The Band Guestbook, December 1999

Posted on Thu Dec 9 22:58:17 CET 1999 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

This hardly rates as new news, but Stan Szelest completists may want to pick up Jack de Keyzer's 1991 CD, "Hard Working Man", on which Stan plays on four songs, and de Keyzer's 1994 CD, "Wild At Heart", which is dedicated to Stan's memory. (The two played together in the late '70s/early '80s, first with Ronnie Hawkins, and then along with King Biscuit Boy and ex-Hawk Sandy Konikoff.)

Posted on Thu Dec 9 21:54:09 CET 1999 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

Someone asked about Toronto singer-songwriter Marc Jordan a few weeks ago. Today's Toronto Star had a long story on the nice life he now leads with his wife, Amy Sky. Turns out that she sang for Hawkins for three years - so there's a Band connection above the one I mentioned earlier.

Posted on Thu Dec 9 19:42:18 CET 1999 from ric-wht-pxy-int02.wheatfirst.com (204.238.130.68)

Bones

While we are on the Beatles theme... does anyone know which track or tracks Levon plays on Ringo's Rotogravure? I could not find his name in the liner notes.

Posted on Thu Dec 9 19:13:43 CET 1999 from ppp154.a1-2.56k.execulink.com (209.239.9.220)

paul godfrey

Carmen...re: Beatles & the Band.

Of course Ringo had Rick & Levon tour with him, plus he appeared in the Last Waltz. However, are you familiar with the John Lennon connection with Ronnie Hawkins. John and Yoko Ohhhhh-NO were Ronnie's house guests in Mississauga Ontario in the early 70's. Story goes that Yoko stuck Ronnie with a $10,000 phone bill.

Posted on Thu Dec 9 18:17:36 CET 1999 from 185.philadelphia-16-17rs.pa.dial-access.att.net (12.78.214.185)

carmen

Dr. Pepper, sorry if I took your comment the wrong way. I guess I am a little gun-shy with all the Christian/Catholic bashing that goes around these days.

MattK, No apoligy needed. This is a confusing one. One of those things which requires faith since I am sure there is no scientific test which could prove it out.

Now, back to the BAND, I got the day off and been listining to some music. Every time I listen to both Rick Danko (Self Titled) and RR (Storyville), I find myself liking them more then I did the last time I listened. Just makes me wish for the day these two would work together again.

Posted on Thu Dec 9 17:38:35 CET 1999 from tfsmdgatekeeper1.cda.com (198.80.171.28)

mattk

OOOPS!

Carmen, I owe you a HUGE apology. Guess I know why Dan Quayle is a Presbyterian...turns out you are correct. According to Pius X dictate, the feast of the immaculate conception is to celebrate the inherent purity of Mary, which was instilled in her during HER conception. Very interesting...

Dr. Pepper, it turns out that Dec. 8 is a somewhat random assignment. It was traditionally celebrated on Dec. 9 as part of the Feast of St. Anne (Mary's Mom). However, following the lead of US Bishops, in 1854, Pope Pius IX declared Dec. the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and the rest as they say, is history.

Matt

Posted on Thu Dec 9 17:17:33 CET 1999 from (208.218.212.243)

David Powell

In recent years J.J. Cale's "Crazy Mama" has become an established part of both The Band's and Rick Danko's live performances. A great arrangement of the song, featuring some excellent fret work by Jim Weider, appears on Rick's "Live At Breeze Hill." When J.J. Cale first recorded the song on his "Naturally" album, a young Nashville session guitarist, McGavock "Mac" Gayden, added a distinctive guitar sound that has become part of the song's signature. Gayden developed a soulful, moaning tone by playing bottleneck slide in conjunction with a wah-wah pedal.

In addition to his session work, Gayden has established himself as a fine songwriter and singer. Along with his friend, Nashville producer Buzz Cason, Gayden wrote the song "Everlasting Love" in 1965. It first became a hit when Robert Knight recorded it at that time, and over the years would be recorded by a dozen different artists. The song has the distinction of being one of only two songs to make the Billboard Charts in four separate decades. Ce Ce Wynans had a gospel hit with it and Gloria Estefan recorded a disco version in both English & Spanish in 1994 that has since sold seven million copies. In the late '80s, the group U2 recorded a version of the song that appeared briefly only on a flip side of a single. This year, U2's version appeared in the soundtrack to the movie "Forces of Nature." More recently, the original version of the song is prominently featured on television in a commercial. An earlier song that Gayden wrote, "She Shot A Hole In My Soul," became a hit for Clifford Curry and was later recorded by the Box Tops.

Gayden has played on sessions with Ian & Silvia (along with Fred Carter), Linda Ronstadt, Simon & Garfunkel, Leonard Cohen, and John Hiatt, just to name a few. In the mid '70s he was associated with two great bands made up of Nashville all-star session musicians, Area Code 615 and Barefoot Jerry. His rare debut album, self-titled "McGavock Gayden," was produced by Bob Johnson of Dylan fame and was released in 1972 only in Europe. Gayden later recorded two fine albums for MCA, "Skyboat" (1975) and "Hymn to the Seeker" (1976).

In 1995 Gayden released a wonderful but overlooked CD entitled "Nirvana Blues" that includes his own rollicking version of "Crazy Mama" in which he displays at lenghth his distinctive wah-slide style. Among the session musicians joining Gayden on this album are Al Kooper and Willie Weeks. Not only is Gayden a fine guitarist and songwriter, but he has a smooth & rich singing voice straight out of the School of Southern Soul. All of these abilities are on full display on this album. Gayden's songwriting skills have matured over the years, and he either wrote or co-wrote twelve of the CD's fourteen cuts. There is a deep spiritual quality to the music on this album--not overtly religious, but rather refreshingly life-affirming. I highly recommend this album to everyone who enjoys the music of The Band.

Posted on Thu Dec 9 17:08:02 CET 1999 from tfsmdgatekeeper1.cda.com (198.80.171.28)

mattk

Not to be nudge, Carmen, but:

1) I don't think mentioning that a religious observance occurs during a certain week qualifies as a "religious comment." It's not like he was typing in the Apostle's Creed, or the Our Father or something

and...

While I'm not Catholic, and am addmittedly not sure of exactly what is celebrated this week, at least in Presbyterian Sunday School, they taught us that the "immaculate conception" was the holy act of Mary's impregnation with Jesus--holy as, according to docterine, pregnancy was virginal, which is why they call it "immaculate."

matt

Posted on Thu Dec 9 14:58:12 CET 1999 from icache-3.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Jan,,,Thanks for placing Rick Danko photos up on *WHATS NEW* of this page, I hope you enjoyed them, and I'll be sending you more photos as time goes on,,,also,,,I've been waiting for 6 days to say this to you from Rick, Rick says this about you Jan, "I've never before heard of a person with such a love as to what ( Jan H. ) he does on that ( The Band ) site".

Posted on Thu Dec 9 14:34:55 CET 1999 from proxy-413.public.paix.webtv.net (209.240.197.13)

Just Wonderin'

Thanks to those who pointed me in the direction of Marcus' article. Anyway you look at it...sad commentary indeed!

Posted on Thu Dec 9 13:03:30 CET 1999 from 6.philadelphia-11-12rs.pa.dial-access.att.net (12.78.212.6)

carmen

Hey Dr. Pepper, The Immaculate Conception has to do with the conception of Mary not Jesus. And lets keep our Religious comments to ourselves.

Posted on Thu Dec 9 05:37:27 CET 1999 from proxy5.rdc1.on.wave.home.com (24.2.9.37)

Bill

When in Seattle last week, I noticed that the used book store in the Pike Street Market, which also sells records, had a sealed copy of the Muldaurs' most excellent "Sweet Potatoes" LP - the one with them and Amos Garrett doing "Havana Moon", "Lazybones" and much else. Cheap at $12 considering the thing's been scarce in any condition for 20 years or so. A smarter man than I would have bought it as a spare, and now I'm 2500 miles away or something ...

Posted on Thu Dec 9 05:12:00 CET 1999 from gdh2-429.twcny.rr.com (24.24.5.41)

Dr. Pepper

Bashful Bill...glad to see you are still alive....At some point you should take some time to give your perspective on the Last Waltz...since you were there. Do you remember when I introduced you to Rick and mentioned that you were at the Last Waltz and Rick replied, "So was I". this wasn't too many years after we bagged groceries together for Keith. As far as birthdays go, my father was born on 12/8/24. Weird week..my wife's birthday, my sister's birthday, John Lennon's murder, Pearl Harbor, and the Immaculate Conception. Did the Blessed Virgin give birth a few weeks later or a little over twelve months later (never understood that part)? And yeah Rick's birthday is at the end of the month. I celebrated it with him a few days before the Gator Bowl at a Holiday Inn in St. Pete's, Florida a few years back and he told me this story (which I don't think he'd mind being repeated). Because he was born at the very tail end of the year, when his father went to get the birth certificate papers in order, the year was screwed up and consequently Rick wound up being a year off on getting his driver's licence and quitting school in Ontario. This apparently had an effect on the local butcher and Rompin' Ronnie, I guess you could say. Happy Birthday to the large crowd and Happy Holidays to all!!

Posted on Thu Dec 9 01:09:04 CET 1999 from max3-45.internetpro.net (206.96.240.173)

catbalu

ok ok ok. whatever you want. rick, you call the shots. (and do have the face on today) see cleausea. same email. happy birthday rick. no more tears. do anything i can. i#ll behave. outlaws... you#re a piece of work

Posted on Thu Dec 9 00:58:50 CET 1999 from max3-45.internetpro.net (206.96.240.173)

catbalu

ok, ok ok, btw, i saw you, thought you were the mafia why i left :).never have been good at playing hard ball. Rick, no more crying. tell me what you want. lil, this is for you, too sister. going to sit down. never any tequila in the house when you need it. email and i#ll call. outlaws... gotta love em (yes, today, with makeup..see illka) too important. yall call the shots. same email. don#t know what it is i#m supposed to be doin, but roll.

Posted on Thu Dec 9 00:54:47 CET 1999 from 19.philadelphia-16-17rs.pa.dial-access.att.net (12.78.214.19)

carmen

Pehr, I was thinking along the lines of the Hawks being part of the early influence catagory. I myself know little about the early music of the Hawks, however, based on what I have read on this site and other sources, it seems as if their music and style would fit this catagory as well as others I have seen inducted.

Regarding John Lennon, just curious, was he a fan of the Band? We know Ringo and George were? Also, what about Paul?

Posted on Thu Dec 9 00:36:11 CET 1999 from icache-3.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Theresa...."DITTO". I'm fix'n a hole, where the rain gets in, and stops my mind from wandering!

Posted on Thu Dec 9 00:23:00 CET 1999 from alb3-as5200-26-122.termserv.net (208.20.67.122)

Diamond Lil

Ilkka: Great photo of you...recognized it and couldn't figure out where I'd seen it before. Then I remembered. It was on your wonderful anniversary page! Thanks for posting it.

Theresa: Nice to know that someone else remembered. And hopefully someday John's vision will be understood, and folks will indeed give peace a chance....

And from a friend..to a "former friend"..I only have 2 words to say. Your loss.

Have a good night everyone.

Posted on Thu Dec 9 00:24:00 CET 1999 from ppp90.a2-1.56k.execulink.com (209.239.9.90)

paul godfrey

This country boy stands corrected. Of course Rick's Birthday is on the 29th....fine...so I get to celebrate twice. Make that two shots of scotch, please. Thanks Lil :o)

Posted on Wed Dec 8 23:36:26 CET 1999 from dialup254.cybrtyme.com (209.149.102.242)

catbalu

Sundog, thank you, also, for your very sincere post about Rick's show. Really is good to hear You talkin - the way only you can - with an open heart. Good cry is good for you. Thanks again.

Oh, so That's Griel Marcus... now, i see. thank ya'll for the additional info. Had some "friends" like that myself once, well, still do... and VERY LUCKILY, i'm just a 40-yr.-old, poor old stressed-out single mother trying to do my "job," being bullied by a very small computer and "entirely too much of everything is just-too-much..." not having to deal with all those types of hurtful, CREEPY, judgemental statements where people go digging around in to your life. One thing to offer up what you respectfully wish others to know. Quite another to go poking around into areas that should be nobody's business... but, then, THAT is celebrity status. VERY THANKFUL THAT I CAN'T SING, DANCE OR ACT. OR WRITE. Richard Patterson, thanks for correcting my pure_ignorance... the thing i'm lookin at here is, of course, the marketing strategy. Like our BigBanddaddy, Dave, said, "i don't want a sandwich. i just wanted to go." doubt that anyone here would feel any differently. but john q. public, like the 28-yr-old said, has been left without hearing enough of The Band to make those connections. and, as Pat Brennan suggests, something should have kept that thread running through the years to keep the music in the public's eye. just my personal opinion.

Truly a shame if Tina Turner does retire... for age 60, she_cleans_up_good. handled that spotlight well, for many years... but it's her life, her shot to call... if she's ready to quit smiling for the camera and give it a rest... don't blame her a bit. For men, it is different and yes, those who are quite capable of being - my preferred word - legends - can take time's lickin and keep on tickin... leave a legacy behind. Interesting that myths (dealing with gods) and legends (dealing with mere mortals) has come up right now...

Guenevere, dear, we have some charity work to discuss. Those little children... never hurts to have one's heart in the right place... and i've GOT to drag a photographer around - and put on my HAPPY face - and take the load off CAT (this is one PR situation that isn't going to work me to death, and i can't go anywhere until this is taken care of.) those little children, no parents...

do ya'll really think i read the GB every night?

Posted on Wed Dec 8 23:14:48 CET 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr again

Oh yeah, John Stallworth needs a bust in Canton too. Sorry folks.

Posted on Wed Dec 8 23:11:28 CET 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr

rok&Rol hall of fame. I'd love to see Ronnie and the Hawks get in but I dont think they will, carmen- they just aren't household names or something. As sidemen is a thought, but The Band is already thought as the ultimate "backing" group by so many people that I imagine the Hawks being inducted would be redundant. I just get a little down in the mouth about Hall of Fames in general, at least till Lynn Swann gets into Canton I have a rather dim view of them. My vote for sidemen? Little Richard's rhythm section, particularly the bass player!!!! Geez, who IS THAT GUY?!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted on Wed Dec 8 21:36:29 CET 1999 from 24-216-73-116.hsacorp.net (24.216.73.116)

Theresa

This is non Band related...But hope it gets thru just the same...Sad day in history today...All he was saying was "Give peace a chance"....Some fool missed the point.

Posted on Wed Dec 8 20:34:29 CET 1999 from (208.218.212.243)

David Powell

There's another interesting Dylan CD-EP worth checking out: "Love Sick (vol. 2)", a four track single that includes a live version of "Blind Willie McTell" recorded at the Jones Beach Theatre in Wantagh, N.Y. on Aug. 18, 1997.

Posted on Wed Dec 8 20:25:32 CET 1999 from stk-pm1-18-146.dialup.slip.net (207.171.230.146)

Guenevere

If I was Rick or Levon, this GB would be the first place I'd look to do auditions! I bet some of the musicians around here could play the heck out of these songs, just because they know ‘em better than anyone else.

Ilkka: your photo is very revealing... I'd hire you first if I was Rick. But keep the right hand, unless you want to switch to a four string banjo... (and thanks for the correct spelling of your name, but I think somebody pointed out that I can't even spell my own) ...

LARS: OK ... I'm ready for step two.

Posted on Wed Dec 8 20:16:49 CET 1999 from tfsmdgatekeeper1.cda.com (198.80.171.28)

mattk

A few random comments:

On the HOF and Scotty Moore. Moore is an inductee this year in the newly created "sideman" category. I'm very happy to see this new category for induction as there are so many critical musicians in the history of rock and roll that never get attention since they never achieved attention as a headliner or as a permanent member of an inducted group. My one gripe with this year's list is with King Curtis. Certainly a great sideman by virtue of his work with Fats Domino and other 50s and 60s R/B greats. However, why does he not get a nomination in his own rite? Curtis' work as a leader is seminal to the development of Rock and Roll sax. On a similiar note, when will Junior Walker get in? Another sax icon who by virtue of great songs like "Shotgun," "Cleo's Mood," "How Sweet It Is," "Pucker Up Buttercup" should have put him in years ago. Before the guitar dominated R/R in the sixties, the sax was the main r/r solo instrument. To have it not represented as ALL until now...we...it's a damn travesty, and I think Garth would agree with me...

Myths. I love this thread and have little to add. I would concur with the theory that some of Marcus' complaints about the 80s version of the Band is based on the idea that TLW, by design, put closure on the "Myth." Personally, I think much of the angst about Robbie is that he basically decided how to end the story, and after time, the other four realized they didn't like the story's end. IMHO, Richard's death was the final undoing of the myth, though threads still persist via the perception that TLW was the bookend antidote to Woodstock and closed the book on 1960s rock culture as an event.

Also, Ilkka, I scored relatively low as I don't have any Band clothing, nor do I have a special drink for listening to the Band. In my CD collection, their CDs, like Lil's are alphabetical (I don't have thousands, but with 800+, any thing else would be chaos). I do file Beyond the Flood under Dylan, however, don't ask me why. I've never spoken to a member, but if I could, my fantasy would be to talk with Robbie or Garth. I do have active fantasies of playing sax with Garth or even with Levon's blues band. My wife would count as a neighbor who is a Band fan. All my Band music is in CD format.

Matt

Matt

Posted on Wed Dec 8 19:58:02 CET 1999 from ric-wht-pxy-int01.wheatfirst.com (204.238.130.67)

Bones

There is a CD EP single in Europe of Bob Dylan's "Not Dark Yet" which features a live version of Dylan and Manuel's "Tears of Rage". It sounds very interesting. I've never heard Dylan play this live before.

Posted on Wed Dec 8 19:28:39 CET 1999 from ppp170.a1-2.56k.execulink.com (209.239.9.236)

paul godfrey

Thursday is just hours away in Jan-land...so Happy Birthday Rick Danko...56 candles on the cake. All the best from your friends in Canada!

Posted on Wed Dec 8 19:09:42 CET 1999 from cache-hki-5.inet.fi (194.197.68.45)

Kalervo

Ilkka:sain vain nelja yes-pointsia, joten olen kai aika kyllastyttava Band-fani! I only got 4 yes points, so that makes me a boring Band fan. And that maybe true, I have no real news to tell about the Band. I must admit that I have always been more interested in a creative new music than old music or repeating old music, so my main interest is on Robbie. Everybody can have their opinion on his new stuff, but even they can' t claim that Robbie is repeating an old pattern or playing safe. As an old van-a-tic, I feel sad that Van has been playing safe for many years. Instead making a couple of sublime albums he has made many good albums. If I had a power I'd throw Van Morrison - the producer out and put some strong and unlikely person in (like Hal Wilner, Van Dyke Parks, Charlie Haden, Cassandra Wilson). Of course that kind of relationship will last only through one album (hopefully), but at least we could get out the real potential Van still has. I think same problem is with the latter day Band, too. You bring an explorer in and you are having an adventure....

Posted on Wed Dec 8 17:46:01 CET 1999 from du201-249.ppp.algonet.se (195.100.249.201)

Ilkka

I owe you an answer to my own survey. I do it with a photo of me. It explains all, does it: 10 points of 10.
http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Meadows/6763/ilkka.jpg

Posted on Wed Dec 8 17:20:06 CET 1999 from 157.philadelphia-11-12rs.pa.dial-access.att.net (12.78.212.157)

carmen

Pics announced for this years R&R Hall of Fame:

Eric Clapton (3rd time), Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, Earth Wind & Fire, Lovin' Spoonful & Moonglows.

Just thinking, what is the possibility that Ronnie Hawkings and The Hawks make it some day? Is there a reason they are not there yet? Do they belong there?

Posted on Wed Dec 8 16:31:23 CET 1999 from (216.73.7.64)

Dave Hopkins

Just Wonderin' and others who also may be wonderin': you may find Greil Marcus's column at http://www.salon.com/media/col/marc/1999/11/29/marcus9/index.html. I believe that Marcus did not mean a slap at Levon; I think he was more sad than anything at the sight of the defunct cafe. "Is this where the road ends?" Many of us Band fans are wondering the same thing - not about Levon's cafe, but about the group itself.

Posted on Wed Dec 8 14:56:44 CET 1999 from pm1-2.delrio.com (204.216.51.22)

Just Wonderin'

Can someone please tell me where to find Marcus' comments on Levon's Cafe closing? It's probably in front of my nose, but I can't find it!!

Survey:

Do I listen to the Band on Special Occasions? The Band is a special occasion every day. Better than sunshine!

Band Drink: For me it's Corona or an occassional Margarita or Tequila Sunrise.

Band Clothing: Tshirt

Talk with a member: Have had correspondence over the years.

Only Band Fan in Neighborhood? Yep, its a lonely job, but someone's gotta do it! I'm glad to!

Special Place for Band CDs: Top shelf and away from the kids! (they'll wreck 'em).

Worship orig covers: No, but can't bear to part with 'em either!

Play and instrument with the Band: In My dreams!

Visit the Guestbook daily? Naturally!

Posted on Wed Dec 8 14:40:42 CET 1999 from rabbit.dph.no (193.216.120.45)

A former friend

I used to know the "nice" guy that runs this home page. There is another side of the story ... and I know it too well. Just a warning. The Band is great, though, and it was Jan that introduced me to them many years ago.

Posted on Wed Dec 8 12:29:49 CET 1999 from cw04.kl1.srv.t-online.de (212.185.251.36)

Linda Sprang

I just voted for the Band in that poll and what did I see?! 10%!!! Even more than Neil Young, I really didn`t expect that. But it is really cool, so go on voting for the guys.

Posted on Wed Dec 8 10:08:45 CET 1999 from (194.248.167.10)

Tanja

hmmmmmmmmmm....it's fun to look over my parents lp collection...but I haven't found anything by The Band yet....what a pitty.. But the Eagles: "Hotel California" is fine...especially "New Kid In Town"....Never thought they were that good....:)Just a thought.....

Posted on Wed Dec 8 07:45:46 CET 1999 from spider-wn042.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.167)

Bill Rosenthal

The web site is one of the best I've seen. I miss the band and wish they would tour again.

Posted on Wed Dec 8 07:18:01 CET 1999 from 1cust54.tnt9.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.128.54)

Crabgrass

Just read Greil Marcus' comments on the closing of Levon's Classic American Cafe in New Orleans. It's pretty obvious to me that his negative view is somewhat influenced by the fact that the restaurant's demise now leaves him clueless as to which angle to pursue in his next book about The Band as his tentatively titled "THE LAST MEAL - The Rise and Fall of The Band and their Music as it Relates to Regional Cuisine" is no longer viable. Poor Greil didn't even get a chance to sample the "Cripple Creek" seafood or "King Harvest Has Surely Come" salads which he mentions so disdainfully. (Bet he'd love to get his hands on the recipes!)

Given time to heal his wounds I'm sure he'll come to see this apparent nadir in Band history as a sort of personal catharsis the smoldering ashes of which will eventually give rise to a new mythological book about The Band - or at least an article on how Levon finally got even with Robbie by using his song titles to denote food dishes. And maybe Levon will put out a cookbook with Marcus writing the intro.

Posted on Wed Dec 8 05:38:38 CET 1999 from bay-set7-ip-124.se-tel.com (63.70.188.124)

MISTY (MID)

THE SURVEY SAYS:

#1--I listen to the Band whenever possible
#2--no
#3--Yes, I have a Tee-shirt of Rick's that he has actually worn on several occasions....
#4--Had the pleasure of chatting with Rick, shaking his hand, touching his leg...are you green yet?? :)
#5--Yes and no #6--Proud because I am getting the word out on The Band, many people who never had that in their vocabulary now do becuase of me...
#7--My collection of cd's always keeps theirselves company, everything else gathers dust...
#8--no????
#9--no!
#10-No

Okay now what is THE point of this survey?? Someone tell me...

Posted on Wed Dec 8 04:35:11 CET 1999 from spider-wa074.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.54)

Mike

Sitting here listening to Muddy after a long day and thinking of past "posters"...Has anyone heard from Luis? Last I remember he moved from NY to New Mexicoe (!) or Arizona. Just wondering...

Also, the comment was made about what would've happened with the guys if they had had better marketing in the early days, someone like Andrew Loog Oldham (The Rolling Stones)or Brian Epstein (you know who!) Also the Reunion Tour -- no real management. I have often thought how differently things might've turned out for the guys if they had been in the movie Woodstock and been on the Easy Rider soundtrack. If Albert Grossman had handled them differently, who know? Ideas?

Posted on Wed Dec 8 02:55:06 CET 1999 from icache-3.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

!!!clap,clap,clap,clap,clap,clap,clap,clap!!!

Posted on Wed Dec 8 02:50:37 CET 1999 from icache-3.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

WOW, Happy brithday two Dads,,,happy brithday two Dads,,,happy brithday twwooo DAAADDS,,, haapppyy Brithday Twooooo Daaaaads!

Posted on Wed Dec 8 02:23:01 CET 1999 from alb1-as5200-32-32.termserv.net (208.20.67.32)

Diamond Lil

Hey Tim...Happy Birthday to _my_ Dad too! December 8, 1926. It sure is a small world...

Posted on Wed Dec 8 01:45:16 CET 1999 from icache-3.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

HAPPY BRITHDAY DAD!

Posted on Wed Dec 8 01:41:01 CET 1999 from icache-3.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Ragtime; I've always wore a hat! Peter; I wish you could have been there too! Patric; Sydney in 1988, WOW! 'Lil; I'm glad you had a great start to your day! Mike; You rule too! Gene; Thanks, you're the best! Carmen; its so cool that you have a wife that loves The Band, and is a fan to boot!

Posted on Tue Dec 7 23:53:52 CET 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr

do I listen to the Band on special occasions? Paul Godfrey's answer

Band drink? Richard turned me on to Grand Marnier. I like just a dollop in my beer!, and with just about everything else!

Band clothing? When I was a kid I wore a hat like Robbie's in TLW.

Talk with members? in my dreams!

Only Band fan in Neighborhood? Probably. ain't awshamed neither

Special place for Band CD's? Top shelf, baby...

Worship original covers? Not exactly

Play instrument with The Band? Wow man, maybe sit in on harp and play as little as possible.

visit G. B. daily? Guilty with pride!

Posted on Tue Dec 7 22:23:05 CET 1999 from cha076229.res-hall.nwu.edu (199.74.76.229)

Anthony

Great page! Let's see the concert dates for 2000 up soon, okay?

Posted on Tue Dec 7 21:00:44 CET 1999 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

The following URL will take you to a press release about an upcoming CBC TV show about Ronnie Hawkins: http://www.newswire.ca/releases/December1999/07/c1844.html

Posted on Tue Dec 7 20:43:13 CET 1999 from ric-wht-pxy-int02.wheatfirst.com (204.238.130.68)

Bones

I love the myths surroundings various icons of music. Robert Johnson was an exceptional blues musician any way you look at it, but the myths turned him into someone even more special.

Posted on Tue Dec 7 19:58:59 CET 1999 from du-tele3-069.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.69)

Peter Viney

Bill: Scotty Moore did a pretty long British tour in April 1999 with D.J. Fontana on drums and a British pick-up group with a good Elvis imitator (voice only, not costume, fortunately) singing. I saw him at The Brook in Southampton - a great small club converted from a pub. I must have posted something around the end of April. Back to the mythical being thing, I have to say I kept thinking, "Wow! This is Scotty Moore!", and so did everyone else there and he did his solo in Heartbreak Hotel again and again to more applause each time. D.J. is still a truly astonishing drummer, and he can hit the skins harder than anyone I've seen. Actually the crispness and volume and sheer "snap" of his playing reminded me of Randy Ciarlante. Scotty was a little stiff, and the group's guitarist shadowed his solos and took over on a couple of stumbles. He was pretty near motionless too. I was at the same club a week later and chatted to the owner about this very question of legendary musicians. He has had just about everyone play there, and was truly thrilled to have hosted Scotty. He told me that Scotty's wife had spent ages massaging his hands before the gig, and although Scotty saved his energy on stage for the guitar parts, once the show was over he spent nearly an hour chatting animatedly to fans, signing albums, and giving a lot of energy and good vibes out. We agreed, the guy is a legend. You can't watch without thinking he was there with Elvis in 1955, he saw all of that. And he can still produce the same sounds.

Posted on Tue Dec 7 19:53:26 CET 1999 from dap07-149158.bv.sgi.net (209.166.149.158)

Bear

Ilkka: I am so sorry about the misspelling of your name. I am so glad so many are responding to your survey. I hope many more do as well. Keep on lovin' the band.

Posted on Tue Dec 7 19:04:17 CET 1999 from du50-3.ppp.algonet.se (195.100.3.50)

Ilkka

I thank you all who have answered to my survey. If you knew me you could realize that it was all about me. I would give my right hand for playing my banjo in The Band!

There is one thing I'd like to make clear. It has caused me trouble thru all my life. It is my FIRST NAME: ILKKA. It is a finnish male name, very manly and masculine! Unfortunately, there is a German/Hungarian female name ILKA, with only one K. It can be confusing.

Posted on Tue Dec 7 18:00:13 CET 1999 from cacheflow.tcg.sgi.net (209.166.160.51)

Bear

This is in regards to Ilka's survey. By the way, I have a friend at work named Ilka. A real sweetheart she is. She is originally from Panama City, Panama. Anyway; Yes, I listen to the band on special occasions, when I am sad, happy, I guess any occasion will suffice. I don't drink anything special. Coffee, tea whatever I happen to have in my hand at the time. Yes, I have a special shirt, I bought after Ricks show in Pawling at the Towne Crier this past summer. I cherish it. I only spoke with one member briefly. Does that count? Yes, I am the only band fan in my neighborhood and very proud of it. I am, however, willing to always try and convert others. By the way, I have succeeded before. Special place for the cds. Yes, as a matter of fact, they go with me everywhere. They are always with me. I take them to work in the car, everywhere. I don't however worship original lps and covers. Just give me a cd anytime, any place. No instrument, but then me sing harmony would be my dream come true. And , I read the gb every chance I get. I try to read it everyday, but sometimes I read 2 - 3 days in one day. Does that count for anything? May all of you out there in band land have a good day now.

Posted on Tue Dec 7 17:39:43 CET 1999 from spider-tr082.proxy.aol.com (152.163.201.212)

Bashful Bill

Peter Viney-Don't drop a tidbit like that and leave us hanging. Where did you see Scotty Moore, when, what did he play, who was in his band, etc.

Posted on Tue Dec 7 16:54:01 CET 1999 from du-tele3-025.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.25)

Peter Viney

Bobby Jones: Thanks for the info on the 83/84 tour. Like a lot of musicians the Band / solo members are between a rock and a hard place. There should be venues somewhere between the small clubs and the big theatres. I was thinking this earlier in the year, watching Scotty Moore in a small club. Thirty years ago, popular semi-pro / starting out pro bands would have filled these size of venues regularly. I reckon The Hawks must have regularly played to larger audiences than the individuals get now. I think mature artists have a problem with tours, because they don’t get the college gigs which filled in the tours and made the whole thing profitable. Looking at the tour lists for up-and-coming young bands, they alternate between colleges and small theatres, but you close off the colleges and the economics are hard to figure out. The young band also are riding on record company funding, and the thought that this might be the start of something. They don’t expect to make any kind of living from it. If you travel to the UK and play four gigs, each of these has to carry 25% of the air fares for band, equipment and crew, as well as the local hotel costs etc. If you play twenty gigs, it begins to work out. But do you want to be away from home that long? I don’t anymore.

Btw, how many of have looked at the pile of cut wood and thought (as Jens did), Well, if the electrical system breaks down on January 1st … I said it only yesterday!

Posted on Tue Dec 7 14:59:49 CET 1999 from gateway.tono.no (212.71.68.22)

Jens Magnus

Hi, Ilkka. I don't think I'm a die hard Band-addict. More likely a die slowly-while listening to the brown album-type.I'm sure we all have our band-hangups. In my office there's a tape recording of the brown album. I usually listen to norwegian radio, but when I need a little extra lift, I just start the tape. Right now "a drunkard's dream if I ever did see one". As far as my records go, they are chronologically stacked under B. All vinyl. (still missing moondog and watkins glen)I also have put before the flood together with the dylan records. Well I don't mind chopping wood. If the electrical system breaks down on january 1st, I shall be happy for my pile of wood and the chimney. (who knows). I usually drink tea in the evening. That fits nicely in with stage fright. Big poink perhaps is more a canadian club-album I don't know. Good to know there are other band-fans out there. I think we can survive into the next century as well. The gigantic money-union (Rotschild-Chase Manhattan) will never make any impact on someone who has a close relation to richard's singing of whispering pines. well. I will soon be going home for dinner. Sun is sinking in Norway. A smell of coming snow in the crisp air.

Posted on Tue Dec 7 14:12:35 CET 1999 from cismpoivre.univ-lyon1.fr (134.214.103.196)

alvarez frederic

hello scotty how are you. I'm a drummer and I'd like to know if you could send to me an autograph signed for a guitarist friend;his name is bruno conti. thank you very much bye fred

Posted on Tue Dec 7 12:28:52 CET 1999 from alb3-as5200-25-121.termserv.net (208.20.67.121)

Diamond Lil

Coffee..all over the kitchen..at 6am. Am I the only one who sometimes neglects to put the pot _under_ where the coffee comes out?

llkka: Am patiently awaiting your answers to your survey. Hope you'll indulge me!

So..hitting the 'preview' button is what makes one a female, hm? And all this time I just thought I was born that way! Go figure...

Well, nearly time to leave the Bandcave and get in the Bandmobile and head for work. Have a good day everyone :-)

Posted on Tue Dec 7 12:21:29 CET 1999 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime (correxxion)

Ilkka's 1st question: not Lil, but Paul Godfrey said it already (well said Paul, sorry Lil)

Posted on Tue Dec 7 12:05:21 CET 1999 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime

Do I listen to The Band on special occasions? Lil said it already.

Do I drink anything while listening to The Band? Don't need to listen while I'm drinking.

Do I have any special Band clothing? I'm a lumberjack and I'm okay...

Do I talk with the members? I wish they'd reply some time...

Am I the only Band fan in my neighbourhood? Of course not! My lovely wife, remember?

Am I proud of that? Why ask?

Do I have a special place for the Band cd's? Have to, since my collection of many 1000s is almost classical only.

Do I worship original LP's and covers? I have an altar for worshipping and burn a candle for Big Pink every day. For covers? I'd like to burn Joan Baez's single every day.

Do I want to play some instrument in The Band? Well, ringing the bell of my bike would add something, wouldn't it? If female (which I am as soon as I press "preview" button) do I want to sing vocal harmony? Mrs. Ragtime and Me do it all the time... "It's late in the morning, we got work to do, 'cause twilight is the loneliest time a-day..."

Do I read this gb every day? What gb?

Posted on Tue Dec 7 10:22:04 CET 1999 from du-tele3-059.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.59)

Peter Viney

I only got five out of ten, which made me reasonably balanced, I thought. What relief, I’m not an obsessive. Then I went to get my Marlboro jacket and realized I bought it because it looks like the one Levon wears on the cover of the Brown album. I definitely don’t drink anything special because I listen in the car a lot. I do keep Band, Band related and Hawkins CDs in a different place. But as my main CD shelving is now totally full and I’m going to have to install more, Van Morrison and Dylan are also about to get removed from the main area too. Probably The Beatles too. I would worship original covers if I had an original US Big Pink, but I haven’t. I have the Japanese CD replica cover, the 1968 British original, the recent British reissue, but have never obtained a US Big Pink cover. So I don’t worship them. Ah, but my original Band LPs are all in plastic slipcases. Does that count as worship? For neighbourhood, do family members count? I like the car system because it has Bose speakers and I can hum along following the very prominent bass line right through the songs … oh, no. Is that another one? I definitely don’t have conversations. Maybe I’ll admit to seven or eight. Have decided not to list my exact replies. No, these kind of surveys really don’t reveal … OK, I should really go out and chop wood, but the woodshed is full because it’s been pretty mild.

I think I was unjust on Jagger, as the Stones charm is that they keep prancing even when raddled. Probably comes from dislike of Jagger!

Posted on Tue Dec 7 08:00:03 CET 1999 from pool-209-138-10-146.ipls.grid.net (209.138.10.146)

Bobby Jones

Over the last few weeks I've had the pleasure to witness the passion and the pain that is exhibited here daily. I must confess that your unwavering loyalty to "The Band" has Rekindled my passion for The Guys.

Over the years I've had the pleasure to experience some great times with Levon, Rick, Garth, Richard and The Cate Bros. Band. In 1983 & 1984 I spent alot of time on the Road with the Band. Back then there was no real outlet for a group like this. MTV had just started a few years earlier and not much else existed at the time. The people that were controling the tour dates did in fact consider the Band as an oldies act.(The Colonel had stated he would give it a year). During this time the Band played alot of colleges and festivals with crowds of 500 to 2000 young people. There were dates like the Carrier Dome with the Dead in August but they were too few to be considered the normal crowd.

I really believe the Reunion Tour as it was billed, was never given a chance to really take off. It wasn't because of the guys, but rather a lack of commitment on behalf of the management team. There was no one out banging doors and trying to get to see people. Levon even stated in his Book, "a lot of people came and went that called themselves the manager".

There was alot of board tapes made during this time period but, I beleive they were placed in Levons vault and burnt up in the fire at R.C.O.

When I think of the Band, the american cowboy comes to mind. Alot of hard work, a little folklore and we supply the romance. One last thing, I wanted to say thanks for making my nights just a little brighter!

And to all a good Night!

Posted on Tue Dec 7 06:27:33 CET 1999 from icache-3.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Pehr,,,Just like Mike,,,In that since I most WHOLE HEARTEDLY AGREE 100% TOO! Jan H. will be posting pictures of Rick Danko that I sent him, I have alot more,,, so I'll be sending him more as time goes on. They belong to everyone here, just like their music, you don't need my permission to use them, their yours,,,the only gift I ever gave to this wonderful web site of Jan's.

I want to thank Rick and Aaron, also Nicholas Tremulis for making Dec 3 1999, the best show to end 1999... Also, Bill Paige, Tom at Woodstock Records, Quintin Ryan, all of Rick's friends at the show for being SO real! Dreams do come true, you only get what you give, if you give negativity, you'll be surounded by negative people, if you give positivity, you'll be surounded by positive wonderful people, this is a fact!

Posted on Tue Dec 7 05:54:24 CET 1999 from stk-pm1-15-143.dialup.slip.net (207.171.230.143)

Guenevere

Iikka: does moving to a house in the country and painting it pink in hopes that Levon and Rick will drive by and ask if they can borrow your house for rehearsals qualify me??? Or does hallucinating that a Capitol Records van with Robbie at the wheel which slows down whenever it gets to my house count???

Lars: I couldn't wait, so I found a nighttime construction site where they've chopped off the top of a mountain to build a Walmart, and here I am atop this steep " less traveled" road, covered in mud, with bits of splattered concrete from the white truck drying in my eyelashes, and as I stand here overlooking the site, gripping the wheel barrow, as it's teeters on the edge, I am shivering and singing to myself ... "take a load off Annie" ... but I'm thinking "this damn thing is sure is heavy!" How am I doin' so far??

BTW: the whole time I've been up here, a mysterious little duck with a sign around his neck that reads "follow me" has been staring at me.... what do I do now!!

Posted on Tue Dec 7 04:59:48 CET 1999 from eraser13.dpo.depaul.edu (140.192.157.61)

Peter Shaw

Regarding Peter Viney's comments about Mick Jagger, ain't it his lack of dignity that makes him great? I think that's part of it. He can still stomp on stage. The real drawback to the Stones these days is how contrived much of their show is. Perhaps success and Budweiser have gone to their heads.

Posted on Tue Dec 7 04:53:51 CET 1999 from firewall1.westpac.co.nz (210.55.236.18)

Rod

The mythology surrounding The Band has past it's used by date - so it's time for all those out takes, lesser sound quality early tapes and sound board recordings to be officially released. Some thing abit like the Beatles did recently. While it may not make a huge amount of money it would keep those of us who can't get the bootlegs happy.

Posted on Tue Dec 7 04:09:51 CET 1999 from ppp139.a1-2.56k.execulink.com (209.239.9.205)

Paul Godfrey

Re: IIKKA's Survey: No, I am not a Band Mythologist. Its all real to me!

1. Do you listen to the Band on special occassions? Listening to the Band anytime IS a special occassion.
2. Do you drink anything special? Glenfiddich..Here's to you Garth.
3. Do You Have Band Clothing? Only an old RCO hat and an original Last Waltz T-shirt.
4. Do You "Talk" to the members? Not lately, but Levon and Richard have been in my dreams of late.
5. Are you the only Band fan in your neighbourhood? No..Serge is just down the street.
6. Are you proud of that? Most certainly.
7. Do you have a special place for Band cd's? Yes, right beside Ronnie Hawkins, Kris K and Robert Z.
8. Do you worship original lps & covers? No!
9. Do you want to play an instrument with the Band? Yes probably my old 12 string G-45, but only in Rockn Roll heaven.
10. Do you read guest book daily? No.

Posted on Tue Dec 7 03:26:25 CET 1999 from spider-wo034.proxy.aol.com (205.188.200.34)

Mike

Pehr: In that sense I most wholeheartedly agree...

Posted on Tue Dec 7 03:05:45 CET 1999 from alb2-as5200-44-92.termserv.net (208.20.67.92)

Diamond Lil

Was listening to The Band when I was hit with a speeding ticket a few weeks ago. Does that count as a special occassion?

I don't drink anything specical while listening to The Band..although empty Molson bottles somehow end up by the cd player (left by Band myth gremlins no doubt).

Nope..no special Band clothing. I do however wear socks, as Garth does....

I am "guilty" of talking with the members..but not unless one of them is in the room at the time.

I'm not the only Band fan in my neighborhood and I'm proud that there _are_ others.

Band cd's do have a "special place"...alphabetically after The Atlanta Rhythm section...

Can't worship original LP's and covers...but did have this male dog with a bladder problem who "worshipped" them every chance he got (ick).

I already play the accordian (yeah yeah..I know..) and the keyboard...

Read this GB everyday? Me? Never!

And by the way, not only have I chopped wood...but have also hit my thumb with a hammer more times than I'd care to mention :-)

Posted on Tue Dec 7 02:12:42 CET 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr again

oh yeah- there is something mythic about that Danko show and a few others I've seen over the years to stay the least. Some people think of myths along the lines of fables and nursery rhymes and explanations of the inexplicable by the uneducated. My way of thinking goes more along the lines of Jung, Campbell, William Irwin Thompson who see myth as a eternal persistent reality that survives endless transititions and reappears in the most unexpected, poetic, profound ways. Of course Much of our boys music touches us in this way- isnt it amazing that great records as with "Big Pink" always provide a new experience with each listening? If the fellas aren't as famous as they could be its something that they are probably grateful for. They are mythic giants to me as musicians even after the brown album, (still don't have any harsh feelings about any of their other great music) Oldies act? Myself included, the real oldies acts most often can be found in the faces of those who choose to look and focus upon the faults and shortcomings of others.

Posted on Tue Dec 7 01:30:41 CET 1999 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

pehr

thanks sundog for sharing your great experience meeting Rick with the rest of us die hards. Like some other people all over the world, waiting to see Rick and Co. head to texas, preferably austin for a two week stand. Rick hasn't been here since 93, a little show in a coffee house that held about 100 if that- it ranks as the warmest show (spiritually) i've ever seen. I understand what you mean when you said love in big letters. akin the lines of what Garth said in TLW, seeing Rick in concert was a very healing experience for me, a very special evening I'll never forget.

Posted on Tue Dec 7 00:23:34 CET 1999 from spider-tk033.proxy.aol.com (152.163.206.188)

Ben Turkel

There have been many interesting posts in the last couple of days. I agree with Diamond Lil's remarks about Richard. And Peter Viney's about the mythology of the Band. Bud's post was very interesting also. I'm 30 and I think that the vast majority of people my age and younger are pretty clueless about the Band, though they'd probably recognize 'The weight', 'Cripple creek' and 'Dixie' if they heard them. I disagree with your comments about the last waltz and the reunion. I think that the last waltz was very much Robbie's project from the time they made the guestlist (he apparently tried to get Muddy out of the concert) through the release of the movie. I don't think that the other Band members had much of a choice at the time. It seems that nearly every popular group from the 60's and 70's that ever broke up have reunited, sometimes with few (if any)original members. There have been countless line-up's of The Flying Burrito Brothers over the years, they recently released a new album, and have no original members. Everyone from Sinatra to the Who have retired and comeback years later. I think that if some things had worked out differently, if they would have done something like VH-1's Behind the Music or released a strong new album at the time of their original reunion than they may well have reached a larger audience. I don't think that most people, besides some music critics hold their reforming after the waltz against them.

Posted on Tue Dec 7 00:23:03 CET 1999 from 206-57-107-137.nas3.mon.gblx.net (206.57.107.137)

Lars

Ilkka: a great post. And I WAS splitting wood yesterday, I wanted to get it stacked and covered before the rain.

Guenevere: Since no one has responded to your quiry about what "The Weight" is really about, I'm going to take you under my wing, give you the benefit of my wisdom (don't worry, I'm kidding). The weight has to be experienced. What you've got to do is wait for a rainy day, then go out looking for a redi-mix truck, preferably a white one. If the masons are wheeling up a hill, that's perfect. Offer your services and get in there and let that concrete splatter your face as you hold onto the handles. Now push that goddamn wheelbarrow, try to stay away from the beaten path. DON'T let it tip. When you get to the top, you'll understand.

Let me know when you want to move onto step 2.

Posted on Mon Dec 6 23:15:12 CET 1999 from proxy1-external.avnl1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.66)

brien Sz

Just picked up the new Dave Matthews live cd "Listener Supported" Interesting version of Long Black Viel. I liked it - Give it a try - Plus the cd pretty kickin' anyway.

Posted on Mon Dec 6 22:45:25 CET 1999 from cobalt.nextlink.net (206.129.70.172)

Mike

Peter: There seems to be myths plural, some regarding the music, the others about the men. I understand the fact that some of the music was rife with Americana Mythology. I think that’s one of the aspects of The Band that I really love. The one about the wise men from the mountain however, is the one that may have made it next to impossible for the boys to live up to. For obvious reasons, they were unable to live up to such high expectations. They came out with a one-two punch with Big Pink, then scored a knockout with The Brown Album. My main thought in my last post was that they are men. Incredibly talented, humble men, but men nonetheless. When the myth is removed, that’s what remains. Flesh and blood. I think the Philadelphia quote say something about them becoming mortal after they came back down? Anyway, when all is said and done, myths are just that…myths.

John D.: I agree. Rock on, especially if you still have the chops. My point, which I could’ve said more clearly, was that I can see The Band doing Rag Mama Rag into their 60’s…Jagger pouting and doing the bumps and grinds throughout Jumpin’ Jack Flash at 65 is too funny for words, at least to me. (I think it comes down to attitude…The Stones always tried to have a badass attitude, which at times seemed to me like posturing. This has seemed even more prominent as they have aged. The Band had a different attitude. Their music was the draw.) I didn’t mean it to sound like I was bashing the Stones. I’ll always be grateful for their first five albums. I cut my teeth on the guitar listening to their R&B covers. Because of the Stones I discovered Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Slim Harpo, Little Walter, B.B. King, Willie Dixon, Bo Diddley, Robert Johnson, Leadbelly, etc.

Posted on Mon Dec 6 22:36:40 CET 1999 from du143-1.ppp.algonet.se (195.100.1.143)

Ilkka

SURVEY: ARE YOU A DIE HARD BAND MYTHOLOGIST?

Do you listen to The Band in a special occassions?
Do you drink anything special while listening?
Have you any special Band clothing?
Do you "talk" with the members?
Are you the only Band fan in your neighborhood?
Are you proud of that?
Do you have a special place for the Band CDs?
Do you worship original LPs and the covers?
Do you want to play some instrument in The Band? If female: do you want to sing vocal harmony?
Do you read this gb every day?

7-10 Yes - You are a walking Elliot Landy foto and probably chopping wood this very moment!
4-6 Yes - Boring, boring ...
1-3 Yes - Go to www.yahoo.com, search "Dylan, Bob"
0 Yes - Oh c'mon Lil :-)

Posted on Mon Dec 6 22:32:28 CET 1999 from du-tele3-090.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.90)

Peter Viney

Bones: what an interesting insight, “what if Beggar’s Banquet had been the Stones first release?” There is a very direct equivalent to Big Pink - with The Stones we have got the complete 63-68, with The Band we have a few pieces of the jigsaw only, and then we have the full-blown “Big Pink” as if from nowhere. The what ifs … can be expanded, The Beatles landing on the world with “Rubber Soul”, Marvin Gaye with “What’s Going On”, Dylan with “Blonde on Blonde”. There is an equivalent to The Band here - Bob Marley & The Wailers with “Catch A Fire”. Subsequently we found out that they’d been THE ace Jamaican band for several years before with a lot of material in the vault.

P.S. I’d have to say no one played better than The Band / Hawks, rather than no one played as well as!

Posted on Mon Dec 6 22:11:39 CET 1999 from ric-wht-pxy-int02.wheatfirst.com (204.238.130.68)

Bones

Diamond Lil: It's dangerous to condemn critics for promoting the myths instead of the music with regard to the Band. The myths surrounding the Band has been very important to the history of our favorite group. Never in the history of music have so many books and articles been written about a group which sold so few records.

I'm just sorry that someone did not promote the myths of the Band sooner, which would have led to more product. The Stones were marketed brilliantly in the early years, and the result is that you get to hear recordings of them in the early years. You get to listen to them become a great band. What if Beggars Banquet had been their first release? Had this happened for the Band, we could have heard more music leading up to Music From Big Pink. I have always been jealous of that because in the early sixties, nobody played as well as the Band. It just took the world and some myth-making critcs a few years to realize it.

Posted on Mon Dec 6 21:02:44 CET 1999 from (208.218.212.243)

David Powell

Band Thought: The gold CD version of "Stage Fright" was released on the DCC Compact label and remastered by Steve Hoffman. This version used a different source tape than other versions of the album. I have read interviews with Mr. Hoffman but the "Stage Fright" release wasn't specifically mentioned. In discussing his remastering work in general, he explained that when DCC obtains the rights to do a reissue he first listens to every previously released version of the album that he can find. He then asks the originating label for all the source tapes from their vaults. Hoffman, in working with labels such as Capitol, mentioned that what is marked as a master tape is often a later generation copy. I haven't seen an explanation for why he chose to use an alternate source tape on "Stage Fright," but in light of the remarks I previously mentioned, I'm guessing that he chose that mix because it was a first generation master (without EQ or compression) that sounded closest to the original session tapes.

Posted on Mon Dec 6 20:18:12 CET 1999 from edslink8.eds.com (199.228.142.8)

carmen

Well stated Bud!

One question/comment. I was under the impression that the BAND was still going to make music after TLW. If out of the blue, the 4 remaing members were to make some music, would this infringe on the integrety of the purpose of TLW? just curious what you all think.

Posted on Mon Dec 6 20:11:51 CET 1999 from gw33.telekomus.com (206.2.196.66)

Band Thought

To David. P: If I am not mistaken, I believe that my other CD copy of Stage Fright is in the 24 karat gold format; don't know if this is produced by the same company to which you refer.

Ben from Cleveland: your post was great and the mention of Eddie Money is quite funny. Eddie "Mahoney" learned his trade in the basement of my house growing up on Long Island - playing in a band with my brother. A number of years ago he was the best man at my sister's wedding. Just a regular and likable guy. Peter's earlier comment rings very true, especially after you have used the bathroom after a rock 'n' roll star :)

Posted on Mon Dec 6 19:44:40 CET 1999 from (208.218.212.243)

David Powell

I was sorry to hear about the apparent demise of Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab. As previously mentioned, this small company that specialized in "audiophile" reissues released fine sounding vinyl & gold CD versions of "Music From Big Pink" and aluminum CD versions of two of Levon Helm's solo albums. In addition, MoFi put out a gold CD version of Robbie Robertson's first solo album. Like most labels specializing in reissues, the licensing rights they obtained were of a fixed duration and their releases go out of print quickly.

Shortly before announcing their closing last week, MoFi released an expanded gold CD version of "Who's Next" by The Who. Of interest to BAND fans is that one of the extra songs included on this release is a previously unissued version of "Baby Don't You Do It."

A brief bit of history is in order regarding this album. In 1971 The Who, assisted by Glyn Johns, started recording what was originally intended to be a double LP concept album entitled "Lifehouse." For various reasons, this plan was abandoned and the album "Who's Next", containing just nine songs from these sessions, was released instead. MoFi's expanded version contains an additional six songs from the "Lifehouse" sessions, along with with an alternate version of the song "Behind Blue Eyes" with Al Kooper on organ.

With the additional material, this disc contains about 78 minutes of music. This is definitely one of the better sounding MoFi releases that I've heard. The clarity & depth of the sounds of the individual instruments & vocals is astounding. The bite & snap of John Entwhistle's bass and Keith Moon's drums is deep. Instruments such as acoustic guitars and piano sound more life-like. Roger Daltrey's often over-the-top vocals never sounded stronger. Even Pete Townsend's then ground-breaking use of programed synthesizers sounds more dynamic thanks to MoFi's Gain 2 remastering work.

Although I still prefer The Band's cover of "Baby Don't You Do It," The Who did a great fun-sounding version of this song with Mountain man Leslie West sitting in on lead guitar. Moon's propulsive drums are mixed in the forefront. At the beginning & in the middle, the other instuments lay back and Daltrey's vocals are accompanied only by the drums. There's some great guitar interplay between Townsend & West's harmonic squawks & squeals, especially at the end of the song.

I won't go into the rest of the songs, since many of you are probably all too familiar with the material. But take it from me--you haven't heard this stuff until you check out this MoFi version. To my ears, it even stands up to my vinyl LP copy on the original Track label.

Posted on Mon Dec 6 19:33:57 CET 1999 from stk-pm1-15-143.dialup.slip.net (207.171.230.143)

Guenevere

My dictionary says...

Mythos : 1. A myth 2. A pattern of beliefs expressing often symbolically, the characteristic or prevalent attitudes in a group or culture.... (sounds like the GB to me!) then there's :

Mythology: 1. An allegorical narrative 2. A body of myths : as the myths dealing with the gods, demigods, and legendary heroes of a particular people. 3. A popular assumption that has grown up around someone or something [defective mythologies that ignore masculine depth of feeling - Robert Bly]

That last example from Bly, illustrates how not ALL myths and mythology are true or even useful. Myths can be positive and negative. However as Ikka pointed out before, myths, or the creation of myths are vital to us humans, and are as inevitable as gossip. We've always had myths and when we haven't, then we've created them. I like Peter Viney's examples of the many forms that modern musical mythology can take. We in the guest book are not such simpletons to believe that we can live without our myths I hope, otherwise there'd be nothing to discuss.... ad nauseam...

I feel that some, become Legends "in there own time", like Muddy, B.B., Tina, as I don't even have to use their last names.... (however, as I utter this phrase it is best these heros look the other way lest they turn to salt) ... and the true legends, are humble enough to know this... or they are automatically disqualified....

Methinks, it is a spontaneous act for us to honor artists who carry such a bright torch, as does The Band. They've shone their light into our times through music and poetry, and we are blessed by the beauty and unity of understanding they bring us. Legends and myths cannot help but grow around truly great artists, poets, musicians, dancers, and anyone whose fate it is to carry such a torch.... or embark whole-heartedly on the search of the grail...

and though, there IS that other category, namely, Legends "in their own minds"... (into which some of us happily fit... ;-)... this does not dispell the trueness of greatness...

(but someone please tell me, what IS the meaning of The Weight?)

Posted on Mon Dec 6 19:18:33 CET 1999 from (208.11.92.2)

Bud

As someone who praises The Band and its members while simultaneously viewing them with a critical eye, I find this recent G. Marcus discussion very interesting. First of all, because I don't feel like a hypocrite, I don't think that the Marcus trilogy of _Mystery Train_, the _Jubilation_ liner notes and the recent article regarding Levon's cafe are necessarily the work of a hypocrite. Being a fan (or friend or relative for that matter) certainly doesn't obligate one to blind devotion (just like voting for a member of a particular political party doesn't constitute an endoresment for the entire party platform), but instead it often requires honest expression of feeling. To me, the work of Marcus rings sincere (although I'm hardly a fan, stylistically his writing just doesn't appeal to me).

The Band's very own integrity from its days as the Hawks up to The Last Waltz is partly responsible for making their comeback an act of "self-humiliation" -- RR made it very clear that TLW was in fact the _LAST_ waltz, and that The Band was not interested in the big reunion payday. This position was consistent with public expectations of The Band -- uncompromising artists -- and I think the public took Robbie at his word. As a consequence, the public prepared itself to live without The Band, and make it a memory. In a sense, The Band ceased existing even before The Last Waltz ever took place. The Last Waltz itself was an "oldies act." Whether or not Rick, Richard, Garth and Levon were ready to hang it up at the time of TLW, they signed up for the program (who knows how reluctantly) and knew fully what the consequences of their actions would be.

Unfortunately, the consequence was that The Band was quickly forgotten. I'm 28, and almost no one I know in my age group is even aware that The Band ever existed (I'm doing my best to correct this). With only "The Weight" and "Cripple Creek" ever getting any radio airplay, and that only sparingly (usually on "oldies" stations and not classic rock stations where acts like REO Speedwagon and Eddie Money still thrive), The Band doesn't make much more of a blip on the present day radar than say Brewer & Shipley. So, in the early '80's, The Band's reformation appeared as compromise of intergrity to many fans, and to potential fans, it meant nothing at all. Let's face it, as grand a spectacle as it was, _The Last Waltz_ doomed The Band to be forgotten as much as it preserved its awesome legacy.

That being said, the music that The Band recorded in its heyday was timeless not only in its sounds and the images that it evokes, it's also timeless in that it doesn't need to be played by young men to feel authentic or sincere. In fact, I think the songs were meant to age with their singers. I saw Rick here in Cleveland last week, and while is voice isn't as "good" as it once was, the performances were exceptionally powerful and moving. I agree with all of you who compared the members of The Band to Muddy and B.B., I think that they could and should keep going as long as it's possible - just not as The Band, because The Band stop existing before The Last Waltz, even with all the members still present.

All of which brings me to _Jubilation_. I love the album. The participants sound like they're having a great time, and the material is (mostly) dignified and appropriate. Nothing wrong with Greil feeling the same way -- it's a good album. Maybe Mr. Marcus feels that such a recording (new songs, some actually written by Band members) removes them from the "oldies act" category. Surely he was able to see what Robbie meant/didn't mean to The Band's music, and that the remaining members could make vital music without Robbie. I do think that Marcus went overboard with praise in the liner notes, but I can forgive it.

Finally we have the article on Levon's cafe. It touches on a lot of issues. One, it's sad to see that Levon's name or even the name of The Band itself cannot sustain what I hope was good restaurant and good venue for live music. Two, it's sad to see a man as dignified as Levon attaching his name to a place that would serve "Last Waltz" desserts after Levon made his disdain for _The Last Waltz_ abundantly clear in his autobiography. I guess the point that I take from Marcus is if the members of The Band are as content as they claim to be just being working musicians, great -- let 'em play forever. But, like athlete who doesn't know when to retire, it's painful to watch the name The Band stripped of its luster and dignity. I don't claim to have a clue as to what significance Marcus foound in the sign hanging in the cafe window, however.

It makes me happy to see so many passionate defenders of The Band, and Levon, Rick and Garth in particular. I know that the beautiful music made by The Band and these gentlemen will live on forever (maybe just with a small cult of us, but at least it will live) thanks to people like Jan and the regularl visitors and contributors to these pages. However, no matter how much it hurts, The Band is not above criticism, and we shouldn't try to sheild ourselves from it. No place is better equipped to weather that criticism than right here, where it cannot dilute the meaning that The Band and its music has for all of us.

Posted on Mon Dec 6 19:14:27 CET 1999 from du-tele3-017.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.17)

Peter Viney

John D: so busy on the myth business that I didn’t mention your point on Tina Turner. As I said last week, her 60th Birthday show on UK TV was great. It indicated that she was good for at least another twenty years! Mind you, she is in the most exhausting segment of the business, soul. She measures her energy brilliantly, and doesn’t try to shimmy right through the song, saving it for shorter bursts! I agree. Blues, country and jazz can be sustained more easily. John Lee Hooker is still well up to it in his late 70s (and Van played John Lee - very quietly - before his show.) I also think that Dylan and Van (and The Band) demonstrate more dignity than Jagger.

Posted on Mon Dec 6 18:59:24 CET 1999 from dialin-219.poughkeepsie.bestweb.net (216.179.14.53)

Gene

Belated Happy (67th) Birthday Wishes to

gasp... Little Richard

Posted on Mon Dec 6 16:06:36 CET 1999 from du-tele3-111.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.111)

Peter Viney

Myths and famous people: Now I think about it, aren’t we saying something about the very nature of fame? The universal emotion always seems to be surprise that the famous are normal people. Of course they are to their close friends and the people who know them from the early days. Myths build, and there was definitely manipulation and magnification around 1967 to 1970. There’s an old Dorset saying that a guy I knew was fond of quoting to others who felt the fame coming on, “You think your s**t don’t stink, but let me tell you, it do.” I remember around 1970 talking about the Ronnie Hawkins article with a Canadian musician (who shall be nameless) who added several equally hilarious, scurrilous, unrepeatable and myth-breaking stories.

Forget the view of old friends on the famous (because they either won’t see the “image” at all, or will be amused by it). I’ve run into “the famous” while in various working roles, from lying on the floor paying out Tom Jones mic cable twice-nightly for six weeks (post-Las Vegas); to being a student invited to meet Saul Bellow at the American Embassy in London, shortly after the anti-Vietnam demos outside the very same building; to working on an educational video in New York with Edward Norton shortly before he made Primal Fear (OK, he wasn’t famous at that point, but everytime he did a take, the entire crew stayed on set, even those who didn’t need to be watching), and speaking at a conference with Bill Bryson. I ran into Bill again on an elevator in Boston Airport a few months ago. The universal sensation seems to be, ‘What a great guy. He takes sugar in his coffee just like normal folks.’ None of these people ever tried to be mythical beings to those they were working with. From people I’ve spoken to, nor do McCartney, Harrison or Starr. I suspect that both Dylan and Van Morrison probably do sustain the effort, as do Bowie and Jagger, and according to some interviewers Robbie does too. To be fair on RR, journalists don’t count, as anyone with any sense would keep up a front in a situation where they might be quoted. I’ve spoken to people who’ve played with Van, and he tends to preserve the distance even with his own musicians, and journalists don’t get anywhere near. This may be simply his famed grumpiness, but it wasn’t in evidence last week.

Obviously Rick, Levon and Garth don’t do this. The delight is, as Lil says, in realizing that this is a genuinely warm and unaffected person. It shouldn’t be a surprise, but it often is, because the aura of the myth never quite leaves us. In fact, on stage they almost seemed to strive not to be “stars”. I’ve often thought they could do with a bit more dynamic lighting and attention to stage positioning etc, but perhaps they have very deliberately avoided all that stuff. Er, but isn’t that in itself part of the original aura of The Band?

Posted on Mon Dec 6 15:35:48 CET 1999 from wwwcache3.uce.ac.uk (193.60.131.2)

Roger Woods

Peter, good to hear about Van's show. The man sounds almost as if he was enjoying it. I was in Bournemouth last weekend but couldn't have made the event.

I agree about music for Christmas. I'm working on compilations to play with friends over the millennium and had to buy the Incredible String Band CD - The Big Huge - just to get "Air". This has to be one of the sounds of the century.

The Incredibles were always an acquired taste and my kids can't believe the stuff could have been released, but listening to the CD yesterday I remembered how good it generally was.

On my all time, ultimate compilation I've had to limit Band material to two tracks - When you Awake and Rockin' Chair.

Posted on Mon Dec 6 15:29:48 CET 1999 from trt-on23-44.netcom.ca (207.181.99.44)

John D

I hadn't read the previous posts before submitting this morning. Just a comment on the myth thing. I think that if you were Serge or Paul Godfrey watching the Hawks from their earliest days, there was no myth. I think if you only heard about The Band from the Dylan tour and now into Big Pink....there was a romanticism.....and as far as the myth thing.....a lot of it came from the lifestyle they were leading. Garth said it best. Here were 5 guys living around the home of Rip Van Winkle, dressed like Quakers, performing and recording when they felt like it......who had been hanging out with a man filled with mystery and myths.....BOB DYLAN. I think a lot of the Dylan mystery rubbed off on them initially and eventually the fans had created their own myths about THE BAND. It could have been and I believe it was fuled by Grossman. There was something "haunting about Big Pink." The Pink House, the clothing, the use of the instruments, especially Garth. Duff Roman who produced David Clayton Thomas and The Shays around the same time as The Hawks once said to me, If you hung out with them at the Warwick Hotel for awhile.....you wouldn't have any myths. Dave Mickie manager of The Revols told me the same thing. The myths definitely were upheld by post Hawks fans.

Posted on Mon Dec 6 15:06:03 CET 1999 from trt-on23-44.netcom.ca (207.181.99.44)

John D

DISCUSSION ANYONE?

Many of you may have heard by the now, the announcement this week by Ms. TINA TURNER who turned 60 years of age.

She was quoted as saying "THAT AT 60 YRS. OLD IT'S TIME FOR A ROCK 'N' ROLL SINGER TO RETIRE. NO ONE WANTS TO BE TOLD IT'S TIME TO LEAVE THE STAGE." That's as close to the exact quote that I remember.....in other words at 60 it's time for a rock 'n' roll singer to hang 'em up; before everyone tells you it's time to go. Paul McCartney came back with the fact that he would sing as long as he could and cited people like Muddy Waters and B.B. King

I think the important part of Ms Turner's quote were the words "ROCK 'N' ROLL SINGER." Muddy and B.B. are blues singers and it's almost a tradition that they just keep on performing until their called up yonder. Traditional country singers were much the same. Kitty Wells and Eddy Arnold performing into their golden years.

Many of us on the Band site are Baby Boomers. The first generation to be raised on ROCK 'N ROLL. I've read references on this site about the Band members getting "old." Those comments have always bothered me. Although THE BAND certainly have textures of Rock 'N' Roll in their music......and they cut their teeth on it......I have never looked upon them as strictly a R&R Band. Their music; even the latest works have a country and folky flavour, mixed with R&B, R&R and more. To me they were always a bit of a melting pot; which drew me to their music.

I have always felt that any member of THE BAND could continue to perform into their Golden Years. I guess my question or topic of discussion lies, in whether MS. TURNER is right about 'ROCK 'N' ROLL SINGERS." I never heard my father say that Bing Crosby or Mario Lanza or any of his favorites should "give it up." Is is because of the energy of ROCK 'N' ROLL that so many media people today take shots at groups like THE ROLLING STONES and others. Hell man, the Stones can still out rock many others. I say as long as you've still got your chops......go for it. I will admit when I heard Stephen Stills sing at Woodstock '94 (with my son watching) I felt embarrassed for him. Crosby Stills and Nash made their name, in many ways from their harmonies. I don't know what happened to Stephen since then; but he sounds GREAT on their new album. Maybe he was just having throat problems that day.

Anyway after MS. TURNER'S QUOTE THIS WEEK, I thought it might bring up a discussion. Also I never hear anyone say that Tom Jones doesn't have it anymore.....or Neil Young. I guess like a fine wine.......they age well as do THE BAND MEMBERS.

Posted on Mon Dec 6 14:37:54 CET 1999 from gateway.tpp.com (198.81.246.2)

Brown-Eyed Johnny

The best bootleg of all time: Bob Dylan at Tramps on July 26, 1999. Two CDs--Awesome performance and awesome sound quality. Read Peter Stone Brown's review of the show on Bill Pagel's site and then listen to the CDs. One of the finest rock 'n' roll shows ever. Excellent set list including "Visions of Johanna" and "Every Grain of Sand" and a most remarkable harp solo on "It Ain't Me Babe."

Posted on Mon Dec 6 14:20:37 CET 1999 from gw33.telekomus.com (206.2.196.66)

Band Thought

Diamond Lil, Dave Z. and Peter. Thanks for the refreshing posts - goes well with the morning brew (coffee).

For those that give and get gifts during this holiday season, I highly recommend that you add to your wish list Rhino's The Band (Brown) Classic Album series videocassette. It has probably been discussed here upon its release, so excuse the redundancy. I taped the original from VH1 and did not think I would have much use for the packaged variety. I was surprised to find that the Rhino release contains at least 15-20 minutes of additional footage, included Rick and Robbie's showcasing of "When You Awake." At least it seemed like extra footage. And if I had to choose between bringing to a desert island this one or TLW, I would choose the former. It brought to mind many of the things I originally was drawn to about The Band, the layers of music woven together and broken down in the studio, the way I used to isolate The Band's instruments or voices by sometimes listening to the music with just the left speaker or the right one. The cap is the close and hearing Richard sing Whispering Pines (not the studio version, btw - so where are these out-takes to be found???), my interpretation of which is that it is the most heart-wrenching song ever written about someone dying. John

Posted on Mon Dec 6 13:28:04 CET 1999 from alb3-as5200-07-103.termserv.net (208.20.67.103)

Diamond Lil

Peter: I tend to think your last post made quite a bit of sense ( as your posts usually do), but I still contend that the "myth" which was created by critics should have been about the _music_..not the men who made it. I think Sundog's "wow this is Rick Danko!" reaction was more because of the warmth and unaffected personality of the man himself..not because of some myth of greatness. (Please correct me if I'm wrong Sundog..I'm not trying to speak for you..that's just my opinion). Anyhow, myth or no myth, The Band's music is indeed timeless..which is why so many of us still love them..and always will.

Mike: Thanks for your inquiry as to my 'show'. Sorry to disappoint you, but my recent "getaway" was to find some quiet time to think about what's important in my life. The only "show" I attempted to see was a local "classic rock" cover band in my old hometown, who played ehm..Pearl Jam %-) Classic Rock?? I think not!

Off to work here. Uncle H: The "H" word...please. Have a good day....

Posted on Mon Dec 6 13:04:17 CET 1999 from du-tele3-071.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.71)

Peter Viney

I wouldn’t go too far along the line that these were just five working musicians who got a myth imposed on them which was invented by a few outside critics like Marcus and later Hoskyns. The mythological references in RR’s writing were overt, and he was happy to say he was working on an American mythology well before Marcus et al picked up on it. As well as this, a myth was imposed on the group itself. The myth of the wise men descending from the mountains, isolated from freaky West Coast music was promoted by Albert Grossman, and they all seem to have gone along with it at first. Even as early as the Ralph Gleason 1969 Winterland review, it’s clear that Gleason was sold on it as well. He helped spread it. “Time” magazine sealed it in 1970. The Band skillfully pulled the critics along by the nose rings. I also suspect they might have found themselves at various times since then hidebound by the expectations it created. The myth-making included their history as The Hawks, as we talked about a few months ago, The Hawks seem to have been rather more fluid than the “five together against all comers for years” that was the early story. Ronnie Hawkins’ notorious Rolling Stone interview at first seemed to explode the “myth”, but it only served to broaden and deepen it. The “myth” may have been best expressed by Robert Palmer in “A Portrait of The Band As Young Hawks” in Rolling Stone, 1 June 1978, and this is one of the best pieces of writing on The Band ever. It’s also source material for later writers. Palmer was writing “new journalism” using the techniques of the fiction novelist to describe factual events. He did it so well that this was then read as “fact” rather than “faction” and Hoskyns also adopted elements, which might account for some criticism by the participants. e.g. RR objected to him saying what people actually said in a closed room with no outsiders present. But that’s exactly what faction does.

Some might say that this myth-making was all the Robbie / Grossman conspiracy, and I agree that Robbie seems to have been the most conscious perpetrator, wrapping it all up in The Last Waltz. Just read back about people meeting the various current members - the unifying theme is that these are some of the most genuine and warm people, and the sensation everyone gets is that these are working musicians who love their job. Absolutely. But I still see them as the wise men from the mountains. As Sundog said, he kept thinking, “Wow! This is Rick Danko!” because the myth never quite wears away.

Btw, the Helter-Skelter book catalogue I received today has this to say about Marcus: “(Mystery Train was) written after being sacked from Rolling Stone over his refusal to write a positive review of Self-Portrait, which he hated”

Is this a bad sign of ageing? This seems to be the worst Christmas season for new releases I ever remember. Apart from some back catalogue stuff when I was in the USA, I haven’t bought an album for weeks. I always check the store on Monday (new release day in the UK) and even the expected Greatest Hits collections are dull, not that I could look for long because the store was playing a Yes album, and I much prefer the sound of fingernails scraping down a blackboard, which is also closer to rock and roll than Yes ever got. Is everyone saving releases for the millenium?

Posted on Mon Dec 6 11:30:37 CET 1999 from acay019125145.acay.com.au (203.19.125.145)

Patric

Rod...In answer to your question about why the reformed Band didnt record during their "comeback" period. My belief is that one of the main reasons was the difficulty in finding suitable worthy material to work with.With the exception of Jericho the song selection since Islands hasnt done them justice.

Posted on Mon Dec 6 09:05:58 CET 1999 from cf3k-3.paradise.net.nz (203.96.152.183)

Rod

I think Levon puts The 80's Band into the oldies category when he says that The Cate Bros were hired so he didn't need to rehearse. This made them not alot different than other groups that reformed with extra musicians to fill in the gaps - leaving the original members to be entertainers and sing the odd song here and there. This was particularly sad in The Band's case because they were /are all incredible musicians. With The Cates on stage the effect of Rick's bass and Levon's drums was lost in in the swamp from the extra set of bass and drums. There was little room for Garth. This having been said, on The Band is Back Richard turns in a great performance and his piano is alot more prominent in the mix than alot of the earlier stuff.

Why they didn't record in this period is a mystery. Do any of you insiders know why?

Posted on Mon Dec 6 07:32:30 CET 1999 from acay019125220.acay.com.au (203.19.125.220)

Patric

The thoughts on "oldies acts" poses the next question..whose music of the oldies is going to survive the best and longest ?. I listen pretty exclusively to contemporary music on the radio [ read current & 90's ] and it's interesting who come up on the CLASSIC FLASHBACK songs that are played occasionally and even more interesting who doesnt.Dylan's only songs to appear are Rolling Stone & Lay,Lady, Lay , Queen are quite frequent ..Stones have a few songs , The Who get the occasional play ..Led Zepplin .Deep Purple..Van Morrison pops up occasionally with Them on Gloria. The one band who appears most is Creedence Clearwater Revival, being an unabashed devotee of the group it pleases me that their songs are still playing to young listeners and it looks like their music will be one of the few pearls from the "oldies" era to last.

Its rare to hear any Band songs although Jimmy Barnes covered The Weight a few years ago and that received good airplay, odd that very few Band songs have been covered by contemporary artists.

Posted on Mon Dec 6 05:54:55 CET 1999 from icache-3.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Thanks 'LIL, I only wish everyone of you could have been there, he'd like that, and what a party it would be-TOTAL LOVE! Mike,,you said "Sounds like you had a great time",,Well it was like everything was so sureal, and with all the people talking and carrying on, it was all in slow motion, and when Rick answered my questions; no one was talking at those moments,everyone was all silent, as if they had just asked the question himselfs, awaiting the answer for Rick to reply, and it was the same way when anybody asked a question, it was like Rick was a teacher answering to his students, and what a teacher, I learned alot! He even show me his mother on the Music From Big Pink album in the centerfold that we brought with us!

Posted on Mon Dec 6 05:28:35 CET 1999 from polaris-fw1.nspco.com (206.10.243.20)

Dave Z

I've been enjoying a lot of the recent posts... but can I play devil's advocate?... There's three thoughts swishing around in my head with all the various cold medicines, so here goes a shake of the head and mouth... Does Rick ever read the GB... Oldies... Greil M... Maybe you can learn more elsewhere than the GB but I yearn for the discussion that takes place... When I was a kid first listening to the Band, I couldn't discuss this music that moved me so much with any friends or play it at parties because it always seemed to interrupt the rituals of meeting girls and/or consumption of foreign substances with the boys... Maybe in the dog-eat-dog world of childhood, when one kid said Robbie another just had to say Clapton, and therefore we were just too busy to continuously connect on a common group for more than 5 minutes, and had to move on... So now I'm older and maybe revisiting the freshness and integrity of the past in my own ways, and I'm thinking it's nice to find a party where the Band is always playing and informally discussed, sometimes even with sloppy passion... To some degree then, who cares about truths and learning... and maybe it's not the Band that is an Oldies act... but the audience... I mean it's got to be tough to wake up everyday, face another internet poll, and still proclaim... the Band is Number 1... I know I must be getting to be an oldie because I don't like much what I hear on the radio... If I keep listening to the radio, Ricky Martin will be an oldies act by spring... Makes me wonder if I was able to see every Band gig in '76, at what point would my loyal attention span waiver... On the other hand, give me the music of Muddy Waters long after he's become a fossil... cause even after they kill a turtle it's heart keeps beatin'... by the way, I like Greil because he thinks too much about the music... and then shares it with us... Self-humiliation?... Gods and Myths?... Sounds like he's in denial and couldn't keep it fresh either... And if RR is so concerned about a critics misinterpretation while saying it's all about the music out the other side, then who's worshipping... after all, is it really that these guys are Gods to us or are we just moved so much by the background music of our lives that these people have been and are the conduit for... and now we are maybe a little frustrated that the traits of one rock generation maybe have to skip a generation before re-appearing?... And I'm impatient... Yeah, that's what I say... Rave On!!! And by the way Rick, it ain't the midwest if it don't include Mpls... There, now I don't have to cuss out the boss at the Xmas party...

And now for a more thoughtful post by...

Posted on Mon Dec 6 05:32:17 CET 1999 from proxy1-external.blfld1.ct.home.com (24.4.252.36)

AHROOO!!

Arlie????????????????????

Posted on Mon Dec 6 03:53:17 CET 1999 from spider-wg024.proxy.aol.com (205.188.196.29)

Mike

Regarding the "oldies" moniker...I really don't know what qualifies a band as an oldies act. Lack of songwriting? Lack of new material? Covers? I don't know. I don't even really care. I have watched the (supposed) "Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World" grow into narcissistic senior citizen "posers" over the last 30 years. The Stones haven't done anything musically relevant in years. Yes, they are incredibly "successful" and have had million selling tours, etc., but so have Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, and Madonna...so what? (When it comes right down to pure musicianship, the Stones don't win, place or show compared to The Band. Even in the early, early days, The Hawks superior playing would've just flat out embarrassed them.) Stadiums? I have seen some of the best shows in my life at little, out-of-the-way spots, and so have many of you. To me, the ultimate Rock & Roll humiliation is not being relegated in the later years to small venues. The ultimate humiliation is having to foolishly pose as a teenage renegade when you're almost 60 years old, because you have to sing your "catalog." Satisfaction? Jumpin' Jack Flash? (I'm not picking on the Stones. They're just an example. Pick most of The Band's peers from the Woodstock era, especially the more rebellious ones. Their music just doesn't hold up, hence the dust on the Quicksilver album a few posts back.)

The music of The Band has that classic, timeless quality that transcends the typical fare of their peers. The Band never were "posers." From the 1968 "Next of Kin" photo from Pink to Rick's new "Breeze Hill," the guys have remained basically what they were at the beginning: incredibly talented, humble musicians who loved to play. Myth? There are no myths except those written by critics like Marcus. It's really not that complicated. The guys love to play. Big venue, little venue, whatever. Levon said that the only way he ever wanted it to be was like this: show up, play and get paid. (I don't think Yoko killed the Beatles. I think they died because they quit playing. (Is anyone really surprised The Band isn't faring all that well on all the different millennial polls on the radio? It's because we know, and "they" don't! Sundog -- I wish I was at the show in Chicago...Sounds like you had a great time. I'm slightly jealous. (It may rain a lot out here in Oregon, but it sure is DRY sometimes, if you know I mean.) Lil -- How 'bout a report of your show?

Posted on Mon Dec 6 03:49:49 CET 1999 from pppb22-resaleclearwater1-1r1048.saturn.bbn.com (4.16.97.33)

The Band poll - Canada

For those of you who haven't voted for the Canoe - Most Important Canadian Music Artist, you can get to the poll by clicking on the "Home page" in this posting.

For those of you who have already voted and wish to take advantage of proxy votes, please remember this is being conducted under "modified Norwegian rules". Your computer requires continual "adjustments" to allow the proxy votes to be registered. (In other words, you can't vote more than once without fiddling it!)

As of this posting, it will take close to 80 votes for The Band, and NONE for the other guys, to raise our total by 1%.

Now, flex fingers, go vote!

Posted on Mon Dec 6 03:35:35 CET 1999 from host8.pm4.laurel.us.net (198.240.94.8)

mattk

Ped ke to take a second to say how incredibly pleasing it is to have us discussing, and disagreeing, on some salient points vis-a-vis this Marcus thing. This is what the GB was made for, if you ask me (maybe I should just ask Jan...hee hee).

Anyway, on the topic of our esteemed host, Jan, wonderful and inciteful post. As busy as you are, it's wonderful when you get a chance to step from behind the curtain and share your thoughts. I dig it!

Peace all

Matt

Posted on Mon Dec 6 03:28:34 CET 1999 from alb1-as5200-09-9.termserv.net (208.20.67.9)

Lil Again

I just received an e-mail from a wise and wonderful friend, one of those people who can see me better than I can see myself at times. No, this post is _not_ Band related (but hey..at least my last one was!) but I thought it would be nice to end the day by sharing some of these thoughts with you folks.

If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten.(Anonymous)

The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears. (Native American saying)

Come to the edge , he said. No. We are afraid. Come to the edge, he said. No. We are afraid. Come to the edge, he said. They came. And he pushed them. And they flew. (Apollinaire)

Everyone should carefully observe which way his heart draws him, and then choose that way with all his strength. (Hasidic saying)

Never give in..never give in..never give in..(Winston Churchill)

To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing it's best to make you everybody but yourself - means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight and never stop fighting. (EE Cummings)

Make believe you're brave, and the trick will take you far. You may be as brave, as you make believe you are.(From "The King and I")

Want to make God laugh? Tell him your plans....(Anonymous)

Have a good night everyone. (Me :-)

Posted on Mon Dec 6 02:20:52 CET 1999 from alb1-as5200-09-9.termserv.net (208.20.67.9)

Diamond Lil

Sundog: Thanks for your wonderful post(s) about Rick's show on Friday night. I was especially touched by how you called him 'a man who sings not just with his voice, but with his soul'. I couldn't have said it any better myself.

Thanks also to Jan, for your insightful post regarding Greil Marcus. "Self humiliation?" If anyone has fallen victim to that, it may very well be the critics who insisted on putting The Band on some pedestal way back when.....not The Band themselves. They were never "gods"..only men..who enjoyed doing their 'job' and did it better than most. The idea that they somehow didn't live up to the picture that Marcus (and Hoskyns too for that matter) painted of them is pretty ludicrous, as _they_ never pretended to be more than they were...5 guys making music for their own happiness and the happiness of those who heard it. And for all intents and purposes, that's what the remaining members are still doing today. And I say..good for them!

Ahroo: Your comment about anyone knowing that Richard was "miserable on the road" has me a bit perplexed. Richard _loved_ performing, and "miserable" would be the _last_ word I'd use to describe his feelings for it. Whatever demons that touched Richard's soul were personal ones, and his demise could only have been avoided if _he_ had chosen to avoid it. I doubt very much that this was a spur-of-the-moment decision for him, as there was alot of personal discontent (and please don't get me started on Arlie..) for a long time. The fact that he chose to end his life while on tour with the other Band members was perhaps a conscious decision that helped him find the peace that only the close proximity of his closest friends could give him.

None of us will ever know why Richard chose to do what he did, and the most we can do is hope that wherever he is now, he's taken that peace with him......

Posted on Mon Dec 6 02:08:34 CET 1999 from cfa1.execulink.net (199.166.6.10)

Paul Godfrey

One might question the credibility of the CANOE/Toronto Sun poll. Have voted for Ronnie Hawkins more than 10 times in the past 4 days and it still shows 0%. Go figure ;o)

Posted on Sun Dec 5 20:20:59 CET 1999 from icache-3.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Carmen,,,"DITTO", and timeless is a ONE OF A KIND!

Posted on Sun Dec 5 19:02:07 CET 1999 from 41.philadelphia-13-14rs.pa.dial-access.att.net (12.78.213.41)

carmen

In the past year a went to two shows. Springsteen with an audience of 20,000 and Danko with an audience of 100. I can tell you this, the person who had the best time at the Springsteen show was Springsteen himself. That was an oldies show.

Although Rick was not in the same shape as he was at the Last Waltz, his show was fresh and all 100 persons in the audience had a great time. I think the difference is that the BAND songs that Rick performs are timeless.

Posted on Sun Dec 5 17:56:59 CET 1999 from icache-3.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

GOOD POINT YOU MADE PAT!!!

Posted on Sun Dec 5 17:49:36 CET 1999 from icache-3.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Little Brother,,,you do have a clue, and I enjoyed that post of yours, Peter, I'm sure you'll get to see him, and when you do I hope you can get into some of the things that I did cuz alot of the things that are talked about here on this guest book (Rick says) are all mixed up, but he says that in a funny kinda way! He says, "Thats what KEEPS the sprite a glow". I wasn't going to tell Rick that sometimes people get kinda nasty to each other here on the guest book, but I'm sure he would have had a nice' answer to that too! And yes,,,Rick does look older, but when I was 15,,,he looked old, for crying out loud, ha, ha, ha! And I'm sure when I post the pictures of Rick's performence here that everyone will have a comment about Ricks *looks*, as for me,,, I'm way beyound that game...Its clear to me that I love Rick for who Rick is, wheather he be a drug user, a drinker, a pot smoker whatever,,,I love the man cuz he made it way beyound most of his dead friends, and I'll bet my last nickle that if Rick ( God forbids )ever ends up in a wheel chair,,I'll bet he would some how learn to play the f**k'n spokes on the chair just to make music for the fans he loves, thats the kind of man Rick is!

Posted on Sun Dec 5 17:23:39 CET 1999 from user-33qta7s.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.168.252)

Pat Brennan

Ben, some of those songs date back to the Hawks days, while others are rather simple covers, all of which are (in my opinion) inferior to any number of pre-LW songs. With the body of work that they possessed, it's still odd to me that they chose those covers. That's their call. As far as the "oldies" discussion goes, I do believe there is some merit in trying to understand why someone like Marcus would post the Levon cafe thing. He has written exstensively on music in general and the Band in particular. It's hardly a waste of time to dissect why someone who has spent so much time with the subject would get so snotty about a particular aspect of it. The 1971-oldies thread was no doubt somewhat academic in nature, a good reason to analyze their output at that time. However, the 1983-oldies is of a different stripe. It has been mentioned here that Richard was disillusioned with the stagnation of the live shows. That he was terribly and tragically frustrated at the time with the way things were going is well documented. I must say also that I enjoyed the Rick-Richard duo shows and boots of the Rick-Richard-Garth shows as much if not more than the Band shows of that time. Anything to hear Richard sing The Rumor.

Posted on Sun Dec 5 16:38:16 CET 1999 from trt-on9-60.netcom.ca (207.181.83.60)

John D

I heard a rumour that Hoskins is now living in Woodstock. True? You know as a Canadian who lives 90 miles from the border I'm always fascinated by the amount of Brits and Australians that immigrate to the U.S. We Canadians find it amost impossible to get in. Maybe it's the accent eh?

Posted on Sun Dec 5 13:20:28 CET 1999 from du-tele3-083.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.83)

Peter Viney

Band Thought: No, Van didn’t have Brian Kennedy with him. The guitarist and organist did the backing vocals. I happen to think that Van is at his best with support singers who contrast with his voice. Brian Kennedy is the ultimate expression of that, but Brian Kennedy AND a couple of female backing singers is perfection. I agree that Brian Kennedy’s own work is worth a serious listen. On Friday Van did a memorable duet with Chris Farlowe on “It’s A Man’s Man’s World”. Wish I could have seen the second show on Saturday.

Thank you Sundog for a great post on Rick Danko. Loved it. Wish Rick would come back to these shores. The Uncut (January 2000 issue) review of Live On Breeze Hill” is headed “The Band bassist and lead singer retraces his history with stellar accompaniment” while the Mojo one (December 1999 issue) says “Twilight boasts all the sepia-tinged glory of The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.”

Posted on Sun Dec 5 09:42:43 CET 1999 from (208.202.238.228)

Ted Haycraft

1) I'm coming in late to this discussion on quotes from G. Marcus...Where can I find the one about Levon's Cafe? 2) Please correct me if I'm wrong but in the latest edition of Mystery Train I seem to recall Mr. Marcus really liking HIGH ON THE HOG a lot!?! Then of course he did write the interesting liner notes for JUBILATION. Anyway I always like having critics around making statements that I may disagree with but help me keep a little perspective on my total devotion (or should I say "obsession") as a die hard fanboy! 3) I really love this site - much kudos to Jan and his hard work. I just wish I had more time to keep up with all of you regular Guest Book Writers. Some day I need to write down my unforgettable time I spent with Levon and Rick in Louisville, KY. One of the biggest highlights of my life!!! (I'm sorry I missed Rick when he was in Lexington,KY recently - It's about 3 hours away from me but my father, also a big BAND fan, ended up having Open Heart Surgery this last week). ...Ted!!!

Posted on Sun Dec 5 08:05:40 CET 1999 from 1cust135.tnt18.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.28.20.135)

Little Brother

Well, after years of procrastinating I finally got a laptop, and tonight (1:30 AM, actually), during my very first at-home surfing session, I postponed sampling a world of degeneracy, perversion, and unthinkable filth to check ut the Guestbook. It was nice, as always, to read the old familiar faces, including Jan (the Man) himself!

The "oldies" debate, as I guess the comments prove, is ultimately so subjective. I'm reminded of a time a few years back, when The Band played a New Year's Eve show at the Keswick Theater in Glenside, PA. I had no idea they were performing/touring, and had other committments anyway. I was out Christmas shopping with my sister when she drove past the place-- one of those great small venues where movies and community theater had been performed for decades and decades. When I saw THE BAND in big black letters on the marquee, my heart leaped.

Anyway, it turned out that my supervisor, who's fiftyish and an admirer of musicians from James Taylor to KD Laing, won FREE TICKETS from some radio station. She's a fanatic about those things. She sort of teased me with a "Guess where I'm going on New Year's Eve" thing-- she knew I was a real Band fan, and I promptly gave her a lecture on the Greatest Live Concert Album Of All Time, aka Rock of Ages.

When I came in after the holiday, she told me she'd generally enjoyed it. They all looked so OLD, she said. They were like REALLY wrinkled and burned-out looking. No, she couldn't remember what songs they did-- she thought probably "The Weight".

Listening to her odd, dilettantish reaction rather depressed me. Then she suddenly made some remark about how lately all these old guys were coming out of the woodwork to try and squeeze a few more dollars out of nostalgia audiences. "NO!" I tried to explain. I mean, yeah, that IS happening, but THESE GUYS are in a whole different CLASS. I think this must have been after Levon's book was out, since I recall wondering if their renaissance was in fact as feeble as she made it seem.

Later, she commented how funny it was how so many "Sixties" rock vocalists actually sang out of tune. Everybody was SO STONED back then, we couldn't even tell! I wasn't sure if she was including The Band, and was too bummed to pursue it. Yet she wasn't trying to be mean or vicious; she really did have fun in an unimpressed way, I gather. They're not like the MONKEES or KISS or even DAVID CROSBY, I wanted to yell. Out of tune my ass!

Ah, the eye of the beholder-- I was ready to give this one a good poke...

Posted on Sun Dec 5 07:14:55 CET 1999 from spider-tf061.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.201)

Ben Turkel

Pat, I understand your point about the quality of new songs in '76 vs. '83. And I agree that the 'Northern Light' material is overall superior. We may be splitting hairs now, but my point is that they added as many songs to their set in '83 as they had in '76. Checking through the tape archive I come up with 'Milk cow boogie', 'Java blues', 'Blaze of glory', 'Voodoo music','Caledonia', 'Willie and the handjive', 'You don't know me' and 'One more shot' as frequent additions to their setlist. Their may not be an 'Acadian driftwood' among these songs, but in fact they didn't play much 'Northern lights' material any longer. Only 'Ophelia' and 'It makes no difference' remained in their set after '76. I really wish that Woodstock records or some other label would start releasing some of these shows. It seems strange that 3 live videos were released betweeh 1983-94 but no cd's.

Posted on Sun Dec 5 06:59:10 CET 1999 from icache-3.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Thanks Patric, you are one of those persons that have a clue about what I'm talking about! I know someone by the name of Donald Joseph will be seeing Rick Danko tonight at Cubby Bear at Lincolnshire, or whatever, and he e-mailed me to say that he will post tonights show also. Anyway, during the show and between songs Rick talk about Breeze Hill, and why it was so important to but it together. Whether or not people want to hear this or not is up to them,,,but Rick for the most part IS the voice of THE BAND as we know it, not Robbie, Robbie is not part of THE BAND any more, like it or not. Yes, Rick would love the remaining members to play once more, and maybe make it work,,,but Rick said hes happy playing what he and his friends are creating, and by the respouce of the fans,,, I can see why! Rick did a wonderful show with Nicholas Tremulis Band, they perform well together! Also, Rick and Nicholis agreed to perform on our show in late Spring, so thats what I call a generous man of music. I wish Rick all the best in his music, whether old or new music, and I don't give a sh*t if it makes radio play or not, I'll always support the veterians of Rock 'n Roll, and ALL the members of THE BAND.

Posted on Sun Dec 5 06:56:35 CET 1999 from proxy1-external.avnl1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.66)

brien szabo

Here's one for the mixer-- Best Band song post LTW--- My vote-- Book Faded Brown--- Best Robbie song post LTW -- Fallen Angel

Posted on Sun Dec 5 06:07:44 CET 1999 from parachute1-156-40-64-116.net.nih.gov (156.40.64.116)

Jonathan Katz

So now we seem to be arguing about what constitutes an "oldies act." Is it 50/50? Was "Moondog" just a bunch of covers? Does "Planet Waves" count as evidence that they were not an "oldies act" in 1974? None of these things really matters. The Band are"working musicians" that love their work. But, there is a difference between pre-TLW and post-TLW; as there is a difference between pre-Jericho and post-Jericho.

I agree with Jan, I think Marcus' "self humiliation" comment relates to his fear that they could not live up to the picture of them that he painted. As was evident in the "Invisible Republic" more than any other place, Marcus likes to take a piece of music and free associate on culture and mythology [and I admit I enjoy reading these]. However, Greil Marcus is not an academic/demagogue because Greil Marcus could not meet the requirements of a truly academic material - he cannot marshal the evidence to support his musings. Robbie nailed that one long ago.

One thing has troubled me about the Marcus quote on Levon's Café since I first read it, but I could not put a finger on it until today. Marcus wrote a piece posted on "Addicted To Noise" just before the release of "Time Out Of Mind," and after Dylan's bout with a heart ailment. And what did Marcus make of the fact that the new album was the "first collection of original songs since 1990?" He talked about the 90's as a time when Dylan reshaped his music, "honing a tight cool little band, clearing his long-blocked throat with two dank vitriolic, surreptitiously ambitious albums of traditional songs, and reinventing himself onstage, not as a prophet or a careerist or a ruined reminder of better times, but as a lead guitarist. His shows began to jump: When I last saw him, two years ago, the long shout that kicked off his first number was like a flag unfurling." So Marcus is not just a mythologist, he's a hypocrite mythologist. But I guess we know that. After all, he attacked them in "Mystery Train" but wrote nice liner notes for "Jubilation."

Posted on Sun Dec 5 02:34:37 CET 1999 from user-33qt82j.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.160.83)

Pat Brennan

Ben, I forgot....Acadian Driftwood.

Posted on Sun Dec 5 01:14:59 CET 1999 from spider-wc042.proxy.aol.com (205.188.193.37)

Band Thought

A question for Peter. Did Brain Kennedy provide back-up vocals to Van the Man? Some of Van's best recent work (i.e., "Days Like This") includes the terrific call and response vocals between Van and Brian. In fact, Brian has become a mainstay on Van's mid-to-late 90's output.

Brian's own CD, "A Simple Man," shows off that emotion in his voice and is, overall, a very good listen. John

Posted on Sun Dec 5 00:58:18 CET 1999 from acay019125148.acay.com.au (203.19.125.148)

Patric

Sundog...Thanks for sharing your encounter with Rick, a good insight into one of the greatest soul singers ever.When you said Twilight bought tears to your eyes I can understand that, I always thought the song was the very essence of what The Band is all about.

Posted on Sun Dec 5 00:36:42 CET 1999 from user-33qt90p.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.164.25)

Pat Brennan

Ben, I respectfully disagree, especially concerning the 76 tour. They added Twilight, Ring Your Bell, Forbidden Fruit, It Makes No Difference, and Ophelia. I see nothing from '83 that comes close to comparing with that. And, as I've said before, the five piece was indeed something special. Nothing, including the post LW aggregations, comes close. In any case, I totally respect you having a different opinion.

Posted on Sun Dec 5 00:16:52 CET 1999 from spider-tm061.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.71)

Ben Turkel

Pat, When I referred to the Band as becoming an oldies act after 1971, I was using the definition of an oldies act that Matt had given to make a point. I do not consider the Band an oldies act at any time of their career. But, the fact is they didn't record any new material between 'Rock of Ages' and 'Norhern Lights'. I think their set in '83 probably had as many additions as their set on the '76 tour. The music the Band plays is timeless, it never was about adolescence, and consequently is as valid for them in their 50's to perform as it was 30 years ago. They were smarter than many of their contemporaries in the 60's who adopted a don't trust anyone over 30/anti-establishment attiude in their persona or music. I think that particularly in the early to mid 90's when they toured extensively behind 'Jericho' and 'Hog' that they played as well as they had with Robbie and Richard (based on recordings I've listened to). I don't like to see the Band of the 80's and 90's put down as a footnote or a bastardized version of the original group, their are plenty of live tapes and bootlegs which refute that idea.

Posted on Sun Dec 5 00:13:07 CET 1999 from icache-3.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Last night I went to see Rick at the Cubby Bear in Chicago, with a thought of "This is a man that beat the odds of music and time, a man that has been a part of my endless and all camping trips, a man that sings not with just his voice, but with his soul. A man that doesn't give a shit about the money, only just to play the music that makes since to him, in a world that is really f**ked up,,,he played the song on Breeze Hill ( Twilight ) with such intensity and tone, that it brought tears to my eyes, and I turned away from my friends so that they didn't see me in that way.

Rick played there last night to about 75-100 persons or so, and it was the MOST intimate setting for every person there, and you could see that most every single person there had something for Rick to sign,,,or show him. I personally gave him for his brithday present ( it ain't shit compared to what he's given to me in the last 31 f**k'n years ) a copy of *Merl Saunders Day* tape of your show ( cuz Merl and Rick are good friends ) and a big hug,,, you had to be there to see how his face smile at me, then slowly teared and looked way, as if to not let me or the other people in line see that moment,,,I couldn't control myself and either could my friend, we all had happy tears, its a moment I will hold forever and ever!

Also, the plastic bag I carried in with the tape and all, was a Greenpeace bag, so Rick felt that big time! As you know Breeze Hill gets a portion of $ from Ricks CD.

Me and Rick did alot of talking cuz he had alot to talk about, one question I asked him was this: Do you ever read the guest book on The Band web site? He said,,not very offen, I think you can learn more in the other areas of Jan's web site. If I got into it ( the guest book ), I wouldn't be able play music for you, ha ,ha, ha! Hes says hes really proud to be a part Jan's web site, and so is the rest ( The Band ) of us! Rick had some things to say about some things that I won't repeat, and any of you who have talked with Rick at any length,,, truly understand what I mean, and what I'm talking about.

Aaron was so kind, it so neat to see how really cool these people are. Aaron and I touched on Levon, a very interesting man. My heart last night felt EVERY emotion my body could produce, and some how my mind was flashing on things like: Wow,,this is Rick Danko!!! A person that knows Dylan, Eric, Janis, Muddy, Jerry, and who done everyting there is to do, but he is sitting here,,,talking to me!!!!! I brought with me a ticket ( original, not a copy ) of the Grateful Dead Show in Chicago ( July 9th 1995)for Rick to sign, cuz The Band was the last band to play with The Dead, when Rick saw that ticket he helded it close to his heart, and looked down at the floor, it broke his heart, and it showed, and I felt bad, but he said ( to my surprise ) that he will hook me up with Bobby Weir to sign it to, so that it could be complete. I was freak'n out. So, I let some other people talk with him and Rick told me to stick around so that we could talk some more, I said OK. ( Gotta go for now to do our show, but I finish this tonight when I get back).

Posted on Sat Dec 4 23:22:16 CET 1999 from user-33qt82k.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.160.84)

Pat Brennan

I take some exception to the argument that the Band may have been an oldies act post 1971. I believe Moondog Matinee is a more than honorable effort to reshape part of their past. It also yielded a number of tunes that became concert favorites, Mystery Train in particular. They also recorded Planet Waves with Dylan, which is something of an accomplishment. That would take them into 1975 and the recording of NLSC. Also, I don't think you can put a clockwatch on the muse. As far as Rick and Levon sounding better in the 80's than the 70's, I would much rather hear Dixie, We Can Talk, Get Up Jake....than Caledonia or Blues Stay Away. And boots from the 60's right up to the last tour show a devastingly good live act. I really don't think the reconstituted Band has ever approached the original as a live thing. No putdown to the Jericho era, etc. But you are going up against something special.

Posted on Sat Dec 4 20:45:35 CET 1999 from user-33qta8d.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.169.13)

Pat Brennan

Careful readers, please note: up to 1976, the Band was producing new music and highlighting said music in their subsequent tours. When they recommenced in 83 with no newly recorded music and little attempt to incorporate amything new into their sets, the nature of the group changed. When Richard passed and the group pared down--and the resulting momentum which produce Jericho, the group regained some of that lost cachet--hence the big press. The point here isn't that their music isn't timeless or that they open themselves to the "oldies" tag by playing it; it's that their resurrection didn't seem to embrace what made them special in the first place. Thus, the Marcus-type put-downs. And most here know how I feel about critics, Ragtime naturally excluded.

Posted on Sat Dec 4 18:44:16 CET 1999 from du-tele3-048.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.48)

Peter Viney

More on Van: He was in quotable form last night. “How many of you bought Back on Top?”, yells from most of the audience, “Well, I guess that’s an incentive to keep making them.”

When he asked (three times) for requests , there were persistent shouts for “Radio” which others corrected to “Caravan”. The other notable yell was “Sweet Thing.” No luck with either. He had Mick Green as a guest - introduced as “ex-Paul McCartney” to general amusement. Anyhow, when I got home I switched on the video to watch the recording of Parkinson meets Paul McCartney, which was broadcast during the show. I got that “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” shock, because there was Mick Green accompanying Paul at the same time that he was on stage with Van in Bournemouth. Now how did he do that? Van spent a lot of time conducting his band, who he kept at remarkably quiet level for most (but not all) of the show. There was a lot of light and shade. I often feel that the present Band would back him perfectly. They’d need to add a horn section, though. TLW was the ultimate version of “Caravan” after all, which is maybe why he doesn’t play it too often anymore. Another millenium wish - a joint tour.

Good to see “Live At Breeze Hill” reviewed twice in the UK recently. Well done, Lee G!

Posted on Sat Dec 4 18:39:52 CET 1999 from dal-tgn-tka-vty16.as.wcom.net (206.175.230.16)

Dexy

While I am one of the oldsters who first became a fan in '68 and 69, I was not really old enough to see them live until the '83 tour, then saw them a lot after JERICHO. Have never seen Robbie live, but have absolutely loved every live moment of Levon, Rick, Garth, Richard, Jimmy, Richard and Randy. One hell of a band -- the best I've ever seen. But, I did think about whether this was really "The Band," etc. I completely concur w/our website leader -- perfect analysis (and in English too -- how the hell do you do that??). These guys are musicians and performers -- what in the world is wrong with them doing their job, and giving us the chance to enjoy? I'm talking Levon, Rick, Garth and Robbie here. And, I continue to wait for another tour that would get near me -- Levon, forget the restaurant or whatever it is, and join up with your partners of 40 some years. I'd love to see any incarnation of any of them again, but must admit, I most want to see Rick, Levon and Garth together again. Jubilation was surely worth another run.

Posted on Sat Dec 4 18:06:50 CET 1999 from proxy1-external.blfld1.ct.home.com (24.4.252.36)

AHROOO!!

I'm a bit curious with all of this talk about The Band being labeled as an oldies act and the '83 - '84 reunion tour. When it comes to Richard, did anybody know that he was that miserable on the road? Were there any tell-tale signs. People had to know that he would be very much effected by Albert Grossman's passing, since he was the one that tried to help Richard a lot. Even thought some of the other Band members didn't like him, you still couldn't erase his efforts and compassion for Richard. They say in one of the books that the night before his passing at the Cheek To Cheek lounge he was trying to talk to Garth and even joked about hanging himself. Didn't any of the other Band members know, since he was a recovering alcohlic at that?

No, we can't change time, but could his demise have been avoided? It seemed as though he was very content with Arlie at the time. Though, I do remember an article from '71, where Richard had said, he didn't think he could live without The Band. Sadly enough, he committed suicide while on the road with them.

Richard had the greatest voice of any of The Band members. Sometimes his vocals were downright heartbreaking. I'm sure if he were still around, he too would have helped Robbie out on his solo releases. "Between Trains" goes to prove that. It's disappointing that he never had a solo album released. Was there any planned at any time?

AHROOO!!

Posted on Sat Dec 4 18:04:46 CET 1999 from icache-3.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Coming January 13th to Park West:) **THE FIRST WALTZ FILM RELEASE PARTY**. ( A Benefit for Neon Street ) See the film of the Smash Sold Out Concert at the Metro, March '99,,Featuring: The Nicholas Tremulis Band, and the following special guests: Sugar Blue, Sammy Liauas, Lonnie Brooks, Ivan Neville, Blondie Chaplin, Rick Nielsen, Billy Corgan Jr. and Sr., Sir Mack Rice, Sonia Dada, Bobbie Fulks Gary Yerkins, Alejandro Escavedo, Bob Griffin, and RICK DANKO from The Band. For Info call (733)384-4339

Posted on Sat Dec 4 16:42:14 CET 1999 from proxy-343.public.rwc.webtv.net (209.240.200.43)

sadie

Re: Ben Turkel

Amen!

I'll also add here, in reply to the criticism of The Band playing small venues and bars...sad to say, but does anyone really think they'd sell out stadiums? And who wants to pay those prices!? I have to admit, as a lifelong fan,...I...would pay nosebleed prices...and...drive anywhere in Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Colorado, and probably Oregon too too see the guys. (Hint, hint.)

Posted on Sat Dec 4 16:22:27 CET 1999 from spider-te074.proxy.aol.com (152.163.195.209)

Harry B

Peter Viney: Couldn't agree more on your assessment of The Band as NOT an oldies act. I didn't see anybody putting down Muddy Waters for touring in the 60's and 70's and he certainly didn't have any current "product" to push at the time. Great art is for all time, not just a certain age (to paraphrase Ben Jonson on Will Shakespeare). Also, concerning Van Morrison, you lucky SOB. I would love to see the man live in concert. Own about 3/4's of all official recordings and some bootleg concerts of his and would love to see a show similar to the "Live in San Francisco" (or some such title) from the mid-90's. One of a select few musicians deserving of "Band-type" praise... As for Greil Marcus - he got a little to academic/demagogic for me with that "Invisible Republic" tome - let's face it, Greil, nothing as special as The Band can be put in a time capsule to be "captured" like a Faberge egg...

Posted on Sat Dec 4 13:57:20 CET 1999 from 242.philadelphia-11-12rs.pa.dial-access.att.net (12.78.212.242)

carmen

For the record, I think Storyville is a great RR record, and one of my favorites regardless. Just thought it would also sound nice as a BAND effort. I am glad to see most many also feel the same. Now what is the possibility of the four getting back together and doing something in the studio? I would love to see an effort that uses songwriting input from all as well as getting some of Richard's vocals the same way the Beetles did recently with John Lennon. There has got to be some unfinished work!

Peter V. How about someting from Rick's Solo? I think this is underated and could have at least 2 in the top ten post Last Waltz. And also Rick's updated version of Twilight (if we can count this).

Posted on Sat Dec 4 12:59:09 CET 1999 from du163-249.ppp.algonet.se (195.100.249.163)

Ilkka

RAGTIME: I'm not in responsibility if a thousand years old long-haired hippie stole my email address and IP number. However, I agree completely with his intelligent post. - Easy way to escape, too ;-)

TO JAN: I'm glad to hear your opinion here in YOUR OWN gb. But, you shouldn't underestimate The Myths. They live longer than we. The ancient Greece myths can be found in many songs, many artists make their lives to the myths, ordinary phenomenes become myths - even Telemark skiers. The myths are more real than the reality. Well, here is the limit to my English - I might email you privately in Swedish, OK? Thanks anyway for posting your OWN thoughts!

Posted on Sat Dec 4 12:18:39 CET 1999 from du-tele3-094.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.94)

Peter Viney

Marcus: I still think Marcus is expessing his own millenial angst. Jan is absolutely right. Reality was beginning to interfere with Marcus’s myths. I never had a problem with the Band items on the menu - we listed lots of suggestions at the time from Strawberry Wine coolers to Jawbone oxtongues (I didn’t look back to check this one, but there were a lot). It seems a trifle snooty to find this “creepy”. If I’d ever managed to get there, I think I’d’ve been in a great mood and happy to go along with Cripple Creek seafood etc. It’s the “Revenge for women” sticker I’d like explained.

I think the honours for very best post-Last Waltz material are evenly shared between RR and The Band. My ten (in no order) would be Fallen Angel, Crazy River, Breaking The Rules, Soap Box Preacher, Twisted Hair, Atlantic City, Blind Willie McTell, French Girls, Don’t Wait, Back to Memphis. Of The Band five, only one is a composition by a Band member. After that ten, as far as material goes, Robbie would pretty much fill my next ten too, with a couple of Danko, Fjeld, Anderson tracks competing for places.

I’ve often said Storyville was Band-like and that Robbie’s writing is so naturally designed for a range of voice that Rick & Levon would have sounded great - and Garth is always better than anything else that might be there. I do agree about the positive impact of the backing musicians he used, and Robbie has kept up his talent for matching voices to songs by enlisting talents such as Peter Gabriel, The Blue Nile and Neil Young. He’s made great use of female voices in recent work, which is a fine addition. This is an ability he has. Sometimes Robbie’s voice is perfect for the song. I can’t imagine how Crazy River or Fallen Angel would be better than they already are with other voices. Some songs sound like Band naturals. I imagine Rick and Richard on “Breaking The rules” and can’t think of a better lead voice for the song than Rick Danko. Rick Danko with The Blue Nile perhaps? Some of the tracks on “Storyville” would suit Levon down to the ground. Day of Reckoning would have to be Robbie whoever was available. “Storyville” is already a great album, but with the extra voices, and retaining the musical contributors contributors it could have been sitting up there with the first three Band classics - but it would still be an RR solo album with assistance from old friends. A true Band album would need more collaborative input. While The Band was in its classic phase, RR didn’t compete as a singer, but the twenty odd years of extra experience coupled with natural knowledge and taste means that if my impossible millenium wish were to be answered, the others would have to accept that he’d be taking an equal share of the vocals, and that won’t happen.

Oldies act? There are some conflicting views, but as I said a few days ago, 50% post-Last Waltz material is NOT an oldies act. An oldies act sits entirely on the past. The problem with 80s shows, particularly the nadir after Richard and before Jericho, was surely that they didn’t do enough oldies. When you have their back catalogue, the likes of Steppin Out, C.C. Rider, Willie & The Hand Jive, Caldonia are not what the people come to see. Other additions like The Battle Is Over and Kingfish were a better idea.

Which brings me to Van Morrison last night. Two hours twenty minutes. The jolliest and most talkative I’ve ever seen him. A slightly weird concert. He had a mic technician (he’s had mics changed mid-act the last four times I’ve seen him). And a cigarette technician. A roadie brought on lighted cigarettes for him about seven or eight times. The first four he smoked with his back to the audience then he stopped bothering. He was very loose and funny. Great duet with Chris Farlowe on “It’s A Man’s, Man’s World”. The bass player alternated between Fender Precision and what appeared to be a solid body, stand-up, electric double bass, which I haven’t seen used before. Sounded excellent and it must be easier to transport than a fragile traditional stand-up bass. One for Rick, maybe, if they ever get round to a tour with Jubilation material.

Posted on Sat Dec 4 12:01:49 CET 1999 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime

Well said Jan. Not only is Greil Marcus hard to understand, I dare to question his integrity. He can't have it both ways: critic or writer of liner notes? Both - honourable - occupations are only to combine if you write about separate subjects. Our myth-guru should have stayed away from the record sleeves of BT and Jubilation.

Re '83: I don't think Double R "wrote them off". He just meant to say that most musicans feel the urge to perform on stage. Well, not him, obviously, but he just said they should do what they liked best.

Didn't Ilkka say that a real man never presses a "Preview" button? So long, manhood... ;-)

Posted on Sat Dec 4 11:53:33 CET 1999 from icache-3.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

It's 4:21am and what a night we had seeing and talking with Rick Danko, Aaron, and Nicholas Tremulis. I'm so beat the I'm going to bed,,,but here's the set list for now, and I will give all of you a review in about 8 hours or so! Rick said " Long live all my friends on The Band web site". 1) Book Faded Brown. 2)Twilight. 3)Cazy Mama. 4)Stage Fright. 5)Four winds Blow.? 6)Sip the Wine. 7)Pete Special,,,Ricks friend played a blues tune. 8)The Weight. 9)Orpheia. 10)Makes No Differents. 11)Shape I'm In. 12) On core,,,River of Babalone. Also,,,I have 24 photos I will post if they came out?!?

Posted on Sat Dec 4 10:36:31 CET 1999 from ppp211.p01.as4.csnet.nl (194.69.25.211)

Cor Schorel

Who can tell me the telephonnumber or email adres of Mary van Kints in Austinmer - Australia Cor Schorel s@avd.nl (Netherlands)

Posted on Sat Dec 4 10:35:42 CET 1999 from stcath-ppp73050.sympatico.ca (216.208.72.49)

Richard Patterson

Amen

Posted on Sat Dec 4 10:06:08 CET 1999 from jan-hoiberg.hiof.no (158.36.52.15)

Jan Høiberg

The problem with Greil Marcus, IMHO, is his mixing of music and religion/mythology. Marcus needs to believe in something (like we all do, I guess, more or less), and in Mystery Train he tried to create his own myths around The Band. To quote Robbie Robertson: "It's kind of beautiful, but he (Marcus) is trying to tell me what I am thinking." Of course, "the storyteller from the shadowland" (as Robbie called himself when his solo debut came in 1987) and manager Albert Grossman both seemed happy to contribute to the "mystery" in the late '60s and early '70s.

"It's just our job," a tired Levon Helm once said to a British journalist who wanted to "explore the myth." And that's probably how they still view themselves, as working musicians. The members of The Band were and are extremely talented musicians and song writers, and in the original five-piece unit this added up to something that probably never can be matched. But if you try to create religion and mythology from it, you're in dangerous territory.

When The Band reunited in 1983, Robbie's comment was "People say they might blemish what The Band has done as a group, even that it's sacrilegious. I don't think people should write about it that way ... we're not talking about Matthew, Mark, Luke and John here. These are just some guys in a rock'n roll band who miss it, y'know? I hope they have a real good time and don't stay up too late."

If we try to ignore Robbie writing off Levon, Rick, Richard and Garth as "just some guys in a band," he has got a valid point here. During the '80s tours it became very evident that The Band are indeed "working musicians." If you watch e.g. the Japan Tour video from that period, you'll see how much they could enjoy doing the "job", and how the audiences loved it.

This was of course not enough for Greil Marcus and others (like Barney Hoskyns) who wanted to believe their own myths. When Marcus understands that there is nothing holy or religious to be found here, he blames The Band for "the final rock'n roll self-humiliation." To me it seems that he wanted Levon and the boys to stay away, so he wouldn't have to be confronted with his own unrealistic views of what The Band was about. This also shines through in his recent comments on the closing of Levon's cafe, where he indicates that it's "blasphemic" to use parts of The Band lyrics in a menu and that Levon Helm should stop playing with blues bands.

It's hard to understand Marcus, though. In his liner notes to Jubilation in 1998, he seems to love the new music and respect the current Band.

Posted on Sat Dec 4 08:41:07 CET 1999 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime p.s.

And BTW: as The Band they would never have recorded the same material on Storyville. Their albums were Group Efforts, remember...

Posted on Sat Dec 4 08:33:21 CET 1999 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime

Pat: "If they had timed it with the '83 resurrection"

a. Had they enough new material?

b. How did record labels think of our guys at the time?

Re Storyville: every now and then the suggestion pops up what a great BAND album this could have been. Why? It's a great Double R album in its own right.

Posted on Sat Dec 4 06:42:03 CET 1999 from spider-wj023.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.28)

Ben Turkel

I think that some interesting posts have been sparked by Griel Marcus's criticicsm of the Band/Levon's cafe. Matt, if you want to consider any group that tours without recording new music an oldies act, than the Band became an oldies act after 1971. They had only one new original song 'Endless highway'for Watkins Glen, Jersey city and Dylan/Band tour '74. It wasn't until 1976 that they toured behind a new album, and then Robbie pulled the plug. I also feel that it's valid to compare their reunion to those other groups. I happen to be a big Who fan, but I think it's getting ridiculous for Roger Daltrey to sing 'I can't explain' or 'Won't get fooled again'. I'd say the same thing about Jagger and the Stones. Both of those groups are much more focused on youth and rebellion, and in my opinion a 55 year old twirling the microphone like a lasso and dancing around the stage in tight pants is a lot more humiliating than anything the Band have ever done, even if they're playing to a stadium full of people. I actually believe that Rick and Levon have sounded as good or better performing older Band material in the 80's and 90's than they did in the 70's. Their's no reason that Rick and hopefully Levon shouldn't be performing some of these songs for many years to come. Also, while they definetly went to smaller venues after the reunion, they had not previously (to the best of my knowledge) been an arena act, with the exception of 'tour 74' and some other isolated performances. I'm not trying to be some kind of muckraker here but that Marcus quote really pisses me off. I think it's much further off base than the Dave Marsh review that was discussed here recently.

Posted on Sat Dec 4 06:30:27 CET 1999 from spider-wa084.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.59)

Greg K.

Great site! I remember a concert at Cleveland Stadium in the mid 70's featuring Jesse Colin Young, The Band, Santana and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. I think it was in '74, but I'm unsure. Can anybody help? Thanks.

Posted on Sat Dec 4 05:58:21 CET 1999 from user-33qt88a.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.161.10)

Pat Brennan

Right up through the '76 tour, the Band was a vital recording/performing outfit. The released recordings from their first four years as The Band compare with any group's--bar none. And that's not counting their participation in one of the most important series of recordings in rock history, the Basement Tapes. Count those and you're probably talking about a career span without parallel. So, they have this Last Waltz and say goodby. The reasons? Well, we've discussed them at length, at least our opinions of them. But two seem to stand out: Robbie's genuine fear of the road, and a dip in their popularity. Seven years later, with no new music, with four additional musicians and one notable absence, they're back. Each time in Chicago (for example) the halls got smaller, the crowds got smaller, and the shows pretty much stayed the same. Thus, Marcus's rap. Richard passes, and something happens. The result: Jericho. Now, imagine if they had spent some time in 1982 recording a new album and putting together a stage show that showcased the best of the old and the new. Maybe get a burning guitarist and keep it a five piece (to this day, that balance of piano/organ with Levon and Rick pushing the beat and Robbie in the middle can't be touched, especially by the eight piece that encored in '83). Remember all the press they got when Jericho did come out? If they had timed that with the '83 resurrection, it could have been a different story.

Posted on Sat Dec 4 05:15:20 CET 1999 from slip-166-72-131-138.fl.us.prserv.net (166.72.131.138)

Jim Beavers

Hey Levon, Remember me. Mary Kay's brother from Fayetteville. Your Web Page is awsome. Brings back old mems. Hope you're doing well. Jim Beavers

Posted on Sat Dec 4 01:03:11 CET 1999 from ppp707.on.bellglobal.com (206.172.238.131)

Richard Patterson

Very interesting to hear all the comments on Greil Marcus' 'Real Life Top Ten' piece in the past few days.

Just curious to get anyone's opinion on this point: Marcus is of the opinion that the Band were an 'oldies act' in the eighties (and many here agree with that assessment). He also considers this 'the ultimate rock 'n roll self-humiliation'.

Does that mean that any active bar band musician is indulging in the final act of 'self-humiliation' by playing cover tunes, or do you only fall into this catagory if you have known previous success ?. By extention, are Glen Gould and Ofrah Hanoy (to mention a few people recently mentioned in the GB) 'humiliating' themselves because they don't write their own material ? My theory: Greil just can't play a lick.

P.S. Peter: The 'Real Life Top Ten' seems chock-full of casual, smart-ass comments. Maybe the cheque for this gig isn't as big as the one for sleeve notes (or maybe the one for 'Jubilation' was too small).

Posted on Fri Dec 3 21:54:11 CET 1999 from gw33.telekomus.com (206.2.196.66)

Band Thought

Just a follow-up to the Storyville post. Where Robbie did miss the mark on this CD is in the somewhat abandoned theme he started involving the two lovers. I remember reading that he wanted to weave a story of two people - lovers - who find each other, separate, then come together again. "Day of Reckoning" was really the logical opening track - the boy meets girl story begins there ("...who's that girl with the tattoo on her skin?"). "Night Parade," with lines like, "You got lost in the crowd..." continues the tale, heating up with "Hold Back The Dawn." "Breaking The Rules" continues with, "I tried to reach you...on Valentine's Day." The story continues.

Somewhere along the way "Go Back To Your Woods" and "Soap Box Preacher" enter the mix, resulting in a disconnect of the story. Still, musically, Storyville is a great work. If Robbie could have played out the entire "love" story from beginning to end (with new tracks that follow the theme), it could have ranked as a minor classic.

Posted on Fri Dec 3 21:26:16 CET 1999 from ric-wht-pxy-int01.wheatfirst.com (204.238.130.67)

Bones

Ben Turkel: Although I agree that there is absolutely nothing wrong with going out and playing great music to people who want to hear it, I just wish they had used a different name(like McGuinn,Clark and Hillman instead of the Byrds). I understand that they have a right to it and that it makes sense economically. However, I disagree about your comparing the Band to the Stones, the Who, etc. The Band went back to playing in bars where they had started, but those other groups continued playing large sell-out shows.

Posted on Fri Dec 3 20:53:53 CET 1999 from gw33.telekomus.com (206.2.196.66)

Band Thought

On Storyville as a Band album. Yes, it works as a theme album in a somewhat similar fashion to the Brown album. Yes, it takes its roots from below the Mason-Dixon line and I could certainly hear Levon belting out "Go Back To Your Woods." Yes, Rick is right there with a beautiful backing vocal to "Hold Back The Dawn" and he could do a very nice turn with "What About Now." Yes, Garth takes his spider-like fingers and moves them to the benefit of "Resurrection."

In many ways, Storyville is the most "Band-like" of any of double R's solo work yet very dissimilar to any Band album is the use over of 50 musicians which Robbie employed during the course of recording. That's basically a diversity which he uses to capture a distinctive feel for each of the songs. A total of 50 musicians on face value equates to about 5 different ones on each song; to me, he is able to keep a consistent theme to the CD through his voice, his guitar and his use of percussion.

As great as it might be to imagine Storyville as performed by the survivng Band members, I would not trade what the Blue Nile - in particular Paul Buchanan - contributed to "Breaking The Rules," a personal favorite. There is also a dramatic tension creating throughout "Day of Reckoning" (another personal favorite) which I don't believe would work in the same way as The Band. Jerry Marotta and Bill Dillon add so much to Storyville (they way have to Sarah McLachlan's Fumbling Towards Ecstacy); I would not want to trade that one in.

After his first CD, Storyville really represented to me a genuine Robbie Robertson CD (even with the 50 musicians!). If that makes it Band-like, then that make be speaking volumes about his work between 1967 and 1976. John S.

Posted on Fri Dec 3 20:21:38 CET 1999 from (208.218.212.243)

David Powell

In his liner notes to "The Basement Tapes," this is what Mr. Marcus wrote with regards to the remastering process: "Cut live on a home tape recorder, with from one to three mikes, all of the tracks have been remastered; highlights have been brought out, tones sharpened, tape hiss removed, and so on. The sound is clear, immediate, and direct; as intimate as living room and as slick as a barbed wire fence. As for the quality of feeling in the music--well, that has never been in doubt."

The notes, in their entirety, have been reprinted online at: www.bobdylan.com/linernotes/basement.html

Posted on Fri Dec 3 19:46:11 CET 1999 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime

Well, as you know I'm a critic (classical music only) and sometimes a do write liner notes for concerts and cd's, but ONLY on (mostly dead) composers and their music, not on the performers. I think it's "not done" to write liner notes and a review (favorable or not doesn't matter) on the same cd. A colleague of my once interviewed cellist Ofrah Harnoy and gave her a very bad review in the same number of a magazine i worked for. Very bad taste. With our Greil it's even worse. He participated in a basement charade...

To Santa:

Hold you horses old pal... I KNOW you exist... I never said you don't... I only asked where were you (not you Santa!) when your parents told you Santa doesn't exist... blaming parents is the easiest way to escape ;-)

Posted on Fri Dec 3 19:45:33 CET 1999 from edslink8.eds.com (199.228.142.8)

carmen

Mattk, Peter V, David Powel & Anyone, I can't help but think about how good Storyville would have been with Rick, Levon & Garth on the whole work. I myself think that Storyville with all four could have been a great BAND album.

Looking forward to your thoughts.

Posted on Fri Dec 3 18:59:39 CET 1999 from tfsmdgatekeeper1.cda.com (198.80.171.28)

mattk

David, as usual, your comments cut to the heart of the matter and past the static of Band history. Also, thanks for the cue on West 54th, now if I could only get WETA to air the show at a consistent and reasonable hour....

Posted on Fri Dec 3 16:55:27 CET 1999 from (208.218.212.243)

David Powell

Something to think about: Greil Marcus is a critic & commentator who earns a living writing subjectively about music & the arts. For the most part, this involves writing digressions about the work of others--his thoughts spring from the original thoughts of the artists he writes about.

As to accusations on his part regarding commercialism or selling out by others--to what standard does Mr. Marcus adhere? On occasions he has been paid to write liner notes for albums. So on the one hand he's accepting money for his criticisms, while at the same time he's also getting paid to promote the works of those he criticizes. How does Mr. Marcus explain his liner notes to Columbia's "official" cleaned-up version of "The Basement Tapes" in light of his book "Invisible Republic," which in part extolls the virtues of those recordings in their raw form?

Like Peter Viney I'm impressed by Macy Gray's debut album, "On How Life Is," which by the way is available on vinyl as well as CD (I picked up the LP for $7.98 at Tower!). For those of you who may not be familiar with Ms. Gray, on the weekend of Dec. 10, PBS television is rerunning the "Sessions At West 54th" concert show that features Sheryl Crow and Macy Gray.

Posted on Fri Dec 3 16:25:16 CET 1999 from tfsmdgatekeeper1.cda.com (198.80.171.28)

mattk

Ben, I guess it's a matter of semantics. To me, if an act isn't actively working on new material, it very quickly becomes an oldies act. Oldy doesn't mean that it lacks relevance. By this standard, most Jazz and Blues groups these days could be called "oldies acts."

Whether or not the Band was exciting or interesting in performance as a group is not really my point. Essentially, Jonathon nailed it. They were not working on new BAND material, and would not release any new material for another 5 or 6 years when Richard died. They were touring entirely on past laurels, which are not to be minimized, but still, they were living off past glory, both in terms of popularity and song composition. To me, that's an oldies group. Maybe a good group, maybe a wonderful experience to hear the old songs played with new vigor, but still a "greatest hits" experience, no matter how you slice it.

Posted on Fri Dec 3 15:56:48 CET 1999 from bay-set7-ip-235.se-tel.com (63.70.188.235)

Misty (MID)

I just saw Rick perform in Lexington Kentucky, and I just want to comment on what a gentleman he is. A true legend indeed...His show was more than I could have imagined and left us all feeling something soulful. If you are a Band fan, you should get Rick's latest cd LIVE ON BREEZE HILL--it is a compilation of wonderful songs, and an added bonus of that beautiful song we were all tempted with on THE LAST WALTZ-"Sip The Wine" Other tracks include:Twilight, Crazy Mama, Stage Fright, Ophelia, Blaze of Glory, Next Time You See Me, Caldonia Mission, Shape I'm In, Chest Fever, and It Makes No Difference. It was co-produced by Louie Hurwitz, who provides vocals for several songs. Also I would like to thank the individuals who keep this website up to date and chocked full of information I just devour, it is really the only way to keep abreast of The Band and their solo projects..much thanks.. By the way- while you are shopping for cds grab JUBILATION I had never been more pleased with spending 17 dollars on something in my life. A beautiful cd with lots of ballads that Ricks chimes out, and a few that Levon adds his gruffness to.. also special guests like Eric Clapton and John Hiatt. One of the best from the Band--20 times better than Jericho (as good as it was).. God Bless XOXOXO misty aka mid

Posted on Fri Dec 3 15:07:10 CET 1999 from cw04.kl1.srv.t-online.de (212.185.251.36)

Linda Sprang

I am begging on my knees for a concert in Germany and I am not the only one here. Pleeease!!! P.S.:Levon, I loved your book.

Posted on Fri Dec 3 13:53:53 CET 1999 from spider-tk014.proxy.aol.com (152.163.206.179)

Ben Turkel

Jonathan, I stand by my previous posts on the Marcus quote. I think that Robbie's first two solo albums are certainly comparable to the Band's 90's albums. I happen to think that 'Storyville' is very good, but I still prefer 'Jericho' and 'Jubilation' and have no use for Robbie's last two releases. Despie what Richard may have said in an interview, I have to disagree about the Band becoming an oldies act. They had added songs from Rick and Levon's solo albums and several covers to their set when they reformed in '83 and this has continued throughout the years. To me an oldies act does the same set in the same order show after show, and that does desribe the Band.

Posted on Fri Dec 3 12:30:21 CET 1999 from kir.karkkila.fi (194.211.205.77)

Kalervo

Thank you Ilkka, Yes, Santa Claus is living in Mount Korvatunturi. He moved there from North Pole a long time ago, because he wanted to be in mystical Lapland, where there are reindeers and elves. Ilkka, we are a little Suomi mafia here, telling the truth! I must admit I voted for both the Band and Bruce Cockburn through two different computers, at least. The best album of 1999? I can' t say it before I have got Caetano Veloso' s Livro as a Christmas gift. And what about Ibrahim Ferrer or Hal Wilner? Macy Gray ? I have to check out that one... What do you think, are there any new acts that have the Band influences? To me Gomez has something.

Posted on Fri Dec 3 12:25:26 CET 1999 from alb1-as5200-27-27.termserv.net (208.20.67.27)

Diamond Lil

Tim: Have a _great_ time tonight! You sound so excited that I'm excited for you!

Santa Claus: Wow...and um..have I got a Christmas wish list for you! :-)

Ragtime: Say it ain't so! Not believing in Santa Claus is like not believing in better things to come. Santa, to me, is a way to touch the 'child' in all of us, and give us hope for a better and brighter tomorrow. And that's something we all need at times.

See you all after the weekend. Have a good one!

Posted on Fri Dec 3 10:54:55 CET 1999 from du125-250.ppp.algonet.se (195.100.250.125)

SANTA CLAUS

RAGTIME, YOU NAUGHTY BOY - You wrote in this very gb (Nov 25 22:30:29 CET) that Santa doesn't exist. I'm gonna have a serious talk with you on Christmas Eve. To all others: MERRY CHRISTMAS!

PS. Vote for The Band in Canadian poll, do as I say - don't mess around with Santa.

Posted on Fri Dec 3 06:13:24 CET 1999 from icache-3.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Well, this is it,,,the day I've been waiting for,,,*Rick Danko*. 'Lil,,hope you have a safe drive?!? Catbalu,,,you are a riot, ha ha ha! Anyway I hope to bring back some great pictures!

Posted on Fri Dec 3 05:16:54 CET 1999 from alb4-as5200-11-203.termserv.net (208.20.67.170)

Diamond Lil

Taking to the road today for a much needed change of scenery and a chance to collect my thoughts a bit. Been pretty jumbled lately I suppose. Guess I'm just learning that you can't count on anyone except yourself. A hard lesson to learn. Figuring driving a few hundred miles might help to put things in perspective. My Band tapes are packed, so's the rum and the coffee. Hoping to come back in better shape than the Shape I'm In.

Thanks to everyone who posted about both Rick's and Levon's shows. Sorry I missed em. Hope to catch one soon.

Have a nice weekend everyone. Hug Uncle H :-)

Posted on Fri Dec 3 04:54:51 CET 1999 from dialup184.cybrtyme.com (209.149.102.132)

catbalu

Would like to start with saying i'm being sincere, and am admitting - again - that i am not the most knowledgeable - more likely the least - Band fan who visits here... Truly enjoyed Ragtime's story of his first listen. Will remember to use the old word "longplayer" more often when heading down memory lane, which i do more now that i'm getting older... posted the first time i heard them a while back. I will never forget what a turn in the road it made for me. Thank The Band for being an important part of what pointed me in the right direction. Will always be grateful.

So... Knowing Nothing about Griel Marcus, i heard the words as bittersweet. He doesn't sound as if he is revelling in Lee's cafe closing to me (the sticker part is confusing - and i may get arrested, but it's gotta go). And i have to agree with GhostRider - back this past spring, when i read the menu off the Cafe's website, i knew that somebody was doin something that they weren't best at. and in a competitive market like N.O. --- there you go... tried to get down in spring (and i'm talkin a caravan of folks from Texas to Tennessee)... but couldn't get us all together til summer --- then there you go, again... so we didn't go at all. man, do i wish i had_now.

To Mr. Helm: this is a scraggly small group down here that has appreciated you giving us a fine, southern man worthy of much admiration and respect for the world to see (and pester to death). We don't have many fellas like you who've made us look better than we might deserve (and i still don't like the sight of Steven Seagull tellin you to get your heart in the right place in that movie - if i were you, i'd have told them to forget that BS). Did i say that? :) But you're lookin good, darlin (your picture on this site). And i have a feeling you are with the people who love you. Thank you, Lee.

just what is fate, anyway. been trying to make sense of that for many years.

Oh, yeah! Sundog! i hardly recognize you since you've gone lower_case... did you cut your hair? what color is your house? do you wear briefs or boxers? what did you ask for for christmas? (just kidding)

Posted on Fri Dec 3 04:47:18 CET 1999 from parachute1-156-40-64-192.net.nih.gov (156.40.64.192)

Jonathan Katz

Ben: I think that the Mystery Train quote suggests that 'the final rock 'n' roll self-humiliation' is reforming as an "oldies act," not reforming without Robbie. And if you look at the set lists during the early 80's, I think that they did not vary considerably. I agree with Mattk, at that time they were an 'oldies' act. In fact, there is an interview with Richard from that time in which he complains about the lack of new material. Now, since regrouping again after Richard's tragic death they have produced more varied set lists - about 50/50 old/new. As for whether its more enjoyable than Robbie's solo output, it's a matter of taste - I like them both, but its comparing apples and oranges.

Posted on Fri Dec 3 04:45:13 CET 1999 from firewall1.westpac.co.nz (210.55.236.18)

Rod

Watching "The Band Is Back" video The Band did seem like an oldies act - mainly since alot of the songs seemed lame compared to earlier performances. However Jericho was a completely different story and I'm still listening to it even though "Robbie Robertson" and "Storyville" are gathering dust in the CD cabinet.

I do think (adding IMHO to cover my butt) that Richard may have still been alive if he hadn't joined in some of those '80s tours. He may have even cut an album of great songs like "Before I Get Too Old".

Posted on Fri Dec 3 03:11:38 CET 1999 from spider-wb064.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.179)

Ben Turkel

Matt the main part of the 'Mystery train' quote that I don't think is true is the opinion of the Band reforming without Robbie as 'the final rock 'n' roll self-humiliation'. I find that idea completely absurd. What is humiliating about the four other members of the Band regrouping and performing together? Their setlists have varied considerably during the 80's and 90's so I don't think it's fair to label them an 'oldies' act. I feel the work they've released since the waltz, both solo and as the Band has been much more enjoyable than Robbie's solo output. I also think that Richard's death was a much greater loss than Robbie's departure(at least in terms of their concerts). I think that Rick, Levon and Garth deserve a great deal of credit for perservering through the 80's and then rebuilding the Band and recording again in the 90's.

Posted on Fri Dec 3 02:06:11 CET 1999 from (24.3.160.27)

brien szabo

"OLDIES ACT!?" That's a state of mind - To me the music is fresh and full of spirit. That's all music has to be. When it was made is irrelevant. I just hope the train keeps rollin'

Posted on Fri Dec 3 01:25:12 CET 1999 from tfsmdgatekeeper1.cda.com (198.80.171.28)

mattk

Peter, my vote went to William Gibson as he's had a huge impact on popular culture over the last 15 years as the leading author of "cyberpunk." I don't always like his writing, but his affect on the popular conception of technology and culture ties so tightly with folks like Toffler, and keeps such a firm foot in the legacy of guys like PK Dick, it's hard to look past him.

Personally, I would like to have seen them include non-fiction authors. If that were the case, I'd vote for Northrop Frye, who defined Archetypal Analysis in culture and literature even before Joseph Cambell's more popular works. Plus, it's hard for me to look past the preeminent Blake scholar of his or any generation (apologies to Harold Bloom or Katherine Raine).

As far as the Marcus quote from "Mystery Train," as damning as it is, what about it, exactly, isn't true? In 1986, they were an "oldies act" with no new material, and playing in depressing places like the "Cheek to Cheek."

Robbie DID predict disaster and death if they stayed on the road, and it happened. I always saw it as Robbie had to bolt because HE didn't want to die, though Richard's drinking problems certainly put him in the 'high-risk' category for a rock-and-roll demise.

I think a lot of people read sentiments like Marcus and interpret it as "they think the Band (as an entity) died because Robbie left." I don't think that's true. I think people like Marcus, and somewhat myself, feel the Band (as an entity) was dying BEFORE Robbie. As individuals, I always think of Pete Townshend's angry quote, to paraphrase:

Janis and Jimi were my FRIENDS! They may be your f***ing icons, but they were MY FRIENDS, and I watched them die...

Ensembles are difficult organisms to keep alive. Almost any musician, at least in a rock or blues or even jazz setting, can tell you at least one story of a close friendship that blew up when a group did. It's hard enough to stay relevent and fresh as a individual. Doing it collectively, especially after achieving the artistic and commercial success of these bands, is pretty close to impossible.

Matt

Posted on Fri Dec 3 00:32:58 CET 1999 from spider-tr032.proxy.aol.com (152.163.201.187)

Amy

My husband and I drove to New York City for the sole puprpose of seeing Levon Helm perform at the Beacon Theatre, Monday 11/29. Although he did not sing, it was a pleasure to see him enjoying himself jamming with the other musicians. Had the honor of meeting him and having him autograph his book afterwards. A very gracious gentleman. Class act all the way! Returned home for a day then we drove out to Cleveland to catch Rick Danko & Aaron "Professor Louie" Hurwitz at the Diamond Back Brewery. Show was fantastic. The two of them wowed the enthusiatic crowd doing much of the "Live on Breeze Hill" playlist and Rick also did "Book Faded Brown" from "Jubilation". Rick also asked us all to sing along with him to "The Weight", since Levon couldn't be there {but was there in spirit). We got to meet Rick & talk with Professor "Louie" after the show and get autographs & pics. For me it's been a GREAT week (to see & meet some of The Band - it was well worth the 1000+ miles we drove). Hope & plan to see more of their shows in the future!

Posted on Thu Dec 2 23:59:36 CET 1999 from spider-wl034.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.34)

Ben Turkel

Here's the Greil Marcus quote that Jonathan Katz alluded to in the 3rd revised edition of 'Mystery Train' (p198) "Absent Robertson, in 1984 and again in 1985 the Band reformed as an oldies act. It was the ultimate indignity, the final rock 'n'roll self-humiliation, the earthly version of the Great Car Wash in the Sky, but they needed the money and, no doubt, the audiences. They hired a new guitarist, and went back to where they'd been twenty years before; on March 4, 1986, after a performance at the Cheek to Cheek Lounge in Winter Park, Florida, Richard Manuel went next door to his motel room, wrapped his belt around the shower curtain rod, and hung himself. He was forty-two." I think this quote shows very clearly that Marcus buys into Robbie's version of the Band expressed in 'The Last Waltz'. I don't hear much about the Allman Brothers or The Stones or The Who or any other band one can name that had broken up and reformed as an act of self-humilation. There's another quote along these lines in the Hoskyns' book by a record executive (I believe), who also seems personally offended that the Band reformed after the last waltz. In 1976 the members of the Band were in their early to mid thirties (Garth was a few years older). What were they expected to do with their lives? Should Rick have gone back to Ontario and become a butcher again? These guys are lifetime musicians, I applaud them for playing and recording in various combinations since then. I also think it's a great leap to connect Richard's suicide with the reformation of the Band. One can just as easily argue that he wouldn't have lived to 1986 if he hadn't gotten back on the road with the Band.

Posted on Thu Dec 2 23:07:56 CET 1999 from dialin-233.poughkeepsie.bestweb.net (216.179.14.67)

Gene

Ahhh. Modified Norwegian Rules

Posted on Thu Dec 2 22:10:12 CET 1999 from ric-wht-pxy-int02.wheatfirst.com (204.238.130.68)

Bones

I am almost positive that the reason Marcus did not focus or interview Levon for Invisible Republic is because he was not around when the majority of the recordings took place. Personally, I have always noticed that Greil speaks very highly of Levon.

Posted on Thu Dec 2 21:59:03 CET 1999 from du-tele3-102.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.102)

Peter Viney

The Canadian authors poll is more ludicrous than the music artists one, though not as daft as the British millenium music one. At present, Farley Mowat - 13%, Margaret Atwood - 12%, Lucy Maud Montogomery - 10%, Robertson Davies - 9%, Mordechai Richler - 5%, Carole Shields - 1%, Douglas Coupland - 1 %. I wavered over Coupland and Shields, but really if international reputation is anything, Robertson Davies is your man. While you’re doing the Band, give him a click! Given some of the people in the music poll, Robbie should be in there as a solo artist. As should Rick, Garth & Richard come to that!

Posted on Thu Dec 2 21:03:55 CET 1999 from 146-pool1.ras12.floca.agisdial.net (205.164.80.146)

The Band - Canada

Folks, the Canada poll does not work quite the same way as the Norwegian poll did. Your second and third votes don't register, even when you do shut down your computer. After you vote, Canoe leaves a "marker" Cookie in your Temporary Internet Files that identifies you as having voted. IF you are so inclined ;-) , this can be overcome. The Cookie _can be_ deleted, manually.

The Cookie (shown as "survey/...... Cookie:customer@cgi.canoe.ca/htbin/survey") has an expiration date of the 18th of December. I assume that's when the poll ends.

Again, you can click on the "Home Page" above to go directly to the polling site.

Posted on Thu Dec 2 20:39:34 CET 1999 from spider-wi023.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.28)

Mike

I don't know about the rest of you, but it's been lots of fun for me to read everyone's stories of when they first heard The Band. I still think it amazing that four Canadians and an Arkansas rockabilly drummer could touch so many people. I know there are many more of you out there who didn't write, yet. Sundog? Bill Avis? Serge? (Serge, I know we have had some differences, but you do go WAY back to The Hawks days. Share some memories with us, please?) Lil - stay as you are. Don't get cynical on us. Having a big heart opens yourself up for some woundings once in a while, but all-in-all the good things sure do outweigh the bad, don't they? "Out of all the idle scheming, can't we have something to feel?" Looks like RUSH is going to win the Canadian poll. Is anyone really that surprised? :(

Posted on Thu Dec 2 19:28:22 CET 1999 from du-tele3-110.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.110)

Peter Viney

Macy Gray’s “On How Life Is” is certainly my album of the year. In fact, Q said it better than Marcus.

“an inspired and unexpected combination: Gray’s voice - a husking squeak unlike anything else in modern soul - and the deft touch of producer Andrew Slater (The Wallflowers). His rock approach - raw live playing and vintage 70s instruments - neatly offsets Gray’s fiery songwriting which bounds from vibrant gospel to dark Millie Jackson-esque amorality on I Just Committed Murder. A debut that bursts from the speakers with a ragged energy all of its own.”

If you haven't heard it, do. The singles are great, and the best track "Still" isn't even a single (yet). The CD singles are also worth getting for bonus tracks. Macy did a great live “With A Little Help From My Friends” on some awful TV “Music of the Millenium” programme a couple of weeks back. It was based on a poll, and Robbie Williams and Boyzone trashed The Beatles, Dylan, Bach & Beethoven. But that’s what polls are for :-)

Posted on Thu Dec 2 19:10:32 CET 1999 from moore.ti.telenor.net (130.67.15.246)

Home Groan

As much as I like Beck, his new album, funky as it is, just can't match the groove of "Don't Do it" The Band never tried to out Meter or out Mayfield anyone.........

Posted on Thu Dec 2 18:27:40 CET 1999 from (137.187.144.172)

Jonathan Katz

I wouldn't make too much of the Greil Marcus piece as an attack on Levon. I think that its closer to what Peter said: assume that every word was weighed carefully [though I wouldn't weigh them that way]. He is a sharp writer, but not always lucid. I also presume that he meant to express a sense of dissolution, though not necessarily decay. I think that the object of dissolution is a storied rock group [no more, no less]. Marcus has made some caustic remarks about the Band's reformation in the re-issue of "Mystery Train," though he persists in his admiration for their music as evidenced by the very positive liner notes that he wrote for Jubilation.

Posted on Thu Dec 2 16:48:32 CET 1999 from tfsmdgatekeeper1.cda.com (198.80.171.28)

mattk

Peter, anyone, highly recommend the Macy Gray album. Get's my vote for best album of 1999. Amazing stuff!

Posted on Thu Dec 2 16:22:30 CET 1999 from du-tele3-087.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.87)

Peter Viney

Found Marcus’s column on salon.com. Hadn’t realized that “Real life rock Top 10” was just the name of a biweekly column of “pop and its discontents” (what?) with ten seemingly unrelated comments. It throws no light on the Levon comment / dig. I’ve bookmarked it - number one on the particular offending list is a good review of this year’s best album (Macey Gray).

Posted on Thu Dec 2 15:41:46 CET 1999 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime

Donabie:

you don't make me happy...

my dilemma is prolongued ;-)

how often shall I vote for The Band

and / or

how often shall I vote for Glenn Gould

?

Posted on Thu Dec 2 14:52:55 CET 1999 from trt-on12-15.netcom.ca (216.123.38.143)

John D

Gene....it's like the Norway poll. I believe you can vote each time you restart your machine. I'm on my way there now.

Posted on Thu Dec 2 14:38:46 CET 1999 from icache-3.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Scott,,,now I'm really pumped up! Only one day to go, then to Chicago!!!

Posted on Thu Dec 2 09:55:22 CET 1999 from du-tele3-023.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.23)

Peter Viney

On Greil Marcus. I’d assume that every word was weighed, and weighted. If it’s number ten in a list of ten, it’s presumably meant to express a sense of dissolution and decay at the century’s end. Notice what he says “Is this where the road ends? Even the word American communicates like a lapsed trademark.” So, he builds it all up to these signs at the bottom and says “a red and white sticker at the bottom seemed to have the last word …’, so the sticker sums it up for him. “all men are dogs - a revenge site for women”. This is Marcus, so it won’t be a casual, smartass reference. He’s careful enough to use Last Word (Last Waltz) at the end of the road. He’s trying to make a point, but it puzzles me. Marcus made his name as a critic on The Band, he persists in his admiration, and has mentioned Robbie as now a friend. I wouldn’t leap to the conclusion that he’s rejoicing in the picture of the abandoned cafe, or attacking Levon. I’d guess he was talking about himself - Is this where it ends?

After reading Matt K last night I went back and re-read Marcus’s piece. I can only think he’s trying to make a yin and yang reference, and personifying Levon / The Band as yang, and also as defeated, the defeat being “revenge on men.” I’d really have to see items one to nine on his list to work out why or how he comes to this conclusion. Probably have to speak to his personal psychiatrist too. I’d guess he was building to it through one to nine. Can Bumbles give a fuller reference to Salon com?

Posted on Thu Dec 2 07:07:41 CET 1999 from spider-we081.proxy.aol.com (205.188.195.56)

Scott Stephens

Just got back from wonderful set by Rick and Louie at the Diamondback Brewery in Cleveland. Rick sang: Book Faded Brown, Sip the Wine, Blind Willie McTell, This Wheel's on Fire, Stage Fright, Twilight and Honky Tonk Angel. The professor then delivered inspired versions of Next Time You See Me and Let the four Winds Blow. Rick finished up with Ophelia, The Weight, It Makes No Difference and Christmas Must Be Tonight. Encores were Crazy Mama and Rivers of Babylon. Catch Rick and Louie in Chicago and Ann Arbor if you gte the chance -they've never sounded better.

Posted on Thu Dec 2 04:17:29 CET 1999 from spider-wl023.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.28)

Ghost Rider

I respect the opinions expressed by Richard Patterson and MattK re: my dismissal of Greil Marcus as the villain in the all-too-brief saga of the demise of Levon's Cafe. While Matt raised valid points about the long history of the two men based on Marcus' earlier writing, I think Levon was already "discredited"and "marginalized" months before Greil strolled through the French Quarter and happened to look through the vacant Cafe window.

The villains in the most recent unfortunate venture were probably closer to Levon's inner circle; namely his Restaurant partners/business advisors. ("Hey buddy would you like to buy a watch real cheap...here on the street? I've got six on each arm, and two more round my feet.")

I am truly glad and grateful to hear Levon's still playing and loving it, and looking happy and healthy. Thanks for the reports from the Beacon show, folks, and Rick's recent outings as well.

Posted on Thu Dec 2 01:38:23 CET 1999 from dialin-229.poughkeepsie.bestweb.net (216.179.14.63)

Gene

How many votes do we each get on this poll?

Posted on Thu Dec 2 01:07:54 CET 1999 from trt-on16-80.netcom.ca (207.181.84.80)

John D

Please go to this site http://www.canoe.ca/CANOE2000/polls_jam.html

You don't have to vote in the other categories just the music one. I want to show this town what we think of The Band. Help me out and let it be known there was music before Bryan Adams.

Posted on Thu Dec 2 00:46:03 CET 1999 from icache-3.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Gene,,,Thanks for your detailed e-mail to me about the Rick Danko show that you went to! I'm taking my BIG PINK album to get signed, thank you for the idea! Also,, Don Joseph will be going this week end, and says hi to everyone here. He just got back from Peru, and just found out about Rick being in town,,,just a mile and a half from where he lives! Also, I just saw some disturbing video from Seatle Wa.,,,What ever happened to people's right to be on the street, I just saw a lady get hit in the head with a club, by riot police for walking to work in front of her work place,,,is this America?!?

Posted on Wed Dec 1 23:25:56 CET 1999 from tfsmdgatekeeper1.cda.com (198.80.171.28)

mattk

I wonder if the Griel thing doesn't go deeper. Mystery Train was a major factor in defining the Band in terms of Robbie...something that has bugged Levon in particular for a very long time. However, Marcus apparently has good relations with Garth and Rick, who both contributed greatly to Marcus' "Invisible Republic" which uses the Basement Tapes as a template to explore the "dark side" American folk heritage (long a favorite topic for Marcus, dating back to his description in Mystery Train of the Band as sort of embodying that same "dark side.").

I find it interesting that Marcus marginalized Levon in Mystery Train, and ignored him in the Basement Tapes, for the most part (though you could argue that it's because 'Invisible Republic' focuses on the pre-Levon tapes). I wonder if there wasn't a disconnect between the two long ago, which has led to Marcus poking at Levon, and the Levonistas universally panning Marcus' writing.

I agree that while Marcus' characterization of the American Cafe's menu as crass commercialism (my term) may be accurate, the fact that he needed to paint the failure of the restaurant in a way that makes Levon look goofy is unecessary. The Cafe's been shut down for nearly six months? Why didn't Marcus make his point when it was still in operation? Kind of like kicking a dead puppy, if you ask me...and I like Marcus' work...

matt

Posted on Wed Dec 1 22:41:11 CET 1999 from (208.218.212.243)

David Powell

Thanks for the reports on the live performances guys. Speaking of Garth singing--he did get to "sing" a "looky here" line on The Band's novelty cover of "Young Blood" from the "Till The Night Is Gone / A Tribute To Doc Pomus" album.

Diamond Lil: Don't go changing into a cynic on us. We need the warmth of your postings, especially now that it's winter. It's cold enough, even down here in the South. Music is a sure cure for cynicism. For a real strong dose--just play "Music From Big Pink" and listen especially to Richard's singing on "Tears Of Rage," "Lonesome Susie" and "I Shall be Released."

Posted on Wed Dec 1 20:41:20 CET 1999 from ric-wht-pxy-int01.wheatfirst.com (204.238.130.67)

Bones

Jon: I agree with you that Levon looks better and healthier without the beard. Levon and Dr. John played together with Ringo in 1989 but I'm not sure of anything more recent than that. Thanks for the post.

Posted on Wed Dec 1 20:40:54 CET 1999 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime

Vote!

Well, this Canadian thing could be more interesting than that Norwegian tabloid's poll that was driving us crazy a few months back.

I had to overcome a great personal dilemma. Should I vote

Glenn Gould or The Band,

The Band or Glenn Gould

Glenn Gould or The Band

but at last I did what I thought was the best thing to do... :-)

How about YOU ?

Posted on Wed Dec 1 20:21:07 CET 1999 from (208.26.51.11)

King of the Greaseballs

Just had to forward this one from the Band newsgroup:

Subject: Levon at the Beacon Theatre
From: hbogaev@aol.com
Date: Wed, 01 December 1999 07:42:47 PM

My wife and I attended the show and were quite pleased with the performances and performers. No set list to relate - I was too busy enjoying the music, general ambience and generally narcoticized state of my mind.

I do seem to remember: Phoebe Snow, the incomparable Dr. John, Robert Cray, Waddy Wachtel, Steve Jordan, and the SOUL OF MUSIC HIMSELF, LEVON HELM. One song does stick out - the encore of "Not Fade Away" which, if my hazy memory serves, included VOCALIZING by THE MAN from Turkey Scratch.

Beacon is a great place to see a show - didn't even have to pay to park in the big city, and the car was there when we went to leave.

Posted on Wed Dec 01 20:01:03 CET 1999 from 209-130-140-203.nas2.mon.gblx.net (209.130.140.203)

Lars

I think Gene gave a good account of what happened up in Wash Depot last night. I tried to help him with the setlist, but it's hard to write when you're standing on a wobbly chair, trying to see over the heads in front.

First of all, it was great to see the Crowmatix back together again. I asked Marie, before the show, for "Poor Little Fool" and she was kind enough to do it first. Also, Jimmy Eppard and Mike Dunn were reunited and everyone seemed a little surprised that Garth showed up. Garth was in rare form (I'd never actually heard him sing before, he was trying to get Danko to remember some song and he wound up singing and going off in a organ solo). Tom Malone added his horn, Prof Louie on keyboard, and I'm sorry I don't remember the drummer and other guitarist (I think Gene gave their names).

I was touched by "Sip the Wine," everybody there felt like shit as Rick overcame his emotions and did a great job with it. And as for "Cripple Creek," Rick had a lady in black (or was it the lady in red, Rick had two ladies asking requests at the end there) take the mike from him and she asked the crowd wouldn't they like to hear that song, so Rick was kinda put on the spot.

It was a great line-up of talented musicians and there was something different in the air last night. It was special. If Levon had been there it would have been perfect.

Posted on Wed Dec 1 20:04:56 CET 1999 from (207.237.89.80)

Jon Lyness

Hi folks.

I caught the Beacon Theatre show Monday night. Levon looked great: he appeared very healthy, sans beard, looking quite young (at least from as far up as I was sitting!), and he seemed to be truly enjoying himself. But he didn't sing, and was not the featured performer for a single song; he was there only to drum on various songs by the other performers. I couldn't help being disappointed by this. In all of the advertising for the show, Levon's name was given equal billing with James Taylor, and if James Taylor hadn't sung anything there would have been riots -- mellow middle-aged riots perhaps, but riots all the same. :)

That having been said, it was a very good show. Quite an interesting mix of performers, with a lot of unusual collaborations. James Taylor, Shawn Colvin and Robert Cray all were excellent. Ricky Skaggs contributed beautiful bluegrass playing & vocals to a few songs. From where I sat, the two best songs of the night did have indirect Band connections at least -- Robert Cray and James Taylor duetted on a very slow, soulful rendition of "A Change is Gonna Come", backed by a great horn section; and James Taylor and Shawn Colvin shared great harmonies on "Bartender's Blues", very reminiscent of the way Rick has performed it at solo shows. Dr. John also showed up to play on one of Robert Cray's songs, which got me wondering when the last time was that he and Levon appeared on the same stage (any trivia buffs out there with an answer?).

So, a satisfying show, but a disappointment about Levon not singing, especially at such a high-profile gig. It's not clear to me whether he is not able to sing, or just doesn't want to (Butch, any comments?) -- I can only hope that he will perform in NYC again soon, and give us the show we've been waiting for.

Posted on Wed Dec 1 19:59:49 CET 1999 from gateway.tpp.com (198.81.246.2)

Brown-Eyed Johnny

The audiophile community mourns today the passing of Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MoFi), the producer of high-end gold and aluminum CDs that have included extraordinarily improved sounding versions of "Muisc From Big Pink" and two Levon titles ("RCO All-Stars" and "Levon Helm"). MoFi's demise is due to bankruptcy of its largest distributor. It won't be long before "Big Pink" and the Levon titles go for many times their suggested retail price on e Bay and elsewhere.

Posted on Wed Dec 1 16:20:01 CET 1999 from 78-pool1.ras12.floca.agisdial.net (205.164.80.78)

The Band - Canada

For those of you interested - a legitimate poll, in Canada. CANOE.CA is taking a poll for the top Canadian music artist of the century (in one place it is described as "The Most Important Canadian Artist"). At the moment, Celine Dion has 5% of the total vote. Tragically Hip is at 9%, Rush is leading with 20%. I don't mind Neil Young at 6%. But, folks, Shania Twain at 5%?! Ronnie Hawkins has 0%, The Band has only 1%. Just click on the "Home Page" above and it'll take you directly to the voting page. The link is also typed below.

The CANOE.CA site has a lot of interesting music/artist information in the "Jam!" section (then by going to Encyclopedia). If I'm not mistaken, I've even noticed information contributed by Jan in the encyclopedia.

Surely our boys were as important to Canadian music as Stompin' Tom Connors!

http://www.canoe.ca/CANOE2000/polls_jam.html

Posted on Wed Dec 1 15:26:02 CET 1999 from stcath-ppp73157.sympatico.ca (216.208.72.156)

Richard Patterson

Re: Greil Marcus. I really don't consider my words about Marcus too harsh considering his (I thought) very callous portrayal of the end of Levon's Cafe.

Yes Marcus is the messenger (ideally that's all any critic is) but the message in this case, is that Greil Marcus has the ability to discredit an American legend (albeit one he helped create, so maybe he feels entitled). Looking back his roll in helping to create the legend seems only marginally less offensive (IMHO of course). Messengers become fair game when they run interference.

Lil: Don't ever become cold and cynical. It's not all it's cracked up to be.

Posted on Wed Dec 1 14:47:14 CET 1999 from kldeb1-a9.ot.lt (194.176.61.141)

VILIUS A.

Once I told in Frank Marino site,that isn't much so AMAZING guitarists,like SRV,Peter Green,JIMI,Fr.Marino,Roy Buchanan and Rory Gallagher...That's musicians,who guitars TELL the stories.Thank you,that you are!!!I'm glad,that I can said it . ps.Sorry E.C. You're wonderfull,but you DO RIGHT things till 1970. Hope to meet sometime...

Posted on Wed Dec 1 11:25:50 CET 1999 from alb3-as5200-41-137.termserv.net (208.20.67.137)

Diamond Lil

Just want to wish a very happy 16th birthday to my son, TSax Man. It's amazing how I haven't aged in the 16 years since you were born :-)...but you certainly did. Am very proud of you hon..and I know dad would be too.

Butch: How bout telling me what I managed to miss _this_ time? Would love to hear about the Beacon show. Thanks.

Someone once told me that life would be so much easier if we could be cold and cynical like so many others. I'm beginning to think he was right. Maybe one of these days I'll learn how to do that. Or maybe ehm....'someday'.... I won't have to.

Have a good day everyone.

Posted on Wed Dec 1 09:48:39 CET 1999 from (194.248.167.10)

Tanja

Hmmm....I was never sure what the song was called...Stranded in a cadillac or Limousine...but now am I sure! :) WHy doesn't Levon wear beard anymore...he looks so odd.... ....well....

Posted on Wed Dec 1 04:01:30 CET 1999 from (209.3.249.19)

Jake Rashkind

Any guitar players know the chords for "Book Faded Brown" ? One more question : anybody have any inside info about the songs Rick is doing on his upcoming studio album ?

Posted on Wed Dec 1 03:50:24 CET 1999 from spider-wj072.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.52)

Ghost Rider

BUMBLES: Thanks for sharing the sad-but-true excerpt from Greil Marcus' Salon.com piece about the late, lamented Levon's Cafe. Ease up on Greil, RICHARD PATTERSON. You're only shooting the messenger.

I share PETE RIVARD's enthusiasm for Annie Proulx's novel, Accordian Crimes. It made me think of Garth when I read it a few years back. The same author's novel, "The Shipping News," won the National Book Award for fiction around 1992 or '93.

Posted on Wed Dec 1 02:12:58 CET 1999 from access.rrd.com (198.81.197.3)

Justin Deese

FOCUS ON MARKETING YOUR MUSIC WITH http://www.VisionMusicGroup.com America’s Premiere Independent Music Online Marketing and World Wide Distribution Group for more information contact justin@visionmusicgroup.com

Posted on Wed Dec 1 01:38:13 CET 1999 from proxy-383.public.rwc.webtv.net (209.240.200.83)

sadie

Would like to hear about the Beacon show last night......setlists? .....conversation? .....clothing? :-) Thanks.