The Band Guestbook, January 2012

Entered at Tue Jan 31 22:25:54 CET 2012 from (96.30.174.20)

joe j

Bill, I'm sure Dominec Troiano would have appreciated more the cover by Three Dog Night which probably netted him a few royalty cheques. Nevertheless thanks to the link to Donny Gerrard and 'Wildflower'. Hadn't heard that song in ...

Entered at Tue Jan 31 21:57:22 CET 2012 from (68.164.6.84)

Pat B

Adam, don't change a word but make some more paragraph breaks. Easier to read.

Entered at Tue Jan 31 20:18:53 CET 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Joan

Great job Adam! I too hope a video will be made available.

Pat B, thanks for the Wolfgangs Vault reccomendation. I am like Kristie, I try to stay away because I find myself crawling into the "rathole" and whiling away hours. Same problem with Youtube, There is always "just one more"

Entered at Tue Jan 31 17:53:46 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Jon L: Yes, an under-recognised talent - except by Mavis Staples, which is new and exciting news for me. Here's a link to a mid-'70s minor hit - maybe the only one he had after "Wildflower". Come to think of it, Elton John may have been a fan too, as Rocket Records, when formed in the late '70s, went on a minor trawl for Canuckistani talent, bringing in singers Donny Gerrard, Brenda Russell, Brian Russell and BJ Cook-Foster, keyboardist David Foster, bassist Prakash John and drummer Whitey Glan, whose names you can find sprinkled on the backs of various Rocket albums - Kiki Dee, Nigel Olsen ... Prakash is quoted in the article that Rockin C posted about Cook, and Skylark's first 45 was a cover of "Writing's On The Wall" by Domenic Troiano (whose long-time bandmates included both Prakash and Whitey) so I'm sure they were all helping pave each others' way.

Entered at Tue Jan 31 17:24:14 CET 2012 from (129.42.208.177)

Bob F.

Subject: Mavis and Donny Gerrard

Jon, Mavis Staples played The Bardavon in Poughkeepsie last week. She did an amazing version of 'The Weight' with the dedication to the members of The Band at the end of the song. She has a great band and her voice still takes your breath away. During the show she had Natalie Merchant come to the stage from her seat in the audience to do a duet. Great show.

Entered at Tue Jan 31 16:56:23 CET 2012 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: You mean..........frown!

I actually made a mistake???? That's pretty hard to believe I'dnit.

I guess you noticed in that article that Donnie Gerrard sings with the Staples Bill. The youtube link you put up is when they played on Midnight Special. There is one where they are in the studio, far better sound.

Entered at Tue Jan 31 16:52:21 CET 2012 from (74.203.77.122)

Jon Lyness

Subject: Donny Gerrard

Bill and Rockin Chair: Here's a full-circle Band connection for you... Donny Gerrard is part of Mavis Staples' recent touring band, and is one of the backing musicians on her new album, You Are Not Alone. Of particular note is a great song towards the end called We're Gonna Make It where he and Mavis trade vocals. Quite honestly I had never heard of Donny Gerrard before your references here, but the male vocal on that track was an immediate standout for me the first time I heard it and I had wondered who it was. Wildflower is a beautiful song, and it's pretty cool that this singer turned out to be the same fellow. Wish he had recorded a lot more...

Entered at Tue Jan 31 16:33:40 CET 2012 from (74.203.77.122)

Jon Lyness

Thanks Adam, love the review. Maybe it's a pipe dream, but I hope that film footage will find an official release somehow... perhaps a limited edition DVD through Levon's site or something. That's a show I'd really like to see.

Entered at Tue Jan 31 16:31:33 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Anyway, thanks for the link to the story of the song. Assuming it's accurate (perhaps aside from Dave the writer's occupation), it's nice to know that it was the great Duris Maxwell on drums on that track (though he was, somewhat confusingly, replaced by Brian Hilton, who'd played with Foster, Cook and Pugsley before and during their days with Ronnie Hawkins). Nicer still to know that the lovely thick guitar sound was created by Doug Edwards himself - and not Ed Patterson, who I'd kinda suspected. Despite his skill as a guitarist, a lot of Doug Edwards' other recording work back in the day was as a bassist - with the Hans Staymer Band (though not their cover of "WS Walcott Medicine Show") and Valdy's Hometown Band. I suspect that bass is what he's playing with Chilliwack, as the great Bill Henderson doesn't need another guitarist to help him out - and few these days can afford the unnecessary.

Entered at Tue Jan 31 15:31:13 CET 2012 from (174.44.143.11)

Jed

Excellent!

Entered at Tue Jan 31 14:18:37 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Entered at Tue Jan 31 11:15:33 CET 2012 from (99.141.21.45)

Adam

Entered at Tue Jan 31 10:28:44 CET 2012 from (99.141.21.45)

Adam

The Midnight Ramble - January 21, 2012

Written by Adam Betley

I was incredibly fortunate to attend this amazing Midnight Ramble at Levon Helm Studios. The evening began with Barbara O’Brien announcing to the audience that we were in for a very special, historic night of music. We all drew up a chair to Levon’s Catskill bluestone fireplace and sat down. The cameras were there to film the show and the audience began cheering with excitement. Billed as “A Musical Nod To Richard & Rick”, the concert promised to be a celebration of the two fallen Band singers. I don’t think anyone really knew just how much the music would exceed our expectations.

Casually waiting outside on the porch was the master himself – Garth Hudson. He walked towards the stage as bandleader Jimmy Vivino introduced him to us all. The audience gave Garth a standing ovation, and the musicians smiled joyfully as he joined them on stage. He then sat down at the Hammond B3 organ. The gospel tinged opening of We Can Talk began the set. Vivino was on piano/vocals, with Byron Isaacs on electric bass/vocals and Tony Leone on drums/vocals. Garth’s organ work was swirling around the music in typically outstanding form. Everyone knew that something very special was happening that night. The group went into a great reading of When You Awake. Vivino led them with a comfortable versatility. Garth’s folk accordion blended softly throughout the music. He closed his eyes as the songs breathed once again. The sound of Whispering Pines slowly unfolded. The musicians balanced each other sympathetically. Garth’s soft, cascading organ fills spilled from the music with such beauty. It was a hauntingly beautiful performance. The gentle sway of Rockin’ Chair soon followed. Vivino (guitar), Isaacs and Leone (mandolin) stood center stage as they sang a faithful vocal arrangement. Garth quietly sat by as he carefully wove light, melodic accordion flourishes into the music. The audience was enjoying an unbelievable selection of The Band’s deepest tracks. Things segued loosely into the vocal refrain of Jawbone. The group played with a tough, lean rock feel. Garth’s organ lines winded around the music as the notes sputtered out. Everyone was blown away by his playing. Sleeping was maybe the most surprising, beautiful gem of the set. The deep rock groove suited the musicians perfectly. Garth just played beautifully, laying a bed of organ work throughout the music. They launched into a powerful Just Another Whistle Stop. The group steadily barreled along. Garth spun endless organ fills into the music, spiraling through new lines and phrases as he played. There was such an exciting sound coming from the stage. The opening piano of Stage Fright continued the set. The group fell into place wonderfully. Garth’s signature organ lines began wrapping around the music. It was a thrill watching him discover new dynamics within the classic arrangements. The ominous start of The Rumor slowly rolled in. The musicians carried the tempo with a confident stride. Garth painted dark washes of organ work underneath the lyrics. He carefully incorporated new textures as they came to him. The Moon Struck One eased softly through the air. The group handled it with a dark jazz sensibility. Garth’s organ work soared throughout the music. It reminded me of the sky illuminating the Woodstock mountains on the peaceful winter night. Garth sat down at the grand piano. He began playing an exquisite solo piece titled Every Time I See The Moon. It sounded like the companion of a song from his Live At The Wolf album. The masterful genius played beautifully as he explored the pure art of improvisation. The rest of the group watched in silent, respectful awe as he played. The musicians ended their set and began leaving the stage. Garth Hudson stood up from behind the keyboard station and started walking towards me. I smiled and offered my hand out to meet him. “Garth, it’s such an honor. You’re such an incredible musician. Thank you.” His black fedora was tilted down, with his thick white beard underneath as he smiled back. He spoke softly as he shook my hand. “Thank you. That’s very nice to hear.” He walked away slowly as the audience gave him another standing ovation. I could hardly believe what happened as I cheered along. It was one of the happiest moments in my life.

Garth was standing by throughout the Levon Helm Band’s excellent set. He hung around the barn casually and enjoyed the show. Vivino once again invited him on stage for the last song of the evening. “We’re going to unleash Garth once again.” The audience gave him yet another standing ovation as he sat back down at the Hammond organ. He soon began playing the monumental introduction of The Genetic Method. We had a perfect view of his hands on the keyboards during his signature organ improvisation. Everyone was speechless as he handled the instrument with such authority: adjusting the volume pedal, playing on the bottom and top keyboards, adjusting the many tone drawbars, rapidly spinning the Leslie speaker. He sometimes kept his head low to the keyboards as his hands took control of the music. Other times he would swing back with his eyes closed, full of emotion as he played. He approached the sound of his Lowrey organ from the original 1968 studio recording. His masterful organ work winded through the speakers as he slid his hand across the keyboards and churned out the main riff of Chest Fever. It was a historic moment as Garth Hudson, Levon Helm, Jim Weider, Randy Ciarlante and the Howard Johnson horn section passionately delivered the classic rock song. The musicians gathered on stage were the surviving members of The Band’s final incarnation. It was such an exciting night at Levon Helm Studios.

The evening was coming to an end. Garth stood up from behind the keyboard station and made his way to the center of the stage. As he visited with Levon, he put his arm around him for a warm hug. Everyone in the barn stood up and gave them both a jubilant standing ovation. Garth began walking towards me and I shook his hand once again. When I told him how incredible he was this time, he laughed, closed his eyes and came in closer. “Hey… just give me another year!” he joked. Levon was leaving the stage and meeting with fans along the way. I held out my hand and hoped to speak with him as well. “Levon, it’s such an honor. You’re so incredible. Thank you so much.” He shook my hand, looked me straight in the eyes and smiled genuinely. “Thank you, brother.” I’d like to say thank you once again to Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Jimmy Vivino & Band, The Levon Helm Band, Barbara O’Brien, and everyone at Levon Helm Studios. This was an incredible experience that I will remember for the rest of my life.

Entered at Tue Jan 31 10:26:31 CET 2012 from (99.141.21.45)

Adam

I finally finished my full review of the historic Midnight Ramble I recently attended. Please tell me what you think! I'm submitting this to Jan for the site, but please let me know if you find things that need improving. Thank you!

Entered at Tue Jan 31 01:08:00 CET 2012 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: The scoop...the whole scoop.........& nuttin but

This is as close as it all gets Bill. I think there is a mistake here, as I remember. Dave was a fireman not a cop, but.......I;m not sure about anything anymore.

The one thing that is for sure. This song is great, and has gotten a lot of mileage.

Entered at Tue Jan 31 01:05:43 CET 2012 from (62.140.137.142)

Hilda F

Subject: NorthWestCoaster

I don't think Flash is the problem here. I could be wrong of course but I saw it on my ipad and it does not allow Flash.So...

Entered at Tue Jan 31 00:59:23 CET 2012 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Correction!!!!!!

Well Jerry, Bill (the encyclopedia) fucked up.

Bill; After I got down to working on the Rockin Chair, I had that DVD in my player and TV on the ship, and got to thinking. It wasn't Donnie Gerrard that wrote "Wild Flower". You can find the scoop.

Doug Edwards, the guitar player, was friends with Dave Richardson, (the fireman I mentioned). Dave Richardson had written a poem, and Doug Edwards liked it and created the song from it with Dave. They of course got Donnie in to singing it. One listen to his voice tells you why.

The interesting thing about the song, no company wanted it. Then I think it was Capitol who released it. Some girl at a radio station in Ontario who really liked it kept playing it over and over, (to satisfy the CC law apparently). It was picked up in Detroit where it became a major soul hit. (Not surprisingly because Donnie Gerrard is a black fella, and certainly has the soul sound.)

The original is on youtube here......I can't get the damn link to work.

Entered at Mon Jan 30 23:58:50 CET 2012 from (96.54.178.226)

JT

Subject: Bill M and Canadian music

I continue to read these pages because of my interest in The Band. However, I want to commend and highlight the excellence of the posts made by Bill M and how I look forward to them every day. It is time for you Bill to write the definitive encyclopedia (if I may call it that) of Canadian popular music. Your knowledge is encyclopedic and I am confident that you would do such a book proper justice. I don't think the definitive work has yet been done. I am sure there would be great interest. Just my opinion, Keep writing.

Entered at Mon Jan 30 23:07:16 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Kristie

Subject: Wolfgang's vault

I won't let myself go on Wolfgang's vault because I would be screwing around there all day! I would never get my school assignments finished. I find it easier to just come on the GB and see what other people post. Maybe when I am finished my dissertation....

Entered at Mon Jan 30 22:30:31 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Thanks Paul for that King Biscuit clip. Sonny Boy Williamson (II) first stint playing on KFFA radio in Helena was 1941-47. Shortly before his death in 1965 he was doing the King Biscuit show again. This must have been around the time The Hawks visited & played with him. On May 25, after he failed to show up for the radio program, one of his accompanying musicians went to where he was staying and found him dead. The Hawks received the news of his passing while they were playing at Tony Mart's in Somers Point, NJ. A couple of months later they got the offer to play with Dylan while still playing there.

Arhoolie Records released a Sonny Boy King Biscuit CD that includes a segment from a 1965 KFFA broadcast, which also features drummer Peck Curtis, who was an early influence on Levon's playing style.

Entered at Mon Jan 30 21:57:09 CET 2012 from (68.164.6.84)

Pat B

Entered at Mon Jan 30 21:56:10 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Paul: I meant to say thanks for that clip of Sonny Boy Williamson (the Rice Miller one, right?) and Robert Lockwood. As I suspect you know, Robert Palmer's excellent book "Deep Blues" is a detailed look at the blues that emerged from the Mississippi Delta, and how songs and stylistic elements were passed from performer to performer, including Charley Patton, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, both Sonny Boy Williamsons, Robert Lockwood and others. The book isn't about Levon and the Hawks but they do turn up a couple of times (including a retelling of the tubercular Sonny Boy story), at least implicitly part of the chain.

Entered at Mon Jan 30 21:22:55 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Kristie

That was great, Joan! Thank you.

Entered at Mon Jan 30 20:13:44 CET 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Joan

Subject: 12/1/83 complete concert

Some amazing things are popping up on Youtube.

Entered at Mon Jan 30 19:25:50 CET 2012 from (90.239.128.145)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Pat B's SUPER8 footage / And a good(?) laugh(?) to webmaster

Thanks for your footage. Unfortunately I can't see it (... I try with Xandros, Mandrake, Mandriva, Knoppix, Puppy Linux, Ubuntu, Xubuntu, Edubuntu, Mythbuntu, Kubuntu, Openuse, Debian - whatever...) Bloody FLASH!

Entered at Mon Jan 30 19:12:57 CET 2012 from (90.239.128.145)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Band related artist loved by the whole nation and a fabulous character on TV. A true WESTCOASTER!!!

Yes, it is true. A Band related artist can have a popular TV show and can be loved by everyone!

The leading figure in ELDKVARN (Plura Jonsson, see related artist in this web site) had problem with the law. Now he has to wear an electronic "thing" around his ankle for the next three months. During this time he will be seeing selling _fish_ in "Les Halles" of Stockholm - as a regular guest of Swedish northwestern coast who he is. Hope he will enjoy it!

Entered at Mon Jan 30 17:24:47 CET 2012 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Yes and Kind of

Bill; I saw the Pacers at the "Teen Fair" at our Pacific National Exibition in Vancouver in '66 the first time. That is where I first also met Terry Jacks, along with Susan. Susan had been our neigbour in Cloverdale when we were kids.

It wasn't only Donnie Gerrard that wrote Wild Flower. He had help. The guys name escapes me at the moment. He was a fireman in Victoria.

On David Foster's show in Las Vegas, that young country boy, Blake Shelton, (who had a very big country hit with Michael Buble's song Home), does a very good job of Wild Flower. He duets the song Home with Michael Buble and they do it well together.

I bought the DVD, and CD, and David Foster's book, "Hitman". Other than suffering through Celine Dion, there is some great music on that show. Particularly Bozz Skaggs, and Adrea Bocelli.

From David's book, this is a quote from Ronnie Hawkins, "He's got one of the best ears in the business, this cat does. David Foster can hear an amoeba fart in a typhoon and tell you what key it's in."

Entered at Mon Jan 30 16:38:42 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Still reading the new edition of Marcus's "The Old, Weird America". Got to a bit that I'm sure wasn't in the first edition - Robbie talking about how the Hawks lived in the Yorkville area for awhile. Rick, Richard and Levon rented a house there because living with Robbie's mother was getting kind of embarrassing for all parties. (This must've been post-Hawkins, because Ronnie had them rooming at a dumpy hotel on Jarvis - maybe the Red Lion.

Anyway, last night, someone was sleeping in the room where the Marcus book was, so I instead picked up David Clayton Thomas's autobiography and flipped through it. He spends a bit of time talking about his time with Hawkins and our guys, saying that he sang with them when they played Yonge Street, but not when they were on tour elsewhere. There are no photos from those days, but there is one with Hawkins dated 1967. I thought, that's not from '67, that's from the newspaper article in the early '70s where DCT, the subject of the story, gets up onstage to guest with Hawkins and his current Hawks (including BJ Cook, who figures somewhat prominently). And then I check the GB to find posts about BJ Cook and David Foster. Cook and Foster were members of a version of the Hawks that Hawkins put together in Edmonton - along with Dwayne Ford, Hugh Brockie and Steve Pugsley. (Note the presence of two keyboardists - not a coincidence.) In Brockie's words, the group was too talented for Hawkins - though it's interesting that Brockie, along with Hilton and Ford, stuck around when the rest split - eventually to form Skylark. Terry Danko and Jim Atkinson were hired to fill the void, which is how the lineup that became Atkinson Danko and Ford with Hilton and Brockie (subsequently Bearfoot) came to be. Then Hilton left and rejoined his old chums in Skylark. By the way, Rockin' Chair, did you ever see the Pacers, from Prince George, in the '60s? Hilton was in that group, as was the great songwriter, David Wiffen.

Re Skylark, the guy who really should have made it big was the singer of the gorgeous "Wildflower", Donny Gerrard - see link.

Back to David Wiffen. I got an email from an acquaintance in England who reported with some excitedment that Rumer was coming to North America and wondered if she'd be singing Wiffen's "Driving Wheel". I'd never heard of her, but apparently she'd pretty big. Don't know why; I tracked down her version on the internet, and while the song's truly indestructable, but she does her best. (Better to stick with Tom Rush's version, or Roger McGuinn's, or the Cowboy Junkies ....)

Entered at Mon Jan 30 15:10:40 CET 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Paul: thanks very much for that link. It's odd to see Sonny Boy in his (relative) youth.

I've just been re-reading Levon's autobiography, and this video illustrates very well what he says about Phillips County in those days: a multicultural mix of folks -- and certainly not 'segregated' -- about 80% black, and for whom a little concert like this was a real occasion.

Entered at Mon Jan 30 11:18:55 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Jonathan Wilson

I've just posted a review of last night's excellent Jonathan Wilson concert on my blog. There are Robbie Robertson connections here.

Entered at Mon Jan 30 07:12:02 CET 2012 from (183.83.222.248)

TMG

Subject: TMG

This is a fantastic website and I can not recommend you guys enough. Full of useful resource and great layout very easy on the eyes.

Entered at Mon Jan 30 06:43:01 CET 2012 from (108.93.33.188)

Paul

Previously unseen 1940s footage of Sonny Boy Williamson and Robert Jr. Lockwood, in color, performing on a street for a crowd of people. No sound, but worth a look just the same. Fascinating to see them as young men. I couldn't help picturing the story Robbie told in the Last Waltz, of sitting and playing with Sonny Boy in a neighborhood Levon knew about. Before youtube, you'd never have seen something like this.

Entered at Sun Jan 29 21:05:32 CET 2012 from (174.44.143.11)

Jed

A most annoying character and performer. Ugh.

Entered at Sun Jan 29 20:46:14 CET 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Joan

William Shatner has made a great career for himself by being willing to satirize and spoof himself. He's so corny it's good. Lars I didn't realize he wanted out of the commercials. I've seen the bus ad . I guess he wanted to go down in "flames"

For the record, I can't stand Celine Dion. She's better if you don't have to watch her histrionics, but just barely.

Entered at Sun Jan 29 18:20:37 CET 2012 from (62.140.137.150)

Hilda F

Subject: When I Paint My Masterpiece

Just watched a documentary on dutch tv called ' Ysbrant- Gloeiend doek, nooit geblust. To my delight the filmmaker used the version of The Band throughout the movie. It was a match made in heaven ! The music fit the artist and his work like a glove. At first it was mostly the instrumental parts but near the end he used more of the lyrics. Translation of the title: Ysbrant, Glowing Canvas, Never Extinguished. I don't know how to put a link here but it was on Nederland 2 between 17.00 and 18.00 and it was in the series called ' Het uur van de wolf' There is a webside called www.uitzendinggemist.nl where you can watch programs you missed though!

Entered at Sun Jan 29 17:39:08 CET 2012 from (174.44.143.11)

Jed

Entered at Sun Jan 29 17:34:40 CET 2012 from (174.44.143.11)

Jed

Entered at Sun Jan 29 17:33:31 CET 2012 from (174.44.143.11)

Jed

He'll live,and work forever.He's Kirk after all.Didn't he do a spoken word version of Strawberry Fields?

Entered at Sun Jan 29 15:58:20 CET 2012 from (24.164.173.243)

Lars

Subject: Shatner Priceline character dies in fire on a bus

Instead of just letting William Shatner be relieved from any more Priceline commercials, the company aired a commercial this past week that staged Shatner being "killed" in a fiery bus accident on a bridge. No doubt some people will get the story screwed up and start talking about the real William Shatner's demise, but that's not the case.

If you listen very close, you can hear the cry of "Beam me up, Scotty!" towards the end of that commercial.

Entered at Sun Jan 29 12:25:02 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

William Shatner has a double-CD out called Seeking Major tom, a series of collaborations with rock stars on classic rock songs.

Entered at Sun Jan 29 06:17:36 CET 2012 from (75.72.126.40)

Zzzz

Entered at Sun Jan 29 04:49:13 CET 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

PutEmUp(Friend0

You been making sense.Must be out on the water I'm guessing.

Entered at Sun Jan 29 02:31:35 CET 2012 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Ol' Billie Shatner

No Kristie, I think it was me. I understood what you meant, (and agree). Although, good for young Bieber. I think he is a good young man. They are in a different era than us.

The same with Ronnie Hawkins. He always had his following, I have never been one of them is all. He certainly isn't the only one who was a bar room crazy. I guess he just didn't have the same musical ability as.....Jerry Lee, Mo Bandy and a lot of the other nut jobs from down in that bible belt.

Hell on Waylon's "Audio Biography" album, he admits to $1000 a day on cocaine when his wife rescued him. Those were crazy times. It seems after WW2, when the music industry got more on track, rock & roll started to flouish. It all snow balled, and people pushing every kind of mind bending drug from alcohol to prescription drugs to all the hard drugs, changed a lot of people. Because the music industry appeared to be a life long party, it became easy for people to make a career out of selling drugs to musisians and entertainers trying to live that life style.

I don't know that Ronnie Hawkins was any kind of a drug addict. In fact he was a pretty good business man where he put his money to work apparently. I think he controlled a lot of those young guys tho' the way they got into junk. Anyway Ronnie Hawkins never played any music that was comparable to the BAND, or David Foster or any one else of that time.

Entered at Sun Jan 29 01:44:01 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Kristie

Subject: Sorry

David P, I think you are right. It was "Bo Diddley" that Foster tried to spruce up. My memory of the book is foggy.

This article mentions that Ronnie fired Foster because he "looked like a cadaver onstage."

Entered at Sun Jan 29 01:36:50 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Kristie

I should have been more clear; I am not sure I understand the appeal of Justin Beiber. I love William Shatner. I even have his album. I think he has a lot of popularity with young people. Like Betty White.

As for Ronnie, I really enjoyed his memoirs, admittedly, mostly because he mentioned The boys from The Band so much.

Entered at Sun Jan 29 01:28:42 CET 2012 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: William Shatner......and.......

First of all Kristie, William Shatner. Not only Star Trek, but that cop show he did for years, now Boston Legal and his many real crazy commercials. He just doesn't go away. People try to copy him, and a lot of his one liners from commercials are passed around every day. I think maybe you are younger and in a bit different life than me, I suppose.

I agree with you, I am not a Celine Dion fan at all. However the music discussed and revered on this site, is a ways away from David Foster. It seems that no one has ever bothered to look at the amount of people in every style of music he has worked with.

I think, and always have that Ronnie Hawkins is a goon. I've never liked his music. When the guys in the Band grew up and matured they moved on. Hawkins was a B Room brawling bar middle of the road entertainer and never got any further than that. But those kind of bars have always needed a Ronnie Hawkins anyway.

Entered at Sun Jan 29 00:13:28 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Kristie

Subject: William Shatner

Shatner is a popular and quirky guy. Nobody talks about him much in Canada though. Most people are talking about Justin Beiber. Not sure I understand the appeal!

Entered at Sun Jan 29 00:09:25 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Kristie

I read in Ronnie's Bio that David Foster tried to spruce up a Jerry Lee Lewis song, thinking Rock n' roll to be fairly trivial stuff, and so he was subsequently fired by Ronnie as a result of this. Foster has certainly done well for himself. I can't stand Celine Dion though. I agree that she has a beautiful voice, but is always trying to hard. Apparently, she sings beautiful French folk songs for her family.

Entered at Sat Jan 28 23:34:50 CET 2012 from (216.165.95.64)

Ari

THIS IS CRAZY. A Robbie Robertson interview from 1969 or 70. Unfortunately there is one major video flaw and it is really a killer. Gotta be thankful though for at least this much.

Entered at Sat Jan 28 23:21:35 CET 2012 from (184.144.105.37)

brown eyed girl

Hey Norbert! Translation please.
Robbie interview and The Band playing UOCC.
1971

Entered at Sat Jan 28 22:49:41 CET 2012 from (216.165.95.64)

Ari

This is special.In A Station from 1976.

Entered at Sat Jan 28 12:39:00 CET 2012 from (76.98.218.136)

Carmen

Subject: Floyd

For the Floyd fans out there - Always thought this one of Floyds best.

Entered at Sat Jan 28 03:54:16 CET 2012 from (72.230.109.86)

Bashful Bill

Subject: Elvis C

I saw Elvis and his band last Summer. A superb show. They played TWOF and he gushed about Rick and Levon either before or after playing it......

Entered at Sat Jan 28 02:38:04 CET 2012 from (99.236.202.207)

Serenity

Subject: Bob Dylan

My link: On RS, voters voted for top unique voice. Not surprising that Mr. Dylan came out on top.

Good links, thanx BEG and all the rest. Very good to see/read.

Until next time LOVE AND PEACE xoxoxo

Entered at Sat Jan 28 00:19:32 CET 2012 from (96.30.174.20)

joe j

Subject: Tears Of Rage

Elvis Costello & the Levon Helm Band. Might as well go all in eh? Yeah, he nails it pretty much on.

Wouldn't Elvis have been a good fit in The Band? Maybe not. Or maybe so.

Entered at Fri Jan 27 21:42:49 CET 2012 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: David Foster

David; Perhaps RH couldn't keep up with David Foster. I've heard several stories along the lines of what you have said. Ronnie Hawkins isn't much more than a 3 chord guy. Another reason the BAND was being held back from their talents working with him. I would bet working with Hawkins was less than exciting.

David Foster on the other hand, has written songs for, produced, discovered and helped more people than any one. His list of people he has produced is far to long to copy here.

On his show not long ago in Las Vegas, watching him work with Bozz Scaggs, who he has written songs with is far more appealing, than Ronnie Hawkins.

David Foster is vice president of Warner Music, ands his daughter Amy, had a hand in writing Michael Buble's "Home".

Entered at Fri Jan 27 21:38:57 CET 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: Lo and Behold: the sequel

Your St. Valentine's Day pre-reading . . . .

Entered at Fri Jan 27 21:09:42 CET 2012 from (70.29.28.236)

brown eyed girl

Kai Roberts
Sunday, 22 January 2012
Rick Danko "Live Anthology"
Floating World Records, 2011

"Deep in the heart of a lonely kid..."

"They say the only difference between heaven and hell
is that in heaven people feed one another,
in hell they starve
because they can't feed themselves."

Entered at Fri Jan 27 18:08:26 CET 2012 from (90.239.101.37)

Anonymous poster

Subject: Guestbook paranoia

In the 80s me and my wife were teachers here in Republica Democratica de Sao Tome e Principe. Our students are now members of the greatest rock band in Sao Tome. (No Bill M., it is not The Spotniks.) They say in their website that the band was started in the student cafeteria. I told them first about Wodstock - and they recorded in Woodstock. Once I posted here about a studio in the south of France where PINK FLOYD recorded. Now they have recorded in the very same studio. - They all are in their 40s. They are haunted of their years in high school and college. The guitar player talked about these years in Republica Democratica de Sao Tome e Principe public service radio the other day - for fifteen minutes!!! Just wondering.........

Entered at Fri Jan 27 17:06:59 CET 2012 from (90.239.101.37)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Birds as ancestors

So simple: A bird called DUFTED DUCK created the world. The upper side of the egg is heaven, dots are the stars, what is yellow in the egg is the sun and what is white is the moon. All the Finns are children of his bird. (Sorry Moses, this bird didn't give Palestina to your sons.)

Having a bird's name as family name has been common in Eastern Finland. That's why I once used my mother's maiden name WOODLARK in the internet.

Entered at Fri Jan 27 16:55:40 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

As I've mentioned before, former Hawk, now big-time producer, David Foster worked with Celine Dion early in her career. The oft-told story is that Ronnie Hawkins fired Mr. Foster for playing too many chords in "Bo Diddley", later adding "If you f***ed with Mozart's compositions, he might've fired ya too!" Of course, Ms. Dion is an example of one of those contemporary singers who has the annoying habit of trying to hit too many notes, when just a few of the right ones would do :-)

Entered at Fri Jan 27 16:03:50 CET 2012 from (69.158.86.89)

brown eyed girl

Robbie Robertson Visits The GRAMMY Museum
JANUARY 23, 2012
GRAMMY.com

Entered at Fri Jan 27 10:45:56 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Fri Jan 27 10:39:22 CET 2012 from (58.104.0.89)

Graham

Peter V, I understand what you are saying about the ethics of file sharing especially with regard to material that is copyright and commercially available. Unfortunately I don't have the moral fortitude to turn down the chance to listen to the genuine basement tapes, Dylan's Isle of Wight performance or the Band at Watkin's Glen. Is it better that this stuff is just left to rot in a draw somewhere like the footage of the Festival Express?

Entered at Fri Jan 27 10:12:04 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Fri Jan 27 10:08:27 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

The answer is William Shatner, but she said Celine Dion. Well, maybe she's right, now, but actually I don't think she'd be FACIALLY recognisable in anywhere near as wide an area as Captain Kirk. Not knowing Shatner is Canadian doesn't help, of course.

The urban myth seized upon by a tabloid is that the Italian cruise ship had the Celine Dion "Titanic" ender playing as it hit the rock.

Entered at Fri Jan 27 09:35:31 CET 2012 from (58.104.0.89)

Graham

Adam, I found it and got it to work! Thanks for uploading it. I saw it on You Tube and just had to get a copy. I remember reading some book in the early 1970s, I think it was about Janis Joplin, and there was quite a detailed account of the Festival Express. Never thought I would have the chance to see actual footage. The Festival Express movie was great but also great to have the outtakes. Seems like the authorities want to kill file sharing - I would have more sympathy for these big companies if they hadn't spent years ripping off both musicians and fans. Anyway, thanks again for the upload.

Entered at Fri Jan 27 09:17:05 CET 2012 from (58.104.0.89)

Graham Festival

Subject: Festival Express Outtakes

Adam, thanks for the prompt response. I must be doing something wrong. When I do a search over there for The Band Festival Express Outtakes nothing relevant comes up at all

Entered at Fri Jan 27 06:44:29 CET 2012 from (99.141.21.45)

Adam

Entered at Fri Jan 27 03:56:19 CET 2012 from (58.104.0.89)

Graham

Subject: Festival Express Outtakes

Adam, any chance you could reload the Festival Express Outtakes, the torrent at Dime seems to have died.

Entered at Fri Jan 27 01:44:53 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Kristie

Subject: The Band

I am taking a Canadian history course right now which has given me a lot of insight into The Band, and particularly Robbie's songwriting, which I now find steeped with Canadian history. So, I really was surprised to find that they were not mentioned at all in my text book's section on "Canadian music." Celine Dion received two pages.

Entered at Thu Jan 26 18:39:59 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Thu Jan 26 17:44:38 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Subject: More Hits From Tin Can Alley

Bill M: There's also "Honey" from that aforementioned Eric Andersen album. Go to link and fast forward to 6:20 for some JRR-like fretwork.

Entered at Thu Jan 26 17:12:45 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

I followed some of the Amos Garrett rat-holes that take off from Joe J's site, and got a bit lost. But now I'm back to point Bonk in the direction of the above, in which he'll see his new summertime chum, bassist Gary Kendall, backing Amos up at a 2009 awards show. Stay with it for Amos's very long solo.

I recommend following that one on to Amos Garrett's instruction video on the Bo Diddley beat. Stick with it, even after it seems to be over the first time. I know of two instances where Amos was recorded employing that beat in the '60s - on the title track on Eric Andersen's "Tin Can Alley" album, and on the Dirty Shames' second 45.

Entered at Thu Jan 26 10:36:37 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

BEB, is that I. Amara (Iberis Amara)? Will e-mail you.

Entered at Thu Jan 26 01:57:36 CET 2012 from (96.30.174.20)

joe j

Subject: I'm In A Good Place Now

Belated Happy New Year to all you good GB people.

Been doing my best to keep up with all the conversation. Thanks to Pat B. re the Watkins Glen video. Thanks to Adam re his remarkable weekend.

Three people saw fit to give me the Sheepdogs EP for Christmas. Musta been a sale at Walmart. Love them though. A great hook in every song.

Been listening to : Bobby Charles on repeat. See link.

Life is good

Entered at Wed Jan 25 21:45:58 CET 2012 from (68.164.6.84)

Pat B

BEG, about half way down are two shots of the boys onstage at WG.

Entered at Wed Jan 25 21:34:11 CET 2012 from (69.158.24.119)

brown eyed girl

...andthen there are the hummingbirds. I think I saw this quote in my Chiro's office.

"Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration.
The hummingbird's delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life's sweetest creation."

Hello Vita. I remember your mom Denise. It was great to see a female poster as we're a very small group here and to discover that she was from the Netherlands was cool. I am very sorry....never an easy time. Btw, a homeopathic remedy that helps with grief, loss, and disappointment is Iamara.

Way to go Adam! Yup! It's always so exciting to see live the musicians that mean a lot to us. Thank you for taking the time to write up your personal experience at a Ramble.

For Pat B: ALEXANDRA REDGRAVE: "Which concerts stand out in your mind?"

Robbie: "In the early 1970s, the Band played at a place called Watkins Glen, a racetrack in upstate New York. It was us, the Allman Brothers and the Grateful Dead. They were expecting 100,000 people to come for one day, and 650,000 showed up. At the time, it was the biggest concert in the world. It was crazy. You just didn’t know what was going to happen."

LLUSTRATION BY SILJA GÖTZ

Entered at Wed Jan 25 21:06:45 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Wed Jan 25 21:00:47 CET 2012 from (99.141.21.45)

Adam

Entered at Wed Jan 25 19:11:48 CET 2012 from (90.239.115.134)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Dutch astray

I hate highways. Rather take a country road. Every now and then I have to take a highway across Scandinavia from North to South and battle with bugger BMW's with my humble but chic Citroen. The problem is that when I start there is a freezing hell, in the middle there is a snow storm and in the end there is a Middle European spring (wett, wett, wett!!!). My only comfort is that I can see THE DUTCH ASTRAY some place down the road . Dutch truck drivers have _oil barrels_ as ashtrays in their stations, painted in red white and blue. An oil barrel like that must have place for at least million billion trillion cigarettes!

Entered at Wed Jan 25 18:22:59 CET 2012 from (68.164.6.84)

Pat B

Vita, I recall your Mother also and I'm sorry for your loss.

I was watching a doc Winston Watson made about drumming for Dylan. It was surprisingly good. There is a great story about Levon in it and a really shitty story about Van Morrison.

btw, how about that '69 Philly show (and the others)? The brilliance of the Band.

Entered at Wed Jan 25 18:14:46 CET 2012 from (90.239.120.4)

Ilkka Jauramo

Subject: Denise

My condolences. - - - We Finns are not for too many words although we have two official languages. Most of the time I keep silent in both of them. But we had a belief for hundreds of years ago: birds carry the souls of our dead love ones. Some foolish people (like me) still believe in it.

Vita, save Norbert's post. Sailing on Titanic this is the man I would have wanted to share lifeboat with!

Entered at Wed Jan 25 17:35:44 CET 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Bill M: re: "Undun," yeah, and for a The Band link, it's one of those tunes Bachman built around Lenny Breau-inspired jazz chords . . . here with a little Santanafied wah-wah work . . . .

Entered at Wed Jan 25 16:43:46 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

sadavid: Good to know that you spell it 'undone', unlike those other Winnipeggers, the Guess Who, whose 'undun' spelling has caused decades of grief to teachers and students - up to and including the group the Roots. My sense is that Randy Bachman used the word to mean "take drugs and go crazy" whereas Murray McLauchlan used the word to mean "take drugs and act crazy".

Norbert: Dank je for the link to IMND at TLW. Quite beautiful the way they shot Garth. Great work by Rick on vocal and by Robbie on guitar - though his facial histrionics I still find a tad nauseating even after all these years.

Listening to "Cahoots" this morning, I realised that the way Levon's voice is extended when he sings "time" early on in "When I Paint My Masterpiece" is very similar to his later vocal on "I Ain't Got No Home". Another thing that struck me is how unrealistic the following line is: "And I asked my woman, '"Where do we go from here?'". As if any man in the entire history of the planet would ever be the one in a relationship who'd pat the cushion next to him and say, in effect, "Let's talk about us." Just not going to happen!

Entered at Wed Jan 25 15:09:59 CET 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: undone with you

I know there are fans of "Down by the Henry Moore" here; this song [My link] always reminded me of M. McLaughlan and I finally realized it's the use of the word "undone" at the end of a line (and I've never known anyone to use that word in 'real life'). The changes seem somehow Murray-ish too.

The song sounds better (poppy, produced) on the album (_Whitehorse_ on Six Shooter Records) but I can't find a link to that. Either way, a good kiss-off song.

Entered at Wed Jan 25 14:30:25 CET 2012 from (63.88.115.195)

Carmen

Subject: Dylan Chimes of Freedom

Picked up the Starbucks 2 disc version. I like it. I wish I bougt the full version now.

Entered at Wed Jan 25 04:11:39 CET 2012 from (174.114.101.47)

JT

Subject: gratitude to Adam

You missed your calling, Adam. You should have been a music concert reviewer. Better than many I have read. This is fine writing. Thank you for taking the time and sharing with us.

Entered at Wed Jan 25 03:40:43 CET 2012 from (99.236.202.207)

Serenity

Subject: Bob Dylan, etc....

My link to the new Bob Dylan album coming... Should be a goodie. Lots of stars covering him too.

VITA: Sorry to hear about your mom. I remember Denise well. Part of her e-mail addy was,"wannadoo". I kept records of a few posters back then, [and still have some of them on file]. May she RIP, and deepest condolences to you and your family.

ADAM: Great post and review of the ramble. Hope Levon's health is improving. I see Jimmie Vivino every night on Conan O'Brien's show. Good band, but not used enough.

Until next time LOVE AND PEACE xoxoxo

Entered at Tue Jan 24 23:42:20 CET 2012 from (24.105.217.223)

Lil

Vita: Sorry to hear of the loss of your mom.

Entered at Tue Jan 24 22:50:12 CET 2012 from (63.88.115.195)

Carmen

I found this web site SugaeMegs.org which has a ton of shows which can be downloaded and listened to. Go to B for Band and you will find about a dozen shows - some might be useful for Jans list. Other's of interest are also available. Quality of some are good some are not but worth a shot.

Entered at Tue Jan 24 21:36:08 CET 2012 from (91.52.119.155)

Norbert

Subject: Denise

Hello Vita,

I just read you post and I’m very sad to hear your mothere died last October. I’m from Holland also, although I now live in Germany. I knew your mother from the GB (Guestbook), she always posted under her own name. There were only three people from The Netherlands posting here most of that time, first Ragtime, later I came and then Denise. I always liked your mother a lot. She was a very gentle and nice person. After she posted that she was ill we exchanged emails and I invited her and her family to us in Germany the next spring. But, like many of those appointments for one reason or another it wasn’t going to happen and the spring and summer went by …… I often thought about your mother, but we lost contact. (Part of all this happened in the other GB which is gone now, this one was closed for four years). Vita, met de “search” optie aan de linkerkant kun je je moeders posts terug vinden. Ik had net tranen in m’n ogen, ze was zo’n verschrikkelijk goed, eerlijk en fijn mens, je kunt ontzettend trots zijn zo’n kanjer van een moeder te hebben. Lieve Denise, dank je en ik mis je. Hier is nog een keer Rick beste met Garth’s allermooiste mooiste solo op het eind (link).

R.I.P. Lovely Denise.

Entered at Tue Jan 24 20:59:12 CET 2012 from (74.90.6.234)

Ray

Entered at Tue Jan 24 20:36:43 CET 2012 from (81.159.31.180)

Dunc

Adam:Thanks

Vita:Sorry for your loss. Deepest condolences.

Entered at Tue Jan 24 19:12:51 CET 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Joan

Adam, that was a terrific review. Jan should put it in the Library. That Ramble was one for history.

Entered at Tue Jan 24 18:52:05 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Subject: Leonard Cohen: First Listen / Old Ideas

National Public Radio is previewing Leonard Cohen's new album "Old Ideas" in its entirety this week in advance of its release Jan. 31 (link above).

Entered at Tue Jan 24 17:50:24 CET 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Bill M: I dunno, that cover photo looks like an amateur X-ACTO photoshop paste-up, circa 1975 . . . .

Entered at Tue Jan 24 17:36:20 CET 2012 from (134.174.21.2)

Tim

Subject: Roxy 78

Looks like same poster who put up that show has audio from Rick's 78 Roxy show, The REAL last time for the original 5 Stage Fright and Shape I'm in apparently have Robbie, Weight is minus Robbie.

Entered at Tue Jan 24 17:26:12 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Subject: "The Old, Weird America"

Maybe it's somewhere here at this site, but as I couldn't find it I thought I'd post the cover of the 2011 edition of Greil Marcus's "The Old, Weird America". The cover photo is said to be the only one of our guys and Dylan in the BT days.

Entered at Tue Jan 24 16:47:54 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Kristie

Subject: Adam

Wow-what an incredible experience! I really enjoyed reading your review, thank you.

Entered at Tue Jan 24 16:31:20 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Tue Jan 24 16:07:42 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Entered at Tue Jan 24 15:30:00 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Tue Jan 24 15:04:06 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Nice review, Adam. Thank you.

Rick's fretless Ampeg on eBay. Used on "Stage Fright," "Festival Express," "Rock of Ages" & others.

Entered at Tue Jan 24 14:17:00 CET 2012 from (82.73.220.22)

Vita

Hey! Maybe this is al little bit strange, but my mom was a big fan of The Band and Bob Dylan. I know she read the Band gueastbook a lot. Eventhough she posteds not very often. But I know there were a few people who talked about, can't rember their names. But my moms name was Denise from the Netherlands, I don't know if she had a nickname or something like that. And Rick Danko was her favorite member of The Band. I can remember she told me she posted that she was ill. October the 8th she pasted away. So that's why you never hear from her anymore. The Band music was one of her favorite things in the world. She had e lot of Band music on her Ipod, to wich she listened the last few weeks before she died. At her fureral we all listend to "I shall be released" it was realy beautiful! Bye! Vita

Entered at Tue Jan 24 13:04:43 CET 2012 from (62.140.137.120)

Hilda F

Subject: Adam/ His Review

Thank you Adam for your vivid and lyric description! It made me feel as if I was there. I have seen some of the atmosphere there in the documentary Aint In It For My Health. I have been recently informed by Ms Geanine from Levon's office that a dvd will be released sometime soon. Since I probably will never be able to go to one of The Rambles I hope a dvd of the one you went to is also in the making! You were probably meant to survive that accident to tell us all about your experience. Otherwise you would have " gone " a happy man I believe!

Entered at Tue Jan 24 12:03:33 CET 2012 from (124.169.10.76)

dlew919

Must be a marvellous community there...

Entered at Tue Jan 24 10:46:17 CET 2012 from (115.240.41.58)

Jade Marketing

My cousin recommended this site and she was totally right keep up the fantastic work!

Entered at Tue Jan 24 10:44:10 CET 2012 from (115.240.41.58)

Impala

Great info. I like all your post. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Entered at Tue Jan 24 10:41:50 CET 2012 from (115.240.41.58)

Emerald Insight Limited

It was a amazing experience to visit this website and read the articles and contents. I love the site keep up the good work.

Entered at Tue Jan 24 10:34:47 CET 2012 from (115.240.41.58)

Outsource sales

Awesome...It's nice share that, thanks very much!

Entered at Tue Jan 24 10:28:27 CET 2012 from (115.240.41.58)

B1 Client Services

It's really amazing to meet different people in different perspective of lives.

Entered at Tue Jan 24 06:48:44 CET 2012 from (115.240.41.58)

Per DM

I just want to thank you for sharing your information and your website, this is simple, but good article I have ever seen, I like it, I learned something today! Thanks!

Entered at Tue Jan 24 06:14:38 CET 2012 from (72.78.34.150)

PSB

Subject: The Band at the Academy of Music, Philly, 1969

Sometime today a whole bunch of pretty good quality audio videos of The Band in Philly in '69 were uploaded to youtube. Also uploaded (not quite as good quality) are various songs from the Band's two night debut in NYC at the Fillmore East. The link above is for "Look Out Cleveland." The others should be easily findable on the side or in the poster's other videos above.

Entered at Tue Jan 24 03:22:37 CET 2012 from (99.141.21.45)

Adam

Entered at Tue Jan 24 02:20:36 CET 2012 from (199.19.138.101)

Charlie Y

Subject: Adam's Concert Review

Nice job, Adam! Thanks for taking those of us who couldn't be there to that amazing event in spirit. I hope your essay will be put up in the library section. It's worthy.

Entered at Tue Jan 24 00:27:47 CET 2012 from (68.198.223.205)

Jed

Beautiful review.Totally mind blowingly special.i hope they put this out as a DVD,perhaps with a second set with Larry and Teresa.While I love going to rambles,i'd love to own a DVD of this particular show.Very happy you had this experience,Adam.

Entered at Tue Jan 24 00:14:38 CET 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Entered at Mon Jan 23 23:59:02 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

This is one for the Archive, Adam! Great.

Entered at Mon Jan 23 23:36:10 CET 2012 from (99.141.21.45)

Adam

Entered at Mon Jan 23 23:33:52 CET 2012 from (99.141.21.45)

Adam

Entered at Mon Jan 23 23:31:26 CET 2012 from (99.141.21.45)

Adam

Jimmy Vivino started the Ramble by playing a few songs at the piano. He commented that Richard Manuel was perhaps the greatest singer in rock, and that he loved attending Manuel's solo shows in the '80s. He then played a lovely version of Country Boy. Tony Leone joined in on the drums, and the duo played a great 4% Pantomime. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see the glass door of the barn and outside was none other than Garth Hudson. Dressed in black (including Burrito Deluxe jacket and a great hat), he made his way to the stage and everybody was just amazed at what was happening. The opening notes to We Can Talk began, and everyone knew something very very special was happening tonight. Garth was at the Hammond B3, but there was a false start due to his organ's lack of volume. They started again and it was fabulous. Throughout the set Jimmy Vivino handled the vocals and Byron Isaacs and Tony Leone joined in, and Garth was swirling all over the place and in typically outstanding form. We were standing to Garth's right, and had a perfect view of him at the organ playing. It was a dream come true. Watching his completely unique touch and technique on the organ, spinning the Leslie and adjusting the drawbars... it was amazing. He played so beautifully and soulfully. Sometimes he would keep his head low, other times he would swing back with his eyes closed playing beautiful, brilliant runs on the organ. Vivino explained that when you are a master musician of Garth's caliber, you live a top the highest mountain and come down every now and then to share that musical brilliance with everyone. Vivino sang When You Awake on the piano, and Garth was on the accordion. At first they were looking for an accordion for Garth to play, and Brian Mitchell came by and informed them that Garth had brought his own. As might be expected, a few funny accordion jokes were brought out and that continued a bit throughout the night. Garth was back on organ for Whispering Pines, and it was hauntingly beautiful. Seeing his soft, cascading organ fills swirling around the music was beautiful. For the end "Standing by the well" section, his technique approximated the fluttering sound of his Lowrey on the original 1969 recording. Garth went back to accordion for Rockin' Chair, and as usual added a soft, soulful touch that complimented the music softly and beautifully. Tony Leone played mandolin for that one and they sang it in the traditional arrangement, for the most part. Jawbone was a real shock to hear. I never expected it to be included! It was really amazing - that loping, rocking feel and the great lyrics and music. The performance got rougher with the time changes, and they stopped and jumped back into it and laughed it off. Vivino joked that it must have been Richard Manuel's idea to include those weird time signature changes, and that while it sounds great, they're the ones that have to actually play it now! During the section where the guitar solo is on the original recording, Garth instead took a typically amazing organ solo. It was fantastic. (Except for the first two songs, this setlist is not in order - I'm going by chronological album order as I don't recall the exact spots. When You Awake segued right into Jawbone). Sleeping was perhaps the most surprising, beautiful gem in a setlist full of rare gems. Garth just played beautifully, setting a sonic bed of soft organ flourishes in place on his lower keyboard and soloing later on the top keyboard of the B3. Just Another Whistle Stop was awesome - rollicking, rocking, loping, everything it should be. More amazing playing from Garth, including the solo sections. Stage Fright was great, and again - Garth played so amazingly, took amazing solos, and sounded fantastic. The Rumor was a real treat to hear, and the whole lineup just sounded fantastic. The Moon Struck One was slow and haunting, and Garth really played some soft, atmospheric washes of organ. Jimmy Vivino explained "I think Garth is leaving the organ and kicking me off the piano now. But don't worry - that's a good thing." Garth played an exquisite solo piano piece (Vivino introduced it as Every Time I See The Moon - a variation perhaps?) and the whole band sat down and just watched in silent, respectful awe as Garth played.

The musicians ended the set and on his way off the stage, Garth passed right in front of me and I offered my hand out to meet him. He shook my hand and I told him "Garth, it's such an honor. You're such an incredible musician. Thank you." His black hat was lowered and he said something along the lines of "Thank you. That's very nice to hear." in a soft tone. Garth was standing by silently throughout the Levon Helm Band's set, just enjoying the show from a distance and going in and out of the barn. He came back on stage for the last song of the night, which was Chest Fever. Vivino told us they were going unleash Garth once again, and he came on stage and started up a Genetic Method organ intro (maybe about 2 minutes long). He then slid his hand across the keys and churned out that organ fill to kick off the song. The whole concert was filmed, and there was a camera on Garth at all times. Levon's manager said that they hope to do something with the footage, and I truly hope it is sometime soon. whenever that is, I can't wait to see it. Garth was in top form as a churned out the solos and the song spiralled into an exciting conclusion. Garth made his way to center stage at the end of the evening and gave Levon a hug, and everyone cheered and went crazy. Jim Weider, of course, as well as Randy Ciarlante, were in the band for all of Levon's set.

Garth again made his way back off the stage, and once again I offered my hand and spoke to him. He shook it once again, and this time when I said how incredible he was, he laughed, closed his eyes and then came in closer to me and joked "Hey... just gimme another year!" On his way off the stage, Levon was about to leave and I held out my hand and hoped to speak to him as well. I said "It's such an honor. Thank you so much." And as personal as it could be, Levon shook my hand firmly, looked me straight in the eye, smiled and said "Thank you, brother." in that southern tone, and walked off. It was truly the greatest day of my life, I can tell you that.

Entered at Mon Jan 23 22:34:31 CET 2012 from (70.28.32.74)

Landmark

I don't know why, it just seems sort of appropriate.

Entered at Mon Jan 23 20:59:26 CET 2012 from (91.52.119.155)

Norbert

Subject: Vintage Trouble

last one, just great

Entered at Mon Jan 23 20:47:08 CET 2012 from (91.52.119.155)

Norbert

Subject: bands a comin

Vintage Trouble.

Entered at Mon Jan 23 19:14:54 CET 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Joan

I'm glad you had such an incredible time at the Ramble. That's a memory that will last forever. I'm sorry about the accident but I'm glad you are OK.

Entered at Mon Jan 23 17:12:09 CET 2012 from (68.198.223.205)

Jed

So sorry to hear about the accident and that thankfully,you were not seriously hurt or worse.Looking forward to hearing every detail.i've been to a bunch of Rambles but this is the show I'd love to see.Was Larry there? Teresa? Amy? Brian and Garth on keys? Lots to hear.Stay safe and well.

Entered at Mon Jan 23 16:10:03 CET 2012 from (74.203.77.122)

Jon Lyness

Glad you're OK, Adam. That is a mind-blowing setlist! Who sang/played on all these songs besides Garth? Would love to hear much more when time allows.

Entered at Mon Jan 23 15:27:44 CET 2012 from (99.141.21.45)

Adam

Unfortunately disaster struck on our trip back to Chicago. Our car hit some water at a low speed, spun out, went straight into the ditch and flipped over. The windshield is broken and the top is damaged, but my friend and I were truly thankful to be alive. It has allowed me to finally see that I shouldn't fixate on negative things in life and just try to be happy. We visited Rick's grave the day before, and I'd like to think someone was watching out for us early this morning. We walked out of it perfectly fine, and happy to be alive.

More about the show later.

Entered at Mon Jan 23 13:27:12 CET 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Entered at Mon Jan 23 13:22:42 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

The Obit section in the mags like Mojo have moved from half a page to three or four pages over the last two or three years. I fear that Old Father Time rules, and if we go to the start of the rock era circa 1955 with twenty-somethings then, factor in lots of late nights, hard living and distractions, there's an inevitability about it.

Entered at Mon Jan 23 05:36:28 CET 2012 from (124.169.10.76)

dlew919

Hi Jeff: if it's the Jimmy Norman who co-wrote 'time is on my side', then he died in November. You have, however, been the first one to mention it (I think... I missed it for a month, and got caught up in Christmas, etc) and I didn't notice Serenity, David P, Pat B or any of the others of us (yourself included) who do the occasional 'death notice' mention it. Nevertheless, it's sad news. (If it's anoter Jimmy Norman, then I'm sorry to hear about that too.)

Entered at Mon Jan 23 01:56:44 CET 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

PutEMUp(Friend0

Entered at Sun Jan 22 21:24:11 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Sun Jan 22 19:28:35 CET 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Joan

Thanks for that video. The orchestras then had such a recognizable sound.The guy in front with the woman was Harry Morgan, later to become famous as Col. Potter on Mash.

Entered at Sun Jan 22 17:54:51 CET 2012 from (99.254.209.45)

John D

I have to openly thank Peter V for turning me on to Simone Felice the solo artist and The Duke and The King. Every few few years I discover wonderful music that touches me. This was one of those times. Thank you Peter. I'm ordering the first and second albums and waiting for the new solo effort.

Entered at Sun Jan 22 11:32:46 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Thanks for the links. That live I'd Rather Go Blind is superb … she was having a lot of fun. The Glen Miller version of At Last was one I'd totally forgotten. It was one of my mother's favourite songs … as soon as it started, it came back.

Now what's going to bug me for the day, is the instrumental bit was used as a theme to a radio or TV show in Britain, and I can't remember what, and Google didn't find it. What i did find was that Jackie Gleason was playing a part in the film, so I assume miming bass:

(WIKI): The Miller band returned to Hollywood to film 1942's Orchestra Wives,featuring Jackie Gleason playing a part as the group's bassist, Ben Beck. Miller had an ailment that made laughter extremely painful. Since Jackie Gleason was a comedian, Miller had a difficult time watching Gleason more than once, because Miller would start laughing (END WIKI)

Entered at Sun Jan 22 06:14:31 CET 2012 from (174.62.159.193)

Richard Wall

Garth recorded a great version for the Raging Bull soundtrack.

Entered at Sun Jan 22 01:41:03 CET 2012 from (184.66.107.77)

BONK

Subject: Serenity

Years ago when my Mom was still alive, she used to argue with me that Jackie Gleason played in Glen Millers Band at one time. Well holy shit! There he is playing stand up bass in your video of "At last" This guestbook never fails to amaze on the wealth of information. Gotta love it!

Entered at Sun Jan 22 00:39:48 CET 2012 from (99.236.202.207)

Serenity

Subject: "At Last"

Guess my memory is still good at my age. It was a beautiful song. Wish the sound quality was better.

Over the years, everybody from Judy Garland to Mariah Carey to Celine Dion have taken a shot at the classic. It's worth noting that James herself wasn't the original singer. The tune was recorded by the Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1941 for a film called "Orchestra Wives." Ray Eberle and Pat Friday were the original singers.

BEG & OTHERS: Good links...

Until next time LOVE AND PEACE xoxoxoxo

Entered at Sat Jan 21 14:43:34 CET 2012 from (69.156.28.162)

brown eyed girl

Jane Fonda and Robbie Robertson:

"Here we are on one of the many buses taking us to the Bowl for the Clinton Global Initiative fundraiser. Steve Bing, Richard, and me in the back of the bus. Paul Allen and Robbie Robertson in front of us. Elsewhere on the bus were Bonnie Raitt, Joni Mitchell, Brian Grazer among others."

"Richard and I went to the President’s birthday bash/fundraiser at the Hollywood Palladium. It was a really fun party. Jerry Lee Lewis played, and Ronnie Hawkins (President’s Clinton’s favorite musician growing up)."

Entered at Sat Jan 21 14:39:12 CET 2012 from (69.156.28.162)

brown eyed girl

Hi Peter....imagezulu's favourite Etta James live version of IRGB.

Entered at Sat Jan 21 00:55:49 CET 2012 from (68.171.231.81)

Bill M

Sadavid: I believe that the technical term for Rockin Chaise's corrective missive is 'orthogram'.

Entered at Sat Jan 21 00:48:20 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Kristie

Subject: Bob Dylan

Bob looking very cosy with Ronee. Is this not the outfit he wore during the filming of "The Last Waltz?" Was Ronee there?

Entered at Fri Jan 20 21:28:15 CET 2012 from (99.236.202.207)

Serenity

Subject: Dear Etta James RIP

Another great link of the wonderful Etta James.

"AT LAST" was a real fave of mine. Even back when Glenn Miller's Ray Eberle sang it.

Our CTV printed a lengthy profile of her. Anyone wants to read it, just say so, and I will post it. Only have the copy and paste. No link here.

Until next time LOVE AND PEACE xoxoxoxoxo

Entered at Fri Jan 20 21:12:25 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: RIP Etta James

The link goes to "I'd rather go blind'. Unsurpassable.

Entered at Fri Jan 20 20:31:18 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Kristie

Have a great time, Adam. I still need to get out there one day. Enough of all of these exotic places-I want to go to Woodstock!

Entered at Fri Jan 20 20:02:43 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

It's a sad twist of fate that Ms. James was discovered by Johnny Otis, who produced her first hit "Roll With Me Henry". Now, in the span of a few days, we've lost both of these great artists.

Entered at Fri Jan 20 18:41:46 CET 2012 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Psycograph

Get back to your Ouija Board Sadavid......these last few posts of yours, I think you're becoming possessed!

You been hanging around some of those Meti relatives of mine? Sounds like you might have got some one pissed off and got a root put on your ass......oooouuuu "shivers"

Entered at Fri Jan 20 18:20:34 CET 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

While we're at it, let's acknowledge the cleverness of "hexagram." While both hexagrams and pentagrams have their place in occult practice (and in 'legitimate' religions, fraternal orders etc.), I'd say that "pentagram" is the one we more readily associate with our friendly neighbourhood Satanists, Wiccans et al. ("Guinnevere drew pentagrams, like yours, m'lady, like yours.")

But of course, if you want to send a message, use a telegram; if you need to throw a hex . . . choose a hex-a-gram . . . .

Entered at Fri Jan 20 17:28:18 CET 2012 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Etta James

One of the greatest voices in music, will sing no more. Good bye Etta.......God rest your soul.

Entered at Fri Jan 20 17:16:44 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I had to re-read it, having written it 15 years ago. The thing about enigmatic lyrics is we get a picture and it stays and leads you through. Later you notice something else or someone else's radically different picture, and there's no 'right' or 'wrong.' And real incidents get wrapped in fiction. Levon and Ronnie make it clear that there's a real incident, one Ronnie instantly recognises after a long gap, but it's not being told straight. Whether it's wrapped in Indian kids at a mission or not, who knows? In 2012, we can discuss this. In 1997 when it was written, people got furious about other people's pictures.

At the moment I'm listening to The Waterboys "An Appointment With Mr Yeats" and the lyrics (being Yeats) shift meaning every time I hear it.

I think it might be interesting to add today's comments to what's already there, if Jan doesn't mind? I could incorporate them in the original which must on be on a CDR somewhere.

Entered at Fri Jan 20 17:04:05 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Hubert Sumlin memorial concert to include Levon Helm, Dr. John & many more.

Entered at Fri Jan 20 16:57:23 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

I think this (early Ike and Tina Turner) and the original "Hand-Jive" are my favourite Johnny Otis songs.

As for "Caledonia Mission", the first verse seems to me to suggest a seance, and the physical barriers in second verse could be seen as metaphors for the metaphysical, but the third verse seems totally physical. So the song remains the same - perfectly unclear to me.

Entered at Fri Jan 20 16:35:33 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

The town referenced in the song is actually Modoc, Arkansas, which is a name that may have caught Robbie's attention for another meaning, as Modoc (meaning "southerners") is also the name of a Native American people originally living in Oregon and later California & Oklahoma. They fought in a series of clashes with the U.S. Army in 1872-1873 known as the Modoc War.

Entered at Fri Jan 20 15:51:19 CET 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: Caledonia Mission

Richard White: When I hear the song, I often think about an old school friend who lived down near the river, in a neighbourhood that was formerly genteel but had become just old and pretty run-down.

My friend was a little lonely and sad, mostly because his mom had some chronic illness and was almost always in the hospital. He spent a lot of his time in moody walks around his neighbourhood, and his walks would often take him by a really spooky place on the river, a big private estate surrounded by a tall iron spike-tipped fence. The main building was set well back from the street; going by looks, it could well have been a prison, but in fact it was a "reform school" for pregnant and otherwise delinquent girls, operated by an order of nuns.

Personally, I went by the place very seldom, and I never saw a living soul around, but my friend had a few conversations with one of the inmates through the bars. I think he thought of her as his girlfriend, briefly. I don't think he ever concocted any serious plans to spring her, but he might have indulged in some daydreams to that effect. (He lacked the means, even if he had a motive and might have found an opportunity.)

All this is preamble to saying that your interpretation makes a lot of sense to me -- except perhaps that the song seems to indicate that the young lady is on the inside and the protagonist is on the outside. (I guess he could be a former-but-not-current beneficiary of the missionaries' efforts.)

I think there's a strong possibility that the young lady has belatedly realized that what's good for her is just what the old wives have long told her is good for her -- the right decision, probably, but our young swain hiding in the dawn (not the "dark") waiting for the deal to go down would probably disagree....

Entered at Fri Jan 20 15:11:16 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Roy Buchanan with Johnny & Shuggie Otis (Enhanced Audio).

Entered at Fri Jan 20 14:45:21 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Have a great trip, Adam. One of the best places on earth to catch a show.

This wkd's tribute to Rick & Richard @ Levon's "Ramble" will feature Garth, Jimmy Vivino & "Ollabelle's" Tony Leone & Byron Isaacs. The link is from '09 w/ Tony & the "Levon Helm Band" performing "Holy Cow."

Entered at Fri Jan 20 13:38:37 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

New "CKS Band" video EPK.

Entered at Fri Jan 20 10:56:06 CET 2012 from (82.72.124.75)

JM

Can anyone tell me where to get a legal CD of The Band 1996-06-17 Belgium Bissegem De Kreun?

Entered at Fri Jan 20 10:51:58 CET 2012 from (124.169.10.76)

Dlew919

Dlewis@aim.edu.au

Entered at Fri Jan 20 06:39:40 CET 2012 from (99.141.21.45)

Adam

Entered at Fri Jan 20 06:33:08 CET 2012 from (41.162.7.114)

NUX

Yes indeed,the video is very moving and a joy to watch. Thank you Pat

Entered at Fri Jan 20 06:06:11 CET 2012 from (99.236.202.207)

Serenity

I just had to say a special "THANK YOU" to Pat and his son. It was a wonderful vid.

Of course, all the links, as well as all the posts are wonderful. THANX to all of you wonderful fans.

Hope LEVON comes through with his health problems. I checked him on his FB page, as well as his site.

Take care and God Bless....

Until next time LOVE AND PEACE xoxoxoxo

Entered at Fri Jan 20 04:46:08 CET 2012 from (99.115.147.236)

Pat B

Entered at Fri Jan 20 03:23:12 CET 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Subject: SOPA

I don't know enough abut the subject,but i know enough to knw irony when i see it.

David, you might have a good understanding of what is actually going on here.

Entered at Fri Jan 20 02:37:18 CET 2012 from (67.71.2.156)

brown eyed girl

Pat B: Beautiful....even more special since the video was by you and your son. Thank you for sharing with us. A very special contribution to The Band site and to all Band fans.

JT: Many thanks to you also for your labour of love on this site. You took the initiative to encourage all of us to contribute any information pertaining to any live Band performances. You were so fortunate to have seen The Hawks in your late Dad's tavern....The Concord. Wow!!

Walk On By - The Story Of Popular Song (BBC Documentary 17/23)

6:35...The Band.....Robbie Robertson, Ben Fong-Torres, Barney Hoskyns.

Entered at Fri Jan 20 02:38:21 CET 2012 from (94.3.32.41)

Richard White

I just read Peter V's piece on this song and was stunned! Stunned, because this is what I thought it was very obviously about: Two indian children brought up in a mission (they were taken away from their families and forced to wear European clothes and worship Christianity). The boy wants them to run away, etc. Do I need to spell it out from there? The whole thing makes sense to me from this perspective and fits entirely within the world of the band's songs. Have another listen and tell me what you think? All the best, Richard

Entered at Thu Jan 19 22:48:39 CET 2012 from (70.28.32.74)

Landmark

One more thing about Johnny Otis, it seems that he was quite friendly with Frank Zappa. To the point of serving as mentor/bandleader for the edition of the band that was essentially between the "Hot Rats" and "Flo and Eddie" era bands.

Entered at Thu Jan 19 21:23:21 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I saw him with Shuggie Otis in the band around 1972 at the Bowling Alley in Bournemouth … odd location, stunning show that I'll always remember. RIP.

Entered at Thu Jan 19 21:21:52 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I was talking about this in a secondhand vinyl shop this morning and listening to the 45. The odd thing is the single goes for £20, the EP I last saw at £140 (£100 in Rare Record Guide) and the LP at £60 last time I saw it. Irrelevant. A wonderful song, covered by Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders who grabbed the UK hit.

Entered at Thu Jan 19 21:14:05 CET 2012 from (166.147.81.225)

JQ

Jeff - Thanks for that tough news. He was a part of my life growing up and living in LA for years; mid 50s through the 80s as I recall. He was a very well informed, enthusiastic and interesting fella.

Entered at Thu Jan 19 19:46:41 CET 2012 from (129.42.208.177)

Bob F.

Subject: New Bruce and Coney Island Winter

I very much feel the spirit of Garland Jeffreys 'Coney Island Winter' in Bruce's new song 'We Take Care of Our Own'. I love both songs.

Entered at Thu Jan 19 19:24:52 CET 2012 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Songs that give you the ear worm

This song is for Pat Brennan........he always makes me think of Chicago. Because of his resent work, taking us back in time, while my mind was back there it got to roaming around Chicago.

This is one of those songs from way back then that you went around humming constantly. If you give it a listen, why? is obvious.

Entered at Thu Jan 19 19:17:31 CET 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Joan

Al, its good to hear from you. Thank you for the inspiring story about Ann Williams. Its heartening to see the "little guy" win sometimes. And a big "hooray" for the internet.

On that webpage with the Bruce song, the next video was of Bruce doing Promised Land with the audience singing Clarence's solo. Very neat!

Entered at Thu Jan 19 16:57:57 CET 2012 from (82.42.122.89)

Al Edge

Say what you like about the music - but boy Oh boy nobody but nobody does emotional intensity like Bruce. Goosebumps.

:-0)

I've been knockin' on the door, that holds the throne
i've been lookin' for the map that leads me home
i've been stumblin' on good hearts turned to stone
those good intentions have gone dry as bone

we take care of our own
we take care of our own
wherever this flag's flown
we take care of our own

from chicago to new orleans
from the muscle to the bone
from the shotgun shack to the superdome
we needed help but the cavalry stayed home,
there ain't no-one hearing the bugle blown

we take care of our own
we take care of our own
wherever this flag's flown
we take care of our own

where's the eyes, the eyes with the will to see
where's the hearts, that run over with mercy
where's the love that has not forsaken me
where's the work that sets my hands, my soul free
where's the spirit to reign rain over me
where's the promise, from sea to shining sea
where's the promise, from sea to shining sea

wherever this flag is flown
wherever this flag is flown
wherever this flag is flown

we take care of our own
we take care of our own
wherever this flag's flown

we take care of our own
we take care of our own
we take care of our own
wherever this flag's flown
we take care of our own

Entered at Thu Jan 19 16:28:44 CET 2012 from (82.42.122.89)

Al Edge

Nice little Liverpool connected irony concerning the title of Bruce's latest song.

It's a little longwinded but I think it's well worth a read.

A Liverpool woman named Anne Williams lost her teenage son Kevin at the Hillsborough tragedy back in 1989.

Like the other 95 innocent victims of that day her son was not afforded an individual inquest but was grouped together with the 'herd' under an 'establishment convenient' single inquest verdict that returned a verdict of death by asphyxiation at 3-15pm.

Anne wiliams has categoric evidence that her son was alive for at least 45 minutes after that time - very likely longer - and that he did not die of asphyxiation.

The 3.15pm was a crucial time because it meant that - with the tragedy not actually starting in full until 3.06pm - that brief 9 minute period deemed no investigation was officially required into what was actually unequivocally the appallingly slow and negligent response/non-response of the authorities to the tragedy that was unfolding.

It almost certainly was a legal manouevre to divert culpability away from the authorities for their failures on the day.

Anne Williams has campaigned all this time for justice for her son to be afforded a personal inquest so that the truth concerning his death can be finally established officially. Only then will she accept a death certificate for Kevin.

Under current legislature a recently popularised route for securing a possible Parliamentary debate on any subject is to present a petition.

The petition requires 100,000 signatures for it to be accepted.

Some time ago Anne williams commenced her Petition for her case for Kevin to be debated in Parliament. As a solitary petitioner it struggled to command anything like the platform and thus the level of numerical support it required.

The closing date was 4pm British time Thursday.

Up until Tuesday the signature numbers languished at around 20,000.

It was at that point that some spirited and determined souls on various liverpool internet sites took the bit between their teeth and vowed collectively that the petition was not going to be doomed to failure but was going to damnedwell make its target of 100,000 signatures.

Astonishingly at around 12-15pm today it passed the requisite target figure. By 3.30pm it had reached an incredible 110,000.

Goodness knows the pride, joy and sheer gratitude that heroic mother must be feeling right now as she struggles to come to terms with the remarkable turn around. How an apparently hopeless task has witnessed 90,000 souls flocking to the banner of justice in little more than 48 hours to turn it into a highly emotional victory for the ordinary person - and one ordinary yet at the same time truly exceptional woman.

Power to the People.

Good eh. :-0)

"We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop." - Mother Teresa

Entered at Thu Jan 19 16:18:25 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Peter M: The Palladia version is most likely sourced from the blu-ray remaster, however, the cable network is responsible for the edits and commercial inserts. The home video blu-ray version is uncut and available from under $20, with a great sound transfer to match the high-definition video.

Entered at Thu Jan 19 16:13:06 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I didn't even know he was touring until I heard the single on Radio Two today which sounds exactly like a Bruce single … too much so, I thought. Like Van, he must have decided that the obligatory press ads are a waste of money, because you'll sell out the tour anyway (well, Bruce will, Van might not). Unfortunately the only Southern dates are (1) the Isle of Wight and I think I'm past the muddy field days and (2) Hyde Park. That's not usually muddy, but standing with 99,999 others watching a dot in the distance and video monitors isn't an inviting prospect.

Entered at Thu Jan 19 15:35:04 CET 2012 from (82.42.122.89)

Al Edge

Subject: Bob F

Thanks for putting that up Bob. Have had me head down for yonks so I didn't realise he was even making a new album. I guess I should have sussed when I found out last month he was touring UK. I've booked for two shows.

Listening to the video

Hmmm...Wonder where I've heard that riff before

Hmmm...

Could it be a touch of scouse Broudie influence I wonder... 1min 10 secs into the link above...

You little tinker Brucie

:-0)

Entered at Thu Jan 19 15:25:52 CET 2012 from (82.42.122.89)

Al Edge

Bleedinell Pat you could have at least got a bit of soft porn in there. Surely to god there must have been the odd flash of bare flesh apart from your skinny deadhead mates!!!

:-0)

Being sensible now. Yeah, really loved it. It actually reminded me of our lot when we used to travel to away matches following our beloved Reds all over the show. Only we never got to wave our flags on the top of the bus - ha ha.

I love the deep respect and admiration you have for the boys. It's something you have always demonstrated on here. The film allied to your impassive commentary really brings that across. The deadheads acting OTT just like run of the mill psych/heavy folk like that are inclined to do - [one of whom you say nearly fainted seeing himself? - kind of proves my point eh] whilst the Band followers [well certainly the narrator] remain cocooned in their own unique little world of calm, knowing assurance that they don't need to flaunt it because they happen to follow the finest band ever to walk the planet.

The other thing that stuck out was the almost universal haircut conformity. Boy, a crewcut or even a semi-crew would have really started a revolution in that throng of lank tresses!

Anyroad, Pat, thanks to yourself and your son for getting the film out into the mix. It gave me a nice little break from my current punishing work commitment and a chance at practising some wry smiles to accompany your so fitting Band-like commentary.

:-0)

Entered at Thu Jan 19 15:02:24 CET 2012 from (216.195.207.194)

Catfish Henry

Subject: Thanks for keeping Up!

Hey there, I just wanted to thank you for keeping this weppage the way its been ...amazing! Often a website will go up and get tinkered with and be awesome then the webmaster wants to shake things up by changing it and then it stinks but this site been right on forever. I hadn't been on this site for a while now I'm back on all the time _ looking at goodies and all little tidbits you can't get anywhere else!...I appreciate this site very much.

Entered at Thu Jan 19 14:37:22 CET 2012 from (129.42.208.177)

Bob F.

Subject: New Bruce - 'We Take Care of Our Own'

Entered at Thu Jan 19 14:04:12 CET 2012 from (70.28.32.74)

Landmark

Thanks for posting the link Jeff. His life story is quite interesting in respect that his brother was a US ambassador in the Middle East and of course his son Shuggie has an excellent music pedigree as he played bass on "Peaches En Regalia", did a "Super Session" album with Al Kooper, and wrote the hit song "Strawberry Letter 23" amongst other things.

Entered at Thu Jan 19 14:02:30 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Nice shoutout from Roger Waters (on "Howard Stern") to Levon & his "Dirt Farmer" album.

Entered at Thu Jan 19 13:31:47 CET 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Subject: Johnnie Otis passed

link

Entered at Thu Jan 19 06:31:55 CET 2012 from (76.111.160.47)

Peter M.

Subject: Thanks for "The Weight", Mike H!

Last night, a dear friend phoned to tell me The Last Waltz was on TV, on Palladium, the channel that shows HD productions from VH1, MTV & CMTV's archives. I had lots of paperwork to do, so as I moved my laptop and pile of papers in front of the television, I wondered, "yeah, but WHICH Last Waltz?". When I heard the censored line, "...more ***** than Frank Sinatra", I knew I was due for a semi-disappointment. Sure 'nuff, at the end of "The Weight", Mavis' whisper of, Beautiful!" was cut off. Which remaster, "director's cut", etc was this?? I immediately thought that I'd have to wait and wait till I again heard that one word, spoken by the closest thing we have to an angel, that capped this song so well. Only a one day wait to recapture what I feel was the most beautiful moment in any documentation of a musical event, ever...Once again, thanks, Mike H.

Entered at Thu Jan 19 05:13:16 CET 2012 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Let it Be KNOWN!!

Hey Bonk! That's right Dave Roland, I remember him well a real nice guy, and he's the one I first started talking to.

Now listen kid......It's ROCKIN CHAIR!... no "G" and no aposterphy like that gawd damn Bill Munson likes to do. It's the same as the song name, and on youtube...you guys.......gawd damn it!

Good to hear from you Bonk. I'll be down there on the Rockin Chair as soon as the weather gets warm. I'm tryin' to collect some of those pussies from back east to bring down. That gawd damn Jerry T down in Vic should find his way up the Mallahat and get on that ferry over to Fulford..........Later old kid.

Entered at Thu Jan 19 04:15:48 CET 2012 from (184.66.107.77)

BONK

Subject: ROCKING CHAIR

Hey Norm. How the hell are you? That story was f...king funny. I know two of the guy's that were in BogWater. Dave Roland (Stand up bass) and Kelly Cavenaugh who is now known as KC Kelly,(Guitar) He still puts out a CD every five years or so. One of the guys that might have been there that night was one of the founding members of Perth County Conspiracy. Jerome Jarvis. Bogwater turned into an R&B band called Club Mongo in the late seventies- early eighties. And I've heard a lot of tales about the group going up to Powell River to play at that time and barely getting out alive. But the money was so goddam good in those days they kept going back. You've told me that story before and when I ask the guys if they remember you they always have the same answer. 'Yea. But which one was he?' HaHa I think the only one that really remembers you is the person you woke up with in Fulford Harbour. She tells the story often!

Entered at Thu Jan 19 02:02:25 CET 2012 from (74.59.199.34)

Landmark

Pat, I finally had a chance to see the film and enjoyed it a lot. Hope that you had as much fun putting it together as we all have, watching it.

Entered at Thu Jan 19 00:42:18 CET 2012 from (24.164.173.243)

Lars

Subject: "A JEB Stuart maneuver"

You know David- you're right. Looking back, it's surprising the Winnabago didn't circle Watkins Glen before going into action.

Entered at Wed Jan 18 23:38:05 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Entered at Wed Jan 18 23:24:43 CET 2012 from (68.164.6.84)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Jan 18 21:09:15 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Wed Jan 18 17:39:49 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

RR @ the R&R Hall of Fame w/ his TLW "The Weight" double-neck mandolin that was an exhibit trade for the bronze guitar. The Band exhibit was recently spotlighted.

Entered at Wed Jan 18 17:33:00 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Happy b'day to Clark Gayton, one of Levon's great hornsmen!

Entered at Wed Jan 18 12:38:56 CET 2012 from (129.42.208.177)

Bob F.

Subject: Concert Prices

Peter V, we're seeing the same thing here. A lot of old timers start out with high ticket prices but by the week of the show the promotor is offering "two for one" ticket prices. Recently this happened with Lindsey Buckingham, Kris Kristofferson and John Hiatt.

Entered at Wed Jan 18 12:26:40 CET 2012 from (129.42.208.177)

Bob F.

Subject: Great Stuff Pat B

Pat B, loved your video. It really made we feel nostalgic. Life is always good, but your only young once and those were the best days to be young.

Entered at Wed Jan 18 09:47:56 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

We mentioned this last year. I just paid £15 each for tickets to Simone Felice & Band, and £75 for Van Morrison. The divergence is huge. Similarly last year, The Unthanks and The Decemberists were under £20, while Glen Campbell was a fair £37.50, but Ringo Starr (who I didn't see) was £75. The price-quality relationship long ago disappeared. Annoyingly, The Unthanks, The Decemberists and the forthcoming Simone Felice are in shabby standing venues. Though I'd rather pay more and sit, you'd assume the younger, newer bands couldn't fill the larger ones. I don't know … The Decemberists sold out the day they went on sale, The Unthanks at Eastleigh (which was seated) was sold out well in advance, and Ringo Starr was nowhere near full I'm told. You have to think the newer artists are underpricing and the older ones are overpricing.

You also have to wonder about ticket allocation. For Van, the venue (Bournemouth Pavilion) could only offer back Circle right at the side, and four attempts to complete their online form failed. I went to TicketMaster, paid their "booking fee" of £6 and bought fifth row stalls.

Entered at Wed Jan 18 09:36:03 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Wed Jan 18 02:56:20 CET 2012 from (174.114.101.47)

JT

Subject: It's never too late to say thank you!

Pat A stellar effort and a superb result. Congratulations! Thank you for your effort and generosity in letting us see your film. I only wish we had some film of the early days in the bars. I still have the images of those afternoons at the Concord in my head. I wish I had done what you did. If others have this type of material, maybe take an example from Pat and Kevin. It is a real kindness to share.

Entered at Tue Jan 17 23:52:50 CET 2012 from (124.169.10.76)

dlew919

Too late, I know, but... ;)

Entered at Tue Jan 17 23:23:46 CET 2012 from (68.198.223.205)

Jed

Thank you thank you thank you.A great tribute to what The Band's vibe was and brings great memories of a special time.Your narration is spot on and captures the tone of the event, and the music and pictures are tremendous.Reminds me why I keep going to Woodstock all the time for the past 40 years.Going there captures the essence of their music in the smell,the air,the swimming holes,the whole thing that was their backyard.Watkins Glen,although in a different part of the mountains has that same majestic air about it.And,the Allmans,Dead,and Band have always been a trio for me,particularly since those summer days in 1973.

Entered at Tue Jan 17 23:10:35 CET 2012 from (68.164.6.84)

Pat B

Entered at Tue Jan 17 22:27:06 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

John Lennon ('75) - "Slippin' & Slidin'"

Entered at Tue Jan 17 22:24:31 CET 2012 from (68.171.231.81)

Bill M

Sadavid: Good stuff. Reading the first two sentences at your like makes it crystal clear why Mick was so adamant about not being a beast of burden.

Entered at Tue Jan 17 22:17:29 CET 2012 from (81.159.31.180)

Dunc

Subject: Pat B

Thanks. Wish I'd been there.

Entered at Tue Jan 17 22:04:12 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Rob Fabroni (TLW) interview.

Entered at Tue Jan 17 20:30:16 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Kristie

I enjoyed your review, thank you for the link. I look forward to hearing Simon play one day. Nobody ever comes to the Kootenays though. The one benefit to living in a big city is that you can see great musicians every night of the week within walking distance of your house.

Entered at Tue Jan 17 20:24:18 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

kristie

Thank you so much for that! I really enjoyed it.

Entered at Tue Jan 17 19:48:51 CET 2012 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Glory Days

Pat! What you have done is why this place exists......what we all hope for. It don't get any better.....Thanks.

Some day you'll have to come out this way with Lars, and David Zuck. We'll go down to Saltspring Island....dig up Bonk, and my old drummer Lorne Burns. There is a special place there where things happen, (mostly blues).

One evening many years ago I was on my voyage out to Barcley Sound for the gilnet season. I had an old friend living on Saltspring, so I motored up into Ganges Harbour to look him up. He wasn't around. It was a nice sunny evening, end of May. So I wandered over to the Ganges pub to lay back and have a beer.

Well I get to chatting with a few guys. Wouldn't ya know it. They all played music. Some were from a Band there called "Bog Water". A real kinda hippie hill billy jug band. Go get yer guitar they says! Well it's only a short walk to the dock. I had a nice Ovation with me. I get back and there has been produced, standup bass, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, 2 guitars and 12 string.......what a gawd damn night, (this was in '76) We all just pulled tables together and about 80 people were jammed mostly in one corner. Next morning I woke up in a bed in a house in Fulford Harbour, (not alone).....what in hell happened. Well, that's Saltspring...........

Entered at Tue Jan 17 19:39:16 CET 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Joan

Pat, thank you for the great video. I'm glad you decided to put it together. I passed it along to a friend who was there. I didn't go to Watkins Glen but was living in NYC back then. There was a lot of great music around and the tickets were affordable.

Entered at Tue Jan 17 18:21:15 CET 2012 from (129.42.208.177)

Bob F.

Subject: Simone Felice and Simi Stone

Peter V, I couldn't agree with you more. I'm really looking forward to the NY show. Here is the amazing Simi Stone taking the lead on 'No Easy Way Out'.

Entered at Tue Jan 17 18:14:00 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

"Basement Tapes" ranked #4 on "Paste's" top 10 albums recorded @ home.

Entered at Tue Jan 17 17:20:35 CET 2012 from (90.239.133.96)

NorthWestCoaster's Dog

Subject: Across The Great Devide - Swedish-Norwegian border, that is...

My master and webmaster met on a winter camping site for a time ago. They had bought several bottles of aquavit from Fredriksborg Denmark . The first four days they drank silently without saying a word. On the fifth day webmaster said:

"...eerrr... Ilkka... what is your favorite Band song...?"

Ilkka answered, angry and with flaming eyes:

"Are we drinking seriously or 'bare snakke skit'?"

This is a true story.

Entered at Tue Jan 17 17:01:51 CET 2012 from (99.40.88.4)

glenn t

very nicely done, pat. thanks for sharing that footage and your memories. must have been something to be a part of a crowd that large.

Entered at Tue Jan 17 16:49:52 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Picked up a UK Island import LP copy of "Planet Waves" Saturday at a nearby used record store, just in time for the anniversary of its release. Also got a copy of the Direct to Disk LP "Guitar Wizard" by the late-great Thumbs Carllile, who was a friend of Garth's & The Band.

Thanks Pat for sharing that great video!

Entered at Tue Jan 17 16:15:08 CET 2012 from (198.228.220.51)

JQ

Pat B - Really well done Pat! Now that I'm older it's always a bit unsettling to see the folks that are roughly my age back then; more like time travel than a documentary in the way you did it - and that's better.

I might be coming back your way next month -

Entered at Tue Jan 17 15:52:21 CET 2012 from (75.72.126.40)

Zzzz

Entered at Tue Jan 17 15:29:38 CET 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: family resemblance

The CBC Radio 2 guys have this song in the rotation lately; one of them pointed out the other day how the chord changes borrow from "Ophelia." You can hear that better on the album track (feat. Amy Helm and hearable at the Blackie and the Rodeo Kings website) -- but check out the guitar soli here . . . and note in the intro how (if you bring a chorus effect and amazing touch) you can make a guitar sound quite like a B3 . . . .

Entered at Tue Jan 17 14:28:59 CET 2012 from (68.198.223.205)

Jed

Thanks Peter.

Entered at Tue Jan 17 14:22:41 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Great job, JT!

"Planet Waves" 37-yrs ago.

Entered at Tue Jan 17 14:20:20 CET 2012 from (174.116.226.165)

JT

Subject: Band gigs continue

Band gig dates continue to come in despite thinking that perhaps we had them all documented. Individuals interested in this site are sending in dates and places with ticket stub confirmation. The list is growing, though slowly. To that end, I will every month or two submit to Jan the latest version of the 'list'. If you see that your show is missing from the list or if you note an error, please send it in. Thanks.

Entered at Tue Jan 17 13:43:47 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Entered at Tue Jan 17 12:41:22 CET 2012 from (124.169.10.76)

Dlew919

Last waltz with the staples...

Entered at Tue Jan 17 11:41:26 CET 2012 from (86.30.150.213)

Pete Gardner

Subject: Passionate Blues Guitarist(met Eric Clapton in 1992)

Hi Is there any chance you would look at my Youtube clip.( or forward it!) I am a passionate blues guitar

Entered at Tue Jan 17 11:41:26 CET 2012 from (86.30.150.213)

Pete Gardner

Subject: Passionate Blues Guitarist(met Eric Clapton in 1992)

Hi Is there any chance you would look at my Youtube clip.( or forward it!) I am a passionate blues guitarist. I met Eric Clapton in 1992 and my dream and ambition is to become a professional guitarist. Thanks so much for your time! I just want to be heard. Music is my life. (Search "Pete Gardner guitarist" at www.youtube.com) I am the first 2 videos.) The Band has been a great inspiration!

Entered at Tue Jan 17 09:45:31 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Simone Felice UK Tour

I find Simone's work with The Duke & The King way better than the Felice Brothers … the whole band is so good, and the material's stronger and more focussed. He also does solo work with just him on guitar (see linked review from my blog.) In 2012 it's advertised as "Simone Felice Band with Simi Stone." Simi Stone sings and plays violin with The Duke & The King, but apparently the bass player and drummer (both stellar) from The Duke & The King are missing. With The Felice Brothers, I think Simone's songs stand out as better than the rest … and he does them on solo shows.

Entered at Tue Jan 17 09:42:03 CET 2012 from (70.181.179.113)

Nick

2/14/74 The Forum, LA. It's on a Dylan boot called Paint the Daytime Black. IMO perfect piano playing by Richard. What's yours?

Entered at Tue Jan 17 09:40:40 CET 2012 from (203.160.29.153)

Fred

Very nice.

Entered at Tue Jan 17 07:12:22 CET 2012 from (24.164.173.243)

Lars

Subject: Pat's Youtube clip

PAT- That was really well done. I take it you were the narrator. The whole thing fit together very well....I feel like I just watched a soundtrack of my life, kinda like after seeing Forrest Gump.

One of the great things about life in general is that it's never too late to give something of yourself, even years after it happened. I'm glad you and your son chose to share your experience.

Entered at Tue Jan 17 06:59:12 CET 2012 from (99.141.21.45)

Adam

Entered at Tue Jan 17 05:25:13 CET 2012 from (99.115.147.236)

Pat B

As some of you may know, I shot some Super 8 footage of the Band at Watkins Glen. For years I have wondered what to do with it. Well, thanks to my son, we have built a short film about the event and posted it on YouTube. I used mostly music from the show and I tried to sync the appropriate parts of the music with the video.

Entered at Tue Jan 17 05:19:50 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Kristie

Subject: Casey

Welcome, Casey. It is nice to see people excited about the Band's music. It has brought me a lot of comfort and joy as well.

Entered at Tue Jan 17 05:17:34 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Kristie

Subject: Simon Felice

Peter V-You may have posted about this before, so excuse me if you have to repeat yourself; do you find Simon Felice's solo work to be better than his work with The Felice Brothers? I haven't listened to it, but I was sad to hear that he is no longer in the band. I felt his voice brought a warmth to the music.

I also wish Levon a speedy recovery. I hope it isn't anything too serious.

Entered at Tue Jan 17 01:01:09 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Like A Rolling Stone on Self Portrait is the Isle of Wight with Bob Dylan and The Band (complete).

Entered at Mon Jan 16 21:53:59 CET 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: smell as sweet

Bill M: re: Ms. Piphany, please note that some (amateur) etymologists opine that the modifier in "nanny goat" was originally "Annie" -- on the principle, it seems, that Annie-and-Billy is more a natural parallel than Nanny-and-Billy. Such amateurs daydream about archaic conversations featuring the phrase "an Annie goat." It does open up the possibility of pulling into Nazareth at the head of a goat train (as opposed to on a railroad train / car / bus / Triumph). Goats have a bit of a Biblical air about 'em, I guess, but the idea is a little too capricious to take seriously.

On the other hand, didn't Rompin' have a line or two on goats?

Entered at Mon Jan 16 20:20:39 CET 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Joan

Peter, my parents used to take am annual vacation on an Italian ship from the Home Lines. It was elegant, classy and the service was impeccable, But my Mom always said "One thing to remember, the service is great, but in an emergency it's Captain and crew first" I guess this confirms that.

Entered at Mon Jan 16 19:52:30 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Mon Jan 16 19:44:47 CET 2012 from (86.186.47.254)

Simon

Entered at Mon Jan 16 18:38:50 CET 2012 from (68.198.223.205)

Jed

My recall on this is terrible: Can anyone tell me a little bit about this song version on the Self Portrait album? Why?when?where? Who's playing on it? Isn't is weird when this stuff leaves one's mind.

Entered at Mon Jan 16 18:19:38 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Todd Rundgren on Stage Fright

Mojo 218, January 2012

"(The Band) were hillbillies – or at least trying to sound like hillbillies. They’d spent so many years playing with Ronnie Hawkins in this insular Canadian milieu that when they started working with Bob Dylan they became global at an age when most people’s musical careers are kind of winding down. I remember the dichotomy of going into the studio with them and trying to do something that sounded concertedly folksy and creeky and dusty and not slick, and then at lunchtime, Levon Helm would shout, ‘Order me one o’ them Lobster Thermidors!’ They had it both ways, which was probably the germ of their demise."

Entered at Mon Jan 16 16:53:50 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Think about it. Picture it.

which reminds me of Somewhere Down The Crazy River. If it's all a seamless continuum, maybe you could argue that it was 'Take A Load off Arnie' with presience about the future of California.

Entered at Mon Jan 16 16:33:24 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

sadavid: Thanks for the article. I wish Robbie'd found a way of working those subtitles into songs on Big Brown so we could've argued over whether Levon was singing "an epiphany", "Ann Epiphany" or "Annie Piphany". I'm sure I would have suggested that Annie was the "Fanny" in "The Weight".

Entered at Mon Jan 16 15:29:01 CET 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: stuck on repeat

This article argues that style used to change with regularity, but now doesn't. A little over-stated, but there's something in it . . . including a reference to The Band.

Entered at Mon Jan 16 14:32:12 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Good to hear from Casey, and glad The Band still spreads its magic across the generations.

The trouble with Dylan bootlegs is there are thousands of them, and every show in the last twenty years has been done, so judging the "Best Ten" is a case of "But how many have you heard?" Anyone who's heard more than 5% would have to be regarded as having OCD. But I was interested in the Charlotte 1978 Show … I would have put the Picnic at Blackbushe show, but this sounds as if it was even better. Some of the early 1974 tour are worth hearing too.

I'm pretty transfixed by the Italian ship disaster. A maritime safety guy on the radio was just saying, 'The cardinal rule is you don't take a big ship closer in to shallow water.You go into deeper water so you can lower all the boats while it sinks slowly.' It stands to reason, that as the bottom of the hull comes to a point, then it's going to roll over to the side as soon as water stops supporting it. He said it was sinking slowly and if he'd gone out into deeper water there'd have been plenty of time to lower all the boats in an orderly way. It's also incredible that they claimed the rock was uncharted in water transversed by ferries several times a day, and with heavy water traffic since the Roman era.

Entered at Mon Jan 16 13:33:13 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Garth's website.

Entered at Mon Jan 16 13:26:46 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Wishing Levon a swift recovery.

Link to the top ten Dylan bootlegs that includes The Band.

Entered at Mon Jan 16 08:21:09 CET 2012 from (173.26.2.224)

Casey Lee Jones

Subject: A sincere and grateful fan

Hello my name is casey jones and I have just finished watchng the last waltz again with my wife Laura Jones. I would like to start with a simple thank you for all of the music. You see me and my wife are both military vets she is Medically retired from injuries she suffered in Afghan, and I am also out of the military due to injuries suffered in Iraq. Your music is a thing of beauty and it provides myself and my wife with some needed distraction from our injuries, the reason I felt I needed to tell you this is your music helped me out in alot of different situations, and it was my father Mark Jones who I have to thank and give credit to him for sharing with me what truly great music can do for someone when they have nothing else to rely on, i'll tell you this the only reason I am here today and I didn't let the war swallow me whole is because of the music. He sent me the Last Waltz while I was in germany back in 2007 about one month before I deployed to Bagdhad, Iraq and lucky me our unit was the last to have to stay 15 Months instead of 12. So when I got a care package from my folks with the last waltz I naturally dimmed my lights grabbed some beer and as instructed to do I turned my T.V. up. After watching it once I immidietlly left my barracks room to share with some fellow soldiers the movie and music from THE BAND. When I left Germany 2 wks later I made sure that I had the few essential items and the thing on top of that list was The Last Waltz, and for the next 15 months of getting mortared, and being in War, whenever I started letting the mission get to me or I would be down and depressed (I would find some time to myself and I would watch that once in a lifetime event) and I'll tell you what there are so many messages of hope and just a positive vibe that I get from the music that I would simply finish the concert and I would forget for a while my troubles and I remembered to breathe. I do apologize for writing so much but I figured that yall might like to know that you truly helped out a kid from IOWA when I needed it the most. Thank you for everything

Entered at Mon Jan 16 03:43:41 CET 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Entered at Mon Jan 16 00:13:58 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Simone Felice UK Tour

Dates are up for Simone Felice's April gigs as "The Simone Felice Band with Simi Stone" (rather than The Duke And The King). It kicks off in NYC, then the UK through early April. See link.

This is something you should not miss!

Entered at Sun Jan 15 18:39:41 CET 2012 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: A sign of the times

LARS!!!!.....There are new buds on my raspberry plants....is this a sign it's going to be a short winter????...........I hope.

Entered at Sun Jan 15 14:11:42 CET 2012 from (24.164.173.243)

Lars

Subject: To each his own...

Mikey, you know I love you and I'm glad you're basking in the warmth of the Caribbean sunshine: if you're happy then I'm happy. I remember back in 1969 I was swimming outside at Gitmo on the day after Christmas and I thought it was really kewl beans.

But times change and so do tastes. This morning it was a lovely 5 degrees F. and I only hope we can get some below zero temperatures this winter. Helps kill off some of the excess insects and other things (e.g. winos & groupies). My only worry is about the turtles & I hope they're deep enough in the mud below our creek to make it through until spring.

You'll be back - you got "winter in your blood."

Entered at Sun Jan 15 02:24:08 CET 2012 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Mike Nomad

Gawd Damn Showoff!..........Harumph

Entered at Sun Jan 15 02:10:01 CET 2012 from (208.114.113.103)

Mike Nomad

Entered at Sat Jan 14 21:43:24 CET 2012 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: High Seas.....AHOY! Y'ALL

This morning there were snow flakes the size of silver dollars......that lasted no time. It is now getting up to 13:00 hrs and a beautiful sunny afternoon. I'm gonna take the Rockin Chair out for a little run and warm her up...................Who wants to come?????

Entered at Sat Jan 14 21:24:54 CET 2012 from (99.254.209.45)

John D

Thank you so much Joan. My son Jimi is visiting and I really wanted to show it to him.

Entered at Sat Jan 14 20:16:53 CET 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Joan

Subject: Rick Video John D

John D I think this was the video you are looking for.

Entered at Sat Jan 14 19:36:34 CET 2012 from (72.78.61.120)

PSB

Subject: Bob

Actually Pat, Dylan played guitar on the '78 version of "Tangled Up In Blue." But yes, "Thin Man" he sang without instrument (though these days he plays harp) and he would shake hands with those in the front row. Peter, the '60s swirl you speak of happened only sometimes with the '78 band, and there was a Street Legal song on Live At Budokan, "Is Your Love In Vain?"

Entered at Sat Jan 14 19:20:25 CET 2012 from (99.254.209.45)

John D

Entered at Sat Jan 14 19:18:51 CET 2012 from (99.254.209.45)

John D

Someone posted a link to Rick and the band doing difference. I posted that I thought it may have been his best version. I swore it was from Japan but the version came up with Rick on guitar not bass. About two months ago I think. Anyone help?

Entered at Sat Jan 14 12:09:12 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

The Street Legal band were great at capturing the 'majestic swirl' of Dylan which The Hawks and the mid-60s session people perfected. The Picnic At Blackbushe bootleg is one of the most consistently available Dylan boots, recorded July 1978. The Live At Budokan set from March 1978 has no Street Legal material, but by Blackbushe it was incorporated, and Eric Clapton joined the band. I think that's set today's listening … it's one of the sets that should be released.

Entered at Sat Jan 14 08:50:31 CET 2012 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

thanks BB. I think you are quite right. It's easy to lose sight of the fact the the musicians view things differently from the fans.

Entered at Sat Jan 14 06:53:48 CET 2012 from (99.115.147.236)

Pat B

Entered at Sat Jan 14 06:15:59 CET 2012 from (72.78.61.120)

PSB

Subject: Dylan Video

John D, For the past few years, but especially this year Dylan has been doing quite a few songs every show where he sings and only plays the harp, and in his Dylan/Chaplin way kind of acts out the song. This year he added more songs he does that way, but some of the others are "Tangled" and "Thin Man" and those songs end up being the highlights of his shows.

Entered at Sat Jan 14 04:29:32 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Kristie

Thanks for the link, Mike H. It is always good to see Bob in action. Although, Scorsese really doesn't look impressed.

Entered at Fri Jan 13 21:00:28 CET 2012 from (99.254.209.45)

John D

Two things about that Dylan video. I don't ever remember him on stage without either the guitar or keyboard and like Keith Richards, he's let the hair go naturally grey.

Entered at Fri Jan 13 20:37:11 CET 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Joan

Terrific video of Blind Willie.Thanks for posting.

Entered at Fri Jan 13 19:32:32 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Subject: New Maud & Garth album involvement.

Entered at Fri Jan 13 18:01:02 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Subject: Danko, Busey & The Hawk.

Entered at Fri Jan 13 16:23:10 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Mike H: Yes indeed, that was terrific. Thanks. Who was that at 1:12 - Spielberg or Jewison maybe? - whose heart was about to break out in spontaneous applause but whose brain tamed the urge and turned it into a hand-rub? And see George Clooney at 2:48 leaning over to tell his friend that Bob's harmonica playing sure has improved (which is exactly what I was thinking).

Entered at Fri Jan 13 14:44:59 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

What a great link. Thanks. The best Bob's looked in years. I agree, Scorsese looked genuinely surprised and indeed touched.

Entered at Fri Jan 13 14:26:57 CET 2012 from (99.254.209.45)

John D

Thanks so much for that video. Even Scorsese looked a little surprised.

Entered at Fri Jan 13 14:14:02 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Richard Manuel - "Rocking Chair" - live '84.

Entered at Fri Jan 13 13:38:12 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Bob Dylan's "Blind Willie" from last night's Scorsese tribute.

Entered at Fri Jan 13 12:48:30 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Bananas

Nothing like a lawsuit to get musicians together. John Cale & Lou Reed are in dispute with the Andy Warhol Estate over the banana image. The Warhol estate is trying to license it, and the VU maintain it is now their logo (we could ask when they last played together or next intend to play together). They claim Warhol plagiarised it from magazine image he saw in his doctor's waiting room. It's a difficult point. Illustrations were once assigned to whoever paid for them, but a few years ago in the UK, it was agreed that you paid to use the image, but the original artefact (painting or drawing) belonged to the illustrator … but that doesn't include the right to re-license it, just to sell the artefact itself.

Entered at Fri Jan 13 09:11:27 CET 2012 from (115.79.242.9)

Quản lý Nhân sự

Subject: Phần mềm nhân sự, Quản lý Nhân sự, Phần mềm quản lý nhân sự tiền lương

thanks

Entered at Fri Jan 13 09:10:46 CET 2012 from (115.79.242.9)

dich vu ke toan

Subject: Dich vu ke toan | Dịch vụ kế toán

thanks

Entered at Thu Jan 12 23:20:13 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Entered at Thu Jan 12 22:36:17 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I don't understand the bit below about no contract existing with all the names on … this one only has Bob Dylan. In Britain every copy would have to have all the names on to be valid.

Entered at Thu Jan 12 21:47:37 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Also, wouldn't Levon's name on the second agreement suggest that the material under discussion did not include tapes made (or at least completed) before his arrival in Woodstock? (Any decent TV detective could tell us if the typewriter used for that agreement was the same one that typed Dylan's lyrics at Woodstock.)

Entered at Thu Jan 12 20:20:02 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Bill M: It's apples & oranges -- while Dwarf controls the publishing rights to certain material, Sony BMG owns the actual master recordings of the Basement Tape material that Robbie prepared for the 1975 release. Garth's role was basically that of an engineer for the genuine Basement recordings. I believe he and other individuals may have also had possession of some of the original tapes or safety copies.

Odds and Ends and Don't Ya Tell Henry are credited to Dylan and published by Dwarf (SESAC). Ruben Remus, with Robbie & Richard credited as songwriters, is also published by Dwarf. The publishing for Katie's Been Gone (credited to Robbie & Richard) and Bessie Smith (credited to Robbie & Rick) is controlled through The Band's Canaan Music & Warner Chappell (ASCAP), although I believe it was originally listed under Dwarf.

Entered at Thu Jan 12 19:23:15 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Thu Jan 12 18:03:15 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Bill M: Remember also the songs on Music From Big Pink were published by Dwarf, Dylan's publishing company (which Albert Grossman had a piece of at the time). After the 1966 tour with Dylan, the Hawks were reportedly on retainer from Dylan for a spell and Grossman probably helped finance the demo sessions that led to their contract with Capitol.

Entered at Thu Jan 12 17:48:31 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Re the proposed contract, so Dylan would get full control over all the masters that were used on the BT album, including the ones he had nothing to do with and that Garth recorded? Seems unright. I'd like to think that the other parties didn't sign.

Entered at Thu Jan 12 17:00:26 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

I double-checked that track notes for Capitol's A Musical History box set. The six "Basement Tapes" recordings are credited "Under License From The Sony BMG Music Custom Marketing Group, Sony BMG Music Entertainment". That would likely mean that Capitol had to pay a licensing fee to Sony BMG to use those tracks (Odds and Ends, Ruben Remus, Katie's Been Gone, Ain't No More Cane, Don't Ya Tell Henry and Bessie Smith). That would also probably indicate that Capitol did not have versions in their tape vault to use for their extensive box set.

Entered at Thu Jan 12 17:00:27 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Signed Bob Dylan "Basement Tapes" contract.

Entered at Thu Jan 12 16:58:31 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Sorry Bill :).

"Basement Tapes" myth essay link.

Entered at Thu Jan 12 16:47:34 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Thu Jan 12 14:35:31 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Time magazine cover 42-yrs ago today.

Entered at Thu Jan 12 10:13:15 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Thanks for the link to the article on "Golden Bird" a beautiful song that seems timeless. I also started looking up The New World Singers who I'd never heard of (not surprisingly … they're not listed as having had a British release). Their Atlantic album had liner notes by Bob Dylan. Being on Atlantic in 1963 for a folk group was pretty unusual, wasn't it? I know Atlantic had Bobby Darin at that time, but folk was still a tangent.

Entered at Thu Jan 12 05:23:49 CET 2012 from (72.78.61.120)

PSB

Subject: re: Bessie Smith

Bill M, Happy & Artie recorded the song as "Going Down The Road To See Bessie." On the cover it's credited to Rick Danko, Robbie Robertson. On the label itself, it's R. Danko, R. Robertson. As to the other differences, I'll have to compare the two.

Entered at Wed Jan 11 22:10:08 CET 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: goin' down on the road

Bill M: if JRR remains happily separated, his tell-all will presumably reveal how the songwriter, seeking inspiration, will revert to happy reminiscence of his brown-eyed handsome muse Bessie / Bessie Smith / Lucy / Odessa.

I do wonder about the source of the 'discography' lyrics for _The Basement Tapes_. JRR's said that the songbook publishers would have someone produce transcriptions from the recorded material, but that's obviously not the case with this track, or with e.g. "Apple Suckling Tree."

Peter V's article on "Bessie Smith" quotes the Artie Traum liner notes re: the donation of the song in the Grand Union Cookie Aisle -- and see also [My link] for a return-the-favour (kind of) story concerning a song that (like "In a Station") was inspired by "this [Overlook] mountain."

Entered at Wed Jan 11 21:27:54 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Bill M: As I recall, Artie Traum revealed in the liner notes to the Endless Highway tribute compilation that he ran into Robbie & Rick at a grocery store in Woodstock in the Winter of 1969. According to him, Robbie & Rick pitched the song to him in the cookie aisle of the store, which Happy & Artie Traum recorded for their self-titled debut album that year under the title "Going Down To See Bessie" (with both Rick & Robbie credited as songwriters). As I don't remember, I would have to go back & listen to my LP copy of that album to hear what verses they included at the time.

Entered at Wed Jan 11 20:37:50 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

I see that the "Bessie Smith" lyrics posted in the discography section of this site inclued an extra verse and coda. Which verse? Did the Traums' version include the additional stuff? Did the Traums' album credit the song to both Rick and Robbie? Speculating for now, but ready to throw it out the window depending on the answers to the above, maybe it was a Rick song that Robbie first wrote an extra verse for and then decided to expand on by borrowing the basics - a fun girl named Bessie who the narrating guy is looking forward to heading down the road to see again - and inserting a bunch of songwriterly details. What made her fun?: she drank and laughed and sang and danced and tore up money and dipped donuts in tea. Where did she live?: Lake Charles Loosiana. Where was he: Up some mountain to the north. And then what happened?: He went home to the wife.

Entered at Wed Jan 11 19:04:09 CET 2012 from (24.164.173.243)

Lars

Subject: Richard's driving

Mike- From what I've heard about Richard's driving, you wouldn't have been able to read the signs. "One hundred fifty miles an hour in his driveway, faster on the road." --THIS WHEEL'S ON FIRE

Entered at Wed Jan 11 18:34:22 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Bet Rick & Richard drove this route quicker :). Cool video from '72.

Entered at Wed Jan 11 16:37:59 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Sony/Legacy released newly remastered 2-CD versions of both The Basement Tapes and Before The Flood in 2009.

Entered at Wed Jan 11 13:52:37 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Punching in …

1975 still meant cutting blocks, sticky tape and fiddling round. The sort of punching in now was far fiddlier to do. Now with spoken voice we happily eradicate sibilants, and cut in a single syllable. Back then, it was always easier to do a whole line again. The link is to an article I did on recording Audio Books which may relate.

Entered at Wed Jan 11 13:40:08 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Today is Robert Earl Keen's b'day & the link is his Levon Helm tribute tune "The Man Behind the Drums."

Entered at Wed Jan 11 13:29:59 CET 2012 from (124.169.10.76)

dlew919

Probably the most egregious case of not getting due for many years is Ronnie Wood in the Stones. As for Ainn't No More Cain, doesn't Levon (of all people!) say it was where they honed their harmonies? (If it wasn't a 1967 recording, I'd nearly lay London to a brick that Levon would have mentioned it... though I suppose if he was part of the deception (and I don't think it's a deception) he might keep it quiet.) Of course, studio tidying may have played a big big part (here's the tapes: oh (say) Rick: could you just punch in the second line there?; RIchard, the Line says 'Old Hannah', not 'old Anna'...) that type of thing.

Entered at Wed Jan 11 09:19:52 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

We're all working on the assumption that Capitol didn't take a cut of BTF. This is EMI, not an independent label. The accounts and permissions departments are unlikely to have considerations like artist profile in mind, nor to have close relations with A&R, or promotions. In some of these big companies, they have the background admin departments in a different building or different city.

All sorts of points get given … somewhere John Simon says that he was owed royalty points that didn't get paid until his permission was needed for something else years later, whereupon suddenly it was found.

Entered at Wed Jan 11 00:23:44 CET 2012 from (99.141.54.178)

Adam

So it's worth noting that there are subtle differences between the live 1969 arrangements and the studio versions of those two songs. It might provide some clue as to when they were actually recorded. I'm not sure either way, but it seems likely that if the tracks were actually recorded in 1968-1969, they would feature the exact same arrangements as the live ones. Of course, the arrangements could have been changed for live performance.

Entered at Wed Jan 11 00:05:28 CET 2012 from (136.167.102.118)

Dave H

Entered at Tue Jan 10 23:39:47 CET 2012 from (72.78.61.120)

PSB

Subject: Basement Tapes Recordings

Dave H, Asylum did not own the rights to Before The Flood. With all the hoopla over Tour '74, and Dylan signing to Asylum, the big secret was that Dylan only signed to Asylum for one album. So what ensued once Dylan and Robbie had the album ready was a nice little bidding war. Dylan apparently wanted to market the album on TV, but wiser voice prevailed and talked him out of that. They ended up giving the album to Geffen because he helped out with the tour, but almost immediately upon release it was announced that Dylan had re-signed with Columbia.

Entered at Tue Jan 10 23:28:59 CET 2012 from (136.167.102.118)

Dave H

Entered at Tue Jan 10 22:09:27 CET 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: that was then . . . or then

Ya gotta love Marcus's liner notes . . . "some facts, then" he begins. The Art of the Bluff.

Ralph Gleason's terrific review of the very first The Band concerts notes that both "Don't Ya Tell Henry" and "Ain't No More Cane" were in the set -- Rob Fraboni was at Shangri-La in '75 and I wasn't, but a sixty-eight-or-nine tracking session for these is a heck of a lot more believable than an enervated Band making the effort to recreate them in seventy-five.

Entered at Tue Jan 10 21:51:28 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Entered at Tue Jan 10 21:36:32 CET 2012 from (192.148.117.111)

Dlew919

That's all for now.

Entered at Tue Jan 10 21:08:42 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Subject: Happy b'day to "The Hawk!"

Entered at Tue Jan 10 20:31:42 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

On the other hand, Odds and Ends, Ruben Remus, Katie's Been Gone, Ain't No More Cane, Don't Ya Tell Henry and Bessie Smith were included on Capitol's 2005 A Musical History box set with the acknowledgement that those recordings were originally released on Columbia's 1975 The Basement Tapes 2-LP set. Curiously, the AMH track notes for Yazoo Street Scandal lists 1/10/68 session at A&R Studios in NYC, produced by John Simon (with no Columbia BT reference). Likewise, Orange Juice Blues lists 2/20/68 session with John Simon at Gold Star Studios in LA and an indication that it was previously released on Capitol's Across The Great Divide box set. Long Distance Operator lists another session the following day at Gold Star with Mr. Simon and a reference that an edited version was previously included as a bonus cut on Capitol's 2000 remaster of MFBP.

As I mentioned last month, The Band's (then known as The Crackers) Capitol contract included a clause that gave then carte blanche to participate in any projects or appearances with Dylan. It could be that this could have been used as an aegis for the inclusion of those Band tracks on Columbia's 1975 Basement Tapes album.

When all is said & done, despite questions of origin & alterations, we as listeners have been rewarded with the "official" release of recordings which were otherwise available only on bootlegs of questionable quality.

Entered at Tue Jan 10 20:28:32 CET 2012 from (136.167.99.151)

Dave H

(1) We know that the Band had a clause in its Capitol contract that permitted the group to record with Dylan on a different label; this is what allowed Planet Waves and Before the Flood to be released (both originally on Asylum Records, as Peter V points out). The latter album included not only Dylan performing his material with the Band as backup, but the Band performing its own material alone. So there was already precedent for some "Band-only" material to be included on a "Dylan & The Band" album on another label (though with BTF Asylum presumably owned the master tapes).

(2) We're not talking about the master of "The Weight" here. These were outtakes and leftovers of varying sonic quality that didn't really add up to an entire album on their own and would have stayed on the shelf otherwise, at least until the CD age of box sets and bonus tracks. Capitol wouldn't be losing any business from its own catalog by letting them go.

(3) By 1975, the Band had faded somewhat as a commercial enterprise. Yet Dylan had never been bigger. Hitching the Band to Dylan's wagon was smart business and could potentially pay off for Capitol to the extent that it stimulated interest in the Band's other albums, and in particular its forthcoming long-awaited first studio album of original material in four years (then a VERY long time in the world of popular music).

(4) Albert Grossman, assuming he was still managing The Band at that point (I don't recall exactly when he left the scene), may not have been as powerful a man in 1975 as he was in the '60s, but he was still a player in the business, and keeping him happy might have potential payoffs down the road...maybe Capitol would get the first crack at his next big client.

(5) Capitol was just cut in financially in some way, but quietly so that it didn't spoil the "these tracks are all from the Big Pink basement" myth so key to the marketing of the album at the time.

Entered at Tue Jan 10 19:39:32 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

One for Bill M … the other find was a German CD issue of "Twist At The Top" by Howie Casey & The Seniors. Beatle fans here will know that they preceded The Beatles to Hamburg (and advised that The Beatles weren't good enough to join them). The original Twist At The Top Lp goes for about £100, so the CD reissue by Bear Family is a bargain. It includes "Double Twist" from 1961 … they had two lead vocalists, Derrie Wilkie and (er, the later comedian famed for eating a hamster on stage many years later … allegedly) Freddie Starr.

But as a sax driven track from 1961, I really think this has the excitement and indeed the feel of ballroom acts of the era … like Ronnie Hawkins and The Hawks or Zoot Money. Great drummer and bass player too.

Entered at Tue Jan 10 19:26:20 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

On the Rolling Stones … Before Christmas, the remastered Some Girls with bonus disc was everywhere. I decided to leave it till the price reduced, then found last week nowhere had any left. Fortunately I was in HMV in London today where there were piles of it (£4 cheaper than December). I played the bonus disc twice on the drive home … it's surprisingly very good, but "Some Girls" was always the best of the later albums. For the BT connection. I believe this was "enhanced" in 2011 to one degree or another. Surprise guest … John Fogerty "handclaps" on Talahassee Lassie.

Entered at Tue Jan 10 18:50:54 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Nowadays companies collaborate on stuff on a 'one for you, one for me' basis, but until the late 70s they were much more jealous about their artists. The Basement Tapes were on CBS / Columbia, and came right after Dylan / The Band's brief flirtation with Asylum. I can't see Capitol having any motivation to be co-operative. There would be an incentive for suggesting stuff predated the Capitol contract, so could be freely licensed to CBS. In any media field, it's pleasant to get royalties from multiple sources (Capitol, CBS, Asylum) as when all your royalty income comes from one source, all your eggs are in one basket (aka your balls are on a plate) and you feel like an employee, and you get treated like one (he said from bitter experience!)

Entered at Tue Jan 10 18:01:37 CET 2012 from (24.218.16.94)

Dave H

It's also probably worth mentioning that whether or not any of the BT tracks were whole-cloth 1975 studio productions, we know that there was studio futzing going on then on some of the original tracks. Besides the backing added to "Orange Juice Blues," several of the Dylan tracks received overdubs in '75--the piano on "Odds and Ends," additional drums on "Apple Suckling Tree," an extra guitar on "You Ain't Goin' Nowhere" and "This Wheel's on Fire," and probably a few others that I can't remember off the top of my head. While it's nice that at least some of this stuff was officially released, the '75 album was not the "pure" reflection of the basement material that it was sold as at the time, and the Band was complicit in that bit of misdirection.

Entered at Tue Jan 10 17:41:29 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Rick Danko's Woodstock Part II"

There are two more parts as well.

Entered at Tue Jan 10 17:21:44 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

"Rick Danko's Woodstock Part I"

Entered at Tue Jan 10 17:19:36 CET 2012 from (68.171.231.82)

Bill M

Entered at Tue Jan 10 17:13:30 CET 2012 from (72.78.61.120)

PSB

Subject: Basement Tapes Recordings

Jon and Dave, I am totally in agreement on the BT songs in question. It's not only the sound of Richard's voice, but by then everyone's singing style had changed considerably as did the way they played.

Entered at Tue Jan 10 16:11:56 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

If some of The Band's songs which were included on Columbia's 1975 Basement Tapes album originated from MFBP sessions, wouldn't there have been some sort of an indication in the liner notes that the tapes were used with permission from Capitol?

Entered at Tue Jan 10 15:32:05 CET 2012 from (74.203.77.122)

Jon Lyness

Subject: Re: Basement Tapes recordings

Dave H, great points re Richard. I too hear his early voice on the "Cane" verse... his voice sounds brighter and the phrasing is somehow more fluid than on the NLSC. And even if it were possible for 1975 Richard to sound that way with practice, I have trouble imagining Robbie or anyone else "coaching" him to sound like his earlier self. (For that matter, is there any hard evidence that Richard was involved in the 1975 overdubs at all?)

One more possible data point is their performance of 'Ain't No More Cane' at Woodstock, 1969. I recently listened to it for the first time, and the arrangement and harmonies sound extremely 'tight' to my ears and close to the studio version from the BT album. It's not impossible that they could have recreated the arrangement six years later, but an awful lot happened in those six years ("it's not like it used to be"). I'd think this would be a pretty tough song to reconstruct accurately (harmonies/arrangement/feeling) to recapture that basement feel, as opposed to a song like 'Don't Ya Tell Henry', which is more Levon-centric with fewer moving parts.

Entered at Tue Jan 10 14:05:30 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Dylan & The Hawks - "Long Distance Operator"

Entered at Tue Jan 10 14:01:29 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Bob Dylan & The Hawks - "Tombstone Blues."

Entered at Tue Jan 10 13:36:25 CET 2012 from (72.230.109.86)

Bashful Bill

Subject: Rod

Just signed in and haven't even scrolled. Yours was the first post. It is a bummer, no? There's a lot of answers and opinions to that question, one which I've reached over time is that it's a job. One obviously has to have a passion for music to make it their living, but ultimately people in bands are making their living at doing what they do and end up as being not much more than colleagues. Add in any number of other things : ego's, poor communication skills, business issues outranking the art(or the fun) etc etc but I think making music / being in a band often comes down to just being a job. Like a bad relationship(and a band consists of relationships), one has to know when it;s time to end it......

Entered at Tue Jan 10 07:11:47 CET 2012 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

Subject: The Band at Syriana Mosque and OCMS

Not sure if you've seen this one before. Looks like a better quality video than what I've seen previously.

I've just read on the Old Crow Medicine Show site that they've decided to part ways with Willie Watson. I may be reading too much into it but it sounds like an acrimonious parting of the ways. Why does this always happen to my favourite bands?

Entered at Tue Jan 10 05:21:27 CET 2012 from (99.236.202.207)

Serenity

Subject: SISSEL

Hi guys. Hope your new year is being good to you.

Loved your posts, but felt bad that no one is missing me.[boo-hoo] Guess if I'd post more then someone would.

Very good links, Thanx to all.

My link is one of the great voices on this planet. Check her out and others too. Her and Josh Grobin sing well together, as do others. She comes from Norway, and they are very proud of her, as well they should be. A voice like hers doesn't come along very often. ENJOY!!

LUVYA all Until next time LOVE AND PEACE xoxoxoxo

Entered at Tue Jan 10 01:51:14 CET 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Peter, related to some of the earlier topic, and i imagine you know this, one can be down, and the songwriting process can lead to writing a happy song. Which makes the writer happy. And one can be down or up, and the process lead to writing a thematically low song, which if it's good, will still make the writer happy.

Entered at Tue Jan 10 01:18:24 CET 2012 from (136.167.102.118)

Dave H

Entered at Mon Jan 9 23:24:02 CET 2012 from (74.203.77.122)

Jon Lyness

Dave H (et al) -- thanks! That was an enjoyable read. No insights to add, but a few random thoughts:

I'm particularly intrigued by the history of Ain't No More Cane and Bessie Smith, two of my favorites. In some ways I 'want' them to be from the '67/'68 era rather than the '75 rerecordings, but I just can't decide.

Both songs feature close harmonies, which 'suggest' the early group to me... but obviously they could have been recreating earlier arrangements.

Ain't No More Cane appears to have some kind of interesting echo-y effect to the vocal, which reminds me of Yazoo Street Scandal which you place at the January 1968 session. (Which other Band songs have that kind of effect?)

Bessie Smith has that wild churchy solo by Garth which 'sounds' early to me. Of the smorgasbord of possible dates you lay out I'd opt for 1968, with the 1975 rerecordings as a second choice. I still can't quite wrap my brain around it being from the Cahoots sessions. Why would they choose those sessions to record an earlier song, which has nothing in common thematically with the Cahoots material?

It is a mystery for sure.

Entered at Mon Jan 9 22:51:31 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Mobile Fidelity last month announced that it will be releasing audiophile versions of several titles from Dylan's catalog. Among the upcoming releases will be both a hybrid-SACD version and 2-LP version of The Basement Tapes. Sadly, one must ask why spend more bucks on yet another rendering of Columbia's "official" altered version, rather than a decent sounding version of the real thing.

Entered at Mon Jan 9 22:30:33 CET 2012 from (136.167.102.118)

Dave H

(1) Orange Juice Blues: This clearly started as a runthrough by just Manuel (vocals/piano) and presumably Danko (bass), recorded in 1967, to which the rest of the group added overdubs in 1975 for the BT album. (Non-overdubbed version was released on the 2000 MFBP reissue.) Liner notes say the original version was recorded at CBS studios in NY in fall 1967, not in the basement, though it has been included on many of the bootleg "complete basement" collections.

(2) Yazoo Street Scandal: Clearly a studio demo/outtake from the MFBP era, apparently recorded at A&R in NYC in January '68.

(3) Katie's Been Gone: A studio demo/outtake from the MFBP era.

(4) Bessie Smith: The most mysterious. Surely not a basement recording (though perhaps composed there), but was recorded "probably late 1968" if you believe the Musical History liner notes, around the Cahoots era if you believe the 2000 Cahoots reissue, or in 1975 if you believe Sid Griffin & Rob Fraboni.

(5) Ain't No More Cane: Like "Bessie," it's still a matter of debate whether this track was recorded in the MFBP era (AMH notes) or redone in '75 (Fraboni). But not a basement recording regardless.

(6) Ruben Remus: Probably from the Big Pink basement in 1967.

(7) Don't Ya Tell Henry: See "Ain't No More Cane." Not from the basement, though it was probably composed at that time.

(8) Long Distance Operator: A studio recording from Gold Star in LA, February 1968. John Simon plays piano.

Note that while there are still areas of dispute, conjecture, and mystery, it seems quite likely that only one of the Band-only tracks from the 1975 BT album was actually recorded in the mythical Big Pink basement.

Entered at Mon Jan 9 22:17:30 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Greil Marcus recently left Big Pink's Basement to open new doors so to speak, as in Peter V's favorite group, with a new book entitled "The Doors: A Lifetime of Listening to Five Mean Years".

Entered at Mon Jan 9 20:16:30 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Peter V: I had to use google to job my memory, but here's the vastly superior version of "Chirpy ..." that was a big hit in Canada and the US. It's by the Kissoons, the Katie of which later backed Roger Waters - maybe a show with some of our guys?

Re the Basement Tapes, I decided to have a go at Greil Marcus's "The Old, Weird America" again, and am enjoying it way more than the first time. The new edition's noteworthy because the cover photo is said to be the only known shot of Dylan with our guys at the time they were recording the BTs. Shows Bob, Robbie, Rick and Richard. One annoyance is that it doesn't update a statement to the effect that the Manchester 'Judas'-shouter remains unidentified, which he doesn't if you believe a newspaper article of some years ago.

Entered at Mon Jan 9 20:09:32 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Jon: More recently Sid Griffin interviewed engineer Rob Fraboni in conjunction with his 2007 book "Million Dollar Dollar Bash". As I recall, Mr. Fraboni verified that "Ain't No Cane", "Bessie Smith" and "Don't Ya Tell Henry" were recorded at Shangri-La in 1975.

Entered at Mon Jan 9 19:39:07 CET 2012 from (74.203.77.122)

Jon Lyness

Subject: Basement Tape recordings

I am curious about the Band-only tracks on the official Basement Tapes album, and the debate over which tracks actually originate from the 1967 basement tapes themselves, vs which ones came from other early recordings or were even rerecorded entirely circa 1975. I could be wrong but I don't think it's been discussed here in a long while.

As a starting point, the link is to a 1997 article by Harm van Sleen here on Jan's site, with the following concluding paragraph:

"Clinton Heylin suggests that of The Band's tracks on the official album, two were actually 1967 studio demos (these would be Ruben Remus and Yazoo Street Scandal), two were Richard Manuel solo performances from 1967 with 1975 Shangri-La overdubs (Orange Juice Blues and one other cut: Katie's Been Gone? Who has his solo version on tape?), two were actual basement recordings with Levon Helm rejoining The Band (Bessie Smith and Ain't No More Cane?) and two were 1975 Shangri-La recordings (Long Distance Operator and Don't Ya Tell Henry?)."

I know that since then, the remastered albums have come out, with Bessie Smith winding up as an outtake on the Cahoots album as per Robbie's input (a decision that some here disputed when the remasters came out). What is the current thinking on the origins of the rest of the tracks?

Entered at Mon Jan 9 19:19:29 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Hot Pants Appreciation Society

Bill, Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep was UK #1 in June 1971, Middle of The Road opted for a more meaningful title and lyric for the follow up, which resulted in it being a mere #2 hit. It is linked.

Entered at Mon Jan 9 17:54:30 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Peter V: I don't remember "Chirpy-Chirpy-Cheep-Cheep" being that bad. Was it Middle of the Road that had the hit with it?

I stumbled across this link to a song from the Peter Traynor tribute here towards the tail end of last year. I like Walter Zwol's performance anyway (and to think he's gotta be 65), and sure wish RtO was still around to catch Ray Harrison's great organ work, but my real reason is the two guitarists. The one you see hopping around throughout is John Bride, known to some as 'the last of the great Toronto tele players'; the other, who's unseen until Bride literally pulls him into the frame around 3:20, is the great Fred Keeler, one of Robbie's keenest and most talented disciples of the early '60s.

Fred's still best remembered for his Robbiesque leads while with David Clayton Thomas in '64 and '65, but went on to be Steppenwolf's inaugural guitarist in LA (he bailed quickly, before any recordings) and the Bearsville group Jericho, whose LP thanks Garth for use of his clavinet and leslie.

Entered at Mon Jan 9 16:55:57 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Funny … I linked the song because of the title. smiles and hot pants. I'd never listened to the lyrics properly … it's actually NOT that cheerful, but i don't think the singers knew that.

Entered at Mon Jan 9 16:52:54 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Happy songs

The link takes you to the sort of song you might write when you're happy and everything's coming up roses.

Entered at Mon Jan 9 16:30:55 CET 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

PutEmUp(Friend0

BTW, has anyone noticed that now that Westie is a landlubber he's making less sense than ever? Go back to work, gawdammit.

Entered at Mon Jan 9 16:24:45 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Adam: I imagine that Robbie, EMI/Capitol or anyone else would have to pay licensing fees to the Festival Express production people in order to release additional film footage and recordings from the concert tour.

Entered at Mon Jan 9 16:24:29 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Subject: Dylan & The Band - 02/04/74.

Upload on youtube 12/28/11 - not great quality.

Entered at Mon Jan 9 13:17:50 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Link to a tribute song for The Band & Richard Manuel that was to be included w/ Jeremy Kelly's update on the Manuel doc.

Entered at Mon Jan 9 04:39:23 CET 2012 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Lean On Me

Well Adam......don't listen to Jeff..he's full of shit.....he can't spell....can't fix flat tires.....gawd, it's a waste of time.

However, he is right about life being the fabric to creat songs. Good example, "Two More Bottles of Wine", by...guess who? He took a lady out to LA with him from Texas. After a couple of months when he couldn't get no work, she got bored and left him. So Delbert McClinton got a lotta bucks and mileage out of that song.

So don't ever get down, we're a pretty tight bunch around here so we share pain a lot here. This songs for you.

Entered at Mon Jan 9 02:09:17 CET 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Entered at Sun Jan 8 21:13:34 CET 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Joan

Mike, unless I missed it the was no link with the post.

Adam I'm sorry you are down, but I think you found an excellent way to help you along.

Entered at Sun Jan 8 17:50:39 CET 2012 from (75.72.126.40)

Zzzz

Entered at Sun Jan 8 15:43:09 CET 2012 from (72.64.1.113)

mike h

"Hey everyone, I'd like to make an update on the Richard Manuel Documentary. We have been halted in production for the past year now. We have been trying our best for 3 years now with Levon's people for an interview, sadly having no luck. To add to that Robbie and his folk aren't too willing either. In order to complete this film properly, we need the key pieces. I am working on several other projects at the moment (including a TV series) to gain the legitimacy I need as a film maker (being a young guy, 24, all I have on the resume is some fierce motivation and passion for the craft) well to say the least has proved to be a problem with the big wigs we have talked to. We will be picking up the pieces in the 2012 new year now that the TV show has and completed gone to air. Hope to come back here with some good news for you fine folk! I have a little music video I would like to share, this got the film in motion back in 2008. Our group of friends up here in Southern Ontario just love and live the Band sound, we put together a small tribute, hope you enjoy!"

Entered at Sun Jan 8 09:30:23 CET 2012 from (24.218.16.94)

Dave H

Entered at Sat Jan 7 22:49:10 CET 2012 from (75.34.54.181)

Adam

I've been going through a real rough period lately with the recent ending of a relationship, but I'm trying to get out of it and I've got some amazing shows lined up to help me. January 21 I'll be in Woodstock for the "Tribute to Richard & Rick" Midnight Ramble with Garth Hudson, which I am so excited for. And I also scored a 2nd row ticket to the Old Town School "Midnight Ramble" in Chicago this March. Yes the ticket was very expensive, but I sold off some stuff on ebay and said the hell with it. It'll make me happy to go. Donald Fagen will be in the lineup, and the special guests for that night are Paul Barrere and Fred Tackett from Little Feat.

Entered at Sat Jan 7 21:55:26 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Kristie

Hi, Joan. It's good to be back.

Entered at Sat Jan 7 21:22:21 CET 2012 from (166.147.83.6)

JQ

Subject: The Weight

Here's a back-stage rehearsal with Mavis Staples & Wilco - Mavis just wails and steals the show/rehearsal.

Is the family name, singular, Staple or Staples?

Entered at Sat Jan 7 19:16:19 CET 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Joan

Hi Kristie. Its been a while.

Entered at Sat Jan 7 18:13:51 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Kristie

Thank you Tim and Mike H for the links. I really enjoyed those. Although, reading about Richard's death always makes me very sad. I know it seems strange, but I always forget about it. Then when I remember, I am sad all over again. Richard very much lives in the music for me.

Entered at Sat Jan 7 16:20:41 CET 2012 from (67.71.1.79)

brown eyed girl

The Reformed Band with the late Richard Bell @ The Pines 1995 ( Part 1/10 ) beginning with "I'm Ready", as well as nine other performances.

"Uploaded by RnRSue on Dec 18, 2011
The Band playing, what seems to be a very intimate show, at The Pines in Bridgenorth, near Peterborough, Ontario - March 24th 1995. An amateur recording, so sound isn't too wonderful, but well worth watching. Thanks to whoever decided to take their VHS camera for an outing, that night!"

Entered at Sat Jan 7 15:58:45 CET 2012 from (67.71.1.79)

brown eyed girl

Atlantic City-The Band
From: waisaidai | Dec 8, 2011 | 242 views
Woodstock. Saturday, August 13th 1994.
with Roger McGuinn.

Also other performances here if you click see all.

Entered at Sat Jan 7 15:47:52 CET 2012 from (67.71.1.79)

brown eyed girl

Hi Nomadic Mike.

Thanks very much Adam. :-D

Another one some of you may have missed. A quick interview with Rick and Levon in Japan.

Entered at Sat Jan 7 06:46:04 CET 2012 from (64.229.238.29)

Mike Nomad

Entered at Sat Jan 7 04:26:15 CET 2012 from (24.218.200.216)

Tim

Subject: The Band 25 years ago today

Nice article about the band back in 87

Entered at Sat Jan 7 04:10:37 CET 2012 from (99.115.147.236)

Pat B

Entered at Sat Jan 7 02:52:11 CET 2012 from (75.34.54.181)

Adam

Entered at Fri Jan 6 22:20:07 CET 2012 from (64.229.238.29)

Mike Nomad

Angie never sleeps. Thanks, kid.

Entered at Fri Jan 6 19:16:59 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Compilation of Garth's "The Band" solos.

Entered at Fri Jan 6 16:47:41 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

"Little Feat" w/ Larry Campbell performing "Rag Mama Rag."

Entered at Fri Jan 6 16:46:45 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

"Little Feat" w/ Larry Campbell performing "Long Black Veil" recently.

Entered at Fri Jan 6 15:37:53 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Fri Jan 6 15:26:48 CET 2012 from (67.71.0.247)

brown eyed girl

Happy Healthy New Year!

For those of you who missed this in early December...

Uploaded by walstib63 on Dec 5, 2011

"These are unreleased outtakes (30:44 minutes) from the final show of the Festival Express tour. The video is raw camera footage, with a time code and symbol on screen at all times. The quality is rough, but the performances and footage are amazing."

"Rare footage of Festival Express Outtakes from 1970. This is amazing footage of The Band in their prime. This has 2 separate takes, i would image from an early show and a late show. Robbie Robertson plays the hell out of his Telecaster here, and should be respected for one of the greatest guitar players in rock history which he deserves, and after seeing these solos there is no way you could deny. They never get old and are by far one of the greatest groups ever in rock history." brian600lyle on Dec 9, 2011

Entered at Fri Jan 6 02:37:32 CET 2012 from (71.62.70.35)

Charlie Y

Subject: Johnny Cash Covers The Band

Happy 2012 to all!

The link above is to a video of Johnny Cash singing "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" from a documentary about trains.

Entered at Thu Jan 5 17:55:15 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Bonk: That's Denny on the left of the photo at Norm's link. No doubt Stringband played many times on Saltspring, given the nature of the place in the '70s. Anyone who toured out to Tofino back then must've played Ganges, if not Vesuvius. As for the value of Mr Atkins' records, I couldn't say, but suspect they'd be worth something. Especially the 'classic label' stuff from the '50s - Atlantic and Impulse and Prestige and Blue Note. The trouble is going to be finding a buyer, as he's unlikey to want to go the eBay route - though at least he won't have trouble grading them if they're all still sealed. The Lonnie Johnson book I mentioned the other day is, by the way, dedicated to the memory of John Norris (1934-2010).

Entered at Thu Jan 5 17:05:41 CET 2012 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Tugboats

Hello Bill......and all. Just back from the Fraser Valley. Visiting my son and family. (They weren't able to get up for the holidays this year.) Working hard as young folks do. They managed to sell their town house, and bought a beautiful big house only a few blocks away. So the kids can stay in the same scholl and sports etc. I'm proud of that young guy...and his wife.

Anyway Bill here is that old song you mentioned. That's a long time ago. Good memory.

Entered at Thu Jan 5 04:16:58 CET 2012 from (184.66.107.77)

BONK

Thanks for the info Bill. Some of the older musicians here on Salt Spring swear that the Stringband played here in the 70's or 80's. Who knows. Maybe Denny can remember. I know that Bo is gone, but how many of the Zarathustra band is still around? On a different note, I have a friend who lives out here on the west coast by the name of Thom Adkins, originally from Kitchener, who's Dad has collected Jazz records since the forties. He has a collection in his basement, climate controlled, of just about every Jazz musician and vinyl in the world going back almost 70 years. But he does lean toward Swing Jazz. Here's how he used to buy them. One for now, one for later and one just because. The "one for now" he played and had every musician he could find sign the cover. This guy was tenacious and would track down these guys all over north america. The albums he called "one for later and one just because" are still in the original packaging. Totally Virgin. A good friend of his who used to work at Sam's on Yonge Street on the second floor by the name of I think, John Norris, used to help him find out where some of the Jazz guys were playing. I also think John used to put out or at least write for a publication called CODA. Another guy by the name of Ron Sanko was also familiar with old man Adkins who is now 87. My question to you Bill is, are they worth anything? Or just someone's collection? When CD's came out Mr. Adkins just about duplicated his entire vinyl collection with disc which now number about two thousand. What a guy! Cheers, Carl

Entered at Thu Jan 5 03:00:20 CET 2012 from (68.50.244.13)

Jonathan Katz

Subject: Thanks!

Bill M. Thanks for the info, and it sounds like you had a great Christmas!

Entered at Wed Jan 4 18:57:02 CET 2012 from (31.52.176.55)

Simon

One that always makes me laugh is an announcement at my local supermarket: a reminder that trolleys are not to be removed from the car park that ends with "we thank you for your co-operation." We thank you for not stealing from us. I always like those signs at Spanish airport check-in desks: "Espere su turno/Wait your turn". Nice and simple. You wouldn't get that over here; there'd be that sucky 'co-operation' bit tagged on at the end. Thanking people for stuff they're supposed to be doing in the first place.

Rassin frassin ...

Entered at Wed Jan 4 16:04:48 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Rockin' C: You'll appreciate the fact that the set opens with "Tugboats" from '77. Not only is it about tugboats, it's about tugboats operating in Georgia Strait AND has a then-unknown Stan Rogers singing the mate's parts, such as:

"Thirteen days and some damn cold
Can't get shit on the radio
Skipper's gone sour and the cook's gone mean
I've been twice through every magazine
Magazines, and half the bloody bible"

Sound familiar?

Peter V: You might be interested in the fact that Stringband was fiddler Ben Mink's big gig until he hooked up with kd lang (as producer and as co-writer of "Constant Craving" and other songs). One of his earliest productions was in fact Stringband's 1978 "Maple Leaf Dog" LP, which was engineered by Daniel Lanois at the Lanois brothers' studio in Hamilton.

Entered at Wed Jan 4 10:34:24 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

While I'm non-music, another mild rant. This morning on Radio 4 we woke to hear a discussion of the London Olympics. The sailing is at Weymouth, and in true dictatorship style, athletes will have a dedicated lane on the roads. The other thing is they're building a fecking great wall, so if you just happen to live in Weymouth, you won't be able to watch the sailing from your local beach or cliff top without tickets. The obnoxious Tessa Jowell, the minister in charge of Olympics in the last government (who decided to put the wall there) was interviewed and immediately said "The wall is needed for Health and Safety." If Jowell had been living in East Germany in 1988, no doubt that would have been her explanation for the Berlin Wall.

Health & Safety is the bureaucrats dream. They're even running university courses in it now. I quoted an example a few months ago. A friend who teaches primary was standing on a library step (12 inches high) to put a poster on her classroom wall. She was told to get down because she was not "ladder certified." I thought this was a joke, but apparently you have to do a short course to be allowed to use a ladder now. That's because of Health & safety, which is because of silly insurance claims which are because of ambulance-chasing lawyers.

Entered at Wed Jan 4 10:24:37 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Hey, man. Grate posting. I'm learn lot. I'm really appreciate many your wise words. Excelint blog. Wayne, Bostan, Massichusits

Yeah, right. Thanks, Sergei. Is it snowing in Kiev today? What I can't understand why you can't set SPAM filters to reject everything in non-Roman alphabets (or in the unlikely event that Americans are posting crap on Russian sites, block Roman alphabets). If out could set 'only Roman alphabet' you'd block 30% of the SPAM.

Entered at Wed Jan 4 08:07:24 CET 2012 from (117.198.71.15)

My Voyage

Subject: My Voyage

My Voyage is a Tours and Travel company based in Guwahati, Assam, India. It offers various domestic and international holiday packages, cruises, corporate packages, travel assistance, wild life, pilgrimage, golf tourism, tea tourism, heritage tourism. My Voyage offers discounted packages with a spice of different cultures and seasonal cuisine. Our friendly staff is known to give you on time service delivery and customer satisfaction. This friendly and warm rapport we tend to establish with our clients and suppliers is what makes us stand apart. For more details Aparup Saikia Proprietor Phone: +91-361-2262229 | Mobile: +91-9678071669 Email: holidays@myvoyage.co.in Website: www.myvoyage.co.in

Entered at Tue Jan 3 17:39:01 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

David P: I think you've blown it out of context. Bernie and Patti intended it as an anointment, but they didn't have oil and Frey wouldn't take his shoes off.

Entered at Tue Jan 3 17:04:52 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Ronald & Nancy Reagan's daughter Patti Davis was considered to be more liberal than her brother Ron. She even rejected her father's surname, adopting her mother's maiden name, only to be disowned by the latter over her rebelliousness. For a couple years in the mid-'70s Ms. Davis lived with her boyfriend Bernie Leadon, then a member of the Eagles. She received co-credit for writing the song "I Wish You Peace", a non-single release from the multi-platinum album "One of These Nights". When she later boasted that her musical contribution had earned her some good money over the years, Don Henley downplayed her actual input as only a few words, further calling the song "swarmy cocktail music and certainly something the Eagles are not proud of." In later years Ms. Davis reconciled with her parents and conservatives should certainly be proud of her efforts that angered & embarrassed Mr. Henley, the outspoken advocate of liberal causes. Of course, one of her former boyfriend Mr. Leadon's last great contributions to the Eagles was to pour a beer on Glen Frey's head.

Entered at Tue Jan 3 01:41:20 CET 2012 from (24.108.131.161)

JT

Subject: Band gig documentation

Happy New Year to everyone! Over the past 2 months, I have received a few entries to add to the table of Band gigs. I have submitted that new table late last week. If anyone has any more submissions, please let me know. Otherwise, this will be the last submission. Thanks to all for providing the information for this important documentation. Best regards.

Entered at Mon Jan 2 20:56:35 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Mon Jan 2 20:03:58 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Jonathan K: Sorry to take so long in getting around to your post about New Country Rehab. I've not caught them, but they're booked for a showcase-ish gig at the Horseshoe on January 5. It's something of an understatement for member Ben Whiteley to say that he's from a musical family and that "My father and my uncle were into roots music." A thigh-slapper in fact, given the prominence that Ken and Chris Whiteley have had in Canadian jazz, blues, country, gospel, folk, jugband and even kids' (i.e., Raffi) music since the mid '70s (and arguably earlier still). Ken, coincidentally, appears on Colin Linden's "South at Eight North at Nine" CD (an old one that I got for Christmas) along with Rick, Levon, Garth, Richard Bell and Bruce Cockburn. And both Whiteley's make a couple of walk-on appearances in the Lonnie Johnson partial-biography that I also got for Christmas, the earliest occasion being the summer of '65, when Lonnie Johnson played at a houseparty along with both Whiteleys, their teenage bandmates, Amos Garrett and his fellow Dirty Shames and a couple of others.

Entered at Mon Jan 2 03:45:55 CET 2012 from (62.140.137.94)

Hilda F

Subject: Rag Mama Rag/ Eskandar

I was at the concert in Amsterdam in 1971. One of the things I clearly remember is Garth Hudson playing two keyboard instruments at the same time. I could see this because I was looking down on the stage. Maybe this clears it up for you

Entered at Mon Jan 2 01:06:29 CET 2012 from (83.82.232.6)

Eskandar

Subject: Rag Mama Rag live!

So I've been listening to this bootleg from the Frankfurt gig in 1971, and when it comes to Rag Mama Rag, I'm just confused. There's definitely a bass there, although it only appears three times: once at the beginning, then at the instrumental part between the verses and lastly at "hailstones beating..".

Definitely confused. So I had this line-up in my head:

Rick Danko - fiddle

Levon Helm - mandolin (I can't really make the fiddle and the mandolin out though)

Robbie Robertson - guitar

Richard Manuel - drums

Garth Hudson - piano

Then who could be playing the bass organ pedals (if I analysed it correctly); could it be Garth doing both things at the same time? Also, comparing it with an other bootleg, the one from Worcester; there is definitely a fiddle in the beginning (even though the audio quality is pretty awful). Richard singing backup vocals, I think.

Entered at Sun Jan 1 20:51:21 CET 2012 from (99.236.202.207)

Serenity

Subject: HAPPY NEW YEAR

HI all!! Hope the holidays have been good to you?

I wish you all the best for 2012.

Keep up the good posts. They are sooo interesting to read, along with the links.I enjoy them very much.

LUVYA all xoxoxo

Until next time LOVE AND PEACE

"WHEN THE POWER OF LOVE, OVER POWERS THE LOVE OF POWER, THERE WILL BE PEACE!"

Entered at Sun Jan 1 19:33:02 CET 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Joan

Subject: Mickey Jones

I came across this info about Mickey Jones and his troubles.

Entered at Sun Jan 1 17:36:47 CET 2012 from (81.159.31.180)

Dunc

Subject: A Guid New Year Tae Ane an' A

Happy New Year Everybody.

Someone sang this at the paty last night. This is a great version with the McGarrigles, Emmy Lou and Jerry Douglas backing Dick Gaughan.

Entered at Sun Jan 1 15:44:45 CET 2012 from (80.216.226.136)

Joseph Armstrong

Entered at Sun Jan 1 13:56:18 CET 2012 from (82.72.124.75)

JM

Subject: 1976 Santa Cruz

Happy New Year everybody! If any of You recognises this ticket, just let me know; I was there.

Entered at Sun Jan 1 12:50:52 CET 2012 from (202.124.89.199)

Dlew919

May it be prosperous, safe and most of all happy

Entered at Sun Jan 1 10:45:13 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

2012... Who'd have thought this Gb would still be here when we started posting in the mid 90s? We had a quiet celebration, with my sister and brother in law and they left at 11 to avoid the chaos at 12, but when I was a kid, New Year meant very little in England. We saw it as a mainly Scots thing and our TV celebration reflected this. When I was a teenager, it was the night you had to work if you were in a band.

A very happy and peaceful new year to you all.

Entered at Sun Jan 1 00:04:07 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Kristie

I just wanted to wish you all a Happy New Year! This past year has been a fair bit hectic, but I hope to be around more in 2012.

[See the guestbook archive for more]