The Band Guestbook, April 2014

Entered at Wed Apr 30 23:51:11 CEST 2014 from (73.161.47.211)

Man from U.N.C.L.E.

Loads of good stuff at FB about Mr Hudson

Entered at Tue Apr 29 15:14:30 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

"Levon Helm is the only drummer who can make you cry."

"Helm beat of The Band dies at 71."

Ball point pen on today’s newsprint with drawing of Levon Helm.

Entered at Tue Apr 29 15:09:09 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

LIVE: Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble, 1/22/11

"Ironically, Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble doesn’t start at 12midnight. Doors open around 6pm, and patrons get there as early as possible to reserve the best seating, or most often, the best standing room in the house, which at its furthest, is only 30 or so feet away.

Held in the legendary singer-drummer’s home/recording studio, about 200 guests crowded in to get as close as possible to one of the three remaining members of The Band. The show kindles a kind of intimate atmosphere that is rendered by the fact that you are literally in Levon Helm’s house, beneath vaulted ceilings and long wooden beams, where the garage serves as a storefront and the bathrooms have real showers in them."

Entered at Tue Apr 29 14:57:00 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Garland Jeffreys...."The Contortionist" was shot in New York City by Devereux Milburn. Background vocals by Lou Reed and Savannah Jeffreys. My absolute favourite song on his second last recording The King Of In between.

Thank you very much Jeff A for taking the time to share info about Brooklyn. I should look for a book to read up on all the hoods. I will send Garland your song. Ya never know....He just might respond. As you know....Louuu is gone now. I can't believe I never had the opportunity to meet him........From all accounts; he was the sweetest if you were his friend. I read that he left three quarters of his wealth to Laurie Anderson and one quarter to his sister Elizabeth as well as money to take care of his mom. Apparently Louuu did not want to have children and probably this was the main reason that his relationship with Sylvia Morales didn't work out. For me it's not only about the music. People make music. They all have inner and outer lives and if they share....It is a gift. Sometimes we learn from them and sometimes we connect with them. Even Robbie said it wasn't always about being on stage.

His professor at Syracuse U was Delmore Schwartz who was also a Brooklynite. His book of short stories is a must read for those of us who were caught in the middle of parents from another country who want us to live by their values and traditions but we're born in a different time and place.....the generational conflicts...._In Dreams Begin Responsibilities and Other Stories_. Just the title alone makes my head spin.

A Band connection for those of you who need one.....Neil Diamond was also a Brooklynite.

One thing I did get excited about while in Brooklyn was that we walked into a health store and it was the very first time I found tupelo honey. I felt connected to Van at that moment.....years later I found the honey right here in my hood but since then.....I can't find it anymore. I do have Cuban, Greek and I gave my brother some Brazilian honey....nectar of the gods. :-D

Oh I just remembered that Crabby took me to the Lower East Side to see a reggae performer who was jewish. Not really unusual as I saw a Japanese reggae group at our Rivoli Club in Toronto where for some reason I was drinking sambuca's all night. What was I thinking? This time was when I worked at our Art Gallery of Ontario as a student and hangin' with all these lovely and creative people. And another time we did go into Brooklyn but I can't remember who we saw......but I do remember that there was a poster for Joe Strummer who was to perform there and I was so disappointed that I would miss his solo performance.

When I did see The Clash with Black Uhuru.....Energetic performance which did not disappoint!!!!!! The music of The Clash provided connections with left wing politics with energy and demystification of only trained musicians playing music. They were also of my time in University where a lot of us lefties were drawn to reagge and rebellion. Yes we had the luxury of time and leisure to do so but some of us were from working class backgrounds so The Clash were about classes clashing, parents and children clashing, conservative rockers clashing with punks......Joe also joined the Pogues briefly as well. Again....once he went solo....and even before that when Mick Jones (love his song Stay Free) left the group....magic was gone, gone gone. Their early music I had to sell as it didn't stand up for me as I aged with them, but from London Calling and Sandanista.....Yes, yes, yes!!!!!

Btw, Joe was the son of a diplomat so he was a very complicated person in that he was drawn to the Red Brigades in Italy......I started reading The Clash Return of the Last Gang in Town by Marcus Gray. There's also a book on Joe that looks worth buying....Redemption Song The Ballad of Joe Strummer by Chris Salewicz.

Entered at Tue Apr 29 08:14:45 CEST 2014 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

Entered at Tue Apr 29 04:57:24 CEST 2014 from (68.171.231.80)

Bill M

Presumably Geisinger and Rossi got in as a result of friendships formed in '67-'69, when Kensington Market and Inluence were likely the best and most interesting and innovative groups in Yorkville.

While I forgot all about the tribute-to-Levon show at Hugh's Room, I did manage to catch Luke and the Apostles (mach 3) at Hugh's the next night. I was watching from one side of the steps down into the main room and noticed the amazing Pat Little (drummer in mach 1 and Mach 2, and Van Morrison in between) six feet away on the other side. And then Rob Bowman walked between us.

Anyway, McKenna was playing a powder blue telecaster than looked like it could have been from his days as a Robbie accolite in the early '60s. He'd also been the original guitarist with Whitey and the Roulettes, the house band at the Bluenote, so may well have played with various Hawks at jams there.

Tying strands together, "Moscow Drug Club", which I posted for NWC maybe 10 days ago was by BB Gabor and Instaband (not Instant Band, unfortunately), whose original bassist was Jim Jones from the mach 1 Apostles. Come to think of it, Jones also played on Luke Gibson's post-mach2 solo album, which was reissued on CD by a Korean label called Big Pink, whose logo is a picture of guess which house. -

Entered at Tue Apr 29 01:26:42 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter v

Great review, Rod.

The Queensland show is in the tape archive. Kuranda 1988, only Garth and Rick, and they were billed as Instant Band, and had Blondie Chaplin, Terry Cagle and Sredni Vollmer along. I had a tape and it was pretty rough sound and pretty rough performance too.

As with Nostell Priory in Britain, Levon didn't travel with them. Someone said he disliked flying, though they toured Europe and Japan at various times.

Entered at Tue Apr 29 00:15:22 CEST 2014 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Lars! Where.Boy is the Reverend Billie

Jan has hired some loan sharks to take over from the Right Reverend Billie Sol Hargis..........Lars!.how can you allow this to happen boy?

Entered at Mon Apr 28 23:13:07 CEST 2014 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

Entered at Mon Apr 28 21:39:54 CEST 2014 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Mon Apr 28 21:21:46 CEST 2014 from (70.53.46.21)

Kevin J

Bill M: Thank you for the link….....seeing the word comedy associated with music would normally have me running for the hills but such is my trust for your tastes that I will spring for this one…..actually that link has some other interesting releases as well……I shall report back once I have had a chance to listen to it.

Pat B: I was happy that Chicago got by the Blues and had to laugh in reading all ( and I mean every single one ) of the pre-series reports that had St. Louis with a “Big Edge” in nets. One of these days, Crawford will start to get some respect outside of the city and team he plays for……………If Colorado advances to the 2nd round – which I sure hope they do – you are in for a treat in getting to see 18 year old Nathan MacKinnon play every couple of nights. As dazzling a talent to enter the league in a long long time.

Entered at Mon Apr 28 19:29:14 CEST 2014 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Mon Apr 28 18:59:15 CEST 2014 from (145.100.60.222)

Hildairene

Subject: A vinyl album I found that I have never seen before...

Our King's Birthday celebration turns the whole country into one big fleamarket... I found this album ..it is not listed on the discography here.. I found a cd with the same cover picture, but with more songs on it.. http://www.discogs.com/Band-The-Band/release/5584550 Can anyone tell me more about this?

Entered at Mon Apr 28 18:57:48 CEST 2014 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Mon Apr 28 09:11:43 CEST 2014 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

My guest review of the Brown Album on a local news site

Entered at Mon Apr 28 05:29:07 CEST 2014 from (67.84.77.72)

Jeff A.

Subject: Sounds Of Silence

The Amazing Rabbis again. I wouldn't have posted another of these but, I had to share the temptation to picture Paul and Art in these two garbs. Apparently these brothers, who are orthodox rabbis, used to sing in the streets in Jerusalem and elsewhere, and ended up on this Israeli show in the veins of American Idol. Looks like the semi explosion occurs when they get approval to proceed on to the next round

Entered at Mon Apr 28 04:50:06 CEST 2014 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Singing Rabbi's

Really Cool Jeff, I enjoyed that.

Entered at Mon Apr 28 03:21:49 CEST 2014 from (67.84.77.72)

Jeff A.

Subject: Ho Tel Aviv

Norm, this link is for you. Not the best performance of the song, but I give these men an Aleph for effort.

Entered at Mon Apr 28 01:09:19 CEST 2014 from (99.115.145.68)

Pat B

Entered at Sun Apr 27 08:19:33 CEST 2014 from (67.84.77.72)

Jeff A.

Angie, I've known all of Brooklyn unusually well. I've worked and played all over it, in the past, very often running around it all day long when working. Don't remember my way around all of it as perfectly as i used to.
I grew up in Marine Park, the neighborhood just south of Sheepshead Bay. You were referencing it. I live in Sheepshead Bay. Since 2000, anytime I've lived in or even spent afew months inBrooklyn, I've been in Sheepshead Bay.Right around the corner from where one of your heroes grew up on Batchelder street and Ave Z. He and I are both mutts, only he's a more colorful one, and 15 years my senior.

Here's just a little, but it should be of interest to you. Certainly it will give yo u an idea of how many kinds of people have deep roots in all the communities of Brooklyn. See the link up top,about the Sheepshead Bay African-American community and the First Baptist Church of Sheepshead Bay, both with roots that date back to the late 1800s.The church is tucked in on a residential side street. I've walked or driven past it different times in my life, only learned it's significance and history last September.

Sheepshead Bay probably always was and probably still is predominantly white. Back int he 40s, 50,s 60s, when garland was growing up, it was likely mostly Italian,Jewish,and Irish, with blacks, hispanics and others mixed in. Today,Sheepshead Bay is still probably mostly white. If that is accurate, well I'm guessing there's probably more Russian and Turk immigrants than there are American born white people. It's heavily Asian and there's large hispanic and black populations. And there's a lot of Muslims. After construction was halted. and a long court battle, approval for a huge mosque around the corner from where I live recently went through. Palestinians own several homes behind the building i live in. And many others in the other blocks. Have for well over a dozen years. I've seen the infants grow to teenhood. .By eye, I'm guessing the highest %age of home owners are possibly now people who are not native to this country. but, i could be wrong, or wrong soon, cause the orthdox and hasidic jews are moving into sheepshead bay and adding to the numbers of native citizen homeowners who did not leave. But it has always been mixed. The building i live in, 6 stories tall, but the length of a city block wide, has about 240 units. I can think of about a dozen inhabited by American born blacks. Most of them, the families having been in the building long term, one family possibly going back to the 60s, when the place was built. The building also has Haitians, Koreans, Chinese, Indians, Dominicans, Columbians,Puerto Ricans, Israelis, plenty of Russian immigrants , both jewish and non jewish, a handful or two of middle aged jews and italians including myself are left, and we still have a couple dozen old jews, italians, german, and irish, but they are dying off. the building is predominantly white, but very mixed.

By coincidence, a few weeks ago, a couple I'm friendly with told me they were all dear friends a long time ago- the husband and he worked together as busboys or waiters at Pips, and Garland attended their wedding.

One exceptionally odd, never again to be experienced phenomenon anywhere that occurred in sheepshead bay was Lundy's restaurant. Lundy's was around a lifetme before me, i was born in 58. It started in the early 1900s. Seafood to die for. stuffed lobster, steamers, everything, the biscuits, the pie,.... oy... Lundys was one of the regular family Saturday or Sunday dinner choices.Once i was old enough, i went there solo or with with friends, sometimes just to the clam bar . It closed in 77. Lundys was three storys high. wide open inside, cavernous, in size cavelike in feel,, with seating on three levels. Lundy's literally served well over two thousand people at a time.5 Star food. The wait staff was entirely black. Plantation style.But Lundys paid well, and by life experience, i'd say the clientele probably mostly good tippers. As long as they could, Lundys did get away with discriminating against non black people in the hiring of the waitstaff. Anyone who ever ate there would agree. It was plantationlike that way. But they did not discriminate against any customers. All were welcome. The food was amazing. People still talk about it and mourn the loss of the restaurant. Lundys was always mobbed. a very peculiar and memorable aspect - there was no seating. People in your party would go hunt for the right size table where the people were close to done eating. and then you all stood behind them like vultures waiting for them to be done, and you'd get their table. Garland's father was a head waiter at Lundy's..

Entered at Sun Apr 27 07:09:23 CEST 2014 from (67.84.77.72)

Jeff A.

Subject: Brooklyn CORE

Angie, something that might interest you.
Brooklynites of all colors have spent alot fighting legal and illegal social racial injustice. Both in the South and in the North. A white Brooklynite died fighting for equality for blacks. If you noticed in the video i made for my song for Brooklyn, and all true Brooklynites, , during the last spoken word part of my song, I inserted the cover of a book titled Fighting Jim Crow in the County of Kings: The Congress of Racial Equality in Brooklyn ( it was one of the images appropriate to the lyric that i could get license for, and i needed 3 licenses, photographer, author, and publisher). The Brooklyn Chapter of CORE was an important and extremely active. The membership was very mixed, plenty of white people, mostly jewish, in it. Michael Schwerner, "Mickey", one of the CORE workers killed in Philadelphia. Missiisssippi, was a Brooklyn Jew. The Brooklyn Core Chapter was vital and active enough to warrant an entire book by a professor with publication by a prestigious university press. It's linked up top
(http://www.kentuckypress.com/live/title_detail.php?titleid=2511#.U1vKnFd7S18)

Entered at Sun Apr 27 01:03:28 CEST 2014 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Bop City Records

You are right Bill. Bop City Records. I bought quite a lot from that fellow. He had quite a lot of used vinyl, and quite a bit of Band, and Dylan material. I enjoyed his little store.

Just up the street from him, (going south still, was an old used book store. I don't know if it's still there. The old gal who ran it was in her 80's and she had a very large selection. She would amaze you. You ask her if she may have a book, or a particular author. She'd walk right over and pick it up. Of the 1000's of books she had she knew where every thing was.

Last I was in there some years ago her son was running it. A fellow in his 50's. I was asking him at that time for a book with the poem "Sea Fever" in it. He went over and picked up this very large hard cover, beautifully bound book of poetry, much from the 19th century, (it has Sea Fever in it). He gave it to me! Just while packing here right now, I was thumbing thru' that book just yesterday.

Entered at Sun Apr 27 00:27:14 CEST 2014 from (68.171.231.80)

Bill M

Kevin J: I trumpeted the reissue of the Influence album maybe six or eight weeks ago, but I refrained from repeating Jack August / Geisinger and Walter Rossi's histories (Bob and the Messengers, Buddy Miles, Pag, Luke and the Apostles, Charlee, Moonquake, solo), which I'd discussed before - likely more than once. Anyway, the Influence is simply brilliant. Available from Pacemaker at the link above.

Rockin C: There used to be a terrific store on the laneway behind (south?) of the main commercial street of downtown Courtenay. The end nearest the old island highway.

But little I've encountered anywhere holds a candle to Fascinating Rhythm in downtown Nanaimo.

Entered at Sat Apr 26 17:40:46 CEST 2014 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Finding Gold

Over in Courtenay on business yesterday, had a couple of hours to kill. We went for a stroll thru' the Driftwood Mall. A few years ago they installed a pretty big London Drugs store in this mall, that has a large electronic room.

In this department is a very complete section of music cd's and dvd. To my surprise has been added a wall of vinyl. I got thumbing thru' there and for a moment I had was transported back in time.

There was about 15 Beatles albums, Music from big pink, The Last Waltz, thr Brown Album. About 5 of Dylan's newest albums, Neil Young, and really too many box set albums to count. A double album set of the works of Robert Johnson.

A young man came up beside me, "Can I help you sir?" I said I was really hoping to find something of Otis Redding here. Who is that? came the reply. It was a short conversation to find that he knew nothing about any of this music. However what an enjoyable find. I came away with a sparkling new album of "Music From Big Pink", for 20 bucks.

Entered at Sat Apr 26 16:21:59 CEST 2014 from (203.160.29.153)

Fred

Subject: Levon's Hockey Sweater

Could be a white NY Rangers one. Not 100% positive, though.

Entered at Sat Apr 26 15:37:06 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Got to get to work but before I do that I have to have a hit of Garland's music. Here's New York Skyline once again.....This time for Kevin J and all of us who dig NYC!

"New York Skyline" says it all. My city - the city I love. I don't know who loves it more - me or Lou Reed, but it's a hell of a town. It's taught me everything I know and perhaps, everything I need to know.

Of all the songs I've written, this is one of my favorites and the album that it comes from, Ghostwriter, will always be uniquely special to me. The song sure does bring back memories. Thanks DW for the video."

----Garland

Oh Joan I forgot that I was in Long Island once. My Guyanese boyfriend at the time and I went with Louuuise to buy some tiles for her bathroom. He was in construction so did some work for her with all the glass and tiles. Marc Anthony has a beautiful home there and many others of course. :-D

Entered at Sat Apr 26 15:31:36 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

So if Robbie was for the Leafs...which team was Levon rooting for?

Entered at Sat Apr 26 15:29:40 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Hey stranger. How's it going Nomadic Mike?

Levon Helm drawing by another Mike...Dubois.

Entered at Sat Apr 26 15:26:26 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Still life for Richard, Rick and Levon (scroll down as photo can be enlarged)

Entered at Sat Apr 26 15:14:45 CEST 2014 from (70.30.113.76)

Mike Nomad

Nice find, Angie.

Entered at Sat Apr 26 14:58:42 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Uhhhh Northwestcoaster....I have all of Simone De Beauvoir's novels as she's my favourite writer period. I have to find the time to read a bio of her by Deirdre Bair that I found at a garage sale as well as....her book about her time in NYC ....America Day By Day. Robbie was mesmerized by the south.....I was mesmerized by NYC. Robbie writes about Chelsea Hotel...

Now Andy Warhol's in the hotel lobby...(Chelsea)
He's waiting for the late night muse...(Edie Sedgwick)
But she won't be back before morning
She's gone downtown to hear some blues
Like the sun rising out of the sea
It's how you embrace the mystery

Jed...See link for photo of Bob Weir and Levon. So I guess I'll put you on the famous list for Brooklynites as well! :-D

Jeff A and Joan...I wish I could remember the hood where my friend's sisters lived. Well one lived in Queens but the other two lived in Brooklyn. I couldn't even tell you how many stops to the city as one niece had a car and the one day we went into Manhatten we went by car. One night she and my friend's granddaughter went into the city to a club in the Village where Tupac had a bit of trouble.....Nadine's? I almost bought a book on the street about him. He was East Harlem's gem. I think I was in Brooklyn in 1993. I took the bus back to Toronto and coped by reading Bockris' book on Louuuu. Anyway, I am very aware that not all hoods are not mixed like the one Garland is from....Sheepshead Bay. I sometimes watch the real estate shows for NYC and became aware that if you just buy property in Williamsburg......Another highlight for me was walking across my favourite bridge....Brooklyn.

When I was on top of the twin towers you could see all three....Brooklyn, Manhattan, .....and Williamsburg Bridge???? Two months later the attack. I still have the photo where I'm standing at the top of the Towers and realized it just wasn't my time to go yet. Anyway, I sure hope I didn't offend anyone here. I was sharing my experience only in 1993.

In Toronto we also have hoods that are called Chinatown, Little Italy, Greek Town....The reggae group Black Uhuru who I saw with The Clash!......wrote the Youth of Eglinton about the Jamacian youth at Eglinton area in former City of York where I used to teach. Drake is from affluent Forest Hill but he grew up in a basement apartment. I taught in that area as well and I'll never forget how one working class student wore his one Ralph Lauren shirt and was taunted because he wore his army pants as well. One black student was at he school. Her mom had a PHD. It was at this school where I met my Jamaican friend who took me all around her Island three times.

Btw, the highschool I attended by the Grand River had only one Jew, one black student, few Asian and one or two South Asian. All the rest of us had family who came from western or southern Europe.....and Newfoundland! I experienced racism in my family early on in life as my family came from a country where everyone was the same religion and colour.....different now. I'm the only one first generation Canadian. So.....I'm walking home from school with someone from Pakistan. My grandpa drives by and stops to pick me up. My friend gets a lift too.....but....as soon as he gets out of the car grandpa tells me that this will be the one and only time he ever gets in the car again. I'm giving a pass to the one who loved me unconditonally....He was ignorant....He was always a gentle soul in my life.....He was the father I never had due to very early death....same age as Alexander The Great.....He was just ignorant as his world was very small. He was the one who let me put up the music in the car and never once said.....Put that music down!! He was the coolest man ever. When I was growing up in my community everyone had two parents whether they were getting along or not. I was the only one who was different in that respect and it stayed with me as I could always relate to the disenfranchised, the creative types, etc. Also, for some reason I was never an ethnocentric as I went out of my way to find anyone who wasn't like me.....Ahhhh, it's a very good thing that grandpa wasn't around when I got involved with someone from Guyana.....LOL

Thank you Lisa for alerting me to that film. I will have to look out for it. Have you seen Last Exit to Brooklyn...novel by Hubert Selby?

Congrats to Bob F...Hard fought game last night but your team came up on top. I amazed how well Raps DeRozan is playing for someone who is only 24 and first play offs.....so fun to watch and Lowry who is only 6 feet but plays with such heart and gusto. We need to get more three point shots and make all of our free throws. May the best team win on Sunday.

Gee....I feel like I'm writing in my journal today....and other days. lol

Entered at Sat Apr 26 13:04:17 CEST 2014 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Hotel Chelsea / JT

Thanks JT for your post on Hotel Chelsea. I've never been there :-( but I had a "correspondence par courier" with a writer who lived there and in Paris when I struggled with my Master's Thesis. She was anti-nazi and lesbian and had a lot of Jewish painters and writers around her plus masses of Simone de Beauvoir books in her home. Nothing which was part of my world! I never knew what this hotel was all about. Obviously I must prepare myself for a visit. Unfortunately I have promised not to visit the US unless Clinton is the President. Now I have high hopes on - that's right - for _CHELSEA_ Clinton.

Entered at Sat Apr 26 11:02:49 CEST 2014 from (92.18.168.59)

Solomon

Just heard a song on the radio called Levon's Dream by Hurray For The Riff Raff. I've noticed a few band's with terrible sounding names recently like The Milk Carton Kids.

Entered at Sat Apr 26 10:03:05 CEST 2014 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

Adam, I hope you're enjoying your ROA Tele. That's probably my favourite RR guitar - at least sound wise. I do like the red strat as well. A couple of days back I bought an Italia Imola bass which is more or less a copy of Rick's Ampeg bass. Not quite as close as the Eastwood copy but close enough for me - plus it has the Jazz bass pick up set up. I've wanted one of those since I first saw TLW back in 78.

Entered at Sat Apr 26 04:19:43 CEST 2014 from (68.199.209.157)

Jeff A.

Subject: another old photo

Entered at Sat Apr 26 04:10:28 CEST 2014 from (68.199.209.157)

Jeff A.

Angelina, I think I should thank you for your universally directed statement that I take as a complement regarding my song. You being sure Garland and Lou and many other artists would appreciate the song, well, coming from you, it's the ultimate complement.

I might be back to attempt to offer you a different view and understanding of Brooklyn than the one you cling to. For now I'll just point out to the rest of the readers that apartheid has never, and does not exist in Brooklyn :-) and state that I doubt in any "city" or borough of 2.5 to2.6 million people you won't find many neighborhoods where one skin color is predominate in the populace. That at the same time you are certain you saw what you reported you saw, you did not see the areas where orthodox jews, blacks, puerto ricans and others have lived together for decades. Or the areas where some irish, some italians, some jews, blacks & puerto ricans have lived together for decades. Andif not mixed together here, we've been in incredibly close proximity. Also that everything is complex, appearances are often just that and or there are many reasons besides perceived prejudice. Which of course can and does always exist to degrees. And, that Brooklyn has always changed demographically reasonably quickly, far more quickly than most places, and now even more so.

Attached is a photo by Arthur Leipzig. It shows young neighborhood black and white kids playing stickball in the street in front of a kosher butcher. This could be the neighborhood my 87 year old father grew up in, williamsburg. It could be anywhere in old brooklyn.Last fall, i tried to get license to use the image in the video that some of you saw. Leipzig was 96 or 97, his longtime companion did not know what to do. He wasn't feeling well, i was offering to pay for the use of the image, but of course, would not push the issue with her.So i used another image i found that i could achieve legal license to.

Entered at Sat Apr 26 01:14:09 CEST 2014 from (174.116.231.218)

SL

Subject: New York September 1976

Check it out.

Entered at Fri Apr 25 23:45:50 CEST 2014 from (75.34.61.197)

Adam

Entered at Fri Apr 25 22:58:49 CEST 2014 from (92.18.162.23)

Solomon

Subject: Roy Buchanan

Robbie talking about the fastest guitar slinger in town.

Entered at Fri Apr 25 22:39:07 CEST 2014 from (100.33.95.254)

Jed

That was me-forgot to put screen name.

Entered at Fri Apr 25 21:38:12 CEST 2014 from (70.53.46.21)

Kevin J

kd lang sings "Helpless" - above LINK.............I was actually looking for Aaron Neville's version of "Bird on a Wire" from the 1991 Juno awards but not able to find it. Actually my favorite "Bird on a Wire" is Willie Nelson's....he delivers the beggar and pretty women lines more perfectly than they were even written.

Entered at Fri Apr 25 20:47:02 CEST 2014 from (70.53.46.21)

Kevin J

brown eyed girl: Thank you Thank you for that Garland Jeffreys……………I have such great memories of “Wild in The Streets” and “New York Skyline” but really have not listened to anything else of his since……This is going to be corrected in the next few days and some GF shall make its way to my listening devices courtesy of ITunes.

JT: Last time in NYC, I also spent some time at the Chelsea hotel……..the plaque with the L. Cohen lyrics to the left of the front door made me smile…..could have been a laugh had they decided to print the next few lines of the song! A beautiful building.

Entered at Fri Apr 25 20:29:50 CEST 2014 from (184.66.163.29)

JT

Subject: Brooklyn's Got The Charmer Under Me

Next visit to metro NYC will concentrate on Brooklyn. We saw it across the river and decided it needed a few days of its own. Keep talking and telling us all about what to do and where to go (The best pizza, the best restaurants, the sites etc.).

Entered at Fri Apr 25 20:24:13 CEST 2014 from (99.148.149.145)

Zavadka

Prolly more to picture than meets the eye in Brooklyn; hipsters and gentrivication may not be a good thing for the neighborhoods.

Entered at Fri Apr 25 20:22:06 CEST 2014 from (68.171.231.80)

Bill M

Entered at Fri Apr 25 20:06:04 CEST 2014 from (100.33.95.254)

BEG/Photos/Brooklyn

Entered at Fri Apr 25 19:45:47 CEST 2014 from (174.1.247.160)

Lisa

BEG, watching the video you posted reminded me of a movie you might enjoy. It's called "Little Fugitive", a black-and-white movie filmed in Brooklyn and Coney Island in 1953 by Morris Engel. It was very innovative at the time, as Engel used a hidden camera when filming in public areas, so has a very naturalistic feel to it. It influenced the French directors of the 60s strongly.

It's a charming and memorable movie about a little boy who, thinking he's killed his older brother (he hasn't!) runs to Coney Island to escape being arrested. It's filmed from his point of view, and is very evocative - it will stay with you. It turns up once in a blue moon on TCM ...

Entered at Fri Apr 25 19:46:11 CEST 2014 from (96.232.159.74)

Joan

BEG Brooklyn is undergoing tremendous changes..Much of the "segregation" is voluntsry. It is the new hip place to live .All of the new great restaurants and shops are happening in Brooklyn. The neighborhoods are shifting rapidly.

Entered at Fri Apr 25 18:02:49 CEST 2014 from (108.48.88.124)

Jack Lawrence

I'm probably 25 years late joining this conversation (thanx Peter V for all the illumination), but here goes . . .

I think the core of this song is Richard's experience in the band, probably stressing out a bit for all the historical reasons we know. The first verse and what I would call the bridge ("one voice for all . . .") are about the band and the music. For me, this means that the opening verse is "It's that same old rhythm" and not "It's that same old riddle." This probably contradicts some very authoritative sources, but it's what I hear and what makes sense in context. "I'd fix it [my rhythm] but I don't know how."

It's a classic band argument. "C'mon Richard, it's the same rhythm we've used a hundred times, but start in the middle" (i.e., start on the 3/4 instead of the 1/2).

Richard's being patronized, probably by RR, and thinks, okay smarty-pants, I may not know how to get this rhythm, but did you ever milk a cow? He turns a trivial (but stressful) band argument into joyful music, trying along the way to arrest RR's efforts to become slave master to the others.

This reading of the song makes it all Richard's, with the very consequential effect of bringing the three vocalists into sublime ensemble work, both "around" and "along" the hall!

Entered at Fri Apr 25 17:40:52 CEST 2014 from (92.18.162.23)

Solomon

Entered at Fri Apr 25 15:57:17 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Third photo of Rick and Levon.....and of others from kirkwestphotography....gallery/country-and-western

Entered at Fri Apr 25 15:43:10 CEST 2014 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: Hotel Chelsea

The Hotel Chelsea in NYC is under renovation and has been for the past year or more. We walked in last week, having made the pilgrimage to Chelsea and saw the plaques outside honouring the former guests. The lobby, once a panorama of paintings and marble was now stark and empty with one piece on the wall and two austere chairs, looking like a lobby in early transition. Two elderly ladies were sitting there gabbing away and passing the time. Two men were behind the desk at the end of the lobby and informed us that the renovations were delayed and that the anticipated date of reopening had been significantly delayed. Nearby is a small temple (same side of the street). It was a sad-looking lobby but it was good to stand in the corridor where those who we know and love (for their art) passed daily in those years gone by.

Entered at Fri Apr 25 15:27:31 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

I'm sure Garland Jeffreys, the late Louuu Reed, Joseph Arthur who lives in Brooklyn and many other artists would appreciate Brooklyn In My Bones.

I visited Brooklyn for almost a week and then had to stay in Manhattan for my sanity. While in NYC I saw a play about Patsy Cline's life and a play which I can't remember. What didn't sit well with me in Brooklyn was that my Jamaican friends brought me to their sister's home and the hood was segregated and I didn't dig that at all.
I did visit the Brooklyn Museum and Botanical Gardens. One of their nieces had a Jamaican restaurant so we had a fine meal there. Labour Day weekend is fun because of the large arts and crafts on street. We took gypsy cabs around town. I did miss a block party by one day......:-(

The other time I was in Brooklyn I visited Coney Island since Louuuu wrote Coney Island Baby. I tried to win some money with that ......the one with all the change constantly moving around....and I visited the Aquarium. I can't remember the hood we were in. One of my friend's sisters was a director of nursing and she drove a Bob Marley and The Wailer car....but I just couldn't get past the segregated hoods......

"Coney Island Winter" was directed and assembled by Doug Webb (who created Garland's Wild in the Streets fan site at http://wildinthestreets.net ) and opens with footage from the 1952 short film documentary "Coney Island, U.S.A." It also includes samples from a 1991 episode of PBS's American Experience ("Coney Island") and the evocative 2010 short film "Coney Island Dream", filmed and edited by Joshua Brown (http://joshuabrownphotography.com ).

"The video captures the desolation, but also the allure, the fantasy and the humor of Coney Island that still fills my memories," says Garland.

Entered at Fri Apr 25 15:06:18 CEST 2014 from (68.171.231.80)

Bill M

Entered at Fri Apr 25 15:03:16 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Miss Otis Regrets covered by Richard Manuel on his Whispering Pines CD.

brown eyed girl connection...Mr. Maximus' partner worked for the elevator company Otis at one time.

Thank you Kevin. I didn't know that Pagliaro song. I really only knew the two songs that were played on radio or when I saw Michelle Pagliaro on music tv. Also from Montreal...Gino Vannelli, Andy Kim, Cowboy Junkies... I've been watching musicians on TV since American and Canadian Bandstand days....I guess Soul Train and Midnight Special as well.....When I visited a former boyfriend in Clinton, New Jersey (the one who couldn't appreciate reggae because he was a former jazz musician....I'd take one of his transistor radios to bed and listen to the great stations that were available to me as I couldn't hear the music I needed to hear while he was around.)

Some books on The Hawks that I have in my collection:
The late Paul Godfrey sent Ronnie Hawkins Last Of The Good Ol Boys by Ronnie Hawkins and Peter Goddard. I eventually found my own copy Bill M at Pandemonium.
The Hawk The Story of Ronnie Hawkins and The Hawks by Ian Wallis
Whispering Pines The Northern Roots of American Music...From Hank Snow To The Band by Jason Schneider (thanks to Bill M for alerting us on this one).
Chasing The Dragon by Cathy Smith (Wow Bonk....Cabbagetown Boy needs to help Bill M write a book about The Hawks). Bill M told us that The Hawks would go to Robbie's home in Riverdale on First Avenue to have some fine meals. In the Band photo on Big Pink one version shows Levon putting his arm around Dolly Robertson....

It cannot be denied how close Robbie and Levon were. We all have experienced betrayal or perceived betrayal and some of us have cut people off because of it. Personally I found once I forgave and reconnected that my life felt calmer. Forgiveness isn't about the other person. Forgiveness helps you to move on with your life and use your energy for postive things in your life....It's all about letting go of emotional baggage.....It took me about 28 years to forgive someone. You can't change the past but you can sure do things differently in the present.

In Louise L Hay's book You Can Heal Your Life she has a section on the correlation between dis...eases and the probable causes. Some of you or most of you might not respect "new age" perspectives but I like to learn from many modalites and take the best from all....so here goes....

Cancer...Probable Cause...Deep hurt. Longstanding resentment. Deep secret or grief eating away at the self. Carrying hatreds. What's the use.
New Thought Pattern...I lovingly forgive and release all of the past. I choose to fill my world with joy. I love and approve of myself.

The-Reformed Band-it-makes-no-difference-live-at-loreley
Live at Loreley (GERMANY.1996)

Entered at Fri Apr 25 15:03:01 CEST 2014 from (125.3.81.21)

Kerrin

Richard liked to sing "Miss Otis Regrets" at solo/duo shows in the 80's. An uplifting version...

Entered at Fri Apr 25 10:29:28 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Sign: LIFT UNDER REPAIR. USE OTHER LIFT.

Written below: This Otis regrets it is unable to lift today.

Band connection? There is one …

Entered at Fri Apr 25 10:06:16 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Do comment over on Toppermost. It’s moderated, so not “instant” in appearing, but it doesn’t take long.

Entered at Fri Apr 25 08:13:45 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

One bit I found very hard to discover anything about was the period between June 1966, arriving back from the Dylan tour, until they went to Woodstock in early 1967. They were on retainer, we know. Sid Griffin's book says that they weren't at the Chelsea Hotel so much as the Gramercy Park. We know a couple of odd sessions, but very little for a band of young guys just back from the excitement of a major tour. They were drummerless, as Mickey Jones, still on retainer too, so officially waiting for Dylan's call also, was in California. That would have made it hard to work in a drummer, as if Dylan had called them, it would have been Mickey Jones.

Entered at Fri Apr 25 05:29:53 CEST 2014 from (68.171.231.80)

Bill M

Kevin J / BEG: Thanks for the Pag mentions and link. I really liked all his big English songs, but I think my favourites are two of his French ones, "J'entends Frapper" and "Je Marche Pour Une Nation". Moonquake, who we've discussed here, grew out of his early '70s backing band, which aquitted itself on Pagliaro's double live album from around '73. They all appear together, with Walter Rossi - some credited, some not - on a wonderful romp through late '50s rock 'n roll - though again in French. I hope you, Kevin, took my advice a couple of weeks ago and sprung for the Influence reissue on Pacemaker. Stunningly inventive music recorded by Rossi, Jack Geisinger and others in NY in late '67.

Entered at Fri Apr 25 02:57:15 CEST 2014 from (24.108.1.255)

Bonk

Subject: Bill M

Yes Bill it was our guys. But from my memory it was only Levon, Jerry and Rick and they came with some of the rounders. Most of the local musicians from Yonge Street made it to our place at one time or another. That time with Cathy was actually her second visit. The first time her and the boys were asked to leave because she was way under age. I remember Levon had way to much to drink and got really loud and rude about the situation and was asked to leave. Standing or in a box. Didn't matter. Some of the muscle there was really scary. So the second time she tagged along she came to the off limits part of the house and played with us. Hugh Garners book touches mainly on the 40's and 50's so I can't relate. I grew up in the 60's and 70's.

Entered at Fri Apr 25 01:15:11 CEST 2014 from (68.171.231.80)

Bill M

Bonk: Neat story. Were "the boys" our guys or just some neighbourhood guys. Do you know Hugh Garner's stories of Cabbagetown in the '50s and early '60s? Catch the atmosphere that I recall from circa '74-'78.

Entered at Fri Apr 25 00:39:31 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Subject: Leonard Cohen

Peter, I enjoyed the toppermost on Leonard Cohen. I would have included more songs from the early albums. Hell, you could have done the entire list from the first 3 or 4 albums easily. I haven't listened to the later albums as closely. I saw Cohen once at Carnegie Hall in 1988 and was very impressed with his performance, including his between song anecdotes and banter. A few years later, I found a tape from a show from the same tour in which repeated the same stories verbatim. I haven't seen any of the concert videos from his last few tours, but I assume he is still telling some of the same stories. Long live Leonard!

Entered at Thu Apr 24 23:02:04 CEST 2014 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Thu Apr 24 22:52:48 CEST 2014 from (68.171.231.80)

Bill M

As for the Hawks, not that I know of. When I said that Levon was out then in, I was referring to the broad understanding that the five Canadian Hawks (including Jerry) would leave Hawkins but Levon would stay on as Ronnie's 2iC - and as drummer / manager with the new Hawks (i.e., the Disciples). Obviously the other five managed to convince Levon to leave with them.

Entered at Thu Apr 24 22:50:36 CEST 2014 from (70.53.46.21)

Kevin J

Subject: BEG

Pagliaro sings one just for the Leafs. Nice little song actually

Entered at Thu Apr 24 22:50:41 CEST 2014 from (184.66.164.212)

JT

Subject: Biography

Biographical accounts are a funny thing. For "Levon and the Hawks" it is absolutely clear to me that the person who must be primarily involved in order to make a biographical account of that time between 1959 and 1965 lucid and accurate is Robbie Robertson. He should do this soon and should likely do it with Sebastian or some other writer who will put it together with him. Something like that is a piece of work that many of us who like to write here would be pleased to participate in. It is an important piece of musical history and would be welcome to accompany 'Bacon Fat' or something like that. Just an idea!

Entered at Thu Apr 24 22:33:40 CEST 2014 from (199.85.105.254)

brown eyed girl

Entered at Thu Apr 24 21:48:29 CEST 2014 from (70.53.46.21)

Kevin J

Subject: Bill M - Some Sing and Some Dance

Bill: Not sure if you caught this the other night but Hockey Night In Canada opened the Tampa-Montreal broadcast with the above LINKED song from Michel Pagliaro. A beauty from the 70's.

Entered at Thu Apr 24 21:40:16 CEST 2014 from (70.53.46.21)

Kevin J

….and BEG: I was in elementary school but remember the goal well…..and you do know the Canadian Spy Test for anyone over 45 years old?: ‘Where were you when Paul Henderson scored?" Anyone unable to answer immediately is shot on site! From RCMP sources.

Entered at Thu Apr 24 21:23:48 CEST 2014 from (68.199.209.157)

Jeff A.

Al, i think you're right. Must have caught it at the chiropractor. There's a new radical Brooklyn back therapy. See the link.

Entered at Thu Apr 24 21:20:08 CEST 2014 from (184.66.101.38)

Bonk

Bill M/Peter V. Add me to the list of fans wanting to see a history of the Hawks. There must be a ton of people who have some great stories to tell. I know I have a few like the time some of the boys brought Cathy Smith to my parents booze can in cabbage town and she read Black Beauty to my siblings and myself.

Entered at Thu Apr 24 20:56:58 CEST 2014 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

btw, I'll be helping to bring Abbey Road alive--and a bunch of contemporaneous Beatles singles--with 28 other musicians on Friday in Chicago

Entered at Thu Apr 24 20:48:39 CEST 2014 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Thu Apr 24 20:37:05 CEST 2014 from (68.171.231.80)

Bill M

In any event, you're right in saying that they weren't the unchanging fivesome of legend. Jerry was in and out and in and out. Levon was out then in then out then in then out then in. Robbie was out then in then out. Garth was back in SW Ontario playing in a funeral parlour at some point ...

BEG: I don't think a myth is something that can be dispelled, no matter how hard people try and no matter what mixture of evidence and common sense is brought to bear. Think religion. Closer to home, think credits. A myth could start with a truth, or a lie, or a joke, or an embellishment, or an excuse, or an offhanded response, or ... but the important factor is that it is picked up and hung onto (and likely eventually amended) by people. Some eventually fall into disuse, while others just keep on going. Imagine what they'll be saying about this talking shop in century 21.

Entered at Thu Apr 24 19:40:20 CEST 2014 from (70.53.46.21)

Kevin J

Thank you JT, Lucretia and Peter for the Leonard Cohen memories. A remarkable career and great write-up.……The attached LINK is to L. Cohen’s RRHOF induction by Lou Reed and Cohen’s wonderful speech……Simply the best combination of humour, humility and absolute belief in the power of a lyric ever displayed at the Hall…………………………Only quibbles with the Toppermost list is the inclusion of “I’m Your Man” ( the only song from the masterpiece album by the same name that I skip over ) in place of “Famous Blue Raincoat” and the line in the write-up… “middle class Westmount”. There are some middle class folks living there for sure – indeed even citizens that fall into the lower income brackets in Westmount – but it has been Canada’s most affluent city ( home to dynasty families like the Bronfman’s and Molson’s and the retirement city of almost every Canadian Prime Minister ) for more than 100 years.....and Leonard's roots were a tad above middle class.....certainly from the vantage point of his peers of the time that hailed from less comfortable areas of the city.......see Mordecai Richler, Irving Layton, Mavis Gallant, Ted Allan, Michel Tremblay etc.

Entered at Thu Apr 24 18:58:18 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Plochmann Lane...Provided by late Mike Hayward and partner Kim.
Maybe one day Garrett will continue the love.....
Based on our adoration of Bob Dylan & The Band.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Levon Helm & Bob Dylan

Entered at Thu Apr 24 18:52:30 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Gregg Greenwood Photos of Levon Helm and Band

Entered at Thu Apr 24 18:45:50 CEST 2014 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Tickets?..........TICKETS!!

A guy I know was so pissed off with the Canucks.he went down one of the busiet jogging trails in Stanley Park. He took his season tickets and nailed 'em to a big tree. He came back the next day and some one had stole the nails!

Entered at Thu Apr 24 18:36:14 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Thank you Kevin J!! You always make me laugh. :-D
The only way the Leafts will truly improve is for the fans to stop going to the games until they get some quality players. People and companies buy box seats and season tickets every year so the management isn't pressured in the least to acquire some skilled players......Now......with Shanahan on board.....I say he'll clean house!

Take a look at this photo Kevin J. Robbie is not amused at your joke about his Leafs!

Thank you Kerrin. Your memory serves you better than mine. Yes, Harris did say that he played with Rick so he's reporting on first hand experience here. Any info to share Ari/Joan/PSB? Any others?

Entered at Thu Apr 24 17:57:00 CEST 2014 from (70.53.46.21)

Kevin J

A Cabbie's sage advice

A man returns home a day early from a business trip after midnight. While en route home, he asks the cabbie if he would be a witness.

The man suspects his wife is having an affair and he wants to catch her in the act. For $100 tip, in addition to the cab fare from the Toronto airport, the cabbie agrees.

Quietly arriving home, the husband and cabbie tiptoe into the bedroom. The husband switches on the lights, yanks the blanket back and there is his wife in bed with another man! The husband puts a gun to the naked man's head.

The wife shouts, "Don't do it! I lied when I told you I inherited money.

HE paid for the Corvette I gave you.

HE paid for our new Mercedes Benz convertible.

HE paid for your Maple Leafs season tickets.

HE paid for your basketball season tickets.

HE paid for our cottage in the Muskokas.

HE paid for our speed boat.

HE paid for your country club membership and HE even pays for your monthly dues!"

Shaking his head from side-to-side, the husband lowers the gun. He looks over at the cabbie and says, 'What would you do?'

The cabbie replies, "I'd cover his ass with that blanket before he catches a cold.....and give him back the Leaf tickets!!"

Entered at Thu Apr 24 17:41:48 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Leonard Cohen

Oh, and while checking Toppermost, yesterday was Leonard Cohen, a combined effort by JT, Lucretia plus me. I would have posted yesterday, but I was off celebrating Shakespeare's 450th birth anniversary at The Globe Theatre with Hamlet!

Band connection? The dog in the basement.

Entered at Thu Apr 24 15:55:12 CEST 2014 from (77.102.201.158)

Al Edge

Hellacious sinus!

Sounds to me as if you may have got a dose of the old Brooklyn in yer bones mate.

:-0)

Terrific stuff. Loved it to bits.

Entered at Thu Apr 24 15:52:01 CEST 2014 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Here I am.....gone

Don't go away from home too long........what happens is, yer wife sells yer house and you have to move. After 5 years in Powell River we've decided to move.

The 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom house just isn't necessary any more. Kids don't all come around in a whole gang any more. BC Ferries in their gawd damn wisdom are cutting back on sailings to hold us hostage. Susan's sister's husband is dying of cancer, leaving her alone in Courtenay....so back to the island we go.

My wood cutting days are over. A small modular rancher, (two bedroom, two bathroom) will be our hangout. No gardens to tend leaving me more time for the "Rockin Chair". To the new comers, the Rockin Chair is a 54 ft Monk, McQueen motor yacht. Now the two old sailors in the song......

Turn the stern and point to shore, the seven seas won't carry us no more,

Slow down Willie boy, your hearts gonna give right out on you,

Well you can't take a fish out of water and leave it lyin' on the beach......you know what will happen......

Entered at Thu Apr 24 15:18:43 CEST 2014 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: Richard Bell (again)

For Richard Bell, please check out Toppermost. To date, he is the only 'sideman' to get a review there. From what I understand, there may be more in the future. He was one of the 'jewels in the crown'.

Entered at Thu Apr 24 12:00:35 CEST 2014 from (203.160.29.153)

Fred

Jeff: you should approach the Brooklyn Cyclones regarding the use of your song. That is if Brooklyn still has a minor league ball team these days.

Entered at Thu Apr 24 09:40:07 CEST 2014 from (68.199.209.157)

Jeff A.

Since Saturday night i've been out of commission with a hellacious sinus/ lung bronchial viral thing infection Today i finally was able to get my ass out and into manhattan to the doc, but essentially all i've done for days is sleep.And now that i can stay awake sometimes, watch TV, TURNer Movie Classics is doing a week or two of nothing but John Wayne. I don't recall if it was last night, or the night before, but they showed The Searchers. Well, i couldn't tell ya how many times I've seen it. But i decided to watch one more time, cause of Steve Heggison. This must be the first time I've seen it without commercials, and I enjoyed the hell out of it, Cause of Heggee.

Entered at Thu Apr 24 09:12:28 CEST 2014 from (68.199.209.157)

Jeff A.

Yo Peter, thanks and I just sent you a e mail. So, you are from Bay Ridge ...I recall Levon doing Brooklyn shows with The Bennett Brothers, some others. Don't know if I was around then though. I'm glad you got to go back under such positive circumstances....Bay Ridge......Kid (48) that worked for me for ages, even came out to st louis for a stretch once when he needed work, lives on 69th st off 13th ave. I'm in Bay Ridge all the time for various reason, often food.Next time you are there- Lioni's on 14th ave still makes the best hot heroes going.....Krispy's Pizza, on 13th ave, well their plain pie is so - so, but the vodka pie is phenomenal. Crust is just a little too thick, but the rest of it is so damn great that i forgive that.And the bottom of the pie is loaded with the seeds,maybe sesame, old school. Their fresh mozz pie is great too...And there's the espresso / gelato joints, , the people inside a step back in time. Still, alot of people from "the other side". ... ya got me going... It's all changing faster now than ever before.I better shut the hell up...

Entered at Thu Apr 24 08:06:18 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

....and order has been restored in my brother's Universe as well. ;-D

Going through my photos I took of Levon, I saw this one in a google search which I had posted here before. I also saw it was lifted from this site or google and posted on another site.

It was soooo difficult to take photos that night because Jeff Healey's Bar was packed to the rafters and it was sooooo hot, hot, hot that night. Literally and figuratively as our hair was dripping with sweat and the music was.....I can't even describe how good.....

I even literally bumped into the late Richard Bell. Unfortunately I never met him before. I knew it was him of course but only after I tried to get in front of him to try and take some photos. Uhhhh....He kinda gave me the evil eye. lol I was however thrilled that he joined Levon on stage and played piano. He was wearing cargo pants and his left leg was raised at times. Everyone needs to know about Richard Bell.....He's that great.....Anyway, I ended up meeting Glen Silverthorn instead who played with Rick Danko and the Starlights who was sitting at a front table. He's a real sweetheart. He was so happy to tell me that he played with Rick. I asked him to sign the back of my Levon ticket.

I wasn't in the best of moods that night as I was so stressed with work but watching Levon with his head down and playing his drums knowing that he wasn't able to sing at this time.......and smiling at Jeff Healey.....and The Barn Burners are fun to experience live.....I looked around and there were more female fans than at Rick Danko's Tribute at the Horseshoe or at Garth's show here. I later found out that I was sitting beside a Judge. Hmmm....He gave me his card, but I can't remember why exactly. I really can't remember but I kept it.....just in case.....ya never know, do ya?

It was great being at this show with my close friend Mr. Maximus. At one point he told me not to respond to a pit bull who didn't like that I was crowding him while I was trying to take a photo over his head as he was sitting in the front row and we were standing behind him. He knew that I can get mouthy if pushed....Like the time I was at Yankee Stadium trying to take photos of Daryl Strawberry and the guy in front of us told me off. I can be so naive at times as I said back, "I'm from Toronto and I want to take some photos." He said he could care less......Luckily his friend was drawn to me and told his friend to lay off. lol .....

Oh yeah, back to such a night with Levon Helm....So much fun...Live music.....Levon showing generosity to other musicians and appreciation.....He appeared very secure as a musician and seemed to enjoy entertaining his fans as I can imagine that he always had a soft spot for Canada and Toronto in particular........As I said, it was such a hassle trying to take a photo that I only was able to take a few and this is one of them.....It's not technically a good photo.....but I love how Levon and Richard Bell are smiling together....and Glen Silverthorn is right there with them. Thank you for a night I'm still remembering and sharing with others.

Levon Helm & the Barn Burners, Jeff Healey's Night Club, Toronto, Ontario, 09.19.2002.

Photo of Levon, Richard Bell and the one who played with Rick Danko in 1961 in the Starlights from Brantford, Ontario.....and who Mc'd the Rick Danko Tribute in Simcoe, Ontario....Glen Silverthorn.

"Music is food for the soul, food for the heart.
You've got to have a happy heart.
Without music, your soul goes suffering."
Levon Helm

Entered at Thu Apr 24 07:39:58 CEST 2014 from (76.124.39.182)

Peter M.

Subject: Small world, Jeff

Jeff, I had to leave Brooklyn in 1960 when my dad's job transferred him to Philadelphia when I was almost seven. The week before we moved, my two pet turtles were dropped off in the pond at Poly Prep. I never got over it, and I now have had a small pond in my backyard that has been home to some redbellied cooter turtles for decades (hence the address I use on this guest book). One of the highlights of the 2000's was going to see Levon on stage in the church hall at St Patrick's in Bay Ridge. This was the same hall and stage that I'd been on for kindergarten and first grade May Processions. Had a major nostalgia rush seeing Levon grace the same stage. Ran into Perry from Helmland Security there. When it was time to use the restroom, I followed the signs down the grade school hallway, past the same Blessed Virgin statue I'd last seen 46 years earlier (she looked... uh, "shorter" to me with the passing of time). Got the shock of my life when I realized I was peeing in the same urinal I'd used nearly half a century earlier. Yeah, got Brooklyn in MY Bones, too. Listened to the acoustic version and enjoyed your work. My wife and I are MAJOR fans of Angel Rissoff, having heard him and hung with him when he was singing with Little Isidore & the Inquisitors, with the stage name "Little Leopold". What a powerhouse! Nice work, ordered a couple of shirts, and looking forward to the electric version. Thanks, man, you said it well!

Entered at Thu Apr 24 06:52:55 CEST 2014 from (99.115.145.68)

Pat B

Entered at Thu Apr 24 04:50:27 CEST 2014 from (68.199.209.157)

Jeff A.

Subject: Fino Friday

Just a reminder that RoseAnn Fino and her band are performing at Fontana's on the Lower East Side, 7:30 PM, this Friday.

Entered at Thu Apr 24 02:10:07 CEST 2014 from (125.3.81.21)

Kerrin

BEG, that is one area of the book where Mr Harris does have firsthand account, it seems. He said in the (deleted) radio interview that he met and jammed with Rick at a gig in the early 90's (i can't remember if he said where). He comments on Rick's ability to engage other musicians, teaching harmony lines backstage, but also says that Rick was so desperate for a fix that it was his first question to anyone who entered the dressing room. He also says that Rick was only recently out of rehab at this time. As PSB says, he just drops that nugget in passing. I've never heard about Rick being in rehab, and, although plausible, it sounds as though Harris doesn't qualify this in the book with any concrete information or source. The rest of the anecdote is believable enough.

The comment about Levon never speaking to Robbie after TLW concert is laughable, but Harris obviously didn't realise that all the soundstage footage, Last Waltz Suite tracks and Shangri La interviews took place months after the show, nor did he see the pictures of Robbie at Levon's RCO album release party.

Entered at Thu Apr 24 01:12:46 CEST 2014 from (68.199.209.157)

Jeff A.

Entered at Thu Apr 24 00:33:04 CEST 2014 from (68.199.209.157)

Jeff A.

Subject: Thank you

Hey Bob, thanks for posting that.And thanks to those of you who had something nice to say. Yes, i agree, if the world made sense.... thanks.... I've not yet been able to infiltrate the worlds i need to... and the Brooklyn politicians that should be jumping on this, even with a local dynamo fronting me in, i can't get appointments to see em...well, they got hands to shake, baby's to kiss, and literally funds to solicit for their 501c corps. The new guy been getting caught already.... I've not yet gotten in the door at The Nets, but i have a new plan and something in the works. That version in the video, well, that was really just to have some thing for the band to hear in the studio. Then I told em what i was thinking past that... the electric version. you'd think it was the Stones in their day...no joke...It smokes....Anyway, I wasn't planning on doing the spoken word, i got hi jinked into it....... Once the demo was recorded though, i got carried away and mixed and mastered it.....Easy to get carried away in the studio.But also, the big thing was, i had to have something to put out.....i had written 75% of the song back in 2003, and never uttered the phrase to a sole all those years, knowing that once i started it, i had to see the whole thing through creatively & legally 100%...... first to strike with the song title and the song better cover all the bases, and get the clothing line trademarked and out.... and pray to every God under and over the sun..

Entered at Wed Apr 23 23:58:41 CEST 2014 from (72.78.33.234)

PSB

Entered at Wed Apr 23 20:27:06 CEST 2014 from (70.208.79.149)

Ari

Entered at Wed Apr 23 20:21:32 CEST 2014 from (96.232.159.74)

Joan

Brooklyn in my bones, Is terrific. Made me smile a lot even though I grew up in the shadow of Yankee Stadium. I agree it should be used for Nets games

Entered at Wed Apr 23 19:58:38 CEST 2014 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Coaches??

Kevin1....That guy is just an embarrassment......I'd rather watch Daffy Duck!

Entered at Wed Apr 23 19:45:40 CEST 2014 from (70.29.18.109)

brown eyed girl

I can't remember if he talked about Robbie's coke days with Scorsese. Remember when article came out on Robbie and Marty and Marty was furious at the time....Whereas Robbie was like.....Come on Marty! It's the truth, it's not slander...but we do live in Bel Air and not Beverly Hills (or was it the other way around?)

In Craig Harris' interview he gives us an example of how bad Rick's addiction really was....Rick walks into dressing room and even before saying hello......asks where are the drugs? He sounded as if he was in the room and witnessed this for himself. Really? Any info Joan?

Entered at Wed Apr 23 19:26:34 CEST 2014 from (86.160.64.183)

Roger Woods

Subject: Clapton not Clapton

Don't get excited Rod - it's not a train set - just a piece of rope. And it's not a rock star - all us male teachers of a certain age dressed like that in the 70s with hair down to the shoulders. Clapton is a suburb of North London.

Entered at Wed Apr 23 18:53:33 CEST 2014 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Apr 23 18:48:34 CEST 2014 from (70.29.18.109)

brown eyed girl

Entered at Wed Apr 23 18:44:53 CEST 2014 from (70.53.46.21)

Kevin J

Norm: The attached LINK is for you........with love.......Boo hoo hoo !

Entered at Wed Apr 23 18:39:53 CEST 2014 from (70.53.46.21)

Kevin J

“Brooklyn In My Bones”………….Love it ! and wonderful images that tell a story about a town. Get this into the hands of someone at the network broadcasting this Toronto-Brooklyn series and you’ll soon be celebrating with more than pizza and Stella’s.

Entered at Wed Apr 23 18:28:32 CEST 2014 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Look at the officiating!

The gawd damn Habs didn't win games the refs did!....wake up!.....you bunch a gawd damn eastern Canadian rif-raff-:)-:).........I'm pissed off and I'm gonna stay that way. Nothing you can say will change my mind......no...nope.don't want to hear it.

Entered at Wed Apr 23 18:06:19 CEST 2014 from (70.53.46.21)

Kevin J

By the way JT, perfectly summed up on the Canadiens…..a pleasure to watch. There was a lovely scene in game 2 or 3 where PK was just about to go over the edge and the cameras caught Markov and Gionta having a little talk with him on the bench. A display of leadership at its finest……and what about Gallagher !

brown eyed girl: I’m afraid our pal Landmark may have been turned early by the glories of Bobby Hull or Stan Mikita as well as Robertson, Helm, Danko, Hudson and Manuel as he is a Hawks fan !

Entered at Wed Apr 23 17:47:17 CEST 2014 from (184.66.101.38)

Bonk

Can't wait to hear the electric version! And I'll be getting back to you on those T-shirts.

Entered at Wed Apr 23 17:23:38 CEST 2014 from (129.42.208.184)

Bob F.

Subject: Brooklyn In My Bones

If the world made sense they would be playing Jeff Alexander's great song 'Brooklyn In My Bones' when the Nets take the floor against Toronto at the Barclays Center Friday night.

Entered at Wed Apr 23 17:17:05 CEST 2014 from (70.29.18.109)

brown eyed girl

I was on the other side getting thrills watching Toronto's Raps!! I know it's early as the series is tied 1-1 but these days it's hard to get your thrills in TO. Drake hangin' with Ford. Lithuania's star player on the floor and still makes a great pass and........Can't wait for the next game.

Entered at Wed Apr 23 16:38:52 CEST 2014 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: Les Canadiens

Kevin J (and maybe Landmark) (and anyone else who cares): A lovely demonstration by Les Habs of what hockey can be and that is not yet the best they can play! Nice for Pacioretty to do it when he did it after his drought. Cary Price brought his excellence with him back from Russia and showed the world that he is usually among the best. Subban is a force to be reckoned with. He still can improve but he is a wonderful spirit with an enthusiasm that is infectious. The cream is rising. I trust the rest will not lead to rust.

Entered at Wed Apr 23 16:28:05 CEST 2014 from (125.3.81.21)

Kerrin

Yes, those were the words Craig used in the now removed interview. I thought they seemed familiar.

Entered at Wed Apr 23 16:27:30 CEST 2014 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: Dylan touring Japan

In the spirit of making certain that what needs to be said is said, it should be pointed out that Dylan and his band are getting very positive reviews for their Japan tour. There has been some concert material provided at various sites and Dylan is in very good voice with a tight band behind him. He is doing material mainly from most recent albums (this is not a 'greatest hits' show.) With Reuben Carter's passing, it will be interesting to see if he considers ' Hurricane' for future shows. (not played live since the mid 70s). The one who continues to recreate his songs continues to continue.

Entered at Wed Apr 23 15:41:38 CEST 2014 from (94.185.232.105)

Peter v

Entered at Wed Apr 23 14:14:29 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Author of new book on rise, fall of The Band to appear in Fitchburg (April 23/14)

"It's a group that paid a lot of dues and created and set the tone and the influence for all the music that's come since, but their story is ultimately a very sad story," which includes greed, suicide, drugs and alcoholism, Harris said.

Harris said he was turned on to folk music at a very young age. His uncle was a guitar player and knew Bob Dylan before he recorded his first album, and his uncle brought Dylan to Harris' grandmother's house in New York. Filled with awe and respect for Dylan, Harris said he also began to listen to other artists of the genre, such as Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Tom Paxton and Phil Ochs.

Harris said The Band was "rebelling against the rebellion," having started at a time when rock was all about heavy metal, acid rock and bubblegum.

"Their music was literate, it was melodic, it was amazing harmonies, it was well-structured and masterfully executed," he said. "That's why those two albums shine so amazingly -- and that's why they, more than any other group, live up to having the name The Band.

"They were the epitome of working together," Harris continued. "And unfortunately, the rest of the story is not really a pretty story."

"In order to talk about The Band, it's important to talk about Bob Dylan, because it's the intersection of Dylan and The Band that really blew the culture apart," Harris said.

A band that started out as brothers later erupted in disagreement and hostility between Robertson and drummer Helm over song-writing credit, Harris said, and "The Last Waltz," on Thanksgiving Day 1976, was the original group's last concert together.

Helm never spoke to Robertson again, he said. Robertson visited Helm in his hospital room when he was dying of cancer in 2012, Harris said, but he's heard Helm was in a coma by that point and the two never reconciled.

Additionally, Harris said original lead singer Manuel, who had a voice that rivaled Ray Charles, was an alcoholic from his teenage years and committed suicide in a hotel bathroom in 1986. Bassist Danko had been in a car accident before the release of The Band's first album and became addicted to painkillers and other drugs, Harris said, and was in and out of rehab before dying of a heart attack in his sleep in 1999.

What do you think Bill M? Maybe what's needed is a book on Levon and The Hawks. Although it was Garth who said in a doc on TVO that it was Dylan that brought them "from the bars to the stars."

Entered at Wed Apr 23 13:50:15 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

What people are saying aboutThe Band: Pioneers of Americana Music

“Author Craig Harris has an obvious passion for Americana music in general, and for The Band in particular. This detailed account of one of our most iconic musical entities, and the scene that surrounded them, should be on the shelf of every fan of American roots music”

(Happy Traum, guitarist, performer, owner of Homespun Music Instruction, Woodstock, NY)

“Craig Harris paints his masterpiece, guiding us through five decades of music history as seen by The Band. Drawing on interviews with Band members and their colleagues, Harris takes us with them to see how the Band and the music scene shaped each other from the 1960s to the 21st Century”

(Art Menius, Executive Director, the Arts Center, Carrboro, NC)

Included among the sixteen photographs, by Harris, in the book, are previously unpublished photographs of Band members Garth Hudson, Levon Helm, Rick Danko, and Richard Manuel.

The Band: Pioneers of Americana Musicexplores the diverse influences on the quintet's music, and the impact that their music had in turn on contemporary music and American society. Through previously unpublished interviews with Robbie Robertson, Eric Andersen, Pete Seeger, and the late Rick Danko, as well as numerous other sources, Craig Harris surveys The Band's musical journey from sidemen for, among others, Ronnie Hawkins and Bob Dylan to rock legendry in their own right. The Band: Pioneers of Americana Music touches on the evolution of rock and roll, the electrifying of folk music, shifting perceptions of the American south, and the commercializing of the counter-culture.“This book sets the record straight about The Band,” said the author, “who they were and how they changed modern society.”

Amazon.ca
CDN$ 26.33 Hardcover
Usually ships in 3 to 5 weeks

Thanks Edgy...I wasn't surprised REM covered Louuu's "Pale Blue Eyes" as I knew that Stipe was a huuuuge fan. I've posted a couple of times Emmylouuu and Sheryl Crowe's beautiful cover as well. If my memory serves me well...There is a youtube video of Louuu and Pete Townshend duetting on this song.

Kevin J...Jack Taylor Drama Series tonight.

"Jack Taylor is an Irish television drama based on a series of novels by Ken Bruen. Set in Galway, the series stars Iain Glen in the eponymous role of Jack Taylor, a former officer with the Garda Síochána (national police) who becomes a "finder" (ie. a private investigator) after leaving the service. Taylor is a man who goes looking for clues where others have not bothered to. He also knows the streets of his hometown like the back of his hand."

Entered at Wed Apr 23 12:33:27 CEST 2014 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

I don't normally go around looking at girls schools web sites but I came across this when googling Shangri La and clicking on a picture of Eric Clapton and Bob Dylan. The guy in one of the pictures looks vaguely familiar (is it a train set?). There's no caption though explaining what it's about.

Entered at Wed Apr 23 09:29:44 CEST 2014 from (92.18.204.110)

Solomon

Both of these can be found on YouTube. I think everyone outside of the top clubs would like to see Liverpool win the title now.

Entered at Wed Apr 23 01:42:58 CEST 2014 from (77.102.201.158)

Al Edge

Thanks for the heads up on that Bob.

I hadn't been aware of it so it's very reassuring to know that stuff like that is out there.

There's been an unbelievable momentum gathering pace for sometime now and that documentary seems very timely in its effort to convey the truth to an audience that will likely have been unaware for the most part as to the depths the British establishment would stoop in order to conceal that truth about the culpability of the authorities.

The cover up began before the bodies were cold and - as the saying goes - the lies had circled the globe several times before the truth had managed to get its boots on.

As we all know so many injustices worldwide do remain buried but thanks to unstinting efforts over 25 years of the bereaved families and the wrongly maligned Liverpool fans this is one injustice where the 'small man' looks like overcoming the odds and achieving justice.

Entered at Wed Apr 23 01:25:39 CEST 2014 from (77.102.201.158)

Al Edge

Subject: Yet more unconcious couplings

Angelina - another fluttering of blue eyes - REM's take on Lou's classic.

BTW Edgy takes me right back to school days. Nice swan.

:-0)

Entered at Wed Apr 23 01:18:39 CEST 2014 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: The Myth - Into the Mystic

I like some of the comments in this regard. Isn't the "Myth" something we all hope to see a lot of the time? The cold hard facts as some want to see, "in black & white!" Well they aren't always fun.

It's good to hear the stories, just as I gave for example, "The Charge of the Light Brigade" it was made for the movie like. Many of the movies we watch that say, (based on a true story). Well......the true story isn't always as adventurous, Erroll Flynn like,......I don't think I spelt his name right? Anyway, I think the good writer has that ability.

Now if Steve were here, we'd be in a fight for sure. I'm sure some of you remember the discussion of Acadian Driftwood and all the mistakes with dates etc that Robbie made. I thought that was really funny.

Entered at Wed Apr 23 01:15:14 CEST 2014 from (77.102.201.158)

Al Edge

Like it. Nice one Pete

:-0)

Entered at Wed Apr 23 00:50:43 CEST 2014 from (68.199.209.157)

Jeff A.

Subject: Hammonds

see the link

Entered at Wed Apr 23 00:20:54 CEST 2014 from (72.78.33.234)

PSB

Entered at Tue Apr 22 23:50:14 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Write.Right.Rite.

Writing to Inspire

"Through his CBC Massey Lectures, The Truth About Stories: A Native Narrative, Thomas King creatively demonstrates through the introduction of each of five lectures the varying nature of story: “[E]ach time someone tells the story, it changes. Sometimes the change is simply in the voice of the storyteller. Sometimes the change is in the details. Sometimes in the order of events. Other times it’s the dialogue or the response of the audience” (1). I believe stories are important as teaching tools, as aids to vision, and as inspiration.

"Books such as Cogewea; The Half-Blood, Three Day Road, First Wives Club: Coast Salish Style, and The Truth About Stories: A Native Narrative help to “break down the stereotype of Indigenous Peoples as soundless people who do not have a voice” (Beeds Lecture Feb 23). From a colonized past in residential schools where children were not allowed to speak their language, we now hear the voices of Indigenous authors, who are well acquainted with words and their value. King asserts that these authors “use the Native present as a way to resurrect a Native past and to imagine a Native future. To create, in words, as it were, a Native universe” (106).

In this new universe, Robbie Robertson further dispels the myth of the “vanishing Indian.” Listen as he sings his anthem, “Ghost Dance,” which alludes to the power of the past to give vision to the future":

You don’t stand a chance
against my prayers
You don’t stand a chance
against my love
They outlawed the Ghost Dance
but we shall live again,
we shall live again.

Entered at Tue Apr 22 23:05:53 CEST 2014 from (70.53.46.21)

Kevin J

A pinch on the Liberty Valance quote but I for one always loved the almost mythical parts of the Band story…..also enjoyed that post by little brother…….. but I would take Chutzpah any day of the week over not having it……….and it was required to pull off something like TLW….remembering that Music From Big Pink took 30 years to sell 500,000 copies and bands the reigned the rock world at the same time as The Band like Led Zeppelin sometimes sold that many albums in just 1 week! In other words – myth was required.

……Also, not sure anyone ever could have predicted just how technology would allow for subcultures like The Band fans or Basement Tape fanatics to preside over the facts of product and stories that those involved – creators and marketers – saw as just parts of show business……nothing more.

Entered at Tue Apr 22 21:13:42 CEST 2014 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Tue Apr 22 20:44:34 CEST 2014 from (100.34.3.106)

Little Brother

Subject: Robbie as Mythmaker

I couldn't agree more with Peter V's "I think they got caught up on their own myth-making."

I love Robbie, but he was as much The Band's chief mythmaker as he was, or became, its chief songwriter.

Robbie is obviously a born hustler, ergo a born bullshitter. I don't mean this as a putdown; many great artists have these qualities-- Dylan and Picasso come to mind.

IMO, such mythmaking is marketing writ large. Or, more precisely, marketing writ grandiose.

I do think, though, that one ought to take in the mythmakers' pronouncements with abiding skepticism, aka a heapin' helpin' of salt.

One passing example of Robbie's sketchy glibness is his response when it was belatedly revealed that many tracks from Columbia's 1975 "official" release of (some of) "The Basement Tapes" were extensively re-processed and overdubbed, and contained a few "ringers", e.g. The Band's own demo recordings, that were not really "basement tapes".

As a Wikipedia article explains, "Robertson has suggested that the Basement Tapes are, for him, 'a process, a homemade feel' and so could include recordings from a wide variety of sources."

Well, OK. That's a "nice save", but I guarantee that MOST fans at the time, including me, assumed that they were buying "the best" of the actual basement tapes, perhaps edited and cleaned up to remove static, hiss, and other noise, but not "enhanced". Also, it's telling that Robbie and the others saw no need to publicize Robbie's broader, perhaps idiosyncratic, rationale until this extensive post-production became widely known.

I guess all this is just to say that this kind of mythmaking is inevitable, even traditional, but the down side is that, as Peter suggests, those myths sometimes return to bite the mythmakers in the ass.

Entered at Tue Apr 22 19:42:55 CEST 2014 from (76.124.39.182)

Peter M.

Entered at Tue Apr 22 16:59:19 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

The beautiful Jeff Buckley...(who resembles so much his biological Dad....musician Tim Buckley)....Wow....He gives us a gift here to last a lifetime.....soul brother to Richard Manuel for sure.

"Jeff eventually sings an old Dylan song (Basement Tapes) through the telephone to some friend's accompaniment on the other side, during a live radio broadcast. As strange and painful as it sounds, it turned out rather well."

Entered at Tue Apr 22 16:04:23 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Happy Earth Day!

Lou Reed - Last Great American Whale with lyrics - New York Album

Posted by Brian Eno?

Al Edgy...Many thanks. I just downloaded "Hey Blue Eyes". Could conscious uncoupling be around the corner?

Northwestcoaster formerly known as Ilkka...Where is Norbert?! I lost most of my email when my computer was infected.

3D Bill...It's always a pleasure to "see" you. You're another one of the most generous spirits here. It's a gift to all. Thank you for sharing and I'm so glad that you made it through. Remember when you and Julie were trying to make it to Rick Danko's Tribute in Simcoe? I would have loved to have met both of you. If you weren't moving out to Kansas (Professor ray pence country); I would suggest that we meet in Rochester, NY as the one band imagezulu will see (for free...lol) is Donna The Buffalo. I think they'll be performing during the long weekend in August. They're from upstate NY as well....Trumansburg, NY. Btw, the female singer and multi-instrumentalist Tara Nevins performed at Levon's Ramble and her solo recording was produced by Larry Campbell.

Thanks to Wallsend who posted Butch's Facebook page. Wow Butch! Garland Jeffreys supported your campaign!!!! See.....You can be buddies with Armani and.....you! :-D

Hey Jed. I just listened to Louuu's "Great American Whale" and before that I was listening to the Jeff Buckley Collection. I was disappointed that "Farewell Angelina" wasn't included but....I already had it downloaded. He was so pure and raw with his emotions.....A huuuge loss for all of us as he was so young when he passed.......huuuuuge loss.

Entered at Tue Apr 22 15:42:19 CEST 2014 from (100.33.95.254)

Jed

Dylan/The Band-Complete Basement Tapes-Reel 10-11.

Entered at Tue Apr 22 14:23:51 CEST 2014 from (75.97.113.20)

bob w.

Subject: Al Edge - ESPN:The Hillsborough Tragedy

Al, just wanted to make you aware of a brilliant documentary on the Hillsborough tragedy that is currently running on ESPN here in the States. I don't think it is going to be made available in Europe for another year due to the ongoing investigation. I'm guessing it won't tell you much you don't already know but the quality of the presentation is stunning and deeply disturbing. It has brought the topic a great deal of interest here.

The link provides a recorded interview with the director, Daniel Gordon.

Entered at Tue Apr 22 13:58:38 CEST 2014 from (77.102.201.158)

Al Edge

Was it at the Crossroads Pete?

:-0)

Entered at Tue Apr 22 10:14:02 CEST 2014 from (76.124.39.182)

Peter M.

I picked up a CD copy of Willie Dixon's album "I Am The Blues" today, replacing the original vinyl I got from disc jockey, Jay Cook at WFIL in 1969. He used to give me access to promotional records that were "unsuitable for Top 40 airplay". I was listening to it at midnight while driving home from work, feeling like a Saturday night. At a red light I heard a knock on the window. A motorcycle cop in the next lane, asked, "Excuse me sir, Muddy or Willie?". I said Willie, I just replaced the first blues album I'd ever owned. "Nice taste", he said with a grin, and rode off.

Entered at Mon Apr 21 23:56:07 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter v

It is consistent that fans don't want change though other people could replicate parts, but you generally can't replace the writers or the lead singers. Or Garth, of course. So that covers the five.

Entered at Mon Apr 21 23:42:44 CEST 2014 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: The Myth of Bands & Poetic License

I believe you are right Peter. All along the watch tower, from the earliest days of Rock & Roll bands, most have tried to portray, "We are all tight, the best of friends". No matter how disagreements were tried to be covered up and kept private, the media would not allow. "The truth will always out" as me old mum used to say. Only problem is, it didn't always come out as the "real" truth. Things get embellished.

On that vein, Lord Tennyson, was a little reckless with his poetic license awright. My understanding is of the (slightly over 600), some 260 odd died. Being as I wasn't there, I didn't get to count -:)

My favourites from childhood, still are, the St Crispen's Day Speech, and "Casey at the Bat"......no.....that's not right, although they come a close second to, "Sea Fever", and The Ryhmn of the Ancient Mariner.

Peter, did you ever get to read the sea story I put you on to "In Hazard"?, or my great grand dad's book, "Cruise of the Cachalot"?

Entered at Mon Apr 21 23:32:31 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Mon Apr 21 23:29:32 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Generally, while the VU legitimately soldiered on after John Cale, once Lou Reed had gone it was absurd to use the name. The Pink Floyd’s best work was actually post Syd Barrett. The Byrds? Well, it ended up as Roger McGuinn & Whoever, but even so the “Whoever” versions had Clarence White and there were some great bands along the way. I think The Band set themselves up by the stuff about a tight band, united for years. The fact that Levon was gone from The Hawks from late 1965 to late 1967 was eliminated from any of their interviews until many years later. Then what about Jerry Penfound? I don’t believe The Hawks were quite the solid band of five they portrayed themselves to be retrospectively. Like “Moondog Matinees” absurd claim to be The Hawks live set (when some songs post-date them) I think they got caught up on their own myth-making. As did The Beatles to a degree, glossing over Ringo's later addition to the ranks.

It was the"Honey" mag teenage girls view of pop groups, that they all had to have been the bestest of best friends forever, and bands played up to it.

Entered at Mon Apr 21 22:13:40 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Subject: Levon and Robbie

I've been as guilty as anyone else in taking sides in the Levon vs. Robbie debates that surface here with some regularity. While I generally support Levon in these discussions, that doesn't mean that I don't respect and appreciate Robbie's contributions to The Band. As a fan of The Band 1968-98, I am thankful that the 4 others continued performing and recording individually and collectively after Robbie retired with the last waltz.

People often bring up the fact that the last waltz has brought many new fans to the Band and allowed them to be a viable concert attraction in the 80's and 90's. I think that's true to an extant, but I also think that the movie in general and Robbie's comments in the interviews specifically were an albatross around The Band's neck for the rest of their careers. Levon made it pretty clear in his book that he was against doing the last waltz. Many bands have continued on after losing key members, The Byrds, The Beach boys, The Velvet underground and Pink Floyd come immediately to mind, but I don't think any other band have received as much criticism for doing this as The Band.

Entered at Mon Apr 21 21:52:46 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Mon Apr 21 20:23:52 CEST 2014 from (58.104.10.249)

Wallsend

Entered at Mon Apr 21 19:59:30 CEST 2014 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Charge of the Light Brigade

Peter, it occurred to me a short while ago while out on my ship and listening to this business with Crimea. Do you suppose that there are still those who manifest that pride, to "Never say die", even in this day and age.

It seems that those wars will forever rear their heads to people who refuse to change their believes in any way.

Theirs is not to make reply, theirs is but to do and die.........

Entered at Mon Apr 21 19:29:21 CEST 2014 from (74.103.114.184)

Pete

Entered at Mon Apr 21 16:11:06 CEST 2014 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Still the Waters

Wallsend, the vibe I get is that your comment is sincere. You are not unique or being singled out. Many have come by here and had to "Weigh in" on what some see as a fued taking a side and feeling justified on sounding off.

I don't see this that way. I have been the greatest fan of Robbie Robertson and Levon Helm since 1963. If any one harbours a bitterness for a long time over things that only a very few personally understand, I just see it as very sad.

In 1963 I worked in a logging camp up Vancouver Island. In those days we had our very small room and a common living room for about 40 men in each bunk house. Some played poker some black jack, some read and some of us young punkers played our guitars, fiddles, accordion etc, and made our music.

Very few radio stations we could receive back then. There were not a lot of bands on the west coast. We listened a lot to Ronnie Hawkins & the Hawks, Gordon Lightfoot, and Bob Dylan and played their music so that although I was not a great fan of Ronnie Hawkins singing, those guys who became the BAND that we related to have been in my life always.

In 1967 having gone to work at Port McNeill two friends and I began playing music weekends in a little bar in Port Hardy, "The Seagate Hotel Lounge". I spent over 30 years playing music in bars. I never persued a career in music, although many people courted me and tried to talk me into it. I NEVER liked being on the road it was not for me.

Over all those years I watched good friends destroy themselves with booze and drugs. I had a good friend, Peter Hamlin a HOT drummer who hung himself. In living the life you learn that you can't be judgemental of people for how these things destroy them. In that learning, members of the BAND are more understandable and it's sad.

Over time on this Guest Book, you become drawn into a closeness to these people, and the people close to them, so that there are things that are better left unsaid.

The years of Tracey's pink page, and the time Norbert spent hosting the page while Jan took a hiatus from the gun fire that took place here all have been enjoyable. When you listen to the true friends who stood by thes fellows thru thick and thin, like Carol Caffin's dedication to Rick Danko, you understand more. These things don't happen over night tho'...........carry on.........

Entered at Mon Apr 21 15:54:02 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Subject: bullying

Peter, I agree with you. Many of us have posted comments over the years that have irritated and offended others here. I'm sure I am guilty of this myself. It's fine to debate and give feedback, but it can get to a point where it becomes bullying, which is not cool.

Entered at Mon Apr 21 15:48:31 CEST 2014 from (77.102.201.158)

Al Edge

Subject: Bruce - powerful stuff from the maestro

HEY BLUE EYES

They're holding a committee of treason and lies
Double speak and sedition then somebody dies
From the hills the smell of lilacs then the repeat of guns
When she closes the window and draws the blinds her first touch sucks the air from my lungs

Hey Blue Eyes, what you doing tonight
Hey Blue Eyes, it's alright

She says, "In this house we've abandoned history, in this house there are no laws
Just the false taste of paradise and then the fall
In this house the guilty go unpunished and blood and silence prevail
Here the dead remain nameless, the nameless remain jailed"

Hey Blue Eyes, what you doing tonight
Hey Blue Eyes, it's alright

In this house there's just the dust of bones, the basement's filled with liars
In this house our sons and daughters are spilled like wine
So come close my pretty darling and let me feel your disease
Tonight I'll have you naked and crawling at the end of my leash

Hey Blue Eyes, what you doing tonight
Hey Blue Eyes, it's alright

She says, "In this house it's so easy to set a world on fire
All you need is the need and the money and a soul full of reckless desire
Upstairs the landlord is dining here with his criminal friends
Don't worry, they'll have the bags packed and be long gone before the real fucking begins"

Hey Blue Eyes, yeah, what you doing tonight
Hey Blue Eyes, it's alright
Hey Blue Eyes, what you doing tonight
Hey Blue Eyes, it's alright

Entered at Mon Apr 21 15:20:25 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I didn't include SPAM posters though. They can f*ck off!

Entered at Mon Apr 21 13:39:49 CEST 2014 from (14.140.239.50)

Harikumar

Subject: hi

hi, everyone. this is harikumar

Entered at Mon Apr 21 12:57:47 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

It used to be in the Middle Ages that Spring and the New Year started at the Spring equinox (which could be an early Easter), and as we’re a little late for that with Easter at its latest point, we could start with a clean slate here on Easter Monday and go from here afresh.

Entered at Mon Apr 21 05:52:11 CEST 2014 from (76.124.39.182)

Peter M.

Holy shit

Entered at Mon Apr 21 05:38:37 CEST 2014 from (203.160.29.153)

Fred

Sorry for the late(ish) reply to your post: yeah that Bahrain GP did bring back a longing for the type of F1 racing that I enjoyed in the late 1970s ( the late great Gilles vs Arnoux as the prime example).

Sadly I think we'll not see much racing like that unless fundamental rule & design changes (regarding the cars) are made in the future. As a fan, I can only hope.

Entered at Mon Apr 21 04:40:28 CEST 2014 from (58.104.8.119)

Wallsend

Entered at Mon Apr 21 03:52:52 CEST 2014 from (24.114.65.56)

Kevin J

We want to put his ass in stir

We want to pin this triple murder on him

He ain't no Gentleman Jim".

Great song inspired by a most interesting man.........he did help some people......RIP Hurricane Carter

Entered at Mon Apr 21 03:25:45 CEST 2014 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: The Practice

Well Wallsend, you may have thought of that bit of scripture before you made some of the comments you made.

Whether it's Easter or whatever time of year, the same rule applies. You seem to feel you are justified in saying what ever you please. "Freedom of speech"???

Entered at Mon Apr 21 03:14:19 CEST 2014 from (58.104.8.119)

Wallsend

Entered at Mon Apr 21 01:53:47 CEST 2014 from (24.108.1.255)

Bonk

Wallsend. You hanging around that Hookah smoking rabbit?

Entered at Mon Apr 21 01:01:52 CEST 2014 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Being Bullied??

This gets so funny, it's pathetic. You made some very inappropriate comments, and as I'm not here that often out on my tug I've yet to hear any apology. College teacher?

This is more like kindergarten bull shit. Any amount of profanity is not the same as down right personal attacks and insults. Give your head a shake.

Entered at Mon Apr 21 00:14:26 CEST 2014 from (58.104.8.119)

Wallsend

Entered at Sun Apr 20 22:01:39 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Sun Apr 20 21:47:25 CEST 2014 from (58.104.8.119)

Wallsend

Entered at Sun Apr 20 21:19:50 CEST 2014 from (58.104.8.119)

Wallsend

I see there have been some responses to PSB's review of the Craig Harris book including one from the author himself. One led me to the Facebook page linked above which I guess is known to many here but which I hadn't seen before.

Entered at Sun Apr 20 20:46:21 CEST 2014 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: New Kid in Town - "Honest" car salesman! - Exposed!

At one time or another we were all new posters. Took some flak here and there, but got to understand each other over time. That's nothing new. Comments made about any ones appearance while in the throws of dealing with a horrible disease is cruel and this should not even be revisited.

Some used car salesman - honest used car salesman.....there is no such thing. anyway this person totally missed the point. Many people took issue with comments. David Powell's reaction was justified. Not have been here for long one does not appreciate the many years of musical knowledge, humour and good times shared with people of the calibre of David, a musician like many of us there are many people here who would attest to how he will be missed if we don't here from him again.

New posters are always welcome, and as I posted in reply to a comment Peter made a while back, revisiting many subjects very often bring some fresh and interesting points not always previously seen. Also new points of view are welcome.

On the approach of the anniversary of the sad loss of Levon Helm, I recall reading a very humble post from Jan the host of this page requesting some respect shown to Levon and his friends and loved ones at this time. Butch Dener's reaction to some of these crude posts was justified.

Some times in joining the fan base of a place like this, it is well to remember the old expression. "With hold evaluation until comprehension is complete.

This whole idea of having to keep scraping the fingernails up and down the black board, (taking sides on the feelings and relation ships of others) and yeah "speculating" on things that are really none of your fucking business.

It matters not whether you been here 10 days or 10 years. Some of those pompous and stupid remarks are a waste of space.

Back to an old post I recall making a long time ago. Once upon a time there were 5 guys, who after paying their dues and cutting their teeth in the bars that can put you up, or bring you down, found themselves holed up in an old pink house in upstate New York. Who would have known then how those 5 guys would change the world of music, leaving a legacy that will never be equaled. The way the world has changed it could never be equalled. That isn't sad.....it's a hell of a legacy to leave. Be thankful to be a part of it.

Yeah Todd! I was exposing myself, remember the old saying? "Man that waters cold......yeah......deep too!

Entered at Sun Apr 20 14:01:11 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: You & I Belong: Simone Felice

There's a video up from last night's Simone Felice show, You & I Belong. It's pretty dark as there was no stage lighting, but the sound is great.

Entered at Sun Apr 20 13:41:42 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Wallsend. If you have a question about something that Butch wrote here and you have found his facebook page, why don't you send him a message on facebook?

Entered at Sun Apr 20 12:11:03 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Simone Felice

Link to my review of Simone Felice live yesterday. Seriously this new album and new tour are unmissable. Norway next week. then through Europe ending up in the North-East of the USA in late May / early June. I see Kingston, NY on the gig list. Get tickets!

Entered at Sun Apr 20 09:12:13 CEST 2014 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

Yep, definitely a lip sync job which is disapointing. I love that song though.

Entered at Sun Apr 20 07:16:45 CEST 2014 from (58.104.12.127)

Wallsend

I am still a bit puzzled by the post from Butch Dener yesterday. While I was googling him I came across the face book page above which shows he is fairly heavily involved in politics. Does any one know why he would resent being called a politician or why he would even respond to Northwest Coasters obscure post? On the Facebook page there is a Band connection with not only a photo with Levon but also Eliot Landy donating some prints to his campaign. Sometimes on this site people post things and I have no idea what they are talking about.

Entered at Sun Apr 20 06:16:28 CEST 2014 from (182.250.243.197)

Kerrin

Ian W, given the enormity of the event, even still photography appears to have been strictly controlled. All the photo's I've seen (bar one audience snap) were from the press pit below the stage, so no-one was granted stage access. Because the photographers had to aim upwards, there are some good shots of Dylan/Robbie/Rick, but none (that I've seen) of Levon, Richard or Garth. I think I've only seen one picture (audience snap) of The Band without Bob. A bit strange that there was no "official" photographer getting decent coverage, but then Woodstock was no better. Even Elliott's pictures are individual close-ups, so the lighting must have been very limiting. There are some widely used photos of his of The Band onstage at Woodstock which I'm certain are from Winterland or somewhere in that time frame, but not Woodstock. S.N.A.C.K in 1975 is another one, massive, massive occasion with big names, but only a handful of photos seem to be in circulation.

Entered at Sun Apr 20 04:47:02 CEST 2014 from (24.199.71.83)

Jon Lyness

Subject: Tributes to Levon

New article on Levon with some nice quotes from Garth, Amy Helm and many other musicians.

Entered at Sun Apr 20 00:45:43 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Well, we spent a wonderful evening listening to Simone Felice, which ended with Simone talking about today's date, and of hearing of Levon's passing while on the boat to Ireland, then he said as kids they'd ride their bikes past Big Pink, and that for a young musician in Woodstock, Levon was like a "patron saint." He then dedicated a song to Levon, and added "and of course to Richard Manuel, and to Rick Danko."

Simone then sang the most heartfelt and impassioned version of "I Shall Be Released" I have ever heard with everyone in the audience joining in.

So a huge thank you to Simone Felice for a fitting and very moving tribute, as well as a brilliant performance.

Entered at Sat Apr 19 23:11:30 CEST 2014 from (80.3.71.216)

Ian W

I don't keep up with this sort of thing these days but believe the position is as follows.

As there are a few minutes of colour footage from the start of Dylan's performances (She Belongs To Me), I assumed that this was all that was allowed to be filmed by news organisations. About 4 minutes of this song has apparently survived.

Then there was the B&W footage that formed the bulk of a bootleg DVD a few years back.

Now, there is this brief bit of "Quinn The Eskimo" in B&W.

At the start, the only audio available of the concert (other than the songs on SELF PORTRAIT) was taken from audience recordings that weren't too good. Then, many years ago, a much better quality recording of some 9 songs appeared - most near the start but a couple from the middle of Dylan's performace and a couple from near the end.

The reason I mention it here is because the rumour at the time was that this was the soundtrack of film shot by a Dutch TV company (I should stress that the songs did NOT match those on the more recent bootleg DVD).

The story was that the visual footage shot by this Dutch TV company had perished in a fire but the audio had survived. I have no idea if this is true.

The only other film footage I can recall is a brief snatch from the press conference that Dylan and The Bnad did three days before the concert and some footage of Dylan leaving London with his wife.

Given the enormity of the event and the focus on Dylan, I am surprised there isn't more. Perhaps someone here knows better.

Entered at Sat Apr 19 20:51:07 CEST 2014 from (58.104.12.127)

Wallsend

After Butch posted I did a bit of googling and came across this reference to the gold record Levon received for the TLW which he signed and gave to Butch who in turn donated to help Richie Hayward. It sold for around $4500. This was mentioned in the Elmore article on Levon.

Entered at Sat Apr 19 20:05:37 CEST 2014 from (100.34.3.106)

Little Brother

Subject: Passing Reminiscence

I was listening to all the versions of "W.S. Walcott Medicine Show" in my music library today.

Whenever I hear the line "She is pure gold down underneath", I smile at the memory of first listening to the song as a callow teenager.

For a long time, I thought the line was another way of saying that Miss Br'er Foxhole had a "heart of gold". Ah, innocence!

Entered at Sat Apr 19 19:48:11 CEST 2014 from (58.104.12.127)

Wallsend

Entered at Sat Apr 19 19:47:44 CEST 2014 from (97.116.121.148)

Jerry

Entered at Sat Apr 19 18:39:28 CEST 2014 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: "Thank you all."

On a serious side. The favorite Mr. Dener line I planned to post was this: "Thank you all!" I don't remember the issue or the date. No irony. Sometimes life is simple like that.

Entered at Sat Apr 19 17:04:04 CEST 2014 from (67.83.171.31)

Ray

Entered at Sat Apr 19 16:59:00 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Subject: Levon

I'm listening to Levon guesting with the Allman Brothers from 2009 at the Beacon theatre. Very nice. I found this used a few months ago, but haven't played it before. This is real soulful stuff. Ophelia, I shall be released and The weight.

Entered at Sat Apr 19 16:31:27 CEST 2014 from (24.114.65.56)

Kevin J

Fred.......Hope that you were able to watch the Bahrain race two weeks ago - one the most exciting races I've seen in years.........the Hamilton-Rosberg battles even had hints of Gilles Villeneuve-Rene Arnoux at Dijon 1979 ! Shanghai this weekend.

Levon: 2 hour drive today......parts of it will be spent with Live at the Acadamy and the memories will be great.

Entered at Sat Apr 19 16:08:21 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I didn't get out early and join the queues, because we had family overnight. I strolled in at 11 am, and still got two of my three choices. Ronnie Sprector & The E Street Band reissue of Say Goodbye To Hollywood, and Martin & Eliza Carthy on a 7" single with Happiness / Queen of Hearts. I failed to get the Bert Jansch 10", but as I found the "Needle of Death" EP the day before (original copy) I wasn't too bothered. It didn't seem so enticing this year, and I think people were put off by the way more copies of the "rare" releases turned up a couple of weeks later in 2013 as labels just pressed a few more copies.

Entered at Sat Apr 19 15:41:29 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Yes, a mime. I watched this morning on the iPad on a small window. On the main computer screen all is clear - the guitar solo too. But he really could work an audience. He looks great.

Entered at Sat Apr 19 14:54:17 CEST 2014 from (203.160.29.153)

Fred

Subject: Il Festival di Sanremo

As far as I know Sanremo is usually a musical playback affair. Or at least parts of the music festival are (especially the bits shown on Italian TV).

At least this is how I remember it, those times when I watched it on TV in the late 70s & early 80s.

The link is to the wikipedia entry (in English) on the Sanremo Music Festival.

Entered at Sat Apr 19 14:34:44 CEST 2014 from (67.83.171.31)

Ray

I'll never forget hearing Levon singing Evangeline from behind the closed doors of the Tarrytown Theatre during a soundcheck and it dawning on me that he'd regained his voice and that we'd all hear one of the great American voices again.

Entered at Sat Apr 19 14:18:34 CEST 2014 from (125.3.81.21)

Kerrin

Entered at Sat Apr 19 12:44:49 CEST 2014 from (58.104.13.170)

Wallsend

Entered at Sat Apr 19 12:44:43 CEST 2014 from (24.252.154.5)

Calvin

Entered at Sat Apr 19 12:17:27 CEST 2014 from (100.33.95.254)

Jed

Butch is a very good guy.Saw him around with the guys for years upstate and he was always gracious.Glad he popped in here,but I don't expect him to return.He has a good eye for spotting agenda driven posts and like family members and friends of The Band who DO read stuff here,he's obviously reacting and hurt by what many clearly see in such posts.Right on,Butch! Today's a day to recall the good life Levon lived,the impact of his music,it changed lives,healed many a soul.Butch saw first hand how Levon's music helped so many of us through life and he demonstrated his own integrity by dumping politics and the mean spirited agenda it represents.Good people,Levon and Butch-when you live near people and see their daily kindnesses it has an impact in one's life.For that and for Levon and Butch I am deeply grateful.And,as a lesson I learned-this is also a good day not to seek negatives in our guys,but lets recall the good-the many years of great friendship Levon and RR had and the incredible music they made together.

Entered at Sat Apr 19 12:00:08 CEST 2014 from (100.33.95.254)

Jed

2 years gone.Still a massive loss for music and a great loss of a very nice guy who spent his life sharing his special musical talents with the world.The impact he's had on my life musically and personally was profound.RIP sweet Levon.

Entered at Sat Apr 19 11:53:12 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

New one to me too, Italian TV (RAI Uno) as was Agrigento. Great performance, once again making me wonder why he didn't tour.

Entered at Sat Apr 19 11:31:16 CEST 2014 from (58.104.13.170)

Wallsend

I hadn't seen this before. Robbie at Sanreno in 1988.

Entered at Sat Apr 19 08:19:54 CEST 2014 from (58.104.13.170)

Wallsend

Just came across this article which I hadn't seen before. It seems quite balanced and fairly written.

Entered at Sat Apr 19 07:51:22 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Subject: Levon and Butch

It's hard to believe that it's been two years since Levon passed. Too soon gone. He will be in my thoughts today as I listen to his music.

Regarding Butch Dener, I have two anecdotes to share. First anecdote, Many, many years I emailed him regarding something he had posted on the guestbook and he was kind enough to send me 2 concert tapes of the Band from 1996, which I still listen to. Second anecdote, I went to a ramble in 2011 with my wife and we were lucky enough to get the two seats in the front row on the right side which are in front of Levon's drums. While sitting there before the show started, I saw Butch come in to the right side of the stage and be warmly greeted by the staff. He is someone who worked with and knew Levon well over many years and I think he has a lot to offer this guestbook, if he chooses to.

Entered at Sat Apr 19 06:31:33 CEST 2014 from (99.115.145.68)

Pat B

Entered at Sat Apr 19 05:53:13 CEST 2014 from (68.171.231.80)

Bill M

Entered at Sat Apr 19 05:32:25 CEST 2014 from (58.104.13.170)

Wallsend

Subject: Butch

I don't think there is much character assassination going on here but in two lines you have pretty much murdered the English language.

Entered at Sat Apr 19 04:49:07 CEST 2014 from (24.108.1.255)

Bonk

Entered at Sat Apr 19 04:30:41 CEST 2014 from (24.108.1.255)

Bonk

Geez Butch. If it's really you, that last sentence was a little harsh. Unlike in the past when some prick would jump in here and just try to cause some shit by dumping on one of the boys, I'm not seeing that lately. I get and understand your closeness to the guys but to say you can 'all' get back to whatever the fuck you're talking about is not right. And if it's really you. You know better. Just my opinion man.

Entered at Sat Apr 19 03:26:53 CEST 2014 from (203.160.29.153)

Fred

Seems to me that if you're involved in politics as in trying to get elected or having held an elected position, you're a "politician". Or no?

Entered at Sat Apr 19 02:56:13 CEST 2014 from (24.168.42.194)

butch

FYI folks. I am Leon Dener aka Butch Dener Referenced by someone known as northwestcoaster??? I was The Band's Road Manager from early 1990's to the end. I am /was involved in public service in Ulster County but I resent his term "politician" I also was the person who saved Levon's voice & life when he 1st got Cancer. Ok The record is clear Thank you You may all continue the character assassinations I read here.

Entered at Sat Apr 19 02:43:00 CEST 2014 from (24.108.1.255)

Bonk

Really sad to hear that. Hope that the spirits that be take care of his family.

Entered at Sat Apr 19 01:55:38 CEST 2014 from (58.104.13.170)

Wallsend

There are a few colour clips (only a few seconds long) of the Isle of Wight concert in this documentary. I wonder if the whole thing was filmed. I don't really agree with the appraisal of the Isle of Wight concert that is given in the documentary, Based on the recently released recording, it was great. Maybe not what people were expecting.

Rod, I understand what you are saying but I would hope for a higher standard in a book from a reputable publisher than the stuff we post here.

Entered at Sat Apr 19 01:37:06 CEST 2014 from (100.33.113.190)

John W.

Entered at Sat Apr 19 00:45:12 CEST 2014 from (108.217.93.87)

glenn t

Have any GBers heard this album, just recently re-released? I'd love to hear what you think about it.

Have a good weekend!

Entered at Fri Apr 18 22:16:30 CEST 2014 from (80.3.71.216)

Ian W

Subject: Isle of Wight footage

At the end of this French report, around the 10.30 mark, there are about 40 or 45 seconds of Dylan and The Band performing "The Mighty Quinn". All B&W but in good quality and quite close up. I don't know about you but it's new to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK3rfx4tI5E

Entered at Fri Apr 18 19:54:52 CEST 2014 from (99.115.145.68)

Pat B

Entered at Fri Apr 18 18:27:31 CEST 2014 from (96.232.159.74)

Joan

I am truly saddened to hear about Mike Hayward. My heart goes out to Kim and Garret,RIP Mike.

PSB et al thanks for the book reviews.I had pre ordered and it came yeterday so I'm stuck with it

Entered at Fri Apr 18 16:51:36 CEST 2014 from (99.120.168.64)

joe medwick

Subject: Funky Folks album KIckstarter campaign

so thrilled to have Garth (Hudson) and Gary Mallaber (Van's Moondance), Tony Braunagel (Bonnie's Nick Of Time), John Inmon (Jerry Jeff's Great Gonzos) and so many others on my Funky Folks record so far....just Kickstarted it to bring it on home (and have Albert Lee, David Lindley, The Texicali Horns...pals from Little Feat and the Ray Lamontagne band and more cut tracks for me)... any pledges from all my Band friends would be so appreciated....every pledge counts...swell rewards and it's now or never with me eh! been a long hard car accident, brain banged but lovin' Levon ride from Shangri La to Woodstock to Austin to get where I am today....and the music of Levon and the Band certainly got me thru many tough times...further on up the road everyone! Look Out Cleveland Joe! Hoy Hoy.....check out the end of my rough track of Girl From The North Country with Garth on Lowrey organ, squeeze and piano....words can't express how soulfully sweet he played...thanks folks! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1412554289/joe-medwicks-funky-folks-album

Entered at Fri Apr 18 12:07:40 CEST 2014 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: My favourite gb quotes

After 14-15 years in gb I still remember some posts and even some lines in those posts. That's how my brain works maybe because I am a heavy drinker in East-European vodka style (never even tasted cannabis or other s**t). - I had to choose between Leon Dener (Ulster County politician) or Rick Danko as the first poster. It is only fair that Mr. Dener has to wait and Rick Danko (or was it "Rick Danko" this evening) has the honourable first place:

"Happy Thanksgiving"

Entered at Fri Apr 18 09:08:16 CEST 2014 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

Entered at Fri Apr 18 08:18:02 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Subject: Van and Harris

This Harris book sounds worse and worse the more I hear about it. I think a pretty good book could be put together from the articles in the library section of this site. Hell, there's probably enough Peter Viney articles for a book. That's one I would definitely buy.

Wallsend, your link isn't to a kindle version of the Harris book, it's to a Van Morrison performance from Ireland. I watched the first song, 'st. Dominic's preview' which was excellent. Van is truly one of the immortals. Good stuff.

Entered at Fri Apr 18 06:26:30 CEST 2014 from (108.183.206.58)

3D Bill (again)

Entered at Fri Apr 18 06:15:35 CEST 2014 from (58.104.3.212)

Wallsend

There is an extract from the kindle edition of the book on Amazon. There isn't much but there is a list of acknowledgements. This site and Jan gets a big 'thank you'.

The link is to terrific video of Irish music I came across, not direct Band connection but Van and Emmylou appear.

Entered at Fri Apr 18 05:49:27 CEST 2014 from (108.183.206.58)

3D Bill

Subject: the book

I've pretty much decided that I'll do some scanning if I cross paths with it, but I'll pass on buying it. Hoskyns book wasn't a bad book but it was certainly flawed, and it was long enough ago another definitive book was due. The sad art of the story can't be ignored, and I'm not advocating that it should. But I was downright exited when I first heard about it and saw that it was titled Pioneers of Americana ( or something like that). I was thinking that it would concentrate on the music, how it developed / happened, etc and about time. That radio interview centered on nothing but what I, or anyone, can read right here 2 or 3 times a year. And, as I said, he was a poor speaker, beyond that buffoonish, even. Where did he come from? Is he known to/by Band insiders? I'd suspect that he follows what takes place here. Did he ever make his presence or intentions known, here in gbland? I wonder if he ever will check in? Makes me sad. Will we ever get a Band bio done right?

Entered at Fri Apr 18 05:28:19 CEST 2014 from (58.104.3.212)

Wallsend

Entered at Fri Apr 18 02:24:57 CEST 2014 from (92.52.195.57)

Simon Peter

Subject: Fantastic time on your website

When I was sick last year, fixing to die, some friends decided to make a CD of various artists performing my songs. Jimmy Buffett wrote me around Christmastime with the news. I struggled out of my chair and did a little boogaloo around the living room. I guess I wasn't that sick. – Jesse Winchester I liked that little story. I trust he has faced this recent battle with the same kind of spirit.

Entered at Fri Apr 18 02:08:34 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Thank you Jed. Yes, Maria Dylan (Dylan adopted her as mother is Sarah Dylan) is married to Himmelman. Anna Dylan (artist)? is married to ? Do you know anything about Samuel Dylan? We know about Jesse Dylan and Jakob Dylan.....

I thought I read that Dylan did not want Landy to take photos of his children and yet they're in the photo books I have of Dylan. Being in the public eye is very difficult and not for everyone. The people who seem to cope the best keep a low profile and aren't paryting....and then to be the children of super famous artists........I'd take a different path.

Hi Lisa...Some highlights rom Harris' interview and some of my own reflections. Harris gives you the impression that he was at the places he speaks about such as dressing rooms in relation to Rick in particular......The one word that came back and back was......tragedy......behind the music or maybe at times it was this tragedy that brought about their best music.

When I met Jerome Avis (Levon's Godson and Bill Avis's son who was road manager of The Band for a long time.); he told me to save my pennies and go to a Ramble and I didn't listen. Instead I went to Eric Clapton's Guitar Festival to see Robbie perform. I talked a bit with the sound guys and one of them at this outdoor event in Cobourg, Ontario......right away told me that there was always tension with Levon and Robbie and that's why the music was so great....and as Libby Titus has told us they were so close that they could finish each others sentences. Wow....They really digged each other.

Harris referred to the band of brothers as being just three of them....Rick, Richard and Levon.....He said Garth was always in his own world.....

He was right when he spoke about Robbie being different then the others in the Band. I always thought that since Robbie was an only child, mother had to deal with racism, grew up in the city versus farm country, taller (lol), father's legacy, that he was drawn to Levon as a brother he never had.....but also because Levon represented the Delta to him and Robbie appeared to be fascinated with this area of the music world.

He was also drawn to Ronnie as a father figure or older brother that he never had......He also learned a huuuuge lesson here when being with the Hawks because when Robbie wrote his first songs for the Hawk at the age of 15 (same age as Louuu) and then he didn't get any credit......He made sure.....He would never, ever get ripped off again......Although he dropped out in grade 10....He was a quick study.......not a good actor like Levon but.....sharp, sharp in his clothing style and business acumen.

Have a great long weekend everyone....No matter what religious club you belong to, or if you're developing your spirituality or even your.....musiciality!
Joan...Hope you get to visit with your great niece? We're away for the long weekend....I can't wait to take the load off....... ;-D

Entered at Fri Apr 18 00:41:39 CEST 2014 from (100.33.95.254)

Jed

He's married to Maria Dylan.Peter is a musician- currently,does children's music for TV I think.His first album Synesthesia was quite good.I lost track of his work after that.

Entered at Fri Apr 18 00:30:20 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Thanks, Kerrin. Our webmaster at Toppermost has corrected it, as I said, as you can do with the web!

Entered at Thu Apr 17 23:59:19 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

I'm still torn Kevin J....Steve Stamkos and Subban versus the Habs. Yiiiikes my late Ma was a Habs fan but that's when the Rocket and Pocket ruled. May the best team win. In an ideal world I'd like to have Steve on our only Canadian team in the playoffs.

PSB...You made another list!
I think Peter Himmelman married Anna Dylan.

Entered at Thu Apr 17 22:03:37 CEST 2014 from (70.53.46.21)

Kevin J

Entered at Thu Apr 17 20:58:41 CEST 2014 from (58.104.3.212)

Wallsend

A lot of rambling nonsense especially about the writing credits issue interspersed with an extremely offensive comment about Robbie's father and an equally offensive comment about Rick's drug use.

Entered at Thu Apr 17 20:28:54 CEST 2014 from (174.1.247.160)

Lisa

Could someone who heard the interview give the rest of us a summary?

Entered at Thu Apr 17 19:45:48 CEST 2014 from (58.104.3.212)

Wallsend

Yes, access to the Harris interview has gone. When I saw it, it only had about forty views. The thing that was strange was that it was a radio interview but it was recorded from the interviewee's end of the phone line. Hopefully Robbie's lawyers saw it and took action.

Entered at Thu Apr 17 18:11:08 CEST 2014 from (171.161.160.10)

Ben

Beg- I saw the "yowza" post on fb and was a little taken aback. It made me think of Jim Cramer hiting cymbals and blowing horns and yelling "booyah" at his callers. I definetly won't be ordering this book. Hopefully I'll find a copy on a bookstore and will be able to leaf through it and decide whether it's worth buying.

Maybe Greil Marcus will one day tackle The Band for a full length book. I think the work he's done on them in 'Mystery Train' is excellent. The original piece is from tyhe 70's and hasn't been updated, but the discography has been updated with each reprinting. So, the lastest verison is quite lengthy covering form the Hawks up until Dirt Farmer and the Midnight Rambles as well as the Band's influences. I don't agree with Marcus on everything, but he is one of the best writers on popular music and this is definetly worth a read for any avid Band fan.

Entered at Thu Apr 17 17:58:37 CEST 2014 from (72.78.33.234)

PSB

I just clicked on the you tube link Wallsend provided with the Craig Harris interview and it said, "This video is private."

Entered at Thu Apr 17 17:15:14 CEST 2014 from (100.33.95.254)

Jed

Condolences to the Hayward family.So sorry to hear of Mike's passing.

Entered at Thu Apr 17 15:28:48 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Satan's Rock 'N' Roll Lifestyle

By David J. Stewart

"For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." —John 12:43 "Rick Danko (1942-1999) was the bass player in a 1960-1970's famous, influential, acclaimed, roots of Rock band called, THE BAND. The group lived the Rock 'N' Roll lifestyle, promoting sex, drugs and Rock music. The band performed their last concert in 1978, which was recorded and turned into a movie by Martin Scorsese called THE LAST WALTZ (in which guitarist Robbie Robertson brags of the band's lifestyle of fornication with female fans). God hates that kind of adulterous lifestyle. They sold their souls to Satan!

In the video, they blaspheme God by having Lawrence Ferlinghetti recite his mockery of the Lord's Prayer. The work is called The Loud Prayer. The irreverent word “wigdom” is not a misprint..."

Wallsend...Many thanks for posting the Craig Harris interview.

Solomon...Many thanks for linking the Songwriter article on Craig Harris. For some reason my old iMac couldn't access it.

Hi 3D Bill (formerly Bashful Bill)!! I brought up your name awhile ago. Wasn't it you and Bamabelle who at one time wanted to organize a Band GB gathering in Woodstock?

Entered at Thu Apr 17 15:04:33 CEST 2014 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

I suppose because of the talk about Robbie's lineage last week, a listen to "Houdini" from Clairvoyant this morning struck me as weaving together elements of his birth (Klegerman) father's family's story, his adoptive (Robertson) father's family's story and his own. That is, his Klegerman grandfather coming to the new world with very little and having to find a new life, his Robertson uncle, in truth a professional magician, teaching him tricks of the trade, and himself the student / the watcher, becoming the master of illusion, the master of change, the one who knew the value of a secret, the one who could be dropped in the water, chained up in a locked trunk - and survive.

Entered at Thu Apr 17 14:59:47 CEST 2014 from (68.199.208.105)

Jeff A.

Entered at Thu Apr 17 14:52:44 CEST 2014 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Thu Apr 17 14:39:54 CEST 2014 from (92.18.168.110)

Solomon

Subject: The Band: Pioneers of Americana Music

I just read a review of the new book by Peter Stone Brown : Dogged by factual errors throughout, Harris’ book also never really delves into The Band’s influence on what is called Americana Music. Maybe if Harris had had a knowledgeable editor and proofreader, this book would be worthwhile. Clearly, he didn’t. As it stands, there are too many things wrong for this book to be close to credible. The problem is some kid who wants to know about music is going to pick it up and think it’s the truth.

Entered at Thu Apr 17 14:07:34 CEST 2014 from (125.3.81.21)

Kerrin

Excellent and entertaining article, Peter. Sharpening my editors pencil, the two Dylan/Band versions of Baby Let Me Follow You Down you listened to were TLW and Live 1966 perhaps? I don't think they did it at the Academy.

Entered at Thu Apr 17 13:33:14 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Here we call them pizzerias, Jeff!

Entered at Thu Apr 17 13:17:05 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: The Animals

Today's Toppermost is on The Animals, linked, but you'll be relieved to hear the Burdon-Chandler toothbrush affair is not mentioned. I found it researching the article though!

Entered at Thu Apr 17 11:34:49 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Craig Harris wrote the book on The Band; he’ll be in Guilford, Derby

....forgot quotation marks for "12 hours ago Yowza !!!!!"

Entered at Thu Apr 17 11:33:31 CEST 2014 from (110.32.178.131)

Wallsend

Entered at Thu Apr 17 11:31:04 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

The Band: Pioneers of Americana Music: Coming April 2014: Scarecrow Press is on Facebook.

12 hours ago
Yowza !!!!!

"The first printing of THE BAND: PIONEERS OF AMERICANA MUSIC has sold out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! On the first day of publication!!!!!"

Entered at Thu Apr 17 11:20:20 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Thu Apr 17 11:18:41 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I assume the quote from me came from the Whispering Pines review on this site. Linked. As you will see, I start a new paragraph labelled Richard Manuel in bold. The quote is in italics in a new paragraph, and interviewer Ruth Albert Spencer is part of the dialogue with Richard. Then below it says "The Woostock Times 1985" and the link takes you to the original article on this site .

Ruth Albert Spencer's four interviews, transcribed word for word, are a vital primary source on The Band, with no co-author intervention. On Richard we have very little apart from her interview. Not to refer to her work is unbelievable to me.

Circa 1980, I was party to a conversation between two senior editors on fact checking. One (from a rival publisher) was saying how every fact had to be checked by an editor, but at least one error is inevitable, the exception being medical texts where fear of liability meant a higher standard of checking.

My editor (Oxford University Press) said they applied the same standard to ALL non-fiction texts, the standard being "the truth" and it was not simply fear of liability. Mind you, that was 34 years ago, and standards have slipped atrociously in publishing in general. Part of it is that the web means you can correct faults in an instant, which means you can be sloppier. Unfortunately, "web standards" of checking seem to be carrying over into print.

On the web, I'm guilty myself – I made a silly slip in a Toppermost one in preparation just last weekend (as JT knows … it's one we're doing together). But it was caught before it goes up, and in any case, is so easy to correct. A pile of printed books is different.

Entered at Thu Apr 17 11:04:27 CEST 2014 from (125.3.81.21)

Kerrin

Thank you for your review PSB, and Peter V, seeing as your copy is in transit, look forward to hearing your thoughts. Not on my shopping list unless people start telling me otherwise.

Entered at Thu Apr 17 10:27:28 CEST 2014 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

Entered at Thu Apr 17 09:55:44 CEST 2014 from (58.104.30.237)

Wallsend

An interview with Craig Harris. I am lost for words.

Entered at Thu Apr 17 09:37:22 CEST 2014 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

sad news about Mike.

On a brighter note I've just bought a new bedside clock - apple thingy player. It has a good sound and Islands has been my wake up music they last few mornings. I am starting to wonder how much Levon was involved on some recordings. Some times the drums sound like Richard (Christmas must be tonight) and a lot of the backing vocals could be Robbie (Let The Night Fall). Levon had got a lot of the best songs on previous albums but here he gets two quite minor tracks. Happy to be corrected but there s very little written about this album. On the best tracks the rhythm section gets that tour 76 feel.

Entered at Thu Apr 17 09:37:02 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

My mind is on how many posters we've lost since we started. I often think of things Steve said about everything from apples to beef to alpacas to politics.

Entered at Thu Apr 17 05:32:10 CEST 2014 from (67.84.79.180)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Entered at Thu Apr 17 04:57:26 CEST 2014 from (108.183.206.58)

3D Bill ( formerly Bashful Bill)

Subject: the latest Band tome

I haven't even looked in here in many months, much less posted. I'm inspired to post today by release of the book by Craig Harris. I knew it was too early for much in depth reviewing by guestbook people and the few posts which I just read re inaccurate and misleading posts are disconcerting. I'd think that anyone going through what it takes to writing a book about The Band at this point would go to great pains to get it all right. I listened to an interview with him a couple weeks ago. I'm not sure who it was interviewing him, it turned up on my facebook feed. He - Harris - wasn't a very articulate speaker, and to my chagrin was grinding the feud Robbie = bad the other guys = brothers and good axe. I'm hoping that the majority of the book isn't rehashing all that. With the ( appropriate and accurate) title of " Pioneers of Americana" I was, and am, hoping for some real music analysis. My local Barnes&Noble didn't have it, yet. Also - the stories of Mike Hayward being missing and the latest development has also been turning up on my facebook page. I know he posted here. Was he connected with Big Pink, one of the more recent owners?

Entered at Thu Apr 17 04:28:31 CEST 2014 from (174.88.44.175)

JT

Subject: Typos abound: sorry

Notice that I made 2 typos in recent entries here. (no - for know) and an extra 'have' in a previous entry. Even those should be acknowledged and corrected.

Entered at Thu Apr 17 04:26:19 CEST 2014 from (174.88.44.175)

JT

Subject: First official THE BAND concert

Speaking of accuracy, an individual wrote to me today to ask about a Wikipedia entry on The Band. It states that the first concert was at Stony Brook . However, from my research this evening, that concert took place May 3, 1969, while The Winterland concert was the first, taking place 45 years ago tomorrow. (April 17, 1969). If any readers here no different, please provide information.

The SUNY Stony Brook concert has not yet appeared in the Concert list at this site but will in the future now that I have found reference to it from at least 2 sites.

There will also be other additions to the list in future revisions of that list, as I continue to receive information from readers of this site and that list to confirm concerts that they had attended.

Entered at Thu Apr 17 04:10:24 CEST 2014 from (99.115.145.68)

Pat B

Entered at Thu Apr 17 04:02:41 CEST 2014 from (174.88.44.175)

JT

Subject: The Band book

PSB: Thank you for your review and critical assessment of this book. Accuracy is very important as I have said when I criticize some current attempts at journalism and news media. I trust the author will take this to heart and make corrections for a future printing.

I remember when I was asked to read and review a book written by a colleague which had a historical perspective in the realm of a place I worked at for many years. He asked at least 20 individuals to read it who had knowledge of the place and people about whom he was writing. We all made minor corrections throughout and constructively improved the accuracy of a good book to make it even better. From the number of instances you note in your review, this possibly was not have done here. (and as you say, who and where was the editor?)

This is a lesson to anyone who wants to provide a historical perspective to any period. There is likely a lot of good as you suggest at the start of your review, but it is undermined to some degree by the inaccuracies and these should be corrected and likely will be.

I await my copy.

Entered at Thu Apr 17 02:16:16 CEST 2014 from (24.114.65.56)

Kevin J

Entered at Thu Apr 17 02:08:27 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Sincere condolences to the Hayward Family.....Unimaginable time now for Mike Hayward's family.

Many thanks for your labour of love Mike Hayward.
Here's his site...Plochmann Lane
"Based on our adoration of Bob Dylan & The Band."

Entered at Thu Apr 17 01:12:17 CEST 2014 from (67.83.171.31)

Ray

Entered at Thu Apr 17 00:44:16 CEST 2014 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Hard to believe someone would write a book about The Band and not access her interviews.

Entered at Thu Apr 17 00:42:38 CEST 2014 from (72.78.33.234)

PSB

Entered at Thu Apr 17 00:37:34 CEST 2014 from (24.105.242.177)

Lil

RIP Mike Hayward. So very sad.

Entered at Thu Apr 17 00:26:37 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter v

Entered at Thu Apr 17 00:17:32 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Hi ray pence!!!! :-D

"The Band: Pioneers of Americana Music: Coming April 2014: Scarecrow Press added 11 new photos. January 21 ·
“I learned [singing] from Ray Charles,” Richard Manuel told British English professor and music journalist Peter Viney, “and people think I sound just like Ray Charles, but I don’t sound like Ray Charles—I imply, I make the same implications, I infer the same kind of things, you know what I mean?” (from: "The Band: Pioneers of Americana Music")"

I try to provide Band related links and non-related ones. I didn't pre-order this book even though I posted a reduced price link.....but I thought the Band community should be aware of it.

PSB...Do we add you to the list? I wasn't sure....

Entered at Thu Apr 17 00:15:56 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter v

Entered at Thu Apr 17 00:10:30 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Subject: kosher wine

Put em up, I'm a manichevitz man. I prefer the blackberry, but grape will do. If they made a strawberry wine, I'd definetly try it....

Dan, what part of New Jersey are you from? Or should I say what exit? I'm in central joysey, halfway between New York and Philly

PSB, Damn, I was looking forward to the Craig Harris book, but your review gives me some trepidation about making a blind purchase.

Entered at Wed Apr 16 23:47:05 CEST 2014 from (72.78.33.234)

PSB

Peter, the magazine put the Campbell link in. However, you're going to want the book because you're quoted in it. I didn't check to see whether your quote are accurate or not.

Entered at Wed Apr 16 23:34:42 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Wed Apr 16 23:00:38 CEST 2014 from (72.78.33.234)

PSB

Subject: The Band Pioneers of American Music

There is a brand new book on The Band, Pioneers of American Music out today. The link is to my review of the book and I strongly suggest everyone on the Guestbook check it out.

Entered at Wed Apr 16 21:45:53 CEST 2014 from (58.104.21.118)

Wallsend

Kevin J, Also, the guy that told me about Rick turning up drunk said "but don't let me put you off it might be a great show" and actually, judging by the video that was made, it was a great show. I recall Clapton saying about how much he used to drink in the '70s. He said he did a whole show flat on his back because he couldn't stand up. Heaps of the musicians I like had serious drug problems, Clapton being the top of the list, it seems to be an occupational hazard.

Entered at Wed Apr 16 21:27:25 CEST 2014 from (70.53.46.21)

Kevin J

JT: Welcome aboard the Habs bandwagon……hopefully a good run is about to happen but this new divisional playoff format adds a wrinkle or two. Montreal and Tampa Bay finished 2nd and 3rd in the conference but have to play each other in the opening round………Chicago is playing St. Louis – two legitimate Cup contenders and one will be gone in the first round ! By the way, the guy to watch on the Habs – the real sparkplug on the team – is a local BC kid named Brendan Gallagher. 5’6’’ and plays 6’4’’ – big heart and can score goals as well.

Rick Danko: There were some patchy shows early on and with Butterfield but every time I saw him – he was great. Beautiful memories in fact. What a spirit he was !

Jeff: I liked that salesman story….and agreed with the analysis.

Entered at Wed Apr 16 21:18:17 CEST 2014 from (38.113.85.40)

Dan

Subject: Bill M

Bill M - "Twilight" is about the civil war?

Entered at Wed Apr 16 21:05:29 CEST 2014 from (129.237.222.129)

ray pence

Subject: toxic intoxications

hello band-lovers, music-lovers, love-lovers. it's been another long while since i was here.

I may be coming in during the middle of another movie, but it appears there's some controversy, et al. about how we remember members of the Band.

The way we, as individuals and as social groups, choose to remember people says so much about our personal and cultural values and identities.

I think we can do better, and usually do do better, when we emphasize positive memories of the folks we love and like.

Plus, I think it just gets awful damn boring and superficial to state the obvious, to discuss things that have been done to death.

For example--I've lost track of the number of comments out there in cyberspace and other spaces that explain their hostility toward the Last Waltz movie by attributing all the perceived problems of that document-ary to the substance abuse, i.e. cocaine, of two very prominent people pretty much in charge of the filmmaking.

As if that movie, and those people, were somehow unique in that activity in the worlds of Hollywood and rock and roll...

Again, it is boring, negative, and antithetical to the good spirit of the Band's music and those who made it, in my opinion.

Entered at Wed Apr 16 21:04:42 CEST 2014 from (67.84.79.180)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Ben, drink a bottle of Manischevitz and relax. I far prefer it to Kedem, or any of the others easily found...Sherry Herring is a good one for the holiday too. Everyone should relax.. I've honestly felt that much opf the argument has been designed to be agitative and not sincere. Not pointing at anyone, cause it hasn't interested me enough to follow it word by word. but the tone has generally lacked conviction and has seemed aimed at something else... Me, I'm about to make a omelette with mashed up avocado and smoked mozz, placed overlapping and adjoining each other....see how it works out, and a omelette with spinach and feta for my friend, who is not as adventurous as I..

go break some beitzim, as in eggs, whip em up, chill out.

Entered at Wed Apr 16 19:43:33 CEST 2014 from (96.232.159.74)

Joan

Thank you for the holiday good wishes It is always a nice time to catch up with family. My wishes fort a good atheistic spring holiday (Peeps and chocolate bunnies)

Entered at Wed Apr 16 19:39:23 CEST 2014 from (68.171.231.80)

Bill M

JT: Robbie must have had some contact with the Klegerman side as he was aware that his grandfather was a rag-and-bone man. I think he said at the time of NLSC's release that the grandfather had come to Canada from Israel - perhaps making him a very disappointed early Zionist. In any event, there would hve been lots of family history to learn from all family quarters - the Klegermans, the Cryslers, the Robertsons - and living relatives too as of a couple years ago.

Entered at Wed Apr 16 19:13:46 CEST 2014 from (68.171.231.80)

Bill M

Entered at Wed Apr 16 18:14:44 CEST 2014 from (171.159.64.10)

Ben

I don't want to keep rehashing this. But Wallsend asked me yesterday to provide examples of slanderous comments that he had made. so I scrolled back throug the gb and found two examples which I quoted. It's no state secret that members of the Band had various issues with substances at different times. But providing a second hand descrption of Rick as a drunk not worth seeing in concert and describing 3 of the Band memebers as drug addicts is in my view over the line and in very bad taste, if not slanderous.

As far as I'm concerned this topic is done.

Beg, Nice list of Levon performances. Being named Ben doesn't automtically make one jewish...I'm listening to a copy of the Band at Club Quattro in 1994, which is a good performance. It has a rare version of Blue river. It's too bad they they didn't perform that song regularly.

Entered at Wed Apr 16 16:54:20 CEST 2014 from (38.113.85.40)

Dan

Subject: Ain't In It For My Health

I find it interesting that the extras section of the Ain't In It For My Health DVD includes Amy Helm, Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams performing "Twilight." The Dirt Farmer Band and Amy Helm appear to perform the song on a regular basis in concerts. Written by Robbie...

Entered at Wed Apr 16 16:09:54 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

JT...Thanks for the info re Reform Judaism. I think Robbie does honour his Jewish heritage. Wasn't he wearing a..yarmukle at Woodstock? Also, in one interview he said he might put out a Jewish influenced recording as he honoured his Native heritage. Well, he said he certainly wouldn't rule it out. I don't think he knew his Dad, so unless he kept in touch with his relatives......or it's very probably that Robbie explored his Jewish roots on his own, as he's such an explorer in general.

I had one "Jewish" boyfriend who was a jazz musician from Moscow. Unfortunately because of racism his passport read "Russian Jew". And....technically he wasn't "Jewish". ;-D
He despised my love of reggae.....but....He respected why I loved it so much. I still regret giving away my Billie Holiday LP to him...... :-(

Entered at Wed Apr 16 15:49:43 CEST 2014 from (174.118.11.165)

JT

Subject: Mr. Klegerman

OK. I have to 'chime in' on this, BEG. In orthodox or conservative Judaism, your mother must be Jewish for you, the child, to be considered Jewish. However, in REFORM Judaism, either parent can be Jewish for you to be considered Jewish. So sayeth the knowledgeable. So Mr Klegerman likely conferred on RR his religious affiliation assuming he was the latter (but who knows) In the end, one would have to ask the individual, I think. This is not overly critical, but at this time (Passover) it makes for interesting conversation and is much less controversial than some of the recent discussion.

Entered at Wed Apr 16 15:46:56 CEST 2014 from (108.195.7.59)

Todd

Subject: Hate?

Yes, let's bring the "hate" to an end.

I'm really not sure that's been much of a problem here recently, so maybe the fight should be taken to YouTube and the rest of the Wild World Web. Most people here are fairly well informed in their opinions and have taken the time to do the research. Preferring one thing over another does not equal hate. It's just a preference.

For example: I prefer strawberry ice cream, given the choice. But that doesn't mean that I "hate" vanilla ice cream. In fact, both are pretty good depending on what mood I'm in on a particular day.

I'm still not sure how the continual spotlighting of human flaws (even if true) is supposed to elevate our appreciation of The Band.

Entered at Wed Apr 16 15:19:12 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

I forgot.....always happens when you make lists.....
Dixie Hummingbirds with Levon Helm and Garth Hudson...When I Go Away (written by Larry Campbell)
I can't find the official video of this song anymore. If someone can I would really appreciate seeing it again. At their performance in NYC, Jon L was there, but as I said before......Levon was a no show but Garth was there.

Dixie Hummingbirds with Levon and Garth...I Bid You Goodnight (Traditional)
"Photos from the recording of "Diamond Jubilation", the 75th Anniversary album of The Dixie Hummingbirds. Produced by Larry Campbell. Ira Tucker and Levon Helm have bid us goodnight."

Entered at Wed Apr 16 15:08:52 CEST 2014 from (203.160.29.153)

Fred

Levon & Amy Helm duetting on "When the Battle Is Over" from Midnight Ramble Sessions, Vol. 2

"Take Me to the River" from Levon Helm

Entered at Wed Apr 16 14:55:50 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

All right, all right Kerrin! Are you trying to spin my head early in the morning? lol
I had no say in being baptized but I transformed to an aethist in University as Feuerbach and Karl Marx heavily influenced me....to an Agnostic....JTull Fan is/was in that category as well. When it's my time to go away.....I'd like to be cremated.

Ok Ben. I wasn't sure as I know others who are named Ben, but who aren't Jewish. We can also add the late Louuu Reed and Bob Dylan and JT....I guess not Robbie since his Ma isn't Jewish like Drake's.

Ben and Wallsend...Since Levon's anniversary of his passing is coming up, here are some of my fave tracks from my music collection performed by Levon. Yes, although his book began the public feud and it's all public record....I'm giving it a break now and live to fight another day..... ;-D

Levon and The Hawks/The Band Old Shoes...That's What I know, Sweeter Girl Than You
Jesse Winchester...Levon's mandolin playing on Yankee Lady
Levon Helm American Son (very expensive import)...Violet Eyes, China Girl, *Blue House of Broken Hearts
Levon Helm Levon Helm...Ain't No Way To Forget You, Take Me To The River, Audience For My Pain
Levon Helm and The RCO Allstars...Although Robbie is playing guitar on Sing, Sing, Sing (not a fave).....but I really enjoy.....You Got Me
The Reformed Band Jericho...Blind Willie McTell, *Atlantic City
Reformed Band...Atlantic City CD with Edited and Album Versions (I also dig the Matisse inspired cover.)
The Reformed Band High On The Hog...Free Your Mind, Forever Young
Reformed Band Jubilation...I tried this morning but I only enjoy Rick singing on Book Faded Brown
Levon Helm and The Crowmatix Souvenir Volume 1...I finally Got You
Levon Helm and The Barn Burners Bearsville New Year's Eve 2003...my copy doesn't have good sound so I would have of course preferred to have been there in person. In general I prefer my blues live. It was good to know that some posters were at this show.
School For Fools Songs Of Jeff Alexander Vocals by Larry Thurston Featuring Levon Helm ("Hi Angelina! Love ya Jeff. (inside lyric sheets) To Angelina, The greatest music fan. From Putemup Jeff (back of CD) To Brown Eyed Angelina Thanks For Listening. Jeff Alexander" (on CD))...Levon on drums except tracks 6 and 12...*You Know Who You Are, My Woman Left Me
Levon Helm Dirt Farmer...The Mountain, Wide River To Cross
Levon Helm Electric Dirt...downloaded from iTunes...When I Go Away, I Wish I Knew How It Would Be To Feel Free
Levon Helm/The Band...Stage Fright...All La Glory

Entered at Wed Apr 16 14:38:09 CEST 2014 from (125.0.114.2)

Kerrin

BEG, can you put me in the sub-sub-category of non-Jewish pro-circumcision anti-theist?

Entered at Wed Apr 16 11:33:28 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Subject: Wallsend

Wallsend, It's no secret that several members of the Band had substance abuse issues at various times. That's been well documented. So, what in the world was your purpose of bringing that up again in dare I say it 'slanderous' terms. It seems to me that in most cases you've tried to use these comments to elevate Robbie and put down the others, particularly Levon. I don't see any trust seeking in that, I just see it as someone showing an extreme bias and having very poor judgement in the way they speak of others who aren't here to defend themselves.

BEG, how did you compile your list of gb jews? You can include me in your next census of jews. Put me down in the subcategory of jewish atheist.

Entered at Wed Apr 16 03:43:32 CEST 2014 from (68.199.209.167)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Subject: TEAMWORK GETS THE BEST RESULTS!

the link above is to a true collaboration. that required plenty of rehearsal.

Entered at Wed Apr 16 03:04:56 CEST 2014 from (58.104.27.76)

Wallsend

Entered at Wed Apr 16 02:58:14 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Subject: Robbie

Wallsend, I certainly don't hate Robbie. I can guarantee you that I never said anything of the sort on this guestbook. I've written many times here that I find his solo work to be much less satisfying than Rick's or Levon's or the 90's Band. And I also have also stated my view that his best songwriting was between 1968-70. How does any of that equate to hate?

Entered at Wed Apr 16 02:50:08 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Subject: Wallsend

Wallsend, I found the following comments of yours that I would consider slanderous. This one from February 21, you actually slander Rick " I was going to go and see the reformed Band in 1983 but I got talking to some guy and he told me not to bother. He said he had seen Rick a few times and he always turned up drunk. That is no way to build a fan base and run a business." Here's a quote from February 20 "When he was talking about constant touring I thought he was talking more about the Ronnie Hawkins years. I think what he found exhausting about touring with the Band was being in a group with three drug addicts but obviously he couldn't say that.". So, I stand corrected, it's not just Levon who you seem to have contempt for it's also Rick and Richard.

Entered at Wed Apr 16 02:02:04 CEST 2014 from (58.104.27.76)

Wallsend

One more thought for you and all the people that hate Robbie. Do you think Robbie doesn't have money? Do you think Robbie doesn't have friends? Do you think Robbie doesn't know things about Levon that if made public would damage his reputation? Do you think Robbie couldn't have done things to make Levon's life difficult? Despite all the things Levon said, Robbie never responded. When he heard Levon was near death he went to be with him. In exchange for all that, all he gets is abuse. How about we use the second anniversary of Levon's death to bring the hate to an end.

Entered at Wed Apr 16 01:44:12 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Forgive me if I have sinned but for the first day of Passover I want to send out positive vibes to Toronto's Drake who's Mama is Jewish. Also, Joan, Pat B's better half, Butch, JA, and all others here.

I saw Drake on SNL with Jhene Aiko who's vibe just hooked me.....She's as smooth as......maybe Sade....I downloaded her EP today "Sail Out" and this song which is linked "From Time" ("You give but you cannot take love."). For adults only as this is the explicit version.

Wallsend.....Sometimes we need to remember things that aren't just but leave it for another day.

If you get down and you quarrel everyday,
You're saying prayers to the devils, I say. Wo-oh-ooh!
Why not help one another on the way?
Make it much easier.
(Just a little bit easier)
"Live to fight another day."
Positive Vibration...Bob Marley

Then we saw today the Doc....Finding Vivian Maier

1hr 23min‎‎ - Documentary‎‎ - English‎
Director: John Maloof, Charlie Siskel -
"A mysterious nanny, who secretly took over 100,000 photographs that were hidden in storage lockers and discovered decades later, is now considered among the 20th century's greatest photographers. Maier's strange and riveting life and art are revealed through never before seen photographs, films, and interviews with dozens who thought they knew her. An exhibition of Maier's work is on display in November at New York's Howard Greenberg Gallery"

Btw Wallsend....I only learned how to forgive when I saw the Dalai Lama. When he spoke about forgiveness I just wept because in my family there were feuds and fueds.....no swearing.....a lot of yelling.....a lot of silence.....betrayals and no forgiveness.....but when I lost my Mom a decade ago.....I made the decision not to hang onto bitterness so much that it manifested into heart dis....ease and eventually two heart attacks. I still get triggered.....but if you stay here long enough......and you're clear on what you believe in and stand for......no one......can take away your beautiful spirit....only other beautiful people will embrace it anyway..... :-D

Entered at Wed Apr 16 00:42:53 CEST 2014 from (58.104.16.222)

Wallsend

There is no doubt that I question and contest the version of events that Levon presented in his book and that both Levon himself and his followers later elaborated on. Is seeking the truth 'Levon bashing'? Is free discussion 'Levon bashing'? If standing up for freedom and truth is a crime, then I plead guilty. But you have accused me of something quite different, that is, making 'slanderous' comments. There are various definitions of 'slanderous' but a useful one is: "a malicious, false or defamatory statement or report". Please tell me which of my posts fall in to that category?

Entered at Wed Apr 16 00:20:44 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Pat, Please enlighten me about what I'm missing? I agree with you about Dixie from the King biscuit show. That is a great version. There are lots of strong shows from '76 that are worth listening to.

Wallsend, you've made many negative comments about Levon since you started posting here. You've made insensitive comments about Levon's health, you made some comment that he shouldn't have complained about anything because he wasn't a starving person in the third world, or something to that effect. You've questioned his arguments several times. In general, I think you've taken a very negative and critical tone towards Levon and I believe you justified this by saying that people in the past had been negative towards Robbie. And then the comment about Taplin yesterday, I found baffling. Are you trying to suggest that Taplin is of equal importance to the Band than Levon?

On a positive note, I just read on facebook, that the long delayed 'Midnight ramble vol. 3' is finally going to be released in a few months. This looks really good

Entered at Wed Apr 16 00:10:27 CEST 2014 from (100.33.95.254)

Jed

Glad you enjoy the topic,Wallsend.My apologies for potentially repeating a topic were sincere and meant as a courtesy,nothing more or less, given I was too lazy to scroll back-indeed,I do have vague recollection of these discussions.Certainly I never intended to suggest that Jan do anything as a result of my off handed comment.I'm sure he has better things to do and it's a privilege to all here that he maintains this place.Diversions aside,BEG,I'm most grateful for your links! Thank you.

Entered at Tue Apr 15 23:54:14 CEST 2014 from (58.104.16.222)

Wallsend

Entered at Tue Apr 15 23:48:23 CEST 2014 from (58.104.16.222)

Wallsend

Entered at Tue Apr 15 23:26:26 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

08-10-2010, 04:24 PM
CrazyChester
Registered User

Join Date: Feb 2008
Rick Danko Teaches Bass

Danko's bass playing

"Good to see Rick the topic of conversation. Rick did not play with a pick exclusively It depended on the sound he was going for and the bass he was using. He did a video in the 80's called Rick Danko's Electric Bass Techniques.

For pretty much everything you want to know about Danko, there is a Rick Danko page called Sip the Wine. The link is http://www.sipthewine.blogspot.com. Carol Caffin runs the page as well as the facebook page. She worked with Rick for a long time and she has a lot of good stories. I think she was more of a manager than a publicist. I remember hanging out with Danko in New York and she was there. she actually wrote about his bass playing techniques and his playing with a pick. Here is the link":

http://sipthewine.blogspot.com/2008/...sometimes.html

"I am not sure about the tuba, but the banjo was one of his first instruments: "With his oldest brother, Maurice ("Junior"), Rick sang and performed at family get-togethers and made his public debut on four-string tenor banjo before an audience of his first-grade classmates. "
http://theband.hiof.no/band_members/rick.html

Entered at Tue Apr 15 23:23:26 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Rick Danko jammin´

You Don´t Know Me & Ain´t Got No Home.

From Rick Danko´s Eletric Bass Techniques recorded in 1987.

Entered at Tue Apr 15 23:09:45 CEST 2014 from (58.104.16.222)

Wallsend

A good suggestion. I know Robbie's shift from a tele to a strat made a big difference to the sound. I don't know enough about bass and drums to contribute but I would be interested in any discussion. I am still waiting for Kerrin's elaboration on those descending sixths against an ascending (or was it descending) chromatic scale but then again, I am still waiting for my copy of the Hammond organ maintenance manual. How about we lift this self-imposed ban on topics that have been discussed before. Either that or we ask Jan to compile an index of every thing that has ever been discussed in the last twenty years.

Entered at Tue Apr 15 22:47:21 CEST 2014 from (100.33.95.254)

Jed

This GB has discussed and shared links about RR's guitar/amp history.It was fascinating and I learned a lot relevant to my continuing effort to play.I'd love to hear and see links about Levon's drum kits from his early history to 2012.Any thoughts how it affected his playing would really seem interesting.If this was already done,my apologies.At heart,as a bass player,I hear you loud and clear,Todd-Rick seemed to get particular joy from playing and was a truly unique and gifted player.Here too I'd love to see discussion and links of his instruments,amps and impact on his sound through the years.Again,if covered here before,sorry about that! Unless it still interests anyone!

Entered at Tue Apr 15 22:01:42 CEST 2014 from (70.53.46.21)

Kevin J

Bob F: I too enjoy the CK Retro reviews. Whenever they pop up on Expecting Rain, I find myself looking at them and must say that he seems almost spot on in many of the albums reviewed. Sometimes, looking back after a decade or more is fun.

Entered at Tue Apr 15 21:27:18 CEST 2014 from (58.104.16.222)

Wallsend

What did I write that you think is slanderous of Levon?

Entered at Tue Apr 15 20:25:50 CEST 2014 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Subject: Kensington Market on Toppermost

Speaking of Toppermost, the fact that Jerry T's Kensington Market entry had appeared there some days ago escaped my attention until now. Too bad the YouTube link is to an unfortunate psychedelicised remix of what was an under-produced early 45 to begin with. For beauty, lyrical mastery and Felix Pappalardi's stunning production (and orchestration), try the link above.

Kudos to JT for his initiative in attempting to raise the profile of one of my (and his) favourite groups. Their best song in my books, "Half-Closed Eyes" was at the top of my Al Edge-induced top 30 of a few years ago. If you listen to that - see YouTube as JT says - you'll hear falling snow represented by the same synth sound as Garth later used on "Acadian Driftwood".

Entered at Tue Apr 15 20:22:46 CEST 2014 from (92.18.171.162)

Solomon

Subject: Elmore Magazine

Levon on the front cover March/April 2013. It seems to focus mainly on his money troubles.

Entered at Tue Apr 15 20:17:04 CEST 2014 from (92.18.171.162)

Solomon

Subject: Levon - China Girl

I've been enjoying this one recently with Sissy Spacek.

Entered at Tue Apr 15 20:05:12 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Levon Helm Toppermost

I did my list on Toppermost. As it was an early one it's quite short in comparison to later ones. I said on there that I prefer the live RCO All Stars album to the studio one.

As a general point, pursuing the discussion after the event of who said what to who and when and why they shouldn't have has an inevitable course to argument.

Entered at Tue Apr 15 19:41:04 CEST 2014 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

TNTDODD from TLW, but the Washington DC 1976 is close.

Entered at Tue Apr 15 19:20:17 CEST 2014 from (70.53.46.21)

Kevin J

Subject: A Favorite Levon Performance

Enjoy this beauty!

Entered at Tue Apr 15 18:57:42 CEST 2014 from (171.159.64.10)

Ben

Subject: Levon

Wallsend, I just read your comment from yesterday about Taplin being trashed on this gb. If you are referring to my comments, well, it was never my intention to trash Mr. Taplin. I questioned some of his statements and his characterization of his relationship with Levon. Many people here disagreed with me. That's fine. I can appreciate that people have different points of view

Wallsend, you have made many inflammatory comments about Levon recently, so is your contention that somehow Taplin has parity with Levon? That seems crazy. Taplin was a one time employee, he was not a member of The Band. Am I missing something? I don't think it's right that Robbie has been slandered on some websites recently and in this guestbook in the past, but I don't see that as any excuse for turning around and slandering Levon.

As we are near the 2nd anniversary of Levon's death, I think it might be a good time to discuss our favorite Levon performaces. My favorute at the moment is the RCO All-stars live cd. I've been listening to this quite a bit recently. It really has grown on me. I think this perios of Levon's career is really undervalued. Rick's solo album is frequently praised, but the RCO all star album seems to have been somewhat forgotten. The live album brings many of these songs tolife, milk cow boofie, sing sing sing, rain down tears, etc. This is great funky, bluesy roots music. If you haven't heard the live album you should definetly check it out.

Entered at Tue Apr 15 18:49:54 CEST 2014 from (129.42.208.183)

Bob F

Subject: Band Albums Reviewed By Jim Beviglia

Link is to the reviews of all The Band albums by the writer Jim Beviglia. He uses a 5 star rating system to review each song. Fun read.

Entered at Tue Apr 15 18:09:45 CEST 2014 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

This just in via email ...

"Subject: Re: April gigs - Levon Helm Tribute - Hugh's Room Fri. Apr. 25 8:30pm

"For Immediate Release:

"On the 2nd Anniversary of the passing of The Band's legendary drummer and lead vocalist Levon Helm, we are proud to celebrate his life and great contribution to the music scene of Toronto with another All-Star concert of his music. This show sold out last year so please get your tickets early, so as not to be disappointed.

"Levon came to Toronto in the 50's with Rompin' Ronnie Hawkins, from Arkansas. Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks were Canada's premiere bar band. Levon brought that southern rockabilly beat and deep knowledge of traditional roots music to the staid streets of Hogtown. And he shook it up. Levon and the Hawks inspired a generation of Toronto's best players, to look to the foundations of Rock n Roll, and learn from the masters of blues, soul; and gospel.

"Friday Apr. 25, we will play the music that Levon made famous with The Band and Bob Dylan. Also we will play music from his solo outings with the RCO All Stars and from his Grammy winning CDs: Dirt Farmer and Electric Dirt, amongst others. Led by our musical director, (Maple Blues Award winner for 'Keyboard Player of the Year') Lance Anderson, we have assembled some of Canada's finest players. Our drummer Jerome Levon Avis is Levon's Godson. His Dad Bill Avis, was The Band's road manager for most of their career. This will be a special night for both as we honour the man, their friend, and his music, with stories, favourite sayings, and memories. But mostly with music. A nine piece band featuring piano and organ and a 4 piece horn section play this music the way it should be. From the heart.

"Please join us and special guests Chuck Jackson (Downchild Blues Band) Mike McKenna (Mainline), Jimmy Bowskill (guitar,fiddle, mandolin) with Terry Blersh (guitar) Dennis Pinhorn (ex Hawk) on bass, Rob Gusevs - organ, Simon Wallis (Lighthouse) on Bari sax, Chris Murphy (Maple Blues Band - tenor sax), Gord Meyers (Trombone, Tuba) and Lance Anderson on piano.

"reservations: hughsroom.com or call 416 531-6604"

Entered at Tue Apr 15 18:04:19 CEST 2014 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Subject: Moscow Drug Club - where the Reds sing the Blues

BEG: Levon's 'colgate smile' - a result of all that brush work, for sure.

NwC: A link to a jazz/blues/rock song in which the balalaika is mentioned. Then, as now, being a beatnik Ruskie's risky.

Entered at Tue Apr 15 17:40:13 CEST 2014 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Balalajka, a Russian banjo

I got a balalajka as a present from Russia at the age of fifteen. I installed a microphone and learned to play 'Dust My Blues' ('Dust My Broom' for the blues purists). I could have gone to the history of Afro-American rhytm music as the first balalajka blues player but now I post in this lousy gb instead. A tragedy.

Entered at Tue Apr 15 17:17:52 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Mavis and Levon.

When she performs in Toronto she gives a shout out to all the Band members.
When Levon performed at the Silver Dollar in Toronto with the Barn Burners and with Amy......The entire crowd gave him a standing ovation when he came upstairs and joined us. He was beaming with his colgate smile because he could feeeeel the love. On that night all we cared about was the music. :-D

Entered at Tue Apr 15 16:55:18 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

I forgot yesterday to post about my excitement for Mimico's own......The very attractive Irishman.......Brendan Shanahan back to his roots! He was one of my favourite all time players......power forward, feisty, always focused, a true competitor.....Welcome back home and clean house......Will he bring the luck of the Irish to Toronto??? He certainly will bring back the love of the game, respectability and fun, fun, fun! I'm tired of my brother calling the Leafs the Maple Loafs! Oh and he's holding up a Leaf shirt with number 14.....another player I liked so much at the time that I had his poster up in my room....Davey Keon!

Entered at Tue Apr 15 16:05:33 CEST 2014 from (108.195.7.59)

Todd

Subject: Stills and Sounds

Peter V., Not sure, but in my case, I wasn't a good enough musician to make it at that, but figured I could at least point a camera at them. I studied Television in college and thought that I would ultimately direct documentaries. At the time that I graduated, we were in the midst of a recession, and opportunities were few and far between. So I gravitated towards still photography figuring that was something that could be done with smaller budgets and crew. Plus I like the power of the still image to make a statement that can stand on it's own.

Most of my paid work these days is product photography for advertising and packaging. The music photography is more for fun.

Not sure about the bass players, but my theory is that no one made playing the bass look like more fun than Rick Danko, and Rick's bass playing on 'Don't Do It' at the beginning of TLW movie is an attention grabber.

Now if someone could explain where all of the closeted orthodontists came from, we would be on to something. Miss Brer Foxhole with the diamonds in her teeth is ready for her appointment.

Entered at Tue Apr 15 15:59:55 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Tue Apr 15 15:31:15 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Tue Apr 15 15:25:39 CEST 2014 from (108.195.7.59)

Todd

Thanks BEG. Yes, I remember that photo. It was the first time that Ollabelle had played CT, after being on the road for the 'Great High Mountain Tour' for much of that summer. The drummer Tony Leone is originally from CT, and there was a large contingent of Leone family members there to show their support, and it was really great to meet many of them.

I wasn't sure how close Brampton was to you in Toronto, or what the public transit options were. Amy seems pretty active these days, so maybe there will be other opportunities closer to you in the future. Sounds like you have a pretty good history though. I would have loved to have seen the 'Blood on the Tracks' gig in NYC!

Sorry to hear about Imagezulu's photography work drying up. I've been freelance since 1993, and although I've been fortunate to have made a living at it, it can be a struggle to keep the cash flowing at times. I never owned a Hasselblad, but wanted one for years. By the time I could afford one, things were starting to shift toward digital technology, so I put my resources there. Also, most of my film photography at that time was done with a large format (4x5") view camera.

I still use digital for most of my commercial work, but most of my personal work is still shot on film in a Leica rangefinder. It's still my favorite camera to shoot with, and I haven't yet gotten to the point where my abilities exceed the camera's potential. So it's a journey that I'm still on, and luckily can still afford to pay the light bill and buy a loaf of bread occasionally.

Interesting about imagezulu's photography for Vavoline at Niki Lauda's car race. Many years ago, I did some photography for Loctite who sponsored a Formula 1 car at the time for Lotus. Another photographer, who I used to work for early in my career, has a brother who currently drives a Formula 1 car. So lots of connections between photography and auto racing, although I'm not active in that area at this time.

Peter V, thanks for the memories from Wembley 1974. I'm glad that you got to see The Band at that time, although I agree that large outdoor venue's are not always the best experience for those who are primarily there for the music rather than the event.

Entered at Tue Apr 15 15:19:58 CEST 2014 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Tue Apr 15 14:05:36 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Todd...Here is the photo I was referring to......Amy Helm with Ollabelle, Manchester, CT, 08.06.2004.

You're very fortunate that you find work in your field. imagezulu's work dried up (sold his two Hasselblad cameras....I can't tell you the sadness he went throught at that time.) in the last decade so all his work is teaching now and that's not enough.....He's probably a decade and a half older than you.....He shocked me when we were watching The movie "Rush".....He was at one of Niki Lauda's car races and took photos for Valvoline Oil Company!!! Another example of a creative person who had the talent and discipline but doesn't have the drive to self-promote and hustle and promote the way everyone does on social media.

Btw, Brampton is not close if you don't have a car....otherwise I would have loved to have seen Amy perform again. She never disappoints...from the very first time I saw her perform with Levon and his Barn Burners at the Silver Dollar with her rendition of Wang Dang Doodle.....to the Horseshoe Tavern with Ollabelle and with Rollie's buddy Tony Furtado.....to some venue in NYC with the gang who honoured Dylan's Blood on the Tracks singing with Fiona You're A Big Girl Now and with Buddy Cage on stage who was the only one from the BOTT recording but who Dylan didn't give credit on the recording??.....to an outdoor venue in Jersey where Amy got on drums but didn't end up playing drums if my memory serves me well.....to......so far that's it Todd.

Entered at Tue Apr 15 13:38:41 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

The Band: London to New York
by Richard Williams on October 15, 2013

"Talking to Danko, I asked why their performance at Woodstock two years earlier hadn’t been included in the subsequent movie. “I just didn’t feel that their sound was together,” he said, “and I didn’t believe it was the sort of film that I’d want to look at myself in 20 years’ time, because I’m sure all that comes back, at one time or another. It was not our PA system. We were using other people’s facilities, which means that we didn’t have any control over it, and if you can’t control it then I don’t consider the people are getting their money’s worth. The Isle of Wight impressed me in 1969. The people there were very orderly. I thought it was like being in a giant high-school gymnasium. But it’s hard. We limit our PA system, like you do in a studio, which cleans it up for the people, so it sounds more like a record.”

They hadn’t brought their own system to Europe, relying instead on a system supplied by Charlie Watkins, the South London amplification expert and inventor of the great Copicat tape-echo unit. According to Danko, Watkins had been to see them in the US, examined their system, and promised to create something equally effective.

He was as good as his word, and those of us present at the Albert Hall still talk about the pin-sharp but very warm quality of the sound, and how they were the first rock band to master the acoustics of a venue that had been notoriously unfriendly to amplified music. As Danko promised, the sound was just like the records, allowing us to appreciate the astonishing quality of their playing. It was one of the great gigs, and three of the songs from the first night — “Strawberry Wine”, “Rockin’ Chair” and “Look Out, Cleveland” — were unearthed for A Musical History, the handsome boxed set released by Capitol in 2005. Which must mean that the rest of the concert is in the vault somewhere, and it would be nice to hear it all one day."

Entered at Tue Apr 15 12:31:44 CEST 2014 from (58.104.26.105)

Wallsend

Entered at Tue Apr 15 12:18:23 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Tue Apr 15 12:09:06 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Tue Apr 15 11:53:46 CEST 2014 from (80.3.71.216)

Ian W

In the concert advert for Wembley '74, not only were The Band not the top headliners but were third in the billing. Joni Mitchell/Tom Scott & The LA Express were billed second after CSN&Y.

Entered at Tue Apr 15 11:01:59 CEST 2014 from (58.104.26.105)

Wallsend

I remember reading a review in one of those music magazines like Sounds or Melody Maker that they were not as tight as they were on the tour with Dylan but that may just have been that person's opinion. I used to enjoy those music magazines but I think they have mostly gone out of business. There were forever reports of bands revolving membership. In that regard Traffic and Fairport Convention were like a small cottage industry. I recall in MM they used to have a satirical piece about a rock star called Jiving K Boots and his manager that was quite funny. Happy days.

Entered at Tue Apr 15 10:36:55 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Joint sessions

Levon / Robbie collaborations … I thought the Jessie Winchester joint session lead to collaborations OUTSIDE The Band. If you trawl the discography, they did tend to sit in with different people, so you get Robbie with Carly Simon and Joni Mitchell, but Levon with The Cate Brothers and Muddy Waters. You get Rick and Levon with Neil Young. You get Garth with everyone.

The most obvious outside The Band are the two Dylan concerts in 1965 with Al Kooper etc. But apart from Jesse Winchester, the only one that springs to mind is Peter Yarrow’s “Groundhog” where Robbie Robertson produced the track, and Levon, Garth and Paul Simon played on it. (see link)

Entered at Tue Apr 15 10:28:23 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Forty years ago. That’s why I review stuff now really. I can read a review and remember it. In the late 60s / early 70s I used to exchange reviews of bands I saw with a friend. I used to do it with films too because I was lecturing on film part time and thought I needed a bank of information for the future. But then I stopped. We were tidying and picked up 20 years of our theatre programmes and I realized I had zero memories of some of the plays. So I started reviewing on my blog, and I can look at the reviews and remember a lot.

But Wembley 74? It was THE BAND! It was magic. I knew every word of every song. As in 1994, Rick’s bass sounded different live – very free flowing and intuitive, quite marvellous. I know you couldn’t hear much if any piano – and that’s true of so many tapes of the Band, which is why “Live At The Academy” was so great. They were on at lunchtime in bright sunshine. It’s a 100,000 capacity stadium, though I think it was 80,000 for concerts, as one end gets cut off, but they have people on the pitch. We were in a seated area and people were still arriving. We had that bane of outdoor concerts, arseholes talking. As I’ve noted elsewhere, when Garth started the Genetic Method, one arsehole said “Wow! Just like Pink Floyd!” (The rest of his conversation was cretinous too). I’ve always been surprised at Levon’s repeated statement that “Richard was our lead singer” because all evidence to me was that Levon was indeed “the lead singer” by which I mean most prominent.

I couldn’t understand how The Band had done that record-breaking early 1974 tour with Bob Dylan, but were here in late summer supporting CSNY. That was a weird decision … not to go out on the tails of the Dylan tour as headliners. I still shake my head in wonder as to why they did it. Were they ragged? I don’t think tapes really tell you. Every live show gets doctored, and unadorned live tapes sound rough with virtually all bands. I had no impression that they were ragged on the day, more that it was very live.

CSNY are supposedly working on a summer 2014 “40th Anniversary” set of Wembley. I would guess it was just their set, but who knows? I do remember that Tom Scott & The LA Express were brilliant, and because they had done their solo spot before backing Joni Mitchell, they were warmed up when she came on and her set was fantastic. We thought CSNY were poor, except the set I was least looking forward to, Graham Nash. He was right on form. Neil Young and Stephen Stills were dire solo sets. Mrs V had her hands over her ears in Neil Young’s solo bit. Subsequent tales suggest that all four CSNY were very stoned. Well, Graham coped with it fine. The others sounded it.

I’d award the day to The Band and Joni. But my retrospective thoughts on the best live shows I've seen (until the late 70s) would definitely put Muddy Waters in Hull circa 1968 as better (I was about five feet from Muddy, standing at the front) and Marvin Gaye not long after The Band as better … he had an orchestra and dancers and the Motown rhythm section. Friends who saw The Band more often say that 1971 was the peak Band tour when they were the best band they'd ever seen. Live At The Academy captures that … but I didn't see them in 1971 unfortunately … Roger W did, I think.

Entered at Tue Apr 15 06:39:29 CEST 2014 from (99.115.145.68)

Pat B

Entered at Tue Apr 15 06:35:08 CEST 2014 from (74.176.226.132)

Mike C

Entered at Tue Apr 15 06:11:36 CEST 2014 from (68.199.209.167)

Jeff A.

Entered at Tue Apr 15 05:57:11 CEST 2014 from (182.250.243.197)

Kerrin

Entered at Tue Apr 15 05:14:35 CEST 2014 from (68.171.231.80)

Bill M

Peter V and Mike C: thanks for the thought on the lead work on the first Jesse Winchester. You're probably right. Rea was an interesting, and possibly inspired, choicej itd be interesting to know how it came about. The two guitarists may have met in Toronto, where they overlapped by a year or so, and they may have subsequently bumped into each other over the years at Albert Grossman's office (when Rea was backing first Lightfoot then Ian and Sylvia in the Basement Tapes era).

In dental terms, we have Robbie's playing likened to incisors. Can we say something about Rick's molar bass work, Richard's chipped crown, Levon's bite and Garth's wisdom?

Entered at Tue Apr 15 01:14:48 CEST 2014 from (58.104.17.29)

Wallsend

Entered at Tue Apr 15 00:54:53 CEST 2014 from (58.104.17.29)

Wallsend

Entered at Mon Apr 14 23:22:43 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Mon Apr 14 23:16:13 CEST 2014 from (70.53.46.21)

Kevin J

Entered at Mon Apr 14 23:08:01 CEST 2014 from (108.195.7.59)

Todd

Subject: The Guestbook

Kerrin, I think that it was decent of you to reply to John D’s question last week. I’ve never met John, but I’ve never doubted his sincerity or motives based on what I’ve read here. I think his question was genuine and from the heart. Sometimes things in the Guestbook can be misconstrued and tone doesn’t always come through as intended.

There was a comment made that Jan can delete whatever he likes. While that is perfectly true, should he really have to? We are all adults, and should be able to police ourselves and generally behave. Jan has a life outside of the guestbook, and shouldn’t have to baby sit us. I’m sure he has better things to do.

While spirited debate has it’s value (and lord knows I’ve pushed the edge of that myself in my younger and wilder days), I think it’s worth keeping in mind that this is a Guestbook, and “guests” (which is all of us) should try to behave like guests. We have enough commonality, and obviously impeccable taste in music, as evidenced by choosing The Band website to gather at. Let’s embrace that. We don’t have to agree on everything, but it’s not a requirement to be disagreeable in the process of……well…..not agreeing.

I still have some thoughts on the Taplin kerfuffle, but fortunately I’ve been busy with work, and haven’t gotten to that yet.

Hey Rocking Chair. There’s a rumor going around that you’ve exposed yourself? Now I know that you sailors like to have a good time, but let’s not get carried away! This is a family friendly place. ;-)

Entered at Mon Apr 14 22:29:45 CEST 2014 from (58.104.17.29)

Wallsend

Subject: BEG

This is an off topic video you might enjoy. Australia's misogynist prime minister trying to find a token woman for a photo shoot.

Entered at Mon Apr 14 22:21:21 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Sorry Mike C I couldn't remember the name of The Hawk's last recording (Still Cruisin') where both Robbie and Levon were guesting.

"Levon and Robbie recorded their respective mandolin/drums and guitar parts on "Blue Moon in My Sign" in separate studio sessions in 2000, without knowing about each others' contributions. "Levon and Robbie still ain't talkin' to each other after 26 years, but they play fine together - just not at the same time," was Hawkins' comment."

Peter....Thank you. You have a very busy life and yet you still found the time to write all the articles on The Band and you've provided many scans to this site. Clearly a labour of love........and every day you post hoping someone will either respond to keep this GB going or start a new thread.........Btw, it was pretty little girl who first told me that the two posters she most respected here were you.....and JD.....and both of you are the fortunate ones in that you actually have seen....The Band!!!!!.....Sacred!!!!!! Crab, late Rollie, late Paul G, and Pat B and PSB.....and......Who else????? Also Peter V....You've bought every reissue in every format. Ms. K has certainly told me about how much space all your music and memorabilia takes up in your home. I only express myself, share many genres of music.... and find info.....I guess we all have different roles here and different personalities....just like you'd find at a club or party. We can't be drawn to everyone in the same way and that's......OK!

Long live The Band! Long live freedom of expression! Sorry, but it's in my blood....My family left a country because of a Civil War.....It's in my blood....simple as that! ;-D

Entered at Mon Apr 14 22:21:45 CEST 2014 from (58.104.17.29)

Wallsend

Or more recently, where were they when Jon Taplin's reputation was being trashed here. What was Jon's crime? Well, he made passing reference to factual information that contradicted one of the great Band shibboleths.

Entered at Mon Apr 14 20:58:28 CEST 2014 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Mon Apr 14 20:39:11 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I think BEG deserves an award as our most helpful and informative and kind and generous poster!

Entered at Mon Apr 14 20:32:22 CEST 2014 from (173.3.50.31)

Jeff A.

That "HeartBleed" virus prompted me to attempt to change my FB password. OF course, being a techno moron, I screwed it up.And ended up locked out of FB. Or FB screwed up... It's problematic, cause i have a active business page. I never did give anyone my password, so using a "trusted friend" is out. Security question option i can't seem to motivate to appear. And, apparently there is no way to call FB If anyone has any bright ideas, i'd welcome em. And it'd be a good surprise if it is from someone who i didn't think was too bright before...second chances and all....If someone with a bright idea happens to have my email address, email me. I'll be gone till late, first night of Pesach and all, but will check later.

Entered at Mon Apr 14 18:20:54 CEST 2014 from (70.29.18.109)

brown eyed girl

Entered at Mon Apr 14 18:04:58 CEST 2014 from (74.176.226.132)

Mike C

Subject: Incisive Guitar

Bill M - I can't come up with another example of just Levon & Robbie guesting on a non-Band record. But if it exists, I'm betting somebody here will know about it. Regarding the guitar work on Jesse Winchester's first album, Robbie may not play on all the cuts but on some of them it sounds unmistakably like him to me. "Payday", "Quiet About It", "Snow" & "The Nudge" in particular come to mind.

Several lifetimes ago when I used to play bass in bands, we covered "Payday" which was not only a blast to play, but was guaranteed to get the low-down boozed-up crowd off their feet and onto the dance floor for some fancy footwork.

R.I.P., Jesse & thanks for all the great music.

Entered at Mon Apr 14 17:50:44 CEST 2014 from (70.29.18.109)

brown eyed girl

Doc Watson & Earl Scruggs Play At Doc's Home

Entered at Mon Apr 14 17:42:18 CEST 2014 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Mon Apr 14 16:38:07 CEST 2014 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Subject: the banjo in rock and roll

I'm not a big banjo fan, but it does have its place in the right hands, even in rock and roll - e.g., Ed Patterson of the Hans Staymer Band in the link, notably 2:30-2:50 and especially starting at 3:00.

Ed was not related to the one-T 'Banjo' Paterson, the Australian who left us "Waltzing Matilda" and "The Man From Snowy River". Maybe it's Banjo's literary output that put our Antipodian posters off the instrument.

Peter V: Was the incisive guitar work on the first Jesse Winchester album Robbie's or David Rea's? In any event, I was wondering over the weekend what other examples there are, besides Ronnie Hawkins '60-'61, when just Levon and Robbie from the Band appeared on a record.

Entered at Mon Apr 14 15:06:35 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

KEEP IT GOIN’ MEMORIAL PANEL - LEVON HELM STUDIOS
As many know, the music industry lost an icon in 2012 when Levon Helm passed away. This event touched the whole community, both internationally and locally.

Entered at Mon Apr 14 14:40:50 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Kerrin...I'm one of the worst offenders for not talking about The Band all the time. I'm a Music Fan first. My love for The Band is just as great as my love for.....Bob Marley and The Wailers......My love for Van Morrison.....My love for Bob Dylan....My love for Garland Jeffreys......My love for Mink DeVille.....All songwriters!! And now that banjos were talked about here it reminded me of another instrument that originates in Greece and then I thought of "Cat" A.K.A. Yusef Islam (father Greek and mother Swedish)

Guitar versus Bouzouki....How about both together or sometimes one is a faithful servant to the song and at other times it isn't instead of the antagonistic "versus". Congrats to "Cat" Stevens who became Yusuf Islam for becoming a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. He was the last person I stood in line to see in concert in the mid-seventies. Unfortunatey the tickets ran out for Massey Hall and it was probably his last tour. I still have a Goldmine paper mag with the 2000 edition of Return Of The Peace Train.

Thanks for the written translation....

Michael Knudsen3 years agoin reply to JaCklimassol @JaCklimassol Ruby glykeia (Ruby my sweet) Ela xana (come again) Ela xana konta mou (come again close to me) Ela proi (come in the morning) Me tin avgi (by dawn) Hrisi san iliahtida (gold as a sunbeam) Ruby mou mikri (You small Ruby)

Btw the one concept recording of "Cat" was Foreigner. I used to listen to it all the time as the lyrics resonated so much and the piano was used so well to compliment the estrangement in one's life. Father and Son.....could be Mother and daughter as well.....How could one not relate to these heart-felt songs? He always said that he was on a spiritual path all of his life and he gave up all the accolades for something larger than himself. He was also fortunate in that he was the song-writer.....just like the late Jesse Winchester who could live off his royalties when not touring or making more recordings. Lesson to all.....learn to write songs.....even one hit!

Wallsend...I was supportive of your freedom to express yourself in this GB because I would expect the same for all. Since I received a similar welcome I could empathize. I was told to kiss someone's ass....I was called an animal.....I was seen as the evil brown eyed girl.....I never met any of those posters.....and it takes a long time to really "know" someone, doesn't it? Yes, some come back from time to time to see if they can get a rise out of someone.....I used to fall for it all the time. I've made mistakes as well. I feeeeel for the new posters because some of the older posters are trying to do to you as they tried to do to some of us.....They want to censor what you post if it isn't positive to their favourite Band members. Where were those posters when they agreed with Levon that Rick and Richard's death was because of Robbie???????? Where were they when Robbie was mashed and bashed on a daily basis????????? Silence also speaks volumes.

Anyway, I thought I'd send out a broken arrow and post about all Band members. That's when JH shocked me and set up a brown eyed girl's link page. He stopped in 2006. My peace offering made no difference as the same people who couldn't stand my presence would continue to gossip and make snide comments. One person said the only reason I was here was to pick up men. No.....I came here for the music as I don't have anyone in my life anymore who is into as many genres of music as I am. imagezulu is quite rigid.....He only wants to discuss jazz and blues.....I have both in my own collection but what really touches my heart and soul more is rock, reggae, soul, rhythm and blues and......I love words......I don't write well but I do appreciate how Kerrin, Jersey Girl write....Pat B can just write one sentence and hit every nerve. Peter V can tell stories and get his point across without saying anything directly. I'm different....I write the way I talk.....too much blah, blah, blah.....but yes Kerrin I am generous with my time, energy and heart here....That's why I take breaks from time to time.....and of course I get busy with other things. I always used to say here that my older brother refers to this place as a crack house for me....imagezulu isn't thrilled either but if they bug me about it.....I post more! ;-D

When I said scroll on by......Of course I check out everyone's posts but if you're talking about technical things with instruments I will scroll by because I simply don't understand.....If you don't like what I post I'm not offended in the least if you scroll on by. There are soooooo many lurkers out there. Surely every post resonates with someone out there.....surely......Even those of you who are agitators and have buddies who egg you on.

Entered at Mon Apr 14 13:19:00 CEST 2014 from (58.104.9.232)

Wallsend

Entered at Mon Apr 14 13:09:54 CEST 2014 from (125.0.114.2)

Kerrin

Entered at Mon Apr 14 12:37:11 CEST 2014 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster

Once we stuck in snow near an old WW2 air force space. After a couple of hours a police car came by. They helped us only because Mrs. NWC looked a bit miserable in the cold. When I said "thank you sir" an officer looked at the back seat and saw a banjo. "Is it your banjo?" "Yes" "You'd better follow us to the police station. We want to see what you have in your tank. Fuel has been stolen from aircrafts."

I believe Dlew and I agree at least of one thing: NEVER HAVE A BANJO ON YOUR BACK SEAT!

Entered at Mon Apr 14 12:09:23 CEST 2014 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Duelling 6 string banjos

Dlew posted: "...all the disadvantages of a guitar and banjo, and none of the advantages of either." Wrong! (1) Anyone who has ever played a few notes or basic chords with a gtr can pick up a 6 string and get the crispy banjo sound, (2) It is a big instrument with a big sound. It is suitable for a street singer or in a carnival or a party. (3) All banjos are humoristic instruments but 6 string is the best (or worse). You can use it in children's plays or in a circus if you are a clown. Everyone love it, everyone laugh at it, even Dlew as it seems. And last but not least (4) You had forgotten to put a dot in the end of your sentence. I have added it as a friendly gesture among us banjo "virtuoso".

Entered at Mon Apr 14 10:43:58 CEST 2014 from (125.0.114.2)

Kerrin

It'll do me no favours to admit it, but I was once a car salesman for a dealership. Hated it, so got my own dealers licence and worked alone. Loved it, because I was no longer pressured to bullshit anyone. Sold more cars just because I knew every inch of my stock. However, I knew of one major yard who fired their lowest-achieving salesperson every month, so I can see how things can get stupid.

Wallsend, I replied to John D partly because I knew who he was, partly because he had emailed me some months back to compliment me on something I wrote on this site, but mostly because I was genuinely perplexed by his question, as well as the reactions of several others. I'm sure their viewpoints are valid, but try as I might I just can't quite relate to them.

Hey, breaking news though - has anyone noticed that Levon's shirt in the 1970 Syria Mosque video is the one from TLW? And (see link) at the Lone Star in 1983. There's some non-confrontational trivia for you...

Entered at Mon Apr 14 09:55:15 CEST 2014 from (173.3.50.31)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Entered at Mon Apr 14 09:12:55 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Jeff, thanks for reminding us that asides into “life” create a community. Where’s Lars?

If we’re doing car salesmen, six years ago I was looking for a 2 year old model. The young guy at the main dealers spent a lot of time with me over two days trawling the dealer network online with me for ones they could swap in. Nothing. I insisted on a light colour and light upholstery. Then the available ones 95% were black with black seats. I finally decided to buy new. The slimey manager came over and said he would take over as the young guy only did used. I said I’d continue to deal with the young guy, or go elsewhere. We did the order and went through the spec … upgraded audio went straight in. Then we got to the stuff you don’t need, don’t want but get tempted to choose. Auto-dipping headlights. Quite good? No! The young guy said. They’re lethal … we’ve had two accidents already! It seems you’re on a winding (English) country road on full beam, you go round a corner and they hit a reflective road sign and immediately dip leaving you in shit creek without a paddle. So I didn’t buy them. An honest car salesman! Next week, how I found a five leaved clover.

Entered at Mon Apr 14 08:56:31 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I was playing Jesse Winchester in memoriam, and it struck me again how good Robbie’s production is, and also his incisive guitar playing. It led me to “King of Comedy” and another production, Wonderful Remark by Van Morrison. Try looking on Wiki … it proves the unreliability of Wiki, I’m afraid, reckoning the Robbie Robertson version was 1969 (!) and that the long meandering version on “Philosopher’s Stone” was “later” in 1972. Robbie made it clear that he asked Van for an unreleased song, they watched the film, then cut a new version in 1983. It’s so much more focussed than the original, though having Jim Keltner and Richard Tee on board helped. The film also has Between Trains of course.

Entered at Mon Apr 14 08:24:32 CEST 2014 from (58.104.10.121)

Wallsend

Entered at Mon Apr 14 07:16:03 CEST 2014 from (173.3.50.31)

PutEmUp(Friend0.

Kevin. It's nice to be appreciated. Glad I looked in just now.

I've been looking at new cars. I've been a salesman essentially since I'm 13. 42 years. I appreciate a good salesman, no nonsense, and with integrity. If you are gonna have nonsense, you better be so good that it gets past most, and the few that it doesn't get past let you slide cause they are smart enough to know 100% doesn't happen often. and like you anyway. But, it's rare i encounter good salesmen. They exist, there are some, but they are very few and real far between. And when it comes to responsibility- that's a whole nother story. i've always felt that being a good or great salesmen carries responsibility- you need to insure that the buyer receives what they paid for. Getting the deal,but the consumer getting the hokey pokey, well, it sucks.....It's one of the reasons I've mostly worked for myself, and also stayed small. Anyway I'm looking at a new car.

So i am walking into a car dealership a few days ago. Guy in a suit, outside, smoking a cigarette, says hello. Visually, i can see he's probably a type i know well, and I know the odds are 99% in my favor this guy appreciates me. . As i am walking in past him, i say hello bacvk to him. He follows me in, asks "Can I help you?" I ask," Are you a new car salesman?", he says, "I'm a manager but i can get you someone. Is there anything in particular you're looking for?" I reply "Teah. Try to find me a decent salesman who's not a prick and won't fuck up a sale." I saw it register and knew he loved it. He walks out the other door on the other side of the showroom, I'm along cause now I'm having fun, He looks at three guys bullshitting, says, "I need, and I quote, a decent salesman who's not a prick and won't fuck up a sale." Points to one guy, who smiles and comes running, the other two are hysterical, one says, "boy, did you just fuck up".........

Entered at Mon Apr 14 06:47:31 CEST 2014 from (24.114.65.81)

Kevin J

ahhhhh.........if I could just have one gimme on this front.........Jeff A.....all sedate and civilized.......goodbye..........PutEmUp(Friend0.........on the other hand.........HELLO.....Step this way !

Entered at Mon Apr 14 04:42:30 CEST 2014 from (125.0.114.2)

Kerrin

"To loose [sic] some one like David Powell here and gain Wallsend?"

Hey, that's nice. Clearly some long term posters feel that because they've discussed certain topics in 2002, those matters are now out of bounds for newer visitors. Instead we should visit the archives to view the existing pearls and refrain from smudging the sanctity of the guestbook with our own views. I have apologised to senior posters who see old arguments being retrod, but I meant it only as a courtesy, because the guestbook format doesn't leave us an alternative. The debates here lately have been balanced and lucid, and speculation isn't a crime. If you want to talk about something else, go ahead and do so. But many have only popped in to tell us to shut up.

The Band is finished, they are a static subject matter. The personalities were/are colourful. The same points are likely to be raised repeatedly. Talk about the music! people cry. Well, I don't see anyone setting an example, other than to discuss other artists, so what does that mean? "Gee, Whispering Pines is a great song." Is that what you mean? Or "I love the counterpoint of Rick's ascending chromatic bassline against Robbie's parallel descending sixths." Maybe that will keep everyone happy. Well, it's all good to me. It should all co-exist here. Scroll past, or argue with, the bits you don't like. But don't tell anyone not to post.

Entered at Mon Apr 14 03:16:11 CEST 2014 from (72.78.40.5)

PSB

Subject: Jesse Winchester

Greetings Folks, the link above is to a short blog I wrote on Jesse Winchester.

Entered at Mon Apr 14 00:52:37 CEST 2014 from (121.211.87.72)

Dlew919

In all honesty, all the disadvantages of a guitar and banjo, and none of the advantages of either

I left my banjo in the back seat of my car. Sure enough, came back to a broken window. And three more banjos...

Entered at Mon Apr 14 00:09:09 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Director of Curatorial Affairs Howard Kramer goes behind the scenes and showcases Levon Helm's mandolin.

Entered at Sun Apr 13 23:17:55 CEST 2014 from (58.104.16.84)

Wallsend

Entered at Sun Apr 13 23:03:32 CEST 2014 from (96.44.120.166)

Rockin Chair

Subject: The Music & Some People

Up in Thompson Sound loading road building equip. As thet have Sat. Internet I got to check my e mail.

I ran through a few posts. I noticed John D. asking some pretty fair questions of "Wallsend & Kerrin". It's hard to understand the motivation of their posts. It to seem all knowing? They hardly make sense. To loose some one like David Powell here and gain Wallsend?

To make a comment about my tug and say I was exposed???

That will give many who ave seen the pictures of my tug & barge and what I do and where I go a laugh

Entered at Sun Apr 13 22:41:54 CEST 2014 from (58.104.16.84)

Wallsend

Subject: Why I post on this site or ‘what does it mean to honour The Band’.

I came across this video the other day. It is John Cleese talking about creativity. Although he throws in jokes it is a serious talk which I think has particular relevance to the Band. Usually I am sceptical about theories of creativity but the idea of ‘open’ and ‘closed’ phases seems to have some substance. Although it is only included as an aside at the end, I also like Cleese’s distinction between ‘seriousness’ and ‘solemnity’. For me honouring the Band is not a matter of being solemn and pretending these were flawless people, it is about talking about them preferably with as much good humour as possible. The opposite of love is not hate but indifference. People complain that the posts here are repetitive but I think that misses the point. The purpose is not to say new things (what new things are there to be said?) but to keep the memory of the music and the people we love alive. That is why I post on this site.

Entered at Sun Apr 13 22:10:33 CEST 2014 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

Entered at Sun Apr 13 17:21:20 CEST 2014 from (24.114.65.81)

Kevin J

Entered at Sun Apr 13 16:20:36 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

I was listening to a lot of Eagles at Bill M's and imagezulu's school (both didn't know me at the time and then I moved onto another school for more studies)....In the library with my head phones on and just grooovin' and connecting and being transported to all kinds of places.

Eagles - Take It To The Limit - Live in Washington D.C. 1977 featuring Randy Meisner. This particular performance also seen on their latest Doc.

Thanks Kerrin for your appreciation the other day. :-D

Entered at Sun Apr 13 16:03:57 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Live on BBC. 1973. Bernie Leadon on lead vocals and banjo.

Entered at Sun Apr 13 11:29:19 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Rod, Innomina, the support band for Fay Hield let week, had the most beautiful filigree silver edged antique banjo I've ever seen. They told the obligatory banjo jokes when the player picked it up (he also played penny whistle) but it was such a lovely instrument that they made little sense. You can just about see it in the stage photo in my review.

As every British folk band now has button accordion and banjo somewhere, the jokes on these two instruments are rendered a bit flat!

Entered at Sun Apr 13 11:08:01 CEST 2014 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

Entered at Sun Apr 13 10:35:09 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings

Link to JT on Sharon Jones at Toppermost yesterday. You might also enjoy Ian on (The) Pretenders today. Two great pieces.

I passed by my local newsagent just now, I paused, looked in the door and said "Hello. I don't come here to get my newspapers anymore." The guy behind the counter looked rather perplexed.

Entered at Sun Apr 13 06:54:31 CEST 2014 from (98.249.12.32)

JTull Fan

Entered at Sun Apr 13 05:37:19 CEST 2014 from (108.192.65.60)

Todd

Subject: Appreciation

BEG, Thanks for the shout out. Photography has always been a passion of mine. When I can combine that with my love of music, I'm a happy camper.

I think I know Crabgrass from shows in the city, based on some of the photos that I've seen of his. However I knew him by the name of Anthony (if we're talking about the same person). I used to see him at a lot of the early Ollabelle gigs at various clubs in NYC, and sometimes would have to jockey for position to get good shots in what were often very crowded situations. Another photographer who I met in those days, and ended up becoming very good friends with is Ahron Foster, who eventually went on to do the fantastic photography for Levon's Dirt Farmer album as well as some great photography for Ollabelle. He's a super guy, and very talented.

I've been a huge fan of Amy Helm over the years, starting with first seeing her at Levon's Barnburner's gigs. It was amazing to see her growth as a singer and performer through the Ollabelle days, the Midnight Rambles, and now with her current band that she's performing with. In my opinion, she's one of the best and most generous performers that I've had the honor to meet. I don't get to as many shows as I used to, but whenever I see her, she always has a friendly smile, warm greeting, and asks about my family. When you consider how many people she probably encounters in the course of traveling around over the years, I think that's pretty amazing.

I'm pleased to have met Levon a handful of times over the years (who also always had a warm smile and friendly greeting) and gotten to know Amy as a result of following this amazing music. Jan's website has helped me to stay connected to much of that, as well as get to know some great people, and for all of that I'm very thankful. Other bands may have websites, but this is the one that I care about the most.

One thing that I occasionally lose sight of, is that it's great to have a healthy debate and share opinions, but I have to remind myself that it doesn't always have to be a contest. Sometimes I forget, but I'm working on it!

Entered at Sun Apr 13 03:37:23 CEST 2014 from (69.120.108.104)

Brien Sz

I scrolled the messages, all the same.

I smiled and remembered when

Then rode the ether away and let this candle flicker as it may.

Entered at Sun Apr 13 00:11:01 CEST 2014 from (161.185.157.23)

Ray

Entered at Sat Apr 12 22:49:42 CEST 2014 from (58.104.18.91)

Wallsend

Entered at Sat Apr 12 22:09:07 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I’ve just heard from the Shakespeare-Hathaway Estate that they’re seeking permission fees at a level that will wipe us all out.

Entered at Sat Apr 12 21:48:02 CEST 2014 from (58.104.18.91)

Wallsend

Kerrin, from this day forth you will be know to me as TKP (This Kerrin Person). It is hilarious when people demand respect but don't show it to others. I cannot say I am a big fan of the idea of 'respecting the dead', I think we should respect people whether they are dead or alive.

Entered at Sat Apr 12 21:14:19 CEST 2014 from (100.33.95.254)

Jed

Thank you for a superb and important website and for your post.Agree with it all and I apologize for the thread comment.I was seeking solutions and overreached.That was not right and again,my sincere apologies.

Entered at Sat Apr 12 20:59:00 CEST 2014 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: The reason to be here

On a serious side. I am here only to protect The Constitution of the United States Of America.

Entered at Sat Apr 12 18:53:42 CEST 2014 from (99.244.70.115)

John D

I should know better. In fact I do; but here I go.

The last 48 hours on this site has come about; because I asked a question. Let me repeat. I asked a question of Wallsend and Kerrin. That's all. Kerrin, my apologies for referring to you as, "this Kerrin person." I want to say thank you and you have my respect for posting back to me. Much appreciated.

I've had many private emails thanking me for asking the question. Well, look where it got me. My biggest surprise was having Peter answer for Wallsend. Also; before I go I want to make it clear to Peter and all that the fact I knew Levon had absolutely nothing to do with my question to Wallsend. Also I never liked the Robbie bashing. I'm allowed not to care for it. Yes Peter I know they are public figures. Unlike BEG's comment that we should just scroll past posts we don't like is not in my character. I like to read what everyone has to say.

Now go about your business and I'm sorry that by asking a simple question raised the ire of some. For the record, I have met bob w twice. On the West coast and Niagara Falls. You'll never meet a nicer guy. A devoted husband and amazing Father. I don't know Ray personally, but I read his posts on the "other site" and he is both a devoted Band fan and Dad. Lets end it here please. Please don't use me to continue this. Wait. Sorry. Do whatever you want. I am but a humble guest here. I respect Jan too much. By asking a question I didn't mean to stir the pot. Feel free to scroll by. My best friend in the world once asked me how anything on the world wide web could affect me. Bob is now deceased. You were right Bob. For the most part I'm attempting to have a dialogue with both people I don't know and some post anonymously.

Thank you Jan for everything. GBS.

Entered at Sat Apr 12 18:38:59 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Blues Cruise in NYC

"A Tribute To Howlin' Wolf" - August 23, 2002

Photos copyright © by "Crabgrass" 2002
Hey, what more could one wish for? A beautiful breezy moonlit Friday evening in NYC, a double-decked cruise boat brimming with enthusiastic blues fans, and a dream blues band line-up featuring the spritely and ageless Hubert Sumlin, Levon Helm, Jimmy Vivino, and Mike Merritt, with David Johansen on vocals ripping full-force through 90 minutes worth of immortal Howlin' Wolf tunes while traversing the waterways of Manhattan Island past the Statue of Liberty. Hubert's guitar cut through the night air like a finely sharpened blade. One of the most unique funky venues and best up-close concerts I've ever seen. This was truly a great one which I'll remember fondly for a long time to come!! "--Crabgrass

Crabgrass could transform his photos into paintings. So much talent which he gave away freely. It always disturbed me that he didn't reap any rewards as a photographer and videographer. I probably knew him best and he deserved a real break in this life......

I was here as well sitting right across from Hubert Sumlin. I even sent a card to his New Jersey residence wishing him well before he passed. I saw Levon at least five times but never asked to meet him as I was critical of what he said about Robbie. Crabgrass did insist I meet Amy and grudgingly I did as I didn't feel I had the right to. He of course laughed it off and said I was just being ridiculous in the big scheme of things.

Btw Todd.....You're another photographer who has shared great work here. I think my favourite photo was of the one of Amy. Thank you for sharing. Oh and another great photographer who used to post here is Brien. :-D

Entered at Sat Apr 12 18:12:14 CEST 2014 from (46.13.11.148)

jh

May we suggest that some of you read sections 1 and 2 in the page linked above. Thanks.

Levon Helm made us discover the music way-back-when. The rest is history -- becoming a true and life-long fan of every one in the group, and having the honour of meeting and becoming friends with Band members and their extended family.

So, it hurts to read some of the stuff posted here in a forum that we developed ourselves. Reading Mr Hoskyns´ horrible obituary about Rick in some UK rag in 2000 made us want to do unspeakable things. Which we of course did not do. Also, we will not edit out most of what is posted here, even if it may be hard to swallow. When the guestbook at times *is* cleaned up, though, it usually means taking out a chunk of it, deleting both "good and bad" stuff. Unfair, but effective.

There will be no threads here in the guestbook, or any changes to the site layout. This is now a web museum, frozen in it´s 1998 design, but still open for new additions to the archives and for messages from its visitors.

It is almost two years since the greatest singing drummer in rock music left us. Nothing would make us happier than to see this forum filled with love for Levon and respect for his family and long-time friends, in the next few days. In between the ever-present bickering of course. Thanks again.

Entered at Sat Apr 12 18:08:16 CEST 2014 from (24.114.65.81)

Kevin J

A large step in helping to arrive at some long overdue healing in Band Land would be for those so concerned with respect to just practice a most basic fundamental gesture of it themselves by referring to all members of this band that we all claim to love by their full names or first names......Stop with this Robertson nonsense in place of Robbie........not a single person I know or read anywhere regularily refers to Levon as Helm Rick as Danko.

Just that one little step practiced always - at all Band related websites - might help demonstrate that all members of this Band are respected always.......respect is not something that should only be practiced here, it is an approach that either exists or it doesn't.........If it does - truly - then we are on a path to getting things turned around......if it doesn't then 20 years from now this same nonsense will be going on.

Entered at Sat Apr 12 17:45:26 CEST 2014 from (100.33.95.254)

Jed

Some of us fans who post here still meet your criteria! I'm one of the folks by virtue of spending years of time up in Woodstock and nyc have been blessed and lucky enough to have these many contacts through the years and to be able to say that Rick and Levon were acquaintances who actually knew who I was,if not by name,by face.

Entered at Sat Apr 12 17:41:39 CEST 2014 from (99.115.145.68)

Pat B

Entered at Sat Apr 12 17:16:48 CEST 2014 from (161.185.157.23)

Ray

Entered at Sat Apr 12 17:16:56 CEST 2014 from (99.115.145.68)

Pat B

Entered at Sat Apr 12 16:56:34 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Subject: The Band Live at Syria Mosque bootleg

I just received some Japanese bootleg cd's that I ordered last month. I just popped in The Band Live in Pittsburgh, which is the Syria Mosque show from 1970. This is phenomenal. I've never heard this show before. I've seen some of the video clips on the Ultimate Collection dvd and on youtube, but the sound and performance of this are excellent. I remember reading something here about Adam doing some work on this recording. I don't know what the origins of this bootleg are, but if I'm listening to something that you worked on, I say well done sir. I think Capital could slap their logo on this boot and release it immediately. It's that good.

Entered at Sat Apr 12 16:08:09 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Hey Jed! I just counted and I have 36 Levon Helm Ain't In It For My Health cards to give out at the party. Now.....If more than 36 show up; all of them go to JH as I don't like to intentionally exclude anyone. I always told my students when it was Valentine's day or Christmas or whatever....Everyone gets a card or no one! I'll have to find a Robbie t-shirt so you'll know who I am. lol Or are we going to wear name tags JH? Now Band memorabilia....hmmmm.....what am I willing to give to JH and/or others? I'll have to check as I've shared two The Band buttons already. I also have a poster from Rick's Tribute in Simcoe, photos I've taken of Levon, Garth, Robbie, shrink wrapped posters of Robbie and The Band which were up in my classroom when I taught vocal music, etc. So far I'm trying to get a Dankette, a Levonista, and two Robbiesonians to join me. Hey....Maybe Bob F's daughter will be in town too! We could have soooo much fun, fun, fun! Oh and here's another idea.....We could all bring a burned CD of our favourite music to share with one other person......Well....Just sayin'.... ;-D

Entered at Sat Apr 12 15:50:48 CEST 2014 from (100.33.95.254)

Jed

You are so funny-I laughed away.In the spirit of honesty,I will NOT wear that zebra shirt.As a long time former hoops player and fan,the zebra shirt is too much to bear.But,if there really is a GB party,I'd wear the darn shirt(with a dartboard pic on the back) just to bring a smile to BEG's face! Of course,if everyone met,I feel confident all this petty bickering would end once people were face to face.Our chutzpah diminishes off line and basic human decency will naturally take over,particularly given the mutual interest in the music.And,need be we can each break away to our own threads! LOL!

Entered at Sat Apr 12 15:28:57 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Personally.....I don't like anyone telling me what to post and what not to post. Only JH can do that. And I'm ok with having my posts deleted or being banned like others if I have ever crossed any lines. I'll say it again.....Check the Archives. It was always the wild west here. One time I took a break for many months and when I returned someone told the entire GB not to welcome me back. Really???? I have every right to express myself and at least I comment on all Band members and not just the ones that I dig the most. If you don't like or appreciate someone's posts can you not use the scroll bar???? Can someone's posts not be ignored????? Or try something new and comment on someones's post without making personal attacks?????

I guess at JH's party there better be opportunities to catch a fire....no twigs and seeds please! See link..... I also have a suggestion for the party. How about everyone bring some Band memorabilia to either exchange with each other or it all goes to JH! Btw, can you let us know when this Band and Birthday party will take place in October as I may have to have surgery then and won't be able to attend. Nothing major but I wouldn't be able to travel. Although I don't get along with some of you in the GB, I still would like to join the party. Jed can be the referee. ;-D

Entered at Sat Apr 12 14:58:24 CEST 2014 from (100.33.95.254)

Jed

I'm no Internet expert-far from it.But I do often read other music websites and discussion forums.Generally,when a topic is revisited over and over,people tend to refer the newbies(or those who enjoy the same discussions over and over) to the appropriate thread or section where they and others can wail away at topics that are repititive without concern that others are made uncomfortable by the topic itself or with repititive discussions-like I am-trashing a dead man(even with passive aggressive asides-"not that I don't like so and so but he's a liar-not that I'm calling him a liar,of course).Here,there are no threads so all one can do is refer others interested in this topic to sections of the GB to read this oft repeated discussion.But that leaves them without ability to comment and though I loath such discussion,Peter is correct-they do have the right to discuss anything they want.So perhaps,I'm suggesting that rather than a GB,a forum with threads(like expecting rain and many other sites) might alleviate concern about this matter.Peter,the vitriol,albeit disgusting,all over the Internet may have a different functional intent then a bands website so to me,the rest of the Internet is not relevant here.And,in the end this discussion will go down,around and around,and in the end,you'll be left with opinions-which like assholes,everyone has one.Yes,free speech is good and these folks should have a place to discuss every possible detail they like and don't like about The Band-threads would provide that ability.And yes,John D is still IMHO,right on-perhaps not in the rules of the Wild West of the Internet,but as a human being.There is IMO,karma-how we speak of the dead,who can't defend themselves comes back round to how we will be treated after death and the beliefs(based on a variety of ancient traditions and concepts)some,like me,have about how the words of the living impact the souls of the dead.Some things are best left alone,no matter who's side one takes while the people are alive.But,that is my personal concern and I understand people have rights which transcend my views.The larger moral/metaphysical concerns may get no play or concern here,and that would be expected.

Entered at Sat Apr 12 14:55:33 CEST 2014 from (125.3.76.54)

"this Kerrin person"

John D., I don't have any objective, I post only in response to what I see here. Maybe something that I disagree with, or maybe something that I fully support and would like to say so. If there was a discussion running about music - The Band's music - you could count me in, I've listened to then most days since I was 14, I'm 40 now. If I've been "Levon bashing" then no-one is more surprised than me, because I doubt I have it in me to do that. Seriously, I can't think what I might have said that could be regarded as "bashing". We are discussing rock history, and to me some things are just bald facts. Your view on these things will be entirely different for very enviable reasons, but I don't have any problem with the thought of Amy, Sebastian, or Maud reading my posts...at the same time writing with their approval in mind is not something we should feel obliged to do here. And I don't have members birthdays and anniversaries of passing on my calendar, that's not me. But I do still listen to, and remember them, every day.

Once again, it's strange to me that actual civilised discussion of The Band on this guestbook seems to be the worst thing you can do.

Entered at Sat Apr 12 14:19:00 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I’ll go back to the point. Newer posters are being admonished, I think unfairly. There has always been a group, a cabal if you like, who believed The Band was their special property and no one else should say much else beyond “Great Band” “Love the music” “Happy Birthday To Richard Manuel” (uh, nearly 30 years late for that) and “RIP.” These people are getting on in years, just as I am myself. If the old guys had their way, The Band would end up like Al Bowly, interest in them dying with a generation.

But there are younger fans discovering them all the time. These points of discussion are new and fresh to them. We have new albums like Live At The Academy and Another Self Portrait to celebrate. That’s why we keep discussing stuff. That’s why the Band don’t “belong” to a small group in North-East North America, but are of interest from New Zealand to Australia through Scandinavia and Britain. No, these people didn’t “know” The Band, but their ears are as good as yours or mine.

As to Sebastian and Amy, well, if they’ve read their fathers’ interviews and Levon’s book, they’ll have read a lot of stuff that people don’t normally know about their parents. But if you’re a lyricist, or write a book, you put stuff out there. The writer has to do so fearlessly, aware that his offspring and their offspring might one day read it. Levon very much did so. He told his story, he told his truth. But discussing it is “lack of respect”? Why? He wrote it and put his name on, no doubt with pride. Maybe the cabal think all copies should be withdrawn and burnt?

Also, I don’t remember my dad and mum on particular calendar dates. I do all the time. Dates may mean things to some people, not to others. Not to Levon himself judging by the comments on Richard.

Entered at Sat Apr 12 13:39:01 CEST 2014 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: 'Too Much Of Nothing'

bob w and John D: My feelings exactly!

"An' here I sit so patiently. Waiting to find out what price. You have to pay to get out of. Going through all these things twice." (in this case too many times).

Entered at Sat Apr 12 13:31:04 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Subject: Ain't in it for my health

I watched Ain't in it for my health for the second time last night. It is a sobering and powerful film. Approaching the second anniversary of Levon's death, I think that anyone who hasn't seen it, should. I think that anyone complaining about Levon's bitterness should watch this film closely. It certainly isn't a 100% flattering portrait. Levon does comes across as angry and stubborn at times, however watching hlim wince in pain during doctor's examinations and struggle with his voice really show the grit that he possessed. Barney Hoskyn's does a fine job of providing a commentary. Larry Campbell also comes across quite well. He seems to have a really good head on his shoulders.

Entered at Sat Apr 12 13:20:08 CEST 2014 from (108.16.59.176)

bob w.

A question for everyone here who pretends to know how it all went down: Of the thousands and thousands of hours the original Band members spent together.......writing, arranging, rehearsing, performing........living........how many of those hours did you share?

How about discussing the music and putting an end to the sophomoric parodies and disparaging commentary. The man is in his grave. Have some degree of fucking respect.

Entered at Sat Apr 12 12:18:41 CEST 2014 from (80.3.71.216)

Ian Woodward

Subject: Shakespeare

Peter, I don't know if you've been there but the site of the Rose Theatre is close to The Globe - see link. I don't know the current state of the site but, when we visited it a few years back, it was a subterranean with the theatre outlined by lights in the gloom. If you find The Globe a bit spooky .....

I am not a Shakespeare scholar at all but one book I never tire of pulling off the shelf is "William Shakespeare - A Documentary Life".

Finally and with apologies, should you already be aware of this, but, if you are in Stratford-upon-Avon during the school holidays, you may find the Grammar School offering tours, usually guided by a current pupil.

Entered at Sat Apr 12 10:00:20 CEST 2014 from (58.104.6.129)

Wallsend

This may be of interest to folks here.

Entered at Sat Apr 12 07:37:21 CEST 2014 from (67.83.171.31)

Ray

Entered at Sat Apr 12 04:42:43 CEST 2014 from (74.78.175.69)

Far East Man

Subject: Jesse Winchester

Bless you Jesse. Thanks for being a fine example, touching the heart in your own unique way.

Entered at Sat Apr 12 03:46:22 CEST 2014 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

Entered at Sat Apr 12 00:47:21 CEST 2014 from (58.104.15.141)

Wallsend

BEG, Being friends with Dylan would have been pretty tough. I wonder who he was writing about in the lines "As one who sings with his tongue on fire/gargles in the rat race choir/bent out of shape from society's pliers/cares not to come up any higher/but get you down in the hole that he's in." It is amazing that the guy that wrote that also wrote Forever Young - I was just watching Norah Jones version at the Steve Jobs tribute - fantastic.

Peter, heavy stuff. When I said a few weeks back about you getting a horse's head in your bed, it was just a joke, I didn't know that kind of thing actually happened. A while back I posted a link to the Arkansas Times review of Jimmy Felon and the Muppets, I was going to write 'I wonder if Tony is going to send a please explain e-mail to Kermit', Good thing I didn't. Speaking of which, I think this is an excellent example of collaborative song writing and I am sure you will appreciate the Shakespearian reference at the end.

Entered at Sat Apr 12 00:44:26 CEST 2014 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Sat Apr 12 00:23:21 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Ignatius, I’m also sure that The King’s Men were akin to a rock band in that they stayed together for years, and that Richard Burbage and William were real pals. I often pass through the Wiltshire village of Burbage, not his birthplace, but probably where his ancestors came from. For an actor, he had a great obituary which was “Exit Burbage.” We have tickets for Hamlet as The Globe starts its 2014 season, and you always somehow feel the presence of the original actor reputed to play the ghost when you’re there. Though I was quite shocked to see the “real site” of The Globe was actually a few hundred yards away. Also "Shakespeare in Love" a stage version of the film opens in London this summer.

Entered at Sat Apr 12 00:14:06 CEST 2014 from (99.244.70.115)

John D

When the Pharaoh makes a decree it is sealed with

"So let it be written; so let it be done."

Entered at Fri Apr 11 23:59:37 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

John, with the greatest respect, I’m going to put my two eggs in as usual. The site had started to fall to a trickle. Newer posters have revived it, and a great deal of the discussion has been on music. It’s not one sided … Ben was holding up the pro-Levon side of the debate very well this week, in the face of several of us disagreeing over Jon Taplin. Wallsend and Kerrin and others have been contributing on music and discussion. I was arguing against Ben on Taplin, but that didn't make us "enemies" at all, just conducting a healthy discussion.

It’s an old issue with several sides. Many people enjoy robust debate. There’s no discussion if people only come in with pious RIPs and Happy Birthdays to the long-deceased then complain at anything more vigorous. I do not mean you here.

I know you’re in a unique position as someone who knew The Band and has interviewed them all. It’s very hard with that insight to accept that these are all public figures. They’ve written their books and articles, done their interviews with magazines and stated their cases publicly.

Therefore, in journalism terms, their lives are indeed “fair game” for discussion. People love the music and have views. Much of YouTube and other places are filled with vitriol, sadly much of it was against Robbie, and was fuelled by Levon’s book. Many long term fans resent this and will continue to do so. On the other side many believe every word Levon wrote.

I have friends who are musicians, and if I go to YouTube, I find affront that this person or that person is slagging them off, as we would say. But I have no objective view of friends. I also know that it’s water off a duck’s back to them. They don’t read it. They also know that (a) bad publicity is better than no publicity and (b) they put creative works out there, s then being criticized comes with the territory. My best selling educational book has its detractors. I have often read negative points about it from teachers and rivals. I’m proud of it. I couldn’t give a shit what anyone else thinks. I’m sure Robbie and Garth feel much the same.

In comparison with the early days, this is all civilised. Back then, we had people (including me) having threatening e-mails; the lovely people who ran the Band Appreciation Society were driven away, their website hacked with disturbing images. Another poster moved house and had “I know where you live and where your kids go to school” messages from the same guy as I had abusive and violent messages from. You know who I mean. We haven’t had anything at that level.

I don’t accept that our more recent posters have a hidden motive to malign Levon, and things can and should be argued … the argument has been neither personally abusive, nor in internet terms, aggressive. I welcome all of them, but I also welcome debate. I was talking to a teacher friend about how we had a Debating club at school, then at university. In the latter case, there were weekly heated debates with famous political figures. I loved them. It seems that’s all gone. Too controversial. Too adversarial for modern education. I think that a great shame. We all have to learn that someone disagreeing with our opinion is not attacking US personally. Learning to argue in a heated but civil way is good for individuals, good for society. Good for the Guestbook. I have never understood the view that we just post positive things about The Band.

Entered at Fri Apr 11 23:37:30 CEST 2014 from (99.244.70.115)

John D

Notes by Robbie Robertson.

In 1970, Robbie Robertson of the Band, another Canadian musician, met Winchester in the basement of a monastery in Ottawa. "A friend of mine told me about him, and we went from Montréal, where I was living, to pay him a visit," Robertson says. "He sang me a few songs, and I knew immediately he was the real thing. Great songwriter, with a very moving vocal sound."

Robertson not only hooked Winchester up with the Band's (and Dylan's) manager, Albert Grossman, but produced Winchester's eponymous 1970 debut album, recorded in Toronto. "We had to do it in Canada because he was a conscientious objector to the war in Vietnam and was avoiding the draft," Robertson says. "When the record came out, it was received with open arms, and many recording artists covered his songs. Jesse's music stands up today as good as it did then, and I am so proud to have been a part of it."

Entered at Fri Apr 11 23:30:17 CEST 2014 from (99.244.70.115)

John D

Subject: Jesse Winchester

Montreal, 1970. Produced by Robbie, Levon on drums.

Entered at Fri Apr 11 23:00:28 CEST 2014 from (74.203.77.122)

Jon Lyness

Seeing confirmed reports that Jesse Winchester has indeed died today. :( RIP...

Entered at Fri Apr 11 22:16:47 CEST 2014 from (100.33.95.254)

Jed

Thank you.

Entered at Fri Apr 11 21:44:02 CEST 2014 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Fri Apr 11 20:18:20 CEST 2014 from (58.104.15.141)

Wallsend

Peter, thank God some of these things have been preserved for posterity.

Entered at Fri Apr 11 19:47:34 CEST 2014 from (58.104.15.141)

Wallsend

Entered at Fri Apr 11 19:37:50 CEST 2014 from (75.97.113.20)

bob w.

Entered at Fri Apr 11 18:51:19 CEST 2014 from (99.244.70.115)

John D

I have an open question for both of you. No one here seems to want to ask. Wallsend since you arrived you have made it your duty to malign Levon Helm every chance you get. You usually start off with a passive aggressive "I don't hate him; but........" Now this Kerrin person has joined in. I really have only one question; because it confuses me.

What is your objective? That's really all I really want to know. I've seen Kerrin write thar Robbie used to be put down....so Al's fair. I'm paraphrasing here. Look, bashing Robbie, Levon, Richard; or Rick seems odd on this site.

Look I'm really looking for a straight answer here. Not looking for any sarcasm. I don't know why people can't agree that all human beings have faults. I know your not here for the music; as your subject material stays on target. The anniversary of Levon's death is upon us. Can you give those of us who came here for the love of The Band's Music have a short break. BTW. Have you noticed that Sebastian hasn't been around since your negativity began. I'm sure he doesn't like it. And God forbid if Amy Helm looked it.

Once again, one question. What is your objective. Can't figure it out.

Entered at Fri Apr 11 17:57:57 CEST 2014 from (199.233.179.254)

Ignatius

Subject: A Fine Satire

Peter, as a person who can't get enough of biographies of Mr. Shakespeare - and there are many of them, as I am sure you know - I loved your little set piece "discovered diary." I know your purpose and all, but it was so well done it rather shakes my fantasy/perception that Burbage and Will were great pals.

To counterbalance your story, I will recount a schoolboy anecdote of their day, that Burbage made an assignation with some likely girl at the Globe, arranging to visit her quarters after the show. When he arrived, Will was in the saddle before him, and Will's punch line to his protest was "It is well known that William I came before Richard I." A real Elizabethan knee-slapper, that. But it does point out some interesting parallels implicit in your delightful burlesque: The ruff and tumble of Elizabethan theatre probably had a lot in common with the rough and tumble of 60s rock and roll. Friendships, even brother-like kinships were probably commonly broken apart by jealousy, uneven distributions of the rewards, etc. La plus ca change, n'est-ce pas?

Entered at Fri Apr 11 16:52:45 CEST 2014 from (125.3.76.54)

Kerrin

Peter V, epic.

Entered at Fri Apr 11 16:15:18 CEST 2014 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Fri Apr 11 15:48:54 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Check out the Bas Pennings picture of me in 2006. He really captured my brown eyes! Eight years later.....I still have the same brown eyes!

Entered at Fri Apr 11 14:51:06 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I wanted to share a recent piece of theatre history, discovered while digging the tunnels for the new London Crosslink underground railway.

The Diary of Percy Cushion, Gent. 1613.

It’s high time I set some facts straight about my old friend Richard Burbage, the finest actor the English stage has ever known. Because I know. I was there. When people talk of the Company of The King’s Men all credit goes to William Shakespeare, or “Big Willy” as the men of the company called him, Burbage says they were referring to the size of his ego rather than his appendage, which I confess I never saw, though I often saw Richard’s or Burb as we called him, as his delight was displaying his manly member in pissing contests from the high windows of the Globe Theatre upon the unsuspecting heads of those theatre patrons below, accompanied and egged on by his friends, or “cronies” as Shakespeare called them. When you think of King Lear or Falstaff or Macbeth, what dost thou remember? Is it Big Willy, scribbling away in a garret or Burb bestriding the mighty stage roaring into the heavens to the acclaim of all?

I would often share a pipe with Burb, who had supplies of the finest Virginia tobacco from the American colonies, which would as he said, ‘Behead one and all.’ I recall Burb speaking bitterly of Big Willy, or ‘Shakespeare’ as he disparagingly called him.

‘See here, Percy,’ he would say, ‘There stands Shakespeare in the alley, in his fancy pointed shoes and his bells, talking to some French maiden, (if there be maidens in the Gallic nation) who says she knows him well, whilst I, performer of the greatest roles, stand with you in tattered weeds, and shoes besmirched and besmattered with the ordure of the street. Let me advise you that Shakespeare was never allowed to play a major part at The Globe. Certainly, we’d let him do the ghost of Hamlet’s father, or some such middling piece, but Shakspeare didn’t act, ain’t an actor, cannot act. Furthermore, I recall the time when it became impolitic to write more plays of real kings of England for fear of prosecution from the Lord Chamberlain’s office. Shakespeare was in tears, ‘No more kings!’ Shakespeare said, ‘And just as I was about to venture upon the tale of Henry VII.’ So I said to Shakespeare, ‘Slow down, Willy Boy, now is the time to look further. What of the kings of myth? Lear? Macbeth? Or rustle up some foreign monarchs? They cannot fit you up for that one, mate! Was there not some Danish bloke whose girlfriend topped herself?’ Then when Hamlet, Macbeth and Lear appeared, whose name was inscribed on the folio? Only Shakespeare’s! So Shakespeare and his patron, the bastard Earl of Southampton, lieth in luxury whilst I in penury labour. And I weep at the memory of poor Marlowe. Dost thou think he would have been brawling with lowlife in a common Shoreditch tavern, thus meeting his maker prematurely, if Shakespeare had shared credit with him? No! Like Shakespeare he would have been sipping fine clarets in Windsor or some such place. And another thing, maybe he gave me a piece of parchment with ‘To be or not to be that is the question’ but you can’t just read the line! What people remember is the stress and pauses I added to it. But Shakespeare and Southampton took all the money.’

Entered at Fri Apr 11 14:37:45 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Professor JH is our facilitator. It was because of his LOVE for THE BAND that he opened up this site many years ago (18?). He provides the space (forum) and time for us to participate in our collective love of The Band. Take a look at all the people who have contributed to this Band Love Fest.

Btw, when I first discovered this site in a friend's basement very late at night; I wasn't interested then in posting. I know.....hard to believe now! LOL I was drawn to the Chat Room as everyone was asleep and I was still sleepless in Newmarket, Ontario. I checked out other websites of my fave musicians but this one had a chat room and an interactive GB. It was there I first encountered the late Rollie (Blues Harp Player), Bayou Sam (Beatles Expert), Wittgenstein (saw The Band perform in Toronto), Cupid (writer who wrote Cabbagetown Girl for me....yes Kerrin.....I should receive a royaltie too!!!....noooo I was the inspiration but I didn't write the song as I could write one myself but I didn't. I used to write poetry about social injustices and relationships but once I started teaching......I didn't keep it up.) , Calm (highschool mate of Robbie's who didn't tell me this fact until we were friends for a year!) and others. I can't tell you how much fun we all had together late at night. Rollie loved Levon and Garth in particular. He was a good person in that he'd tease me about Robbie but he never.....ever.....taunted me or bullied me. In retrospect who he really loved in the music world.....was Muddy.....just like imagezulu.

Then I started reading the posts around the time we had Rick's Tribute show at the Horseshoe. Garth was supposed to perform but no one was sure. As it turned out he didn't perform with Blackie and The Rodeo Kings and Richard Bell. It was at this time however that I emailed some of the very respected posters to get info and they didn't email back. Once I started posting on a regular basis they did respond. I guess all newbies have to go through this.....and then I discovered that Robbie was bashed on a daily basis by acquaintances of Levon and posters who were in Levon's "camp". Nothing Robbie could do or say was seen in a positive light.

Heck, even Maud peformed "Shine Your Light". I liked her public response about Robbie...."We love everyone." Sure privately she may have other thoughts but she and Garth were not going to share them publicly.

Anyway, some of the very knowledgeable posters you still see here were not in that "camp" as they believed Robbie did indeed write most of the songs so what was up with this FFFFFeud? As I've said before......I got on the band.....wagon in support of Robbie in the beginning because he was a member of The Band and it was disgusting to read about one of my favourite groups and witness on a daily basis the FFFFFeud or as some would call it the FFFFFued. Most of those daily bashers have either left or they return at times. That's why now it looks like more posters are more supportive of Robbie. Check the archives as Lisa has said as it's all there.

Oh and one time I posted about Robbie's native inspired recordings and who emails but Levon's nephew. Yup! He didn't know that I knew who he was....lol......basically he told me not to believe that Robbie wrote all those songs as proof of that was in that he hardly wrote anything since and what did he put out but one Indian record. I think I emailed him back and told him that I knew who he was....and that was the end of that! lol You see back in the day we had to leave our email addresses so anyone could email you at any time.

I actually met Crabby this way.....I emailed him when he was trying to start another FFFF!!!!!......Yes! Another one in this very GB!!!!!!.......with Robbie and Dylan!!!!!!! He loves controversy and he can be very sarcastic. He would always ask me why was it that I liked Dylan's sarcasm in his songwriting and not with his? Ahhh geee Crabby....because Bob isn't singing about me.....that's why! lol Anyway, I emailed him right away as that was the last straw! For some reason we hit it off right away and were buddies for a long time as we had music, photography and love for NYC in common. Although he bashed Robbie in here.....for some reason it never got in the way of our friendship. I do miss his posts here as he's seen The Band in NYC and he's contributed many thoughtful and knowledgeable posts here. He's also contributed many absolutely stunning photographs of Band members on this site. And uhhhhh....He didn't choose the name Crabgrass or Crab or Crabby....for no reason. lol

Credits and Sources
Contributors to the Band web site...See Link

I agree with you Kerrin. Cupid wrote Cabbagetown Girl for me. I don't deserve credit as I didn't write the song. I'm rewarded by having someone take enough interest and who took time and energy to write a song about me. Now.....If he had chosen to highlight my negative qualities (or as we say in the education world...qualites that need to be further developed)...Yes! I want my royalty cheque too!!!! ;-DD

Entered at Fri Apr 11 14:08:33 CEST 2014 from (125.3.76.54)

Kerrin

Yes, Levon's background and stories contributed to the songs, but how's this: When someone writes a song about their girlfriend, is she entitled to a co-writing credit? Certainly she was the inspiration, without her there may not have been a song. If so, should 80% of all pop songs ever become the subject of lawsuits?

Entered at Fri Apr 11 12:49:46 CEST 2014 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Levon (the server)

The name of Apache Linux server in Oestfold College where this site is (or at least has been) placed is LEVON. I refuse to speculate what it means :-)

Entered at Fri Apr 11 11:43:44 CEST 2014 from (58.104.30.126)

Wallsend

Entered at Fri Apr 11 10:41:32 CEST 2014 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

Entered at Fri Apr 11 03:54:44 CEST 2014 from (24.108.1.255)

BONK

Right on JT. I for one would be very upset if this little part of the Net were to disappear. Jan and whoever else have done a great job and many good vibes coming their way. Even though I've never met a single guy or gal in person from this site, I've made a bit of a friendship with many via private e-mails. Gotta love The Band. Warts and all!

Entered at Fri Apr 11 03:24:23 CEST 2014 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: Accolades to JH

Let's be very clear. As far as a music site is concerned, and that includes Expecting Rain and Leonard Cohen files, this site stands up well and is unique in that it continues despite the end of the active life of The Band. The usual level of discussion and comment and contribution remains at a very high level most of the time. The commitment of JH and the continued contributions of so many over the years is testament to the success of this site.

Entered at Fri Apr 11 00:58:23 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Brown Eyes Girl- High on the hog is good, but it's probably my least favorite of the three 90s albums. I recall you mentioning Eric Andersen in a recent post. He is also favorite of mine. I've been lucky to see him 3 times in concert. 'Blue river' and 'Ghosts upon the road' are my favorite albums.

Lisa, I have been reading (and posting) on this guestbook since very close to the beginning. There's no question that Robbie has received his share of criticism and angry comments over the years. All I'm saying is that over the last 6 months or so, I think the tide has really turned towards Robbie and away from Levon. I think part of that is due to the PR blitz surrounding the Academy of Music box set and Sebastian's occasional posts.

Pat, I think this website is a great resource. Absolutely. I agree that The Last waltz has introduced lots of people to the Band. But, I think that during the last 10 years, Levon's rambles and last 3 albums have done a lot to bring exposure to the Band. I wonder how many people went to a ramble or bought one of these albums and went back and discovered the Band. Quite a few people, I would think.

Entered at Thu Apr 10 23:11:30 CEST 2014 from (92.18.173.248)

Solomon

Having said that 1993 was about the same time his book came out. I think people have to choose between living with contradictions or painting themselves into a corner. I have a lot of contradictions ~ Michelle Shocked

Entered at Thu Apr 10 23:00:51 CEST 2014 from (92.18.173.248)

Solomon

Subject: Levon Interview

I think it's clear Levon had taken a few drinks or something else during that interview. The other side of Levon Helm can be viewed if you scroll to 7:30 on the above link.

Entered at Thu Apr 10 22:16:07 CEST 2014 from (58.104.16.190)

Wallsend

I always loved Planet Waves especially Dirge and Wedding Song, I don't understand why so many people are critical of it.

Entered at Thu Apr 10 21:00:08 CEST 2014 from (58.104.16.190)

Wallsend

Entered at Thu Apr 10 20:42:34 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Hopefully The Band will get through, Ben. I wouldn't count on it. When he was crawling, my older son's favorite record was Bob Dylan Live at Budokan, because it was played all the time (I like that album). He grew up to become a major fan of Ennio Morricone and John Williams OST work!

Entered at Thu Apr 10 20:10:29 CEST 2014 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Jan's entire site is probably second only to the Last Waltz in keeping the memory of this group alive. He doesn't deserve one bit of criticism for the way he runs it.

Entered at Thu Apr 10 19:47:39 CEST 2014 from (174.1.247.160)

Lisa

Ben, I think if you read your way through the GB archives it might change your mind about comments favoring Robbie over Levon. Maybe it seems that way now because, sadly, only Robbie and Garth are still around.

It will take a long, long time, though - there is an incredible amount to absorb, and you will run across many fascinating characters. It's all there - the good, the bad and the ugly (well, the truly ugly has been removed, thank goodness).

Entered at Thu Apr 10 18:29:47 CEST 2014 from (171.161.160.10)

Ben

Subject: Levon

My daughter's favourite toy is a bear neamed Levon. I'm doing my best to expose her to the classics early on: The Band, Hendrix, Dylan. Hoepfuly some of this music will sink in.

I don't want to rehash the whole feud here. It's been done many times already and most people tend to reject Levon's claims and side with Robbie. I don't think that Levon is a natural songwriter. I do think that he made some contributions to songs that were credited solely to Robbie. Just look at 'W.S. Walcott medicine show'. Where did that song come from? If at the minimum the title and subject matter came from Levon, does he deserve a co-writing credit? In my opinion yes. I'm sure others would disagree. Anyway, that's my interpretation of what may have happened on the first 3 albums, that some ideas, names, stories that Levon contributed either formally or informally with Robbie wound up in songs credited solely to Robbie.

Getting back to the music, I've had Levon and theh RCO all stars Live at the Palladium in heavy roatation this week. Wow, it is a really strong cd. Levon, Dr. John, Butterfield. what a grwt lineup. If they could have stayed together, they could have given The Band a run for their money. Higlights would have to be Levon singing Milk cow boogie, Got my mojo working with Levon and Dr. John, Ophelia, much funkier than the Band version. This is a great live album. I really hope that more archival releases see the light of day.

Entered at Thu Apr 10 18:18:18 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Hey Ben...I haven't taken out this recording since I bought it but.....I do like this one. I can't call them The Band because there was only one group called The Band who I discoverd in the seventies....before TLW. Sorry....Let's just agree to disagree. The main thing is that we're huge music fans, right?

THE Reformed BAND: FOREVER YOUNG.
TAKEN FROM LP HIGH ON THE HOG (1996). THE RE-UNION OF..
RECORDED : January 19,1986.

RICK DANKO :VOCALS & BASS
LEVON HELM: DRUMS & VOCALS
RANDY CLARLANTE: VOCALS & PERCUSSION
RICHARD BELL : PIANO
JIM WEIDER: ELECTRIC GUITAR
GARTH HUDSON: KEYBORD & ACCORD.
COLIN LINDEN AC. GUITAR

Entered at Thu Apr 10 17:50:59 CEST 2014 from (80.3.71.216)

Ian W

Thanks BEG. It was really good to read the whole of that interview from RECORDING ENGINEER/PRODUCER, as I've had an incomplete photocopy for many years. If anyone here should have an original copy of the magazine, I have two requests:

1. I'm looking for a really good scan of the cover, which shows part of the mural that adorned the outer wall of The Village Recorder.

2. I'm looking for a copy of an advertisement that I believe was placed in the magazine by Automated Process Inc. about the use of one of their consoles to record the New York concerts of "TOUR '74".

Entered at Thu Apr 10 17:44:10 CEST 2014 from (100.33.95.254)

Jed

Love this album from the day it was released until today.Dylan's singing,and what seemed to be very personal lyrics(although with Dylan you never do know what's real and what's not! HAHA!)combined with Robbie's stinging staccato notes were the initial attraction for me.Over time,I began I see the album as equally a demonstration of The Band's sheer brilliance as a backup band.This can literally be an instructional cd-I've spent years attempting to learn/play the RR parts and Rick's bass parts.Can't even come near what they do-the uniqueness of their styles/tones/feel/methods are impossible to play,for me for sure! That unique sound of The Band on Planet Waves,even for someone who never heard The Band, will be picked out-hey,who are those players? Kind of how Duane Allman was not just another guitar player in his session work-he was picked out and people asked,who is that guy.That's The Band to the uninitiated hearing them play on PW-hey,who are those guys? Love that album on so many levels.Highly underrated album,indeed.

Entered at Thu Apr 10 17:05:21 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

JOHANNA'S VISIONS
a music site

Bob Dylan: Planet Waves, released 40 years ago today
January 17, 2014 by Egil

"I particularly like the song ‘Something There Is About You’,….. It completes a circle for me, about certain things running through my pattern. ~Bob Dylan (John Rockwell Interview, Jan 1974)

Something there is about you that strikes a match in me
Is it the way your body moves or is it the way your hair blows free?
Or is it because you remind me of something that used to be
Somethin’ that crossed over from another century?

"The recording of “Going, Going, Gone” is definitely soaked in an atmosphere of acute desperation. Maybe they turned the air-conditioner off for this one, because the guy really does sound like he is “hanging on the ledge.” And though Robertson again excels himself, it is all about Dylan’s frayed performance. ~Clinton Heylin (Revolution in the Air: The Songs of Bob Dylan, 1957-1973 (Cappella Books))

I’ve just reached a place
Where the willow don’t bend
There’s not much more to be said
It’s the top of the end
I’m going
I’m going
I’m gone

"Except for the immediate “Forever Young” (anyone with at least some brain cells set aside for music.. loves this one), I feel the key to loving this album is to “get” the sound… Dylan & The Band creates a wonderful & complex mood…. it grows on you…. and when you’re in… you’re in for life! One of Dylan’s most underrated albums.."

We have similar tastes as these two songs highlighted here were always the ones that I was drawn to. I shared with my students the two versions of FY. They seemed to prefer the faster tempo one. It's all good. Very cool also that this song was apparently written for Jakob Dylan.......

Entered at Thu Apr 10 17:01:14 CEST 2014 from (71.43.124.98)

Dan

Entered at Thu Apr 10 16:45:04 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

RE/P Files: The ‘Planet Waves’ Sessions - Recording Bob Dylan At The Village Recorder

From the archives of the late, great Recording Engineer/Producer (RE/P) magazine come interviews with Rob Fraboni and Dick LaPalm on recording a legend which first appeared in the March / April 1974 issue.

November 04, 2011, by Gary D. Davis

Entered at Thu Apr 10 16:14:32 CEST 2014 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: Fay's Hurricane

Peter V: Thank you for the review of Fay Hield and the Hurricane Party. Sounds like it was a wonderful show.

Entered at Thu Apr 10 15:33:10 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

....and.....from the same Awards show Emmylouuu and Sheryl Crow peformed.........Louuuu's Pale Blue Eyes.....That's right.....They chose to cover Louuu's song in the late nineties. :-D

Entered at Thu Apr 10 15:18:25 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

.....and I saw the VH1 Awards show where Levon, Jakob, Emmylouuu, Sheryl, James Taylor....and.....Steve Winwood performed TW.

Entered at Thu Apr 10 14:22:50 CEST 2014 from (67.84.79.14)

Jeff A.

Subject: Polka .......Garth of course

there's a bunch more from parts of this show

Entered at Thu Apr 10 14:18:37 CEST 2014 from (67.84.79.14)

Jeff A.

Subject: Let The Good Times Roll.

i don't care if you're young or old

Entered at Thu Apr 10 14:10:12 CEST 2014 from (67.84.79.14)

Jeff A.

Subject: I Finally Got You!

June 73 at The Beasrville Theatre. from one of the great performances i got to see back in the days. Y' know, the days of plodding blues.

Entered at Thu Apr 10 13:13:35 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Also that since the Stephen Davis novel, This Wheel’s On Fire, the memory of The Band and their music has not been well-served by the vitriol that Levon poured doubtless with some tabloid journalism prompting and egging on. He continued to find people to egg him on and fume about "Robertson" on his behalf, as they still do all over the net. Robbie has kept a dignified silence in the face of it.

And without The Last Waltz, as said below, the Band and Levon would have been far less viable as a concert attraction in the 90s and beyond.

Entered at Thu Apr 10 13:05:10 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Thu Apr 10 12:34:52 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Subject: Levon

Peter, I listened to part of the interview last night. I was called in to dinner with my 11 month old and didn't have a chance to hear the entire interview. My impression is that Levon was likely under some chemical influence and was not in sound state of mind for an interview. That being said, I don't think he said anything nearly as outrageous as what clean and sober Ted Nugent says on a regular basis.

I stand by my comments. I feel that Robbie is considered a sacred cow on this guestbook. While Levon in particular is a frequent target for criticism. Some have called him misguided and paranoid. I don't think that's fair. And another thing, The Band existed between 1968-1998, I'm going to stop referring to the post-last waltz Band as the reformed Band, to me they were The Band with Robbie and without Robbie. In my view the music they made after the last waltz as individuals and together has a far more continuity with the music of the original line up than anything Robbie has done on his own.

Entered at Thu Apr 10 12:23:05 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Fay Hield & The Hurricane Party

English folk music doesn't get better than this. Review of Fay Hield & The Hurricane Party last night at Winchester is linked.

Entered at Thu Apr 10 10:49:21 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Thu Apr 10 09:00:52 CEST 2014 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

Entered at Thu Apr 10 06:16:38 CEST 2014 from (58.104.12.68)

Wallsend

Another Rob Fraboni interview - not as interesting as the other one but still contains some new information. Rob and the road manager bought Shangri La from Rick. The recording equip installed there was hired for a year so they could record NLSC. The vocal for It Makes no Difference was recorded in a steam room.

Entered at Thu Apr 10 05:30:08 CEST 2014 from (99.115.145.68)

Pat B

Entered at Thu Apr 10 04:10:38 CEST 2014 from (24.114.65.81)

Kevin J

In Rick Danko's soul enriching last interview just 3 days before he sadly passed away, he was asked by the interviewer to comment on The Band and its members......after discussing Garth and Levon, he is then asked about Richard and perhaps feeling he was not even going to be asked about Robbie, Rick's own insertion of comment on Robbie is revealing :

Richard Doerchuck: "And Richard?"

Rick Danko: "One of the greatest singers of all time. You know, and Robbie [Robbie Robertson] as a songwriter . . . a great songwriter. He's been writing songs since he was five, you know? The nucleus was phenomenal, you know?"

When asked about disputes over publishing and writing credits.....Rick noted: "I don't have a problem with any of it, you know? I'm a very thankful person. Whatever publishing I've shared with people, whatever songwriting credits I've shared and whatever payments I've gotten, I'm thankful. I could have ended up having to get a real job. I'm thankful for what the Band has represented and what the Band has done. I'm not gonna sit here and tear the Band apart."

The true spirit of a friend and a band mate. Band mates should never run other members down in public just as family members should never do so to other family members in public.

Entered at Thu Apr 10 03:09:43 CEST 2014 from (58.104.12.68)

Wallsend

Calvin I understand what you are saying. Sometimes I forget the year my father died. I just thought this was a little different because Levon had both a personal and a professional relationship with Richard and he must have been asked about it many times.

Entered at Thu Apr 10 02:15:26 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Pat, so is your position that if Levon didn't have large medical bills, he would have retired to Boca and taken up up golf? Your hero Taplin claims that Levon had tour at 70 to cover his medical bills. Once again, I question the valididty of that statement. I think Levon would have continued playing music into his 70's regardless of his health and financial situation. That's the sense I've always had about Levon. That's certainly the sense you get from reading his book. So for the good professor to suggest otherwise doesn't ring true to me. It's really that simple

I have nothing against Taplin. I never gave much thought to him one way or the other. Apparently some people here have been following him closely for many years. And I heard a rumor somewhere that he produced Mean Streets. Guess I'll have to investigate that on the internet.

Entered at Thu Apr 10 02:13:08 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

As was said earlier it's never "Robbie Good / Levon bad". It's "Both Robbie & Levon are great. But Levon was misguided in laying all his misfortunes on one door."

Entered at Thu Apr 10 00:45:43 CEST 2014 from (24.252.154.5)

Calvin

Entered at Wed Apr 9 23:28:10 CEST 2014 from (58.104.12.68)

Wallsend

I agree with that. The thing that concerned me about the Levon interview was that he couldn't remember the year Richard died. Levon did that interview in 1998 when he was 58 years old, twelve years after Richard died. This is something he surely must have been asked about many times.

Entered at Wed Apr 9 23:14:31 CEST 2014 from (24.252.154.5)

Calvin

Entered at Wed Apr 9 22:47:16 CEST 2014 from (58.104.12.68)

Wallsend

Entered at Wed Apr 9 22:31:00 CEST 2014 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Far East Man, I'm at pjlbrennanatmindspringdotcom. Anyone is invited anytime.

Entered at Wed Apr 9 22:24:11 CEST 2014 from (96.232.159.74)

Joan

If you really want to know some thing about Levon's finances there are public sources like bankruptcy court records that may hold some info

Entered at Wed Apr 9 22:20:31 CEST 2014 from (74.78.175.69)

Far East Man

Subject: Pat B

Hey Pat - would you please email me? It's a non-Band related question. I'd be grateful....thanks.

Entered at Wed Apr 9 22:20:10 CEST 2014 from (74.78.175.69)

Far East Man

Subject: Pat B

Hey Pat - would you please email me? It's a non-Band related question. I'd be grateful....thanks.

Entered at Wed Apr 9 21:17:41 CEST 2014 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Apr 9 21:07:46 CEST 2014 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Apr 9 21:01:54 CEST 2014 from (70.27.31.144)

Richard P

Robbie-good, Levon-good / Music Business-bad

Entered at Wed Apr 9 20:51:33 CEST 2014 from (58.104.12.68)

Wallsend

Entered at Wed Apr 9 20:33:17 CEST 2014 from (70.30.113.76)

Mike Nomad

Entered at Wed Apr 9 20:11:12 CEST 2014 from (58.104.12.68)

Wallsend

The link is to a December 1976 article in Rolling Stone. The interviews were done before TLW. You don't get the impression there was any kind of bad feeling at all.

Entered at Wed Apr 9 19:29:01 CEST 2014 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Obviously there are other ways. There may have been legal actions that put the distributions in the public domain. The distributions might be in the public domain but difficult to find (is Capitol a public company?) Despite his obviously evil nature, Taplin being an evil academic and record company cad may simply have a source at Captitol.

Academics footnote their thoughts. Successful movie producers are detail oriented.

Entered at Wed Apr 9 19:08:54 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

The Hard-Won Lessons of Levon Helm's Life in the Record Business

Pat B...Many thanks for finding Rob Fraboni's interview about The Band and TLW!
It's always great to hear anyone.....who was there to share.....their experiences....and their reflections. Thank you! :-D

Entered at Wed Apr 9 19:02:35 CEST 2014 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Wed Apr 9 18:44:02 CEST 2014 from (171.159.64.10)

Ben

Subject: Levon bashing

I'm checking in at work and don't have the ability to listen to the link for the Levon interview. But the response from Peter Viney and a few others show a strong double standard on this guestbook. The way I see it, Robbie and apprently Jonathan Taplin are sacred cows here, while Levon is considered a flawed and unreliable narrator. I don't get it. Taplin, by his own admission in the recentlly linked interview hadn't spoken to Levon for a long time in 2007, so unless he re-connected with Levon between then and 2012, I don't see how Taplin was in any postion to make statements about Levon's personal finances and the fact that he had to tour at age 70 due to lost income due to illegal downloading. I'll say it again. How would Taplin have personal knowlege about Levon's finances in 2010?. I don't see how anyone outside of Levon's circle would have direct and specific knowlege of Levon's financial situation, but you know Professor Taplin did attend Princeton and produced 'Mean Streets' so we should probabaly take everything he says as the gospel truth while subjecting everything that Levon ever said to intense scrutiny and disbelief.

Entered at Wed Apr 9 18:13:26 CEST 2014 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

If you have the time, here's a great Rob Fraboni interview. He claims to have been in the room when the decision to stop touring was made, and he sat in front of Levon and the Hawk during the first screening of TLW. A lot of interesting info from a very interesting guy.

Entered at Wed Apr 9 17:34:56 CEST 2014 from (100.33.95.254)

Jed

For those who play anything and those who love,admire and cherish playing music,there are always particular instruments,amps,etc. that interest us.I loved playing my Hoffner bass through my ibanez bass amp and these days playing my 78 strat(not exactly a vintage year in fender history!) through my Roland micro cube or my epiphone hollow body through that crystal clear orange amp-still gotta love the orange amp for looking and feeling like a basketball! I used to own the more expensive Gibson hollow body,but believe it or not the epiphone sounds better to me..My ESP is for metal heads-I like it to play heavy blues-great for plodding.The fender acoustic is a lefty so I gotta turn it upside down to play.The coolest amp is Roland-gives me the chills that Marshall used to give me.Would love to hear what others play or admire and I'm still excited for a Hammond B-3 but I'm fearful I'll never return to the stringed instruments!And,too much money.

Entered at Wed Apr 9 16:53:34 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

For Rick, with love
Band Bites

An Interview with Jonathan Taplin

by Carol Caffin

BandBites, Volume I, No. 9, September 1, 2007.
Copyright © 2007 by Carol Caffin. All Rights Reserved.

CC: What did your job entail? ‘Road manager’ seems self-explanatory, but exactly what is involved with managing a band on the road?

JT: Well, with a large organization like The Band, the tour manager, which is the job I had, is more involved in coordinating the booking of the concerts, obviously making sure the money is collected, working with the individual promoters, and then supervising the crew, which was three or four guys who drove the trucks and handled the instruments and set up the stage.

CC: So you were in charge of the roadies and the techs and all that, right?

JT: Yeah. I did that from the spring of ’69 through ’71.

CC: How was the rapport between the guys during the filming, and the whole vibe? Was it really that bad?

JT: I don’t think it was that bad at all. You know, there’s hindsight. But Levon was very cooperative….I mean, look, nobody is used to having cameras around them a lot. That’s not a natural situation to be in. But in general, I think everybody behaved themselves as well as they could. The interviews speak for themselves. I think anybody who pretends that there was a lot of anger at that time is wrong. That all came later.

CC: What do you think caused it?

JT: You know, I can’t opine on that. I really don’t understand it. That’s got more to do with the structural fallacies of the music business than anything else—the fact that songwriters get paid better.

CC: What happened after The Last Waltz? Did you see them over the years?

JT: Robbie and I see each other. We just saw each other last week. I mean, we see each other all the time. I haven’t seen Garth much. I went to see one concert that the rest of the guys did at the House of Blues much later and I was sad.

CC: Why?

JT: Well, I just didn’t understand what the point was. It just seemed like, you know, they had already done it. And it was not the same thing. It was like one of those fifties revival tours. And obviously, everybody was not in as good shape as they had been before.

Entered at Wed Apr 9 16:08:58 CEST 2014 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Wed Apr 9 15:56:02 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - 'Same Love" Grammy's 2014

Entered at Wed Apr 9 15:54:37 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

International Day of Pink!

"Day of Pink is the International Day against Bullying, Discrimination, Homophobia and Transphobia in schools and communities. We invite everyone to celebrate diversity by wearing a pink shirt and by organizing activities in their workplaces, organizations, communities and schools."

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - 'Same Love" Grammy's 2014

Entered at Wed Apr 9 15:16:45 CEST 2014 from (124.24.251.31)

Kerrin

Sadly, even if Levon has good reason to wince at TLW, it was the gateway for thousands of people like myself, who were not there the first time around, to discover The Band. It thrust them under the noses of multiple audiences simultaneously, people who came to see Clapton or Joni or Dylan. Hell, I'll bet Neil Diamond brought in his share of punters. All those re-runs on late night TV, every time increasing The Band's fan base and their standing in rock history. I think Levon could thank that movie for The Band's ability to continue playing on decent stages twenty years later, selling CD's, generating interest in members solo work, and he could thank it for whatever royalties he was due from pre-Waltz records. Embrace the paradox...

Entered at Wed Apr 9 15:09:14 CEST 2014 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: RIP posts awhile ago

Do you still remember the moron who posted for years ago that Klaus Voormann was passed away after reading it on Expectingrain. No? You don't? Good.

Entered at Wed Apr 9 14:53:08 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

"Rhiannon" is a song from the 1976 album, "Fleetwood Mac", by the British/American band Fleetwood Mac. The album was a huge success in the U.S., topping the Billboard 200 album chart and being certified 5x platinum in sales. The album was released on Reprise Records. "Rhiannon" was written by Stevie Nicks with inspiration from a novel containing reference to the Welsh legend of the mythical character Rhiannon. This live performance is from the band's 11.6.1976 appearance on Burt Sugarman's "Midnight Special" television program."

Entered at Wed Apr 9 14:45:33 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Stevie Nicks and Lady Antebellum perform "Golden" and "Rhiannon" at the ACM Awards, which were held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sunday, April 6, 2014.

Entered at Wed Apr 9 14:38:37 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Some start their day with coffee. I start mine with music.

The other performance that I really liked was by Darius Rucker and Lady Antebellum performing Wagon Wheel (Old Crow Medicine Show) at the ACM Awards. The only African-American country artist I knew growing up was Charlie Pride. Darius of course came to the music scene as a rock musician with Hootie and The Blowfish.

I've always enjoyed watching the Country awards show and the Black Essence Awards or BET Awards shows because when the cameras pan to the audience so many of the people know every word to every song. The only time I've experienced that was when I saw The Tragically Hip with many other artists (Bruce Cockburn, Bare Naked Ladies....) for our Concert for Afghan Refugees.

Entered at Wed Apr 9 14:21:57 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

George Strait - I Got A Car - ACM Awards 2014

Last Sunday I watched the ACM Awards.
Congrats to George Strait who also won Entertainer of the Year Award! Geee...He's still got it goin' on! Hey Westie! Is he country enough for ya? I enjoyed Florida Georgia Line as well. ;-D

Entered at Wed Apr 9 14:13:15 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Marvin Gaye would have been 75 on April 2.

"Keep Gettin' It On" is a sequel of the title track on Marvin Gaye's 1973 album, Let's Get It On.

"The song, while sticking with the album's overall sensual and erotic theme, also carried some political overtones especially with the lyric, "won't you rather make love, children/as opposed to war, like you know you should". The song featured the continuation of the title track's music. The song was the final song of the Gaye-Townsend composition side of the album as the following four tracks followed on a different, more laid back musical vibe than the first half. Marvin performed this while on Soul Train in 1974 and again during his only Japan tour in 1979."

Entered at Wed Apr 9 12:11:48 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Wed Apr 9 12:04:16 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Levon 1998 interview What was interesting was Levon suggesting how good it would have been with J.J. Cale playing and singing with them. Great idea, pity it never happened. Though when I saw them in Vancouver J.J. Cale was on the same night or maybe the day before in a bigger venue with loads of publicity.

But on the downside … So Levon claims they never cut anything but live and oldies after the brown album? It was all shit? So how come Levon sang Ophelia on virtually every show and Rick did It Makes No Difference? How come Levon collaborated on writing Big Pink when all but The Weight was written before he rejoined? And how about the intro text? “He was tortured by Robbie Robertson.” Next up is presumably going to be how Levon losing his money on the New Orleans restaurant was Robbie’s fault? The failed New Orleans venture had nothing to do with his financial problems? The interviewer was a sycophantic fellow too pushing in "feud" stuff before it got in.

Entered at Wed Apr 9 11:37:34 CEST 2014 from (58.104.31.236)

Wallsend

Down the bottom of the page linked above is a link to an audio file containing an interesting interview with Levon.

Entered at Wed Apr 9 11:05:22 CEST 2014 from (182.250.243.198)

Kerrin

Rod, IIRC that comment about Garth was made by...(drumroll)...Jon Taplin.

Entered at Wed Apr 9 10:12:23 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Wed Apr 9 10:00:47 CEST 2014 from (92.18.193.2)

Solomon

What none of them appeared to dispute was Robbie's assumption of the mantle of producer on the film, with Jonathan Taplin serving as executive producer. Later this would cause as much bad blood between Robbie and the others as the extra hundreds of thousands of dollars he'd made from songwriting royalties. I think I know why Levon put this little incident in his book now.

Entered at Wed Apr 9 09:42:31 CEST 2014 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

Entered at Wed Apr 9 08:45:51 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

We now know why musicians like touring Japan: a free shrink wrapped new toothbrush in your hotel bathroom every day.

Entered at Wed Apr 9 08:13:42 CEST 2014 from (173.3.48.142)

Jeff A.

Subject: This Man's Top Ten Reasons .........

See the link.

Entered at Wed Apr 9 05:42:12 CEST 2014 from (174.226.66.91)

Todd

Subject: UCONN!

I have some thoughts relating to the Taplin discussion regarding the usage of music in film, as well as privacy issues, but I think I will hold off untill tomorrow to discuss. I have a feeling that anything I offer at this time will be lost in a vortex of doom.

Plus the University of Connecticut Women's basketball team just capped off their undefeated season with a National championship win! The UCONN men's team just won their National championship last night. Connecticut doesn't get a lot of attention for sports, as we're right in between Boston and New York's professional sports dynasties. But we do have college basketball, and at the moment we have the best men's and women's teams in the Country. Very proud of our young men and women!

Now I just need to remember where I left my toothbrush.....Anyone seen it?

Entered at Wed Apr 9 05:26:00 CEST 2014 from (173.3.48.142)

Jeff A.

Entered at Wed Apr 9 05:19:12 CEST 2014 from (199.175.219.1)

Not Neil S

Subject: Midnight Rambles Vol. 3

Does anybody know whatever happened to Vol. 3 of the Midnight Rambles? A few sites still have "pre order" entries for it, but we're quite far past it's Nov 2012 release date now!

Entered at Wed Apr 9 04:05:54 CEST 2014 from (173.3.48.142)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Were two dentists then, one retired, the one that was left was the guy. He'd be about 58- 60 years old now. Last name is four letters. Ends with an s. No idea if he has other dentists in there now, but there were three, maybe 4 chairs.

Entered at Wed Apr 9 02:24:39 CEST 2014 from (68.171.231.80)

Bill M

Entered at Wed Apr 9 00:35:59 CEST 2014 from (58.104.18.212)

Wallsend

I was just looking at some old 16mm film that I bought on e-bay and I think a passer by may have captured the incident with Taplin that Levon refers to in his book. Jon is going from door to door in a motel to wake the guys up. Below is the transcript:

Jon: Robbie, time to get up if you want to go to Nazareth to see the guitar factory. It is half past.

Robbie: Give me five minutes, I am just working on a song. Do you know a word that rhymes with 'head'?

Jon: No (knocks on Levon's door) Time to get up Levon.

Levon: Don't you be a bothering me none Jon. If you do it again I am gonna kick you in the head then you is gonna be dead.

Robbie: (shouting from room next door) Thanks Levon. I have finished the first verse now I need a chorus.

Jon: (To Levon) Sorry, boss. (turns to guys who have just pulled up in a truck with some of the gear). Take the load off, Harry.

Harry: I wonna get paid first.

Jon: No, we paid you too much last time, take it for free.

Robbie: Jon, I've got the chorus, lets go.

Entered at Wed Apr 9 00:23:38 CEST 2014 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Seems like Taplin was something of an insider.

Entered at Tue Apr 8 23:30:45 CEST 2014 from (100.33.95.254)

Jed

Obviously,you can't name the dentist but I think I'm getting extensive dental work on Madison Avenue at what possibly can be he same office-a couple of dentists share the office. And BEG,Thanks for the Grossman link.

Entered at Tue Apr 8 22:37:00 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

"For his part, Taplin hopes young people who read “Outlaw Blues” will enjoy reading his back pages while learning about the history of popular culture. “Seeing videos of the civil rights movement makes it seem much more vivid,” Taplin pointed out. “I could talk about Jimi Hendrix setting his guitar on fire — but seeing it makes it really special.”

Taplin’s career began a few months shy of when he started his freshman year at Princeton. He attended the 1965 Newport Folk Festival — the event when Dylan plugged in and “went electric” — and found his way backstage, where he met Dylan’s manager, Albert Grossman. Grossman was so impressed by Taplin that he offered him a job. Taplin was soon working with the Jim Kweskin Jug Band before moving on to assist many of Grossman’s other clients, including Janis Joplin, The Band and Dylan.

When someone has had had as many memorable experiences as Taplin, the obvious question for him is to ask what stands out the most.

“I still remember the evening at Bob’s house at the Isle of Wight,” Taplin said, recalling when Dylan came out of semi-retirement in August 1969 to headline the English version of Woodstock. “Three of the Beatles, Bob and The Band jammed together for 3 1/2 hours. They played the common thread, rockabilly, the music they all loved when they were kids.”

Entered at Tue Apr 8 22:36:04 CEST 2014 from (82.41.77.75)

RTO

Pat! Pat! I've actually been playing Across the Great Divide RIGHT all these years, according to the transcription! Hurrah.

Entered at Tue Apr 8 22:28:19 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Bearsville’s baron
Remembering Albert Grossman, 25 years later
by Paul Smart

Entered at Tue Apr 8 22:15:29 CEST 2014 from (58.104.18.212)

Wallsend

Rather than doing it for their own amusement I think they do it for commercial reasons. An income of $150k in royalties does not fit well with the brand image.

Entered at Tue Apr 8 21:24:41 CEST 2014 from (173.3.48.142)

PutEmUp(Frtend0

Entered at Tue Apr 8 21:19:13 CEST 2014 from (76.167.63.6)

Passing Through

Jon Taplin has always been a class act - a highly intelligent person with great taste and insight into music, and a man of the highest integrity. It's strange to find another series of posts like this that attempt to drive wedges between fans of the Band. After he moved on to film producing, Lindsay Holland took over the day-to-day management, and then later Larry Samuels. But Jon came back for bigger projects, and helped establish a reputation for the Band of professionalism on the road and in concert. The Isle of Wight, Concert for Bangla Desh and Last Waltz are outstanding examples of his leadership and ability. He was part of the family that held things together. There was a special chemistry that existed from the start among them all - and Jon was at the center.

Entered at Tue Apr 8 20:38:05 CEST 2014 from (82.41.77.75)

RTO

I like the guy. Never met him and never likely to, but strikes me as a sensible guy and exactly who you'd need around. Reckon the Levon thing is 100% based on Taplin's TLW role, as well as a little bit of distrust of "one of Grossman's guys".

Hasn't Levon hinted that with hindsight he wishes his book hadn't been so embittered sounding, though? Sometimes I wonder if his cronies respect that, or whether they keep old animosities going for their own amusement where LH may have changed his tune.

Entered at Tue Apr 8 19:50:23 CEST 2014 from (24.114.65.81)

Kevin J

Entered at Tue Apr 8 19:26:10 CEST 2014 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

btw, Bass Musician Magazine has a nice analysis of Rick's playing on a number of songs.

Entered at Tue Apr 8 18:52:35 CEST 2014 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Tue Apr 8 18:37:58 CEST 2014 from (100.33.95.254)

Jed

There's a well known musician who brushed his teeth every time he got on stage and at intermission.One of the OCD behaviors he exhibited if he spent too many days on the road.It's all about the teeth.Levon had very nice fake teeth-he had a fine dentist it seems.He also kept them nice and clean.Bet he used a toothbrush.Bet the other guys in The Band used a toothbrush so they had that in common.Does Taplin use a toothbrush?See that,we may have reason for finding common ground here.Peace via toothbrush.

Entered at Tue Apr 8 18:33:06 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Tue Apr 8 18:29:36 CEST 2014 from (124.24.251.31)

Kerrin

Pat B, you wrote almost exactly what I was thinking, but better. That snarky comment of Levon's was gnawing at me. Jonathan was hired (by Grossman) to put a quality act on the road, and his duties included helping pick out the WEM PA they used, as well as the more mundane tasks - lost luggage, broken equipment, and tardy drummers. If he was rubbish at it he wouldn't have made it to the first tour.

Entered at Tue Apr 8 18:08:24 CEST 2014 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Tue Apr 8 17:50:16 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

"Jonathan Taplin gives his personal history of the last 100 years of popular music in his undergraduate course, COMM 306 - The Communication Revolution, Entertainment, and the Arts, on February 28, 2011."

Many thanks Jon L....I had to take a homeopathic remedy Aconite to deal with how I was feeling after making such a mistake last night.....I couldn't shake how badly I felt. imagezulu's Ma is battling lung cancer right now and the friend I visited in Gulf Shores had a thyroid cancer scare so......I would never intentionally add more grief or hardship to anyone's family.....

Btw, the friend I introduced you to in NYC passed a few years ago in her early seventies. She taught at NYU and was a therapist. I used to talk to her about the GB all the time, especially in regards to bullying. She told me that men bully men if they perceive them to be "weak".....and women bully other women if they perceive them to be "strong". Now the men that bully women.......

The very first time I saw Garth perform was at the Bottom Line with Buddy Cage for a Tribute to TLW. I was sooooo excited!!!! I had never been to this landmark club and I was finally......going to see Garth! My friend forgot that I had bought tickets for us and wasn't available so she told me to contact her boyfriend. He also wasn't available and then I contacted Crabby and he wasn't available.....My desire to see Garth outweighed my panic to go alone....At that point I had never been to a club solo in Toronto let alone in NYC......So.....I remembered the saying of, "feel the fear and do it anyway" and went solo. I joined some people up front and had a fabulous time singing along and thinking......I am right here watching Garth Hudson!!!! Buddy Cage!!!!!!! I also kept looking around and thinking.....Louuuuu Reed and so many others performed here....Wow, I'm at the Bottom Line.

My friend another time came with me to see Garth and the Dixie Hummingbirds but Levon was a no show........She also came with me to one of Garland Jeffreys' parties. Sometimes the universe brings you together with a beautiful soul....She was my older sister. Louuuu was clever in that she didn't want to live with her boyfriend who lived in the lower east side (married twice before and was a survivor of domestic abuse) so she had her large two bedroom apartment (right beside Greenwich PS to boot! I took a tour of the school and met someone who wanted to do a teacher exchange....I can't believe I passed up that opportunity!!!!) as a bed and breakfast so she was getting income to pay for her Co-Op and meeting people from all over the world.

One time I was in NYC for a month. My boyfriend at the time and I were at her apartment in the west Village for two weeks and two weeks we were in the Bronx because he had family there. At the time they were living in a basically non-white hood and I remember that I was so freaked out because we have more mixed hoods here. Years later they bought this 100 year old house and completely gutted it and made it into this gorgeous home with three floors. There are a lot of apartments there so they had to eventually put in cameras watching their home as the first night we rolled in my friend's van was broken into. One of Crabby's friends also lived in the Bronx and she came with me to see Garland Jeffreys at the Bottom Line and then we went to Garland's party afterwards.

You're sooooo lucky to be in the Big Apple for all the performing and visual arts and the amazing architecture. I can just embrace the sheer beauty of the Chrysler building....I never get tired of it. I do admit however, that after one month in NYC.....I was starting to feeeel slightly rangy.

Thanks also Jon L for telling me about the other Louuuuuu being on Eric Anderson's recording.....You Can't Relive the Past. I started exploring Eric's music and when I heard "Sheila"....I got hooked and ended up seeing him at our Rivoli Club and then with Garth and Maud at Hugh's Room. This was the show I met JD. He was the MC and when he got off the stage I went up to him and introduced myself as brown eyed girl.

Sorry for the long blah, blah, blah......I think because you jumped in quickly and said you made the same conclusions re Janis Ian's comments.....Also, I believed at the time that Jesse Winchester had passed because so many other sites had stated his passing date. After his family posted around 4:00....The other sites took out the passing date......and then for some reason.....I remembered Louuuuu (she had a stroke and then dementia).....Anyway, It was only you Jon L and Crabby and one of the road warriors who met my friend.......She enriched my life by allowing me to stay at her place so that I could not only share a friendship but she allowed me to do my thing......Her thing wasn't music so much.....even though she was Dylan's age.....She provided the space and time for me to see as many bands as I could because music.....brings us all together and feeds our souls and lightens our hearts.

Entered at Tue Apr 8 17:25:38 CEST 2014 from (124.24.251.31)

Kerrin

Certainly lots of people disliked Albert, he could be an arrogant bully if you were on the outside looking in. However, artists who were under his care (including Jesse Winchester) seemed to speak highly of him. His Bearsville complex was a musicians paradise - studios, high class practice rooms, cabins, beautiful surroundings. Not stuff he was obliged to provide. And he made some groundbreaking negotiations on behalf of his clients, I gather, giving them an exceptional amount of freedom to do what they did best.

Entered at Tue Apr 8 17:17:16 CEST 2014 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

It sounds to me as though Levon had no idea Taplin was already supplying Levon's ammo without him knowing it.

I wonder if Tapin's position as Executive Producer of The Last Waltz--a position he was perfectly suited for--earned him the nugget in Levon's book?

Entered at Tue Apr 8 16:58:07 CEST 2014 from (76.99.127.111)

Luke from PA

I don't know anything about Levon and his royalties, except that due to some legal issues they either stopped or decreased - not sure if that's true. When Levon got sick, he couldn't work for a long time, which put him in the hole financially. I do think that Grossman took advantage of them and many others (read Carly Simon's bio on her website). One other thing, does anyone remember Levon singing in a Bud Light ad circa 1990? It was probably a nice payday for him.

Entered at Tue Apr 8 16:25:17 CEST 2014 from (108.192.65.60)

Todd

Subject: Brush & Floss Daily

The tales from the road have been illuminating, but I think things have just gone completely sideways with the toothbrush story.

Note to self:
Avoid Eric Burden while traveling.

Entered at Tue Apr 8 16:09:32 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I also have pointed this about hotel rooms to my kids. You all know the old story, not an urban legend, about the people who leave their underclothes all over the floor for the room-maids to pick up, and rubbish all over the place instead of the waste bins. They also leave their camera in the room. When they get the film developed later (I told you it was an old story) they can see where their toothbrushes have been. Talking of roadies, Tappy Wright tells exactly this story about the Animals. Chas Chandler upset Eric Burdon and two weeks later developed his film, only to see a photo of his and his girlfriend's toothbrushes sticking out of Eric's rear end.

Entered at Tue Apr 8 15:32:15 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Jon Taplin was at Eric Clapton's Guitar Festival. I guess I just missed him as he was probably sitting right up at the front (so was Waters) while I was in the third section on the floor. I wonder if either of them even had to pay....They should have as the Concert was a fundraiser for Eric's Rehab Centre in Antigua. I paid for both nights so they certainly could do the same.

"At Crossroads Centre, we see our clients as individuals suffering from a disease process that impacts all aspects of life. Starting with addressing physical needs, we strive to provide the knowledge and tools to begin the healing process. We work with clients to help them surrender the feelings of guilt and shame that often stand between them and the freedom of recovery."

Pat B...Were you referring to Taplin's Outlaw Blues?

Entered at Tue Apr 8 15:29:32 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

The things that break bands up are often not musical disagreements, or because someone screwed someone they shouldn’t have, but the little things like Late-riser, or someone who thinks third-degree flatulence in a car with five people is amusing, or who eats what in a café, when the money is all going against the band’s unearned account, but as a lump, not related to each person. So one is worried about the growing sum to be repaid and has a hot dog, another thinks “I’m working hard” and has fillet steak. That can blow up into a huge row.

Entered at Tue Apr 8 15:23:20 CEST 2014 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Don't expect staff to hustle back with the ammo after you've pushed them around.

Entered at Tue Apr 8 14:40:08 CEST 2014 from (124.24.251.31)

Kerrin

You can read whatever you wish into Levon's anecdote, but the very deliberate "wouldn't want to send him for the ammunition" remark, written in 1993, does make it pretty plain that Levon didn't think much of Jon. On that one point, Ben and I agree! The hump we can't seem to clear is where Jon got his figures from. I don't really care, but Jon is very well connected in the music business and could have found out. If he's pals with Robbie, Robbie would certainly know. Ben thinks that Jon couldn't possibly know Levon's royalty earnings, because they were not hanging out at the barn, drinking Cokes and watching baseball together. I think that's it in a nutshell. And on that point we disagree.

Entered at Tue Apr 8 13:48:55 CEST 2014 from (184.145.211.71)

Landmark

Kevin, I'll hoist one or more for the Liberals (Quebec edition only) but I'm a life-long Hawks fan so my partisanship ends there. Thanks for the shout-out. I still lurk about on a semi-regular basis.

I don't get disturbed about the money issue being bandied about. What disturbs me the most is that none of the other four sought out financial advice as far as I know. Dare I say, they got what they put in and rarely gave it a second thought as it wasn't their nature?

Entered at Tue Apr 8 12:04:34 CEST 2014 from (58.104.3.230)

Wallsend

Entered at Tue Apr 8 11:52:27 CEST 2014 from (92.18.179.108)

Solomon

Does the same logic apply to Maud Hudson who has 2 references in the entire book ? Levon said he was on a short fuse and an incident like that would happen every other day in a touring band.

Entered at Tue Apr 8 11:24:22 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Subject: Taplin

Whether Levon exaggerated the incident for his book or not, the fact is there are only 2 references to Taplin in the entire book. That story is the major reference. The second reference is just a fleeting reference that Taplin was producing the last waltz movie. So, I think it's a reasonable interpretation to say that Levon didn't think very much of or consider Taplin a friend. To Levon he was one time employee. In comparison, there are multiple references to John Simon and in none of them is there a physical confrontation.

Entered at Tue Apr 8 10:18:45 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

There is probably an undercurrent of early 20s horseplay in Levon’s story, and he’s “talked it up” to make an entertaining story, but …

I read that Jon Taplin story and my conclusions were different. I’ve been there organizing, and in later years as a participant. I saw Taplin’s situation. You have five in the band, a road crew of two (in those days in the UK). You have a seven hour drive to the next gig. Realistically this means three stops. You won’t get seven people through a transport café or road services in less than 25-30 minutes. I’d calculate nine hours with a longer lunch break. You play at 7.30. The contract expects all gear on stage and set up and sound-checked by 6.30. Someone has to do the maths. Again in those days, with relatively simple gear and no lighting rig, that would mean arrive at 5 pm, so set out at 8 am.

Then day after day a situation repeats itself. You have six guys breakfasted, waiting by the vehicles. You have one guy, and it’s the same guy every time, still in bed. That’s not respect for the band members, nor the crew who will be driving and setting up. I’ve been there. There is an issue that some people get wired by adrenalin so find it difficult to get to sleep after performing. I understand that too. Nevertheless, one guy’s assigned job is to do the waking. To treat the guy like that is not commendable.

I also found the ‘lack of respect in the voice’ a weird comment. The lack of respect to me is to the rest of the band by not getting up. Read Dinky Dawson or Tappy Wright’s roadie memoirs. There was never any social division in those early days in the UK. Everyone was in it together, and the memoirs were bands like Fleetwood Mac, The Animals, Jimi Hendrix Experience. Lower down the scale where a manager was funding a band to get them going, the road crew earned money and got free food and accommodation. The band were ‘advanced money against future earnings’ and their food and accommodation was carefully listed to be set against future earnings. Don’t forget, even with a reasonable hit record, money doesn’t get handed over until the end of the accounting period, which may be a year. In practical terms of cash available this week, the road crew were often better paid than the band.

Take that “respect from an employee” line. Roadies were of three types. Many were “failed” musicians, often from previous bands of one of the members. The most famous was Ian Stewart, rejected from The Rolling Stones because of poor image, but kept on to drive, set up gear AND play piano behind a curtain. These sort of guys stayed with it as they easily graduated to the 70s and 80s as guitar technicians or sound mixers as the jobs got specialized. Others were just pals, often pals who had a van or simply a driving licence. Both these categories were social friends. The third lot were already emerging in the mid-60. Professional roadies. They were not employed by a band on a long term basis, but tour by tour. These were usually burly, tough guys. They wouldn’t take shit because their services were in heavy demand. My point is that “respect from employees” would not have been demanded in those cases in those days. But maybe the British are naturally more democratic! Personally, when I've been in a management or employer situation, I've always spoken to people on an absolutely equal footing, and I learned that in bands. No one likes to be reminded they're "an employee" - they know it, you know it. But I only saw one TV director who acted like an "employer" on the set and everyone hated him.

I think most British bands would not have sent the road manager on the waking up situation. By the third time it happened, the resort would be the whole band going up and inserting the miscreant in a cold bath.

Entered at Tue Apr 8 08:54:53 CEST 2014 from (92.18.179.108)

Solomon

It sounds to me like an off the cuff remark that Levon has made about Taplin in his book. I mean how many tour managers have had to get hungover musicians out of bed in the morn? If that is the worst thing Levon has to say about him then he is hardly the devil incarnate.

Entered at Tue Apr 8 04:48:55 CEST 2014 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: Canadian celebration

Kevin J: The Habs and the Quebec Liberals: 2 causes for celebration for Canada. Enjoy.

Entered at Tue Apr 8 04:03:03 CEST 2014 from (24.114.65.81)

Kevin J

Entered at Tue Apr 8 01:56:05 CEST 2014 from (58.104.3.230)

Wallsend

Entered at Tue Apr 8 01:17:30 CEST 2014 from (108.16.59.176)

bob w.

I heard from an old friend in Monterey, California today. Jesse Winchester was a client of his many years back. He said Jesse was a "beautiful human being ". He sure is a very special talent.

Entered at Tue Apr 8 01:14:52 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Subject: Levon Helm on Taplin

"The shows took enormous concentration to make it sound like we wanted it to, like on the record, and I felt under a lot of pressure in those days. I was definitely burning with a short fuse. An example: We had this road manager, Jonathan Taplin. He was OK, but you wouldn't want to send him for the ammunition, Early in this process he came to my motel room and started to exercise his authority to get me out of bed. But I was on him like a mad dog as soon as I heard his tone of voice, which conveyed something less than the respect that I expected from the employees. I picked him up until his legs were off the ground and kicking, walked him backward, and heard myself saying, "Jon, I'm gonna bite your damn nose off. I'll kill you if you ever talk to me like that again. Do you understand me?" Of course, I didn't mean anything by it, but I noticed he steered clear of me after that." p205, This wheel's on fire. paperback.

That's the major reference to Taplin in Levon's book. If there was ever a friendship between Taplin and Levon, it seems like it was in Taplin's imagination.

Entered at Tue Apr 8 00:55:35 CEST 2014 from (24.114.65.81)

Kevin J

Entered at Tue Apr 8 00:10:06 CEST 2014 from (184.66.137.72)

JT

Subject: Once again...

BEG and all of us are the innocents who read and absorb and believe and are moved by the information. We respond with kindness and sadness and respect.

It is not our collective fault that we get premature or false information. There is active aggressive lying and then there is passive sometimes lazy or careless journalism. The former is horrid and the latter is shameful.

That Janis Ian tweeted does not guarantee reality. The crass comparison is broken telephone. Was Ian also duped? What was her source?

Entered at Mon Apr 7 23:56:19 CEST 2014 from (24.114.65.81)

Kevin J

Entered at Mon Apr 7 23:36:05 CEST 2014 from (74.203.77.122)

Jon L

No worries, BEG! I had thought the same thing re Janis Ian, and likely a lot of music journalists did as well.

Entered at Mon Apr 7 23:02:52 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Mon Apr 7 23:02:18 CEST 2014 from (184.66.137.72)

JT

Subject: Hurtful as well

Shameful and hurtful to those close to him and to those who care about this sort of thing and about humane feelings.

Entered at Mon Apr 7 23:00:06 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Tribute: Jesse Winchester

Update 4/7/14 - 4:00 PM
The family of Jesse Winchester has posted to his Facebook page:

Dad hasn't passed yet, though he is calm and at peace.

Sincerely apologize to everyone here. I made the mistake of believing singer-songwriter Janis Ian as I assumed they were friends. I'm so sorry...... :-(((

Entered at Mon Apr 7 22:48:12 CEST 2014 from (184.66.137.72)

JT

Subject: Shameful journalism (again)

I'm flogging a dead horse again. I am so fed up with journalists and wire services failing to observe careful research before they write and copying what others have said. It is just poor that death can be so easily written about. The first reporter or source is at fault but those who 'ape' should look at themselves in the mirror and ask themselves about their quality of work. Truly shameful!

Entered at Mon Apr 7 22:46:08 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Gee Kevin J....You really scared me! You didn't put quotation marks around Jesse's words and when I first started reading.....I thought you were talking about yourself. ;-D

I'm feeling really sad about Jesse....I think he had so much more to say and share with all of us. I'm beginning to learn more from him each time I listen to his songs or his interviews. Very special man. He appears very humble and introspective....I'm so glad that I briefly met him as he was leaving Hugh's Room the last time I saw him.......I wasn't sure if he was really shy....or just needed to leave as soon as his performance was over.

"MusicFog.com's Jessie Scott sits down with Jesse Winchester for an interview about his new album "Love Filling Station," growing up in Memphis, and the songwriting process. Recorded on 4-26-09. Thanks Jesse!"

Entered at Mon Apr 7 22:17:53 CEST 2014 from (70.53.46.21)

Kevin J

I liked that little story. I trust he has faced this recent battle with the same kind of spirit.

Entered at Mon Apr 7 22:00:03 CEST 2014 from (58.104.3.230)

Wallsend

Entered at Mon Apr 7 21:30:26 CEST 2014 from (58.104.3.230)

Wallsend

Just came across the book Hollywood Shack Job:Rock Music in Film and on Your Screen by Harvey Kubernick. Not sure if it has been discussed here before but it has a chapter on Robbie including a long interview and an interesting quote from Rick about the Last Waltz I hadn't seen before. You can read it on line at the link above.

Entered at Mon Apr 7 20:56:06 CEST 2014 from (96.232.159.74)

Joan

I hope tha Jon Lyness info is correct.I assume he is very close to passing I hope his journey is easy. A very talented nan

Entered at Mon Apr 7 20:37:51 CEST 2014 from (58.104.3.230)

Wallsend

Entered at Mon Apr 7 20:33:32 CEST 2014 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Mon Apr 7 19:00:37 CEST 2014 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Mon Apr 7 18:52:19 CEST 2014 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Mon Apr 7 18:42:34 CEST 2014 from (171.161.160.10)

Ben

Subject: Taplin

Kerrin, I stand by my comments. Taplin was a long ago emplpoyee of The Band 1969-71 and then was brough back to work on the last waltz. According to an interview on this site from 2007 he says that he hasn't seen Levon for a long time. So, unless he had some reconcilation with him between 2007 and 2012, I don't see how he was in any postion to make first hand assertions about Levon's financial situation during this period. Frankly, I think Capital records and Albert Grossman are far more culpable in the financial shortfall of Levon, Garth, Richard and Rick then illegal downloading.

Entered at Mon Apr 7 18:40:08 CEST 2014 from (74.203.77.122)

Jon Lyness

Jesse Winchester not dead but seriously ill, according to new reports today. Fingers crossed for him...

Entered at Mon Apr 7 18:37:04 CEST 2014 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Snark. Id' say your references to Princeton and professors qualified, and let's be real. You made an argument that Taplin was like George W. Bush because of their shared Ivy League background. I'm sorry if the basis of your opinion made me shrug.

Taplin does have an amazing resume. To accrue those kinds of accomplishments, a person has to be really really good at what they do. Which means, when he puts his name on a book or gives a speeech, he's done the work to back up what he says. You don't like what he says, evidently, because as you imply, he is either making stuff up or lying about it.

Entered at Mon Apr 7 17:43:37 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

AbFab was a major seller on VHS and DVDin several countries. They have continued with specials and a further series since Rick died so will still be paying.

Entered at Mon Apr 7 17:11:00 CEST 2014 from (124.24.251.31)

Kerrin

I think the windfalls he referred to were from Absolutely Fabulous (a British sitcom) using TWOF as their theme song over at least three series. It was sung by Julie Driscoll but occasionally by guest artists.

Interestingly, though, Wiki reports that:

"Due to copyright issues, the theme song is missing from many of the US Region 1 DVDs, being replaced by an instrumental version of the song."

But yes, royalty payments from TV shows can be huge. I know of one instance where a TV program wanted to include a Lucinda Williams track, but balked at the cost - $30,000 to use it once. This is why people write jingles! Anyway, they contracted a well known NZ songwriter to compose and produce a pastiche, and his fee, studio time, good session players AND the right to use the song was the cheaper option by far.

Entered at Mon Apr 7 16:46:46 CEST 2014 from (38.113.85.40)

Dan

Subject: This Wheel's On Fire - The Wonder Years

I remember reading an interview with Rick in the 90's where he mentioned that This Wheel's On Fire was used in an episode of The Wonder Years and he received 100K, calling it "money from heaven." Now, with folks able to buy the series on DVD or watch episodes stream on Amazon etc, his estate must receive some residual income from its use in the episode, even if a small amount.

Entered at Mon Apr 7 15:42:44 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Last night, at the Martha Reeves concert, they had a DJ on stage playing 45s before the show and in the interval. Yes, actual vintage mono Motown 45s on a turntable and it sounded great. Martha Reeves made a speech about how all their success was due to DJs and 45s. She said she’d called home to Detroit and said “It’s great. They’ve got 45s onstage in Bournemouth.” The kid said, ‘What? They’ve got GUNS on stage?’ She said no, 45 records like you play on a record player. The reply was “What’s a record player?”

Where’s David P when you need him?

Entered at Mon Apr 7 15:20:33 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Alright, alright, alright.....Jesse can still do the rhumba years later...well not quite what he showed us in the seventies but still.....Jesse!! and in Gulf Shores performing with Jimmy Buffet and Allen Toussaint.....Shoooot......I was just there too.

Entered at Mon Apr 7 15:00:39 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Jesse Winchester does acapella accompanied by Bonnie Raitt and Emmylou Harris in 1977.

Yes......He was that great and I think this was the year I saw him for the first time. I remember the big dark hair....and boy could he moooove his body to the Rhumba Man back in the day. If anyone can find a video from the seventies......huuuuge treat for those who never saw him perform!!

Entered at Mon Apr 7 14:49:37 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Review by William Ruhlmann

"Jesse Winchester first gained notice as a protégé of the Band's Robbie Robertson, who produced and played guitar on his debut album and brought along bandmate Levon Helm to play drums and mandolin. The album had much of the rustic Southern charm and rollicking country-rock of the Band. Winchester's other immediate appeal was a certain sense of mystery. A Southern American expatriate living in Canada, he was unable to appear in the U.S. to promote the album, which was released in a fold-out LP jacket that featured the same sepia-toned portrait (which looked like one of those austere Matthew Brady photos from the Civil War era) on each of its four sides. Winchester emphasized the dichotomy between his southern origins and his northern exile in songs like "Snow" (which Robertson co-wrote."

Entered at Mon Apr 7 13:20:49 CEST 2014 from (124.24.251.31)

Kerrin

Wallsend, things will change but music won't dry up I'm certain. There are some interesting comments made below the Taplin debate, so I've re-linked it.

"Look at history – the entertainment business in the 1950s-1980s was an aberration, not a trend."

I partly agree with this, top entertainers were well paid before that time, but weren't capable of generating the obscene amounts that were bestowed upon the rock generation. Maybe it's fair that things return to a point where great musicians are honoured but not worshipped. The reason for the explosion in both the earnings and status of performers in the 1950's wasn't the innate awesomeness of Elvis & Co., but technology. First, TV meant artists could become a global phenomenon - fast. Later, advances in sound systems made massive music festivals possible. All of this meant fantastic incomes for those in the right place at the right time, but does that mean it should be that way forever? Technology has certainly changed, but artists can now reach global audiences cheaply and very directly. If you have some appeal, there must be ways to take advantage of this and make a reasonable living, which means we should have more artists coming forward with more varied material. Shouldn't we?

Entered at Mon Apr 7 12:25:20 CEST 2014 from (124.24.251.31)

Kerrin

Entered at Mon Apr 7 12:00:52 CEST 2014 from (58.104.18.61)

Wallsend

Entered at Mon Apr 7 11:41:04 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Subject: Pat

Pat, you are like a dog with a bone. You're the one who brought up three times Taplin's amazing resume yesterday. I base my reaction to his comments, not his pedigree. Once again as far I can ascertain, the man had no contact with Levon for nearly 40 years, so I don't know how he is a position to make comments about the specifics of his financial situation for the last few years of his life.

Pat, I've noticed for the past month or so, you've taken a number of comments I've made out of context and made snarky comments. What exactly is your problem? I've stated several times that I have no inside information and am just stating an opinion based on things I've read. I don't know why you think your opinion is any more valid than mine. I disagree with many, many things that I read on this guestbook, but I don't go after people in a nasty way. I can appreciate the fact that we have differences of opinion.

The recording industry is notorious for screwing artists out of royalties. I believe John Simon commented that he was owed a large sum of money for years from the first two Band albums and it wasn't until Robbie contacted him to work on the last waltz that a check for the back royalties magically appeared. So I assume it's possible that Levon and Garth were earning these royalties over the years and not actually receiving the checks on a regular basis. Once again, I don't know if this is the case, but I think it's a plausible scenario.

Entered at Mon Apr 7 11:31:12 CEST 2014 from (108.16.59.176)

bob w.

There are reports this morning of the passing of the great Jesse Winchester. He was a very special talent and, by all accounts, a good man. Rest in peace.

Entered at Mon Apr 7 11:20:45 CEST 2014 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

I think that it will be very hard now to stop the downloading of music or any digital format. It's a bit like the atom bomb - you can't un-invent it and it's very hard to control who has access to it. The only hope I can see is some sort of analog format becoming popular again - some format that can't be copied perfectly with out a large investment in equipment. I often wonder if the music industry will start putting more effort into vinyl. At the moment turntables full into 3 categories - older retro stuff, high end or plastic junk. There must be room for some good quality reasonably priced units - and you don't need huge ugly speaker boxes any more. I recently bought a locally made portable from the 1970s and I love it - a lot more character than an MP3 player. At this stage I wouldn't buy new releases on vinyl as my machine isn't that great and I do like being able to make copies of stuff to play in the car and other on other devices.

Musicians are lucky in that they can still earn money from live performances. I guess that's one reason why The Band toured again in the 80's - it must have been worth their while even if they were getting 100K in royalties each year.

Entered at Mon Apr 7 10:25:12 CEST 2014 from (58.104.18.61)

Wallsend

Entered at Mon Apr 7 10:15:35 CEST 2014 from (58.104.18.61)

Wallsend

Entered at Mon Apr 7 09:57:43 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Mon Apr 7 09:53:27 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

On that $150,000, I often get asked by people starting out as free lance authors what they need to earn. Well, any publisher will tell you that paying a free-lance DOUBLE the rate of an employee is cheap. When someone is employed, the employer pays for work space and equipment, heats and lights it, pays for vacations, pays for sick leave, pays pension contributions (a large sum). A self-employed person also needs a professional to do accounts and to vet contracts. The rule of thumb is that a self-employed person needs to earn AT LEAST twice as much as an employed person to be as well-off.

Then figure in the 90s Band. I can’t imagine the new guys cheerfully went out for a share of the door. I would assume that initially at least they would be paid.

While you can wander down a folk club with an acoustic guitar and use the house PA, it doesn’t help if your tools are a bank of keyboards.

Entered at Mon Apr 7 09:46:36 CEST 2014 from (58.104.18.61)

Wallsend

Entered at Mon Apr 7 09:16:01 CEST 2014 from (124.24.251.31)

Kerrin

Yeah, guys like that are interesting examples, because they don't earn on the same scale as rock legends. But you might be surprised, they probably get thousands, not hundreds, when they perform, so a few US folk festivals one year and a reasonably earnest European tour the next and they are comfy. Free to potter about their home studios and play some local shows in between. A more conservative lifestyle would certainly help, too. Remember that Renbourn and Irvine, even at the height of their fame (if you can call it that), would have played a gig at the town hall, then off to the pub. Not so far to fall.

Also these days its possible, and realistic, to be a truly self sufficient touring artist, which keeps the costs not only lower but also better monitored. Garth once commented that an inherent problem of life on the road was that your day-to-day finances had to be left in the hands of some kind of accountant, for better or worse - usually worse being Garth's implication. That was certainly true until recently, but now you can sit in your motel with your laptop, paying your electricity bill and booking a rental car between soundcheck and dinner.

Entered at Mon Apr 7 08:53:56 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

As to Dubya, I have been told that he had two faces, one for the world which was deliberately folksy and bumbling, and a frighteningly incisive one in close political encounters. In other words he is a lot brighter than he seems. That’s B-R-I-G-H-T-E-R, definitely NOT nicer.

Entered at Mon Apr 7 08:50:19 CEST 2014 from (58.104.18.61)

Wallsend

Entered at Mon Apr 7 08:42:25 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Jesse Winchester

RIP, Jesse Winchester. Link is to Toppermost on Jesse.

Entered at Mon Apr 7 06:42:47 CEST 2014 from (124.24.251.31)

Kerrin

Ben, Jonathan Taplin is far from pathetic, he is an established pro in the entertainment business and is not going to namecheck Levon and fabricate figures to make a point. He clearly holds/held Levon in high esteem, regardless of the fact that Levon probably shared your feelings about Princeton graduates! And poverty is a relative thing. $150K may seem a decent income to most of us here, but it obviously wasn't enough for people who were used to far more, and ours is not to reason why. Just going about the business of recording and performing requires a substantial outlay, many other people need to be paid, and if ticket or CD sales are below expectations then everybody loses and $150K doesn't go very far. A case in point, Peter V's review of the Loreley DVD cites a 1996 UK radio interview where Rick jokingly lists the many houses Garth then owned, although he was on his third bankruptcy by 2001. So you can stand by your argument, but I think you are holding an empty sack.

Entered at Mon Apr 7 05:50:52 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Jesse Winchester...Thank you for the time you got your groove on at the Horseshoe Tavern and shared the Rhumba Man.....and Twigs and Seeds for us university kids.....Thank you for your intimate show at Hugh's Room where no one made a sound.....except you. Thank you to Charlie Young who asked me to say hi to you. Thanks to my country which was your second home until you were pardoned for being courageous enough to follow your own conscience. Thanks to Robbie Robertson for producing your first recording. You will be missed.......
Thats's What Makes You Strong Jesse Winchester.

Yesterday, Winchester's official Facebook page held the message:

"The studio has been quiet - deafeningly so - as Jesse is receiving hospice care, in home and with family. It is a difficult time, but as always and in his own special way, he has something to teach us about grace and beauty. That was followed on Sunday evening by the following post by Janis Ian:

RIP Jesse Winchester. As underrated a singer as Chet Baker. As underrated a guitarist as Willie Nelson. A man who held the audience in the palm of his hand without moving an inch. One of the best songwriters on earth. Damn damn damn."

Winchester had been battling cancer of the esophagus since 2011.

Jesse Winchester: Still doing the Rhumba

But the singer-songwriter admits he may be better known for politics than his music JESSE WINCHESTER Special to The Hamilton Spectator Singer-songwriter Jesse Winchester performs at The Spectator's auditorium on March 26.nextplay/pausepre2/2 If you were lucky enough to have caught Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Review when it lumbered through Toronto back in 1975, you may remember a particularly poignant moment just before Joan Baez sang her beautiful rendition of Please Come to Boston.

Baez, one of the most respected protest singers of the time, dedicated the song to Jesse Winchester. She didn’t have to explain why. Winchester was a fairly well known singer-songwriter living at the time in Montreal. He settled there after fleeing the United States to avoid the draft. The crowd at Maple Leaf Gardens gave her a huge ovation.

Although he was just one of an estimated 30,000 Americans who fled to Canada to avoid the draft, Winchester had become a symbol, even a hero, to those who opposed the war in Vietnam. (In Canada, the federal government of the time forbade customs agents from asking the military status of young Americans crossing into the country).

Winchester was raised in Memphis, Tenn., and schooled at an elite private college in Williamstown, Mass. He fled north in 1966 at the age of 22. He had played in bands in high school, but didn’t start writing songs until he reached Quebec, releasing his first album in 1970.

That self-titled debut contained a song called The Brand New Tennessee Waltz, the first one he ever wrote. Joan Baez recorded a cover version. It also had a song called Yankee Lady, a top-10 hit in Canada for Winchester, and, became better known in the United States a couple of years later when the folk duo Brewer and Shipley recorded it.

At the time, a lot of people thought Winchester could have been as big a star as James Taylor if he had been able to launch his career back home in Tennessee.

“I don’t know what would have been down the road not taken,” Winchester says in his slow southern drawl when asked whether he could have had a bigger career in the United States. “It’s possible I got more notoriety from my political life than I would have gotten from my musical life. It’s just impossible to know.” The word ‘hero’ continues to follow Winchester (as well as some less kind terms sent his way from supporters of the war). Last year, Margaritaville singer Jimmy Buffett introduced Winchester as “my personal hero” during a benefit concert in Alabama for victims of the BP oil spill. (Buffett recently recorded a version of Winchester’s Rhumba Man, which was also a top-10 hit for Nicolette Larson in 1977). Winchester, who became a Canadian citizen in 1973, chooses his words carefully when asked about his “hero” status.

“I’m certainly not a hero,” he says. “I’m not sure what I am, but I know for sure that I’m not a hero …”

He says that his decision to flee the draft was one of personal conscience. “I just didn’t believe in the war,” he says. “I don’t think that I’m a pacifist. I can imagine situations (when war is necessary). I’m very proud of my dad for fighting in the Second World War. But I needed to really believe before I took up a gun. “I was very young. I couldn’t tell you what was going through my mind at the time. I just didn’t want to even discuss it with anybody. I was so impulsive and … righteous, you know, like a lot of people are at that age. “When you’re that age, there is no tomorrow. Not that I regret it or anything, but I’m still sort of amazed at how … I don’t know what the right word is … I didn’t think of tomorrow, and maybe that’s just as well when you’re that age.”

The Vietnam War ended a few months before Baez’s dedication at The Rolling Thunder Review. Her song choice was a plea for Winchester to return home. Baez admitted to the sold-out audience, however, that she could understand why he may want to stay in Canada. Baez was right. Winchester fell in love with his new country, married and raised a family. He learned to speak French (although he never stopped injecting “y’all” into his conversations). When the American government offered a full amnesty in 1977, he decided to stay in Quebec. He remained there until 2002, when a new love interest finally moved him back to the United States. “I met (second wife) Cindy and fell in love with her and I just didn’t have the heart to make her learn French, it was hard enough on me,” Winchester says. “At that point, I decided it was time to go back.” Winchester now lives in Charlottesville, Va. He still tours – he performs a sold out concert at the Hamilton Spectator Auditorium March 26 – but his recording output has been sporadic. Last year, he released Love Filling Station, his first album of new songs in more than 10 years.

“I’m just slow, very very slow,” he explains with wry humour. “And I got sort of discouraged by the record business. In the last little while, I’ve regained my enthusiasm and I’ll probably be a little more prolific in the future.”

Life is much too short for some folks
For other folks it just drags on
Some folks like the taste of smokey whiskey
Others figure tea is too strong
I'm the type of guy who likes it right down the middle
I don't like all this bouncing back and forth
Me, I want to live with my feet in Dixie
And my head in the cool blue North

Entered at Mon Apr 7 04:48:31 CEST 2014 from (182.249.245.138)

Kerrin

Entered at Mon Apr 7 03:48:41 CEST 2014 from (99.115.145.68)

Pat B

Entered at Mon Apr 7 03:13:35 CEST 2014 from (99.115.145.68)

Pat B

Entered at Mon Apr 7 02:13:30 CEST 2014 from (24.114.58.120)

Kevin J

"Simon, so intimately involved in the genesis of the Band, has a unique perspective. He says “Robbie was working on the old Rodgers and Hart, ASCAP model.” By that, Simon means: “The writer is the writer. Levon was seeing other bands with less talented writers taking group credit for a cobbled-together song.”

In the end, however, Simon says: “I side with Robbie on that one.”

Also, on the subject of publishing, Sebastian addressed this directly a few years ago at this GB. I had thought the purchasing of shares had happenned at the time of TLW but I might be wrong on this...........I had thought he had said that at the beginning the reason Robbie had agreed to a 5 way split was because it was understood/assumed that all would contribute something on an ongoing basis to songwriting but when it became obvious that that was not going to be the case, discussions started about changing the publishing arrangement.....Robbie borrowed a good deal of money and bought the shares.........Levon did not participate and still owns 20% of The Band to this day.

Kerrin: I know you didn't mean to be hurtful......I just don't like it when things get personal ( medical especially ) - that's all........Layla aside, you've been a wonderful addition.

Entered at Mon Apr 7 02:10:01 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter v

Entered at Mon Apr 7 01:58:05 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Subject: Pat and Taplin

Pat, I stand by my comments. I don't have any personal "insider" information on this, but based on many things I've read, I find it hard to believe hat Levon and Garth earned 150k for royalties of The Band catalog (Big Pink to Islands) each and every year from 1968-2001. Levon has stated that never received a penny for the last waltz. The Band never sold a huge amount of albums. And in the years between The last waltz and the catalog being re-issued on cd sometime well into the 80's, I don't see the catalog selling many units on lp and cassette.

Pat, I know who Taplin is. I know that Levon dismissed him in his book. The comments about the royalties and the debate at the time of Levon's death was new information to me. Someone else posted a link to an article about this. I don't why you keep ascribing great attributes to Taplin. Seriously, I don't care that he went to Princeton and is a professor at USC and all the rest of his resume. For some reason, you seem very impressed by this. I've grown up and currently live 15 minutes from Princeton. So, it doesn't impress me, I see it primarly as a school for the rich and privileged. George W Bush went to Yale. Does anyone think he got there based on academic merit?

Did Taplin have any contact with Levon after the last waltz? From what I've read, he didn't, so his comments about Levon having to tour at 70 due to illegal downloading seem quite a stretch. I find it hard to believe that The Band and Levon's solo work were very impacted by illegal downloading. I just don't think it's the same demographic. I think the large majority of high school and college age people downloading have no idea who The Band were. And, I think that a good part of Levon's audience for the last few albums and the rambles actually came to him through his appearances on Imus. Imus was a big booster of Levon during this period.

Entered at Mon Apr 7 01:57:22 CEST 2014 from (67.87.216.41)

Jeff A.

Bonk you old geezer, now that's a "new slant" for old timer......or are you bragging we're all blessed, ala Levon

Entered at Mon Apr 7 01:28:20 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Martha & The Vandellas, The Foundations

Just back from Martha & The Vandellas, supported by The Foundations. Review linked above.

Entered at Mon Apr 7 01:19:20 CEST 2014 from (76.28.98.146)

haso

Subject: Taplin, 2 drummers, Wallsend's unfitered TLW

Taplin: It would be interesting to get John Simon's comments here. Does he ever visit this site, the way Sebastian does? If memory serves, he knew Taplin early on from Princeton and while the producer (I wouldn't think) is as likely to be in on all the nuts and bolts of contracts, I recall Mr. Simon to have simply stated that Robbie was using an older model for royalties and Levon a more collective, perhaps modern version, but didn't seem to conspicously take sides. I know, as a fan, I find his comments often the most enlightening, from the Classic Albums doc to the TLW commentary track.

2 drummers: no expert here, especially since I've listened VERY little to post-Robbie-versions of the Band, but as someone almost as obsessed (my spouse's judgeemnt) w/ the Allman Bros since 1969 +/-... I think they settle whether 2 drummers are worth it. Levon didn't need anything else, but there are certainly cases when 2 add up to more than 1. In fact the later Allbros version w/ Marc Quinones on congas, etc are a good argument for 3 on one stage. At least to my ears.

Wallsend: thanks for the link to the complete concert. Anyone know where I can get a cd of the music? From my listening, admittedly not as discriminating as Peter V et.al., this seems a bit like Sebastian's soundboard mix. A nice feeling of actually being present, not nearly as glossed up as the offical Warner Bros versions. Anyway, any advice on a "hard copy" of this complete version is welcome. My local, independent record store (yea, Bull Moose Music of northern New England, the best) doesn't access bootlegs. That said, in light of the Taplin conversation, I, for one, would gladly pay retail for this version of TLW, just as I did for L @ the Academy, at the aforementioned record store. Maybe that's a plea for Robbie & Sebastian to improve on what is readily(legally and ethically) available of TLW.

Entered at Mon Apr 7 00:53:49 CEST 2014 from (24.108.1.255)

BONK

Subject: Opinions!

Most people have different opinions or, at least ones that they feel strongly about. Accept it and live with it. I love the new folk that are on hear but before it gets to 'fuck you, fuck you' take it private. It works. Most of the long timers here have heard it all, talked about it and debated it time after time. Exactly the same stuff you're debating now. BUT! Every now and then one of you kids comes up with a different slant on things and that's why I stay here. Debate is great. Just don't let it get personal.

Entered at Mon Apr 7 00:27:15 CEST 2014 from (68.171.231.80)

Bill M

Entered at Sun Apr 6 23:13:14 CEST 2014 from (72.78.48.226)

PSB

I have to back Pat up on Jon Taplin.

Taplin worked for Albert Grossman early on, in fact when he was still a student at Princeton. I discovered his radio show in 1965 (maybe a little earlier), which I listened to religiously every Sunday which was not only a great radio show,but he always had inside info.

He was originally road manager for the Kweskin Jug Band, but was The Band's road manager from the beginning and that meant on the road and off. Sometime in 1970 my brother who lived just outside of Woodstock woke up to someone knocking on the door at 3 or 4 in the morning. It was Richard Manuel who had just wrecked another car. Who came and got him? Jon Taplin of course.

I have no doubt he knows what the royalties were because more than likely he saw the contracts.

It's important to remember that when The Band started playing as The Band, they started at the top, The Fillmore East and West and similar halls, then right to arenas and stadiums. For better or worse they'd become quite used to living the rock and roll star lifestyle.

Entered at Sun Apr 6 21:50:35 CEST 2014 from (99.115.145.68)

Pat B

Entered at Sun Apr 6 21:38:50 CEST 2014 from (67.87.216.41)

Jeff A.

Direwolf. I believe on Workingman's Dead.

Entered at Sun Apr 6 21:21:45 CEST 2014 from (96.30.173.135)

joe j

Neil Young a couple of days ago in LA. He was born to sing 'If You Could Read My Mind'. Inneresting how he can still sound so Young.

Listening to Joni, Miles, Coltrane and Marley lately. Also Graham Parker thanks to someone on GB. Probably BEG.

There's a Dead song that's not called 'Please Don't Murder Me'. Would one of you good people identify it? Please put your answer in the form of a question and let me know on which album it can be found.

Entered at Sun Apr 6 21:15:01 CEST 2014 from (58.104.18.61)

Wallsend

Entered at Sun Apr 6 21:05:39 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Subject: Taplin and Pat B

Pat, once again, I strongly disagree with you. The primary Taplin "issue" that I was referring to are the six figure yearly royalties that he claims Garth and Levon received until 2001 from Band catalog. The secondary "issue" are his comments at the time of Levon's death, blaming his financial difficulties on illegal downloading.

I have no inside information on any of this. But, based on many things I've read over the years, I am skeptical about Taplin's assertions. Frankly, I couldn't care less about Taplin's "stellar" resume, which you've brought up twice now. I don't see how an association with Levon that ended nearly 40 years ago, gives the professor any special insight into the financial circumstances at the end of his life. Those are my two cents on the subject. I don't see how your two cents are any more valid.

Entered at Sun Apr 6 20:22:06 CEST 2014 from (99.115.145.68)

Pat B

Entered at Sun Apr 6 19:52:59 CEST 2014 from (100.33.95.254)

Jed

Subject: Kevin

There is alot of music to talk about! LOL! Everyone has the freedom to choose what they think is important to discuss.I choose not to debate these matters since,as I learned a bit back,the internet is the Wild West and reason won't always prevail.Opinions are like assholes-we all have one! HA! I also value trying to maintain a sense of humor even though this could bug me since I've been raised not to talk or spread bad word about the dead(for one thing they can't defend themselves,for another,to me,there's this small matter of my particular belief in the evolution and eternity of the soul)and also knowing the talk will eventually return to music.I have something to contribute regarding music and more so,something to learn reading posts about music from some really bright folk here.Not worth getting riled about,but I certainly agree with you.

Entered at Sun Apr 6 19:48:07 CEST 2014 from (124.24.251.31)

Kerrin

I actually hold Jonathan in high regard, I'm just saying that I'm not sure Levon did. I wouldn't disregard what he has said, Ben, just because the figures sound excessive to you. We have zero information to base that judgement on, whereas if Jon is a friend of Robbie's then he may well be privy to at least some. I don't know that using Levon's situation as an example was in poor taste, but anyway remember the debate took place before Levon's passing.

Entered at Sun Apr 6 19:22:24 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Subject: Taplin

Pat, I was unaware of this Taplin issue until yesterday. I think your characterization of him is completely subjective. From everything I've read about him, he's a g0od friend of Robbie's who's had virtually no contact with Levon, Rick, Richard or Garth since the last waltz. I think his comments about the royalties that they earned from the 1970's up until 2001 seem extremely unrealistic. I find it very hard to believe that they earned that much year after year on catalog royalties. Plus the fact that he used Levon's personal financial difficulties to bolster his arguments right after Levon's death in very poor taste. I would love for Professor Taplin to join the discussion here and to clarify a number of things that he claims to be an expert on.

Entered at Sun Apr 6 19:20:05 CEST 2014 from (124.24.251.31)

Kerrin

Entered at Sun Apr 6 18:38:58 CEST 2014 from (99.115.145.68)

Pat B

Well, one more thing. Taplin is an extremely intelligent, highly regarded academic/thinker/activist who has been confronting digital piracy for years. Levon claims that Taplin didn't treat him with the respect an employer deserves from an employee when the road manager needed Levon to wake up. As a result, there was a physical confrontation and threats. Levon did admit he was operating on a short fuse in those days.

Entered at Sun Apr 6 18:25:54 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Sun Apr 6 17:38:27 CEST 2014 from (72.78.48.226)

PSB

A road manager handles the affairs of a musician on the road, they don't move equipment. End of story.

Entered at Sun Apr 6 17:34:51 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Subject: Taplin

I found another article regarding Taplin. The more I look into this, the lower my opinion if him becomes. He seems like a pretty pathetic character to use Levon's death to try to bolster his arguments regarding copyright.

Entered at Sun Apr 6 17:21:33 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Sun Apr 6 17:18:55 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

But £10 to £12 for a CD in 1982 compares t £9.99 for a chart CD in 2014. That's 32 years. Let's just call it £10 and £10. The UK price index was set at 100 units in 1987. 1982 was 82.5. 2014 is 236.

I figure that means a CD now should cost £28.60 to match inflation, so price has dropped to little more than a third of what it was. Take that through the whole process and you can see that artists are also earning only a third of what they did in real terms.

Entered at Sun Apr 6 16:04:30 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I'll suggest James Hunter. Fine albums, all of them. Excellent songwriting too.

The Levon quote on selling up came from the 1994 edition, so it wasn't 2002. I put it back upstairs after I found the quote, but he's talking near it about the Sony album. So 1991?

Entered at Sun Apr 6 15:41:22 CEST 2014 from (124.24.251.31)

Kerrin

I honestly didn't mean to offend you or anyone else, but I think there will always be contributors to this GB who find these discussions relevant, especially in this instance when they are in response to a specific article. I find it hard to separate talking about the music and talking about the people who made it. That doesn't seem unreasonable to me.

Entered at Sun Apr 6 15:18:24 CEST 2014 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: Kevin: Go Habs Go

Kevin J; We are now cheering for the Habs. Go Habs Go! And I agree. Leave the garbage to the sanitary engineers and stick to music.

Peter V: I had no idea about James Hunter. He's the real deal. He used a few of the Dap-King musicians to back him on this occasion rather than his own group. It didn't matter. His was a fine short set and it grabbed us both. I'm listening now to his mix of rock-a-billy blues. We love how he plays and he has a unique style of delivering lyrics. He should be reviewed at Toppermost. Maybe you can do it

Entered at Sun Apr 6 15:01:57 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Good Morning Kevin....Uhhhhh.....I have above average hearing.....Do ya have to scream in the morning, huh...eh? ;-D

Out Of The Blue 1977 (Robbie Robertson)

Joe Cocker cover from Have A Little Faith 2004
Also on this recording Angeline which was written by Tony White and Joe Cocker. As soon as I started working with another Angeline, I told her about this song.

Entered at Sun Apr 6 14:46:39 CEST 2014 from (24.114.58.120)

Kevin J

Thanks Jed for having the dignity for trying to return this place to a sensible discussion on music...........is is not bad enough that we have lost David P due to people here refusing to stop talking about Levon's cancer that the conversation has now turned to SPECULATING over what medication Rick Danko was on near the end of his life............This disgusts me.

Entered at Sun Apr 6 14:31:15 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Joe Cocker - The Weight (Mad Dogs and Englishmen)

From the elusive Deluxe Edition Mad Dogs And Englishmen CD

Entered at Sun Apr 6 14:33:15 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Subject: Taplin

I did a google search on Taplin and The Band and found an article about the grammy tribute to Levon which claims that Taplin had posted on his blog comments about Robbie being banned by Levon's widow from participating in the tribute. The comments were then taken down.

Taplin wrote a nice tribute to Levon and calls him a friend, but from what I've read, the only one he kept in touch with over the decades was Robbie. I do remember Levon dismissing him in his book. In his role as "road manager" how would he know what the songwriting process was? Were the songs being written backstage while the Band was touring? I don't remember reading anything to ever suggest that this occurred.

I would love for Amy Helm or Larry Campbell or someone else from Levon's camp to weigh in on this, but I seriously doubt that any of them would confirm that Levon thought of Taplin as anything more than an employee from the heyday of The Band. I think Taplin obviously has an agenda and is using his tenuous association with Levon to support his argument.

I worked in a music store for 3 years (1995-99) and feel that a large contributing factor leading to the proliferation of illegal downloading was that the record labels were extremely greedy and kept cd prices inflated long after the investment in cd pressing plants had been recouped. If the record labels hadn't been so greedy and had reduced the price points for new release cd's to say $7-$10 rather than $15-$17, I think the cd format would have withstood napster and the other file sharing sites.

Entered at Sun Apr 6 14:04:51 CEST 2014 from (58.104.2.61)

Wallsend

Entered at Sun Apr 6 13:53:50 CEST 2014 from (58.104.2.61)

Wallsend

Entered at Sun Apr 6 13:45:21 CEST 2014 from (100.33.95.254)

Jed

Though his voice is a bit torn,the superb production and musicianship in Leon Russel's new album,Life Journey merits a listen.Standards,traditionals,1 original,but the songs are beautifully arranged and Leon's piano playing is excellent.Tight and eloquent production without sounding stiff and over produced.If you dig Leon(I saw him on his well known 1973 Leon Live tour and many times through the years.)One of the geniuses in the music world,played with and/or produced a range of people fom Sinatra to Dylan,to Gary Lewis and the Playboys,Bangledesh,The Beach Boys,J.J. Cale,etc.

Entered at Sun Apr 6 13:26:29 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

"Richard, Rick & Garth stayed too long. Someone managed to convince them that it would be a good idea to sell their publishing and their shares of The Band to Robbie Robertson. I doubt that the sale was in their best interests, but it was a clean break. They tried to see if I was interested in selling too, but I told my lawyer not to return their calls. So i never received any offer."

Entered at Sun Apr 6 12:41:58 CEST 2014 from (58.104.26.193)

Wallsend

Peter, do you have a reliable source for the information about Robbie buying out the others. It is an assertion you often see on the internet but I don't know where that information comes from. The fact that Robbie put out A Musical History and Live at the Academy suggests he has control of the material. There is the story the Levon blocked the inclusion of Band material on the Woodstock anniversary edition but you would have though that if he could do that he (or his estate) would have been able to block A Musical History and Live at the Academy as well. It is probably none of our business but it would be interesting to know. The link is to a rather wordy opinion piece that is quite interesting - the author thinks Robbie felt he didn't get enough credit for the songs because the others sang them. I haven't heard that theory before!

Entered at Sun Apr 6 12:31:42 CEST 2014 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Ke-rr-in

Good to see a name of Irish/Gaelic origin with two consonants in the middle. Just like my name Ilkka (a male name, sorry boys :-)

Entered at Sun Apr 6 12:20:39 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Sun Apr 6 11:30:37 CEST 2014 from (124.24.251.31)

Kerrin

Also, didn't I read somewhere that Robbie bought out Garth and Levon's stake in The Band's back catalog in the early 2000's? This would mean that their ongoing royalty payments would not have been affected by unauthorised downloads - they would have been Robbie's problem by then.

Entered at Sun Apr 6 11:12:59 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

QUOTE: "Last week at our debate, I talked about the essential unfairness that my friend and colleague Levon Helm had to continue to tour at the age of 70 with throat cancer in order to pay his medical bills. On Thursday, Levon died and I am filled with unbelievable sadness. I am sad not just for Levon's wife and daughter, but sad that you could be so condescending to offer "to make right what the music industry did to the members of The Band." It wasn't the music industry that created Levon's plight; it was people like you celebrating Pirate Bay and Kim Dotcom--bloodsuckers who made millions off the hard work of musicians and filmmakers.

You were so proud during the debate to raise your hand as one of those who had downloaded "free music and free movies." But it's just your selfish decision that those tunes were free. It wasn't Levon's decision. In fact, for many years after The Band stopped recording, Levon made a good living off of the record royalties of The Band's catalog. But no more." UNQUOTE

Well said!

Entered at Sun Apr 6 10:52:28 CEST 2014 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

Kerrin, even worse than the two drummer approach was the two bass players 3 keyboardist approach. They should have just backed themselves to play what only they could play. As you say the extra drummer just distracted from Levon's great playing.

Entered at Sun Apr 6 10:26:01 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Sun Apr 6 10:23:45 CEST 2014 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

I read that one a few years back. it is uncomfortable to read but sadly a lot of what she says sadly makes sense to me.

Entered at Sun Apr 6 10:21:59 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Sun Apr 6 08:17:51 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Subject: Taplin

I've read some of Taplin's postings about The Band and I am very skeptical about some of his figures. Taplin was the road manager of the ban for a few years, but according to the articles I've read, the only one he had any contact with after The Last Waltz was Robbie.

Here's his quote "Levon and Garth Hudson made a good living ($150,000 a year) off royalties from The Band’s eight recordings in the 60′s and 70′s up until 2001 when the Big Pirate sites like Limewire and (in 2003) Pirate Bay really got going. And then the record royalties came to a halt. Levon and Garth did not write songs (I was there). Robbie, Richard and Rick did. There is the difference in income." This seems to directly contradict Levon's contentions over the years, especially that Rick worked himself to death because he had to be constantly on the road. Levon has said over and over that he never recived a penny from the last waltz and I don't think their back catalog was selling in large quantity from the late seventies until the late 80's when it was released on cd. I find it hard to believe that they were making anywhere near that kind of money for all of those years from the catalog.

Entered at Sun Apr 6 06:54:09 CEST 2014 from (110.32.179.79)

Wallsend

Entered at Sun Apr 6 06:02:10 CEST 2014 from (124.24.251.31)

Kerrin

Those last two articles were interesting, especially the one on Rick. I've read it before some time ago. Subjective, sure, but very well written by a long time fan who was sad to see someone chisel away at their once-exemplary musical reputation, not to mention personal welfare, with every show. Thanks for posting them.

Entered at Sun Apr 6 05:54:49 CEST 2014 from (124.24.251.31)

Kerrin

I was never a fan of two drummers either. Sure, Levon could play mandolin on, what, Rag Mama Rag and Atlantic City, that's the only two I can think of, and occasionally they made an attempt to divide the rhythm parts, such as in Blind Willie McTell. But mostly it was just sychronised backbeats, which seemed to subtract from the tremendous flair and idiosyncrasy of Levon by himself. I wonder if the Ringo Starr and the All Starrs tour in 1989 (Levon, Ringo and Jim Keltner on three kits!) was Levon's inspiration for two full-time drummers.

Entered at Sun Apr 6 05:12:40 CEST 2014 from (58.104.19.146)

Wallsend

I read somewhere that Rick was on some kind of medication and one of the side effects was weight gain. Don't know whether it is true or not.

I have never understood the reason for having two drummers not just with the Band but with any rock band. I know it would free Levon up to play mandolin but just can't see how having two drummers adds anything ever.

The link above is to a debate about copyright that Jon Taplin was in. He says that up until 8 years ago each member of the Band was getting 150-200,000 a year in royalties. don't know if it is true but I guess he would be one guy that actually knew.

Entered at Sun Apr 6 04:45:39 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Subject: Rick

The article makes some good points about Rick's deteriorating condition in the last few years of his life. It's very sad. I don't know if there ever was any kind of intervention attempted. I've seen some amateur video of one of his last performances at the Cubby Bear club and it was heartbreaking to watch. Aaron Hurwitz was playing with Rick at this time. I'm curious if he's ever spoken about Rick's condition or trying to get some help for him.

Going back to Loreli concert. I think Peter Viney's review is on the mark. If you just listen to it, it is a pretty strong performance, but if you watch it, there's clearly something wrong with Rick.

Entered at Sat Apr 5 22:29:41 CEST 2014 from (58.104.19.146)

Wallsend

As with many articles written in that style, I think it says more about the person that wrote it that it does about the supposed subject. Still it does point out the dark side of the music industry. Personally, I have never understood what the attraction of taking drugs was.

Entered at Sat Apr 5 21:53:55 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Noah

Just reviewed Noah. Hopefully amusing … but do comment on the page over there of you disagree.

Entered at Sat Apr 5 20:35:42 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Sat Apr 5 20:04:36 CEST 2014 from (24.114.58.120)

Kevin J

JT: Thank you for the review and reminder of a great artist.........sounds like a wonderful night you had.

Ben: I'll admit to not even being aware or remembering Live at Loreley.......overall quite sad to see....I clicked on the YouTube of "The Weight" and was immediatly sorry I did......but noticing the whole show was also on YT - I checked a few other songs out and almost miraculously like a great fighter that is down and out but still manages to rise above and display a glimmer of greatness no matter how dire the circumstances - Rick adds a few touches of phrasing on Stage Freight and Shape I"m In that made me feel good....God Love him !

Entered at Sat Apr 5 17:37:02 CEST 2014 from (184.66.134.56)

JT and LvdB

Subject: Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings in Victoria BC: Hot!!!

We danced on stage last night during the encore with Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings. We then met with Sharon and band members after the show and she was upbeat and kind and friendly and everything that is good. (Sharon Jones has been through serious surgery for cancer and has come out the other end stronger than ever, as evidenced by this performance) This can only happen in a small venue in a smaller urban centre like Victoria BC. (We cannot imagine this in Toronto at Massey Hall, where they will appear in June 2014).

Sharon was powerful and her performance was beyond words. She was energy personified as she belted out the songs one after the other. She taught us all the 60s dances in one number while she sang to each band member "Don't let me down" as they each showed their wares. The DKs were superb and backed Sharon with precision.

Opened by bluesy cockney James Hunter with a very good set (great guitar and delivery), SJ and the DKs soon followed and were exceptional. We highly recommend any of you look up the tour dates and get to the show. They will be in Europe after finishing this leg of North America. In Vancouver tonight (April 5) at the Commodore. If you like soul, R&B and the best of what is out there for the taking right now, GET TO SJ & DKs. You won't be sorry. For her new album (released in Jan 2014) awards are coming to this highly deserving band (in our opinion).

By the way, if you saw Wolf of Wall Street, that singer is Sharon Jones. Enjoy and let us know here if you go. (check out possible shows in London UK, Copenhagen, and other European cities soon).

Entered at Sat Apr 5 17:07:53 CEST 2014 from (108.24.39.214)

Ben

Subject: Rick

Wallsend, That is an interesting but somewhat bizarre article on Rick. I don't think the author's amateur psycho-analysis is really useful, but her observations of the last show she saw were interesting.

This morning, I decided to dig out the official Band dvd's from the 90's. First, I watched 'Live at Loreli' and found it to be a well recorded and filmed concert, with Rick seeming to be aloof and somewhat uninvolved. However, Levon does rise to the occasion. I re-read Peter Viney's review of this dvd and found his assessment to be accurate, but a bit harsh. Right now, I'm watching the 'New Orleans Jazz festival' dvd from 1994 and it is like night and day compared to Loreli. It was only 2 years earlier, but it is astonishing how much more involved Rick is at this concert and how much stronger the overall performance is. This is a fine show and it would be nice if this was released on cd

Entered at Sat Apr 5 16:37:06 CEST 2014 from (203.160.29.153)

Fred

If you click on the link, then click on the bottom of the 3 photos on the right, you'll see a familiar interior.

Entered at Sat Apr 5 14:31:11 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

I previously posted Lauryn Hill's video EX-Factor when she was in her mid-twenties the year she won five grammy awards for the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.....Then she dropped out of the music scene.....Here she is now....Ms.Lauryn Hill performs "Ex-Factor" live in NYC at Bowery Ballroom on 11/27/13

Entered at Sat Apr 5 14:26:14 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Hi Wallsend....Was this The Band photo you were looking for?

Hi dlew919...I work with someone who graduated from Oxford and so did Nigella. imagezulu's niece graduated from Harvard. All of them have such an air of confidence for sure......I know what you mean about Nigella....especially since she didn't need a scholarship to attend Oxford.....her privileged background and all....but she did have a problematic childhood....like a lot of us.....Anyway, I do like her casual approach to cooking....and yet.....I certainly get what you mean about her being irritating...However, I've seen worse!

Entered at Sat Apr 5 14:09:15 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Rockin' Chair
J.R. Robertson
Chords & Tab by David Ziegele
www.Fingerstyle2.com

Entered at Sat Apr 5 14:07:13 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Anthony Bourdain: "I am absolutely mortified with embarrassment over the cruelty and hypocrisy of US actions re: #Nigella travel. Unbelievable," Bourdain tweeted yesterday. He followed up with, "Toronto mayor, Rob Ford? Welcome to the USA. Nigella Lawson? No. REALLY? Absolutely appalling misuse of our system. And by whom? How?"

Why Robbie Robertson gets it and Duran Duran doesn’t

Entered at Sat Apr 5 12:24:49 CEST 2014 from (58.104.3.154)

Wallsend

Came across this strange and rather dark article about Rick.

Entered at Sat Apr 5 12:09:54 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Martha & The Vandellas

OK, RTO, I'll raise you a Martha & The Vandellas … also today's Toppermost (see link). I'm seeing them tomorrow night, so there will be more!

On Nigella, one wonders if her despicable spouse's friends in high places had anything to do with her travel ban (which screws her US TV career).

Entered at Sat Apr 5 07:26:21 CEST 2014 from (121.211.87.72)

dlew919

What her husband did to her was despicable, and he deserves a good horsewhipping. Also, sending press releases about her cocaine use took that punishment from a horsewhipping to a horsewhipping plus a good kick in the buttocks on the top of a steep hill.

but I still find her irritating, and she is the daughter of one of the most odious of English politicians (not her fault, but her upbringing counts...)

Entered at Sat Apr 5 04:20:49 CEST 2014 from (65.93.218.89)

Bill M

BEG: The leader of the Satallites, JoJo Bennett, moved to Toronto around '68, returned to Jamaica for a couple years in the early '70s, then came back here - where he's been ever since. He's mentioned in Stephen Davis's Marley bio because when Tyron Downey left the Wailers in the early '70s it was to take a steady 'society' gig with JoJo, who had some hits and recorded at least one album in Jamaica around that time. Last summer, Peter V and I met up at a record show in Brighton; Peter was pleased to pick up a US promo 45 of "Bo Diddley" / "Who Do You Love", while I was pleased to pick up JoJo's Jamaican LP. I would have bought it anyway, but the back cover alone made it worthwhile for me, because it was made up of copies of clippings - gig listings in Jamaica at the time and at the Hawk's Nest in Toronto and Hawkins' club in Stratford Ontario a year or two earlier, and an interesting "Toronto Star" article talking about his manager - who'd played in Hamilton folk groups with Eugene Levy, Martin Short and Rolf Kempf (writer of the song "Hello Hurray", which Judy Collins and Alice Cooper both had hits with), and whose son, Ian Thornley, appears on Garth's Canadian Celebration CD.

Entered at Sat Apr 5 03:59:11 CEST 2014 from (67.168.71.20)

thomas

Subject: candey

sugarloaf your band jams i like the song green eyed lady live heard that song before going in the us airforce what a song is the band still playing?

Entered at Sat Apr 5 03:20:45 CEST 2014 from (82.41.77.75)

RTO

...and if you throw in Rachel Unthank, I'll bring Francoise Hardy up..

Entered at Sat Apr 5 03:17:03 CEST 2014 from (82.41.77.75)

RTO

If you're going to drag up Nigella, I'll mention Eliza Carthy.

Entered at Sat Apr 5 01:01:53 CEST 2014 from (58.104.3.154)

Wallsend

It seems strange that putting stuff up on Youtube is an issue when you can just torrent it all. I guess the difference is that torrenting is illegal even though everyone does it.

Entered at Fri Apr 4 23:35:05 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Yes Peter!!! Nigella wasn't allowed to travel to the USA because she admitted to using snow (coke diet?) and The Stones and everyone else can travel freely?????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I do enjoy watching her Italian cooking show....Nigellissima. I don't think she's a trained chef but she umm....was brought up with a lot of bourgeois culture so she knows a lot about being a gourmand and is well travelled. I have to admit that I'm spoiled in that my brother is a gourmet cook who was trained in Europe and all the male relatives can cook.

Another shooting in my hood last night. I couldn't even get to two of my favourite stores today.....Otherwise everything is alright. Enjoy the rain....at least we don't have one foot of snow like Northern Boy and Girl!

Entered at Fri Apr 4 23:23:59 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Fri Apr 4 23:22:02 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

The Band - 1976-11-25 -The Complete Last Waltz Bootleg

The Band (and numerous guests)
1976-11-25
Winterland, San Francisco, CA
The Complete Last Waltz Bootleg (4-CDs)

mp3, 256k, raw soundboard
Artwork included

Bob Dylan...The Bootleg Series, Vol 8: Tell Tale Signs (2008)
One of my faves.....Dreamin' Of You was playing on my Nano yesterday.

Travel under any star
You'll see me wherever you are

Nevermind Nirvana Exhibit in the land of story book gardens to celebrate their recording 20 years ago. Is it true that on the liner notes Curt Cobain wrote that if you hate homosexuals, women.....???.....don't bother buying their records. I also didn't know that he was very serious with his painting like so many other musicians. I don't think any of The Band members painted....pictures that is...but Bob Dylan sure did. (I used to have his first book of lyrics and there were many of his drawings whereas the second one that I have doesn't.) Who would have known that Curt Cobain was a feminist (aknowledging that women as a social group are oppressed). In praise of younger men! I always liked Nirvana's cover of Bowie's The Man Who Sold The World. You could probably name any artist and I'll probably tell you one song that's alright.....lol.....like The Chase Is Better Than The Catch by.......??

Entered at Fri Apr 4 23:20:06 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Fri Apr 4 22:16:30 CEST 2014 from (79.160.47.202)

jh

Subject: TLW footage -- all four hours of it!

Hm. How can all this stuff be made available for free on YouTube without the Bill Graham archive people stopping it? I believe these videos are available from "Wolfgang's Vault" if you sign up for a subscription?

Entered at Fri Apr 4 18:26:14 CEST 2014 from (74.203.77.122)

Jon Lyness

Subject: Huck's Tune

Cool, I love that song! It's one of the gems that makes the Tell Tale Signs set essential listening (link). Hope he will continue to spice up the setlists.

Entered at Fri Apr 4 17:05:49 CEST 2014 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: "Huck's Tune": Dylan in Tokyo 4.4.14

'Huck's Tune' from the 2007 soundtrack "Lucky You" was played by Dylan and Band in Tokyo last night. This is its first live performance ever. It can be heard also on one of Dylan's official Bootleg Series compilations of recent times. I wonder what prompted that and if there will be more surprises as the tour continues?

Entered at Fri Apr 4 16:58:34 CEST 2014 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: Understanding Leaf fans (soccer fans who wait patiently will understand)

Lucretia and I subscribe to 'Centre Ice'. That let's us see every Leaf game televised anywhere. We want to be around long enough to see the end of the drought. It will happen. Most think that people like us live in a fool's paradise. It is hard to be a fan when so many years go by with unfulfilled dreams. But dreams are much of what life is about And when they come true, its all worth it!

Entered at Fri Apr 4 16:52:49 CEST 2014 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: Kevin: Leafs, Habs and Dylan (rising again like the phoenix)

Kevin: Still alive and relatively well, apart from sore back recurrence. Nothing much to say recently. Reading with interest. Bemoaning the 'fall from grace'- not uncommon- of our Leafs ' (Les Habs are flying - I may have to take them on next week as surrogate team for the playoffs - sad but true - We'll see: Like all true Leaf fans, we never give up until the lights go out. ).

Dylan is getting rave reviews in Japan and the stuff on line sounds great -singing and everything.

Entered at Fri Apr 4 16:43:38 CEST 2014 from (86.161.193.70)

RTO

Well, Ry's arrangement of Money Honey took the rhythmic blueprint of UOCC to a logical conclusion, for sure...

Entered at Fri Apr 4 16:39:19 CEST 2014 from (24.114.58.120)

Kevin J

Bob Dylan: Tokyo set lists show 19 songs and only 2 or 3 from the 1960's...........wonderful and about time ! Whenever I think of Japan and music, I remember just how much Richard Manuel loved the people and music fans of that country.

Boom Boom Mancini's fighting Bobby Chacon ......Hurry on Home...............wonder where Charlie Y is ? and JT.....

Entered at Fri Apr 4 16:19:47 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Lauryn Hill ''Turn Your lights Down Low'' Live @ One Love Concert - Tribute to Bob

At end of her song you'll see the father of her five children Rohan Marley join her on stage. Rita Marley introduces her. I really dig how she adds dance hall reggae and rap with Marley's roots reggae. She's so fine....an artist who has been missed deeeeeply by many who need to hear a strong female voice who can inspire us to keep on keepin' on......Soooo happy, happy she'll be in town next month.

Entered at Fri Apr 4 16:07:17 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Westie...Of course I was puking my brains out after you fed me eggs on the tug! You woudn't listen.......I get motion sickness. I can't even go high on a swing. Dang! Men! Never listen! Too busy pumpin' up their testosterone. ;-D

Bill M...Of course I saw the doc on rock steady music....at the theatre so I'd get the big screen. It's only been in recent years that I've been hangin' at Kensington Market more....so no....I do remember one time I shared an apartment at a women's Co-Op while I was a student with someone from Jamaica. Uhhhhh.....She was something else....She could never get how I could dig reggae and yet.....Anyway, I've only seen the Satallites at the Bamboo Club many times.

One Love with Dr. John for those of you who need a Band connection. It was at this Concert where I was first exposed to Ben Harper as well.

Lauryn Hill - Chrissie Hynde - Jimmy Cliff - Erykah Badu -Queen Latifah - Darius Rucker - Tracy Chapman - Busta Rhymes - Julian Marley - Chris Robinson - Damian Marley - Ben Harper - Toots Hibbert & The Wailers - Stephen Marley - Ziggy Marley - Eve - Marley Family Band, The Melody Makers & The Wailers - "Africa Unite"

Entered at Fri Apr 4 15:36:53 CEST 2014 from (86.161.193.70)

RTO

Glad to see the Mail covered something aside from immigration!

Entered at Fri Apr 4 13:04:30 CEST 2014 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Cold War Revisited (Music and politics)

RTO, scroll ;-)

From Daily Mail (UK): "American pop stars Miley Cyrus and Justin Timberlake could be forced to cancel Finnish concerts due to U.S. sanctions against the venue's owners. Both singers are due to play dates at the Hartwall Arena in Helsinki, one of Finland's biggest entertainment venues. But the arena's Russian owners are all close associates of Russian President Vladimir Putin and are included on a list of visa bans and asset freezes, imposed by the United States last month."

Footnote: RTO posted that he escapes politics to this gb. No hard feelings!

Entered at Fri Apr 4 06:04:26 CEST 2014 from (108.192.65.60)

Todd

Subject: Richard's Birthday

Almost forgot to mention Richard Manuel's birthday. What a gift that he gave us with his spirit, voice, and music.

At the link is a performance of The Band in Toyko in 1983. Richard is in fine voice and does a beautiful job singing 'You Don't Know Me'.

As great and a huge treat that it was to see the newly found footage from The Band's 1976 tour pre-TLW, which was posted recently, it was tough to hear Richard struggle with some of the vocals in 1976. As one of the fans who didn't get to see the OQ, I'm glad that he got the opportunity with the reformed Band to show that he could still sing some moving vocals and show that he still had the gift in 1983.

Entered at Fri Apr 4 05:42:26 CEST 2014 from (108.192.65.60)

Todd

Subject: Amy Helm in Canada

Well that’s weird. I just showed up here to post, and I see some familiar words in the previous post below. Granted, it’s a charming snippet from a rather poetic flurry of emotion, but no need to dredge up old business from March 4…..that was at least ½ dozen arguments ago. Looks like the post came from an IP in Turkey. The really disappointing thing is that Seyhun didn’t even credit me.

Bill M, good of you to provide the link to Amy’s show. I just saw her on Sunday night here in Connecticut, and had a great time. Amy and the guys are really playing well together after logging a lot of recent road time. Definitely recommend it if you can make it. It looks like Brampton is pretty close to Toronto. Anyone going? Not sure how far it is, but it looks like there’s another show on Saturday in St. Catherines.

At the link above is a 10 minute 3 song clip of Amy Helm and her band from a visit at Live at Jambase HQ, which I think is in San Francisco, so that was probably taped sometime in the past month or so on the California leg of her tour.

On the second song in the set, Ruth Durand’s ‘I’m Wise’ (aka Slippin’ and Slidin’) the drummer, David Berger, has incorporated a washboard into his kit, which he plays with a stick and a spoon….fun stuff. The guitarist Daniel Littleton uses a sound hole pickup in an old Gibson acoustic and gets some pretty funky amplified tones out of it. The third song is an original written by Amy Helm and Byron Isaacs, called ‘Roll the Stone’.

Entered at Fri Apr 4 04:50:53 CEST 2014 from (176.41.127.120)

seyhun

Subject: Web Design

portray the dynamic as Robbie being "over the heads" of the other guys is insulting not only to them, but also to Robbie. Does anyone really think he would have partnered with these guys for as long as he did, if he didn't feel they were equals? He would probably be the first to admit that the songs they created (regardless of who wrote them), would not have reached the creative peaks that they did, without the high level creativity and talent (which takes a mind that can function at a high level). It should not be taken for granted, or minimized, just because the vibe they gave off was low key, laid back, and folksy. These were sharp dudes….all of them.

Entered at Fri Apr 4 03:43:54 CEST 2014 from (68.171.231.80)

Bill M

Subject: Amy Helm plays Brampton Ontario tomorrow (Friday)

Entered at Fri Apr 4 01:11:34 CEST 2014 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Billie Preston

Last week I had to go and move two barges for Helifor. I scoot out of Smith Inlet with one. Up to Jackson Pass, put it in place, grab the fuel barge they want and back to Smith Inlet.

All the time they keep forecasting this dirty heavy South east gale, but it stayed flat calm, moon light and nice. I come out of Smith Inlet, running light to head back to Port Hardy. Half way across the open Queen Charlotte Sound....it showed up. I got the gawd damnest shit kicking! Well what can you do? At times like this, I start to sing something, or blast some gawd damn music on the stereo. I just started thinking of George, and Billie Preston doing this song. It gives me a lift just listen, it don't get any better than this!

By the way.....I had that Brown Eyed Angelina decking on my boat for a while.......had to fire that rig! all she did was puke over the side all the time......gawd damn wimmin!-:)......haw-haw-haw

Entered at Thu Apr 3 19:55:00 CEST 2014 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

BEG: Thanks for reminding me of Ibrahim Ferrer. I bought the Ry-produced "Buena Vista Social Club" CD when it came out, and loved Wim Wenders' movie. In a somewhat similar vein, "Rocksteady: The Roots of Reggae" is also well worth watching (see link for trailer). As you may know, the narrator, Stranger Cole, had a record store in Kensington Market for many years. Somewhere in the movie you see a poster for ska keyboard pioneer Jackie Mittoo, who backed the original Marley / Wailers trio on their early '45, initially as a member of the Skatalites and subsequently as leader of the Soul Vendors. He moved here in '67, so you may even have caught him playing on Yonge Street or somewhere; sadly, I never did.

Entered at Thu Apr 3 16:54:23 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Ibrahim Ferrer in Santiago de Cuba performing "Marieta"! Get ready for a real musical experience! Check out the guitarist at around 6:00 minutes.

Sorry!! ......Ry Cooder.....accidentally.....stuck a knife into his left eye at the age of four.

Entered at Thu Apr 3 16:09:04 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Toronto's Blue Rodeo perform "Out Of The Blue" in the land of storybook gardens. Some organ and tasteful guitar and....Greg Keelor's heartfelt singing here....Usually we get this from Jim Cuddy.

Sometimes I don't know you
You're like someone else
But that's allright
I'm a stranger here myself

She don't shed a tear
When I walk out that door
She knows, she knows
I'll be coming back for more

Hi Jed...Wow. You just made my day....You're so kind Jed.
imagezulu will be the first to tell anyone that sometimes I'm a very difficult person because I'm painfully independent....but he'll also tell you that I have a big heart. Like Richard Manuel......I feeeeeel too much at times which is good .......sometimes.....and not so good at other times.
I like that you're strong enough to share your feelings and personal experiences here. It is soooo refreshing to have your posts here. When you posted about seeing The Band live in Jersey....I could feeeel your excitement! I really dig your vibe and again.....glad you're back 'cause you have so many musical experiences to share from upstate NY. Maybe we'll all meet in October for a Celebration of The Band Guest Book and JH's freeeeedom 55 birthday! Hopefully us Robbiesonians are welcome. I do post about all Band members but the Grand River is what really connects me with Robbie....and the fact that he's a songwriter and an emotional guitar player. :-D

Another connection with Robbie and Ryland Cooder.....They're both in my BAM magazine.....Ry Cooder's Fascinatin' Rhythms.
I had no idea that he has a glass eye as he stuck a knife in his left eye. I have Bop Til You Drop and I used to have others like Borderline. I also really appreciate how he brought many of Cuba's finest to the rest of us. My favourite is Marietta by Ibrahim Ferrer. All of you have to visit Cuba via Canada/Mexico for the Americans.....It's a magical place. Last year I was feeling really down and a few of us went to Habana again.....as soon as I arrived my mild depression lifted....The music, the people, the vibe, the architecture, the resilience and energy of the people......Tourists are worshipped there and it's the safest place to be.....fourth time in Cuba but I visited different areas each time like Varadero Beach, Santiago De Cuba....most reasonable holiday as well! Yes, other things aren't good.....Crabgrass and I had a shouting match in here about Cuba......lol.....then Ed Voici came in and helped me out......I'm terrible at debating.....one thing that Cuba does have however is that everyone does attend school and health care is free also. The last two times I visited there was evidence of capitalism creeping through in that people can have their homes as restaurants and when we visited a tobacco farmer we were told that a certain percentage goes to the state and the rest goes to him. In university my profs called Cuba.....State Capitalism.....as you can't have socialism until you've had capitalism in order to produce so much product.......Ok....enough of politics....I have strong opinions but I'm just too lazy to explain my positions. Oh well....;-D

Marietta....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVKE6ewPrY4

Entered at Thu Apr 3 15:25:13 CEST 2014 from (121.211.87.72)

Dlew919

It's pretty amazing that they haven't done anything together...

Entered at Thu Apr 3 14:57:10 CEST 2014 from (100.33.95.254)

Jed

Anyone ever tell you that you have a warm heartt?

Entered at Thu Apr 3 14:51:55 CEST 2014 from (74.78.175.69)

Far East Man

Subject: Happy Birthday

Just wanted to say Happy Birthday to the late great one and only Richard Manuel. Thanks for all the love you gave.

Entered at Thu Apr 3 14:47:38 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

King of Comedy DivX.avi (1983) full video

"The King of Comedy is a 1983 American black comedy film[2] starring Robert De Niro and Jerry Lewis, and directed by Martin Scorsese. The subject of the movie is celebrity worship and the American media culture. It was released on February 18, 1983 in the United States by 20th Century Fox.

Rupert Pupkin (De Niro), a stage-door autograph hound, is an aspiring stand-up comedian whose ambition far exceeds his paltry talent. After meeting Jerry Langford (Lewis), a successful comedian and talk show host, Rupert believes his "big break" has finally come. He attempts to get a place on the show, but is continually rebuffed by Langford's staff and, finally, by Langford himself....."

I have the cassette of the soundtrack. I previously posted a link where you can download Robbie's "Between Trains"....
"Robbie Robertson produced the music for the film's soundtrack and contributed his first original work after leaving The Band entitled "Between Trains".[11] This song, a tribute to a member of the production staff who had suddenly passed away, is on the soundtrack album but not in the movie itself."
Van's "Wonderful Remark"
B.B. King's "T'Ain't Nobody's Bizness (If I Do)

The other songs I like on this recording are Rickie Leeeee Jones' "Rainbow Sleeves" written by Tom Waits.
Ray Charles...Come Rain or Come Shine
Talking Heads..."Swamp"
The Pretenders...Back On The Chain Gang

Entered at Thu Apr 3 14:42:33 CEST 2014 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: "was Dylan really terrible in the 80s?"

Not according to this critic . . . .

Entered at Thu Apr 3 14:22:55 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

BUSCADERO N 76 - OPAL E IL MISTERO SST RY COODER ROBBIE ROBERTSON

Entered at Thu Apr 3 14:14:45 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Put the Boot In:"Twilight"-The Band 9-18-1976 The Palladium NYC

Jed...I really appreciate that you share about your family in this GB. You seem to have had a very enriched life growing up with all the musicians in your family. I was in school choirs as I seem to feeeeel more free when I sing, sing, sing.

Wallsend...I'm glad you took the time to watch the Van interview by Candy Dulfur. I have never seen Van soooo relaxed where he just blah, blah, blahed about everything. When he was asked about Astral Weeks....All Van can remember........how much he was ripped off!

Entered at Thu Apr 3 13:32:26 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Bobby Charles

The reissue on Light In The Attic label of "Bobby Charles" gets a two page review in Uncut (Springsteen front cover). I think "rarely heard masterpiece with The Band" exaggerates their contribution a tad, as does "Bobby Charles doubles as The Band (sans Robbie Robertson)'s lost album." Mind you that has been said here (before the credits were researched) and it might be me who said it. The review says "Even if Danko / Hudson / Helm / Manuel weren't all always on board (true credits remain murky) their vibe is everywhere."

The credits are murky but not THAT murky. See the link to the notes on this site which were based on Jim Colegrove and Geoff Muldaur's information. That doesn't include Richard Manuel specifically, though he was listed on the long non-specific listing, and even Rick Danko gets a "probably" plus a trombone, (though there is production, and writing credits too).

Entered at Thu Apr 3 10:47:03 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I always enjoy the "Back to My Place" section in Mojo where they ask people about favorite records. This month is Beverly Martyn, and I immediately liked her choices. First record bought: Cathy's Clown by The Everly Brothers. Record to groove to? Black Market by Weather Report. Saturday Night record? All Right Now by Free. Then favorite album is Infidels by Bob Dylan … I always like the fact that so many different Dylan albums are favourites. She mentions being invited to tea while recording "Stormbringer" in Woodstock (on which Levon played) but couldn't go because John Martyn was jealous.

I begin to worry about concentration. Every couple of months, I do a run of checking blood pressure - morning and night for a week and keep a record. I don't take medication, but my doctor advises this so you know if you should. I use an arm monitor. This morning I woke up, picked up my iPad which is by the bed, put on the large headphones and started searching the screen for the start button to take blood pressure. It took me at least ten seconds before I noticed the arm monitor three feet away. I think it's excusable. Machine … plug in wires with bit on the end … but it's still worrying!

Entered at Thu Apr 3 08:01:27 CEST 2014 from (58.104.19.146)

Wallsend

I am sure this must have been posted here before but it is the first time I have seen it.

Entered at Thu Apr 3 04:29:12 CEST 2014 from (68.171.231.80)

Bill M

Entered at Thu Apr 3 01:10:40 CEST 2014 from (80.3.71.216)

Ian W

Subject: Happy Birthday and Like A Rolling Stone

Peter V mentioned "Happy Birthday" a while back. Here's Dylan marking Howie Epstein's birthday [over 25 years back] and then introducing Al Kooper on "Lik A Rolling Stone".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rR3htRo5lXw

An unusually long rap from Dylan, too. [What is in that cigarette?]

Entered at Thu Apr 3 00:19:22 CEST 2014 from (75.34.58.252)

Adam

Subject: Ry Cooder & The Band

Remember a few times we've tried to connect Ry Cooder and The Band? The closest was that he played on the Woody Guthrie 1972 tribute album, along with Dylan/Crackers, though he did not actually appear at the same '68 concert that they did.

Link is to a Judy Collins live album, recorded 1970, with Cooder and presumably a young Richard Bell in the group. Closest link?

Entered at Wed Apr 2 23:35:51 CEST 2014 from (58.104.19.146)

Wallsend

Entered at Wed Apr 2 22:46:10 CEST 2014 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Wed Apr 2 21:34:44 CEST 2014 from (58.104.19.146)

Wallsend

I was thinking of European classical music. I am not competent to participate in a discussion of Indian or North African music but would love to listen it. I know Indian music is based on improvisation which is quite different to jazz improvisation. Musical training which combines both reading and improvisation seems the best. If you don't have a natural ability to improvise it requires a detailed understanding of harmony which makes you really think about music.

Entered at Wed Apr 2 21:04:43 CEST 2014 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

It's a wonderful skill, and allows for such things as Rock of Ages . . . .

Years ago, I was bunking with my brother the (university-trained) piano player for a few days over a weekend. On the Saturday afternoon, I watched him rehearse the jazz band he'd pulled together to play a wedding that evening. The repertoire was mostly standards, but there were two or three traditional / ethnic tunes that had to be played at particular points in the proceedings.

So the bandleader grabbed the sheet music, spent some quality time with a Xerox machine, and headed off to meet the players at the venue. Once the players had been introduced to each other and set up, they ran through the special songs a couple of times. The rehearsal improved the product, but not by a whole bunch -- the tunes were perfectly acceptable on the first run-through.

Entered at Wed Apr 2 20:08:30 CEST 2014 from (96.232.159.74)

Joan

I agree with you. There are people who play music other and people who know the music. I can barely carry a tune but I played the clarinet (badly) in high school I could read music but I was just playing notes My husband on the other hand plays guitar and piano. He reads music but he also can play by ear.He paid attention in music theory classes

Entered at Wed Apr 2 18:54:35 CEST 2014 from (100.33.95.254)

Jed

Growing up,as I was learning to play a few instruments my classically trained dad used to tell me,playing by ear is not knowing music-in fact,he would argue,that playing music without being able to read music was like learning to read without learning your a b c's.Interestingly,I found playing the correct notes was one thing,but playing with the right feel was quite another thing.Thus,my classically trained mom and I used to play and sing together and mom's piano playing was perfect for tunes she loved.When we played R&R or blues I used to joke with her about her clunky style-or was it plodding!? As I've gotten older(old!?) I've learned that having a good ear and reading music were the ideal combination and I've never mastered reading,or I'm lazy and prefer just picking up an instrument and playing.Perhaps that's why my playing still sucks!

Entered at Wed Apr 2 17:37:34 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

1865 (96 Degrees In The Shade)...Third World....very tasteful licks this time with "Cat" Coor and always great singing by Michael Clarke....I guess smoking doesn't affect everyone's voice afterall. Or maybe it depends on what you're smokin'.

Again.....I will miss Michael Clarke's (known to some as Bunny Rugs) voice very much. Thank you for always putting on a great show and making all of us feeeeel irie....if even for a short time.:-D

Entered at Wed Apr 2 17:43:22 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I saw The Nice several times with him stabbing his organ, which reads badly if you don't know the context.

Someone asked the difference between a violinist and a fiddler. A musician friend present at the conversation defined it, "A violinist sits down and doesn't improvise; a fiddler stands up and does." It doesn't fit every example I can think of (Nigel Kennedy standing springs to mind), but it's a reasonable generalization.

Entered at Wed Apr 2 17:36:06 CEST 2014 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Wed Apr 2 17:22:50 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Classically trained rock/reggae/soul musicians:

Garth Hudson (Organ, harmonica, oboe, autoharp, jew's harp, clarinet, trumpet, french horn, piano, keyboards, accordion, synthesizers, saxophone, flute, mellotron, harmonium, pedalboard, slide trumpet, piccolo, melodica, vocals, bass, drums, cello, violin and clavinet)

John Cale (Velvet Underground.....Vocals, viola, violin, guitar, bass, organ, piano, harpsichord, keyboards, harmonica, cello, double bass, saxophone, mellotron, celesta)

Keith Emerson (Allmusic refers to Emerson as "perhaps the greatest, most technically accomplished keyboardist in rock history".

Stephen "Cat" Coor (Third World...Viola, but in this clip he's playing snare drums. He usually plays guitar. In this clip he's also singing...in a falsetto voice to boot.)

I only just found out that long time lead singer for Third World William Clarke......passed on February 4, 2014....cancer of the blood....better known as leukemia.....very well known in my family. His voice will really be missed because it was the voice....of the group. He was the lead vocalist....strong solid soulful voice of the group. He was on all of their recordings except for the first one. Other favourites are 1865 (96 Degrees In The Shade), African Woman, Sense of Purpose.....
Check out one of the groups imagezulu and I saw together performing Now That We Found Love. Another time I saw them with friends and they just always put on a great show. Those of us who know the words just can't help singing along and groovin' with them. "Cat" usually brings out his viola at the end of their shows. Thank you!

"Third World was known for fusing reggae with soul and pop music, and the group was occasionally criticized for that by reggae purists. In a 1992 interview with Billboard magazine, Mr. Clarke described the band’s identity: “Strictly a reggae band, no. Definitely a reggae band, yes.”

Entered at Wed Apr 2 17:22:04 CEST 2014 from (70.53.46.21)

Kevin J

Interesting stats released yesterday on the sales of recorded music worldwide……..USA led the way with $4.48 billion in 2013, Japan was second with $4.42 billion – and for anyone that has had the great pleasure of visiting one of the many glorious record stores in Japan – this is not a surprise……………….The UK was third with $1.33 billion just ahead of Germany ( another great place for record stores ) at $1.29 billion……..Canada was 8th with $453 million………………………….physical sales are still dominant with 57% of the world market and digital was at 35%.

Entered at Wed Apr 2 17:00:21 CEST 2014 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

NWC: Getting back to Finnish mythology, you likely know that your people's epic "Kalevala" was the model for Longfellow's "Song of Hiawatha". Sadly, the guy used a different meter for his other #1 hit, "Evangeline", the one with a closer link to our guys, who borrowed the title for one song and elements of the plot for another.

RtO, the GB's - if not the entire rock world's - biggest fan of "Three Men in a Boat", may have noticed in his close readings of the sacred text that the author slips into the same meter for two nifty paragraphs a few pages from the end of the book.

Entered at Wed Apr 2 16:24:43 CEST 2014 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Classical music / Wallsend

Good to see someone posting on classical music. I assume you mean Western classical music. We have had posts on classical Indian and North African music before. - Well, we have different opinion. Best rock and jazz musicians in 60s and 70s here in Nordic Countries were classically educated. It was common background especially in Finland (Sibelius Academy, Conservatories). These musicians were also those who were best in _improvisation_.

Entered at Wed Apr 2 16:13:11 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Hi sadavid...I think the other Band members were aware of Bob Dylan but weren't into folk music at all. As Robbie would say....They were from the other side of the tracks and played more dangerous music. Oh Robbie....trying to act tough here. lol.....

The Band was a roots rock group Bill M just like Bob Marley and The Wailers were a roots reggae group. I grew up on 8-tracks and yet had no The Band tapes in my collection. My first CD was a compilation recording. Only years later my partner bought me many The Band albums.

I remembered his speech but I didn't remember the performance. I always try and watch every music award show 'cause ya just never know who will show up. This Sunday I'll be watching a country award show. Anyway, who is the guitarist hiding behind the shades? Btw, Joan Baez has said in interviews that just as you think you've figured Bob out that he's already moved on to the next thing.....one of my connections with Bob.....I move on to the next topic quickly too...but in the GB. ;-D

20 Most Awesomely Retro Moments in Grammy History

20. Bob Dylan (1991): The Bard Takes His Time, Confuses Everyone

"Operation Desert Storm was just weeks old when Bob Dylan was given a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 1991 Grammys. There was supposed to be an all-star tribute to Dylan, but many of the artists backed out, forcing Dylan to play a raggedy, reggae (say what?????) "Masters of War" by himself. He also gave one of the most bizarre speeches of his life. "Thank you," he said. "Well, all right. Yeah. Well, my daddy didn't leave me too much. He was a very simple man, and he didn't leave me a lot. But what he taught me was, is that he did say, 'Son. . .' He said, um. . . [eight-second pause] he said so many things. But he did say, 'It's possible to become so defiled in this world that your own mother and father will abandon you. If that does happen, God will always believe in your own ability to mend your own ways. Thank you.'" All right then."

Entered at Wed Apr 2 15:56:12 CEST 2014 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Wed Apr 2 15:35:58 CEST 2014 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: rock & roll reportage

From BEG's RS link:

"The only member of the group born in the United States, drummer Levon Helm comes from West Helena, Arkansas, the home of blues harp player Sonny Boy Williamson."

""We had never heard of Bob Dylan," says drummer Levon Helm, who, as a sharecropper's son from the South Arkansas Delta country, is the only American in the band."

Oh no . . . I never noticed this stuff before . . . .

Entered at Wed Apr 2 11:00:26 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

The Band - The Band 1969 CAPITOL A5 8-track tape

Entered at Wed Apr 2 10:56:59 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

The Beginnings of the Band: Getting Started, Meeting Bob Dylan, and 'Music From Big Pink'

'We had never heard of Bob Dylan,' says drummer Levon Helm. 'But he had heard of us. He said, "You wanna play Hollywood Bowl?"'

"Isn't everybody dreaming?" Richard Manuel sings, ". . . Then the voice I hear is real . . . Out of all the idle scheming . . . can't we have something to feel?"

Entered at Wed Apr 2 10:42:51 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

WHAT A PARTY - levon helm 1963

"1961 Roulette "Sexy Ways" session in NYC, Levon, Robbie & Rick. Most of session Ronnie was lead vocal (as per always, at least on vinyl). He left and Levon took lead on this and at least 2 other non-released tracks -"Further On Up the Road" and Muddy Water's "Nineteen Years Old". Other possible musicians on this are saxman Jerry Penfound and Roy Buchanan (then working as a NYC studio session instrumentalist, at least on one track as a bassist). backup singers - Dionne Warwick, Dee Dee Warwick, Cissy Houston??"

Entered at Wed Apr 2 01:46:57 CEST 2014 from (24.161.13.96)

Dennis

Subject: I certainly hope....

I certainly hope you folks took an hour to click on the name Ethan Davis who posted that '76 show: you'll be in for another great surprise! Enjoy.....

Entered at Wed Apr 2 00:38:20 CEST 2014 from (24.114.58.111)

Kevin J

Had the 76 show playing and damn if I didn't think I heard Levon singing the reformed Band's version of "Atlantic City" when The Band kick off "Forbidden Fruit"........funny how that is sometimes.

Entered at Tue Apr 1 22:31:43 CEST 2014 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Tue Apr 1 21:56:38 CEST 2014 from (100.33.95.254)

Jed

Recently,I read Donald Fagen's book and throughout the book and then at the end,he develops the organizing principles of road related mental illness in the rock business.He's hilarious in how he tells the story and it helped me understand in great detail how truly right Robbie was about the dangers on the road.Most musicians who get the rush of live touring seem to continue and it would've been fun to see these guys carry on.Everyone chooses their path in life!

Entered at Tue Apr 1 21:48:01 CEST 2014 from (58.104.17.149)

Wallsend

Entered at Tue Apr 1 21:26:10 CEST 2014 from (70.53.46.21)

Kevin J

Entered at Tue Apr 1 21:19:05 CEST 2014 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Tue Apr 1 20:46:17 CEST 2014 from (74.203.77.122)

Jon Lyness

I listened to the NJ show last week and yep, wow, it's terrific. Someone mentioned last week too that Richard sounds pretty rough in this show, and funny, my first take was that he looks and sounds surprisingly good, given that it's Richard circa '76 which was not a great year for him. Some very passionate singing on his lead vocal songs, and some strong harmony vocals with Rick/Levon on Twilight and Ophelia (my impression from some of the '73 and '76 boots is that on his 'off' nights he kept mostly to his songs and did a bare minimum of extra harmonies elsewhere, but I really hear him well on those songs in particular).

Entered at Tue Apr 1 19:34:53 CEST 2014 from (100.33.95.254)

Jed

Like some of the 76 shows the raggedness of the road was evident.Richard's emotion is there,but his voice is very rough.Rick and Levon,playing and singing are incredible.Watching Levon pound the drums while singing is spellbinding.Brings back memories of the Palladium show I saw in 76,but this seems like a better show to me.The Palladium was tighter and the sound(being there and on tape/cd)was clearer but something about this show,as I'm still listening,just grabs you and doesn't let go.Some of the sound problems on this open up some interesting angles on the music-thus,a paricular RR lead on a song goes behind Garth's flutelike keyboard sound and suddenly you're hit with these really interesting sounds that are usually way more moderated in the mix.A real treat.The musicianship,the songs-still nothing better in music!

Entered at Tue Apr 1 18:41:40 CEST 2014 from (100.33.95.254)

Jed

Thanks so much for posting that.It hits you immediately,the electricity,the vibration,pure energy.And,just one song in,I listen to RR's lead,it's uniqueness and I'm reminded that he really is one of the most distinctive guitar voices in music.In those notes/chords alone you can hear his greatness.Time to watch/listen again to see exactly what he's playing and how he does that.wow!

Entered at Tue Apr 1 18:13:14 CEST 2014 from (79.160.47.202)

jh

Subject: The Band, Casino Arena, NJ, 1976

Whole concert. Decent quality b/w footage and sound.

Entered at Tue Apr 1 17:38:14 CEST 2014 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

BEG: Oddly, the song that says "Greece" to me whenever I hear it is Cutting Crew's "Died In Your Arms", which was practiced ceaselessly for several days by a band about to appear at the club next door to our pension on Thassos. Jeez, 1987.

Entered at Tue Apr 1 16:57:29 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Entered at Tue Apr 1 15:18:45 CEST 2014 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Tue Apr 1 14:44:15 CEST 2014 from (174.89.36.94)

brown eyed girl

Ignatius (Glenn)...You probably don't remember me (a decade ago!) but I met you in Jersey via of Crabgrass. Ollabelle was performing at an outdoor venue. We chatted briefly as we're both Canadians. Where do I find this song? Please see link if you check in again. Many thanks! :-D

Yassou Chris. Kalós írthes...I haven't been to Greece since I was fifteen years old. Very sad situation there these days.......

Another poster from Greece (pretty little girl) used to post here as well. She came to Canada to teach art in our feminist school for girls (one of my friend's daughters attends....maybe five in each class!!!). We were supposed to go to Rick Danko's Tribute with Blackie and The Rodeo Kings but her visa didn't come through in time. When she did arrive we did see Dylan with Paul James at the Air Canada Centre and TLW at one of our movie theatres. We did not go to the washroom/bathroom/restroom during Neil Diamond's performance. lol Every time I walk by our Elgin Theatre I remember the year 1978 when I watched TLW not once but twice in a row and where I saw Festival Express during our Toronto Film Festival. Anyway, she couldn't believe I still posted because she left because of the sexism at times. I told her I just ignore them or call out the pitbulls....I never even told her how bad it really got at times....In general the positives here outweight the negatives.

Jed....pretty little girl also lived in England. She told me that when she saw the Reformed Band that one them was falling off their chair because of.....and another band member had to help him out. I'm glad you were able to see many shows and enjoy them. I think on a good day they'd be great to see live but their recordings were missing a good song-writer. When I saw Levon, Garth and The Hawk at one of our tributes to The Hawk.....It was very good and I throughly enjoyed myself but.......I was yearning for Robbie to be on the same stage at Massey Hall......I wanted to hear his guitar playing......The Weber Brothers were there and are always great to see but.....I wanted to feeeeel the magic that they once had......I know.....I'm such a dreamer....;-D

Entered at Tue Apr 1 14:09:17 CEST 2014 from (81.107.236.227)

Roger

Subject: Safe arguments

Just got back from Tromso and Svalbard. Norway's wonderful. I'd been expecting every Norseman I met to be humming The Weight or Dixie or at least some DFA but that wasn't the case. Come on Jan work harder. Saw northern lights - Band connection there.

Didn't see Bournemouth's 8 goals Peter - wow, I get to 2 football matches a year - Bournemouth and Old Trafford. But I always look at Bournemouth first in any list of results. They've never done as well. Any other time they've got into the 2nd division they've crashed straight out.

Glad to see the arguments are about pretty arpeggios and Eric Clapton but sorry to see David P has gone over to the other side. Hi to Rob too.

Entered at Tue Apr 1 09:50:57 CEST 2014 from (213.205.229.119)

RTO

Entered at Tue Apr 1 07:54:34 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter v

Entered at Tue Apr 1 04:39:39 CEST 2014 from (58.104.19.114)

Wallsend

Entered at Tue Apr 1 04:02:09 CEST 2014 from (24.114.58.111)

Kevin J

Jed........Thanks for the reminder........for those that have not seen it yet..."Tom Dowd and the Language of Music" is one of the all-time great music docs........trust me on this one.....just go get it.

Entered at Tue Apr 1 03:12:04 CEST 2014 from (82.41.77.75)

RTO

What is a real shame about this track is that there is a company operating under the name of it who make supposedly high-end instrument cables for musicians.

The carry a lifetime guarantee knowing full well that if it works when you get it home and continues to do so after you have done a few gigs with it, you'll throw the receipt away, as it is only a cable after all.

They're absolute dog crap. They often have captive plug ends that you can't open up to inspect and/or resolder, and start to crackle or just fail outright in no time at all. They should have taken the Dylan song "Wiggle Wiggle" as their name instead, because that's what you seem to do with the plugs on them in jack sockets, trying to chase the bad connection.

Entered at Tue Apr 1 02:55:35 CEST 2014 from (82.41.77.75)

RTO

After I laid the gauntlet down by saying Layla (all of it; I don't like the first half any better than the second) marred the album of its own namesaking, it's anybody's game in the latest rounds.

Peter Viney opened strong by suggesting that it was in fact the strongest track, and that I should also revise my opinion of Moondance, to which I also applied the same logic. However, Peter goes out of the fight at this point: for having even acknowledged the concept of Premier League football today, he is clearly uncouth and monosyllabic and this is a shock.

Todd appears to be the "quiet assassin" of the contest, having spoken sensibly about it. Watch him.

In the meanwhile, Kerrin and Pat B battle it out. This is a fascinating debate now as seemingly Kerrin has thrown the curve ball of being a keyboard player who picked on the piano coda to single out for dislike. He says it is comprised of Grade 2 arpeggios and is crap.

Enter Pat B, no slouch as a musician himself, who has employed two brilliant counter arguments. So we have crap vs not crap and Grade 2 piano arpeggios vs not grade 2 arpeggios. It's anybody's game here.

What we can learn, however, is that both Kerrin and Pat have better qualifications on the ivories than I have. I couldn't tell you what goes into even a Grade 2 examination because I have never even looked at a book of formal tuition, instead preferring to wing it after soaking up a few Small Faces singles and purchasing my first Hammond M100.

Tomorrow will be interesting. I think Peter "Hoodie" V may try and stage a comeback via building upon his newfound football fanbase, and that tips on keeping a Staffordshire Bull Terrier named "Tyrone" and a round up of microwaveable french fries will be the smokescreen of choice, innit though.

Entered at Tue Apr 1 00:59:17 CEST 2014 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Tue Apr 1 00:05:38 CEST 2014 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter v

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