the more human for me. Wonderful stuff.

Posted on Tue Oct 12 13:36:54 CEST 1999 from spider-tm044.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.64)

Lee

Jan, you old b.*!~'* Have a good day and a weary night. When you're back in the UK, the drinks will be on me. Cheers

Posted on Tue Oct 12 09:35:46 CEST 1999 from jan-hoiberg.hiof.no (158.36.52.15)

jh

Nicole,
There are plenty of links out from this site, see e.g. the related artists page and the list of net resources. I do try to minimize the number of external links, though, because they tend to get outdated or die quickly.

If you're looking for a discussion of "The Weight," I suggest you start with Peter Viney's great article about this song.

Posted on Tue Oct 12 05:24:29 CEST 1999 from 1cust15.tnt11.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.134.15)

Mal(GREENHEAD)Mallard

Quack~quack~quack!! Translation - HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAN!! Thanks for making this the best-looking website on the Internet Ocean! A feather in your cap! The Band Rules the waves and I'm hangin' ten on a big one! Quack! Quack! Swoooosh ~~~~~~!!!

Posted on Tue Oct 12 05:17:48 CEST 1999 from spider-we072.proxy.aol.com (205.188.195.52)

Nicole LaBruto

I truly love the Band, and think that this site is both interesting and informative. Maybe I'm overlooking it, but I can't seem to find any links. Oh, well. This site pretty much covers everything, right? P.S.- If anyone has any insights as to the meaning of "The Weight", I would love to hear them. I have heard many ideas, but I am always looking for more.

Posted on Tue Oct 12 03:53:54 CEST 1999 from m198214176144.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.144)

pehr

Happy birthday Jan!, and many thanks for the great site!

Posted on Tue Oct 12 03:40:11 CEST 1999 from user-33qt99h.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.165.49)

Pat Brennan

Is the Band music rock 'n roll? To quote a phrase: They say that rock "n roll will soon fade away, but that's a bunch of shit, rock "n roll is here to stay, I don' wanna.....Of course, that's pretty obvious. However, think of Look Out Cleveland. That's also pretty obvious. And, on the first tour, they almost always ended with Slippin' 'n Slidin". Again, just part of the genius package, a whole rainbow of great American music in one amalgam.

Posted on Tue Oct 12 02:54:07 CEST 1999 from icache-3.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Lars,,,get me backstage or all access pass!!!

Posted on Tue Oct 12 01:48:32 CEST 1999 from alb4-as5200-10-202.termserv.net (208.20.67.169)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAN!

Wishing you a day full of happiness, and a year where _all_ your hopes and dreams come true. Klem til deg :-)

Posted on Tue Oct 12 01:47:17 CEST 1999 from 61.chicago-33-34rs.il.dial-access.att.net (12.75.161.61)

Julie

Richard Patterson: I don't know how I would categorize Troutfish Replica! Haven't heard Capt. Beefheart in many, many,..... years and considering the shape I was in, I'm surprised I remember it at all.

Posted on Tue Oct 12 01:05:16 CEST 1999 from (209.32.130.188)

Pete Rivard

On moving around the country: I have myself have lived in Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and Minnesota, and have played music in all those states as well as New Jersey, Delaware, Louisana, Tennessee, Arizona, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Kansas, Iowa, Florida, Canada and Germany. (And boy, are my fingers tired).

With very few exceptions, it is impossible to launch into the first few bars of a Band tune, any Band tune, without somebody bursting out "Yes!" like they just drew to an inside straight. This is anywhere in the country, and in both my "foreign" gigs. (One of which was in Dusseldorf, Germany during a trade show). I recently spent about $500 getting my '29 Hohner button accordion refurbed, and had some mikes installed inside the box so I could play hooked direct into the board. Well, the first gig I played with the newly miked rig, with about three times the volume as before, in a roadhouse out in the middle of nowhere, I hit the first descending scale of "Atlantic City" on this squeezebox and I get this great rock 'n roll scream (a sound I've just never been able to make come out of me) from the back of the room, and an ecstatic "Yes!" and about two tables are singing along. Band fans can not or will not lay low. You can smoke 'em out in a heartbeat. Anywhere. Guaranteed.

On an aside, I caught Lucinda Wiliams' show in Minneapolis at First Avenue. Pretty impressive songwriter. I would have traded one of her two lead guitar players for a keyboardist or squeezebox player, but that was my only gripe. There's a songwriter that the boys should be looking at. The other item of interest was the number of good local players who were in the packed audience. Always a sign of a respected musician. And on the same night, The Back Street Boys were across the street at the Target Center! Ah, I'll catch them next time.

Posted on Mon Oct 11 23:03:27 CEST 1999 from 1cust6.tnt9.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.128.6)

Crabgrass

I stand corrected (though somewhat hunched over) regarding the marketability of a "Best of Robbie Robertson" compilation after checking the Billboard charts! In fact I'm amazed that some record company hasn't yet released such an album in a multiple CD format. Obviously, there is a bundle to be made! And yes, let's include all of his work with The Band in order to keep his former cohorts happy!

Posted on Mon Oct 11 21:45:56 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-107.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.107)

Peter Viney

Best of Robbie Robertson: It’s apparent that we’re going to run over the 74/76 minutes. The posts show the huge variety, from ‘The Fat Man’ through the very Band-like ‘Between Trains’ to ‘Unbound.’ The first ones I wrote down were the above plus ‘Crazy River,’ ‘Twisted Hair’ (Like Dave Z. I think this is an incredible track), ‘Fallen Angel’, ‘Soap Box Preacher,’ ‘Breaking The Rules’, ‘Stomp Dance’, ‘Crazy Love’ (with DVD bonus track of the shaving scene), ‘Slo Burn,’ ‘Sonny Got Caught in The Moonlight,’ ‘Broken Arrow,’ ‘Day of Reckoning,’ ‘Unbound,’ ‘Golden Feather,’ ‘Modern Blues,’ ‘Main Title (Color of Money),’ ‘What About Now’, ‘Bad Intentions’ , ‘Holy Hell’, the solo ‘Christmas Must Be Tonight’ (either of the two solo versions)… and you’d need a rarity or two, so ‘Tailgate’ and ‘The Far Lonely Cry of Trains.’ And then there’s the tracks from the 1992 Seville broadcast. We’re well over the time limit. Serious decision time. We’d have to have a seperate volume or three for Pre-Last Waltz. ‘Live 1966’ would do it on its own. Maybe a “Sessions” compilation to get ‘Snow’ and … well, you name it.

Though I agree with Crabgrass about the greatest rock songs, give or take a track (King Harvest), I can’t see why you should consider a compilation by the composer of all the ones you mention to be uncommercial. He’s the only one with a major hit record since 1977 to my knowledge, plus a current major label deal. And while I can’t buy either ‘Jubliation’ or ‘Best of The Band Vol II’ here in Britain, I could pick up ‘Music From The Native Americans,’ ‘Contact from The Underworld,’ or ‘Robbie Robertson’ in any decent-sized UK store. And ‘Storyville’ is still on catalogue.

Posted on Mon Oct 11 21:33:14 CEST 1999 from ric-wht-pxy-int02.wheatfirst.com (204.238.130.68)

Bones

I can't really comment on opinion about Robbie Robertson. I can comment on facts. Robbie's first record went gold and platinum receiving two Grammy nominations. His other three have all charted on the Billboard 200. Altogether, his solo work has received six Grammy noms (seven if you count Don Was getting a producer nod for Robbie and Aaron's "Crazy Love"). I do not see anyone releasing a "best of.." with regard to Robbie , not because of lackluster sales but rather due to the fact that he switched record companies after Storyville.

Posted on Mon Oct 11 20:26:32 CEST 1999 from 1cust180.tnt12.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.136.180)

Crabgrass

I not only agree that The Band does indeed play "Rock & Roll" but state without fear of contradiction that the 3 greatest rock & roll songs of all time are "The Weight," "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," and "Acadian Driftwood" (though I must admit it was difficult to choose between "Acadian" and the hard rockin' "Rockin' Chair" for the third spot!) ALSO, despite several recent enthusiastic "wishful thinking" postings there will NEVER be a "Best of Robbie Robertson" compilation simply because record companies are interested in making money (not losing it) and the market for such an offering would be infinitesimal.

Posted on Mon Oct 11 20:20:14 CEST 1999 from (208.218.212.254)

David Powell

To the RR "greatist moments on guitar" list I would add the following: Just about anything from John Hammond's "So Many Roads" album. "Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues" from the Dylan & Hawks '66 tour (either the Manchester or Liverpool version or maybe both). "Unbound" from Robertson's appearance last year on the David Letterman Show. "Slo Burn" from the "Jimmy Hollywood" soundtrack.

Posted on Mon Oct 11 20:09:47 CEST 1999 from proxy1-external.blfld1.ct.home.com (24.4.252.36)

AHROOO!!

For an "RR compilation"? My vote is for "The Fat Man" from "Carny" (because it just sounds so different)
"Bad Intentions" (same reason)
"Between Trains" from "King Of Comedy" (It's just really a great song and Richard's harmonizing is excellent)
"Modern Blues" from "Color Of Money" (sometimes guitar goes really well with harmonica)

AHROOO!!

Posted on Mon Oct 11 20:00:23 CEST 1999 from (207.237.89.80)

Jon Lyness

I received a postcard from Moon Haw records with upcoming concert dates for Jim Weider and the Honky Tonk Gurus. Here's what's coming up:

10/22 (Fri) & 10/23 (Sat) -- Newport Blues Cafe, Newport, RI

10/30 (Sat) -- Towne Crier Cafe, Pawling, NY

11/3 (Weds) -- Luigi's Nitelife Cafe, Danbury, CT

11/19 (Fri) -- Pattenburg Tavern, Pattenburg, NJ

Unfortunately, I won't be attending, since I don't live near any of these places! Hope someone else will attend & enjoy.

Posted on Mon Oct 11 19:43:23 CEST 1999 from polaris-fw1.nspco.com (206.10.243.20)

Dave Z

Carmen: I had a similar kind of thought regarding the Basement Tapes... The gesture of these sketches is for me as enjoyable as the polish of some of the later paintings...

Peter: Probably wouldn't make the cut but I like the RR tracks "Twisted Hair" and "The Lights".

Posted on Mon Oct 11 18:54:04 CEST 1999 from gw33.telekomus.com (206.2.196.66)

A Band Thought For Today

I'd like to take Peter V.'s suggestion of "A Best Of" RR collection with a desert island compilation of some of his greatest moments on guitar. **** Don't Ya Tell Henry (BT) **** King Harvest (live from ROA's) **** Time To Kill (SF) **** Unfaithful Servant (ROA's) **** Day Of Reckoning (Storyville) **** The Nudge (from Jesse Winchester) **** Sign Language (EC's No Reason To Cry) **** Stage Fright (ROA's) **** Long Distance Operator (BT) **** Java Blues (Rick's solo CD) **** Endless Highway (Before The Flood) **** Vanishing Breed (Native Americans) **** Promised Land (Moondoggie) **** Jawbone (Brown) All four star stuff. Honorable mention to All La Glory (SF), Just Another Whistle Stop (SF), Dirge/Hazel (Planet Waves), Back To Memphis (Watkins Glen), Jemima Surrender (Brown) and just about anything recorded with The Hawk. Regarding his solo work, I'd like to see a release with the songs in the this order: - Showdown @ Big Sky (the Internet version) - Broken Arrow (for dramatic effect) - In The Blood (establishes his heritage) - Vanishing Breed (the guitar: his better instrument) - Rattlebone (great line: "they don't preserve it, they live it") - Breaking the Rules (the Blue Nile a natural fit) - Shake This Town (could appear on NA or Contact) - Crazy River (Scorcese could have done better w/video) - Handsome Lake (Rita & Robbie as good as Kris & Rita) - Ghost Dance (nicely produced - lots of layers) - Unbound (a highlight of his career) - Day of Reckoning (combines the best of his strengths; check out the guitar riff at the very end- it echoes of the intro to The Weight) - Let The Good Times Role (nice way to end) Thanks, Peter for the concept. John S

Posted on Mon Oct 11 17:20:39 CEST 1999 from edslink8.eds.com (199.228.142.8)

Carmen

Robbie Robertson Best Of: Fallen Angel, Broken Arrow, Crazy River, Hold Back the Dawn, Soap Box Preacher, Handsome Lake, Unbound, Ghost Dance, It is a Good Day to Die and a "bonus" w/the band Out of The Blue

Posted on Mon Oct 11 15:54:08 CEST 1999 from spider-wc052.proxy.aol.com (205.188.193.42)

mamalisa

Dear Bumbles, I fumbled, bad case of those mumbles, don't wanna start any rumbles, that's the way the cookie crumbled. roflmao ;-)

Posted on Mon Oct 11 15:14:48 CEST 1999 from pm1-49.delrio.com (204.216.51.69)

Just Wonderin'

Peter Viney: Can't forget "Holy Hell" or "Pray". Also something from "Carny" but can't remember the tracks and my copy isn't here with me!

Speaking of RR anyone happen to catch him on "Willie Nelson's Teatro" last night. Daniel Lanios and Emmylou Harris were there as well. It will be rebroadcast on CMT Tuesday night at 10:30-11:30...check your local listings!

Posted on Mon Oct 11 13:48:44 CEST 1999 from alb3-as5200-45-141.termserv.net (208.20.67.141)

Diamond Lil

Can The Band's music be classified as 'rock and roll?' Well..let's see. There's a mixture of blues, pop, reggae, ballads, country....and some stuff Garth might've even invented thrown in. One of my favorite interview scenes in TLW is when Levon is talking about this mixture off all different sounds, and Scorcese asks him what it's called. "Rock and Roll" Lee says with probably the biggest s**t-eating grin I've ever seen. Love that segment..and agree that The Band does indeed play Rock&Roll.

Posted on Mon Oct 11 09:33:26 CEST 1999 from stcath-ppp73067.sympatico.ca (216.208.72.66)

Richard Patterson

Julie/Hans: My vote goes for 'Trout Mask Replica'. But is it 'Rock'?

Posted on Mon Oct 11 09:11:02 CEST 1999 from gateway.tono.no (212.71.68.22)

Jens Magnus

Hans Orloff! I just have to disagree. The Band is absolutely "rock" in my opinion. It is not, however, as far as I see it, "rock and roll". In my opinion the definition of rock that puts it apart from other styles, and unites it all from the 50's up till today, is the snare drum-beat on the second and fourth stroke of a four-beat. This is not found in jazz, folk music or classical. But it is a part of blues, rock and roll, and several other rhythmic styles, which are part of the larger "rock"-definition. This may of course grow to be a major discussion, but Levon and Richard have in my opinion stated clearly on their snares that The Band is a rock band. There is an ocean of styles between the driving "Just another whistle stop" and the laid back, chamber feel of "Unfaithful servant". But what links them is the snare drum on two and four. This is rock!! Rock on.

Posted on Mon Oct 11 08:38:07 CEST 1999 from hse-tor-ppp24209.sympatico.ca (209.226.76.229)

Blind Willie McTell

Peter Viney - The gauntlet has been lifted off the floor. I am assuming RR solo material.

Slo Burn, Vanishing Breed, Ghost Dance, Unbound, Fallen Angel, Crazy River, Between Trains, Soapbox Preacher, Good Times Roll, Shake This Town, Handsome Lake.

Bonus tracks: I Have The Touch (Peter Gabriel) and Crazy Love (Aaron Neville).

Posted on Mon Oct 11 08:09:12 CEST 1999 from 1cust58.tnt11.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.134.58)

Hans Orloff

I love The Band but never considered anything they did (except Moondog Matinee) to be "Rock Music" or anything even close for that matter. Certainly, I would not label any of their original songs or Dylan covers as "Rock." I don't consider Joni Mitchell to be a rock artist either but somehow she was voted into the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame." It seems to me that since the term "Rock and Roll" is catchy and admittedly potent it has somehow become a catch-all term for any "Popular Music" but is definitely being misused in this regard. Admittedly, I'd have a hard time categorizing The Band ("Folk-Rock" is not quite it tho I'd describe some of Dylan's music with that term.) which is perhaps why I always found them so intriguing - they can't be categorized!

Posted on Mon Oct 11 04:02:28 CEST 1999 from spider-ti012.proxy.aol.com (152.163.194.177)

Bumbles

lars: Don't follow your Richard Manuel reference, but by all means share more of your very personal recollections of that tragic & talented individual. I've been using the "How can I miss you..." line myself for years, and it seems ideally suited for sanctimonious little prigs making extended, foot-stamping farewells. The line comes, of course, from Louis Jordan, the R&B giant of the '40s who originated "Caldonia" and contributed a title, "Open the Door, Richard," if not the song itself, to "The Basement Tapes."

As far as the Band tribute idea, isn't Danko a Band cover band now?

mamalisa: Was that "awesome" tune by any chance "Ooh Poo Pah Doo"?

Posted on Mon Oct 11 03:52:24 CEST 1999 from ppp7099.on.bellglobal.com (206.172.238.211)

Richard Patterson

Lars: Hope there's not a band in the tri-state area who can't cover the Band. Put me down for another table. Does this promoter have an e-mail address?

BTW: Willing to bring my guitar over and play (tell the bar owner I promise to practice first):-)))

Posted on Mon Oct 11 03:06:31 CEST 1999 from 209-130-200-140.nas-2.mon.frontiernet.net (209.130.200.140)

Lars Pedersen

MATT: I respect your decision to back off from the aggravation for a spell, but I'm gonna miss you. Hope you come back.

BUMBLES: Wasn't that Richard Manuel who also used that quote, to a Woodstock NY cop, long time ago?

TO ANY BAND FAN IN THE NEW YORK AREA: I was talking to a bar owner, one who has booked Danko, the Crowmatix, and other Band related bands. He asked me if I thought a Band "dedication" night would sell out. The idea would be to get a "principle" (Garth, Levon, or Rick) to go on stage with a band who was familiar with Band music and play old Band music. All the classics, maybe even "Acadian Driftwood," "Rockin' Chair" and other songs that haven't been done in years. Obviously, the fellows playing would NOT be the Band so the songs would not be done as well as the real Band could do. But the idea of some people trying this was an interesting notion to me. I told the owner I could guarantee that he would have at least one table sold (mine).

The booking agents don't care about one person's opinion. They want to know if they can make money from the act. Just wondering how many people would be interested in seeing something like this. And, more importantly, does anybody know of a Tri-state band who can cover Band music? I talked about this very idea with ex-touring Band member, a while back, and he didn't think it would work.

I guess it's a "pipe" dream.

Posted on Mon Oct 11 02:41:48 CEST 1999 from ppp7099.on.bellglobal.com (206.172.238.211)

Richard Patterson

Carmen: Now you've finished painting the basement sit down and listen to 'Before the Flood' with a tall drink and a big fatty.

Posted on Mon Oct 11 02:32:55 CEST 1999 from 76.philadelphia-18-19rs.pa.dial-access.att.net (12.78.215.76)

Carmen

I just finished painting my basement with "The Basement Tapes" on in the background. I think many of the Band songs from "TBT's" are as strong if not stronger then much of their more common releases. Any comments?

Posted on Mon Oct 11 01:32:39 CEST 1999 from alb3-as5200-12-108.termserv.net (208.20.67.108)

Diamond Lil

Just came across an article I must've clipped from Cosmopolitan Magazine shortly after "The Last Waltz" film was released. Unfortunately, the writer's name must've fallen victim to my scissors. Thought some of you might get a kick out of this anyway:

" The brooding, darkly handsome, almost sullen character in The Band is Rick Danko. There is one key moment in the film when a voice asks Danko what he plans to do after The Last Waltz. Long silence, as the shadow of his cowboy hat falls deeper across his face. And then, in a whisper: 'Keep busy. Make music. Stay healthy'. It's a very real scene, and critics have commented on the remarkable similarities between Danko and veteran actor Robert DeNiro. What they haven't noticed though, is how much better, how much realer, Danko is than DeNiro."........... Um...wow! (But please don't tell Travis the taxi driver :-)

And to Uncle Hangover..just 2 words. Sigh indeed.

Posted on Mon Oct 11 01:04:23 CEST 1999 from spider-wj033.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.33)

Henry Strenis Jr.

I think the Band is the definition of what a band should be. No front man, just music. The greatest band in rock history. Keep on playing.

Posted on Sun Oct 10 22:59:42 CEST 1999 from user-33qt874.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.160.228)

Pat Brennan

I thought I'd look up the duck's contributions to this GB over the past couple of weeks. A couple of biting remarks about Robbie Robertson, some talk of hypocrisy, some quotes, nothing really about the Band. Yep, just the kind of positive comments this place needs. Housefrau, the SNL that the Band appears on is hosted by Buck Henry and appeared in Nov 1976. I hope that helps. BTW, what do you think of Joan Baez's lyric changes in her version of "Dixie"?

Posted on Sun Oct 10 22:47:32 CEST 1999 from ppp727.on.bellglobal.com (206.172.238.151)

Richard Patterson

Correction: 'Harry Smith's Anthology of American Folk' released in 1952 not '62 as I previously said. Think my copy was mailed to me in 1962 though. Should be of interest to Band fans and I will provide an overview when and if it shows up.

Somebody a while back mentioned David Johansen and the Harry Smiths. Do you know if they have recorded anything, or is it still just live shows? BTW saw him do a tune on Johnny Carson waaay back. I think it was called "Somebody Buy Me a Drink". Not on any DJ or BP albums. Anyone know where to locate a recording of this song?

Posted on Sun Oct 10 22:41:06 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-005.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.5)

Peter Viney

Best of The Band Vol II has driven us to discussing Joni Mitchell’s voice, a much more interesting topic. As is Zappa. What is there to say about it? I and others pointed out that there are no rarities and that it’s a predictable selection which almost everyone here will have every single track from. It also seems that the Band had no input. Butch’s notes on the alt.music site about a radio show sound much more interesting. The Best of the Band Vol II hasn’t appeared in British stores (nor has Jubliation, except on import). Normally my collector’s instinct would have had me rushing for an American import. As it is, I’ll wait for my next visit to the USA, hope it’s on discount and hope that it has SOMETHING to make it worth buying. Sleeve notes? Not by the sound of it. Remastering? The originals are too recent to need it. Rare stuff? There isn’t any - unless some are not the original version. But it looks as if they all are the same. This is a total waste of money for any solid fan, but I know I’ll buy it anyway. I’d much rather have Rick’s Breeze Hill. Any REAL Best of The Band Vol II has to include “French Girls”.

On “Best of …” maybe the time is ripe for a “Best of Robbie Robertson”. I’d call it “Film Music” on the grounds that you could include all the soundtrack stuff, with ‘Somewhere Down The Crazy River” and “Soap Box Preacher.” Track listings anyone?

Posted on Sun Oct 10 22:24:27 CEST 1999 from spider-wd053.proxy.aol.com (205.188.193.173)

mamalisa

Life, Camera, Danko! Rick & Aaron were joined by drummer Billy Reid, whom Rick had met through Levon, for their show in Massapequa on Friday night, and he did an awesome version of "Poo Poo B Doo" I also had the pleasure of hearing a few more "awesome" tunes that will be released this spring on Rick's new cd by Breeze Hill records. Lot's of good music coming your way from all the guys;-)

Posted on Sun Oct 10 22:13:33 CEST 1999 from 1cust40.tnt6.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.11.190.40)

Housefrau Hil

Although I personally would like to see the Guestbook reborn as the "POSITIVE COMMENTS BOOK" in my opinion "the little quacker" has performed a valuable service and done a superb job of highlighting the hypocrisy, double-standards, and intimidating threats rampant in the postings. I also, would like to see more about The Band in the postings and less about real estate in Maryland and personal messages to "former Guestbook posters" which would be more appropriately conducted via e-mail. NEXT TOPIC -- Last night (or early this morning to be more accurate) Channel 4 here in NYC (NBC) re-broadcast another classic SNL show from the late '70s at 2am (full 90 minute version) and seem to be doing this on a regular basis. I'm certain that The Band is bound to turn up on one of these shows soon - unless I already missed it (Hope not!!) as I only caught onto this last weekend. Well, back to my dishwashing and floor waxing now... "woman's work is never done!"

Posted on Sun Oct 10 21:10:38 CEST 1999 from spider-pa014.proxy.aol.com (152.163.232.34)

Clarence

First time posting. I have to admit I'm a bit nervous about it. I've been reading what goes on here for a few months, and generally, 99% seem to be a happy crew, even MattK. I have noticed that things tend to get blown out of proportion on this site. I don't see anything in MattK's messages that are trying to intimidate anyone. Looks to me like a guy who is tired of everyone jumping to conclusions about motivation and not cutting each other enough slack. After all, didn't this place get shut down for just that reason recently? Of course, here I am making assumptions about his motives, so I'm no better. Maybe everyone could just start giving each other the benefit of the doubt a little more? - Clarence

Posted on Sun Oct 10 20:40:53 CEST 1999 from spider-wa034.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.34)

Jason R.

I'd like to thank the people who answered my question about "Sip The Wine". And I meant to say when I posted before feel free to send me an instant message if you want to talk about The Band or music in general.

Posted on Sun Oct 10 20:30:03 CEST 1999 from joebates.com (198.182.85.75)

Uncle Hangover

Jay Farrar's Son Volt may be Band of the '90s, with their "alt.country" sound. Listen to the song "Tear Stained Eye," that deals with the 1993 flood. St. Genevieve, on the Mississippi about 70 miles south of St. Louis, is a French settlement that dates from the early 1700's. It's oldest homes are of significant historical importance as they are built with the wood/logs that make up the walls sitting vertically. It is the largest collection of such buildings in the U.S. Most of the town survived the flood. And Son Volt's great song goes:

Walking down Main Street
Getting to know the concrete
Looking for a purpose
From the neon sign

I would meet you anywhere
The western sun meets the air
We'll hit the road
Never looking behind

Listening to this make you cry in your beer, my friends. And in my slightly intoxicated head I hear Danko's desperate voice singing these lines. Maybe they should cover it? And then Levon could come in on:

Can you deny there's nothing greater
Nothing more than the traveling hands of time
St. Genevieve can hold back the water
But saints don't bother with a tear-stained eye

Sigh.

Posted on Sun Oct 10 18:24:12 CEST 1999 from dap04-148248.bv.sgi.net (209.166.148.248)

mary (bear)

First I would like to thank all those who sent best wishes on the recent birth of my daughter. This is for Jason R. who asked about Rick's song in the Last Waltz. Someone already answered that it is called "Sip the Wine". However, you asked where you could find it. It is on his 1977 cd called Rick Danko. I recently purchased it myself from CDnow here on the internet. I think you just go to www.cdnow .com. It is also on his most recent cd "Live on Breeze Hill" It is available for purchase from woodstock records only, www. woodstockrecords.com. You'll certainly enjoy these cds. Good luck and I'm glad you enjoy the band so much.

Posted on Sun Oct 10 18:04:08 CEST 1999 from user-33qt898.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.161.40)

Pat Brennan

Heck, you want to see some real fur fly, check out Feb, Mar, and April of 98 in the GB archives.

Posted on Sun Oct 10 17:54:30 CEST 1999 from spider-wa054.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.44)

Ben

I'd really like to see this guestbook get back to discussing the music of the Band. There have been several recent releases, "Moving shadows", "Breeze Hill", and "Best of vol.2" that deserve more discussion than Frank Zappa or Joni Mitchell's voice. Although Joni at least has worked with the Band. Sice this is one of the very few forums on the net to discuss the Band, I think it would be wise to stay on the topic and to keep other discussions to private e-mails.

Posted on Sun Oct 10 17:46:51 CEST 1999 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime

Before we grow too old argueing & quarrelling about, er, yeah, about what...? please listen to Richard's live rendition of the Bobby Charles song Before I Grow Too Old in Woodstock on 12.7.85. (see "What's New?" section). You'll be moved & remember what unites us all...

Posted on Sun Oct 10 17:19:24 CEST 1999 from user-33qt898.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.161.40)

Pat Brennan

And what of the personality type that posts nothing about the Band but much about other persons' supposed failings? Quick now, some faux-psych babble if you please.

Posted on Sun Oct 10 16:27:05 CEST 1999 from acay019125175.acay.com.au (203.19.125.175)

Patric

Oh dear !, I checked in for the first time in months to read the GB only to find high drama once again, I always found mattk to be a gentleman and with a good knowledge of contemporary music, this GB will be much the poorer without his contributions.I can understand his feelings, I used to come here regularly to contribute and read the posts but the negativity displayed by some was beginning to affect my great admiration and memories of The Band so rather than have that happen I chose to have a break and hope things get better...

Posted on Sun Oct 10 16:09:01 CEST 1999 from stk-pm1-12-140.dialup.slip.net (207.171.230.140)

Guenevere

Dr. Quakenbush: I went outside last night to look at the stars (and to say goodnight to the chickens) ... and behind the chicken coop there was a large green glowing POD .... as the glow became brighter and brighter a "voice spoke to me" instructing me that "I should only make Positive Comments in the Guest book" ... and if I didn't wish to comply it instructed me to get into the trunk of Diamond Lil' car.... so I've decided that I am going to be obedient and comply with the wishes of the POD...Quakenbush clearly something must be wrong with you I mean look at you, you won't even fly south for the winter...

Lil: Something funny is going on around this little town of yours, and I'm going to find out what it is...

Posted on Sun Oct 10 15:49:20 CEST 1999 from (209.155.134.30)

Just Wonderin'

Jason R: I believe the song you're looking for is "Sip the Wine".

Matt please come back. I always read your posts and scroll over some of the unmentionable ones!

Posted on Sun Oct 10 13:35:20 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-080.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.80)

Peter Viney

Matt: Reconsider! The guestbook would be a poorer place without your input, and I’m sure I speak for the vast majority in saying how much it is valued. When there were arguments in the past (and there have been quite a few) I found myself reacting in a similar way. You were one of the ones to pour oil on troubled waters. I think this week’s discussion has been conducted with far more sensibility to others than those in the past (though I wish that duck would realize that the quacks are becoming unfunny, and that deliberately stirring the shit is not a useful contribution). I certainly don’t see the need for any drastic action. At the heart was the human reaction to different pitches. There’s no question that voices at extreme ends of the range are unpleasant for some listeners. My wife loathes Neil Young’s voice. My daughter can’t stand the sound of Tom Waits at the other end of the spectrum. This is why opera is a love-it-or-hate-it musical form. The counter-argument, that only women singers were criticized as a result was a fair one, though we could just as easily have included the Bee-Gees. This is all worth discussing, especially in the light of reactions to Robbie’s singing voice, which seems to utilise both ends more than the middle. With great success in my opinion. Then again I like Neil Young a lot, and Tom Waits quite a bit.

I’d like to reiterate what Lil says about ‘regulars.’ There is an ebb and flow, and new posters become part of whatever kind of community this is instantly. I hate to think that anyone refrains from posting because they feel this is an exclusive club. It’s like walking past a pub or bar and looking in the window at the hum of conversation. You might feel excluded while you look through the window, but take one little step inside the door and you’re already part of it. It only looks like a club from the outside. Better make that a pub in Ireland to reinforce the point. If you haven’t been to pubs in Ireland and England, there is a difference! So, don’t stand just outside the doorway, moaning about what’s going on inside. Jan does a superb job as referee, letting the play flow freely as much as possible, without resorting to any red cards or sin bins unless really forced to.

Posted on Sun Oct 10 13:22:29 CEST 1999 from alb4-as5200-01-193.termserv.net (208.20.67.160)

Diamond Lil

JAY WARDLAW: Sounds pretty fantasic to me too! Thanks for sharing that.

BUTCH: Any other details you could share with us would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Posted on Sun Oct 10 10:45:27 CEST 1999 from sdu84-208.ppp.algonet.se (195.163.208.84)

Ilkka

Dear Dr Quackenbush
We are all a bit crazy in this guestbook . . . uhm . . . except me and ESPECIALLY you.
But like Waylon Jennings is singing:
"I've always been crazy but it has kept me from going insane."

Posted on Sun Oct 10 05:58:30 CEST 1999 from 1cust162.tnt6.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.11.190.162)

Dr. Quackenbush

Guenevere - your astute observations of recent semi-veiled insults "radical element," "dysfunctional," "smaller minded," and overt threats "this place will be shut down" are the product of a Group Controller Type H (for Hypocrisy) Personality. The symptoms include primarily a strong desire to control others in a "group" by seeking to unilaterally impose certain rules, guidelines, restrictions (often of free speech and thought), by which the "group" must abide in the eyes of the Controller while at the same time the Controller (conveniently) views him or her self as being exempt from following those same rules (this is where the hypocrisy part comes into play). When anyone in the "group" fails to adhere to the Controller Type H Personality's dictates of acceptable behavior he or she is invariably insulted and/or threatened with some form of punishment (banishment is a common one) by the Controller or the threat may reversely take the form of the Controller's (self-imposed) banishment from the "group" (as if he or she would really be missed!) a tactic which is intended to evoke the sympathy of the "group's" members by making them feel guilty for his or her (voluntary) departure. At times the would-be Controller will also choose to intimidate perceived infractors of his or her "rules" by invoking the assistance of a third party (a Webmaster, for example) and may even go so far as to imply that the third party is deficient in doing their job because he or she is not enforcing the Controller's "rules" upon the "group." The seminar is now concluded. Thank you for your kind attention. Quack! Quack!

Posted on Sun Oct 10 05:54:44 CEST 1999 from dialup-sdc215209.mpx.com.au (198.142.215.209)

thaya

Thank you so much for this site. I wish I could download some sounds fully. I discovered the band directed by Martin Scorsese when I accidentally watched it over a pay tv four years ago. I fell in love with the band and the whole thing right from the beginning to the end. I think it because of its pureness and openness. Please put some of the band's sounds fully in audio, mpeg, media player g2, and media player juke box. Especially, those of the sounds in the Last Waltz. I think it would be great and the site would become more wonderful.

Posted on Sun Oct 10 05:49:57 CEST 1999 from spider-tm013.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.48)

Jay Wardlaw

I hope I'm not speaking out of turn here, but the following was posted by Butch (Bubbaband@aol.com) on the AOL board for The Band, and I thought it might be of interest in these circles:

"Well, gang,, it looks like we , along with Mountain Stage, will be releasing a cd of The Band's last radio show,,, with Mountain Stage,, W. Virginia Public Radio,,,

The line-up as of today is,,,

Remedy

Blind Willy McTell

Stuff You Gotta Watch

It Makes No Difference

Atlantic City ( a really great version,, imo )

The Weight

Back To Memphis,, ( see Atlantic City )

Stand Up

Rag Mama Rag

Crazy Mama

hey,, it's something different,, right ??? discuss,,,,

more

later,,,,

bd"

Sounds pretty fantastic to me.

Posted on Sun Oct 10 05:50:00 CEST 1999 from spider-wa063.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.48)

Jason R.

Hi this is a great site and I have been a big fan of the bands for about 6 months since I rented the Last Waltz. This is a great site and I was wondering about a Rick Danko song. In the Last Waltz there is a scene where Rick goes into the studio at Shangri La and plays a song for the interviewer and I think the words go "i wanna lay down beside you". I was wondering what the name of the song is, what album its on, and where i can find a sound clip of it. Thanks ~Jason

Posted on Sun Oct 10 03:17:18 CEST 1999 from spider-pa023.proxy.aol.com (152.163.232.38)

Bumbles

mattk: In the words of Louis Jordan, "How can I miss you, when you won't go away?"

Posted on Sun Oct 10 02:09:24 CEST 1999 from stk-pm1-41-169.dialup.slip.net (207.171.230.169)

Guenevere

Er ... Yeah Lil ... I guess I've heard that old saying ...

Usually try to steer clear of the nosy neighbors myself though... their intentions it seems, are to create power plays and to make sure they have everything their own way in the neighborhood...

by reading the archives ...

it seems like there have been more than a "few" neighbors that ended up in your trunk ... :-)

Posted on Sun Oct 10 01:48:58 CEST 1999 from dialup31.cybrtyme.com (209.149.100.50)

catbalu

just thought it polite to acknowledge the passing of Danny Mayo. A fine songwriter... wish he'd remembered the way home. Here's to bear tracks in the basement.

Posted on Sun Oct 10 01:14:10 CEST 1999 from 98afccb5.ipt.aol.com (152.175.204.181)

Mr. Stampler

Mitt reads me comments from time to time, but I never actually posted till now. I agree with Robyn--Robbie Robertson has inspired me to do many things as well. Keep listening, you're on the right track. Jim

Posted on Sun Oct 10 00:54:08 CEST 1999 from 98afccb5.ipt.aol.com (152.175.204.181)

Mitt Stampler

I hate goodbyes :( When I was a kid and my siblings and I would squabble, my dad (the Woodstock refugee, we called him) would always say, "What, there's not enough trouble in the world that you guys have to go make more?" Then he'd send us out to chop wood. Jan--just a suggestion? One particularly memorable incident comes to mind: One hot July evening my sister and I were engaged in some massive life-or-death screaming match over the vitally important issue of a misplaced curling iron. I believe we fought for four hours straight, giving my poor dad a headache and probably setting some kind of record. Round about ten, my then-boyfriend (the Joni Mitchell fan) showed up and asked if my sister and I wanted to come over to his house to eat sundaes and watch "The Omen" on TV. Of course, we promptly made up and were heading out the door when my dad, in a rare moment of frustration, yelled, "Why don't you two go marry some poor bastards and make THEIR lives miserable?" Well, we did shortly thereafter, though I'd like to think neither of us really made anyone's life miserable. But it taught me a lesson, the good kind. And I'd hate to think anyone in the Guestbook was miserable, since to me the Band's music was always about happiness. (Let's face it--misery was more Dylan's turf.) Peace!

Posted on Sun Oct 10 00:32:27 CEST 1999 from alb4-as5200-09-201.termserv.net (208.20.67.168)

Diamond Lil

GUENEVERE: Ever hear the old saying that you can't choose your neighbors? I think maybe that's what sometimes goes on here in our little community. As in any neighborhood, there are the old familiar neighbors, and the "new" neighbors who we'd like to get to know better. Unfortunately, we're not always going to be happy with some of those new neighbors, and they're not always going to be happy with us. It leaves us 3 choices. Peacefully co-exist, take a vacation and collect our thoughts, or move. Hopefully, Matt's chosen the vacation route and will be back with us again soon.

I'd just like to add that there have been so many comments made about the "regulars" and the "new" folks. There are no "regulars" here. It is not an exclusive club. Some of us may post more than others, but Jan welcomes anyone and everyone and only asks that we all try to respect each other just a little if we can. I, for one welcome any new folks that are here. It's nice to get new opinions and new insights from folks that we haven't heard from before.

And that's _my_ opinion. Thanks.

Posted on Sun Oct 10 00:20:27 CEST 1999 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime

Hey mattk... what's the matter... a rather Official Declaration, isn't it...? Don't take it too seriously, my friend.... What did I miss... I never found anything offensive in your posts... Looking forward to your next one in this very guestbook...

Posted on Sat Oct 9 23:47:32 CEST 1999 from stk-pm1-47-175.dialup.slip.net (207.171.230.175)

Guenevere

mattk: ...please come back!!! ... but if you have to go, and I hope you don't... (because you are very insightful and articulate) please realize that using words like "radical element" and "dysfunctional"... and "smaller-minded"... or "this place will be shut down" .. sound like they are designed to intentionally intimidate someone for expressing an opinion. Someone like me for instance, who has been reading these pages for only four months ....

There is no guarantee that people will not misunderstand one another from time to time. I'm very sorry if anything "I" said made you feel they need to "shut this place down"... I don't get it !!!

Posted on Sat Oct 9 19:45:53 CEST 1999 from spider-wk033.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.163)

Lee

Tony, thanks for keeping us up to date with the Dankster. Anybody know who Billy Read is? What's his regular gig?

Posted on Sat Oct 9 19:31:46 CEST 1999 from host6.pm4.laurel.us.net (198.240.94.6)

mattk

Clearly either the GB has had enough of me, or I've had enough of it...perhaps a bit of both. I apologize to all my new friends here for any tedium, "self-appointed" aggrandizing or what have you.

Peter, Ilkka, Mitt, Richard, Lars and everyone with whom I've enjoyed tremendously interesting conversations off-line, please feel free to ping me any old time. I think it's best that I take a break from either reading or participating here until I either develop a greater tolerance for the dysfunction here 'bouts or some sanity comes back.

I'll miss the exchange of ideas and sharing that goes on. Hopefully some of the smaller-minded folk will realize how lucky they are to be able to participate, if they chose, in meaningful dialog with some of the exceptional people here. I first started reading this site because of and interest and love of this group and the music that influenced it. I became a "regular" because I honestly admire and respect so many of you. At this point, I respect Jan and too many people here to allow myself to become a flashpoint of criticism and acrimony.

I won't miss the backbiting and small-minded behavior. For everyone's sake, I'm thankful that Jan has a stronger constitution than I. It will be a shame when this place shuts down for good and all.

Please understand that this is not a Serge-like tantrum. I'm not taking my pictures and going home. Clearly a growing contingent of the GB wishes that I'd go away or act as if I were someone else. I don't expect people to change on my behalf, so I think it's best that I simply abstain.

Have fun, share your ideas, even argue, just stop picking on each other before you lose it all.

Take care and peace. Any one wishes to chat, you have my e-mail.

MattK

Posted on Sat Oct 9 19:01:21 CEST 1999 from alb4-as5200-43-235.termserv.net (208.20.67.202)

Diamond Lil

PETER & LEE: Thanks for the info on Paul Jost. Am going to look for the 'Here Come The Irish' cd....sounds intriguing (especially the 'Notre Dame Stomp'). Thanks again!

TONY LOBUE: Appreciate the post of Rick's show from my old hometown. Sounds like I didn't miss too much set-wise, except for 'CC Rider' which I haven't heard in awhile. Glad you enjoyed the show.

Posted on Sat Oct 9 18:38:37 CEST 1999 from 1cust30.tnt9.farmingdale.ny.da.uu.net (63.16.92.30)

Tony LoBue

Great Danko Show at Clearwater in Massapequa, NY. Rick’s voice was right on. Rick, The Professor and Billy Read (on drums) gave it full power last night. The opening act was The Last Hombres (the club owner’s band) they did thier own music and very well. Rick was in true form singing, laughing and joking around all night. The show lasted 1 hour and 45 minutes and they got stronger as the night went on. Book Faded Brown This Wheels on Fire Blind Willie McTell Sip the Wine Let the four Winds Blow Twilight It Makes on Difference Next Time you See Me Long Black Vial Crazy Mama Stage Fright The Weight Shape I’m In (with The Last Hombres) CC Rider (with The Last Hombres)

Posted on Sat Oct 9 16:46:38 CEST 1999 from spider-tm042.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.62)

Lee

LIL: If you really want to hear some music by Paul Jost, you need to find Here Comes The Irish (Toolman Records 1997). Paul Jost songs: Sun Shines Down, and Go Irish Go. Paul Jost - All vocals, instruments and programming; engineered, produced and mixed by Paul Jost. A talented guy. This CD also contains, Notre Dame Stomp (instrumental)written and performed by Jimmy Weider and Richard Bell.

Posted on Sat Oct 9 16:11:40 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-102.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.102)

Peter Viney

Paul Jost: He wrote two songs on Carl Perkins ‘Friends, Family & Legends’ (1991, Magnum Force label, UK ). One was ‘Book faded Brown’, the other was ‘Half The Time.’ If you want to trace songwriters, find the BMI and ASCAP sites on the net (via a search) and search the sites for them. Robbie has some interesting entries that I’ve got listed somewhere. Quite a few songs I’ve never heard of.

The river’s meandered into some side areas this week. All this talk of the beauties of Maryland sent my thoughts to John Barth’s wonderful novel, “The Sot-Weed Factor” based on the genuine 18th century poem of the same name by Ebenezer Cooke, which was sub-titled The Marylandiad.

Freighted with fools from Plymouth Sound

To Maryland our ship was bound …

There’s even a Dorchester county, too.

Posted on Sat Oct 9 15:29:30 CEST 1999 from as13.infoflex.com.au (203.23.250.52)

Anthony Frazer

And now for something completely different........ Medicine Hat: I believe that it may even be a pedal steel in " Daniel and the Scared Harp" Maybe.....

Posted on Sat Oct 9 12:01:10 CEST 1999 from alb3-as5200-02-98.termserv.net (208.20.67.98)

Diamond Lil

Mitt: I know the culture shock involved in moving to a whole new place. When I first moved to the 'country' from my much more citified home several hours southeast of here,I thought I was on another planet. Remember singing the 'Green Acres' theme song to my husband as a goof (New York is where I'd rather stay, I get allergic smelling hay........) and constantly looking for the 'Mayberry RFD' characters Andy, Opie, and Aunt Bea everywhere I went. I mean, people got their name in the local paper for _littering_ here (shades of "Alice's Restaurant")....and when I bought my house, I was offered 12 chickens as part of the deal (I swear!). Anyhow, been here nearly 10 years and it's "home". Couldn't even entertain the thought of ever leaving. Give it some time. You'll find your "home" too.

CLYDE: Not sure, but I believe the only Paul Jost tune anyone from The Band ever performed is 'Book Faded Brown' on "Jubilation"....unless I missed something. Do you know of others? Actually, that tune is so pretty, I'd like to know of others he may have written.

Did anyone make it to Rick's show down in Massapequa last night? Please post. Thanks!

Posted on Sat Oct 9 11:32:37 CEST 1999 from ptp1099.localaccess.com (204.201.225.127)

Clyde

Sat out on the pier on Seattle's beautiful waterfront and saw the fellas play on a warm summer's night under a full moon on the Jericho tour, I believe it was. You could tell all night that you were in the right place at the right time. A great night. Hey - where else can I hear songs written by Paul Jost?

Posted on Sat Oct 9 07:44:13 CEST 1999 from stk-pm1-45-173.dialup.slip.net (207.171.230.173)

Guenevere

Peter V.: hey! You called it, those were very strummers I had in mind ...(and if those are my choices, I don't know which ones I like the best either)...

mattk: I'm so glad this got settled out of court!... to quote Ms. Mitchell "Lawyers haven't been this popular since Robespierre slaughtered half of France"...

Lets see how did it go again ... I think it went, Percy's Song, Dylan's voice, Fairport Convention...then :-)...

Posted on Sat Oct 9 07:27:43 CEST 1999 from 1cust245.tnt12.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.136.245)

Housefrau Hil

The recent outbursts of hostility just go to prove that "Smilin' Bob" was right in his opinion that the Guestbook's name should be changed to the "POSITIVE COMMENTS BOOK" and that only posts that live up to that name be permitted entry! In keeping with that I will mention that NBC (Channel 4 here in NYC) is rebroadcasting vintage SNL shows (full 90 minute versions) at 2am on Sunday mornings. Last week Jackson Browne was the musical guest and Steve Martin hosted. This week - ??? (no contents listed in the ever - deficient TV Guide) but it might be worth setting your VCRs in case The Band shows up some week!!! (I hope, I hope...) I too, liked Janet Jackson's sampling of Joni's "Big Yellow Taxi" and heard a rumor that she's planning to do a hip-hop version of "The Weight." Well, back to my dusting and polishing now!

Posted on Sat Oct 9 05:37:22 CEST 1999 from parachute3-156-40-62-63.net.nih.gov (156.40.62.63)

Katz again

Check out www.everycd.com for great prices and a good selection of CDs. The have the following listing:

BAND

STAGE FRIGHT

EMI-CAPITOL SPECIAL

# CAPS-0019839

Released Jan 1 2000 12:00AM

Anybody know what's up here?

Posted on Sat Oct 9 04:55:06 CEST 1999 from parachute3-156-40-62-63.net.nih.gov (156.40.62.63)

Jonathan L. Katz

The Summer 1999 issue [Nos. 27 & 28] of "the Oxford American" is its third annual double issue on southern music. It comes with a CD and includes what on a quick look appears to be some quality writing on some quality [most but not all out of the mainstream] artists. I haven't seen any mention of the Band [though there is an ad for the 2 CD set "White Mansions and the Legend of Jesse James"], but there's some good stuff on many of the artists that have influenced them, as well as just some plain old good music. Thanks Mom for sending it my way!

Anyone know what was in the first two music annual issues of this magazine?

Posted on Sat Oct 9 03:13:36 CEST 1999 from hse-tor-ppp24077.sympatico.ca (209.226.76.97)

Blind Willie McTell

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend to the Canadian members of The Band and all the Canadians here. I am thankful for Jan's great pages.

Posted on Sat Oct 9 02:31:25 CEST 1999 from 98a7f64e.ipt.aol.com (152.167.246.78)

Mitt Stampler

Good grief! I go away for 24 hours and see what I miss! Mr. Katz--your point is well taken. Today my beloved spouse and I went looking for a place in Westminister, and my first words were, "My God! It's pretty!" So I take back the nasty stuff I said about my new home. Does the Whispering Pines development have openings? Lil--be well. Right now I'm sitting at my computer listening to a tape of Schoolhouse Rock songs and trying to stay even--I find the Watkins Glen album good for that...Dropping in here always helps :) Peace and well wishes.

Posted on Sat Oct 9 02:14:45 CEST 1999 from spider-wb022.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.157)

Ghost Rider

Matt K.:

Just .. .stop .. .it. Now. Please.

cc: Everybody who felt compelled to agree with/take issue with/respond in any way to this unbelievably overextended tangent

Posted on Sat Oct 9 01:51:14 CEST 1999 from ppp7081.on.bellglobal.com (206.172.238.193)

Richard Patterson

Gene: I think we always hear things better in hindsight (I mean to say, listening now to older stuff). It's always hard to describe the qualities of sound. Which is why music must be the language in which we descride music (and you can't buy a hi-fi from a magazine article). Way easier to_hear_ the differences.

Matt: Have to disagree here, I find Bob Dylan's voice very "pleasurable". In the same manner as Donald Fagan, Jerry Garcia, or Robbie Robertson's. There is so much inherent attitude/emotion in these singers that it transcends technical discussion. They just make you believe the words.

Peter V.: FYI, from Christgau's record guide 'Woodstock': "Sha Na Na shoud never record, Joan Baez should never record, and so forth"...

Posted on Sat Oct 9 01:35:51 CEST 1999 from 1cust38.tnt9.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.128.38)

Mal(GREENHEAD)Mallard

Heavens to Betsy!! What was that big "SPLAT?" Did one of the GB's hypocritical self-appointed "Regulars" aka "Rule Makers" fall flat on his face into the pond in front of everyone else?? I'm outta here! Quack! Quack! ~~~waddle ~~~waddle

Posted on Sat Oct 9 01:30:19 CEST 1999 from spider-wn062.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.177)

Ben Pike

Just came upon the now rare on video "Last Polka" with Yosh and Stan Smengie(John Candy and Eugene Levy) that was done as an HBO comedy specail. It's really funny, and they did a great job of parodying the look of "The Last Waltz." Band fans could enjoy the in joke of the Polka Band's Tuba player taking a long Garth like solo as the rest of the group leaves the stage.....funny stuff

Posted on Sat Oct 9 01:09:08 CEST 1999 from gdh2-357.twcny.rr.com (24.95.189.87)

Dr Pepper

People Magazine recently had this clue in their crossword puzzle: Singer of "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" I am still stumped! How do you fit Levon Helm into a eight space spot that begins with J and ends with Z? My students didn't figure it out either!

Posted on Sat Oct 9 00:23:15 CEST 1999 from tfsmdfw1.cda.com (199.97.12.240)

mattk

Duck, if ya wanna stop with the silly potshots and discuss RR's solo work or accuse me of a double-standard, why don't you just send me an e-mail and stop wasting the good folks time, hmmmm? I'm not taking the bait.

~~waddle~~waddle~~***splat***

Posted on Fri Oct 8 23:57:10 CEST 1999 from cf3k-3.paradise.net.nz (203.96.152.183)

Rod

I picked up a real bargain the other day - Rhino's The Best Of Dr John for $9(NZ). Contains some great stuff including Washer Woman - not as good as Levon's version but has a couple of extra verses.

Posted on Fri Oct 8 23:48:08 CEST 1999 from 56k-ml-00-08.dial.qnet.com (209.221.218.23)

Dave

Thanks for the report Butch. I wish like hell I could make one of them Barn Burner gigs. Butch, if you can give us some lead time on future Band member related shows and who knows maybe some of us can make arrangements to get there. Thanks again. Everyone have a great weekend!

Posted on Fri Oct 8 23:29:22 CEST 1999 from 2cust62.tnt11.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.133.190)

Mal(GREENHEAD)Mallard

Well, sufferin' succotash, yet again!! Just reading the old archives - discovered a lot of good fantasy writing concerning Robbie's solo albums - especially regarding the more recent "Native American World Music!!" I'm outta here! Quack! Quack! ~~~waddle ~~~waddle

Posted on Fri Oct 8 23:19:31 CEST 1999 from alb3-as5200-02-98.termserv.net (208.20.67.98)

Diamond Lil

Geez...a sick person can't even get any sleep with all this bickering going on here :-)

It is kind of funny though, that with all this difference of opinion..all of us somehow ended up here..with a common love for The Band. Not so sure that it matters how we each got here...just the fact that we are. And since I semi-started this with my 'Joan's Dixie is a travesty post', I'm going to take my own advice and just shut up and listen to the music :-)

Have a good day everyone.

Posted on Fri Oct 8 23:00:08 CEST 1999 from trt-on5-57.netcom.ca (207.181.82.185)

John Donabie

mattk......no problemo. Just teach me how to HTML into this guestbook. Seriously, everythings cool. Glad your OK. I remember once making a comment about my feelings about Neil Diamond on this site and all hell broke loose. Guess there's lots of Neil Diamond fans out there. In his case....I like the early stuff...the "Bang Label" years; after that yada yada. Lars.......I miss Serge as well.

Posted on Fri Oct 8 22:57:03 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-025.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.25)

Peter Viney

Matt, I think it was me who cited the “Mingus” album (and positively). I’ve enjoyed the discussion the last couple of days - I think it’s stayed within healthy disagreement, without getting at all unpleasant. Illka, have you recorded this ‘Black Polo Blues’? I like it, partly because it encapsulates my unrequited teenage hopes (of holding some long-haired reedy soprano’s hand). I shouldn’t be knocking polo necks (or roll necks). Teenage photos reveal me holding a Hofner bass (not a violin bass, but a semi-acoustic body in a tasteful sunburst finish) and wearing a black polo neck and a leather jacket. I guess Woolworths must have sold out of plastic shades, or I’d’ve been wearing them too :-) Definitely not for public consumption. I recall trying to persuade those gorgeous reedy sopranos that an electric bass was just what their plaintive but deeply-impassioned version of ‘Deportees (Plane Wreck at Los Gatos)’ needed to get it rocking, but they ignored me. Wisely. And five years later the Byrds did it.

This all comes from “Joan’s version of Dixie sucks’ and I’ll happily stand by that one, and it was Joan’s version of one (OK, two) songs we were criticizing, rather than Joan’s entire life work. Joni Mitchell shouldn’t really have come into it. No problem. You don’t get three songs on ‘The Last Waltz’ when everyone else gets one or two without good reason. ‘The Complete Last Waltz’ set reveals ‘Furry sings The Blues’ and ‘Shadows and Light’ to have been a poorly executed idea in that context (as Levon points out, the momentum of the show got lost with Neil Diamond and her), but there you go. ‘Coyote’ was terrific. She actually should have done ‘Coyote’ to show what she was doing currently AND that the Band could play it sympathetically, then done a cheerful ‘Big Yellow Taxi’ and got off. And I like the sample on Janet Jackson’s ‘Got till It’s Gone’.

Guenevere: BTW, is your defence of strumming associated with the fact that those princes of strummers, CSNY, utilised your name? But there’s nothing quite like a crisply recorded strum, whether it’s the Everly Brothers, Travelin’ Wilburys or CSNY.

Posted on Fri Oct 8 22:44:45 CEST 1999 from gateway.healthlink.on.ca (205.211.160.10)

Jerry Tenenbaum

To Mattk. I reread your missive. I don't think you were 'bashing' Joni. You spoke of the "richer imagery" of her work. That doesn't sound like bashing to me. Nevertheless, I was pleased to see both you and others defend Joni for her continued creativity.

Posted on Fri Oct 8 22:10:38 CEST 1999 from tfsmdfw1.cda.com (199.97.12.240)

mattk

maybe I just need a vacation...hee hee, nice warm beach...no lawyers ; )

lars, i like it when people disagree with me. what bothered me today was being disagreed with on an opinion which I DON'T hold: e.g. the belief that I don't like Joni Mitchell.

I guess I have a phobia for being mis-understood. Probably why I've never entertained the writing fantasy for very long...

Matt

Posted on Fri Oct 8 22:02:44 CEST 1999 from 1cust131.tnt12.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.136.131)

Mal(GREENHEAD)Mallard

Sufferin' succotash again!! Methinks I see a double-standard at work in the old GB!! It seems that SOME posters like to label any slightly negative comment about Robbie as "BASHING" while at the same time viewing their own negative comments as "subjective supported reasoned opinions!" WOW!!! Anyway, I'd just like to add that I don't generally care for Robbie because the timbre of his voice and his solo albums are not pleasurable to me. I'm outta here! Quack! Quack! ~~~waddle ~~~waddle

Posted on Fri Oct 8 21:59:09 CEST 1999 from 209-130-200-75.nas-2.mon.frontiernet.net (209.130.200.75)

Lars

MATT: "Go out yonder, peace in the valley

Come downtown,have to rumble in the alley..."

Difference of opinion is all around us, so why would you care if you're agreed with or not? (BTW, I happen to agree with you, and if any of this Baez, Collins, Joni fuss comes down to a duel, I'd be proud to be your second (got a special long-tailed suit with an Abe Lincoln hat that I keep in the back of my closet for duels).

God, I miss Serge.

Posted on Fri Oct 8 21:49:24 CEST 1999 from p-102-virgin6.tch.virgin.net (194.168.252.102)

LISA MCLAUGHLIN

Posted on Fri Oct 8 21:43:29 CEST 1999 from stk-pm1-7-135.dialup.slip.net (207.171.230.135)

Guenevere

Peter: bummer! I had come all the way back here just to say ...

I meant "polo neck"...

do you have a picture of one for those of us "not in the know"?

Posted on Fri Oct 8 21:32:23 CEST 1999 from stk-pm1-7-135.dialup.slip.net (207.171.230.135)

Guenevere

Peter: OK, OK ... "polo shirt"... and now I know you looked cute in it!

Mattk: Come back!!! But if its not possible, and you think you need a lawyer, at least your living in the right area...

And now that we're on the subject, I just want to say that maybe a law needs to be passed against sensitive people listening to music altogether... that would solve this whole dilemma now wouldn't it?

And myself being "female" and an "alto", I really like alto and baritone West Coast sax players like Gerry Mulligan... go figure. :-)

Posted on Fri Oct 8 20:53:57 CEST 1999 from tfsmdfw1.cda.com (199.97.12.240)

mattk

John D., sorry if I'm somewhat defensive. By my count, including your previous post, there are no fewer than four posts that either refer to Joan/Joni/Judy "bashing" that is going on, or, like your post, state or imply incorrectly that I'd indicated a dislike of Joni, period. It bothered me because over the last week, it seems that any and all comments have been met with mutterings of "bashing" in some corners. I should not have lumped you in with this extreme group by implication, and I apologize.

In the case of your original post, I was responding to two specific comments:

"She wasn't just some high pitched soprano. This is a woman who really knew how to write and if you follow her albums through I would hardly call her a folkie anymore"

Nothing in my post contradicts that statement. It was not my intention to imply she's "just some high pitched soprano." It was my hope that by restricting my comments to her earliest work, and by stating that poetically I found her work to be much deeper than anything Joan/Judy wrote.

Secondly, you site the Mingus album, a late-seventies effort, (which I like quite a bit, btw), when my sole negative comment referred to her singing in her early work. Maybe I should have been more specific, but I don't consider Mingus or anything post-exile to be "early" work.

Finally, I hesitated to mention the fact that I'd met Chuck. At the time, I was frustrated by the fact that I was being painted as someone who had not listened nor appreciated Joni Mitchell. Nothing could be further from the truth. My intent in mentioning it was not to impress anyone, but to show that my positive statements were not merely idle appreciation, but personal and long-held. It was not meant to be interpreted as name dropping. Given the wonderful takes you've written here based on interviews and conversations you've conducted by virtue of your vocation, I'm sure you can appreciate that reasoning.

John, I certainly have no desire to make you or Mitt or any of the folks I admire here feel attacked. Indeed, I was less bothered by any individual statement than an overall assumption by multiple people that I was somehow running down Joni, which I felt I wasn't. Clearly I miscommunicated. In the context of some of the more hysterical "positive comments only" demands that have swept over the GB this week, I felt a bit cornered.

I'm sorry

Matt

Posted on Fri Oct 8 20:08:06 CEST 1999 from trt-on29-40.netcom.ca (209.146.239.168)

John Donabie

mattk writes:

"Even Joni's early works are a bit grating for me--it's a timbre thing, reedy sounds just naturally bother me."

Since I was the first to respond to your original quote, I want to make a couple of things clear. I never thought you were "bashing".....I just didn't agree with your personal comments about Joni. Then I expressed my "personal" opinion of Joni. Then you come back with the quote

"C'mon folks, chill out. This ain't bashing. I'm thinking I'm gonna need to get a family pack of Paxil for some of our more sensitive readers."

You have now indicated that because I, or others, may disagree with you....we are now sensitive. Not sensitive at all...just a different opinion. Simple as that.

Posted on Fri Oct 8 19:14:26 CEST 1999 from dialin-224.poughkeepsie.bestweb.net (216.179.14.58)

Gene

I'm watching with interest while (it seems to me) folks are being put on the defensive because they dare to say that they don't particularly like a genre/performer/album/song. I think folks should be able to express their opinions without risk of personal attack. Then again, what do I know. You know, I used to REALLY dislike Phoebe Snow's voice. When I saw her with Levon and the blues band at Bearsville, recently, however, she was terrific. Guess one of us changed/mellowed/grew. Go figure.

Posted on Fri Oct 8 19:02:39 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-098.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.98)

Peter Viney

Guinevere: polo neck, not polo shirt! That’s an important distinction to those of us who grew up with Carnaby Street, Biba and Mary Quant. I only went to the “no instruments” club twice. It was full of people singing in fake Olde English West Country accents, and as a Dorset (West Country) native myself, I found them irritating. Imagine Neil Diamond trying to sing in Levon’s accent for a comparison. There’s a British “folky singing accent” which sounds vaguely rural but fits no particular area. Though a great fan of the Fairports, they were guilty of using it. Guess some of you might have felt the same about Mick Jagger’s fake American. BTW, his mock-cockney speaking voice is reputed to be heavily fake too. My old French teacher had taught Jagger some years earlier (in a different school) and was astonished to hear how his accent had changed with success. Now Van’s accent is totally authentic, but I think he spent his early years playing sax in show bands, and then would have stuck to the blues clubs!

Bill makes a good point about folk-blues, which I would not have equated with the kind of folk I was listening to, but Dylan was obviously listening to both. The Hawks maybe drew on folk material, but their treatment of ‘Liza Jane’ would have got them hounded off stage in that anti-electric era. Both the big books (Helm, Hoskyns) make me think of them in a jazz / rock / blues setting before they met Dylan. The country side was bubbling along (Rick is shown reading a Country Songbook on the Moondog Matinee cover) but it was they who first made the strummers remark, not me or Matt. I guess they’d have included a lot of rock stars who emerged from the coffeehouse scene.

Run Devil Run: I’d wondered when I read the sleeve notes if David would know the shop. Listening to “Run Devil Run” is instructive. Paul McCartney sounds vastly more rooted in rock and roll as opposed to R&B. I know there’s a fair cross over, but the difference with ‘Moondog Matinee’ is as striking as the similarity. Whatever, he gives it full energy. He’s always been adaptable. I remember that every fledgling soul band fitted ‘Got to Get You into My Life’ in their act, right next to Lee Dorsey and Otis Redding material.

Posted on Fri Oct 8 18:58:44 CEST 1999 from v059.v-wave.com (24.108.45.115)

Robyn Green

I am 15 years old and I feel that Robbie Robertson's music has inspired me to do many things. I also feel that in my day in age that he is not well knowen among people my age.I think that he should be knowen because he is my favorite musican of all time.

Posted on Fri Oct 8 18:47:37 CEST 1999 from tfsmdfw1.cda.com (199.97.12.240)

mattk

Bill, btw, that last post was in answer to your comment:

"...it's silly to lump together the markedly different voices of Baez, Collins and Mitchell..."

My point being that I wasn't lumping them together entirely, simply in regard to a single aspect of their vocal timbre at a specific point in their individual careers.

With the number of caveats I'm having to tack on to an innocent opinion, I think I'm gonna need a lawyer...

matt

Posted on Fri Oct 8 18:41:55 CEST 1999 from tfsmdfw1.cda.com (199.97.12.240)

mattk

To identify a common element in a set of voices does not mean that every other element is the same. Certainly, there are certain "sounds" popular in any era, and influences tend to be common within certain genres.

For example, there are a whole host of alto sax players from the west coast with a very "sweet" and "reedy" sound--Paul Desmond, Art Pepper, Lee Konitz for example. All three of these saxophonists have markedly different styles (though Konitz and Desmond are very much from the same school), but they also share a somewhat common timbre--partly due to their "west coast jazz" affinity, which preferred a lighter, "clarinet" style in tone on alto over the sharper sound of a Charlie Parker or Sonny Stitt.

So, if I say that Konitz and Desmond have VERY similair tones, it does not discount the fact there are CRITICAL differences in the way they played. If I say I like or DIS-like that particular tone, it does not mean that I'm necessarily saying that I DIS-like the player. It means that one component does nothing for me. Now, personally, I don't particularly like Charlie Parker's or Stitt's TONE. That doesn't mean that I don't still like them as players since there is so much going on that I can and do look past the element I dis-like and dig the elements that I do. Also, there ARE players with similair tones that I DON'T like because my dis-like of that timbre overwhelms other elements of their musicianship.

Let's put this in terms familair to many folks here 'bouts. Many of us, myself included, would not describe Bob Dylan's voice as "pleasurable." When Bob is on his game, I can either look past his voice, or sometimes he uses his voice in a way that works for me in measure. Sometimes, Bob's material is bad and his voice makes him almost a characturer. It doesn't mean I dislike Bob. Doesn't mean I dislike Bob all the time. It means that the way Bob uses his voice is harder to take, for me, when the material is weak.

In Baez's case, I've simply not heard a lot of songs, though I've heard a few, where I could get past her voice. Simple as that.

Am I making sense yet?

matt

Posted on Fri Oct 8 18:25:53 CEST 1999 from (208.218.212.254)

David Powell

Thanks butch for the posting. I guess you answered Ilkka's question from the other day--there are indeed a lot of younger musicians who get excited whenever members of The Band perform. Of course Delbert is The Man! And LeeRoy Parnell plays the slide guitar like he was the love child of Lowell George & Bonnie Raitt.

The fact that Garth & Rick appear on the new album from Atlanta's Indigo Girls is just another indication the boys from The Band can still show all of us how it's done.

As others have mentioned here, Paul McCartney's new album, "Run Devil Run," is wonderful. It's Paul's own version of "Moondog Matinee"--a tip of the hat to some of people who is inspired him to play Rock & Roll. His singing & playing is as superb as ever, displaying flashes of magical energy from the Hamburg clubs of the past.

The title song & album cover were inspired by a visit to Atlanta that Paul, his daughter Heather & son James made back in January. While riding through the funky part of downtown they discovered a pharmacy that specializes in selling "cures", roots, herbs & other products designed enhance one's love life, chase away demons, cast spells or otherwise improve one's luck in life. One of the products they found there was called "Run Devil Run"--purported to help drive away Satan & protect one from evil. I suggest y'all get this album and cast those demons away.

Posted on Fri Oct 8 17:33:55 CEST 1999 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

Would it be didactic to say that not all high female voices are soprano? Sopranos were easy to identify in elementary school - girls and pre-puberty boys. The rest of us were alto. But it's more complicated with adults, and it's silly to lump together the markedly different voices of Baez, Collins and Mitchell. But the words, "reedy" and "soprano" sound so good together that it's understandable that people insist on trotting them out on occasion. For those interested, they are used very effectively (and funnily) in the book "Helena" by Evelyn Waugh.

Posted on Fri Oct 8 17:16:40 CEST 1999 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

While I think it's fair to say that the Hawks weren't immersed in the folk-music scene, I don't think it's fair to say that folk passed them by. They were certainly up on blues, a folk music, they performed the occasional non-blues traditional song (e.g., Irish Lullaby, Liza Jane), and the civil-rights sentiments expressed in "Stones I Throw" cannot be divorced from those of the coffeehouse folk world. This is not to say that they spent much (or any) time in that world, but they could not have avoided it - it was all over the car radio, and those guys did a lot of driving.

Posted on Fri Oct 8 16:20:42 CEST 1999 from stk-pm1-27-155.dialup.slip.net (207.171.230.155)

Guenevere

Peter V.: Oops! I didn't realize you were being so specific when you lumped all the reedy sopranos together (pinpointed down to the year)... I never knew you could draw such clear lines through the evolution of 60's music or British fashion for that matter ... you were obviously distracted by listening to Fairport Convention while you were writing... so I forgive you.

Just checking on the "gender thing" ... I bet you looked cute in a polo shirt with a jeans jacket over it! But, I hope you weren't hangin out in that club with "NO instruments allowed" ... (what bar stool was Van the Man playing and strumming on in 1964?)

Posted on Fri Oct 8 16:01:39 CEST 1999 from tfsmdfw1.cda.com (199.97.12.240)

mattk

Guenevere

Not sure why you are directing this at me. All I said is I don't like Joan's rather preachy and didactic style, nor do I like particularly high-pitched, thin voices. Doesn't mean I dislike women musicians, folk singers or anything. I don't like listening to Tiny Tim, either for the same reason--thin reedy voice. I just don't care for it. Sorry.

Simply because I dislike a certain characterstic does not mean I'm saying a musician is worthless. In Baez's case, I grew up with that "post-Dylan" version. Personally, I feel, she has covered two songs that I like (Biko and Dixie) that she does no justice to.

This, folks, is an opinion. If I said "Joan Baez sucks and everyone who likes her is a loser" that would be bashing. If I say "I don't generally care for Joan Baez because the timbre of her voice is not pleasurable for me" then I'm stating a (albiet) subjective, supported, reasoned opinion. I have to believe the majority of folks here can tell the difference...

matt

Posted on Fri Oct 8 15:54:31 CEST 1999 from wwwcache.uce.ac.uk (193.60.140.247)

Roger Woods

Gosh Mattk, you move in exalted circles, or stupors. I'm not bashing. I certainly don't find Joni's voice 'grating' on the early stuff. I think her "Both Sides Now" is excellent whereas Judy Collins' version (which intro'd Joni to many people) ranks for me along with J.Baez's 'Dixie' as an awful cover. My kids used to hate Joni's voice when they were 10/11 but now they're 16/17 they love 'Blue'. Sorry, not Band related.

Posted on Fri Oct 8 15:40:14 CEST 1999 from tfsmdfw1.cda.com (199.97.12.240)

mattk

I never said I didn't like Joni Mitchell

What I said was that I don't like high-pitched reedy voices. I LOVE Joni Mitchell. I've even hung out in mutual stupor with her ex(first)-hubby Chuck. I think Hejira is one of the greatest albums ever recorded, and Shadows and Light is arguably my ALL-TIME favorite live album.

What I SAID was that I found Joni's early works grating (e.g. Blue or Ladies of the Canyon), but poetically far more interesting than Baez. Not saying they're not good albums, simply that Joni's voice is not pleasurable for me.

At some point in the early-70s, about the time she returned from her self-imposed exile from music, her vocal style changed, became more throaty and she began using more of her range.

C'mon folks, chill out. This ain't bashing. I'm thinking I'm gonna need to get a family pack of Paxil for some of our more sensitive readers .

RE: Maryland...I like the state just fine, but unfortunately, I don't think theirs gonna be much left down in this corner if some major growth limits are enacted. Sprawl sucks. 'Nuff said. Love "Bawlmer" though...

Matt

Posted on Fri Oct 8 11:16:35 CEST 1999 from mac4.plantbio.lu.se (130.235.135.57)

C Pical

Was searching for Karen Dalton on yahoo, and got here. I used to love the Band though, but do not care much for pop anymore, but can still appreciate them now and then. Back to Karen Dalton. Any idea whether "In My Own Time" will be released on CD, or has it been already? Christophe

Posted on Fri Oct 8 11:15:20 CEST 1999 from sdu132-208.ppp.algonet.se (195.163.208.132)

Ilkka

THE BLACK POLO BLUES
Medium beat

/A/Wearing a black polo
/D7/We walked together hand in hand
/D7/Didn't do it solo
/D7/Peter wore it too holdin' some soprano's hand /A/
I say /E7/"Lord have mercy, mama,
/E7/It sure is good to see you wearin' the polo today."/A/

(Thanks, Bob, for the inspiration.)

Posted on Fri Oct 8 11:07:26 CEST 1999 from alb1-as5200-31-31.termserv.net (208.20.67.31)

Diamond Lil

BUTCH: Way to make us all jealous! Sounds like you all had a wonderful time...wish I could've been there. Nice to know that Levon is doing so well. My best wishes for his continued happiness and good health.

HOUSEFRAU HIL: (hmm..wonder if we may be cousins?) Thanks for mentioning Judy's beautiful version of Leonard Cohen's 'Suzanne'...turned it on here after I read your post. It's been awhile....

JONATHAN KATZ: Loved your '2 hat' method. Cheers! and Ah-Ah-Ah-Choo! :-)

O.VERJOYED: Yup..this is the place for all your internet needs. Birthday wishes, Medical advice, Real Estate..hey..we even have info on The Band! And btw...you sure have alot of folks at your address. You may have to start wearing name tags :-)

Posted on Fri Oct 8 09:56:10 CEST 1999 from sdu93-208.ppp.algonet.se (195.163.208.93)

Ilkka

Peter is making fun of black polo necks! Is there anything which is sacred in this world anymore?

Posted on Fri Oct 8 09:26:12 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-093.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.93)

Peter Viney

Sorry to have caused such offence - if you re-read my post, I was talking about British folk clubs in 1964 and used the words “sub-Dylan” and “sub-Baez”. In other words, I was talking about their British imitators. I’m afraid that the sub-Baez club did always wear black polo necks, but then again the sub-Dylan club all wore Levi jackets and the traditional picaresque group wore thick grey and beige polo necks. To put my sartorial comment in perspective, I was there every week for a couple of years, and I wore a black polo neck myself (under a Levi jacket) so that those reedy but beautiful sopranos would hopefully perceive me an intellectual. This was almost entirely ineffective as a ploy. As Frank Zappa once so memorably said “Everyone here tonight is wearing a uniform.” And you don’t have to watch Austin Powers (one of the least-amusing films of all time) to realize that in mid-60s Britain, clothes were always worthy of comment and an essential part of the scene :-) In Britain we have SATs in Cynicism.

I said that these kind of voices grate on me (and I know they’re heaven to others), but also that Joni Mitchell transcended the genre, and my devotion to her music can be shown by a nearly full set of her albums, including even “Mingus” though nowadays I’d only play “The Dry Cleaner From Des Moines.” I’ve been entranced by her “Words & Music” DVD recently. To put it in more perspective, I was listening to Fairport Convention as I wrote the post. In the British clubs, most of all three folk categories were strummers. I suspect most would have been in the USA too. Some of course, were highly accomplished guitarists, and I don’t think gender came into it. I recall one London club where instruments were frowned upon. Not electric instruments - ANY instruments. I’m surprised no one leapt to the defence of the traditional picaresque group!

But, listening to The Hawks output, I have the feeling that folk had pretty much passed them by (The Folk Songs of Ronnie Hawkins notwithstanding!), and that Dylan was a surprise. The collision was interesting because they weren’t as immersed in folk. The meeting with Dylan and all those old folk tunes in the basement created the difference between The Hawks and the Band.

If we’re talking about women singing Leonard Cohen songs, then I think Jennifer Warnes has no equal.

Roger: R.E.M.’s Green, Yellow Submarine …

Lil: pile in the vitamin C and zinc and rest!

Posted on Fri Oct 8 08:09:45 CEST 1999 from stk-pm1-17-145.dialup.slip.net (207.171.230.145)

Guenevere

Housefrau Hil: Thank you so much for reminding me about "Suzanne" ... that was a GREAT cover by Judy, and one of the best pieces of song-writing by Leonard Cohen. It was Judy's voice that breathed life into that song, in a way that probably no one else of that time could have!

To mattk & Peter V.: So, Who's being didactic now? As far as the club scene of the early 60's goes... I could never be so cynical as to reduce the beauty and inventiveness of that musical time to "what kind of sweaters folkie's were wearing" ... if you were there, then maybe you weren't paying attention to the right stuff. So, tell me, are you calling every female who picked up a guitar in the 60's a "strummer"? Isn't that a bit belittling to women guitarists! Or are you just implying that they weren't accomplished or had the superior mentality to be influenced by the Carter Family Style of finger-picking along with the traditional styles of Bluegrass flat-pickers and finger-picking-flatpickers, or the Delta Blues picking-strummers, Chicago Blues flatpicking- strummers and slide-guitar players of that time and earlier? ... lets not dismiss these ladies or this genre in one fell swoop.... If you ever saw Joni, Joan, or Judy perform some of their songs "live" I think you might have been impressed with their guitar mastery as well as their voices (I don't really think Joan got preachy until the electric Dylan era, btw)...

Isn't the reason "The Band" could happen at all, because these boys were awake and paying attention to ALL this stuff, and were busy synthesizing much of the creativity around them? They didn't have time to stand still long enough to discredit others, they just took what they needed and left the rest... but they were never too busy to try to bring others along... and they sure were smart enough to know where Joni was coming from, as well as many others who were breaking new ground in this time... doncha think?

Posted on Fri Oct 8 07:53:00 CEST 1999 from 1cust79.tnt11.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.134.79)

O. Verjoyed

I've been trying for months to find a good combined Real Estate/Medical Advice and Birthday Greetings website and I think this might be it! Eureka!!

Posted on Fri Oct 8 06:48:55 CEST 1999 from spider-tl032.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.187)

butch

Hey gang,,,
I just got back from 2870 miles of driving through the South with Levon & The Barn Burners,, Miss Amy Helm,, George Lembesis,, & A.P. ( al Pierse, sound man # 1)

We went to Little Rock Arkansas for The Gathering Of The Hawks,,,, kind of a HAWKS reunion, with Ronnie Hawkins, Levon, Garth Hudson, The Cate Brothers, James Cotton played with Levon's blues band ( The Barn Burners) and Rami Jaffee( from the Wallflowers ) flew in, just to play with Garth & Levon,,, nice honor,,,

Joe Mulherrin brough his Beale Street Horns & they rocked the new ALLTEL Arena,,, The Hawk was his usual raucous self,, telling jokes & singin the best rockabilly this side of the Delta,,,

Bobby Keyes ( from the Stones ) drove in,,& a great night was had by all,, on & off stage,,, History was remembered & new chapters added,,, then , the next day, we drove to Memphis & went to Sun Studios,,, Levon knows all those stories so it makes it extra special,, but being @ Sun Studio needs no frills, right ???

Then, on to Nashville where The Barn Burners played Sutler's,,, kind of an industry showcase club,,, & all of Nashville 's royalty showed up,, & they loved Levon's band so much,,, they all wanted to play,,, Delbert McClinton played on Dust My Broom,,, LeeRoy Parnell on Long Distance Call with harpist/vocalist Chris O'Leary scorching that blues standard,,, then Pat O'shea ( guitarist ) brought up one of his influences,,, Anson Funderburgh for a swing-blues that had 'em stompin & standing,,, then Jonelle Mosser sang Shake a Hand with Miss Amy Helm,, & then they sang Hound Dog with hot harp from chris,,, in the audience was Bucky Baxter, late of bob dylan's band,, Patty Griffin, ALL of the KY Headhunters,, Tommy Spurlock and every drummer in a 50 mile radius of nashville,, ,,, it didnt matter one iota to anyone that there were no band tunes,,, just straight delta blues, & Levon didnt sing,, his drumming is so powerful & spiritual, these days,, you know he's leading that band from the drummers stool,, he's clear, healthy, & energetic,, & really making some of the best music in some time,,,

catch him if ya can,,, everyone has,,, thanks ,,,, butch,, (" I cant help it if I'm lucky,, " b. dylan idiot wind )

Posted on Fri Oct 8 06:47:58 CEST 1999 from 13-pool1.ras12.floca.agisdial.net (205.164.80.13)

Gremlins

Oh, goody! A *real* one this time! All that practice was not for naught!

NPR poll... From my computer, I could not access the NPR site using the address shown previously. I used http://www.npr.org/programs/specials/vote/ballot.html (I also entered this for the "Home Page" above) and it got me there. You can make up to 100 different choices, including "Big Pink". You can add to their list by casting a write-in vote at the bottom of the page. I wrote in an entry for "Music for 'The Native Americans'" by Robbie Robertson and the Red Road Ensemble. The write-in hasn't shown up in their list as yet. I don't know if we just have to wait for them to wake up and add it on, or if there has to be a certain number of us write it in before it shows up.

Now let's get in there and vote!!!

Posted on Fri Oct 8 06:28:36 CEST 1999 from user-33qt80j.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.160.19)

Pat Brennan

Just drove the National Road (Alternate 40) from Frederick to Hagerstown, retraced to Boonsboro south to the Potomac. Absolutely beautiful. Maryland, My Maryland, to coin a phrase.

Posted on Fri Oct 8 06:01:47 CEST 1999 from parachute2-156-40-65-92.net.nih.gov (156.40.65.92)

Jonathan Katz

To Mattk and Mitt: Come on guys, give Maryland a better chance! Mitt, it is lovely in Laurel, and I even like parts of Route 1! But I agree that Baltimore beats D.C., hands down. Best record store: Sound Garden in Fells Point. There's a new housing development near me in Columbia called "Wispering Pines." I'm thinking of moving there!

To Diamond Lil: Use the 2-hat method to beat the flu. Get into bed with a bottle of your favorite spirits and put a hat on the bedpost. Then drink until you see two hats on the bedpost.

Posted on Fri Oct 8 04:03:45 CEST 1999 from alb1-as5200-07-7.termserv.net (208.20.67.7)

Diamond Lil

SUNDOG: You say it's your birthday? Happy Birthday to you....Sharing a birthday with the late, beautiful John Lennon. Nice. I share mine with OJ Simpson ( go figure....)

Just listened to the sound file of Richard doing "Before I grow too old". Thankyouthankyouthankyou Kevin Gilbertson and Jan. It's been a long time......tears in my eyes. Again, thanks.

Fighting the flu here. The flu's winning. Time for med and bed. Goodnight.

Posted on Fri Oct 8 03:28:30 CEST 1999 from icache-3.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

WELL,WELL, WELL, "HAPPY BRITHDAY TO ME AND JOHN LENNON", LETS HOPE ITS A GOOD ONE,,, WITHOUT ANY TEARS!

Posted on Fri Oct 8 03:20:23 CEST 1999 from 1cust72.tnt9.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.128.72)

Housefrau Hil

Whew!! Was almost afraid to enter until all the Joan/Judy/Joni-BASHING subsided! Were Judy and Joan's respective versions of "Suzanne" and "Daddy, You've Been On My Mind WEAK??? Leonard Cohen's career as a singer-songwriter was launched by Judy's far superior dirgeless cover of his song. And Joni - she beats anyone else on the planet by light years in the singing, songwriting, original music creation, and prolificity departments! If anyone finds the highness of her voice hard to take on the early albums I suggest you play the vinyl versions at 16 rpm - otherwise you're missing a massive dose of brilliant and beautiful music and poetry. (I wish those who BASH would back their BASHING up with a little substance once in a while!) Well, gotta tend to my hot cocoa and sewing now!!

Posted on Fri Oct 8 02:06:32 CEST 1999 from 143.chicago-33-34rs.il.dial-access.att.net (12.75.161.143)

Julie

There's another chance on the web to practice ballot box techniques. NPR is running the "100 most important American musical works of the 20th century." NPR's criteria are: "By virtue of its achievement, beauty, or excellence, the work is an important milestone of American music in the 20th century. It significantly changed the musical landscape, opened new horizons, or in itself had a major effect on American culture and civilization." Among the 300 nominees is Big Pink. You can check it out and vote at: http://www.npr.org/programs/specials/vote/ballot.htm/ (You can also vote for "Trout Mask Replica" from Capt. Beefheart :-)

Posted on Fri Oct 8 02:02:38 CEST 1999 from 98ad0ad7.ipt.aol.com (152.173.10.215)

Mitt Stampler

Reedy sopranos? What a wonderful turn of phrase! But I confess to having a soft spot for Joni Mitchell, mainly because my first real boyfriend (now a physics professor in CT with a wife and three kids--go figure) used to dub tapes of hers for me and stick them in our mailbox. It seemed awfully romantic at the time, and I suppose it was. It reflects rather poorly on me that if he tried that today, I'd probably tell him to quit watching so many movies and take a cold shower. I enjoyed it while it lasted, and seriously, who could do more? Sitting here listening to the Basement tapes--"We'll climb that hill/No matter how steep/When we come up to it." Have a four-day weekend coming up and I mean to enjoy every minute of it, except the 60 that my beloved spouse will HAVE to spend watching some bizarre Canadian show called First Wave. It is--get this--about a guy chasing aliens around based on the prophecies of Nostradamus. Huh? I've watched it faithfully but still don't get it. I fear my spouse has the idea that if something's Canadian it can't be all bad. True of SCTV maybe, but... Peace and good night on this lovely October evening...yes, Mattk, it's even lovely in Laurel. Route 1 leaves a lot to be desired, though.

Posted on Fri Oct 8 01:56:33 CEST 1999 from cr814537-a.yec1.on.wave.home.com (24.114.21.181)

Jerry Tenenbaum

And so, John D., what I meant to say is that I agree with you absolutely.

Posted on Fri Oct 8 01:54:14 CEST 1999 from cr814537-a.yec1.on.wave.home.com (24.114.21.181)

Jerry Tenenbaum

John D. Joni Mitchell is in an entirely different sphere for me as well. Her jazz sensibilities transcend the efforts of the others. In addition, I see the singers discussed (Joan, Judy, Joni) in entirely different lights. The first wrote and sang, like Bob and covers well, like Bob. The second covers effectively and beautifully and the third..well, she's something different. Joni continues to evolve.

Posted on Fri Oct 8 01:20:24 CEST 1999 from (12.6.146.175)

Jay Wardlaw

As expected, BEST OF THE BAND VOLUME II is a curious hack job. No pictures of the group, although the back of the booklet (including only four pages, counting the front and back) does show the covers of all three of the anthologized albums.

A sticker on the front proclaims the first release of "Young Blood" (wasn't the Doc Pomus tribute on Pyramid?).

The liner notes are by a David Spero, a former DJ "who now manages some of America's Premier Recording Artists".

The requisite typos and factual errors abound, e.g.,"Youngblood is included in this collection in it's [SIC] first release by The Band"; "This collection ends with [The Band] augmenting [?] a track ["She Knows"] recorded by the late Richard Manuel [Yes!!] from a 1986 live performance released on 1993's Jericho [SIC]"; "The arrangements . . . grab your throat and thrill your sole [SIC]"; "Jerry Liber [SIC]".

Oh well, sure would be nice to see The Band treated with more respect.

Posted on Fri Oct 8 01:13:32 CEST 1999 from trt-on27-59.netcom.ca (207.181.102.187)

John D

I have to disagree with mattk's comments about Joni Mitchell. She wasn't just some high pitched soprano. This is a woman who really knew how to write and if you follow her albums through I would hardly call her a folkie anymore. Judy Collins and Joan Baez came from the same place' but I believe Joni moved on. Check out her Mingus stuff.

Posted on Fri Oct 8 00:52:48 CEST 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr

That was Richard with the derisive "Strummer" comment.Did the artist Christo cover a desert island? bad pun, sorry.

Posted on Thu Oct 7 23:30:10 CEST 1999 from rwoods.demon.co.uk (158.152.218.238)

Roger Woods

David Powell / Peter, whatever one thinks of Joanie's voice (and it really can grate) her back catalogue is fascinating. Apart from driving Dixie down (way, way down) she's covered the Stones (e.g. No Expectations), the Beatles (e.g. Let It Be), Dire Straits (Brothers in Arms) and many others including Tim Hardin, Kris Kristofferson and Donovan. Nothing if not eclectic, as well as writing some good songs herself. I don't listen to her, although I respect her views when she's interviewed. I didn't know she'd done Percy's Song, but it raises yet another Fairport Connection on this page. It has been suggested that Richard Thompson wanted to join The Band when Robbie departed. Clearly his admiration for their music goes way back. The first cover might be "I'll Keep It With Mine" - which connects tangentially with the Band. Judy, Joan and Joni are very different performers. Joni's "Blue" would be right up there with the Brown Album. Come on Peter - how about Desert Island Covers - The Brown Album, Big Pink, The White Album, Blue etc etc.

Posted on Thu Oct 7 22:42:05 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-053.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.53)

Peter Viney

Thanks to David Powell for suggesting an excellent evening’s listening (again). I was surprised to find that I don’t have a copy of “Unhalfbrickin’”, I thought I did. So “The History of Fairport Convention” will have to suffice, which brings in another song with a Dylan connection that was believed to be Basement (erroneously) at the time - ‘Si Tu Dois Partir’, their take on ‘If You Gotta Go, Go Now.’

Matt K: I have exactly the same thing as you about reedy sopranos, though Joni Mitchell’s lyrics and backing transcend the genre. The sentiments take me back to 1964 when British folk clubs had three distinct camps: sub-Dylan, sub-Baez and Traditional Picaresque (Chastity Belt etc). I liked the sub-Dylan stuff best … that is until I came across Paul Simon. The Baez camp had black polo necks. And everything was didactic. Can’t remember which Band member expressed distaste for “strummers”. Was it Levon or Robbie?

Posted on Thu Oct 7 21:09:53 CEST 1999 from tfsmdfw1.cda.com (199.97.12.240)

mattk

Peter, I'm in your corner regarding Joan. I've never been particularly fond to high-soprano warblers that so dominated folk music in the 60s--namely Baez, Joni Mitchell, and Judi Collins. Collins, for me, is the hardest for me to listen to. Even Joni's early works are a bit grating for me--it's a timbre thing, reedy sounds just naturally bother me. Poetically, Joan's rather didactic sensabilties left me cold compared to the richer imagery found in Joni's works.

Secondly, Joan, like Judy, has had a tendency to do weak covers. To my mind, if you're not going to come strong when covering a song, you should probably leave it be, but that's just me--I'm thinking particularly of Joan's version of Peter Gabriel's "Biko" which enjoyed some success in the late 80s after the Amnesty International World Tour.

It's nothing personal about Joan, I just don't like being preached at. When Gabriel does Biko or The Band does Dixie, you feel like it's a very personal statement. For me, I don't think Joan communicates at the personal level as well as the political level, and protest songs have a tendency to date themselves--save universal tomes from Dylan, Seeger, Guthrie, et al, which seem to find themes that cross geography and time.

Mitt, chin up. I feel your pain. The first few months in the Maryland area were among the most difficult I've experienced after moving, and I've moved from coast to coast to coast. There's something soul-less about the greater DC area that not only ignores, but destroys history and character rather eagerly. Baltimore is a lifesaver for me. Of course, we're actively looking to move back up to New England as soon as my headhunters get cracking. Take heart, though, it's not just you. I was encouraged when I realized that I'm not alone in feeling a bit desperate after I moved here.

Peace

Matt

Posted on Thu Oct 7 20:48:09 CEST 1999 from (208.218.212.254)

David Powell

Peter: Fairport Convention did a great version of "Percy's Song" on their landmark album "Unhalfbricking." Other Dylan song's covered on that album include "Million Dollar Bash" and a French version of "If You Gotta Go, Go Now." Also included is Sandy Denny's haunting "Who Knows Where The Time Goes" and Richard Thompson's "Genesis Hall."

This great album was released in 1969 and was clearly influenced by Dylan & The Band's Basement Tapes. The inclusion of the three Dylan songs indicates that they must have had access to one of the early acetates of the Basement Tape material.

Posted on Thu Oct 7 20:01:22 CEST 1999 from firewall.katz-media.com (38.150.94.163)

Frank Dracman

We shud be nice to Ben Stein (former speech Nixon ally). He correctly answered the question "What rock group's final concert became a film titled the Last Waltz?" The opponent answered that question correctly and additionally one more than Ben and thusly WON BEN STEIN'S MONEY!

Posted on Thu Oct 7 19:43:24 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-036.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.36)

Peter Viney

Brown-Eyed Johnny: Surprised you didn’t mention that Sir Paul’s latest effort also has a noteworthy version of “Brown-Eyed Handsome Man” complete with accordion (remember Johnny Allen’s “The Promised Land”) as well as a great, resurrected, totally obscure Vipers B-side, “No Other Baby”, and an almost-as-obscure Fats Domino B-side, “Coquette”. This is good time straightforward rock & roll. Pity he couldn’t get Levon on drums - I’m sure he’d have enjoyed the selection and the atmosphere.

Percy’s Song. Yes, thanks everyone. Didn’t Fairport Convention cover it?

Classic Albums: following the first six programmes, with that great show on The Band, six more classics are waiting in the wings. I saw a DVD today in the second series of The Wailers ‘Stir It Up’ - definitely an all-time classic. Otherwise I’m not sure that the second batch hits quite the level of the first. From memory they include “Aja”, “The Joshua Tree,” “Face Value” and two more I can’t recall.

Posted on Thu Oct 7 17:11:47 CEST 1999 from dialin-214.poughkeepsie.bestweb.net (216.179.14.48)

Gene

LEE, hoping you have a wonderful time...wish, however, I was going, too... Oh, well

Posted on Thu Oct 7 15:24:31 CEST 1999 from gateway.llgm.com (209.125.166.250)

medicine hat

perhaps i've missed it, but i'm surprised there's been no discussion about the different mixes utilized on "stage fright". there are several differences between the original 1970 release and subsequent releases on cd. towit: 1) no accordian buzz at the end of "strawberry wine" 2) levon's "vamping" during the organ solo on "a la glory, along with a guitar that's mixed towards the front; 3) a seemingly different organ tone on "the shape i'm in; 4) no fade on "w.s. walcott"; 5) "daniel and the sacred harp" sounds _completely_ different ("phased" guitar, different (longer) ending etc.). my guess is that the todd rundgren mix was used on the entire 1970 release, and that the different mixes listed above were glyn johns. this guess is based soley on the way rundgren's own records of the time sounded. any comments? and while we're on the subject, is that richard playing the slide guitar (or dobro) on "daniel"? he did, as you'll recall, have a degree.

Posted on Thu Oct 7 15:14:33 CEST 1999 from spider-we061.proxy.aol.com (205.188.195.46)

Lee

GENE - Thanks to you I've just found out Peter Green is playing in Manchester on December 3. Also checked out the great website. Thank you, sir.

Posted on Thu Oct 7 15:13:34 CEST 1999 from gateway.tpp.com (198.81.246.2)

Brown-Eyed Johnny

With the Paul McCartney/Band connection long firmly established, I'm happy to report that "Run Devil Run," PM's new release is something very special. Explosive singing, the kind that made first hearing a new Beatles song so exciting. Paul's "Lonesome Town" is a brilliant new arrangement. "Shake a Hand" would bring down any house. "I Got Stung" is a knockout. This CD shows why Paul is still one of the greatest.

Posted on Thu Oct 7 14:56:21 CEST 1999 from trt-on18-28.netcom.ca (207.181.85.28)

John D

Not that anyone cares; but I always thought that Percy's Song was one of Dylan's best. Wonderful melody from a man knows for his words. Arlo Guthrie did a great cover of it.

Posted on Thu Oct 7 10:45:41 CEST 1999 from 1cust231.tnt9.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.128.231)

Rudy Wakenin

"Percy's Song" has to be it - Baez definitely recorded the tune though I think "Murphy's Song" would be a better title as the name Percy has sort of an effeminate ring to it (which is not that appropriate for the subject matter of the song) otherwise it's a very fine effeminate name.

Posted on Thu Oct 7 07:44:12 CEST 1999 from 1cust132.tnt11.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.134.132)

Felix G

How come there's nothing posted about the new Garth album? When is it coming out? Nice website. The Band rocks!

Posted on Thu Oct 7 02:11:54 CEST 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr

peter v.... could that have been "Percy's Song?" an ole dylan song? it goes "Turn, turn, to the rain and the wind..."

Posted on Thu Oct 7 00:44:36 CEST 1999 from webcachew04a.cache.pol.co.uk (195.92.197.39)

Pete Grant

Hi, 'The quote of the day', mentioned by Gene, and to be found on 'The Peter Green Web Site' was lifted from the first edition of 'Peter Green - The Biography' by Martin Celmins (published by Castle in the UK.) The quote can be found on page 89, and to set it in context, BB was sharing a bill with Fleetwood Mac, and had just broken a string onstage, blaming it on nerves because Clapton and George Harrison were both in the audience. It was at this point that he was quoted as saying," But I've got to say that, I'm sorry, Peter Green is the best." As far as I know, there is no recording of that show in existence, but if anyone knows different, I would love to hear from you!

Posted on Wed Oct 6 23:45:48 CEST 1999 from dialin-203.poughkeepsie.bestweb.net (216.179.14.37)

Gene

Hello, Lee, glad you asked. I lifted the QUOTE OF THE DAY from the Official Peter Green website, www.petergreen.net. Give me a little time and I will find out the details.

Posted on Wed Oct 6 23:38:50 CEST 1999 from spider-wb073.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.183)

Lee

GENE, Excellent quote of the day. Is this taken from a magazine article or an actual recording? If its a recording I'd love to hear it. I've seen BB King and Peter Green a few times but can you believe that the one show I miss some months ago is Peter Green opening for BB King in Manchester. I felt like an assh... the next day, man. Of course, I heard Peter guested with BB King.

Posted on Wed Oct 6 23:04:21 CEST 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr

enjoyed david powell's post on muddy. calvin and willie are so tight a rhythm section that well, if ya ain't seen it, be sure to check em out when they come to your town. for my 2 cents on joan baez, she introduced alot of people to our pals here, and probably introduced bob dylan period, for which i am very grateful. i appreciate her concern for the planet and those less fortunate. i'm just not much of a fan. but there ya go. i'm still trying to figure out who the older lady with the zither backstage in "Reynaldo y Clara" was????? anyone o you freaks out there able to tell me dat???? as for the drummers and then i'll shut up[ and keep my lame opinions to myself. but i'll take willie big eyes smith over all them englishmen ('ceptin' Keith Moon), Levon over alla' dem,and Richard eeben ober leebon!!!!! thanks!

Posted on Wed Oct 6 22:25:29 CEST 1999 from ric-wht-pxy-int02.wheatfirst.com (204.238.130.68)

Bones

Hoskins was very upset that Robbie was critical of the many errors in his book. Robbie said that he read the first thirty pages and had to put it down because it was factually incorrect. Hoskins claims that if Robbie wanted it to be correct then he should have returned Barney's many phone calls. I tend to side with Robbie on this one. Whether he has interviewed them or not, Hoskins has a responsibility not to guess in certain places.

Posted on Wed Oct 6 22:22:27 CEST 1999 from dialin-246.poughkeepsie.bestweb.net (216.179.14.80)

Gene

Remembering John Winston Lennon who would have been 59 on Saturday..."too soon gone..."

Posted on Wed Oct 6 22:15:24 CEST 1999 from dialin-246.poughkeepsie.bestweb.net (216.179.14.80)

Gene

QUOTE OF THE DAY "But I've got to say that, I'm sorry, Peter Green is the best." (BB King, after acknowledging Eric Clapton and George Harrison in the audience at the Albert Hall, 1969).

Posted on Wed Oct 6 22:02:45 CEST 1999 from ip206-106-34.netusa1.net (216.206.106.34)

MS. SUGAR

Didn't Sonny Boy make a comment about the English boys wanting to play the blues, but they played it so bad? Well, wait, was it Sonny, or The Wolf? I must say, "The London Howlin' Wolf Sessions," with E.C., Steve Winwood, Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts is pretty good. Charlie Watts remains to be my favorite drummer ( no offense to Mr. Helm). So, anyways, I was dancing through some other entries here and discovered the comments about Robbie Robertson's father. C'mon, man. He talked about his Jewish father on the Tom Snyder show. Why would he lie? If I sound politically incorrect, forgive me, but Robbie looks like the half-Jewish man that he IS. There's no mistake there. Some people do have a pretty colorful past, not everyone is the same.

Posted on Wed Oct 6 19:55:56 CEST 1999 from client.ici.org (198.6.202.204)

Mitt Stampler

Paul Godfrey, well spoken, as always :) To me it's that sense of wonder, those small observations or kindnesses that mean so much, that attracted first my dad and then me to the Band's music. The little things in life always mean the most--aw, I'm getting sentimental here. But to me music has always been about the feelings, memories, etc. that it has the power to evoke...that's why I listen while I write or work. As for Joan Baez--I will hear sound like the ignoramus that I sometimes am, but as a kid I used to always get her mixed up with Judy Collins. Ooops! It's a rotten day here at work, and thinking of her version of "Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts" is somehow not improving things. Arggh...that said, I enjoyed Joan Baez's own material (something I could never quite say for Ms. Collins, notwithstanding the opinions of our beleagured Commander-in-Chief and the Mrs.) Perhaps you had to be there? Mattk: I keep thinking of Martin Sheen in Apocalypse Now: "I was going to the worst place in the world and I didn't even know it yet." Peace!

Posted on Wed Oct 6 18:48:38 CEST 1999 from 56k-ml-00-41.dial.qnet.com (209.221.218.56)

Dave

Come on, tell us about Levon's gig Oct. 4 in Tenn.

Posted on Wed Oct 6 18:34:20 CEST 1999 from sdu187-208.ppp.algonet.se (195.163.208.187)

Ilkka

TO DAVID POWELL: - You mentioned Muddy Waters. There were many black bluesmen who jammed with the young white guys in those days. A quick look to my English vinyl LPs: Sonny Boy Wiiliamson and The Yardbirds (with Eric Clapton), Eddie Boyd (btw he married a Finnish lady and moved to Helsinki) and Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac. Of the white musicians you have earlier mentioned Earl Scruggs. How about our boys, are they carrying on the tradition and learning the music to the younger generation?

Posted on Wed Oct 6 14:23:43 CEST 1999 from icache-3.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

LARS,,,Get out of town,,,are you kidd'n or what!!!!

Posted on Wed Oct 6 13:45:28 CEST 1999 from (209.226.13.34)

Jill Webb

Mr Viney, you are protesting too much. Perhaps it's a touch of paranoia ?

Posted on Wed Oct 6 11:57:59 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-088.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.88)

Peter Viney

Heard a Joan Baez single on the radio this morning - couldn’t make out whether it was Murphy’s Song or Mercy Song! John makes a good point. I have friends who just can’t take Dylan, especially recent Dylan. Neil Young has the same effect. There are even a few unfortunates who can’t take Robbie’s singing. Baez is a love-it or hate-it voice. In my case, it was the earnestness and (what I perceived as a) holier-than-thou attitude that irritated as well as the voice. As Pat says, she does comprehensively murder the lyrics on Dixie.

Lee - I agree with you. Hoskyns interviewed Robbie, and still attacked him at the end of the book pretty much. Whenever I read “Mojo” and think, “that was a really great article / interview” it’s almost invariably written by Hoskyns. He got the interviews he could, fleshed them out with a lot of radio show material (some uncredited) and wrote it up well. I’ve bought his other books too. Anyone who’s had biographical pieces / interviews written about them will always dislike the result, and there are inevitably inaccuracies. It’s a bit like hearing your speaking voice on tape for the first time, or seeing a computer generated picture of yourself that’s NOT a mirror image (sides reversed). It’s a shock.

Posted on Wed Oct 6 10:30:09 CEST 1999 from 1cust139.tnt12.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.136.139)

Henri LaSalle

Just put on Garth's instrumental "French Girls" (recently mentioned in the GB) to refresh my memory -- but before I sat back down to listen to it - it was over! It's just under two minutes! Sort of whet my appetite for a Garth solo multi-track instrumental album. I heard thru someone that knew him that he's constantly fooling around with tape decks and experimental tracks -- so I'm surprised a Garth album has yet to be released! Got my fingers crossed tho!

Posted on Wed Oct 6 06:10:24 CEST 1999 from 209-130-143-246.nas-1.mon.frontiernet.net (209.130.143.246)

Lars Pedersen

PAT: Brace yourself. A little known fact about Joan Baez is that she's almost a direct descendant of James Ewell Brown Stuart, who was a Confederate calvary general in the War Between the States. Since Gen Stuart was killed at Yellow Tavern by Yankee calvary, she's always had it "in" for Federals like Stoneman.

You have my permission to use this in your next book, if you consider it worthy.

Posted on Wed Oct 6 04:48:12 CEST 1999 from user-33qt80u.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.160.30)

Pat Brennan

Ah, for some more unsubstantiated opinions. In her version of Dixie, Joan Baez changed the lyric from "Stoneman's cavalry" to "so much cavalry." For all of you adept at reading people's minds, why do you suppose she did that?

Posted on Wed Oct 6 03:35:24 CEST 1999 from icache-3.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

John D/Paul/'Lil, on Joan Baez,,,you all said it all!!!! She is a hellava singer/songwriter/musician.

Posted on Wed Oct 6 03:03:06 CEST 1999 from 1cust199.tnt14.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.142.199)

Mal(GREENHEAD)Mallard

Aw gee, I thought I had made amends to the Deadheads by including their precious idols in my posted recap of the VG International Rock Poll results (Grateful Dead - 0000 votes). But I guess some people are NEVER satisfied!! I'm outta here! Quack! Quack! ~~~waddle ~~~waddle

Posted on Wed Oct 6 02:36:05 CEST 1999 from cfa1.execulink.net (199.166.6.10)

Paul Godfrey

Joan Baez probably gave The Band a whole new audience they might never have had without her rendition. As a former broadcaster of 34 years consider how many times I had to play the record whether I liked it or not.

I read GB regularily but I do not post regularily and seldom express an opinion...only the odd observation.

Musically I played guitar on the road long enough to know that was not my calling. I have grade 8 piano and grade two theory. Find it difficult sometime to understand some comments about The Band performers or performances. Levon was kind enough in one sitting to discuss the merits of Lee Dorsey's "Workin' In A Coal Mine" with its backbeat and discussed how the rythmn works thru-out. Even with my limited musical knowledge he let a new meaning and light shine through the conversation.

I still stand and listen in wonder in the presence of the Band's music even after all these years. That includes everyone whoever stood a stage with them.

Forgive one small opinion. Guess I could never get my mind around critics, no matter how informed they claimed to be.

Posted on Wed Oct 6 02:20:57 CEST 1999 from ppp641.on.bellglobal.com (206.172.238.65)

Richard Patterson

Hey Greenhead, thought you would have gone south by now! Don't you think the words "negativity" or "criticism" might be used to describe your running commentary on how poorly the Dead did in the recent VG poll? Kudos' to all the Dead fans who let it ride. Perhaps when you get down south you should check out some Dead albums? Start w/ 'Workingman's Dead' and 'American Beauty'. If you don't like them, "flock off".

Posted on Wed Oct 6 01:31:20 CEST 1999 from ppp641.on.bellglobal.com (206.172.238.65)

Richard Patterson

Mr. Yurgus: Let's hear the story about Harrison and Hitchcock (sounds like a great title for a Residents' album).

Posted on Wed Oct 6 00:24:14 CEST 1999 from spider-ti044.proxy.aol.com (152.163.194.194)

Lee

Peter, Having met Barney Hoskyns and spoke with him a few times I don't feel he would have been easily swayed. I also think that a biography without contact from the artist/s are, for want of a better word, rather lame. I always feel it places them in that bracket of "cottage industry" - the way people churn out book after book on Dylan, Beatles, Stones, Elvis, etc. I don't feel it was any fault of Hoskyns regarding interviews, its just the way it went down. Of course, he spoke to Robbie Robertson and numerous others, but without that essential contact from the other guys... I believe he spent two years writing the book, and funnily enough his name was mentioned when I had the pleasure of meeting Larry Packer in August. It seems Barney was staying at the same place I'd chosen when he was in town doing his interviews. the last time I had any contact with Barney Hoskyns he told me he'd just interviewed Levon for a Rolling Stone piece which I believe hasn't been published yet.

White Cadillac

Oh, man, this is a great song. Yeah, Randy Ciarlante has earned his place in The Band by being a great singer, drummer, percussionist, bassist and bringing great material to the songwriting table with Jim Weider. Spirit Of The Dance was one of the songs Danko was really excited about when I spoke to him in August of 98. I really don't think the inclusion of White Cadillac has anything to do with his years in The Band or whatever. As early as August, Aaron Hurwitz wasn't aware of this CD. Who knows, maybe Randy wasn't either. A record company isn't exactly known for its supply of information to the people who count.

Posted on Tue Oct 5 23:53:59 CEST 1999 from cf3k-3.paradise.net.nz (203.96.152.183)

Rod

Awh gees, I didn't mean to upset so mant people with my comments - though I do stand by them. I think any singer would have sounded awkward singing that line. Just because the line has some sort of pretentions to mythology doesn't make it clever and therefore Levon a "hayseed" when singing it (not my words). Robbie has written a lot more poetic and clever lyrics (that didn't sound so clumsy) and Levon has sung them brilliantly - Dixie, Arcardian Driftwood, The Weight etc etc. Just to add salt, My favourite Levon tracks (and this is an opinion)are the good timey tracks - Ophelia, Jemima, Strawberry Wine.

Posted on Tue Oct 5 23:15:45 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-099.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.99)

Peter Viney

Funny, a REAL Best of The Band Vol II would rarely go beyond track 4 on their recent albums! With timing:

Remedy 4.28

Blind Willie McTell 6.40

Atlantic City 5.14

Shine a Light 4.12

Stand Up 3.07

Back to Memphis 5.10

Where I Should Always Be 4.27

Book Faded Brown 4.12

Don’t Wait 4.09

White Cadillac 3.38

French Girls 2.07

Young Blood 3.27

Not Fade Away 3.25 (with The Crickets)

Deuce & A Quarter 3.40 (with Keith Richard)

One Too Many Mornings (House of Blues) 5.16

Caldonia (New Orleans live DVD) don’t know, say 5.00

Many Rivers To Cross (Jim Weider or live), 5.38

Total 73 minutes 40 seconds. Why, they could probably squeeze the Austin Radio Show “Don’t Ya Tell Henry” on as well. Now you can argue (High Cotton instead of Book Faded Brown is tempting), but this looks more like something that would sell, and any “Best Of” without “French Girls” is an absurd title. That got written down first.

Joan Baez: I’m with Lil here. Her Dixie leaves me stone cold. But I agree with John D about “There But For Fortune” and as I posted once, I was highly impressed by JB’s personality and humor on recent chat shows. Great person. Great history. Shame about Dixie.

Posted on Tue Oct 5 22:52:35 CEST 1999 from alb1-as5200-20-20.termserv.net (208.20.67.20)

Diamond Lil

Mr. Rappaport: Just so as not to be misunderstood, the implication that Levon is too much of a hayseed to speak poetically was certainly _NOT_ what I was saying. That line in question from 'Jupiter Hollow' just sounds awkward..it always has to me. When someone here asked about it, I replied. Maybe I should've made myself more clear.

Considering that Levon's beautiful vocal on "All la Glory" (which btw is my favorite Band tune) brings tears to my eyes everytime, as does his heartfelt "Don't Wait" (which is my favorite tune on "Jubilation"), I would say that he 'speaks poetically' just fine.

John D: Thanks for your insight into Joan Baez. She certainly is a talented and accomplished artist, but her rendition of "Dixie" still leaves me cold.

Posted on Tue Oct 5 22:16:05 CEST 1999 from proxy-443.public.paix.webtv.net (209.240.197.37)

Just Wonderin'

I finally tracked down a copy of "Libby Titus". Can anyone tell me what she has done in recent years? I know she appeared on a compilation of children's songs with Carly Simon. Anything else?

Posted on Tue Oct 5 22:05:53 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-046.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.46)

Peter Viney

The ease with which you can set up hot mail addresses is beginning to get us back to where we were a while ago. Fake addresses with fake names. Electricity Bill was from “Landofsnow.com”, but it costs money to register addresses like this. We’ve also heard this “Hoskyns = red rag to a bull” stuff plenty of times before too. Hi. How are you doing, anonymous one? As a book review just this week in the Sunday Times said, there are distinct advantages in biographers NOT meeting their subjects. They’re fans before they become biographers, and are thus easily swayed into the official version as soon as they do meet them.

But I agree with my old friend “Jill Webb” (what?) that Wilonsky says erroneously, “As Levon … told Barney Hoskyns…” which should have been something like, “As Levon, from an interview / article quoted in Hoskyns book, said …”. Wilonsky did a good article, with interesting quotes from Robbie, and I enjoyed it in spite of the factual odds and bits that we might object to. It is an article on Robbie, not on The Band. But his “facts” compare broadly with Levon’s book. This is what Levon /Stephen Davies say (as Bones correctly points out):

“(Robbie’s mother) met a guy named Klegermann with whom she had a son in July 1943, Jaime (pronounced Jamie) Robert. Mr Klegermann was a professional card player and gambler, as his son later described him. He was killed while changing a tire on the Queen Elizabeth Highway between Toronto and Niagara Falls when his son was a baby. Robbie’s mum married a Mr Robertson …”

So the “shot down” might be embroidery (from Hoskyns) but Levon still gets the names round the same way as Wilonsky. And I fail to understand why Robbie’s major role is not acknowledged by some, whether as guitar genius with The Hawks, catalyst with Dylan or main songwriter with The Band. In their heart of hearts, I believe the actual members must know that Robbie was a vital cog. Looking through Levon’s book yet again, there’s plenty of praise as well as blame.

Bill Rappaport: I’m with you on Levon, though you might discount my opinion as one of these so-called regulars. I think he managed total conviction on Robbie’s words, and suspect he enjoyed combining his down-to-earth voice with some of the more high-falutin’ elements in Robbie’s songs ( and muses gather by the river of tears we shed, for example). I particularly agree that the unstated opinon ( “the implication that Levon is too much of a hayseed to speak so poetically” ) underestimates the gentleman severely. I also agree that “White Cadillac” has completely appropriate lyrics for a Band compilation, and that Randy Ciarlante fully deserves to be in there. Absolutely. The ties that bind. The dues that have been paid. I think that overall “Best of The Band Vol 2” is a weird endeavour though. There’s nothing to appeal to long-term fans who have all three albums already, and commercially that’s really dumb. One track was all it needed.

Posted on Tue Oct 5 21:55:06 CEST 1999 from 1cust46.tnt6.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.11.190.46)

Dan Krueger

FAR OUT WEBSITE! LOVE IT! THE BAND RULES!

Posted on Tue Oct 5 21:45:20 CEST 1999 from trt-on22-02.netcom.ca (207.181.87.130)

John D

Just for a moment I would like to jump in on the Joan Baez chat. It's no secret, that like her (one time?) close friend Bob Dylan, she had a voice that was one of an angel or drove people nuts. I never understood the latter. I always thought she sang beautifully. Her version of Phil Ochs "There But For Fortune" was great; as was her "Any Day Now" Lp (CD) in her tribute to Dylan. What seemed to bother many about "Dixie Down" was putting in the word "blood" below his feet, instead of "mud". Other than that, it brought the words and music of The Band to others.

Posted on Tue Oct 5 20:56:50 CEST 1999 from (208.218.212.254)

David Powell

At the age of 61, McKinley Morganfield, better known as Muddy Waters, gave one of the most energetic guest performances at The Last Waltz. Sadly, Muddy passed away in 1983. Blind Pig Records recently released a CD of live performances of Muddy & his band recorded in 1971 entitled "Muddy Waters / The Lost Tapes."

The album contains previously unreleased live recordings taped at Washington University and Oregon University. Muddy's excellent band at the time included Pinetop Perkins on piano, George "Harmonica" Smith, Sammy Lawhorn & Pee Wee Madison on guitars, Calvin "Fuzz" Jones on bass and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith on drums. An added attraction of these performances is that Muddy is featured playing his trademark, buzz-saw slide solos on his red Telecaster.

The songs include "Honey Bee, Hoochie Coochie Man, Walking Thru The Park, Trouble No More, Just to Be With You, She's 19 Years Old (with Muddy's playful introduction), Long Distance Call, Mannish Boy, Crawlin' Kingsnake and Got My Mojo Working."

Blind Pig has done a fine job on the digital transfer--the songs sound amazingly fresh & dynamic. In addition, an enhanced CD program is included that contains a video interview with Muddy along with a video performance of "Long Distance Call"! These multimedia programs are configured to run on Windows compatible computers only. The "Long Distance Call" video is outstanding, containing close-ups of Muddy's style of playing slide. I highly recommend this CD.

Posted on Tue Oct 5 20:36:40 CEST 1999 from 2cust113.tnt11.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.133.241)

Bill Rappaport

Regarding recent "unsubstantiated opinions" I (although not a huge Joan Baez fan) think she did a very admirable job of covering "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down." One of Joan's strongpoints is her ability to infuse a sense of conviction and emotion into other people's songs. I think it's superior to Jackie DeShannon's version of "The Weight." Regarding the contention that Levon sounds "very awkward" singing "and muses gather by the river of the tears we shed" the implication that Levon is too much of a hayseed to speak so poetically is clear no matter how you try to wriggle out of it. People dumping on "White Cadillac" just an "opinion?" Indeed - an opinon that the song stinks - and completely unsubstantiated to boot! It seems to me that some GB posters (i.e. The self-appointed "Regulars") are entitled to express "opinions" while others cannot do so without being called "bashers" or threatened that Jan will be summoned to "pull the plug" on them. Shades of George Orwell's ANIMAL FARM where "All Animals Are Equal - But Some Are More Equal Than Others."

Posted on Tue Oct 5 20:33:20 CEST 1999 from ric-wht-pxy-int01.wheatfirst.com (204.238.130.67)

Bones

Tinker Street: You have it turned around. Robbie's birth father was Klagerman, and he took his step-father's name which was Robertson. The author was right on that fact, but the thing that got me was the fact that he was born in 1944. Wasn't it 1943?

Posted on Tue Oct 5 19:18:20 CEST 1999 from trt-on24-96.netcom.ca (207.181.99.224)

Tinker Street

Wolinsky writes of Robertson......"He was born in May 1944, the son of a Mohawk mother and a Jewish gangster. He would never know his father; the man known as Klagerman was shot down long before the son was old enough to remember him."

I love good fiction. Robbie's birth father was named Jim Robertson. Klagerman was someone whose Robbie's mother took up with later on. Klagerman was killed changing a tire on the Queensway in W. Toronto. The gangster part makes for good reading. Robbie's birth father died a few years back in Bellville Ontario. Robbie did not attend the funeral. When Dylan used to make up stories of his youth, I thought they were "fun." I now prefer the truth. Then again Robbie (or his handlers) tell a good story.

Posted on Tue Oct 5 18:36:17 CEST 1999 from (154.11.214.69)

Jill Webb

Wilonsky's essay is insulting and a twisted repetition of an old and well known story. Hoskyns NEVER spoke to ANY of the Band members for his book. All band members refused to see him, and that went for anyone even remotely connected to the organization. Where does Wilonsky get off saying " As Levon ...told Hoskyns for his book ...etc." Of course Mr Viney liked the piece. But what does he know ?

Posted on Tue Oct 5 15:21:42 CEST 1999 from gw33.telekomus.com (206.2.196.66)

Band Thought For Today

"Don't Ya Tell Henry" from The Basement Tapes represents some of the tightest musicianship ever recorded by The Band (and one of the very best vocal performances by Levon). Say what you will about Moondog Matinee, The Band could always knock the socks off of songs they did not write themselves. *JS

Posted on Tue Oct 5 15:02:39 CEST 1999 from proxy-523.public.rwc.webtv.net (209.240.200.113)

Just Wonderin'

I like White Cadillac...I think it gives a nod to The Hawk, so it is relevant on the new release. Lil: Mice? Get a cat! That makes 'em move out real fast!!

Posted on Tue Oct 5 12:57:54 CEST 1999 from alb1-as5200-04-4.termserv.net (208.20.67.4)

Diamond Lil

Love ducks, avoid hitting their little families as they waddle across the roads here as often as I can...so I assure you that ruffling your feathers was not my intention. However, I have to cry "fowl" at your last post.

I think (among Band fans at least), that Joan's rendition of Dixie is a duckin travesty. If I'm wrong, may _the_ robert e lee dock in the hudson harbor and spew seaweed all over my new car.

Noone.._noone_..called (or even insinuated) that Levon is dumb. The word was "awkward", which in duckese would mean your feet hanging out of the duck soup pot. It just doesn't fit.

The comment about 'White Cadillac' sounded like an opinion to me, something ducks may not be familiar with. People have em...it's what makes for good discussion. And btw...I agree with Ghostrider's assertion that including the tune on the Best of 2 may very well be a 'thanks' from the senior members to Randy.

And lastly Mal..I like you..you're one helluva duck..and it's nice to have you floating around the tub. But if Jan ever 'pulls the plug' again, remember that little duckies fit very nicely down the drain :-)

Posted on Tue Oct 5 04:54:54 CEST 1999 from spider-wn044.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.169)

Ghost Rider

ROD:

Why did White Cadillac make it on to Best of The Band, Volume II, you ask? My guess is that it was meant to be a gesture of generosity by the "senior members" to Randy, for his dedicated service to The Band (and to Levon and Rick's plentiful side projects, too.) Randy gets the writng credit, and a lead vocal, to boot.

Posted on Tue Oct 5 04:23:51 CEST 1999 from 2cust43.tnt11.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.133.171)

Mal(GREENHEAD)Mallard

Well, "Sufferin' succotash!" as my cousin Daffy would say!! After several weeks of R&R (the Rest & Relaxation kind) here in the old Duck Pond, I turn to the GB and what do I see - nuthin' but negativity and criticism! "Joanie shoulda never have done DIXIE," "Levon sounds awkward" (just 'cause he talks like a farm boy don't mean he's dumb y'know!), and WHITE CADILLAC described a weak track!! I thought this place had shaped up after Jan pulled the plug - but just look at the shape it's in!! I'm outta here! Quack! Quack! ~~~waddle ~~~waddle

Posted on Tue Oct 5 02:48:14 CEST 1999 from alb3-as5200-11-107.termserv.net (208.20.67.107)

Diamond Lil

Matt K : 'Diversity of opinion' is what makes the world go round. Just think of how boring life (not to mention this guestbook) would be if everyone agreed with everyone about everything. Personal tastes, likes and dislikes, are what make for interesting discussion. Other than the fact that we all pretty much agree that Joanie never shoulda done Dixie, I like the fact that we can all agree to disagree at times.

Rod: Yes, Levon does sound _very_ awkward singing "and muses gather by the river of the tears we shed". Always wondered though. 'Muses' as in poets? As in dreamers? As in the daughters of Zeus, who interestingly enough each presided over one of the liberal arts? Anyone know? Thanks in advance if anyone does..

And to anyone interested (llkka?)...frog season is over in crazyville and all is silent in the night outside. However, I have this mouse _inside_ and the little sucker's too fast for me. Tried glue traps (the dog, the kids..everyone got stuck _except_ the mouse). No real reason for mentioning that...just thought I'd throw it in as one of those non-sequitor tid-bits of the trials and tribulations of autumn in upstate New York ( not to mention the 'leaf peepers' who are now here in droves to "ooh" and "aah" at the trees changing color :-)

Shutting up now. Tend to ramble when tired. Am tired. Goodnight.

Posted on Tue Oct 5 02:13:35 CEST 1999 from proxy-523.public.rwc.webtv.net (209.240.200.113)

Jim Borchert

Thanks for the related bands info and a great page of my personal favorite "JACK KNIFE AND THE SHARPS".'Ace Cafe'is a study of rock and roll stripped down for speed,muffler in the ash can.Guitar,drums,stand up bass & a pack of Chesterfield Kings-all you need.So far the only place on the web I've found to buy the disk is http:/www.tt.net/channel83/catalog.html.Quickest way to get your doctorate in cool.If you have the misfortune of coming to Minnesota You MUST check these guys out!My sucky lil'webpage is http:community:webtv.net/jackknifesharps/ for their Midwest schedule.

Posted on Mon Oct 4 22:43:00 CEST 1999 from cf3k-3.paradise.net.nz (203.96.152.183)

Rod

Winding back a couple of days .... I can understand why Watkin's Glen wasn't released in the 70's. We already had ROA at that time with BTF and TLW shortly to follow. All three are superior performances to WG.

Why did White Cadillac make it on the The Best Of The Band II ? IMHO it's one of the weakest tracks on Jubilation with Garth reduced to blowing a whistle.

Finally, does any one else think Levon sounds awkward singing "and muses gather by the river of the tears we shed"?

Posted on Mon Oct 4 22:01:03 CEST 1999 from host30.pm4.laurel.us.net (198.240.94.30)

mattk

Despite my distaste for the name-callers that popup occassionally, I (for one) think the headbutting here 'bouts results in some of the best insights and interest. Strong opinions (ok, strong, fair-minded, and well-reasoned opinions) are what make any topic worth discussing. "Diversity of opinion" is a bad thing? For myself, the day this becomes a rah-rah board filled with nothing but "Levon Rocks" and "Garth Rules" posts is the day I high-tail it outta here.

As for writing, I'm just a pedantic and overly verbose kinda guy who's been chatting in forums like this online for over 10 years. My WIFE, however, is an aspiring author...if anyone knows a good (honest) agent specializing in "creative non-fiction"....

Matt

Posted on Mon Oct 4 20:35:38 CEST 1999 from ric-wht-pxy-int02.wheatfirst.com (204.238.130.68)

Bones

Ahroo: Robbie has the say as to which tracks get released; however, the record company can play the game as to which country should get a certain release. As far as Redboy is concerned, Robbie liked and wanted to include "Take Your Partner..." , but it was not consistant to the theme of the album so it was considered a bonus track. He liked "Holy Hell" and "Pray" well enough to allow them to get released, but did not feel they worked as well with regard to the album. Maybe he felt it would have made the record too long, I don't know.

Posted on Mon Oct 4 20:33:21 CEST 1999 from jan-hoiberg.hiof.no (158.36.52.15)

JH

Bobby,
The video you are looking for is Levon Helm on Drums and Drumming, aka Classic Rock,Country and Blues Grooves. Available for $29.95 from Homespun Videos.

Posted on Mon Oct 4 10:12:22 CEST 1999 from spider-wm064.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.179)

Lee

Thank you Mr Paul Briggs for the news in Little Rock. I didn't know Garth had gone on this trip too. Excellent.

I think Ian & Sylvia's material is available on Stoney Plain in Canada. Also check out Jim Colegroves web site, there's a link on here somewhere.

Posted on Mon Oct 4 08:37:04 CEST 1999 from spider-tk061.proxy.aol.com (152.163.206.201)

Bobby Rhea

A drummer in the band put out an instructinal book on country drumming. Does anyone know whats the name or purchase location?

Posted on Mon Oct 4 06:12:12 CEST 1999 from 165.san-francisco-01-02rs.ca.dial-access.att.net (12.72.0.165)

Anne Cohen

This is really a neat website. However I am a fan of Ian and Sylvia who I admire for their talent and wonderful duets as well as their canadian origins. I am going to need some help in locating their albulm from Columbia Records which is titled, "The Best of Ian and Sylvia: and was formerly titled " You are on my Mind and The Great Speckled Bird. The Greatest hits are the following... More often than Not, Summer Wages, Shark and the Cockroaches, Last Lonely Eagle, Joshua, Bill(Will you Please take me Home), Antelope, Everybody has to say Goodbye( I think Sylvia's mother played the organ on that one) Salmon in the Sea, Miriam, and etc. Please help me try to locate a possible cd.( my folks have a record at their home and it is about to get scratched up from the old malfunctioning record player that we no longer have) Please let me know how I can get assistance with this or if there is any other fans of Ian And Sylvia (who are still around after all these years!) Thank you!!!

Posted on Mon Oct 4 05:43:36 CEST 1999 from pm1-47.delrio.com (204.216.51.67)

Just Wonderin'

Ahroo: I suspect that "Holy Hell" could be considered not appropriate by Capitol. It's my favorite on the disc, but it is a strong statement by some standards. Funny thing about bootlegs: I just got a copy of "The Band Friends and Other Strangers" on the disc it says "All rights of the producer and of the owner of the work reproduced reserved. Unauthorised copying, hiring, lending, public performance and broadcasting of this record prohibited." I think that's pretty funny to see on a bootleg!

Posted on Mon Oct 4 05:35:47 CEST 1999 from 1cust248.tnt6.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.11.190.248)

Donald Dreyfus

I think there was some concern at that point by Martin Scorcese that if The Hawk and Elvis got on the same stage together it might collapse and ruin his multi-million dollar undertaking.

Posted on Mon Oct 4 04:57:50 CEST 1999 from stcath-ppp73073.sympatico.ca (216.208.72.72)

Richard Patterson

Lars: Good point about "I Shall Be Released" and "Whispering Pines" having Richard singing in the stratasphere, but it is in falsetto, except for the lower bits of "WP". Mick Jagger has been known to say that it is the most difficult thing in the world to pull off on stage (and has certainly provided us with some dismal proof!). Perhaps this is why Richard was exausted by the end of a gig? Perhaps why he had a hard time wanting to do the old hits with the Band is back? He looks alot more comfortable singing "The Shape I'm In" (on TLW, with Rick on a high harmony part). His speaking voice is almost as low as Garth's, which make me wonder if the interview segments were done on show night.

Rick is in fact a man of many accents including Richard, Bob Dylan, Levon (new addition), and a fairly realistic Jamaican accent for "Rivers of Babylon", but it's the tell-tale high notes in natural tenor that he can only do in his Rick Danko accent.

Not at all a critism of Richard folks. Along with Ray Charles he is the most soulfull singer to have walked on this planet.

Barb: Elvis was still performing at the time of TLW and could have been invited. He was obviously an influence on Levon. Can't imagine Mr. Hawkins standing offstage at TLW watching Elvis perform though :-)

Posted on Mon Oct 4 04:56:56 CEST 1999 from spider-wa054.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.44)

Ben Turkel

I'm curious if anyone has the bootleg cd'Tears of Grief' and wonder how the sound quality is. I believe that the show that it's from is described as 'muddy' in the tape archive. I'm also curious about other peoples' favorite live cd's or tapes of the Band. I listened to the Hollywood bowl cd last week and was surprised that it sounded so good. For some reason I had remembered it as only having fair sound quality. If they remixed that a bit it could be officially released.

Posted on Mon Oct 4 04:09:44 CEST 1999 from cr814537-a.yec1.on.wave.home.com (24.114.21.181)

Jerry Tenenbaum

In "What's new", there is a listing of the cuts on the new "Volume 2". It is suggested there that "Youngblood" is not previously released. However, some versions of "High On The Hog" do indeed have the 11th cut (listed on the back on ALL versions) actually playing as cut 11, while the common release has only 10 cuts.

Posted on Mon Oct 4 03:13:29 CEST 1999 from 1cust221.tnt12.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.136.221)

Mr. Yurgus

For one week in the early '60s when Elvis was playing the Sahara in Vegas the Jordanaires took ill and Rick, Levon, Richard, and Robbie filled in for them at the hotel owner's request providing backup vocals and dressed in snazzy suits and ties. I was at the front center table or maybe that was just a dream I had. I also had lunch with George Harrison and Alfred Hitchcock once at a McDonald's in Toledo Ohio but that's a story for another website.

Posted on Mon Oct 4 03:03:55 CEST 1999 from spider-wj064.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.49)

GHOST RIDER

PAUL BRIGGS:

Thanks for the news about Levon's "Southern Tour." To hear that he's playing with James Cotton and (especially) with Garth is great news. Tell us more about the show you saw

Posted on Mon Oct 4 02:49:28 CEST 1999 from spider-te043.proxy.aol.com (152.163.195.193)

Paul Briggs

I saw Levon and Garth perform,along with Ronnie Hawkins, James Cotton,and Amy Helm in Little Rock, Arkansas. Levon said he will be in Nashville,TN Monday nite, (Oct.4)playing @ a club called Shuttler's.(not sure of spelling) I told him I would post this,and send his "regards for everyone."

Posted on Mon Oct 4 02:22:33 CEST 1999 from proxy1-external.blfld1.ct.home.com (24.4.252.36)

AHROOO!!

I’ve been curious about a couple of things for a while. Why are some songs (titled as imports) only available in certain countries? Do these songs actually become hits in places such as England, Germany and Japan? What makes them become “singles” or “bonus tracks?” I found myself listening to the Japan import of “Redboy.” My mother has gotten attached to the rhythm of “Holy Hell,” and asked me why it was never released in the U.S. I had no idea. I’ve noticed this a few times, is the artist more viable or more popular elsewhere?

Another thing is in regards to bootlegs and outtakes (one in the same). Upon listening to some things unreleased by either Robbie (solo) or The Band (Jericho outtakes) there are some really GREAT things that haven’t made it to the mixing board yet. Where do bootlegs come from? Is it the engineers who get a hold of a copy and release it to a few “friends” or the producer happens to let these slide from production and knows they will be distributed?

Why haven’t these seen the light of day? I feel it’s better to have them heard than burn up in a studio or get thrown away by the record company (a la Basement Tapes). Is there any chance that these would be cleaned up and released somewhere down the line? If not, all I have to say is that would be a shame.

AHROOO!!

Posted on Mon Oct 4 02:14:02 CEST 1999 from (216.145.155.22)

Barb

Enjoyed the site very much. Had a question that may or may not be answered. Elvis did a song ""Where Did They Go Lord". The Band and Robbie's style is so unique......did they ever do back up for Elvis?

Posted on Mon Oct 4 02:10:30 CEST 1999 from 209-130-201-64.nas-2.mon.frontiernet.net (209.130.201.64)

Lars Pedersen

RICHARD PATTERSON: You raise some interesting questions, not that I want to revert back to the "Holy Smoke" discussion (which has already been beaten to death), but I question whether Rick (even in his prime) could go higher than Richard. I mean, Richard is in the STRATASPHERE when he sings "I Shall Be Released" and "Whispering Pines."

Both Rick and Richard had a lot of range and even Levon could push it up when it was needed. I have to admit that when I first started listening to Band music I couldn't tell who was on lead and who was doing harmony (if it involved Rick and Richard; it's pretty hard to not recognize Levon). Rick has a different accent. Richard might give you a telltale growl. I like the story Levon tells of how they would rehearse a new song and everyone would get a chance to sing lead. Then they would go with the vocalist who best fit with the song.

Posted on Mon Oct 4 01:13:14 CEST 1999 from icache-3.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

"SMILING BOB,,,THIS IS NOT A GUEST BOOK, IT'S MORE LIKE A FORUM, ON A GUEST BOOK YOU SIGN IT AND GO AWAY, BUT A FORUM KEEPS ON GOING, BACK TO BACK, SUCH AS A CHATROOM!!!

Posted on Sun Oct 3 21:16:45 CEST 1999 from 1cust14.tnt14.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.142.14)

Housefrau Hil

Joke or no joke (can't figure out which) I really like Smilin' Bob's proposal to rename the Guestbook the "Positive Comments Book" as I too am disturbed by all the negativity and diversity of opinion one often encounters in here. Well, gotta get back to my vacuuming now -- have a nice day everyone!

Posted on Sun Oct 3 21:04:40 CEST 1999 from jan-hoiberg.hiof.no (158.36.52.15)

Jan H.

Richard,
If you "preview" and do not want to "submit", then hit the "cancel" button, and your entry will be sent to kingdom come...

Posted on Sun Oct 3 20:19:41 CEST 1999 from stcath-ppp73051.sympatico.ca (216.208.72.50)

Richard Patterson

'Lil': Have been diving into the archives in the last few days. Found the "Holy Cow" discussion, and yes it is pretty funny. My vote goes with Rick for lead vocal. You can tell when he hits the high notes-it's effortless-Holy Smoke. Rick has an incredibly high range. "It Makes No Difference" was originally recorded in the key of A, but I can't touch the high notes unless I drop it down to G (also easier to play as the verse then starts in C).

'Moondog Matinee': This has always been a favorite album of mine, maybe because I've always loved old time Juke Joint-type rock and roll. And of course the Band has had much experience in that field. Levon has a knack with Chuck Berry lyrics. Both "Promised Land" and then current "Back to Memphis" (from WG) are brilliant. He even cuts Elvis on the former (whose last good 70s hit single was "Promised Land") and "Mystery Train" is far from being a lazy bar band cover. I think the arrangement of "Mystery Train" is quite clever and complex. "Ain't Got a Home" again, sounds written for Levon. "Third Man Theme" is another clever arrangement and a reminder of a very cool movie. Richards contributions are all amazing; "Share Your Love" and "Saved" are my faves.

Also made a few observations as I dug through old posts; 1. The level of the quality of writing in this questbook is very high. Writers like Viney, Powell, mattk, and a few less frequent contibutors should be compiling their reviews and analysis into books. Maybe they have already. Does anyone know of any books by GB authors?

2. catbalu: "Sitting in Limbo" is by Jimmy Cliff. I have it on the "Harder They Come" sountrack from '72 (which also includes "Rivers of Babylon" by the Melodians). The Neville Brothers also did a very nice cover of "Sitting in Limbo" on 'Fiyo on the Bayou' from '81.

3.Jan, then there are those of us who hit "preview" but don't want to "submit". Looking at that last post you found by me, I "previewed" it and decided I disagreed with the sentiments. Although I do like the part about the Band being "sprung" and "propelling in all directions" :-)

Posted on Sun Oct 3 18:58:34 CEST 1999 from t3o26p44.telia.com (195.198.156.164)

Steve Grahn

Hi! Just a regard from the bluesband THREE STUDS AND A STONE we are working on the other side of the world and keeping the blues alive in Sweden

Posted on Sun Oct 3 17:37:54 CEST 1999 from jan-hoiberg.hiof.no (158.36.52.15)

Jan H.

Ben,
You need to submit your entry after having previewed it, please read the instructions given when signing the guestbook. I found something from you in the server cache, that I included below.

Posted on Fri Oct 1 22:04:59 CEST 1999 from spider-to047.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.23)

Ben Pike

Nice to see the new faces around here. If any of you Band hardcores would like to get a copy of the Time Mag with them on the cover, you may be able to pick one up on Ebay for well under ten bucks. I did. And I noticed some other people were putting them up for sale.

Posted on Sat Oct 2 02:50:35 CEST 1999 from ppp613.on.bellglobal.com (206.172.238.37)

Richard Patterson

I've always loved this description of the Band;

From Christgau's Record Guide: NL/SC, "I've always been put off by the sprung quality of the Band's music-the sense that if someone were to undo the catch it's works would be propelled forth in all directions. Instead of energizing the impulse to piece together the lyrics-in the manner of the Stones, not to mention Bob Dylan-the sound of albums like 'Music from Big Pink' and 'Stage Fright' (though not 'The Band' or 'The Basement Tapes') tends to reinforce their own metaphorical impenetrability."

Maybe this is what we all love about them ?

Posted on Sun Oct 3 16:27:51 CEST 1999 from du-tele3-051.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.51)

Peter Viney

Back in England: It’s good reviewing a whole week of missed posts. I thought the Wilonsky article on Robbie was pretty good, though “Virgin Kane” has to be one of the funnier typos of recent months. Maybe he meant it! He does describe The Band as “the world’s greatest rock band”, a statement backed up by a recent completely honest Norwegian internet poll :-)

I was sorry not to be able to join the now somewhat ancient debate on “Acadian Driftwood”. I agree with Bill Munson about the “plains of Abraham” not necessarily being a reference of any religious significance, even though Robbie uses a great deal of biblical imagery elsewhere. When I was at school in Britain in the late 50s / early 60s, Wolfe in Canada, Clive in India were emphasized as two of the major figures in world history, taught in classrooms adorned with world maps where large blobs of pink indicated the British Commonwealth. I suspect that Canadian classrooms in Robbie’s (and Bill’s) schooldays would have placed a similar emphasis on Wolfe, and that the battle on the plains of Abraham was considered a major event. I believe it’s where “Don’t fire till you see the whites of their eyes” comes from. I don’t think the word itself would be analyzed any more than a reference to Boston harbor or Gettysburg would be analyzed by Americans. Just too familiar!

Posted on Sun Oct 3 13:07:20 CEST 1999 from spider-to083.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.83)

Lee

Watkins Glen.

I recall reading an interview with Robbie Robertson from the 70s, he's talking about working on the tapes for Watkins Glen and that they're sounding good. Obviously, EMI decided to drop the idea of releasing these tapes until resurfacing in the 90s. Of course, some of the tapes on the EMI released Watkins Glen are phoney. Have no idea how many people realised this but there you go. Demos were used and quite possibly recorded tracks from different venues, possibly a different year too.

Posted on Sun Oct 3 12:54:25 CEST 1999 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Smilin' Ragtime

Hey Bob, if we have it your way we'd better get rid of this whole guestbook. Only Positive Comments are boring, don't ya think?

Oh, now I see. You were joking! Well, you fooled me... :-)

Posted on Sun Oct 3 08:49:47 CEST 1999 from 1cust47.tnt9.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.128.47)

Smilin' Bob

I have been a big Band fan for about as long as I can remember and saw them as the Hawks with Dylan, many times as The Band, Rick teamed up with Richard and Blondie Chaplin, and the new Band also (5x). I have all of the Band's collective and individual recordings and videos and must say that I like everything they have done both together and apart. In fact, I don't even have any "favorite" songs or albums as to me they are all equal in their quality. Unfortunately, some people who do have favorite songs, members, etc. like to post their opinions in the Guestbook and I do find this somewhat offensive as I think such comments have absolutely no place on The Band website. I propose that the Guestbook's name be changed to the "Positive Comments Book" so that people will be more inclined to agree with one another and not say anything negative about The Band, it's past and present members, individual songs etc. After all, harmony is what music is all about and the world needs more of it!

Posted on Sun Oct 3 07:47:13 CEST 1999 from arc1a20.bf.sover.net (209.198.80.20)

Gerry Nason

The information about the Watkins Glen Summer Jam of 1993 was interesting. It said that the Band's live recordings were the only ones surviving the event. I was wondering if anyone knows what happened to the Dead and Allman Brothers tapes, and the inevitable question of what happened to these recordings in the first place. With 650,000 in attendance, and the national media attention focusing on the event dailey, the albums would have gone gold instantly upon release for all three bands. Why wait until 1994 to release the Band's live CD? Did some engineer screw up the recordings? Were the tapes damaged in the storm, and if so then the Allman Brothers came on after the rain stopped should have survived. The Dead had finished playing for over 90 minutes already when the rains came. Their tapes should have been put away securely, if the engineer was even remotely professional. If anyone has information regarding these mysteries or knows of other web sites with information about this event, I would appreciate hearing from you. Ever since I attended the event in 1973, I have wanted to know the truth about this. What ever happened, it cost the promoters and the bands a bundle of money. I was waiting for years to buy them. Twenty one years later, I purchased the Band's CD with inflated dollars that didn't spend quite as well for them or the record company. Thank you for any help that you can give.

Posted on Sun Oct 3 07:03:08 CEST 1999 from icache-3.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Hey everyone,,,I just had my 2nd year aniversary show last night, and hoping for TWO more! Long live MUSIC, no matter what kind it is!!!!

Posted on Sun Oct 3 05:24:13 CEST 1999 from spider-tq033.proxy.aol.com (152.163.201.58)

Ben Pike

ONce again, I seemed to have had a perfectly harmless post deleated.... what's up?

Posted on Sun Oct 3 04:41:41 CEST 1999 from stk-pm1-57-185.dialup.slip.net (207.171.230.185)

Tweetypie

Magpie: I can't beweive anyone would pick on Garth Bwooks in the Band website guestbook. Now maybe if Garth Hudson had shaved his head, and changed his name to Puff Garthy Garth,,, there might be something worth commenting about. Otherwise, life is too showrt to wowry our poowr widdle heads over such twivia. I'm mad as hell and I'm not gonna take it anymowwa! Gimmee a Breawwwk!!!! I'm outa here! flap... flap...flap...

Posted on Sun Oct 3 02:45:32 CEST 1999 from host29.pm4.laurel.us.net (198.240.94.29)

mattk

Lil, other than the glib comments of a few new posters, I don't see us going down that road again. Like I said, if we want to discuss the relative merits of solo works from a MUSICAL perspective, I'm all for it. "The fued" is one-sided and silly, and frankly beneath everyone who is participating, vicariously or otherwise.

Matt

Posted on Sun Oct 3 01:19:39 CEST 1999 from 1cust16.tnt6.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.11.190.16)

magpie

Looks like Garth Brooks is now taking the cue from Robbie in seeking a new audience for his music although I personally think he should have shaved his head (wouldn't take much) and become a rapper instead of a grunge rocker. This proves Robbie made the right decision in breaking new ground.

Posted on Sat Oct 2 20:46:44 CEST 1999 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime

Hey Mary, great to hear about your new Baby Bear Band Fan! She's dressed in big pink no doubt... :-) Many congrats from me. But what's the little girls name? "Levonette" gets my vote... :-)

Posted on Sat Oct 2 19:43:53 CEST 1999 from alb2-as5200-33-81.termserv.net (208.20.67.81)

Diamond Lil

John: Yup...Wilonsky was the same guy who did the Levon 'looking back in anger' article back at the beginning of this year. Didn't like him then..still don't like him now. Seems like he has a way of purposely trying to show those he interviews in a negative light. Not saying some of what's said might not be factual, just gets tedious constantly reading about the old 'ghosts' in and surrounding The Band.

And now, reading back on some of the more recent posts, I find that we're playing that who screwed who game again. Count me out. Not tonight. I have a headache....

And for those who asked, Mary(Bear) had a baby girl (6lbs-9oz) on Thursday September 30 :-)

Posted on Sat Oct 2 18:15:09 CEST 1999 from trt-on7-52.netcom.ca (216.123.37.52)

John D

Isn't Wilonsky the same guy; from the same paper; who did an interview with Levon a few months back?

Posted on Sat Oct 2 16:12:14 CEST 1999 from dialin-210.poughkeepsie.bestweb.net (216.179.14.44)

Gene

Cahoots doesn't get much play around here but I do like "4% Pantomime".

Posted on Sat Oct 2 07:37:18 CEST 1999 from 1cust147.tnt14.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.142.147)

Crabgrass

Just read the article on Robbie by Robert Wilonsky. My only comment - If Wilonsky isn't already Robbie's publicity agent he should be signed up immediately!

Posted on Sat Oct 2 07:00:14 CEST 1999 from 1cust147.tnt14.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.142.147)

Waldo Schneider

The playing and vocals are definitely up to snuff on Cahoots but the songs are lacking in musical inventiveness. The best two are "Shootout In Chinatown" and the Dylan song "When I Paint My Masterpiece." I've always viewed "Life is a Carnival" as a substandard re-write of "W.S. Walcott Medicine Show" - it really drags for me. The rest are very forgettable. You don't forget great songs when you hear them like "King Harvest," "Dixie," "The Weight," Jemima Surrender," or any of the rest of the songs on the first three albums on which every single track is terrific. "Cahoots" is a great title for a Band album however.

Posted on Sat Oct 2 06:34:07 CEST 1999 from proxy-423.public.paix.webtv.net (209.240.197.21)

Just Wonderin'

MattK: Your last two posts were great! Well said.

Posted on Sat Oct 2 05:48:11 CEST 1999 from ppp672.on.bellglobal.com (206.172.238.96)

Richard Patterson

mattk: Nice analysis of Virginia Woolf.

John D: You got me lookin' for re-runs of Dr. Quinn.

French Connection: Kate and Anna McGarrigle are playing at Brock University in St Catharines on Nov 4...Bruce Cockburn Oct 7.

Posted on Sat Oct 2 02:41:53 CEST 1999 from icache-3.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Thanks for your support DAVE and SUE, I think people just didn't really understand *CAHOOTS*, or the meaning of the songs, which of coarse are different to everyone!

Posted on Sat Oct 2 00:26:19 CEST 1999 from tfsmdfw1.cda.com (199.97.12.240)

mattk

Dave,

My take is that RR was working out the ability to "conceptualize" during those albums, but kept it mostly to long "story songs" like Daniel and the Sacred Harp. Certainly the ability to enforce a big concept on a group concept is difficult without major conflict--like Pink Floyd or the Who. Of course, like those groups, certainly The Band suffers from creative acrimony, even 15 years after RR left. Perhaps it was that very struggle that lies at the source of his departure. History tells us that the albums after Stagefright featured more and more creative difficulties for The Band. I expect this "creative ownership" is precisely why RR is viewed as such a villian in these parts. Seems like there is a need to validate EVERYONE's input in addition to or over RR due to the portrayal of The Band as "Robbie's group" by the popular press. I really don't think RR thinks HE was the be-all-and-end-all of the group--but then again, I certainly don't know him. However, everything I've ever read by or about hims paints him as a guy who feels he composed most of the later material, but longed for the more interactive days of the BT, MBP and the "brown" album. Personally, I think this dichotomy is exactly what drove a stake into the group in the early-70s, but then again, it's just a theory.

As far as his later solo work, I do think that on the later albums RR is trying to answer to a "higher power" in the form of his heritage. He seems to feel it's important to get support and acceptance of his new work from the Native American community, certainly from the elders in his tribe. Based on what I've seen on other boards, despite criticism around here, RR has definitely touched a chord in among Native Americans, who see him as a validation of their musical culture. This is partly what rankle's me about blanketly negative comments about Red Boy, etc...RR is not looking to impress Band fans. He's moved on and is working on capturing the respect and imagination of a different group of people. I wonder if folks would be as hard on him if he was simply regurgitating the old formulas. However, I feel that if you are making this many people angry, you're probably doing something right...

Matt

Posted on Fri Oct 1 23:32:51 CEST 1999 from polaris-fw1.nspco.com (206.10.243.20)

Dave Z

Hey Matt, You may be right... I don't know... I thought I remember reading in the GB archives about Cahoots being a concept album... Anyway, I like the de-constructionist stuff that goes on in this GB and elsewhere... and as I just said above I have been listening to Cahoots alot lately, and I just love the piano on songs like Where Do We Go From Here? and Smoke Signals... I don't hear that on any other Band albums... and I also read the Robbie article mentioned, but found most interesting his comments on his artistic approach... especially the emotional vs. intellectual, living in the moment (sounds like Van), and that stuff about the dance (watching then doing/expressing with a fair amount of respect for the subjects and people involved)... Do you think Robbie has really just developed this aspect of his approach since leaving the Band?... Maybe being respectful of elders opinions is not much different than being respectful of how well a bandmate/vocalist will come off when singing his lyrics... and by the way I don't care or feel cheated if the lyrics in Cahoots or even the concepts aren't perfectly expressed or up to snuff in comparison to the first two albums... it's art, and I think the Band hints at things pretty good or maybe even leaves some room for our imagination to take over... and besides I just love that piano... nevertheless, I again thank the de-constructionists for helping me to think about the songs in different ways...

Posted on Fri Oct 1 22:01:23 CEST 1999 from tfsmdfw1.cda.com (199.97.12.240)

mattk

I think "Robbie's latest Native American "World Music" is absolutely fantastic!" If Crabgrass or the latest group of robbie-bashers would like to debate the relative merits of the specific songs, music, concepts or ideas going on in Red Boy or Native Americans, cool. If this is going to be another "you suck" vs. "no, YOU suck" type deals, count me out.

Sue, while appreciate your sentiment, I think it's a wee bit misguided. Just as I'd chide a Levon-ista for dismissing anything Robbie does out of hand, then reciprically, I'd caution that blanket statements pro or anti robbie, levon, or anyone is a unfair and not really good spirited.

Bones, I agree with you completely. After reading the article, I see Robbie making the same statements that he has since day the beginning whenever anyone would elevate the Band or himself to visionary status (e.g. statements like the basement tapes were inspired by bong hits and joints as much as anything else). I think RR sees his efforts with the Band as creating what he and the boys simply heard and did naturally, effortlessly. All of these guys have stated that the early music jsut kind of happened. Every member of the original five stated at one time or another that the difference between the first three and later albums was that the later albums took more work, but seem less inspired. Levon himself states regularly (usually as a veiled--or not-so-veiled--criticism of RR) that this music is about having a good time.

As for Marcus, he likes to ascribe higher meaning to things, philisophically that simply weren't there, at least cognizantly. This doesn't mean that his writing is without value, if viewed in the proper context.

I look at efforts like Marcus' (or analysis written here by folks like Viney, David Powell, myself) as useful in the same way the literary deconstruction is useful. If I write a freudian analysis of Virginia Woolf's "The Waves," I'm not stating that Woolf was inspired or motivated by Freud--I'm not necessarily saying that X factor is why the book was written. I am providing a potential reader different perspectives to view the work.

Deconstructionist thought is based on the theory that the meaning of any given work is in the eye of the perceiver. To a deconstructionist, what the author/artist/composer was inspired by is ultimately useless as each reader/viewer/listener templates their own experiences and perspective to a creative work. Ultimately, that's what makes any artistic endeavor a success or timeless: transcending time and space such that the reader/viewer/listener can take ownership of the work at the moment of perception.

So when I go off on the "French-Indian War," I may speculate that elements inspired "Acadian Driftwood," but ultimately, I'm not describing the mode of conception, I'm describing the mode of PERception.

In reading the RR article, I think the only comparison he is making (and this is just my take, certainly) is that The Band, for him was not about a vision that he or anyone had. There was not this "hey lets make a country-fied album that envokes dark folk elements of Americana, blues and soul and see what happens."

However, with Native Americans and certainly with Red Boy, RR is working out a vision. Whether it works or not is a worthy debate that only time can resolve. However, unlike his Band work, RR's solo projects all have varying degrees of "vision." Whether it's working through elements of New Orleans culture and music (Storyville) or Native American roots. In the most recent works, clearly Robbie is dealing with a part of his heritage that he'd not really explored before.

I don't think there was such an organized, dedicated concept at work in The Band's first two albums. Certainly there is a unifying "mood" the boys were after, but not a philosophy, specific heritage or culture. More of a melting pot, both in terms of inspiration and execution. In the end, for me, that's what makes the first two albums so brilliant--it's effortless.

But I guess it's all trying to sweep back the sea. No matter what, there will always be elements here that hate RR no matter what, just as there are folks who will dismiss Levon's efforts, no matter what. It's rather sad that folks continue to be unable to appreciate Jubilation et al, without running down the RR solo albums. But as I've said before, I think that's more about issues of inadequacy the critics have than anything else. If you simply love The Band, there's no reason to paint this as an "us" vs. "them" issue. It reminds me of people who will tell you how happy and fulfilled they are and persist in then running down everyone they know to feel superior. Ultimately, it's just sad and self-limiting.

Peace

Matt

Posted on Fri Oct 1 20:37:37 CEST 1999 from ric-wht-pxy-int01.wheatfirst.com (204.238.130.67)

Bones

Electricity Bill: I believe you missed the tone and intent of that article. Robbie actually praises(especially Levon) the group in a majority of his interviews. In this interview, Robbie was commenting on the fact that everybody like Greil Marcus tries to make him sound like a genius. He was just being modest by claiming that he was not trying to be clever when he wrote those songs. He was just writing what he felt at the time.

Posted on Fri Oct 1 18:23:19 CEST 1999 from cfa1.execulink.net (199.166.6.10)

Paul Godfrey

Having browser problems...just testing to see if we are communicating? ;o)

Posted on Fri Oct 1 17:23:49 CEST 1999 from gw33.telekomus.com (206.2.196.66)

A Band Thought For Today

...the approximate age of The Band members at the time of the recording of Music From Big Pink was 24-25 years-old. That makes the timeless quality of that album that much more remarkable. *JS

Posted on Fri Oct 1 16:46:45 CEST 1999 from levon.hiof.no (158.36.51.54)

Jan H.

Anyone got the exact date(s) and location(s) for the Ronnie/Levon/Amy gig(s)?

Posted on Fri Oct 1 16:30:30 CEST 1999 from (193.221.122.6)

Electricity Bill

Carmen, read the article about Robertson that was added to the site today. He says The Band was nothing special at all, and that Greil Marcus and others made them much bigger than they were. When is that selfish bastard gonna show some respect for his former bandmates?

Posted on Fri Oct 1 16:05:30 CEST 1999 from edslink8.eds.com (199.228.142.8)

Carmen

Regarding SP Sue's comments on RR solo works being better then the Band's 1st 3, I don't evan think RR would agree with this. RR is my favorite, however, his work with the band far exceeds his work on his own.

Posted on Fri Oct 1 15:35:01 CEST 1999 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

Note to discographers interested in Levon's second recording session ("Make Me Believe" / "You Make The World To Me" by Dallas Harms): The couple of you who might be interested in this session with the Hawks (et al) in the late 50s are advised to check out Ian Wallis's book, "The Hawk" (Quarry Press in Canada). The story is mostly told from Jimmy Evans's point of view, with a bit from Harms himself. None of it jives completely with what Harms told me 20 years ago, but it's close enough for rock and roll.

Except for the dates, which are, as so often seems the case, very puzzling. Wallis sets Hawkins' "Hey Bo Diddley" session in '58 and the Harms a year later. The Hawkins compilation on Sequel mentions April '58 for "Hey Bo Diddley" in the text, but June '58 in the sessionography. But a comparison of charts and label listings for Quality ("Hey Bo Diddley") and Reo (Harms) suggests that both were done in December '58 or January '59.

Does anyone out there know the sources for the April and June '58 dates?

Posted on Fri Oct 1 14:18:51 CEST 1999 from spider-ta032.proxy.aol.com (152.163.205.57)

joe frey

Dear Southpaw Sue, In regard to your last post, HUH?

Posted on Fri Oct 1 10:27:49 CEST 1999 from rub194.rm00.rm.interbusiness.it (194.184.102.194)

DAVIDE CITROLO

hi Artie , l'm Davide from Palermo a Josh friend , we met to Malaluna Pub , your site is great , compliments. l remember your beautiful concerts in Palermo . now l'm living in Rome since 1995 , say hello to Beverly come to visit my site http://redroosters.cjb.net ciao e complimenti ancora davide do you know a josh e-mail?

Posted on Fri Oct 1 08:43:42 CEST 1999 from spider-wj053.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.43)

Lee

Yes, it was Mayall who lived in the treehouse. He was known to make his own clothes and furniture too. Self-sufficient was old John.

Dave (Lee Vining, CA)I'm pleased about your thoughts on Caledonia Mission. I had the same feeling about Blaze Of Glory.

Posted on Fri Oct 1 07:43:14 CEST 1999 from 1cust245.tnt11.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.134.245)

Southpaw Sue

Dear Crabgrass (The name fits.) - It so happens that I would take any of Robbie's solo albums (especially the latest amazing Native American World Music stuff) over Big Pink, The Band, and Stage Fright combined. I admit I used to think those albums were pretty good until Robbie went solo and made me realize he was merely warming up for what was to follow. He has opened my mind to a whole new world of music appreciation and his solo guitar work far surpasses that of Hendrix in my opinion. So YOU pal, are in the minority as I'm sure most Band fans would side with me. And while it is true that these albums have so far not been great commercial successes it is due mainly to the fact that Robbie is light years ahead of his time and people are not yet ready for it. P.S. Islands and Cahoots are my two very favorite Band albums though I haven't given them a listen since Robbie's first album was released.

Posted on Fri Oct 1 05:45:00 CEST 1999 from ts45l20.pathcom.com (209.250.132.29)

original5

Charlie Young, they even have a guitarist with the last name Robertson!

Posted on Fri Oct 1 05:34:32 CEST 1999 from trt-on9-71.netcom.ca (207.181.83.71)

John D

TO RICHARD PATTERSON.....HEEEEEEER'S JUNE!

****June Carter Cash Combined Filmography****

All My Friends Are Cowboys (1998)[Actress .... June]

Apostle, The (1997)[Actress .... Mrs. Dewey Sr]

Stagecoach (1986) (TV)[Actress .... Mrs. Pickett]

Last Days of Frank and Jesse James, The (1986) (TV)[Actress]

Baron and the Kid, The (1984) (TV)[Actress .... Dee Dee Stanley]

Murder in Coweta County (1983) (TV)[Actress .... Mayhayle Lancaster]...aka Last Blood (1983) (TV)

Thaddeus Rose and Eddie (1978) (TV)[Actress .... Crystal]

"Johnny Cash and Friends" (1976) TV Series[Actress]

Gospel Road, The (1973)[Actress .... Mary Magdalene] [Producer]

"Johnny Cash Show, The" (1969) TV Series[Actress]

Country Music Holiday (1958)[Actress .... Marietta]

****Notable TV Guest Appearances****

"Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" (1993) playing "Sister Ruth" in episode: "Most Fatal Disease, The" (episode # 5.16) 2/1/1997

"Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" (1993) playing "Sister Ruth" in episode: "Thanksgiving, The" (episode # 3.10) 11/19/1994

"Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" (1993) playing "Sister Ruth" in episode: "Saving Souls" (episode # 2.5) 11/13/1993

"Little House on the Prairie" (1974) playing "Mattie Hodgekiss" in episode: "Collection, The" (episode # 3.1) 9/27/1976

Posted on Fri Oct 1 03:52:07 CEST 1999 from spider-tn054.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.69)

Charlie Young

My daughter and some of her teenage friends like the music of the group called Barenaked Ladies. Let's see: that band is comprised of Canadians, featuring a strong rhythm section, good guitar and excellent keyboards with multiple vocalists and solid songwriting. What could possibly be appealing about that combination? Maybe it's the genetic method...

Posted on Fri Oct 1 03:47:07 CEST 1999 from ppp7648.on.bellglobal.com (206.172.191.136)

Richard Patterson

Thanks David P. for the June Carter Cash info; question still stands, what other movies has she been in?

Thanks Hophead for the Fugs info, as I look it up I notice the first Fugs was produced by Harry Smith and includes both Stampfel and Weber as band members. Groovy!

Posted on Fri Oct 1 02:39:32 CEST 1999 from proxy-523.public.rwc.webtv.net (209.240.200.113)

that wyoming chick

Wishing Mamma Bear the best of luck!!!!! Keep us posted Lil. I am so excited! A new Band fan enters the world!

Posted on Fri Oct 1 01:05:07 CEST 1999 from trt-on1-66.netcom.ca (207.181.81.66)

Tinker Street

Well Levon and The Hawk are ready to Rock in Little Rock. President Bill on sax, if all goes well.

Posted on Fri Oct 1 00:18:39 CEST 1999 from 56k-ml-00-40.dial.qnet.com (209.221.218.55)

Dave

I can't tell anyone which records to like or dislike, but I just have to recommend one song at this time. The song is Caledonia Mission on Rick Danko's new CD Live on Breeze Hill. I love the vocal. Rick plays with the phrasing and the melody in a remarkable way. Peter V. kinda panned this one on his review here. Cue on the vocal. This is maybe the ultimate version/performance of this particular song. I'm tellin' ya the vocal on this track is really good. Before they fade the applause you can hear there was one hell of a reaction from the audience.

Posted on Fri Oct 1 00:17:50 CEST 1999 from icache-3.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

CRABGRASS,,, With all due repect, pick up *CAHOOTS* put it on the turn table, then crank it UP!