The Band Guestbook, July '98

Fri Jul 31 21:23:04 MET DST 1998

Peter Viney

Speculating on JUBILATION before it's even released. There's a Garth Hudson tune called 'Where did all the French girls go?'. Listening again to 'Stuck Inside of Mobile' (as one does from time to time) the line 'talking to some French girl, who says she knew me well' rang a sudden peal of bells. I wonder if there's going to be any kind of connection? Let's wait & see.

Fri Jul 31 17:25:54 MET DST 1998

Bones

Thanks to David Powell for his Hiatt comments. I truly believe that any Band fan would love Hiatt's Bring The Family record. It is considered one of the best albums of the 80's. You also got to love anyone who says that Richard Manuel is one of his favorite singers.

Fri Jul 31 17:07:45 MET DST 1998

tiny MONTGOMERY

I stand corrected! The song title is "Sip the Wine" and if my memory serves me well (this time) I recall some fine guitar work from DOUG SAHM on that track!I will have to check the credits at home tonight!

Fri Jul 31 17:02:53 MET DST 1998

David Powell

More on John Hiatt

For all you vinyl lovers out there, all of the albums I previously mentioned were issued on LP as well as compact disk. Many of these Hiatt LPs can often be found in used record stores.

In addition, Mobile Fidelity issued a gold CD version of _Bring The Family_ (UDCD 603) with superior sonics. Copies of this CD is apparently in short supply since it is out of print. MoFi also issued a limited number of "Anadisc" 200 gram LP copies of BTF which are also out of print. More recently MoFi issued a gold CD version of _Riding With The King_ (UDCD 704) which is readily available.

Check the Mobile Fidelity website at http://mofi.com for details on these releases. Their catalog listings include descriptions of the albums along with pictures of the cover art. BTF is listed at: http://www.moficom/UDCD603.htm and RWTK is listed at: http://www.mofi.com/UDCD704.htm

Fri Jul 31 16:24:58 MET DST 1998

Mama

Hmmmmm, Mama was wondering..... if Elliot,,has any intentions of sharing those royalities.... from his new litho's with the SENIOR MEMBERS of his......Band Family?????????????????

Fri Jul 31 15:13:11 MET DST 1998

David Powell

JOHN HIATT--PART I

"Well I never went to college, babe / I did not have the luck / Rolled out of Indiana in the back of a pickup truck / With no education higher / Than the streets of my hometown / I went lookin' for a fire / Just to burn it all down. (from the John Hiatt song "Real Fine Love")

Not only do we have the new Band album _Jubilation_ to look forward to, but also the promise of some songs by several great songwriters including John Hiatt. Here are some highlights of his discography:

Hiatt recorded two albums for MCA, _Slug Line_(1979) and _Two Bit Monsters_(1980). He later moved to the Geffen label where he released _All Of A Sudden_(1982), _Riding With The King_(1983), and _Warming Up To The Ice Age_(1985). These albums feature Hiatt's trademark, well-crafted songs that contain finely honed emotional insight as well as a wry sense of humor. Some of the best songs from these albums were released by Geffen on a single CD entitled _Y'All Caught?_ (1989, M2G 24247).

Hiatt released three masterpiece albums in a row on the A&M label, _Bring The Family_ (1987, CD 5158 DX 1675), _Slow Turning_ (1988, CD 5206 DY 003682), and _Stolen Moments_ (1990, 75021 5310 2). _Bring The Family_ features Hiatt backed by an all star trio of Ry Cooder on slide guitar, Jim Keltner on drums and Nick Lowe on bass. Songs include "Thing Called Love", "Have A Little Faith In Me" and my personal favorite, "Memphis In The Meantime." This great takeoff on the old "Memphis" instrumental riff contains the classic lines: "Sure I like country music / I like mandolins / But right now I need a telecaster / Through a vibro-lux turned up to ten...Until hell freezes over / Maybe you can wait that long / but I don't think Ronnie Milsap's gonna ever / Record this song."

Hiatt's two follow-up albums on A&M were both produced by the great Glyn Johns and feature even more examples of Hiatt's fine songwriting ability. This writing talent often overshadows the fact that Hiatt is also a great singer, performer & guitarist. With a strong soulful voice, he gives his all when he sings a song. The guy just flat out sings his ass off.

I think Ry Cooder says it best, in his liner notes to _Y'All Caught?_: "I can truly say that I have done some good surfing behind John Hiatt's great songs, his meat-on-the-bone guitar playing, and his fuel-injector voice. He's the real thing, and I've met a few, but only a few. Now, playing good music doesn't always make good records--the funny little time warp doesn't necessarily make it from the air to the tape to the record, but John has a focus and an intensity that eats the machines so you all can get down and surf in your home."

Stay tuned for more on John.

Fri Jul 31 02:59:45 MET DST 1998

Beauregard Thibodeaux

NAZ : The story of the song you heard Danko do in the Shangri La sequence of the Last Waltz was discussed at length in this Guestbook many months ago. If you dig back you may find it. For your benefit and for all those who missed it...or dismissed it, here it is again. Read carefully Montgomery..the song is not "tilted" New Mexico as ME points out.

The song and lyrics of that tune were written by Tim Drummond, a bass player, circa 1970 and he called it " I want to lay down beside you ". It was recorded under that title in 1972 by Tracy Nelson on a Reprise LP called Mother Earth. Danko somehow appropriated the song as "his own" and it appeared on his 1977 LP " Rick Danko " retitled as " Sip the wine ". You be the judge. Some strange things happen in studios......

Fri Jul 31 02:56:43 MET DST 1998

franko

To Peter Viney

A Change Is Gonna Come - Rick, without question

Holy Cow - Rick, doing his best Richard. If I'm wrong on this one, there's still a lot of Rick in the song. "What you doing, what you doing, child?" ...I just listened to it again. Rick, without question.

Fri Jul 31 01:07:28 MET DST 1998

Naz

What's the story behind Saga of Pepote Rouge? It's a brilliant song, and I love storytelling songs, but what (or who) is the queen of Avacartes?

Thu Jul 30 23:14:06 MET DST 1998

Me

Nope. The song is "Sip The Wine" from Rick's self titled album.

Thu Jul 30 23:02:07 MET DST 1998

tiny MONTGOMERY

NAZ, The song title is "New Mexico" from the Rick Danko solo album tilted simply "Rick Danko" , on a seperate note I don't think Senior Danko is doing any traveling outside of the states for a while!

Thu Jul 30 22:33:33 MET DST 1998

Naz

What is the song on the Last Waltz where Scocese is interviewing Rick Danko in the Shangri-La(s)? I think it starts with 'I want to lay down beside you'. It's a corker. P.S. If Rick Danko is reading this, come over to Cardiff, South Wales for a night out, you can even stay in my house for free.

Thu Jul 30 21:15:17 MET DST 1998

Mike Nelson

George, It is now my opinion that D.P. is truly the "Fallen Angel". Could it be that he helped himself once to often. Hope Not? He's a "big" fan (literally). When he gets back from the west coast I'll attempt to communicate with him to see what the trouble is.

Thu Jul 30 21:09:27 MET DST 1998

Bones

"Hop on the pudding to kingdom come" reminds me that Robbie always said that he would prefer not to reprint the lyrics because people experience songs in different ways. My wife and I still fight over whether its "Take a load off Fanny(or Annie)".

To Peter Viney: Thanks for the follow-up on Maria McKee. Also, I think Rick sings on "Holy Cow". It is definately Rick on "A Change Is Gonna Come". I don't think Levon proof-read that book at all, for there are a handful of falsehoods that Stephen Davis put in that book.

Thu Jul 30 19:49:34 MET DST 1998

Naz

My lying brother reckons the first line from 'To Kingdom Come' is 'Hop on the pudding to kingdom come' - then again he is a retard who fancies midgets.

Thu Jul 30 19:39:47 MET DST 1998

Narusberg, Matthew

Did The Band ever meet Creedence Clearwater Revival or get drunk with them? Or did they ever go out boozing with Kris Kristofferson (Genius of the 20th Century)

Thu Jul 30 17:31:39 MET DST 1998

David Powell

Postscript on the talk box.

The talk box effect is similar to that of the wah wah pedal. However, with the talk box tube the singing or humming sounds are blended with the notes played simultaneously on an instrument using a pedal for modulation.

Thu Jul 30 15:31:23 MET DST 1998

David Powell

Peter--Although I'm not certain, I may have an answer to your question regarding Ben Keith's contribution to _Moondog Matinee_. Mr. Keith, a multi-instrumentalist, is of course known primarily for his work on the pedal steel. He was featured prominently as part of the Stray Gators on Neil Young's _Harvest_ which was released in 1972. That same year also marked the release of the Woodstock-based group Hungry Chuck's self-titled album. Mr. Keith was a member of that group and the sizzling interplay of his pedal steel with the great Amos Garrett on guitar is one of the highlights of that album. Garth made a guest appearance of that same album playing sax.

One of the distinguishing characteristics of _Moondog Matinee_ is the use of the talk box device. In his book, Levon says Garth helped rig it up for Levon to use for the "frogman" vocal part on "Ain't Got No Home." The talk box device was invented by Nashville pedal steel guitarist Bill West (Dottie's ex). Through the use of a tube that one sings into, you can bend or alter the sound of the vocal using the pedal steel or other intrument as a sort of triggering device.

Pedal steel guitarist Pete Wade, a veteran Nashville session player, first popularized the talk box on the 60s hit "I'm Sorry." Mr. Wade would later appear, sans the device, on Dylan's _John Wesley Harding_ album. Two rock guitarists, Joe Walsh & Peter Frampton, also recorded hit songs using the talk box.

Back to _Moondog Matinee_--The talk box is also used on the lead guitar part on "Holy Cow." It's hard for me to tell whether it's Robertson using the device or maybe its Ben Keith. However on "Promised Land" it's more than likely Mr. Keith playing the talk box on pedal steel with Robertson also playing guitar on the cut.

Thu Jul 30 08:49:56 MET DST 1998

Ben Pike

Peter, I ain't afraid to settle this thang in public. Bless his highbrow Berkley soul, but that old Greil Marcus did always fudge the lead vocalist of "A Change Is Going to Come." Any halfway trained Band ear can tell that that is Mr. Rick Danko his ownself. This fact is confirmed by Robbie in a 1976 Crawdaddy interview that I still have. The same interveiw appeared in Melody Maker in an expanded version! Anyway, that is also cleary Rick asinging on "Holy Smoke". Dankos voice is not THAT hard to tell apart from Richards, it's higher while Richards is Deeper and more soulfull. Thats not a dig at Rick, Richard sang more soulfully than anyone I have heard, then or since.......

Thu Jul 30 02:01:40 MET DST 1998

Dr. Marcus Welby

SERGE: Please stop by the ER at your earliest convenience. We believe we can not only remove the chip on your shoulder but lower your hat size simply by giving you a barium enema.

Wed Jul 29 23:25:22 MET DST 1998

SHAWN WALSH

I am new to the internet and have been looking for music-related sites. I am competely amazed at your site!!! LOTS of information, photos, tape info and everything! I trade tapes and will mail my list nearly anywhere (this includes Norway). Please keep up the fantastic work.

Wed Jul 29 23:11:48 MET DST 1998

Peter Viney

Serge: can I note you therefore as agreeing with Helm (and if you read closer, with me)? I don't think there was much doubt - just trying to get it right on paper.

Actually, I was hoping that you'd be someone who could tell us how much of the album was really in The Hawks' set (see last query). I think a lot of us are genuinely curious.

Wed Jul 29 22:32:25 MET DST 1998

Serge

Give it a rest Viney and get the wax out of your ears. Hoskyns and Hidecki...!! ???

Wed Jul 29 20:39:14 MET DST 1998

Peter Viney

A question for your ears.

I’m working on an article on MOONDOG MATINEE and as I research sources there is a fascinating spread of opinions on who sings lead on what. I reckoned to get this right before posting it, rather than after.

1) HOLY COW

Richard sings lead according to Levon

Rick sings lead according to Hoskyns

Richard & Levon share lead according to Hidecki

If you’d asked me last week without checking the record, I’d’ve just said Rick, maybe because he did this sort of song. On re-listening carefully I can’t be 100% sure, but I’m leaning very strongly towards Richard now. But I think Rick does the echoed "No joke"

2) A CHANGE IS GONNA COME

Richard sings lead according to Levon

Richard sings lead according to Marcus

Rick sings lead according to Hoskyns ("sung by Rick in his softest sweetest voice" and "His (Richard’s) pleasure may have been spoilt by the fact that Marcus also thought it was him singing "A Change Is Gonna Come"))

Rick sings ‘back vocal’ according to Hidecki (who credits no other singer)

… uh … and I dunno, though I think it’s Richard

3) SAVED

Levon (or more probably Davis) says "I sang on Fats Domino’s (SIC) Saved’ . EVERYONE else says it’s Richard on lead, BUT there are backing vocals and this may have been what he meant, or more likely he meant to say I’M READY which IS by Domino and is obviously Levon.

4) BEN KEITH Both Ben Keith & Billy Mundi are thanked. Levon tells us clearly what Billy Mundi did. So what did Ben Keith play on?

5) Hidecki credits John Simon with baritone sax on THE GREAT PRETENDER. No one else mentions his presence.

6) One for "those who know", i.e. you guys who saw them in the early 60s. There are tapes with SHARE YOUR LOVE by The Hawks. Did they perform anything else from MOONDOG MATINEE when they were The Hawks / Levon & The Hawks? In other words, how far was this really their club set? (My opinion is that it was an idealized set in retrospect).

If you don’t want to put your hearing up for public criticism, e-mail me direct.

BTW, this is NOT a forum to re-open the Hosykns / Helm debate – been there, done that, got the T-shirt. I do know that Levon was there on the day and Hoskyns wasn’t, Levon knows their voices best. But given the accreditation of SAVED to Fats Domino, I’m not sure how carefully he proof-read. Rick can do a reasonable imitation of Richard in some registers and their accent is similar. (See recent live versions of THE SHAPE I’M IN) On a lot of their best songs you don’t even worry about it. But I’d like to get it straight.

I’ll post the majority opinion when I post the article

Wed Jul 29 15:08:42 MET DST 1998

David Powell

There was an interesting article in last Sunday's edition of The New York Times about rock & roll session musicians. The article, entitled "A Vote for the Hired Guns of Rock-and-Roll", was written by Tony Scherman. Mr. Scherman points out the significant contributions made by so many great session players, and how, sadly, these efforts have so far been, for the most part, ignored by the Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame.

The article focuses mainly on legendary session drummer Earl Palmer, who from 1957 to 1966 played on 50 top 10 hits. Mr. Palmer played on many of the songs recorded by Little Richard and Fats Domino. After moving from New Orleans to Los Angeles, Mr. Palmer became the top sudio drummer at that time. That's Palmer swinging the sticks on such hits as Johnny Otis's "Willie and the Hand Jive", Sam Cooke's "Shake" and "You've Lost THat Lovin' Feeling."

Mr. Scherman also mentions the contibutions of other great session players such as Hal Blaine, King Curits, James Jamerson, Bernard Purdie, Benny Benjamin, Roger Hawkins, Steve Gadd, Tommy Tedesco, Chuck Berghofer, James Burton and Carol Kaye.

The New York Times has posted the entire article on their internet edition this week. You can view it at:

http://www.nytimes.com/yr/mo/day/artleisure/session-players-rock.html

Wed Jul 29 15:03:57 MET DST 1998

Big Jim

Does anyone know if there is a song by Richard Manuel on the new Band album?

Wed Jul 29 02:33:13 MET DST 1998

Kevin Gilbertson

I'm looking for the Complete Last Waltz. I thought I found a source but instead of being manufactured by Cool Daddy (as listed here, in the Bootleg section), the source claims they have the the preferred version on "Splendor Of Bohemia". I was hesitant to buy this. Anyone know anything about this company?

Wed Jul 29 00:56:37 MET DST 1998

mic

Anybody know if there's anything to the 'supposed' August 12th concert on the net? Is it a "Band" concert? Is it going to happen? (anyone with any info please post. thanks)

Wed Jul 29 00:45:04 MET DST 1998

Marvin Gardens

Anybody know if Garth is a cigar fan? I saw a photo of what looked like him in a window on West 37th in NYC today.

Wed Jul 29 00:27:50 MET DST 1998

Typically Canadian

Is Levon still planning on making the Music Festival in Riverhead, NY on Aug 22? This link says he is, anyone know for sure?

http://members.aol.com/civiletti/

Tue Jul 28 23:38:53 MET DST 1998

Dan Hearn

Just a reminder that today is the 25th anniversary of Summer Jam at Watkins Glen, NY. Dig out that cd and crank 'er up!!! How many of you were there? I'd love to hear stories.

Tue Jul 28 23:00:41 MET DST 1998

Jan Høiberg

Just looked up Maria McKee and that first solo album of hers in the All-Music Guide, to gather some data for a page for her at this site (which, will have to appear a little later, btw, it's bedtime here in the old world and we've been to Sweden for a little ahem..tax-free shopping.) The interesting thing was AMG's list of "Similar Artists" and "Roots and Influences", almost a copy of my favorite artists list with folks like Joe Ely, John Hiatt, Jayhawks, Tom Petty, Uncle Tupelo, Wilco, Dwight Yoakam (our hero over here), Steve Earle (!), Jason & the Scorchers, Son Volt (I _love_ Son Volt), The Band, Buffalo Springfield, The Grateful Dead (oh, well...), The Long Ryders, Victoria Williams, Los Lobos (!!), Bob Dylan, Gram Parsons (yes!), Neil Young, etc, etc. Just add Zappa and the great Hüsker Dü and a few more. I got to give McKee another listen, I guess, I kind of liked Lone Justice way back when, but missed her solo stuff.

Tue Jul 28 22:39:20 MET DST 1998

Peter Viney

Bones & Jan: Maria McKee's album is Geffen 924 229-2 and I'd add my recommendation. The song co-written by RR sounds very RR melodically. Other contributors include Tony Levin & Alex Acuna & Jim Keltner.Robbie doesn't play though.

I picked up Cyndi Lauper's 'Hat Full of Stars' in the cutouts bin today - it has Hyman & Bazilian (Hooters) throughout and I think it would be enjoyed by anyone who's into "Largo" (and who isn't?)

Tue Jul 28 20:51:26 MET DST 1998

Bones

Jan, You probably already know this, but I could not find it on this site. Maria McKee came out with a wonderful self-titled solo album in 1989 on Geffen Records. This was her first recording since she broke up her band Lone Justice. She sang back-up on Robbie's first solo record, and he repays the favor on this album by co-writing the song "Nobody's Child" with McKee. I highly recommend this record to all Band fans. It also features some great guitar by Robbie-fan Richard Thompson.

Tue Jul 28 12:15:27 MET DST 1998

Patric Mulcahy

Thanks for a great music web-site,the Band have been a favourite of mine since I bought a Capitol single Rag Mama Rag/Across The Great Divide in 1970. Would you believe I discovered Dylan through the Band and not vice-versa!! To me your site is like letters from home although I toured U.S. and Canada several years ago by car and made it my business to explore the mythical birthplace of the Band..Woodstock, great day!! it was snowing and it was totally surreal even though we got lost.I saw the Band in Sydney '86 with a guest line-up including Blondie Chaplin on guitar..great night! and Garth DID play in his socks!! Keep on Keeping On!!

Tue Jul 28 03:28:42 MET DST 1998

tony a.

hi fans, i haven't visited here for a long time,my loss. i asked this question once before and i can't remember who replied,i appologize. but if i can get this info again i would grately appreciate it. my question is: any information on where to find a cd or album of "the ballad of jesse james".also, i watched a david letterman show with ronnie hawkins. he held up a cd titled "let it rock". i was informed that it was only available in canada.my daughter was in quebec, no luck finding it. any information would be great. also, what happened to levon? thanks, tony a.

Mon Jul 27 18:27:37 MET DST 1998

Bones

It is amazing how many performers from The Last Waltz have passed away(Manuel, Butterfield, Waters,etc). And yet, amazingly, Pops Staples is not only still alive, but he still performs. I love it when Robbie said that the Band had records of the Staples that "they don't even have".

Mon Jul 27 14:55:53 MET DST 1998

David Powell

A PARABLE

"Let our Lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on a harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well." --1 Samuel: 16

From a place called Big Pink the journey began. Through music the restless soul wandered across America. On a day celebrating rebellion & freedom he embarked on the path. From rage & loss, through redemption & release, rising up from the burning ashes of sacrifice before the golden calf. From beyond the veil of death & despair, the soul was set free.

And it came to pass that the soul rose up from the rich, brown earth of the promised land. Turning its back to the east & civilization, to face westward across the point where waters flow; the soul resumed its journey in the wilderness. Through the ashes of war, lust & dreams, across the mountains & rivers of Babylon, swimming in waves of despair through dark cities in search of light.

From surrender & sacrifice beyond the loss of faith, the soul sought the promise of just reward. The time of the final harvest had come; the day of judgment was at hand. The crops had been sown & the hard times were behind. Rising up from the bountiful soil, the soul journeyed beyond earthly commands to celebrate the harvest. And the songs were sung; the faithful servant played his harp with great cunning & all was well.

Mon Jul 27 10:18:16 MET DST 1998

Uncle Hangover

No problems with Christmas gifts this year, then. Landy's The Band photos for everyone. Kind of expensive, but ... PS. Gail, can we be friends again? I shouldn't post when I've had a few too much. Sorry.

Sun Jul 26 17:08:18 MET DST 1998

Jim H.

Speaking of Austrailia, Rick told a story during his performance at the Iron Horse last night. He said he was walking an Austrailian beach with Shredni (sp?) and Blondie when they walked into a nude beach area. Some of the people were yelling for them to take their clothes off or they'll look like they're "pervs." Rick explained that, given their rep, if they took off their clothes they would STILL be pervs. So it was a no-win situation.

Rick and Aaron played the usual stuff. Rick tried to honor a request for "When I Paint My Masterpiece" and really goofed up the lyrics, but I imagine it's hard to remember all the lyrics to the hundreds (thousands?) of songs Rick has performed. He even slipped up on "Blind Willie McTell" which he does at a lot of the shows. So, just as Willie Mays once dropped a flyball, even Rick Danko can have an off night. He's still a great talent (except during his comedy routine) and I'm glad I went.

Setlist was (approx) Blind Willie, This Wheel's On Fire, The Shape I'm In, The Weight, Caledonia Mission, Long Black Veil, Sunny Side, Mystery Train, and I forget the rest.

Sun Jul 26 13:58:08 MET DST 1998

Zimmy

I've seen the Band perform only twice-both times in Sydney, Australia. The first time was with Dylan in 1966 when Levon wasn't playing with them for a time and a guy called Mickey Jones was drumming. Probably the greatest concert I have ever seen or ever will see. Dylan unleashing his brand new (and at the time still unreleased)Blonde on Blonde songs with all the power of The Band at their peak right behind him.The second time was in 1988 when only Garth and Rick, supported by a few other guys whose names I sadly now can't recall, turned up. Terry Cagle-Levon's cousin I believe-and then a drummer with the Cate Brothers Band, occupied the drummers seat then. Didn't compare to the '66 gig (what on earth could) but,as was once said, if Garth turns up it's still a genuine Band concert(and, indeed it was)! Best wishes from downunder to Levon for a speedy recovery. Very much looking forward to the new album too!

Sun Jul 26 12:55:05 MET DST 1998

DR. UGG

This is a site I travel to a lot . like there misic , it can take me to a better place . I don,t know that much about P.C's so thank you "J" . October is a long ways a way . I like most people am pulling for "LEE" . I'm allways looking for "CORDS" of the newer stuff from "LEVON & RICK " . I saw Rick down in Plymouth , he did some powerful songs . He drove 5 hours to get there cause his driver took sick (hope all has passed ok) Think about this , Drive 5 hours to do a free show ? Yea, this is a group that cares about there people . And we truly are THERE PEOPLE! After driving that distance doing the show he still stoped to talk to any one who went up to him . This is the music and people we care for . The very best to " OUR BAND" Thank for the site DR. UGG

Sun Jul 26 11:51:56 MET DST 1998

Peter Viney

The Band Live

I’ve seen The Band only twice in the 1990s, Vancouver in 1994 and Cambridge, UK in 1996. Both were small halls. Even if they’d been subsidised by their record label (which I doubt they were) there can’t have been a great deal of profit in it for them on that Canadian tour. In all probability they lost money heavily in the UK – six guys, road crew, equipment, air and ground transportation, hotels and then cuts for the hall, promoters, agents etc. All for an audience of 200 to 300 in Cambridge. I believe I was subsidised by The Band for the pleasure and privilege of seeing them live.

Given the interest and publicity generated by ‘Classic Albums’ I think that they could be playing bigger halls than 300 to 600 capacity, but maybe I’m wrong. I’m sure they like smaller halls, as do Van Morrison and Bob Dylan, but in Dylan and Morrison’s cases, "small hall" usually means (say) 1500 to 3000 seats, which is potentially profitable. 300 – 700 is intimate, you get a feel from many years ago, but it really is hard work to make a living from.

Cambridge, UK was ecstatically received. Lee Gabites had phoned round all the ‘Jawbone’ subscribers for a start, and the audience was a mix of die-hard fans who’d heard about it from Lee (and travelled miles), and locals from the area – the promoters had done almost no publicity outside the town. In Vancouver, the city was plastered with fliers for J.J. Cale the night before. Nothing on The Band. I read about the gig in that morning’s paper and dashed to TicketMaster. Most people I spoke to at the gig had done the same, "I only heard about it this morning’ was echoing along the row. None of us could understand why it was so low-key, but maybe they can do that in Canada – a free press article, no ads and a full house. Even more than Cambridge, the warmth extending from the audience to The Band was tangible (as from The Band to the audience). Also, everyone around me was friendly. Watch the lip movements. That audience knew all the words. I know I was ‘subsidised’ in Cambridge, and I guess I probably was in Vancouver too. I feel very privileged to have seen The Band from the middle of a (small) Canadian audience.

They were up there both times because that is what they do. It’s hard work, and it’s not Lear Jets and M&Ms backstage with the brown ones taken out. They must have the urge to play their music and to communicate with their audience. All power to them. I hope JUBLIATION reaches the huge numbers they deserve.

Sun Jul 26 07:42:05 MET DST 1998

Dan Blood

Under a beautiful summer evening sky in Redlands I listened to three women, The Eroica Trio, perform classical music on piano, violin and cello. Apart from the incredible sound they made and their stunning beauty (they remined me somewhat of Charlie's Angels) I was taken by their total enjoyment of one another on stage. As they played their instruments they kept glancing at each other with huge expressive smiles or a tender glance when the melody was passed.

It occurred to me how vital this enjoyment is if good music is being made and of course I thought of The Band. Afterwards, I told the piano player, Erika Nickrenz, that her intro notes to Danny Boy sounded just like Garth Hudson's intro to The River Hymn, but that hers was too short.

To catch a sight of the girls see http://www.eroicatrio.com/ and enjoy!!

Sun Jul 26 02:33:05 MET DST 1998

Pat Brennan

In light of David Powell's recent post, I wonder how much The Band's commercial slippage effected Robertson's decision to leave. Rock of Ages sold well but Planet Waves and Before the Flood were relative commercial failures--yeah, I know they're both primarily Dylan albums, but the sound is the Band. Moondog Matinee sold poorly, and NLSC's sales angered Robertson as he blamed the failure of the album on the Capitol. After the critical success of the first two albums and the solid sales of Stage Fright and Cahoots, I can't help but wonder whether Robertson simply felt the group's commercial time had passed, that general public's tastes no longer included the Band's sound. He certainly makes no bones about his feelings that the group had broken up without signing the paperwork-in essence, that their creative peak had passed. It wouldn't surprise me that Robbie made as much a business decision as a creative one.

Sat Jul 25 22:44:06 MET DST 1998

Peter Viney

David Powell: You are absolutely right … and nobody has said it better. Very good to see everyone in agreement! Thank you.

Sat Jul 25 18:51:33 MET DST 1998

Jary

What a wonderful site! No banners or java or other junk - just a basic stuff as in The Band´s music. Yess! 'It Makes A Difference'!

Sat Jul 25 17:51:39 MET DST 1998

jørn nyborg

the best music ever made!

Fri Jul 24 21:44:41 MET DST 1998

Luis

David Powell:

Thanks for once again putting it all back into perspective. God bless Levon. Long live The Band.

As always,

Luis

Fri Jul 24 21:33:50 MET DST 1998

Jon Lyness

Saw a riveting blues concert last night by James Cotton and his band. For those of you unfamiliar with him, he's a legendary Chicago bluesman (I know, they're all "legendary", but I swear he really is! :), a true master of the harmonica and a pretty great singer as well, who was a friend and colleague of Muddy Waters and many other greats. I saw him open for The Band 2 years ago on July 4th in NYC -- his voice was extremely ragged and hoarse, but so expressive, and his harmonica work just incredible. Anyway, in the stunning show last night, I was saddened to see that someone else was doing vocals for James Cotton, and he was sticking to harmonica only -- apparently his voice has deteriorated to the point where he can't sing at all anymore -- I couldn't help thinking of Levon. (Incidentally, Going Down to Main Street was one of the songs played.) Anyway, a few songs into the concert, I did a double-take when I saw what was on Cotton's head: a "Levon Helm and the Crowmatix" cap. Perhaps I'm reading too much into it, but I couldn't help being touched at the gesture and the connection.

Thanks, David Powell.

Fri Jul 24 20:25:38 MET DST 1998

Serge

David Powell..: AMEN !

Fri Jul 24 19:04:03 MET DST 1998

David Powell

As followers of The Band, most of us often get too wrapped up in what used to be & what should have / could have been, and lose sight of the reality of the situation. Thanks to the fine efforts of Jan & so many others we are able to gather here to take stock & give thanks for what we have received.

Those members of The Band, who have sought to carry on as a unit to tour & record, face a constant uphill battle. With fewer & fewer independent record labels left, and a climate of corporate greed where major labels turn their backs on established acts, it seems as if only the latest one-hit wonders get the breaks. It's up to us die hard fans to support the members of the group & help keep their music alive. Each year it must get harder for them to get good bookings in order to earn a living on the road. The occasional side project & guest appearances must help. The transfusion of "new blood" gives them added strength to carry on.

For us fans, there seems to be a ray of sunshine on the horizon with the hope of a new album in the fall. As we learned in "King Harvest (Has Surely Come)", fall brings the promise of reward for what has been sown:

"Dry summer, then comes fall / Which I depend on most of all. / Hey, rainmaker, can't you hear my call? / Please let these crops grow tall."

Let us give thanks for what we have & for what we are about to receive. Last of all, for those of us who choose to believe, let us all say a prayer for Levon (as well as for the others) every day. Give them the strength to carry on. Thank you brothers & sisters, fellow followers of this Band.

Fri Jul 24 10:41:27 MET DST 1998

lonesome servant

need help to find more guitar chords for the band esp basement tape material. i need help please help

Fri Jul 24 10:19:56 MET DST 1998

Diane

In memory of my husband John on what would've been his 39th birthday.

"I can feel you standing there, but I don't see you anywhere......."

Fri Jul 24 06:26:48 MET DST 1998

Ethelyn Wise Gonsoulin

Enjoyed the articles on the Band

Fri Jul 24 05:06:02 MET DST 1998

Padre Pedro

Where did you say the unemployment office is? Never been there! Have You????

Fri Jul 24 04:58:43 MET DST 1998

Bridog

I was too young to enjoy The Band when they were together and touring. I enjoy their music now.

Fri Jul 24 04:32:36 MET DST 1998

Stephen Novik

Saw the Stampeders the other night. Another fantastic Canadian group still playing in the 90's. Wow! I thought Kim Berly was kinda like Levon, right down to the harmonica he dug up to do the intro for "Oh My Lady". Crazy, no? Sure hope the man in 'the best seat in the house' does well. Hopin' to see Lee & the guys again around these parts.... Jan, thanks for a wonderful site.

Fri Jul 24 02:52:42 MET DST 1998

Raymond A. Moore

Fri Jul 24 01:10:37 MET DST 1998

Paul J. Pulati

For crying out loud, what is wrong with musicians like The Band (The Beatles, The Eagles, etc.) that they don't realize that TOGETHER they make the best music. There's nothing at all wrong with doing solo gigs and exploring the full range of music as an individual, but, jeezzuzz, a little humility, as well as compassion for those of us who love to listen to and grow with our favourite musicians. Let's have more Band albums, movies, and all of us devoted fans will not hassle you guys too much about more touring.... I agree, too, with the guests who want to see The Band and Dylan record again. What is it with you guys, anyhow!!?? Having chastised you, I want to add that I still LOVE your music, love playing it, love singing along to it, and even dancing once in a while. Thank you so much. More, more, more.

Fri Jul 24 00:34:50 MET DST 1998

Marryin Sam

Why it was JUBILATION t. cornpone, unshavin & shorn pone. Can't wait for a true October Surprise. Rocket Scientist Carmine Street/Houston-Greenwich Village has Japanese re-releases. Tell em Croce sent ya.

Fri Jul 24 00:30:23 MET DST 1998

Johnnie Walker Red

This is probably my favorite Band lyrics. They are written like a poem and I think they are brilliant.

Who robbed the cradle, who robbed the grave

Who's the one that asked to be saved

No answer came

I moved to the country that cried of shame

I left my home and found a name

Nobody could explain

Have mercy, cried the blacksmith

How're you gonna replace human hands

Found guilty, said the judge

For not being in demand

Frozen fingers at the keyboard

Could this be the big reward

No answer came

Brought up everybody to see for themselves

They wouldn't believe it from no one else

Nobody could explain

Dead tongue said the poet

To the daughter of burlesque

Cocteau, Van Gogh and Geronimo

They used up what was left

Cry wolf, said the martyr

I don't believe I'm alive

You're the hero, said the mute

And you're bound to survive

Thanks for helping me figure out some of the words Jan!

Thu Jul 23 21:40:40 MET DST 1998

Thomas la Cour Christensen

This is a great site. I am a 25-year-old The Band fanatic. I am still waiting for Dylan to make an album with The Band again.... Saw The Band perform in Århus, Denmark, in may 1994. A great concert. I even got to shake Levon's hand. The music of The Band is something special to me - there is this deep deep power, that is very hard to define. That is what makes it magical...I think.

Thu Jul 23 17:58:15 MET DST 1998

Scott

Does anyone know if the new Japan imports have ALL the original artwork included ????

Thu Jul 23 17:46:36 MET DST 1998

Ferdinand the Imposter

Hey, I finally found a web page with a photo of the guy that runs this web site, by following links in some weird language from the "about this site" button on the main page. I have read the site for over a year now, and I guess more of you are wondering who Jan is. So (hope you don't mind, Jan :), check out: http://www.hiof.no/hiof/avd/it_aut/ansatte/janh.html

Thu Jul 23 16:43:10 MET DST 1998

Mr. K. Horse ( to you )

D.P. There is always a point to my ramblings, your one track intellect just can't make the distinctions! i.e. when I do a job, I do it right. Not afraid of a little physical labor now and then. It would seem to me that someone with as much time on his hands over the course of the year as you do could better apply his time by "helping the neighborhood" not by being caught up in your constant pursuit of getting " more for less" ( talk about something thats wearing a little thin. Hell you and Marilyn would have made quite a team. As far as Peg is concerned, I can't really see where this is any of your business. In any case I always leave them wantin more. Thats why my numbers in this area are so impressive. Hey "Lucky" take a geography lesson will ya Everingham is in La Fayette off Rt 20 to be exact.. Im not referrin to the one in your old neighborhood which is on last pass through is rapidly deteriorating. Heck, someone in your illustrious position should at least know his way around the area. One last counterpoint smart ass, whats with the constant insidious references to "BAND SONG TITLES in all the little points you endeavor to make on this guestbook. Whew, sounds like an obsession to me. Get a Real Job will ya, If I had your kinda time I'd be President of the World not CDA.. Lastly, we are all truly impressed with your veiled connections to the Band . WE all love the music and dig the fellas. But, keeping things in perspective, in the Grand Scheme of things its all of minor importance.

Thu Jul 23 14:56:12 MET DST 1998

Richard

Well if we're going to hypothesize about (living and dead) Band members covering Robbie songs, how about Levon, Rick, and Richard trading off lines-- in that inimitable Band style-- on "Go Back to Your Woods?" And let's get Robbie's stinging guitar in there bouncing off Jim Weider's, Garth's ethereal keyboard under-and-overtones, Richard Bell's funky rolling piano, and Randy adding in another set of rock steady drumming. And we can keep the N'Orleans "indian" at the end, bringing in Dr. John and Art, Cyril, Al, and Aaron to boot. Whew! Anyway, a little nonsensical daydream on my part to while away the weeks until all Band devotees get to truly "jubilate."

Thu Jul 23 14:48:21 MET DST 1998

David Powell

Responding to Rod & Pat's question about Robbie's guitar--in the "Making of The Band" video I beleive he played an Epiphone Casino model on several songs. This is the guitar that John Lennon favored at one time & helped popularize.

Thu Jul 23 14:12:32 MET DST 1998

David Mallon

in fact, can anyone tell me where to get any more chord sites with songs not included here?

Thu Jul 23 12:22:07 MET DST 1998

David Mallon

fantastic sight! but can anyone help me find the guitar chords for the bands songs off the basement tapes esp reuben, katie, bessie? please help

Thu Jul 23 08:11:02 MET DST 1998

Rod

I'm sure "Robbie Robertson" would have been one of the best Band albums if it had have been recorded by The Band. Hust imagine Big Sky with Levon singing, Rick doing Broken Arrow and Richard doing Fallen Angel (yes I know). Richard would have been great on Night Parade as well. Crazy River though would still have to be a Robbie song. I guess what this all indicates, as someone as said previously, is that Robbie still writes some great songs - it's just that the delivery just ain't the same.

Thu Jul 23 05:35:27 MET DST 1998

mic

Anybody have any further info on the supposed 'internet' Band concert in August? Anyone know if there are any tour plans to promote the new Band album? Thanks.

Thu Jul 23 05:16:12 MET DST 1998

Pat Brennan

Rod Prowse: the film of the Band performing King Harvest and Cripple Creek has Robbie playing either an Epiphone or a Gretch, I forget which. I lent the video out or I could check. Also, I suffered a major crash and lost everyone's Email. Please contact so I can resume communications. Even the amused.

Wed Jul 22 22:17:21 MET DST 1998

Dan Blood

Andrew, I WILL be honest. You might not believe me, but I think that the material RR has written since 1977 is, IS, really good stuff. What it lacks, no doubt, are the voices of Levon, Rick and most of all Richard, but the way the songs have been composed bear witness to the fact that RR can really write. The music is unique and the lyrics are intelligent. What we got prior to RR's solo career was phenomenal live music, an interplay between five talented musicians who were all in the right place at the right time together. And, of course, they had some great songs to work with. Don't you think a little of Dylan rubbed off on RR? They did hang out together.

Wed Jul 22 22:16:36 MET DST 1998

Peter Viney

Further to my previous post. It’s just struck me that there is a good method for judging album quality. Which buttons do you press on the CD player?

For ‘Big Pink’, ‘The Band’ I just press PLAY. For ‘Robbie Robertson’ I always press: 6 – 1 – 3 – 8 (never liked U2). For ‘Stage Fright’ I reverse the sides – the old side two first, followed by side 1. That’s the way I always played the album. (As John Bauldie said, side two of ‘Stage Fright’ is equal to the first two albums). I pick and choose among the rest. But I play ‘Storyville’ and both Native American albums right through.

This might be learned behaviour – The ‘RR" album is a product of the CD era, so you used the’program’ control from early on.

Wed Jul 22 21:16:38 MET DST 1998

Peter Viney

Andrew: interesting question (which RR songs would you place in a Band … + solo … Top 15. I’m glad you said 15 not 10.

First, you can only compare like with like. It would be foolish to pursue the question of whether ‘The Weight’ is superior to (say) ‘The Brandenburg Concertos’ or Philip Glass. They’re too different to accept the same criteria. On this basis, I’d exclude Native Americans material like ‘Twisted Hair.’ So, you’d only count "Band-like" compositions, excluding therefore (e.g.) "Garth’s Largo" and probably R&B / blues re-runs.Given that, I’d find an easy case for the inclusion of ‘Somewhere Down The Crazy River’, ‘Fallen Angel’, ‘Soap Box Preacher’ and ‘Breaking The Rules’. ‘Crazy River’ would always be in the Top 10. On some listenings, some days ‘Fallen Angel’ would join it. This confirms Andrew’s point about the importance of collaborators – Peter Gabriel on ‘Fallen Angel’, Neil Young on ‘Soapbox Preacher’, The Blue Nile on ‘Breaking The Rules.

Robbie’s ‘Crazy River stands on its own. No one could have done it better. ‘Fallen Angel’ is there, given Gabriel’s voice. Danko was originally down for backing vocals on ‘Soapbox Preacher’ and Neil Young was a fine replacement. Robbie had the skill of assigning voices, and just imagine this with Richard and Rick or Levon and Rick. ‘Breaking The Rules’ is really perfect for Rick’s voice. I’d love to hear a Band version. So what I’m judging is the quality of the composition, as well as the quality of the interpretation. On this basis, yes, I’d include these in the Top 15, though ‘Breaking The Rules’ (much as I love Robbie with The Blue Nile) would probably have been better by the (whole) Band.

Wed Jul 22 21:03:24 MET DST 1998

DP

Pointless babbling apparently is an inherited trait. K.H. ........Everingham is off Salina Street next to Warrington Ave. not in LaFayette. You veil is long past thin. Keep me out of your discourse and go take care of Peg! "Less is More" applies to more than music!

Wed Jul 22 19:49:49 MET DST 1998

JH

A little test...Levon rules

Wed Jul 22 18:50:26 MET DST 1998

David Powell

Yes I know I may be beating a dead horse here but I'd like to mention one more precedent case relating to song copyrights, _Northern Music Corp. v. King Record Distributing Co. (1952, DC NY). This case should be of particular interest to followers of The Band because one of the parties involved was the late Henry Glover, Levon's long-time friend, mentor & business partner.

In this case the court found that the music to a King Record song entitled "I Love You, Yes I Do" infringed a previously copyrighted song, "Tonight He Sailed Again", owned by Northern Music. Henry Glover was alleged to have written the music for the infringing song.

The significance of this case is that, in its ruling, the court found that melody is the essential musical element for determining originality. In its opinion the court held that:

"Technically analyzed, a musical composition is made up of rhythm, harmony and melody. Originality, if it exists, must be found in one of these. Rhythm is simply the tempo in which the composition is written. It is the background for the melody. There is only a limited amount of tempos; these appear to have been long since exhausted; originality of rhythm is a rarity, if not an impossibility. Harmony is the blending of tones; this is achieved according to rules which have been known for many years. Being in the public domain for so long neither rhythm nor harmony can in itself be the subject of copyright...It is the melody of the composition--or the arrangement of notes or tones that originality must be found. It is the arrangement or succession of musical notes, which are the finger prints of the composition, and establish its identity." _105 F Supp 400.

The court's opinion contains a lot of details about Mr. Glover's musical background. He contended that he wrote the melody to the tune in question around 1937, while still in high school in Arkansas. Glover testified that he gave the manuscript arrangement shortly thereafter to band leader "Lucky" Millinder, who was then playing in either Hot Springs or Little Rock.

Glover later joined Millinder's orchestra as a trumpet player & arranger in the spring of 1945. Prior to that he had worked with Buddy Johnson's orchestra. Glover was also at that time plugging tunes & arrangements. In 1947, Glover was doing arrangements for King Records when he contended that he had another songwriter add new lyrics to his old tune from high school, which was subsequently recorded & released by King

Although he did not prevail in this lawsuit, it's important to note that Mr. Glover continued in such a long & amazing career in music..

Wed Jul 22 17:54:51 MET DST 1998

Ferdinand the Imposter

"Jubilation"!!! Yes!!!! A Garth song!!!!!

Wed Jul 22 14:24:08 MET DST 1998

David Powell

Not to belabor the point but I think the basic rule of thumb in the music business is, if you want a share of the songwriting credit, you better insist on it at the inception of the song. Get everything in writing up front. You face a long uphill battle if you try & come back years after the song's been recorded & assert that you deserve joint credit.

One of the things that perplexed the most about Levon's book is his assertion that Robbie somehow hoodwinked him & the other members of The Band over songwriting credit & other business related matters. How could someone like Levon, with all his years of experience in the business, not have the savvy to know how these things work.

I don't feel like I'm in any position to conjecture on what brought about this. After all we're all human; we live & we learn. In business, the fountain pen is mightier than the sword.

Wed Jul 22 14:03:50 MET DST 1998

Mr. K.H.

To D.P.: Please note that I too cannot be held accountable for recent adverse remarks made on this guestbook.

Wed Jul 22 13:17:21 MET DST 1998

Rick

Re: the "other albums for Band fans". Check out "Mermaid Avenue"- Billy Bragg & Wilco. Gotta love the sounds they are bringing to these old Woody songs. The spirit and intent of The Band, but as Elvis Costello said The Band was really a musical cul de sac. No one else ever came close! BTW: In a 1993 interview, Levon named Uncle Tupelo's "Anodyne" as one of his currrent favorite albums. The late great UT, of course, spawned Wilco and Son Volt. I agree with Levon, "Anodyne" is a classic.

Wed Jul 22 09:21:39 MET DST 1998

Rod Prowse

I don't know if any one else has commented yet but Dag.E.Braathen's picture of The Band and Dylan in '74 is the first picture I've ever seen of Robbie playing a solid body Gibson with The Band. Normally he would play either a Telecaster or Stratocaster. In a 1976 edition of Guitar Player he mentioned how he couldn't do the things he was use to on a Gibson. I have seen other pictures from the 1974 tour of Dylan playing the same guitar. Enough trivia.

Wed Jul 22 07:32:49 MET DST 1998

DP

George, it wasn't me that did any of those recent posts...AP has my phone number! Further on down the road!

Wed Jul 22 06:34:45 MET DST 1998

A Fan

YEEEEEEAAAAAAAHHHHHHH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ANDREW!!!!!! I couldn't have said it better myself!!!!!!!!!!!

Wed Jul 22 01:31:14 MET DST 1998

Andrew

I would like to thank tiny for his heads up on JUBILATION. I can not wait!

Also I am impressed (as always) with the depth and substance of both David and Peter in their recent posts.The two case studies that David points out help to better define for me what constitutes the building of a song. Although, I essentially agree with the first point you made, David, the songwriting credit goes to who takes it.

I don't think any of the other guys in the Band were real interested in discussiing buisness in that respect, probably preferring instead to get high or laid (and who hasn't chose pleasure over business in his/her past, well probably RR). That left the door open for Grossman and RR to take what they wanted (and maybe felt justified in doing so). I don't know. I wasn't there.

What I do feel I know is that it sucks. I really don't doubt that RR was the principal songwriter for the group. I am dead certain (as much as someone out of the loop can be) that RR brought to the group the basic song (with some exceptions with Richard's contributions). The rest of the fellows took their lips off off whatever they were on (joint, drink, lip, etc) and added significantly to the finished product. Whether they helped with the bridge, chorus, lyrics, I don't know. But they helped to define and create those songs. That I am sure of. I feel that this collaberation was something akin to that in the DFA group, principal songwriters with bits and pieces added to the mix. I don't believe that either Levon or Rick or Garth are principal songwirters but they can sure help make it great..

How can I be so sure. My belief is in the work that RR has done in his solo career. It is just not as good for one (name any song that he has done that would make you top 15 of Band songs, be honest) and the fact that he has had to use numerous collaberators. Peter makes a solid argument for that saying that he now writes on ethnic themes. That doesn't make sense to me. That is to say that as a Canadian he could capture the feel and sounds of , what I consider, pure Americana (without significant help), but would not be able to capture the sound and feel of Native American music. HE is an Indian!!!!.

Hey I respect RR and admire him as a musician. I would probably say nicer things about him if he stopped saying them so much himself.

Wed Jul 22 00:02:22 MET DST 1998

frank dracman

VH1 has been running a few different episodes of "the best of Ed Sullivan" lately (all music acts). I caught the end of one called folk rock and I saw a clip of the Band's '69 appearance (their only one I'm just about positive) doing Cripple Creek. I've only seen clips and on this show they play the whole song. Does anyone know when it's going to air again? ALSO - In this sight there's a great picture of Ed and The Band after the performance (i printed it and it's on my refrigerator).

Tue Jul 21 23:20:16 MET DST 1998

Dan Hearn

I need some advice: Are the Japan recent re-releases of of The Band's catalog superior in sound quality to the U.S. releases? It's going to be mighty expensive to replace my cd's!

Tue Jul 21 22:52:20 MET DST 1998

Peter Viney

David is citing copyright law. It's straightforward - you get paid for performing, you get paid separately for writing. They're two different things. Contracts happen to have favoured the writer over the performer in financial terms. I don't think either of us is trying to be contentious nor step on anyone's toes. What we're doing is stating how things are (as RR says "This is the way of it …" - Twisted Hair, for those who don't recognise the quote).

On a non-contentious note, thanks for the info Tiny Montgomery. I repeat my posting - my local store has it listed as 3rd August. Any confirmation from the Band camp?

Tue Jul 21 22:12:48 MET DST 1998

David Powell

I'm not trying to rationalize & justify anything; I'm just attempting to examine what exactly constitutes copyright protection for songwriting credit.

In furtherance of that goal, here are two precedent rulings from U.S. case law:

"Inconsequential melodic and harmonic embellishments such are frequently improvised by any competent musician are de minimis contributions and do not qualify for copyright protection since they are technical improvisations in common vocabulary of music." _McIntyre v. Double-A Music Corp._ (1958, District Court, Ca.)

"If performer of musical composition, in consumating work by transforming it into sound, contributes by his interpretation something of novel, intellectual, or artistic value, he has participated in creation of product in which he is entitled to right of property which in no way overlaps or duplicates that of author in the musical composition." _Waring v. WDAS Broadcasting Station, Inc._ (1937, Pa.)

These are just two examples of how disputes over copyright interests are complicated matters that usually require a court and/or jury to resolve, resulting in years of litigation.

Tue Jul 21 20:35:25 MET DST 1998

John

Hey Tiny, you really know how to whet the old appetite. It makes perfect sense to include works by quality songwriters with a style of real relevance to the Band's best work of the past. Haitt,Charles,Toussaint and some things from Jim Weider for sure. I sure hope 'Spirit of the Dance' isn't a RR tune. The only RR tune that would be acceptaple on a Band album these days is as an collaborative effort with the Band. You know,like the old days. But I don't want to go down the old song credits road again re: blood brothers Viney+Powell recent rationalizations and justifications which are totally irrelevant in this case!

October is an eternity. Hell a person could "wake up dead" before then.

Tue Jul 21 19:58:05 MET DST 1998

David Powell

I may have over-simplfied things a bit in my previous posting. I guess the main area of contention is exactly what constitutes a contribution that deserves authorship credit and what recourse one has if they believe they've been denied proper credit.

I don't know if the publishing industry has rules or guidelines set up to arbitrate such disputes. I imagine that the federal courts would resolve such an issue. One who seeks to receive proper credit would probably have to prove that they contributed some distinctive or essential element to the song at the time of its origination.

Tue Jul 21 17:46:49 MET DST 1998

tiny MONTGOMERY

HERE IT IS FOLKS, the complete track listing for the Band's new album titled "JUBILATION". "Book Faded Brown," "Don't Wait,""Last Train To Memphis," a Bobby Charles tune with Eric Clapton on Slide Guitar? "High Cotton,""Kentucky Downpour," "Bound By Love,' John Hiatt tune "White Cadillac," If I Should Fail,''Spirirt of The Dance,"(kinda sounds like a Robbie Title Doesn't it?I'm 100% sure it isn't)"A Blind Fools Love," (Allen Toussaint tune) " Where Did All The French Girls Go?" ( an original Garth Hudson comp. I have a good feeling about this one)! We'll there you have my friends. Odctober 6th is going to be a long wait! The label (River North) claims the record sounds like a 1968 Band record! Hmmm.....pretty big words to throw out there!This information was attained from ICE CD NEWSLETTER, August issue.

Tue Jul 21 16:22:37 MET DST 1998

Mark Ishkanian

Is anyone out there willing to make me a vhs copy of The Band Classic Albums TV show? I would love to see that show and would be more than willing to send a blank tape. THanks.

Tue Jul 21 15:36:41 MET DST 1998

David Powell

In response to Andrew's query regarding songwriting credit, I think the simple answer is basically who gets listed on the various paper forms filed with the publisher & the copyright office. When a song is recorded & published a form is filled out for the publisher that lists the author(s)' name(s). The publishing company administers the collection of fees associated with the recording & performance of the work. The work is registered with the copyright office which oversees the protection of the work under the copyright laws. Performing rights organizations such as BMI & ASCAP help represent songwriters & publishers in administering the licensing & in the collection of fees associated with the performance or use of the songs throughout the world.

If a dispute arises over whether or not a protected work has been properly attributed, it's usually up to a court of law to decide. Of course the copyright regsitration is an important piece of evidence in this process; so a songwriter who has not received credit must offer evidence to the contrary in order to establish authorship. To prevail this evidence must be rather precise in order to disprove the written record. In other words, it takes more than vague recollections to prove authorship.

Tue Jul 21 11:57:05 MET DST 1998

Peter Viney

Can anyone retell me how to do a paragraph break in Netscape? Whatever I do on my Mac, it comes out as continuous text on the site.

Peter,
Take a look here to see how to insert paragraphs into a guestbook entry. (I inserted paragraphs below, btw).
--JH

Tue Jul 21 11:55:05 MET DST 1998

Peter Viney

More on songwriting credits.

(Especially) in the early days of rock, credits were often rewards for all sorts of things – Elvis took a share on some songs as a reward for cutting them, various managers took percentages, and Ronnie Hawkins has said of the Hawkins / MacGill credits that he didn’t even know who MacGill was (this is a long story – and it’s elsewhere on the site).

So, discount those. Many rock songs are collaborations between two people – Lennon / McCartney, Goffin / King, Jagger / Richards, Pomus / Schuman. McCartney and Lennon shared publishing but most songs were mainly by one or the other. Some co-writers split between lyrics and music, like Elton John & Bernie Taupin (traditionally considered 50 / 50). Judging from interviews, the Manuel / Dylan and Danko / Dylan songs were both like this.

Brian Wilson is a sadder case – he never seems to have had confidence in writing lyrics and used many co-writers. The songs all sound like Brian Wilson in the end. As for Mike Love … you said it Andrew. Let’s not hold him up as an example.

I can’t think of much where the whole group get credits – it seems to be the credit you put on a jam session or an instrumental filler (‘Jam’ on Watkins Glen is by ‘The Band’)

On ‘Big Pink’ Richard Manuel was nearly equal in songwriting credits. As has been pointed out here in the past, no one talks about the uncredited group contribution to ‘We Can Talk’ as an example of injustice. ‘In A Station’ and ‘Lonesome Suzie’ sound like the products of a single vision, while ‘We Can Talk’ (like ‘Chest Fever’ ) has the feel of the whole ensemble.

On ‘The Band’ three songs are Manuel / Robertson, and one is Helm / Robertson. ‘Stage Fright’ has one Helm / Robertson and two Manuel / Robertson (The melody of ‘Sleeping’ clearly comes from the same person as ‘Lonesome Suzie’ and ‘In A Station’). Alphabetical order implies equal shares. Thereafter, it’s mainly RR for the rest of the ride – read Levon’s book, and he admits that the others just took less interest.

As Andrew points out, RR tends to have collaborators on some songs nowadays. Maybe that’s because he uses themes based on ethnic materials – Paul Simon co-credited for the same reason. The end of the argument comes down to this – what has been written since 1976? Rick Danko did some good solo stuff, and a few contributions to D, F, A, but nothing for The Band. Garth & Levon haven’t really written anything significant. Richard wrote nothing in the last ten years. RR has written four solo albums as well as a number of soundtracks. I like them all, some of you don’t. But they’re evidence of a creative urge to write, whatever. I’m not holding up ‘writing’ as superior or more important than ‘interpreting’, I can think of many mundane songs made sublime by the interpreter.

Tue Jul 21 05:21:54 MET DST 1998

jane

I have patiently read comments for over a year now and held my peace. Succintly:

1. It is obvious that along with others RR has some personal probs(the bastardization of the last waltz was a disgrace)
2. We are all growing older, or not, and it shows
3. If you really watch a performance of the band, the "solo" performances show that all the music was a collective effort....that's what "The Band" stands for, n'cest pas?

Tue Jul 21 03:19:30 MET DST 1998

Jonathan Katz

Has anyone listened to the Zappa revision of "Hot Rats" on CD? Its a different album. "Peaches En Regalia" had the drums mixed down and one song [I can't remember which at this point] is completely different. I guess it was FZ's perogative, but I just don't like the CD like I liked the lp. Here's one lp that I'd take anytime [surface noise, pops, clicks and all] over the CD.

Tue Jul 21 03:06:27 MET DST 1998

Andrew

I believe that Peter's thought that we pay the person who originates the song has merit. I do have to doubt that it is the true definition of what gets a songwriter credit. I do not know this for a fact but I would like to see if anyone does have a definition (BMI, ASCAP) of how a songwriting credit is determined. Maybe some of the recent court verdicts on plagarism (John Fogerty. Bolton, Garth Brooks,etc) would be useful.

Personally (in my layman mentality), I think some recent events lend some weight to the fact that Levon, Rick Richard and Garth deserve some credit and money for their particiaption in composing the songs.

1. As I mentioned on this page some time ago, on VH-1's "Pop up Video", I saw that Sting received a half a songwriting credit for his addition on the "I want my, I want my , I want my MTV" to the end Dire Straights song "Money For Nothing". Now that little verse does nothing to the song (except maybe got it in heavy rotation on MTV ) and the song exists entriely on its own without it, yet old Gordon got credit for that (apparantly for the melody).Let's talk about Chect Fever!

2. Mike F&%*$#g Love sued Brian Wilson and won in court to receive money and credit on some of the earlier Beach Boys songs (Mike Love? maybe Levon and Rick should get a lawyer).

3. Did you notice that RR has not received credit for that many solo compositions in his four albums. In fact, more than half of the songs that he recorded were collarberations or covers (significantly more if you exclude his first album, which took 10 years to make). It is funny to think that as a "solo" artist, old RR has needed alot more help to get the songs together than when he was with a (The) Band (maybe he did need some help to finish the songs?).

Tue Jul 21 02:48:33 MET DST 1998

scott roy

This site is a real score. Great job. I've been thinkin about the Band lately, it's been 25yrs this month since I saw them my one and only time in Watkins Glen NY a time I'll never forget.

Mon Jul 20 22:59:01 MET DST 1998

Bones

Does anyone know if the August 12th airing of Politically Incorrect with Robbie is a repeat of his earlier appearance.

Mon Jul 20 22:12:15 MET DST 1998

Travis

I have a signed Jericho Poster. It was signed in 1994 by Rick Danko, Richard Bell, Garth Hudson, Randy Ciarlante, Jim Weider, and Levon Helm. Anyone interested in purchase. It is foam mounted and can be easily framed. I can provide pic via email. (Fri 11:06pm MET)

Mon Jul 20 16:04:12 MET DST 1998

Dan Blood

My claim to fame in high school was to bring Zappa's Hot Rats into the Spanish lab where I convinced the Spanish teacher to play it for everyone over the headsets. BTW, Capt. Beefheart is a painter of some renoun now. He has a website Remember: "standin' on the porch of the Lido Hotel / froozies in the lobby love the way I sell / Hot Rats / Hot kicks"

Mon Jul 20 15:49:36 MET DST 1998

BOB MARLEY

Everybody: Had the opportunity to see Danko perform at the American Music Festival in Rochester N.Y. on July 18. Show was lackluster and rather dull. Rick didn't seem to be into it at all. The few fans that did gather round what was one of two stages set up did clap after a few songs that for the most part wre Ricks usual song list ( nothing new here). He introduced himself afeter introdicing the band members as "And I'm Levon Helm". Most of the the crowd whic overall numbered in the hundreds seemed preoccupied in going toward the other stage did not seem the least bit inetersted in hearing Rick perform. In Rochester on a hot day in July 1998 at least it appears Ricks best days are behind him. Too much "same old - same old". Didn't even hang around long enough to say yah hey to old friends. Perhaps a rekindling with Eric Andersen and company would be in order. Time for Rick to get his "entire" house in order! eder

Mon Jul 20 15:41:53 MET DST 1998

David Powell

Peter Viney brought out some interesting points regarding the practice of giving composer's credit to the originator of the song's concept. This seems to be the established principle.

When Miles Davis recorded his classic _Kind Of Blue_ album, the late Bill Evans worked on the arrangements but Davis received the credit. Dylan is notorious for his practice of entering the studio with just the bare outlines or sketches of the material he intends to record. Often his songs were literally written during the sessions with his accompanying musicians helping to flesh out the ideas.

In Hollywood, where often up to a half a dozen writers will work on the screen play for a movie, the screen writer's guild gives major recognition to the first writer on board the project. So many times, by the time the movie reaches the screen, even though several other writers have changed or deleted what the original screen writer contributed to the final script, he or she receives major credit.

Mon Jul 20 11:12:37 MET DST 1998

Peter Viney

Three different things. 1) I was in my local MVC record store this morning. The list of forthcoming releases poster on the wall said: THE BAND 03/08/98 (as it’s a British notice that means 3rd August – two weeks time). I asked the guy and he said he guessed it had been brought forward so as to avoid a major rush of popular albums (like R.E.M.) in September. So! 2) Thanks to Pat for suggesting "Rock & Roll Doctor". You’re the third person to mention this title within a fortnight, and I was buying it at MVC when I saw The Band notice. It even has my favourite track, ‘Trouble’ with Ry Cooder on guitar. I see no one dared attempt ‘Willin’. 3) Mr Rotten. I agree with Pat that The Captain is "interesting," even "impressive" and "thought-provoking" rather than "enjoyable". But I am fond of Willie The Pimp from "Hot Rats" which is the only one I can hum from memory. Wasn’t Ry Cooder with Beefheart’s first line-up? Anyway, there was an excellent (and long) British TV documentary on Beefheart a few months ago. Might have been BBC. It was broadcast the same week as The Band ‘Classic Albums’ and had footage of the Safe As Milk line-up playing on a beach and hilarious comments from former Magic Band members.

Mon Jul 20 06:10:50 MET DST 1998

Eric Burdon

People were happy when Danko left the stage so WAR could come on

Mon Jul 20 05:46:05 MET DST 1998

evan

id love to get some band tapes or video-anything live. where can i will someone please help me out

Mon Jul 20 04:13:43 MET DST 1998

Pat Brennan

I don't know, but why am I so entertained by people who call me names. It's happened a couple of times this week and it's just...amusing, I guess. Most people I know bought Trout Mask Replica for the funny cover. Beefheart is very interesting; I think he's a better visual artist than musician. He'd certainly be amused by someone using him as a benchmark for hipness. I liked his work with Zappa too. One of Lowell George's employers (Weasels Ripped My Flesh). Does anyone have the LOOK or LIFE Magazine article on the Band Circa 1969? I recall some mention of joint ownership of Canaan Music, their publishing arm at the time. BTW, check out About To Die and Song 2 Side one of Salty Dog by Procul Harum. Both choruses sound very Band-ish.

Mon Jul 20 02:31:19 MET DST 1998

John

John Donabie: Spooner and Penn played a club in Phila.,Pa about 2 weeks ago. It was a pleasure to finally see these veterans perform. I didn't recognize all the songs but the ones I remember were: Blues of the month club,It don't get no better than this, Nobody's fool, Do right, Cry like a baby, I'm your puppet and Lodi{CCR}. The crowd was really into it. After all how often does anyone get to hear such soulfully funky r+b and country done with such panache?

Mon Jul 20 02:07:52 MET DST 1998

Linny

VH1 had top 100 artists voted by artists. The Band came in at 81 . Bob Dylan came in at number 5 . And of course the stones were 2 , and The Beatles no.1 . Njoy your day.

Mon Jul 20 00:46:54 MET DST 1998

Johnny Rotten

Yes, Lowell George. Now were on the right track. Very solid harmonics on the Waiting for Columbus version of Dixie Chicken. By the way losers, how does Beefheart's Trout Mask Replica sound to your sensitive ears? I can hear your pathetic wining already, Where's the melody? Anyway, he has been one source of inspiration for Rotten.

Mon Jul 20 00:07:45 MET DST 1998

john donabie

TO DAVID POWELL:

David could you send me a private e-mail. I had a bad computer crash and lost your e-mail address. Thank You.

Mon Jul 20 00:01:07 MET DST 1998

Coopie

I have to say i am somewhat of a new fan and I really enjoy reading all the inputs that everyone shares. I have to say i have been missing out on some awesome music. Lars - I am the fiesty blonde who spilt beer down your back and had the elbow dance on your body.... that night my friends brought me to the show so i could see what good music was all about. That was the first time i had ever saw Levon play and I thought the music and the people were great. The place was packed that night and I almost didn't get to see the show. The music really gets down into your heart and soul and I thank my friend for turning me on to such great music.... i had no idea what i was missing

Sun Jul 19 22:23:51 MET DST 1998

Pat Brennan

Rock 'n Roll Doctor: A tribute to Lowell George is a must for all Band fans, even Johnny Rotten.

Sun Jul 19 18:59:05 MET DST 1998

just wonderin'

Anyone out there like Chris Rea? Some of his writing reminds me of Robertson's writing.

Sun Jul 19 15:10:58 MET DST 1998

Peter Viney

Joe, I think we agree that the instrumentation on Chest Fever is awesome, and I remember what RR said about 'dummy lyrics' (I like them as they are, from what I can hear). Jolene (on the RR site) just quoted RR to me from VH1 (I still don't have this) and he said "No songs with my name were written by anybody else." It'd be great to hear what went on in the studio, but we never will! The Classic albums video made me think "Wouldn't it be great if they put the 4 track master on a CD - Rom as four separable tracks' (The same being true of many other great albums).

Sun Jul 19 13:27:07 MET DST 1998

Joel Billy

I'd like to see Rick D 8/7 @ Hicksville Common. Where the hell is it? Somebody please tell me. There's a drink in it for you.

Sun Jul 19 01:55:55 MET DST 1998

joe frey

peter, I don't disagree with your analysis. The question i have is whether RR came into the studio with a complete song or just a framework of a song. you will recall that many times RR was quoted as saying that the lyrics used were dummy lyrics. it seemed that the song was never completely put together. i think that this might have been one of the songs which evolved in the studio into something substantially more than what RR brought to the dance. joe

Sat Jul 18 22:33:35 MET DST 1998

Peter Viney

Who wrote ‘Chest Fever’? What follows has been pointed out here before, and has been said better. But it bears repeating. Since Levon’s autobiography ‘Chest Fever’ has been held up as an example of supposedly misplaced credits. It was quoted again today. There are a lot of musicians out there and you know the score (no pun intended). Answer these: Who wrote ‘Like A Rolling Stone’? The organ part by Al Kooper was a major part of the song’s success. But Dylan is listed as composer, not Kooper. What do you remember about ‘Eleanor Rigby’? George Martin’s string arrangement? But who was the composer? Paul McCartney. What instrument do you remember in ‘Penny Lane’? The trumpet? No credit though. When Miles Davis’ quintet created their tracks jointly, Miles Davis got composer credits, not the others. Frank Sinatra doesn’t get a composer’s credit on ‘My Way.’ There are even Carpenter’s tracks I’ll listen to just for the guitar break (We’ve Only Just Begun). No credit. Neither the singer nor the bass player get a composer’s credit on Marvin Gaye’s sublime ‘I Heard It through the Grapevine.’ It doesn’t matter whether this seems fair or not, this is the way it is. The composer asks someone to play or sing a part. They play or sing it ten times as well as the composer had ever imagined. They add new depths. They take the song to a different plane. This is what great musicians do. They rarely get a share of publishing for doing so. The original intro to ‘Chest Fever’ was a classical lift, as Garth has been quick to tell anyone. As it developed its new and esoteric dimensions, the intro got listed as a separate track – ‘The Genetic Method’ (Hudson). That’s fair. We don’t know who thought of the main riff that Garth made so majestic. Presumably Robertson. Then he gets the composer’s credit. Maybe there are other ways, but when Dylan asks Mark Knopfler on a session, when Paul Simon forms the Graceland band or when The Band created ‘The Weight’, there is still the concept of the original composer. Many creative enterprises, especially music and film, are essentially collaborative creative efforts. We still pay the money to the guy who originated the idea.

Sat Jul 18 20:21:03 MET DST 1998

lester atlas

lucinda williams,shawn colvin,ry cooder,seatrain,jimmy buffett????? You people are really streching any professed connection or similarity with the Band. Give it up!

Is everyone tired of one j.croce ranting about nothing and adding nothing to any pertinent discussion here? This person basically answers his own posts as he goes by-freddy fishstick,jake holman.little john tyler.norm paperman,spider john,virgil cohen,l'i abner and assorted bears{td}. I'm sure there are many other alias also and now new ones for this person to invent. Don't answer this person for any reason and maybe he will go away. This person is a menace and a harrasser and a stalker of the chatroom. All in all this is a nice site with appartently normal people,wwhich is unusal for the internet.

Sat Jul 18 19:04:55 MET DST 1998

Kris

I apologise if this is not the place to ask this, but I'm looking for the complete Last Waltz 4CDset. Anyone have a hint? Thanks

Sat Jul 18 07:20:29 MET DST 1998

Ben

Does anyone know if Robertson will play live in addition to the Aug. 20 show in Boulder?

Sat Jul 18 07:18:38 MET DST 1998

Ben Fishkin

I love the music and the news!

Sat Jul 18 06:39:19 MET DST 1998

Blind Willie McTell

Modern day Band fans may enjoy, Grant Lee Buffalo's Jubilee CD, The Gandharvas Sold For A Smile CD and the second CD of Van Morrison's The Philosopher's Stone. Blind Willie

Sat Jul 18 04:00:10 MET DST 1998

John Donabie

TO JOHN FROM PENNA:

Just wondering where you saw Dan Penn & Spooner. Was it N.Y.C.? I would love to see those guys perform anywhere anytime.

Sat Jul 18 01:34:35 MET DST 1998

ELLEN LOCKHART

I AM THE GRANDMOTHER OF JIMMY ARNOLD'S GRANDAUGHTER, HER MOTHER IS AMANDA ARNOLD, AND I AM VERY INTERESTED IN ANY INFORMATION ON OR ABOUT JIMMY. I AM VERY PROUD OF THE FACT THAT MY GRANDAUGHTER SIDNEY HAS SUCH A TALENTED PERSON IN THE BACKGROUND.

Sat Jul 18 01:16:54 MET DST 1998

Freddy Fishstick

On June 6, 1982, Bob Dylan performed three songs at the anti-nuke rally at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena California. The first tune was "With God on our Side"; the final tune was "Blowin". For the second tune Joan Baez joined him to cover "A Pirate Looks at Forty" by Jimmy Buffett.

Weeks later off an obscure island in the Caribbean Sea, Dylan invited Buffett for lunch (buffet style?) aboard the Water Pearl.

Such is the first recorded link between the man some call the "Father of the Band" and my would be alter ego who wrote about Mother Ocean.

To those self- appointed experts and would be music critics who visit this site and to the quasi humans who pass thru the asylum/zoo that now is the chatroom, I wear your anti-Buffett scorn as a badge of honor. I remain the self appointed, but only half serious, link between the music I enjoy most -The Band & Jimmy Buffett. "If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane".

Fri Jul 17 23:25:10 MET DST 1998

joe frey

goldmine magazine just announced that their august 14th issue will feature Robbie Robertson. since goldmine usually does a rather extensive historical piece on their cover feature, this should be interesting. it will certainly fuel the fire for this guestbook. will RR be recounting history or revionist history? i would love to see them ask the question "why isn't garth credtied for chest fever?" oh well, should be interesting and the timing, i guess, is meant to coincide with the pbs special. joe

Fri Jul 17 23:08:17 MET DST 1998

Travis

I have a signed Jericho Poster. It was signed in 1994 by Rick Danko, Richard Bell, Garth Hudson, Randy Ciarlante, Jim Weider, and Levon Helm. Anyone interested in purchase. It is foam mounted and can be easily framed. I can provide pic via email. (Fri 11:06pm MET)

Fri Jul 17 23:08:06 MET DST 1998

Peter Viney

Tiny Montgomery: Yes, August issue of Mojo. It's called "The American Giants Issue" and the cover features Joni Mitchell, James Brown, Randy Newman, Gene Clark, Dr John & Prince. p10 has the RAH article "Judas! The second Coming" Also reviewed in this issue is LARGO (at last). Lucinda Williams review is p99 by Charlotte Greig. (Mojo remains THE rock magazine).Dylan quote is from Clinton Heylin, "He thought it (Guitars Kissing) was too clean. In terms of power the original mono mix has something which 'Guitar Kissing' lacks." It only came out in the UK yesterday.

Fri Jul 17 22:19:02 MET DST 1998

Rod Prowse

Robbie Robertson and Neil Finn,the two greatest song writers of all time together at the same gig - fantastic ! Just a pity I live thousands of miles away. And if any body calls Finn an Australian, I call Robbie an American

Fri Jul 17 21:54:05 MET DST 1998

Lars

OOPS! Sorry, the Tinker Street Cafe is in Woodstock, NY., not Kingston.

Fri Jul 17 21:49:41 MET DST 1998

brin

Talk of Donnie Fritts, Dan Penn, and music Band fans would enjoy makes me think of Arthur Alexander, whose biggest hits were made in that odd and underappreciated (musically) post-R'n'R/pre-Beatles era. Best known today as a songwriter covered by the Beatles and Stones among many others, AA's own recordings (backed by some very sympathetic players who later became key Memphis/Muscle Shoals figures) of his and others' songs are the ones not to miss. Rock solid and homespun, urgent but never frantic, these are songs and sounds from that timeless place where country, R'n'R, blues, soul, and gospel come together and all come away a little bit changed. Good best-of's (with beaucoup duplication)are available on Kent (more songs) and Razor & Tie (has his '72 recording of "Everyday I Have to Cry") while "Rainbow Road" on Warner Archives is from the early '70s and features the original version of "Burnin' Love" and some very tasty back-up from Steve Cropper. 1993's "Lonely Just Like Me," released just months before Alexander's death (and a tour w/Los Lobos), has some old songs, some new ones, and many of the musicians who played w/him 30 years before. Listening to these sides cold, you'd have a hard time knowing which were recorded in 1962 and which in 1992. Great, great stuff.

Fri Jul 17 21:37:55 MET DST 1998

Lars

The other day I was talking to a fellow Bandhead and we were talking about our favorite Band concerts, there have been some great ones. However, the concert experience seems to vary from person to person. A good example is the Carnegie Hall '97 concert, where I thought I never heard it so good. I've read other people's reviews of that show and they called it disappointing. So I guess it's in the eye of the beholder.

So, in a different kind of review, I'd like to pass on to others my ten best venues, the ten best places I've seen the Band, the Crowmatix, Danko, or the Honky Tonk Gurus. I'm basing this list soley on how good of a time I had, not the performance (so if someone got beer poured down their shirt in one of the following places, all I can say is I'm glad they missed me and I have no complaints).

1. Carnegie Hall (I think even Gov Patacki had a good time).

2. The Music Shed (May '97): The Band played without Danko and the afternoon show wasn't up to their usual standard, but this is one BEAUTIFUL concert hall. Located in Norfolk, Conn.

3. The Studio, Pittsfield, Mass. Not fancy like the first two, but I had a great place to watch it from and I thought Levon and the Crowmatix played really well. The opening act was great, too: Max Creek.

4. Old Lantern Inn, (Sept '96) in upstate (Vergennes?) Vermont. People were hanging off the rafters.

5. The Music Hall (Dec of '96) in Tarrytown, NY: Cozy theatre atmosphere where every seat is good.

6. Starlight Musical Theatre (Aug. '96) in Latham, NY: I enjoyed the kids dancing in the aisles, and I liked the parts when I could SEE the Band on this revolving stage.

7. Bodle's Opera House (July '98 show), Chester,NY. This is where Levon came out with the Crowmatix and showed me what guts is all about.

8. Towne Crier Cafe (Feb '98 Danko show) in Pawling, NY: Even in an ice storm, everyone came out for good food and good music.

9. West Strand Grille (March '98 Honky Tonk Gurus) in Kingston, NY: true, we had to remain standing, but this is a great place to hear Jim Weider, Randy, and the rest of the Gurus.

10. Tinker Street Cafe (March '98 Crowmatix) in Kingston, NY: Actually, a beer DID go down my back, and I got elbowed about 19 times by this dancing, fiesty blonde chick (I would have moved if it bothered me), but the Boys played some great music through the smokey haze. A small place with a lot of soul.

Fri Jul 17 21:22:43 MET DST 1998

John

John Donabie- Thanks for the info and suggestion concerning Donnie Fritts. Just the other week I saw Dann Penn and Spooner perform and it was a throughly enjoyable show. Those boys sounded goood! So i'll be looking for the Fritts cd tomorrow,much obliged.

Fri Jul 17 20:31:13 MET DST 1998

tiny MONTGOMERY

Peter Viney, Is that the August issue of MOJO you are referring to, and if so who is on the cover? Out west, I just barely got the July issue .It has a small piece on the Basement Tapes, with quotes from Robbie and Levon! I have written MOJO AT leats three times to suggest a cover story on THE LAST WALTZ (The greatest concert ever!);perhaps, some of you guestbook folks could do the same! It would make for a Great article to get interviews with some or all of the performers. There must be a million stories to tell, and I'm not talking about Levon's or Robbie's story, we've all heard that! It would be nice to hear about that night from Niel, Joni, Van, E.C., The Hawk, Bob(Highly unlikely), or Ringo!

Fri Jul 17 19:19:58 MET DST 1998

David Powell

Jonathan, maybe Greil Marcus sometimes gets lost in examining the substance of a song instead of stepping back & focusing on the overall form & spirit of the music.

I think the significance of the Anthology's songs lies in the varied perspectives & different musical forms in which the songs "voices" choose to tell their stories. In this collection of ballads, country laments, blues, spirituals, jug band romps & other various folk forms the listener is presented with so many different & wonderous ways a story can be told.

I remember the first time I heard the basement tapes, _John Wesley Harding_ & _Music From Big Pink_ & wondering where in the world did these great songs come from. Then came the brown album & Stage Fright. All these stories with characters like Luke, Anna Lee, Virgil Caine, Willie Boy & Daniel with his sacred harp still sound so real & fresh & yet so ancient at the same time

How did the music of this Band evolve out of the bar room rock & roll & raucus backing of Dylan in concert into all the subtle, various forms of music presented in their first few albums? I think Harry Smith's Anthology was a signpost pointing the way into all those directions..

Fri Jul 17 19:10:23 MET DST 1998

John Donabie

RE: ALBUMS BAND FANS WOULD LOVE.

Who could get Dann Penn, Spooner Oldham, Billy Swan, Kris Kristofferson, Willie & Waylon, Lucinda Williams, Delbert McClinton andJohn Prine to sing and play along with you?

The artist that I just bought today. The legendary Muscle Shoals man Donnie Fritts. The CD is on Prine's label, Oh Boy records and is called "Everybody's Got A Song." Fritts like his pal Dan Penn who I highly recommend have written some of the finest songs over the years. Check it out along with Dan Penn's "Do Right Man" and Nobody's Fool."

Fri Jul 17 19:10:10 MET DST 1998

Bundy

To: The Old Chili Pepper: I'm drivin to Rochester and your going to have to forget about your academy for a few hours cause your comming along too. " Too early to tell - wouldn't be prudent to say" but I think I can pursuade Kicking Horse to make the trip too. He's been dancin around the fire and paintin up his face every nite cause he's still teed off at R. R. not respondin to your request about financial support for the International LaCrosse Tournanment going on down in Baltimore. Who knows? He might be thinkin about goin out on the "WAR PATH". In any case I hope he doesn't decide to make Rochester the spot where he makes his last stand. Danko should be in good form Hopefully in good spirits??? " What a Show - What a Show".

Fri Jul 17 18:26:10 MET DST 1998

Peter Viney

I’m intrigued by Johnny Rotten. Three questions. 1) Are you the spitting puppet created by Malcolm Mclaren, and so cleverly performed by John Lyndon. 2) Are you John Lyndon himself? 3) Are you instead the character from ‘Out of The Blue – Into The Black’ by Neil Young on ‘Rust Never Sleeps’? The last (only the last) would be cool. ‘Mezzanine’ was listed in Mojo as Jean Michel Jarre’s latest record purchase. Lucinda Williams got a stunningly good review in the same issue. The same issue seems to suggest that the long-awaited ‘Royal Albert Hall’ might be back to mono – it says Dylan was unsatisfied with the ‘clean’ stereo sound as heard on the ‘Guitars Kissing’ bootleg.

Fri Jul 17 17:27:39 MET DST 1998

Bones

To John Donabie: Thanks for answering my post. I'm looking forward to the official release. I hope they do it justice.

They just announced the winners of the Ralph Gleason awards, and the Band is featured in two of the top three books on Rock and Roll this year. First place went to "Mansion on the Hill" which mentions a lot about Grossman and a little about the Band. Third place went to "Invisible Republic". Great year for reading about the Band. Have a nice weekend!

Fri Jul 17 16:56:08 MET DST 1998

Jonathan Katz

I like listening to the Anthology, and I think that the collection certainly was influential in shaping what was to come. Certainly the music itself, whether collected by Harry Smith or not, shaped what was to come. But my feeling is that Greil Marcus overstates that influence. And I think that he was more involved in free association on what that music meant to him than he was interested in a scholarly examination of what its influence really was. A better critique of Marcus than any I can provide can be found on Clinton Heylin's site: http://www.heylin.demon.co.uk/RENTARAN.HTM

Fri Jul 17 16:55:28 MET DST 1998

Scott

Favorite non Band albums: 1)Los Lobos,Kiko 2)Cowboy Junkies,Lay it down 3)The Jayhawks,Sound of lies 4)Steve Earle, I feel alright 5)Gillian Welch, Revival, 6)Son Volt,Traces 7)Willie Nelson,Spirit 8)Wilco,Being there 9)Jules Shear,Between us 10)Neil Young,Broken arrow,Freedom,Tonights the night 11)Doc Watson,Memories 12)Mississippi John Hurt,Avalon blues 13)Iris DeMent,Infamous angel 14)Tommy Jarrell+Fred Cockerham,Best fiddle banjo duets 15)Elvis Costello,All this useless beauty,King of america........BOX SETS:1)Anthology of american folk music 2)Sounds of the south 3)Muddy Waters,The chess box 4)Johnny Cash,The essential 5)Lead Belly,Last Sessions 6)BB King,King of the blues........ I could go on + on + on.......

Fri Jul 17 15:07:34 MET DST 1998

David Powell

As Ben Pike pointed out, Harry Smith's _Anthology of American Folk Music_ is essential for fans of The Band's music. It is also, in fact, the Rosetta stone in understanding contemporary American music & the influence of that music, past & present.

The _Anthology_, some 84 songs compiled by Harry Smith, was originally issued by Folkways Records in 1952. It was reissued last year as a lavish six CD set with booklets & extensive liner notes, including comments by Greil Marcus. This compendium of recordings of old time artists, such as Doc Boggs, Blind Lemon Jefferson, the Carter Family & many, many others, helped bring about a folk music revival when it was originally released.

In his book about the basement tapes, _Invisible Republic_, Greil Marcus says that: "...Smith's _Anthology_ is a back drop to the basement tapes. More deeply, it is a version of them, and the basement tapes a shambling, twilight version of Smith's Anthology, which was itself anything but obivious."

I came across a section in Mark Twain's _Adventures of Huckleberry Finn_ recently that describes the spirit of music like that contained in Harry Smith's Anthology. Huck's narration reads as follows: "And the minute the words was out of his mouth somebody over in the crowd struck up the doxolojer, and everybody joined in with all their might, and it just warmed you up and made you feel good as church letting out. Music _is_ a good thing; and after all that soul-butter and hogwash, I never see it freshen up things so, and sound so honest and bully."

Fri Jul 17 12:31:30 MET DST 1998

John Donabie

BONES:

CHECKED WITH SONY YESTERDAY. DYLAN/HAWKS 66 HAS BEEN DELAYED UNTIL MID-SEPTEMBER. ONE OF THE RUMOURED REASONS IS THAT DYLAN HAS CONSENTED TO RE-RELEASING HIS FIRST FOUR ALBUMS WITH EXTRA TRACKS. THEY MAY ALL COME OUT AROUND THE SAME TIME.

Fri Jul 17 06:51:14 MET DST 1998

Dan Blood

I have always thought that the Doobie Brothers "What A Fool Believes" had a certain "Band" allure to it. Must be the organ. And a song of Jackson Brown's from "Fast Times At Ridgemont High", which I cannot recall at this minute, reminds me of Garth's playin' and the Band's beat.

Hey Ry Cooder fans: Ditty Wah Ditty!!!

Fri Jul 17 06:07:18 MET DST 1998

Ben Pike

Well that little Rotton does have a mouth on him, don't he? I would like him to know I was among the ones who thought it was just a childish thing to do. Now, best non band albums for Band fans.... How bout Dr. John" In the right Place" Bobby Bland's "Two Steps from the Blues?" "Best of The Staple Singers" and this Harry Smith Folk Anthology too.......

Fri Jul 17 05:54:01 MET DST 1998

mic

Thank you for the response on Levon Tiny Montgomery

Fri Jul 17 01:43:05 MET DST 1998

Rob Walker

Recently, Levon has cancelled two gigs. Garth filled in at one, and soon Rick will be filling in for another (Rochester NY Blues Festival). Anyone heard anything about his health? Rob

Fri Jul 17 00:40:36 MET DST 1998

Freddy Fishstick

To The Real Dancin Bear

You stole the honey at $13.99. I paid jumbo shrimp denaro for the disc. The Band is worth the price. Spend your time like a wise bear and listen to the tunes. Regards to Buddy Bear & the still.

Fri Jul 17 00:31:19 MET DST 1998

The Real Dancing Bear

To Fred E. Fishstick: "Across the Great Divide" was in my mailbox 2 day -- $13.99 -- they're givin the tunes away.

Thu Jul 16 23:49:39 MET DST 1998

Bones

Does anyone know anything more about the official release of Dylan/Hawks '66. We talked about it for awhile, but I have not heard anything lately

Thu Jul 16 22:25:42 MET DST 1998

Peter Viney

Thanks to David for pointing me towards the new Lucinda Williams album, "Car Wheels On A Gravel Road", I don't care what anyone says, I love it. Bought it this morning and played it all day. Thanks also for the post on Muleskinner. With Peter Rowan & Richard Greene this is Seatrain - Mark II. I'm already looking for it.My whole point in posting "Non-Band albums for Band fans" was to spread a few good albums. Right after I posted, I thought "Ah! What about Ry Cooder's 'Into The Purple Valley'?" But 'Paradise and Lunch' will do equally as well.And Los Lobos.

Thu Jul 16 21:51:58 MET DST 1998

Johnny Rotten

Stop wasting my time. Lucinda Williams is just another Bob Dylan wannabe. Hasn't his stuff been rehashed enough? Another mundane singer songwriter, that your local public radio station claims is a genius. You people sicken me. You're a bunch of pompous, impressionable losers, living in a fantsy. For those of you who are sick of todays stagnant musical forms try listening to Massive Attack's Blue Lines or the new one Mezzanine. For those of you who feel cozy with the same old same old, go buy Lucinda's bore of a record that took six years to make. The only good thing about her, is her name, it reminds me of Newman and Cooder.

Thu Jul 16 14:37:44 MET DST 1998

David Powell

There are those of us here who have occassionally bemoaned the fact that Capital has so far chosen to release relatively inferior CD versions ot the first two Band albums. Several years ago Mobile Fidelity released superb vinyl & CD versions of Big Pink, but sadly those are both out of print. Recently, when JVC's plans to reissue a quality CD version of the "brown album" fell through, speculation arose as to whether or not Capital could locate the original master tapes for that album.

However, one important revelation from the Making of The Band Classic Album video is that some form of the session multi-track tapes apparently still exist. In the scenes where Levon & John Simon, and Robbie (elsewhere of course), sit at studio mixing boards & isolate different tracks, they are listening to multi-track session tapes. At one point Simon comments that they are basically four track recordings.

With the existence of these multi-track tapes, who needs Capital's original cutting master. It was more than likely "rolled-off", compressed & equalized, and therefore inferior to begin with anyway. Why not do a new mix from the session multi-tracks & create a new master?

I know this may sound like a pipe dream, but Capital recently released a deluxe box set of the Beach Boys' _Pet Sounds_ that includes a new stereo mix of that classic album, along with extensive backing tracks. Why not let someone like Steve Hoffman, who did such a great job on the DCC gold CD version of _Stage Fright_, work with a new mix of the brown album using the original session multi-tracks? At last maybe we'd get a quality CD & vinyl version of that album. Hoffman & DCC just recently released a great gold CD version of Al Green's Greatest Hits under license from EMI/Capital, so he's no stranger to the suits that run the label. Of course he'd have to get permission from the Band's members. Most likely Robertson has control of most of the rights. Maybe for once Robbie & Levon could agree on one thing & see that CD version of the brown album is finally released that does this great album justice.

Thu Jul 16 13:20:06 MET DST 1998

Typically Canadian

Since we are plugging Non-Band recordings:

Muleskinner Live - Muleskinner

I've always loved this one, not a bad song in the bunch. Peter Rowan, Clarence White, David Grisman, Richard Greene & Bill Keith. They only ever had this album and one other which was a studio. This one was recorded in 1973 in a California tv studio. It was re-released on cd by Sierra in 94 and a video of the performance is also available, I recommend getting both the cd and the video like I did, they both contain tracks that the other doesn't have.

Thu Jul 16 04:22:14 MET DST 1998

Charlie Young

Seatrain...wow, it's been a while since I heard that name. I saw them in concert in college and while they were not exactly as impressive as THE BAND, they did put on a helluva show. I still remember "Flute Thing" resonating across the gymnasium (as Zappa once said, "only in America do musicians have to resort to playing in venues designed for sweaty jocks). I have most of Seatrain's stuff on vinyl, but should see what's on CD...they were on the same record label as THE BAND and were often compared by critics in those days, too.

Thu Jul 16 03:52:58 MET DST 1998

Pat Brennan

Daniel Lanois is producing the new Willie Nelson album. This Boulder show is beginning to sound like a Lanois extravaganza. I recall two bands from the late seventies that had a certain "Band-ish" feel: the Pousette-Dart Band and the Dingoes. However, not having heard either in quite a while, I might change my mind upon another listen. I do remember Garth playing on the Dingoes first record.

Wed Jul 15 23:35:01 MET DST 1998

Pete Rivard

That Seatrain album is a classic. I'd add, in the non Band albums for Band fans category, Ry Cooder's PARADISE AND LUNCH, just about any Los Lobos efforts, and Mark Knopfler's GOLDEN HEART.

Wed Jul 15 21:51:56 MET DST 1998

Peter Viney

More silly lists time. Sorry to those it might annoy. But fun for some. BEST NON-BAND ALBUMS FOR BAND FANS. Ok, 1) GUITAR PREACHER – Link Wray. All of the ‘Link Wray’ vocal album plus other extracts from the Polydor Years, including bits from MORDICAI JONES, especially ‘Walkin’ in the Arizona Sun’ (though sadly missing Acuff’s ‘Precious Jewel’). ‘Link Wray’ (aka Wray’s Shack 3-Track) includes songs the Neville Bros covered – ‘Fallin’ Rain’ and ‘Fire & Brimstone’. When ‘Link Wray’ was released in 1971, Richard Williams said all fans of the brown album should check it out. I did. The other great guitarist with Native-American heritage. 2) SEATRAIN by Seatrain. Check out ‘Creepin’ Midnight’, ‘Sally Goodin’’ their version of ‘Willin’’ and the BEST Orange Blossom Special. What The Band would sound like with violin. 3) COLUMBIA COUNTRY CLASSICS VOL. 3: AMERICANA – the original ‘Long Black Veil’ plus ‘Wolverton Mountain’ , ‘Big Bad John’ and lots of obvious stuff. Some funny. All over the top. Some (Battle of New Orleans) unnecesarily unpleasant about we Limeys. 4) HIGH ON THE BLUES by JIMMY McCRACKLIN. Just ask Levon. Check out the original ‘I Finally Got You’ plus ‘Think’ but it’s all good. One for Levon’s followers. 5) DREAM SONG by LITTLE WOLF BAND. Only for Robbie fans. More from Native Americans collaborator Jim Wilson, including a very different ‘Twisted Hair.’ The rest of the list is everything by Van Morrison and everything by Taj Mahal. That takes us to about fifty.

Wed Jul 15 20:29:36 MET DST 1998

Bones

I cannot stop thinking about an actual Robbie Robertson concert! I just wish that I could go. What will he play? Just the Native American songs from the last two albums? First solo record songs with Daniel Lanois? Evangeline with Emmylou Harris? Any Band songs? WOW, it sure is fun thinking about the possibilities.

Wed Jul 15 20:22:12 MET DST 1998

Peter Viney

A note for European fans intent on acquiring Rick Danko in Concert & Souvenir by Levon & The Crowmatix (seriously, you NEED both). At last a source of copies in Britain. A new magazine with the perhaps unpreposessing title "Record Mart & Buyer" lists both available from SPIN in Newcastle, tel (0)191 261 4741. JAWBONE readers should have tried Lee first, but if you want to buy with a credit card and/or don't have dollars to send to Woodstock Music, it's another source. SPIN have always been good on Band albums.

Wed Jul 15 16:46:40 MET DST 1998

tiny MONTGOMERY

Mic and Murphy: Since no one else will answer you're question, I will tell you what I have read! The situation seems to be throat cancer, this has not been confirmed by anyone in the groups camp! However by the sound of things (ie: other postings and recent Crowmatics reviews) it looks as though there is something affecting the golden voice! David Powell, I strongly agree, Lucinda Williams new record "Car Wheels" does indeed rock and twang, and has my vote for record of the year! We will just have to see what The Band and Son Volt have to offer us later in the year.

Wed Jul 15 14:58:37 MET DST 1998

David Powell

Although there's no direct involvement by any members of The Band, I strongly recommend a newly released album that is close in spirit to the music of The Band, particularly Levon. Lucinda Williams has released her first album in six years, _Car Wheels On A Gravel Road_ (on the Mercury label). You all should check it out.

Ms. Williams, a 20 year veteran of the music business, has preivously released close to half a dozen albums & EPs. Her song have been covered by others, most notably Emmylou Harris & Mary Chapin Carpenter. However, no one comes close to singing her songs with the power & conviction of Ms. Williams. She blends country rock with a strong dose of the blues.

The songs on _Car Wheels On A Gravel Road_ are like a series of picture post cards depicting life in the South. All but one of the thirteen songs were written by Ms. Williams, who can capture more detail in a single lyric line than most songwriters can in an entire song. Her vivid lyrics are wrapped in wonderful layers of twanging guitars, complimenting the twang of her voice. The album creates the impression of a jam session featuring Loretta Lynn backed up by the Rolling Stones (from their Exile On Main Street days). Emmylou Harris & Steve Earle make guest appearances on the CD.

In addition to the title song other notable songs include: "2 Cool 2 Be 4 Gotten", "Drunken Angel", "Concrete And Barbed Wire", "Lake Charles", "I Lost It", & "Jackson". This is one of those rare CDs in that there's not one disappointing song in the whole bunch.

Wed Jul 15 06:36:46 MET DST 1998

just wonderin'

For anyone interested and can access Canada's Much Music RR's Making a Noise will be rebroadcast Wed night July 15 at 10 p.m. Toronto time and 2 a.m.

Wed Jul 15 06:15:45 MET DST 1998

mic

Murphy from NY posted a question the other day about Levon's health. I'd like to know what's going on too. Can anyone spell it out for me? Thanks.

Wed Jul 15 05:00:08 MET DST 1998

Bill Brennan

Bones: yes, it's true. I'm looking at an add from the Fox Theatre in Boulder, a nice place for shows, listing Robbie Robertson in the main heading, then a space, then Willie Nelson with Daniel Lanois and Emmylou Harris, space, then Neil Finn, space, then Grant Buffalo (I indicated spaces so you could deduce who is with who). This show is Thursday, August 20th.

Wed Jul 15 04:33:14 MET DST 1998

Typically Canadian

http://www.rochesterdandc.com/ads/musicfests/

This link says Rick Danko is playing in the place of the crowmatics at the American Music Festival this Sat the 18th.

Wed Jul 15 03:27:21 MET DST 1998

john donabie

BONES: Do you have address of Lanois website with that information you posted. I found a bunch of Lanois info. in various places; but not the site your talking about.

Thank you.

Wed Jul 15 03:08:38 MET DST 1998

Bob Brandenburg

Ain't enough O's in cool !!!!!!!!!!!!

Tue Jul 14 22:58:59 MET DST 1998

Bones

It has been posted on the Daniel Lanois website that Robbie will perform in concert with Emmylou Harris and Willie Nelson in Boulder, Colorado. I'm not sure when and what the situation is, but I could not believe it.

Tue Jul 14 18:37:25 MET DST 1998

tiny MONTGOMERY

Stu, that's what this guestbook is all about! You entry was a real pleasure to read. Levon, as always and forever,you are still THE MAN!

Tue Jul 14 17:16:52 MET DST 1998

murphy

i have been reading all this stuff about levons health. i am not trying to be nosy but am deeply concerned about levons health. can anyone please tell me whats going on?thanks.

Tue Jul 14 17:05:50 MET DST 1998

Richard

I've been away for a few weeks, so I failed to keep up with the Band guestbook. It was only this morning when I read about Levon's voice problems and the concerns about his general health voiced by various signers of the guestbook over the past few weeks. I hope all concerns are for nothing, even as I know that Levon's personal state is probably none of my business. But those of us-- and I think that's all of us on this web site-- who have been personally touched by the Band's music certainly have a right to care, and maybe throw Levon a prayer if one is so inclined. I remember seeing the Band back in summer 1990, at a club called the Windjammer, literally right on the Rhode Island beach. It was a real steamy night, and after sunset the Band came out, warmed up with a blues instrumental and launched into a rollicking set of greatest hits, livened up by Stan Seleszt's (Sp?) excellent piano and Sredni's harp. Levon was laid back and funky behind yellow drums in shades and a Hawaiian shirt. The proceedings ended after a couple hours with the then-obligatory "Hand Jive," and my wife and I took a walk on the beach while the crowd dispersed and the parking lot got a little less crazy. When we headed back to our car most people and cars were gone, and the Band's bus was being loaded up. Most of the remaining partygoers were looking for Rick, with whom they apparently wnated to continue the party. Then I say Levon leaning against a car, still with the shades, smoking a cigarette. I decided to walk on up and thank him for a great show. He was a real gentleman, not at all put out by someone disturbing his quiet time, and I actually found the temerity to offer I suggestion. Since he had only played drums that night, I asked him about bringing out the mandolin (I have an old 1919 Gibson, and Levon's my big mandolin idol). He said-- with a wry grin-- that he'd have to see if "the boys" would let him bring it along. As I was turning around to go (a couple other fans were now kind of standing in line), he grabbed my hand, shook it, and said "Thank you son, and God bless you." God bless you too Levon.

Tue Jul 14 17:01:09 MET DST 1998

David Powell

Rereading Levon's book I was reminded that Libby Titus sang background vocal on "River Hymn" from _Cahoots_. As Levon wrote, this was "the first time anyone had ever heard a woman's voice on a Band record."

It was nice to read in Stu Hruska's recent posting that Libby & Levon's daughter Amy is a musician also. I'm curious to know what instrument she plays & if she also sings. With her parentage she diffinitely has quite a bit of music in her blood.

Tue Jul 14 04:26:35 MET DST 1998

Doctor Aberdeen

Hey Vinney, that was a cool post! I would much rather read something like that than... the pissing matches that have erupted! Life is too short to argue between the group who read the credits on the labels and those that listen to the music and get into the "Grossman discussions" without realizing who they are discussing. So..............who is playing where on Saturday night? I am in Syracuse and am not sure if I should head and hour and a half to Rochester or 3 hours to Tinker Street!

Tue Jul 14 04:21:26 MET DST 1998

Pat Brennan

Serge and Jan: what's soccer?

Tue Jul 14 02:40:07 MET DST 1998

Linny

Hi all, Comedy Central had rerun of SNL with Robbie. lol, Should replay Comedy Central repeats all day long. Njoy the rest of 2 day. Gonna take a load off this fanny. Good Night Band fans.

Mon Jul 13 23:35:09 MET DST 1998

Serge

Jan, this has nothing to do with the Band. I know you are a big soccer fan, and I am extatic that my native country showed the so-called "invincible Brazil" how it's done. Your country was the only other one to whip those samba dancing maniacs last June 23. Feels good doesn't it ? :) Now all the "know-it-alls" and swamis in the media can go pound salt. :)

Mon Jul 13 23:23:48 MET DST 1998

Peter Viney

Hi everybody. I’ve just spent the last week on a Spanish beach with a Walkman and two homemade compilation cassettes. RECENT STUFF had RR on UNBOUND right next to Levon on GIMMEE A STONE, as well as Ani Di Franco (Wishin & hopin), Eliza Carthy, Brian Wilson, Dr John …. CLASSIC STUFF had King Harvest, Jupiter Hollow, Willin’, Southern Cross … Which brings me to my point. Two songs on there that I always have to listen to in sequence are NEW ORLEANS LADIES by Louisiana’s Leroux (they sashay by …) and CREEPIN’ MIDNIGHT by Seatrain (… the ladies taste like New Orleans). Both ideal songs for Levon’s new venture if it has a jukebox. So, who knows anything about Louisiana’s Leroux? I got the LP when it came out (1978???) but have never found a CD listed nor heard anything else of this band. Plus idle gossip and synchronicity which is apropos of nothing. My wife was reading Douglas Coupland’s GIRLFRIEND IN A COMA – a truly great Canadian novel from this year. Near the end, it lists items from a future post-apocalypse Vancouver, including "a photo of Liam Gallagher" – she leaned over to point this out. We had not failed to notice that Liam Gallagher himself was sitting some thirty yards away enjoying a beer in the sun (and being afforded privacy). As I glanced at it, Liam Gallagher walked past some two inches away from our feet. Chill feeling. OK, sorry. Nothing to do with The Band, but it was weird!

Mon Jul 13 22:03:22 MET DST 1998

Bones

Great to hear that Levon is performing again. Even if he cannot sing, I'd give anything to hear one of the all-time great drummers sit-in with a band.

The new pressing of the Levon and Crowmatix CD looks very impressive. There is a front and back cover with pictures and liner notes. Also, this CD sounds a lot better than the Rick Danko in Concert CD. Rick's performance is wonderful, but the CD sounds like a bootleg. The Crowmatix sounds more "official". I also find it interesting that Rick Danko gets a credit on the Crowmatix CD for writing "Java Blues". However, Dylan and Robertson get no credit for writing "Don't Ya Tell Henry" and "Rag Mama Rag".

Mon Jul 13 21:13:48 MET DST 1998

Kicking Horse

To: Walking Softly & Carrying Big Stick in La Joya, Any Confirmation On R. D. fillin in for Levon in Rochester on 7/18/98? Attempting to confirm a rumor I heard.

Mon Jul 13 20:13:28 MET DST 1998

John Donabie

I just thought I would mention the death of Bill Hughes of the group Lazurus who recorded for Bearsville in the early 70's. He died of heart failure in Texas last week. Lazurus was one of my favorite Bearsville groups and Bill and the boys sure had some fine harmonies.

Mon Jul 13 18:24:25 MET DST 1998

Alan Culler

Anyone tried emailing Rick Danko? If so, any response? He is listed in AOL member directory.

Mon Jul 13 15:22:36 MET DST 1998

David Powell

Thank you Mr. Hruska for your posting.

Mr. Tovo I beg to differ--nothing beats Mac Gayden's wah-wah slide playing on J.J. Cale's original version of "Crazy Mama." Weider comes close, but I'll take the original any day.

Just a week after the singing cowboy Roy Rogers rode off into the sunset one last time, we lost another music legend. Singer-songwriter Jimmy Driftwood pased away yesterday in Fayetteville, Arkansas at the age of 91. Mr. Driftwood, a prolific songwriter who wrote thousands of songs, started out as a schoolteacher. He said he wrote his most famous song, "The Battle of New Orleans", as a history lesson for his students. When Johhny Horton's version became a big hit in 1960, we all received a lesson in music, as well as history. Eddy Arnold had a hit with Mr. Driftwood's "Tennessee Stud." Years later, Doc Watson would resurrect that song on the historic _Will The Circle Be Unbroken_ album.

"The Tennessee Stud was long and lean / The color of the sun and his eyes were green / He had the nerve and he had the blood / And there never was a horse like the Tennessee Stud."

Happy trails to Roy & Jimmy.

Mon Jul 13 12:27:23 MET DST 1998

Diane

Stu Hruska: What a beautifully written piece! Thanks for sharing.........

Mon Jul 13 12:03:28 MET DST 1998

Jan Høiberg

The guestbook entries from July 1-12 have been moved to the archives.

Stu, thanks.

Mon Jul 13 03:08:31 MET DST 1998

Anthony (Bulldog)Gregg

I've liked the band since the 70s the weight was one of your greatest. while I was on vaction about three years I happened to find your tape music for native americans it's great. I'am 3/4 Cherokee I try to keep some of the old ways as well as the new. My son and I own a little computer store here in Wichita kansas called Software Recyclers we started out buying,trading & selling used software now we build,repair and upgrade computers.I hope to be able to keep this little store going so that my son will have something when I go to the great mystery some day. Thank you for your great work please keep it up I would sure like i picture of you. Bulldog. bulldog@fiest.com

Mon Jul 13 01:13:59 MET DST 1998

Stu Hruska

I don’t know what possessed me to call Bodle’s Opera house, but I was scrolling through the concert portion of the website where the show was listed indicating that Garth would be replacing Levon. It was after 7 PM when I called and they told me that as far as they knew Levon would be there. I made a reservation for dinner and the show and was told we got the last two seats. My wife and I jumped into the car and headed up to Chester N.Y.. We drove up the thruway and hit a lot of NYC traffic heading up to the mountains for the weekend. It was a really beautiful drive. I wore my sunglasses till after 8:30PM. The sun setting into the foothills of the Catskills was magnificent.

We arrived late in the set of the opening act and there wasn’t a seat to be had in the whole place and we were hungry. We were finally seated at a table next to the stage with two absolutely beautiful young women who were somehow connected to Levon’s entourage. (I know you weren’t responsible for the seats, but thanks Lee, old buddy!) After two glasses of wine I was afraid that I was grinning like a Cheshire cat. I was one happy camper and, smile or no smile, my wife was getting the vibration. I thought I was sitting on a sofa at the Playboy mansion! At that point Aaron Hurwitz was passing my table on his way to the stage. He looked at me, smiled and said I got great seats. Without missing a beat I said I was sitting with the three most beautiful women in the house. From that point on my wife loved the rest of the show. And some show it was! Perhaps one of the best live rock performances we’ve ever seen. The music was so good and the band was really together, but it was hard to overshadow Levon’s incredible courage and bravery.

Levon, who’s voice was barely audible said no one hated what was happening more than him, but he would give it his best shot. And he did. The Crowmatix, joined by Levon’s daughter, Amy, played a solid set that they were obviously really into. It was clear they were doing this for Levon. Aaron Hurwitz, Marie Spinosa, Jimmy Eppard, Randy Ciarlante and Amy Helm all turned in wonderful individual performances. There was one song that Lee sang lead that even his diminished voice sounded beautiful with the music. But for the most part Levon played along on the drums and had some strong, bluesy licks on the harp.

For any Band fan this had to be an emotional evening. At one point, Levon, after hearing his daughter, Amy, turn in a wonderful solo stood up and hugged her with pride. To see Levon from our table we had to lean all the way over and look through a small visual opening through Randy’s cymbals. He was obviously having a good time. As I watched I couldn’t help thinking about the first time I saw Levon perform on American Bandstand with Ronnie Hawkins almost forty years ago. Under the circumstances it was hard not to be somewhat misty eyed, but if everybody else was holding it together for Levon so could I.

After their set the band, led by Levon left the stage. The audience clapped for what seemed like a solid five minutes until the group came back for a two song encore. After the show I spoke with most of the Crowmatix who all said it was a wonderful performance. Randy Ciarlante gave me the following set list from his music stand, but seemed to think that the group strayed from the list and frankly I didn’t keep track either. “ Early Burns”, “Ophelia”, “Someone”, “Next Time You See Me”,(the best I ever heard Aaron sing it)” The Weight”, “300 Pounds”,” High Price of Love”, “Hand Jive”, “Crazy Bout You”, “Start Me talking”, “Down Home Blues”, “Shuffling Back to Memphis”, “Chest Fever”. I do remember the group doing a great rendition of “The Shape I’m In”.

After the show I caught up with Levon in the kitchen and told him that wanted him to know that he would be in my prayers. He shook my hand firmly and offered his thanks. I’ve always thought of Levon as a real gentleman, a very sincere person who was brought up right by his family. Tonight I added the adjective courageous. Levon, “Rock On”.

Sun Jul 12 17:26:40 MET DST 1998

Bud

Nick Tovo: I believe it's Pete Fornitel, long-time NY area disc jockey and Band fan. I agree about Brother Garth. I hope you get to watch him play up close sometime. It's amazing. Good luck to you.

Sun Jul 12 17:18:53 MET DST 1998

Gail

Well, seems at least someone agrees on the last point I made - thanks Floorbird. BTW people, sorry I gave ya all another speech.... guess it's just too much time spent in 'em dusty old Courtrooms, huh.

Oops "Crazy Mama", that last comment, a slip of the tongue. BTW, your "Mama" this & "Lee" that, (all veiled references one assumes, to your ID) doesn't impress me at all. Try a little harder the next time.

Nick - I know you're a nice guy really, and you made some good points (of course I agree that "Atlantic City" & all the rest are wonderful). But, despite the illusion you are under, afraid you lost over the main point.... so face it like a man.

Serge, my parting shot to you.... I'm sorry you find people with web sites & other interests, such a huge problem in your life. For a man who enjoys his 15 mins of fame, by shouting all the time what a good friend he was of The Hawks in their heyday, & how indebted we should all be for the thousands of pictures you took, and blah, blah, blah - you could be a little more understanding.

Franko... thanks for the really nice show report, & it's always great to hear about all the different shows, whatever they are.

Sun Jul 12 11:48:16 MET DST 1998

franko

I saw Rick yesterday in Plymouth, MA. He was in great voice and humor. As always, he seemed as happy to be there as we did. He played with the "professor" Hurwitz on keyboard and accordian, Roger Mason (I think) on bass, and a drummer whose name....?

He mentioned Levon a few times - nothing specific - and played a standard list Twilight, Stage Fright, Long Black Veil, Blind Willie, Weight, etc. He opened the second set with It Makes No Difference, even though he had played it in the first set, because a friend named Jerome had just arrived during the break. He dedicated version two to Jerome's mother.

Nothing dramatic here, just a perfect way to end a Saturday in July - sitting on the grass on a beautiful afternoon, waiting for the sun to set over the sailboats in the harbor, watching my young children happily mouthing the words to songs I listened to as a kid and still listen to as an adult. On the way home, one of my 6 year old daughters said "I wish Rick had played Java Blues" while her twin lamented not hearing "Stand Up." In concerts as in guest books, you can't please everyone.

Sun Jul 12 10:08:11 MET DST 1998

eddy collins

into the band for 3decades now.caught them live atwembley 74,nostell priory 84, the venue96.when will you guys return to these shores.peace n love from eddy,lynn family and friends

Sun Jul 12 03:55:42 MET DST 1998

Nick Tovo

Justl istened to "High On The Hog" again and I really love the playing and singing. I'ts so crisp and clean. Garth must be the best there ever was. Nobody can ever challenge this guy on the boards. Does anyone know who it is Rick is happy to see at the end of "She Knows"?

Sun Jul 12 01:36:52 MET DST 1998

Buzzy Scoots

Yeah Joel, the Band sure could play the blues. As for the English groups, most of them sucked (especially the Yardbirds) with the exception of Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac. Try out the double album, BBC sessions and the wonderful double 69 Chicago sessions. Awesome stuff. Your right on about Richard Manuel's vocals on OJ Blues and Long Distance Operator. "Everybody wants to be my friend, but nobody wants to get higher". I just love the humor and sarcasm in his voice on these. This sure is a fiesty site, some of you people need to smoke a little doobage.

Sun Jul 12 00:17:53 MET DST 1998

Floorbird

Three cheers to Gail for putting it straight to these petty slackjawed moral police!

Sat Jul 11 22:21:47 MET DST 1998

Norman Paperman

Nick Tovo

Pearls of wisdom. Gail before you attack Crazy Mama make sure you got the right one. Anthony Perkins may be lurking ou there.

Now for the Pat Brennan daily Buffett/Band connection straight from "A Pirate Looks at Fifty p.321 "Tim Drummond, one of the many ex-Coral Reffers, is one of the most traveled road-dog musicians I've ever met, and he has the tattoos and stories to prove it. Sip the Wine Buzzy.

Sat Jul 11 20:38:55 MET DST 1998

Luke

My best goes out to Levon. IF he is sick, with his fighting spirit, I think he'll beat it. As far as The Band goes, well I think Levon has already summed it up for us. "I get to the venue early, and the man running the place helps me set up. I (We) do the show and the man pays me. That's the only way I ever wanted it". So, I think The Band, The Stones, The Dead - whoever - should play as long as they want to. Incidentally, regarding The Band and covers vs. originals, I like them both. Dylan though, has said that he thinks The Band is at their greatest doing Motown and blues covers.

Sat Jul 11 19:34:47 MET DST 1998

Gail

CRAZY MAMA, what precisely do you mean by "respect Levon's "privacy"? Who the hell are YOU, or anyone, to say that people can't, or (SERGE) don't genuinely, state their concern for Levon? How dare you!! How can people voicing their concern, be deemed as invading Levon's "privacy"? Surely Levon himself can't mind. Most people are happy to know that others are asking after them, & sending best wishes.

I've just been looking at a web site, where there's a big debate going on about the private life of that musician, their sexual preferences & relationships etc. Now that, and similar, is what someone's privacy means! You look back through Jan's archives, & you will find none of that sort of stuff. When have people EVER not respected The Band's "privacy & dignity"? There's never been any talk of their family homes & private lives etc.

If Levon is not in ill health, then we all await the official announcement that says so. Until then, people are entitled to send their thoughts & best wishes, and how dare you or anyone suggest otherwise!! Arsehole yourself, "Crazy Mama".

Incidentally, you are also a coward because you do not give a real ID to what you say. If you dispute that, then put an ID & E-mail to your postings. Or E-mail people direct. Or shut up. (same goes for "Uncle Hangover", et al).

As for SERGE a.k.a. CRAP FOR FRANK... very amusing.

Sat Jul 11 18:44:41 MET DST 1998

ert5

Even though I'm only 10, I still love The Band! They're my 2nd and 3ed favorite band(solo and with Dylan). The Beatles are by far the best, though. I saw The Band in concert at the Philadelphia Folk Festival a couple years ago. They were great, espeically Levon and Rick.

Sat Jul 11 16:22:39 MET DST 1998

Nick Tovo

Gail- I don't have an e-mail address. I did'nt imply anything, I said it straight out. You were insulting and condescending. You wrote what you wrote and it is what it is. Stop trying to defend yourself it's too late. I rest for now. Anonymous, why are you being Anonomous? anyway if you check the guestbook concert page you'll see that Levon, Rick and The BAND have played as many shows over the last 4 years as anybody. Does that count as being active? Every show I've seen has been great. I'm sure there have been some that were'nt but probably very few (based on what i've seen). They also have put out quality recordings together and solo ( I'm not the only one who says this). They nearly quadruple RR in productivity. It's nothing against RR, but he's made 4 records in twelve years and hardly ever performed. My point is The BAND are still credible on stage and on record. Just because they don't write most of their songs does'nt mean any different. They still sound great. I bet if the world had a bass playing contest Rick Danko would draw on his 40 years of experience (during which he never stopped playing) and win it. I just listened to "Jericho" and "Ridin' the Blinds" and if you don't think those are credible recordings then you just don't like that kind of music and we'll just have to agre to disagree. Off High on the Hog I really like "Stand Up" (very rocking) "Back to Memphis"(great horns), 'Where I Should Always Be" (wonderful vocal by Rick),, "Forever Young" (best version ever done), "High Price of Love" (great lyrics and singing), "Must Have Loved You Too Much" (rocking and plus it's an unrecorded Dylan gem) and "Crazy Mama" (cuts J.J Cales version, great slide by Weider). The playing (check out Garth and Weider) and singing on this record is top notch. Some people have said their not HIGH ON THE HOG and that's okay, but what am I hearing that their not? I remember in '95 The BAND were opening for the Dead in Chicago and when they first started playing the place was 1/4 full most of the kids there did'nt know who they were. The guy behind me said "who are these guys?, they're unbelievable". They were really cookin' and the stadium was filling up as they played. At the end the place was full and the crowd was rockin' and stompin'. They got an ovation like you would'nt believe. I remember seeing Levon walk off with a towel around his neck and a huge shit-eatin' grin on his face. I just thought, man people don't know what their missing with these guys. Sometimes when I read comments on this page I think the same thing. 1976 is long gone but The BAND is still around in some form or another and people should appreciate it. These guys have been playing for 40 years and have so much experience that they can't help but be good. Do you think the Dave Matthews Band will be around in 40 years? One last thing, Tracy- Grammy nominations are bought by record companies-true story. Later.

Sat Jul 11 14:50:32 MET DST 1998

Nick Tovo

Sat Jul 11 06:15:23 MET DST 1998

Mickey Hart

I think Randy is double booked for Saturday---Crows in Rochester and Gurus in Albany! Can I sit in for one of the shows?

Sat Jul 11 06:08:55 MET DST 1998

CJ

I was wondering if anyone knows of any dates of any Band members the last week of July? I will be on the East Coast on vacation and just thought wouldnt it be great to see them while I was there.If anyone knows I would really appreciate it! Thanks

Sat Jul 11 05:42:49 MET DST 1998

Lars

A memorable night at Bodle's in Chester, NY. Levon and the Crowmatix played, a great show. Levon came on in the beginning and said in a weak voice, "My voice has gone to hell in a handbasket.....No one is more bothered by that more than me.....but I'm going to give you my best tonight, this is my daughter, Amy Helm."

Levon sat at his drums all night while Amy helped the Crowmatix with some of the vocals. Jim Eppard put on a hell of a show, his guitar playing was never better, his voice was carrying some HIGH harmony. Randy and the others took turns singing lead. Levon actually sang the lead on one song, he gave it his best. The small venue was sold out and gave Levon and the group a standing ovation.

Sat Jul 11 00:45:47 MET DST 1998

Tracy a.k.a. AHROOO!!

Hey Gail, say why don't we make our own Robbie netforum. Then we can leave all of these Band fans alone. What will they argue about then? Flakes UNITE!! Wow Serge, I am HIGHLY impressed! You actually LIKE guinea pigs....I was under the impression you didn't like ANYTHING. Thanks for visiting my site! Gee, and I thought you would hurt my feelings after someone told you that Tripod was an X-rated site. I'm so glad you looked through EVERYTHING!!!!! Aren't you sooooooooooooo sweet! Half the other people I know of have only checked out my page to Robbie, but I had NO idea that you fell in love with the cute, cuddly creatures that I own. That is soooooooooo special. Peace and Love to all other Robbie flakes out there. Hee hee!! ::::::::Hugs and kisses to you all!!!:::::::: :) :)

Fri Jul 10 23:16:22 MET DST 1998

Bones

I was in this very crowded restaurant last night and the music was blasting. Mostly popular young bands like Matchbox 20, The Verve, and Dave Matthews were being played. All of a sudden things seemed to get quiet and the next song that is being blasted is Robbie's "Bad Intentions" from the Jimmy Hollywood soundtrack. It's funny how small things can just make your night. WOW, what a great song.

Fri Jul 10 23:01:51 MET DST 1998

Serge

UNC. HANGOVER : No... I am still around, still contibuting to the site behind the scene, occasionally reading the pap here in the guestbook..I enjoy some entries a lot but I don't believe I need to dignify flakes with any comments anymore. They just relish seeing their names in print. Some even have their own website for gosh sakes, as if to enlighten the world with their wisdom and knowledge and taste in music and in such matters such as UFO's, the Paranormal, X files..and all such idiocies, but have nothing substantial to say other than pompous statements about nothing..Occasionally some dabble in publishing garbage. Others developmentally challenged are groupies and guinea-pig raisers. Others just do not respect privacy and dignity and hide behind lame best wishes and prayers for something they know really nothing about for sure. And so on ad-nauseum.. I stay away..Thanking me not necessary.

Fri Jul 10 21:59:42 MET DST 1998

franko

A reminder to Boston area folk - Rick will be playing at an outdoor festival in Plymouth, MA, Saturday (tomorrow) near the harbor. The show is from 6:30 to 8:30. Originally, Levon had been scheduled.

Personally, I'll take either DFA CD or Jericho or Hog over any of RR's solo stuff. I think it is because, covers or not, they capture the sound and spirit of the Band. Blind Willie; Blue River; Forever Young, etc., are great renditions. I know, I know, there are a few clunkers on each disc, I skip these. One thing I agree with Gail on, nobody's perfect. Musically, I guess Robbie has evolved the most. Unfortunately, his music hasn't evolved into anything that I enjoy listening to.

David Powell - Shawn Colvin's Cover Girl is wonderful, her best CD in my view. She does a W. A. Ramsey song and urges everyone to run out and get his one and only CD. It is out of print & I haven't been able to find it anywhere. Any ideas?

See ya at Plymouth Rock.

Fri Jul 10 20:17:06 MET DST 1998

Scott

Steve Earle and The Band. Now that would be a musical match to behold !! Mr. Earle and are favorites have somthing in common. True, raw, musical talent, driven by a deep love for music..... Hey children, take your arguments elsewhere, you are making me sick !!!!

Fri Jul 10 20:11:21 MET DST 1998

Slowhanding

Everyone seems so petty here. I want to pose a question in a subtle way mind you, that may be interesting to talk about, sparing the world another list of my top ten favorite Band songs when I'm taking a bath or my top 17 (because I just have to have 17 choices) Band songs when I'm gluing something together. End of quick tirade. Anyway, has anyone notice that aroudn the time of Big Pink's release and within a year or so, an unnamed British musician started a new band. This band, which shall remain nameless, relied heavily on another Ray Charles-influenced singer (who performed with Levon and the Wallflowers on VH1 a few years ago and I really wish he would have song Richard Manuel's chorus part in "the Weight"). Anyway, this British musician also happened to move to a quieter musical delviery as well and began playing a Telecaster (a la Robbie Robertson). The band quickly broke up however. Just a small observation for those who know a little history and a fact that has never been observed. Note--this post is not intended to be pompous in any way.

Fri Jul 10 20:11:00 MET DST 1998

Joe O.

If anyone in possesion of the 3 cd boot Crossing the Great Divide would be willing to tape the studio versions of Don't Do It and Get Up Jake, please let me know at my e-mail address. Those are the only tracks I'm really interested in. Thanx.

Fri Jul 10 16:59:42 MET DST 1998

tiny MONTGOMERY

David Powell, yes I strongly agree, Steve Earle is pound for pound (no pun intended) one of the finest songwriters in America today! I have often dreamed of The Band covering one of his many fine songs! Imagine Rick and Levon singing "Sometimes She Forgets" It would surely be spine tingling. I remember when I first brought home "Hog" Levon's vocal on "Forever Young" made me feel like I had just seen a ghost! Pure musical EUPHORIA! Regurgitation was the last thing on my mind. I'm glad to see STEVE EARLE'S name mentioned here, his songs have been very inspiring to me, especially within the last 3-4 years. Train A' Comin is a must have!

Fri Jul 10 16:56:02 MET DST 1998

Anonymous for this one

Gail Bell is right, and she should be applauded for having the guts to tell us the truth. The Band should really do something to restore their credibility as active performers and recording artists. Robertson has a big ego but he is a respected artist still producing quality material. Now that Helm is ill and Danko so out of shape, I'm afraid it is all over. But I'm still hoping and praying for a miracle. And for dear, wonderful Levon.

Fri Jul 10 15:11:34 MET DST 1998

John

Does the bestowing of awards,trophies,etc really give an artist/performer more value? Granted the recieving of awards is much more important to some artists than it is for others. And it surely must give the fianances a boost! But aren't they generally biased forms of recognition? Even shallow and superficial at times? RE:the Academy Awards. I always thought that a truly honest and humble artist greatest reward is the continuing support and appreciation from the public and their peers.

DOC WATSON{country guitarist/singer/songwriter and winner of Grammy awards} had this to say after the town of Boone,N.C., declared the 3rd Sat. in July as Doc Watson Appreciation Day. "I'm very humbly proud of it,but to an old country boy this kind of attention makes me want to get away from it."

I don't mean to fan the flames or anything but I imagine that Garth,Richard,Levon,Rick,Weider,Bell,Ciarlante have the same feeling as Doc Watson for these things. RR,I doubt it. He revels in that sort of ego gratification!

Fri Jul 10 15:09:14 MET DST 1998

Crazy Mama

Oh Gail.....You do sound rather defensive in your posting...Perhaps that comes with the territory of working for a lawyer...LOL...I'm sorry....Not impressive to me at all...Stick to the facts and stop trying to intimidate others..by insulting their intelligence.It comes across even more obnoxious than your posts. Yes, you were insulting of The Band...Mama thought so too!!! You were right about one thing....Most of us see thru RR's crap and have no patience for it..He's a pompus arsehole...and we can say that without too much flaming....However; insult Lee and you won't hear the end of it..Why is that? Because Lee treats everyone the same way he expects to be treated...With respect... And I wish,,,everyone would respect his privacy as well... BTW: I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the new album...

Fri Jul 10 15:04:24 MET DST 1998

David Powell

There's warmth underneath the covers.

In 1994 Shawn Colvin released a collection of cover songs on the aptly titled album _Cover Girl_. Two great songs form the centerpiece of that album, Steve Earle's "Someday" and Robbie Robertson's "Twilight."

In her liner notes, Ms. Colvin comments on her choice of "Twilight": "I only really became aware of this song after hearing Rick Danko do it. I was sure it was an old civil war song. I don't even touch his rendition, but there you go."

Ms. Colvin surely underestimates her immense talent. A Grammy award winning songwriter herself, she performs a beautiful interpretation of this song. In her smooth, clear voice, she brings out the emotions evoked by the song's lyrics. Listening to her sing it brings to mind the character of Ada from Charles Frazier's civil war novel _Cold Mountain_. Like all great song interpreters, she is able to give new meaning to a song.

She does an equally fine job on "Someday". This lament to small town life in the South comes from Steve Earle's _Guitar Town_ album, perhaps one of best albums in the history of modern country music. When Ms. Colvin sings "I work the fillin' station on the interstate / Pumpin' gasoline and countin' out of state plates / They ask me 'How far into Memphis girl and where's the nearest beer?' / And they don't even know that there's a town around here", you can't almost picture her racing down a dirt road in a pick up truck heading out of town.

Steve Earle is one of the finest songwriters around. With his ever-growing catalog of so many great songs, it's hard to put him into any one niche. He's kinda like a cross between Johnny Cash, John Lennon & Woody Guthrie. This down home country boy has stared into the eyes of the ugly beast of success, fought with his demons, and been to hell & back. When you listen to one of his songs, it rings true. Powerful stories of human emotions taken from real life experience. This is what great songwriting is all about.

What I'm trying to get at here is that like all fans of The Band I'm dying to hear new material from the boys. However, with all their outside projects, I'll just thankful to see any new project with their names on it. Deep down inside I miss that wealth of original material that each new album used to bring back in "the good old days." Realistically though, I know not to expect many new songs written by either Rick or Levon. Maybe their associates like Jim Weider can supply some new blood. Whatever songs they perform, I still look forward to hearing anything Rick, Levon, Garth & the guys care to interpret. I'll take what I can get. Maybe someday soon though, they'll try a Steve Earle song or two. Now there's a match made in heaven.

Fri Jul 10 12:36:40 MET DST 1998

Gail

I hate to take up more room over this, (especially as other folks are contributing such good entries & great info) - but Nick Tovo supplies no e-mail. NICK, (Oh, and "UNCLE HANGOVER")... my words may've been strong, but I take great exception to your suggestion that I've insulted The Band. I have never done that. I'll say it again... there is nothing wrong in putting the strong case forward, that The Band should also include some original new stuff on the album. So, you do not want that too... or even are faintly interested, a few more great ones like "Remedy"? Give me a break.

The songwriting thing has often been discussed here (I'm not the first) - just check out Jan's archives. And of course I know, that even though Robbie was the main writer, ALL members of the group contributed too, in many important ways. (agree, we don't need to go through all that again).

Nick & "Hangover"....I have to ask - what do you know about Chris & myself, and our many years of supporting The Band, & love of their music? Precisley this.... NOTHING!! I do not like what you have implied. Hey, I'm back in Court this afternoon, with Lawyer I work for, (jeez, that'll upset "Hangover"). So would I just love to see the likes of you two up there on the stand, fumbling & mumbling! At least it'd not be wasting the space here, over your silly debates.

Yes, I too (in recent years) have seen The Band rock. In circa 1983, we were sending tapes to just about anybody, trying to convince people that The Band -were- still great without Robbie. It was a different story then... that is when the phrase "The Band without Robbie, is like Hamlet without the Prince" first came about. Robbie was the good guy then, but since his success - strangely the situation has switched around.

Sure, we love Robbie's music & his various projects - but if I didn't also hold the others in such high esteem, then why the hell would I have written the following?:-(at web site) (Oops, sorry "Hangover")....."There's all kinds of music that Chris & I love, most of which goes back a long way... For sure, The Band are our No.1 and *the* best and most wonderful group! They first came into our lives back in 1969/70 and thankfully, most of its members are still very active today.. the current incarnation of the group being the best it has ever been".

Having said that - like some, I have not put them on a pedestal, & do not believe for one moment that any musician is perfect -all- of the time. Nobody on this planet is (yeah Nick & "Hangover", even you & me). I rest my case.

Fri Jul 10 11:23:13 MET DST 1998

Uncle Hangover

Gail, who the hell has given you the right to demand anything from these guys? I understand that you know their history quite well. You know what they have been through and what they have given us all. If you're going to turn your back on them because they get older and and a little worn down from their lifes as a musicians, then that's your choice and I don't care. But why do you need to tell us (over and over) that "the return of The Band is gonna have to be very big, and the new album something VERY BIG, to get our attention". ("our"? The "royal we"? Is your husband behind this too? Or can he speak for himself?) We don't care what you guys "need" to respect The Band again. This is not about you guys, it make me sick when you make it sound like The Band should come up with something brilliant to get "your attention." Who do you think you are? Serge, where are you when we really need you here? Please come back and let the limeys have it. Jan, have you shut off Serge or something?

Fri Jul 10 06:55:36 MET DST 1998

scott umstead

you're awesome.

Fri Jul 10 05:42:35 MET DST 1998

Jonathan L. Katz

Why is it that you can have a complete record/tape/CD collection, but when a song by one of your favorite artists [be it Levon or Robbie] that you have in your collection comes on the car radio you can be immediately fixated and thrilled to hear it? I noticed this again yesterday when my favorite radio station (WRNR 103.1 Annapolis MD) played "When I Paint My Masterpiece" just as I got in my car to go home from work. This can happen even after passing up on that album by not taking it with you on the car trip that you are on.

Fri Jul 10 02:29:55 MET DST 1998

Tim ***

I envy all of all of you who are going to the Crowmatix show tomorrow at Bodles. This will be a great opportunity to see Garth and the Crowmatix together. I think the combination of their sounds will be make for one of Music's finest evenings.

Tell the guys to wish Levon a speedy recovery from all of us!

Fri Jul 10 01:43:11 MET DST 1998

Tony LoBue

Riverhead show 8-22-98. Delbert McClinton and Levon Helm and the Crowmatix... Tickets are 50.00 VIP and 25.00. Call 1-516-727-0900 East End Arts Council. No word on Levon (could it be a bad dream??)

Fri Jul 10 00:48:09 MET DST 1998

J. Croce

I'm starin at a picture of Rick, RJ, myself and Crazy Mama. Thanks for the memory. Stay Forever Young.

Fri Jul 10 00:38:10 MET DST 1998

kevin gilbertson

Questions on Jawbone - how are other USA subscribers making payment since USA checks are not acceptable? Sending Cash? Are back issues available? Can anyone here help? Crossing the Great Divide - finally got a copy of this. I'm halfway thru - highlites for me so far are 'Get up Jake' and the early Hawks stuff. Oh yeah - I got a chill when the familar Woodstock announcer (Wavy Gravy?) announces 'Laides and Gentlemen, please welcome with us "The Band".

Thu Jul 9 23:06:00 MET DST 1998

J. R. CUNNINGHAM

SOME INFO FOR THE BANDFANS 1 I WAS AT THE GROUNDBREAKING PARTY FOR LEVON HELMS ALL AMERICAN CAFE. IN NEW ORLEANS FASHION IT WAS AN ALL DAY CELEBRATION. I HAD 'TOO MUCH FUN'. EXCELLENT LOCATION ACROSS FROM N.O. HOUSE OF BLUES. 2 I HAVE SOME DATES 7/11 TOM PECHICO AT JOYUS LAKE WOODSTOCK/ 7/18 TOM AND JIM WEIDER BAND AT TINKER STREET WOODSTOCK / 7/11 JIM WEIDER AND RANDO C AT BLUES FEST IN ALBANY /JIM W BAND 7/24 BOSTON AT HARPERS FERRY 7/25 WOOSTER TAMANNY HALL 8/1 WEST STRAND GRILL KINGSTON NY GREAT PLACE,GOOD FOOD CLEAN R/R. MY ANKLE IS IN A CAST, I HAVE TINE TO GAB. A FOOTNOTE,WHEN IN HELENA AR. STOP IN AT BUBBA SULLIVANS MAJOR BANDFAN AND A VERY COOL GUY.

Thu Jul 9 22:52:25 MET DST 1998

Nick Tovo

Sorry about the structure of my last posting, I tried to do the paragraph thing but I did'nt do it right. Gail your allowed to criticize The BAND, you just did. I felt what you wrote was very negative insulting and of course wrong, so I defended my favorite BAND in kind. I meant every word but I have great respect for RR'S work with the BAND. I just don't like his solo work, it's not my style. Why would you write in to this page like that. If you come in blasting with that kind of opinion, I'm coming right back at you because I know The new BAND rock, I've seen and heard it. You should write the RR page, he'd probably appreciate it. Ned- I'm not angry, I was just pointing out ludicrous the comments were and I'm not going to let such fine and established musicians be insulted like that. Forget about keeping a stiff upper lip and turning the other cheek, they can take that crap somewhere else. I'm with the boys on this one. By the way has anyone seen RR in "The Crossing Guard". Directed by Sean Penn he plays across from Jack Nicholson as Angelica Huston's husband. It's a small role maybe 20 minutes max, but he's pretty darn good. There I said something nice about Robbie and I meant it. I also like his solo songs "Somewhere Down The Crazy River", "Showdown at Big Sky" and "Between Trains" among a few others. Still it's nothing compared to the Band's version of Springsteen's "Atlantic City" what a gem with such harmonious playing and singing. Their songs to me are just so much more rocking and soulful. Sorry, I can't help saying it and I know other opinions may differ. They say styles make fights so maybe I'll change mine so there are'nt any more but I kind of doubt I'll lay down to BAND bashing. Take care all and God bless ya!!

Thu Jul 9 22:07:55 MET DST 1998

Bones

Just because we do not share Gail's opinion, we do not need to start Robbie-bashing again. I love the Band's new material, but I also love Robbie's solo work. Robbie and Levon may not get along now, but they were once brothers. I'm still hoping for a reconciliation.

To Scott Richardson: Thank you for that great story about meeting Levon. He is a true southern gentleman.

Thu Jul 9 22:05:03 MET DST 1998

sean

when i first bought jericho i sat on the sofa and looked the cd over for awhile. i was pretty apprehensive about the prospect it might be a retread. i didn't relish the idea of my favorite musicians putting in a burned out effort. the record moved me a lot. "hog" didn't move me as much, neither did the last waltz. sometimes that happens. whether they penned the tunes themselves, or robbie did, really doesn't matter to me. one of the reasons i always reckoned they called them the band in the first place is they could kick ass on anybody's tunes. the big point for me is you can't play this kind of music unless you are tapped into the source and you are dedicated to your craft. i like the band for a lot of reasons but i love the band cause they drilled right into the source as a unit and in their own individual ways. they're still doing it. i find that truly amazing. i've been really glad the band has found a way to change and move along, like a good group should. all of the rest of it doesn't really matter to me. personally, i can't wait for the new record to come out and it will have a place in my collection with the rest...i don't care about the rest, i AIN'T gonna hang up my rock n' roll shoes...

Thu Jul 9 21:47:52 MET DST 1998

David Powell

Opinions are like you know what--everyone's got one, just as everyone has a right to form their own. As for me, I will reserve forming my own opinion on The Band's new album until it is released & I am able to listen to it.

As for the Robbie/Levon debate-- I like & respect them both for their individual qualities. It is my opinion however that when you remove any one of the group's members from the mix, the souffle` don't rise like it should.

Thu Jul 9 21:41:52 MET DST 1998

Gail

Oh dearie me, seems like I've upset some people. Well now, (as Tracy points out) - how come people can say such terrible things about Robbie... but apparently, one is not allowed to criticise the other Band guys? Hmmm?????

Sorry folks, you missed the point. I made a fair point about the others (or someone on their behalf), producing some -original- material for the new album - and there's nothing wrong with that idea. Lucky I didn't post the first thing I wrote, 'twas even more controversial!

BTW, has anyone heard if The Band will be performing at Woodstock '98 (August 14/16)? It'd certainly be great, & help get 'em back on the map again. Or dammit, dare one even suggest such a (good) idea.

Thu Jul 9 20:51:29 MET DST 1998

Ned

Nick, you seem to get so enraged by Gail's comments that you respond with the same sort of insults and exageration as she. Though I dislike her comments I find it hard to support yours.

Thu Jul 9 20:14:08 MET DST 1998

Tracy a.k.a. AHROOO!!

What have I learned from this guestbook? Wow, there is definately a difference of opinion and so much animosity towards Robbie Robertson. Also there is MUCH BIAS on here. One can say any awful thing about Robbie but can't even say one itty bitty negative comment about any other Band member. So, if Levon is sick, why can't you take it as that? He is human and not every publication you read is going to be tabloid fodder. SOMEONE can be right. It's just that you deny it to the fullest. I am a true believer that The Band will never be the same again without Richard Manuel. You can dress it up with The Cromatix but there will never be that lone voice that has moved me to tears.

I had no idea that this could happen to a Band that has not been mainstream or standard air-play for radio. It shocks me to see this. As a Robertson enthusiast and collector I have enjoyed the music from his solo albums as well as The Band's. I became a Robbie fan FIRST, then discovered the rest of The Band. Although this may be, I still believe that Richard had the BEST vocals. Yes, I don't think Robbie could compare to that. Oooooh, see that I DO/DID like The Band! I'm glad I don't fall for garbage that's called Alternative. Hanson is NOT music......put them back in their cribs! My momma taught me how to ROCK & ROOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thu Jul 9 20:11:47 MET DST 1998

Observation

We're not really going to do this Robbie vs Levon thing again, are we? It's getting OLD guys......

Thu Jul 9 19:58:20 MET DST 1998

Tracy a.k.a. AHROOO!!

Less we forget that Mr. Robertson was NOMINATED for a Grammy in '92 for "Storyville." WON three Juno Awards in '89, and most recently recieved a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Native American Music Awards. Regurgitation, huh? Well, at least he showed up for the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductions in '94 and was there to accept the Juno Hall Of Fame award as well. Where was Levon? Wasn't HE part of The Band? :::::::waiting for something to hit the proverbial fan:::::::::: ;) Yes, you can turn yourself blue and ask me, why he didn't show up for Richard's funeral..........none of us REALLY know.

Thu Jul 9 19:12:51 MET DST 1998

John

TINY MONTGOMERY- Much obliged for one of the more eloquent,interesting and necessary entries here in a long time! Reading that heresay from England really rubbed me the wrong way. The small mindedness of some people never ceases to amaze. Tiny i couldn't write a better response and truly admire your 'positive' passion.

Thu Jul 9 18:45:01 MET DST 1998

Crazy Mama

BRAVO...ANDIAMO,,,Nick Tovo!!!!!

Thu Jul 9 18:07:54 MET DST 1998

Nick Tovo

Gail Bell-if you dislike the current work of the BAND then you must really the work of Elvis Presley since he never wrote any songs. And you must have really disliked Clapton's album of blues covers at first, but then it sold well and got rave reviews so that probably changed your mind. I bet what really sets you off though is THE BAND's "Moondog Matinee" after all it was just regurgitated covers. Then again Hoskyns liked it so maybe you'll reconsider. Do you really think Band fans are jealous of RR's butchering of Native American music and his regurgitated soundtrack music. Except for his first solo album , which your dear friend Barney says failed to recoup the million or so he spent making it, most of his solo work is forgettable and hardly a success to be jealous of. Ask your friend Hoskyns he'll tell you. I think some Band fans just get pissed when he opens his mouth and goes "ME, me, me...I did it all and not even John Simon helped". Most know better. IMHO nothing your idol has done can match the soulfulness of Jericho, Hog, Levon's work, Danko's work or DFA (that's Danko, Fjeld, Anderson if your interested). The first DFA effort won record of the year in Norway does that count as succesful even though it was'nt in America, where groups like Hanson (they claim to write their own stuff, you might like 'em) or England, where Oasis (not only do they write but they claim to be bigger than God so I know you'll like them) and the Spice Girls are battling it out. On a final note you may want to write the Rod Stewart (he has written some) and Frank Sinatra pages and inform their fans that their wasting their time listening to regurgitated music that was written by others. In 95 and 96 I saw the Band at least 12 times and they truly rocked. Outdueling the Dead at Chicago Stadium, absolutley tearing up the Philly Folk Fest, orgasmically bringing to life a Trenton, NJ ballpark (they played after traveling all day from Vermont and it was so good you had to see it to believe it) were just some of the highlights. At these shows there "regurgitated" new music fit in great with their oldies. Anyway Gail you won't be missed, there I said it (finally). Serge, thanks for running off Asara, that was some great work. Sam Chaz, where you at? For what it's worth (written by S. Stills but performed by the Buffalo Springfield of which he was a member) here's a stab at some of my favorite Band tunes. 1. Up on Cripple Creek (Live from Watkins Glen, it may not make Viney's top 10 or even Hoskyns top 20 but I think it's pretty good anyway). 2. When you Awake (Before the Flood) 3. Rockin' Chair (AKA Rag Time Willie) 4. (Genetic Method) Chest Fever. Hey Peter, can you interpret the lyrics to this one. 5. Blind Willie Mctell!! Regurgitated, maybe but still the finest Dylan Cover ever done. Viney and Hosyns may dispute this but I'll risk saying anyway. 6. Stage Fright (Before the Flood). Thanks Garth. 7. Sleeping 8. Acadian Driftwood. Nice team concept, RR's best lyrics. 9. Where I Should Always Be. 10. Too Soon Gone. I know Gail Rick did'nt write it but you'll be hard pressed to find a more emotional or soulful vocal on any Band record so please forgive me. 11. Yazoo Street Scandal. Levon, Levon, Levon, thank you for your vocal on this one, you are the shit. 12. King Harvest (Crossing the great Divide). RR is hot rockin on this one. 13. Shine a Light. Always hoped they would open with this one. Have they ever played it live? 14. The Weight. 15. Life is a Carnival. It sure is and this is a perfect place to stop. Warning, this list is subject to change daily. Great work Jan, bad work Gail Bell. As for Richard Bell I can still hear his keys ringing around Chicago Stadium and I hope I get to hear em again soon.

Thu Jul 9 17:14:11 MET DST 1998

David Powell

Postscript to my previous posting.

The Band DVD includes "chapter search" capability. By accesing the menu & using the cursor on your remote, you can almost instaneously locate & play any individual song on the disc without having to fast-forward or rewind. The tracks on The Band disc are listed alphabetically on the menu rather than in actual running order.

Whereas the material is contained on two sides on the laser disc version, requiring turning it over either manually or automatically, the DVD version has all the songs on one side of the CD size disc. Just hit play & sit back to enjoy listening without having to get up to adjust the machine.

Thu Jul 9 15:23:23 MET DST 1998

Ned

Tiny Montgomery: Right On! Joel: Richard does not play drums on Big Pink. I Assume you mean Rocking Chair when you say Rag Time Willie. Though I have never seen a statement dividing the responsibilitiy, the lyrics to Sleeping sound like Richard to me. Anyway, I support your list of best vocals as I am a Richard fan too. For backing vocals, one of my favorites is the way Levon belts out the last line of each verse in Loving You during Watkins Glen.

Thu Jul 9 15:20:41 MET DST 1998

David Powell

To DVD or not to DVD? That is the question.

The DVD version of _The Band Live at the New Orleans Jazz Festival_ was officially released last week. Released by Pioneer (catalog # PA-98-600D), it lists for around $25. I picked up my copy at an Independence Day sale at Tower for $19.95. Like the previously released laser disc version, the DVD offers superb picture resolution & "CD" quality sound.

See the Videography section elsewhere on Jan's web site for details on the laser disc version of this concert. I would just like to point out a few "differences" between that version & that of the DVD.

The digital video resolution of the DVD version is just as good & maybe a tad better than that of the LD; both formats present a picture that is vastly superior to that offered on videotape. DVD sound is encoded at a higher sampling rate & longer "bit" length than that of LDs & CDs (96,000 times per second at 24 bits vs. 44,100 at 16 bits). This theoretically allows far more detail & information about dynamics & tone to be stored on the disc. The caveat is that most full length DVD movies use compression in order to store all of the video & sound information onto the small CD-size discs. However, the on-board converters on DVD machines do a good job of retrieving the increased detail contained on the discs.

Comparing the sound of The Band DVD with the LD version, to my ears, I find a little more openness & life-like quality in the DVD version. The DVD presents a wide & vivid spectrum of sound; from Rick's tight, full bass to the bite of Jim's Telecaster & sizzling cymbal work of Randy & Levon. The vocals are clear & balanced.

Those of you who already have the laser disk version may not want to spend the extra bucks on the DVD. However, those of you who are considering purchasing a DVD player in the near future, should be aware of the availibiltiy of fine music videos such as this Band release in addition to the increasing number of movies availble in this format.

This Band DVD, like many others, offers 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound (left/right front & rear, center & subwoofer channel capability). This was created from the orignal two track mix of the concert. I do not have 5.1 channel set up, but the disc will play through conventional 2 channel stereo & sounds just wonderful through my regular stereo system. Those of you with 5.1 processing capability in your home theatres will certainly want to check out this disc.

Let me just mention a few minor drawbacks. The Band DVD like the previously released LD mis-labels the title of the song "It Makes No Difference" as "Sun Don't Shine Anymore." The DVD also incorrectly list the running time as 90 minutes. The correct time of the DVD, like that of the LD, is approximately 64 minutes.

One last thing--most DVDs come in 1/2 inch thick, paperback-box size storage boxes. This is a great advantage to people like me who are running out of storage space from all the collections of LPs, LDs & CDs that I've amassed over the years. The biggest plus of DVDs over laser discs however is the cost; DVDs generally sell for half the price of laser discs & can often be found discounted at a price that's just a few dollars more than the cost of a conventional CD.

Thu Jul 9 11:36:02 MET DST 1998

Linda F.

Good Morning all, Happy Birthday Diane B. Njoy your day. Somany love you as well as love "The Band" . Thank-you Diane for being backstage at Rick"s show 20 yrs. ago. Good friends are hard to find. Glad and feel blessed our paths have crossed. Keep writing. You are extremely talented. The world is yours" .Go get it!! To Jan the webmaster, thabx for this great site. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. That"s why today is called the present. Let"s all live 4 2 day Live,love,laugh .

Thu Jul 9 08:10:29 MET DST 1998

Andrew

tiny MONTGOMERY - Sir, you said it better than I ever could. Thanks.

Also it is nice to see David Powell weighing in with another quality entry.

Thu Jul 9 02:36:55 MET DST 1998

tiny MONTGOMERY

This is the first time I have ever directly commented on someone's opinion here in this guestbook, so I do it with caution (becuase we all obviously share a passion for the music of The Band) and with respect for others thoughts! However, the recent SLAM on Levon,Rick and Garth about playing (I quote) "REGURGITATED" music is sickening! All people have diffent gifts to offer in the world of music, and these guys(Levon,Rick and Garth) have proven time and time again that they have an extrodinary gift for performing,arranging and A unique ability to INTERPRET songs! It should be blatantly obvious to any Band fan by now that writing "songs" ie. lyrics does not come easy to Levon, Rick or Honey Boy (who by the way would probably prefer not to)! I for one can't wait to hear anything that these guys would record, becuase of their deep roots in American Music, Hell, in my opinion they are the godfathers of "AMERICANA"! From Delta Blues to Sweet Soul it's all there! The Rock is just icing on the cake! I would love to spend some time with Levon's record collection. What a journey into the bowels of American Music that would be! ANY SONG HE FEELS HE CAN RECORD AND OFFER SOMETHING NEW TO IS JUST FINE BY ME! Great Songwriters are Great Songwriters, and Great Performers are Great Performers! It's always a treat when they are one in the same, but let's not forget that a great perfomance is a great performance! Even the best songwriters of all time (I won't mention any names, because that's another entry and I don't have time for it now) choose to perform songs written by others! A great song is a wonderful gift to the world, and lives (REGURGITATES) long after it's composer has passed! A great song is there to sing, and in my opinion, ain't no one that can sing them blues like ol' Levon Helm!

Thu Jul 9 01:40:13 MET DST 1998

Luis

Scott Richardson;

I want to thank you for sharing that story about Levon. It gave me chills, truly man. I too had a very unusual (for rock stars that is) experience with Maestro Levon. Hell, all he did when I introduced him to my wife was stand up from his chair that he was sittin' on and kiss her hand. Then again there was the time at Carnegie Hall when he held the door so it wouldn't lock behind me while I was out on 56th. St. taking a leak after the show... :-)

God bless you Levon, I prayed for you today.

Luis

Thu Jul 9 01:12:48 MET DST 1998

scott richardson

Has there been any other independent confirmation about Levon? My family and I had the pleasure of running into him at Callahan's, a fave Woodstock hangout, about four years ago. I've been a life-long fan, and to tell the truth, part of the reason we were trolling around there was in hopes if catching a glimpse. Levon was there with his daughter and her beau. They were the only people in the place when we showed up. I took my 2-year-old daughter over and introduced myself. Levon said he'd love to meet the rest of the family after he was done. They sat us out on the veranda, and we ate and waited. Finally, I asked my brother-in-law to get his camera, and went inside with my daughter to get a quick photo and leave. Levon said (I swear), "Scott, come on and sit down. Let's talk a while." We talked for about 20 minutes, and he said he'd like to meet my wife. So, I exited Callahan's, holding my daughter and walking with Levon Helm. He walked up to my wife and said "Leah, Levon Helm." JERICHO had become sort of the themesong to the birth and babyhood of our daughter, and because my wife's pregancy, we had been seated next to Levon's drums twice at Lone Star Cafe appearances in 1993 (once w/Colin Linden and the other with The Band). I, of course, still have the Callahan's menu that Levon signed with a note. So, I guess the message is: Hope the news is not true, and if it is, I hope it turns out like George's.

Thu Jul 9 01:02:55 MET DST 1998

Freddy Fishstick

Son of Remo:

Ports of call be L.I. and Florida so "I" haven't met Rick in the wilds of Woodstock NY.

Thu Jul 9 00:22:39 MET DST 1998

Joel Richards

Yes Keith from Linden, Hard Times is fine music. Wouldn't it have been great if the Band had put out an album of blues covers during the 60's or 70's. I always thought they could play blues better than any of those British groups. Also a set of rarities would be like a dream come true. If you listen, while the credits are rolling during the making of the Band video, you can hear studio chatter and then a different, cool take of Whispering Pines. To me this kind of stuff would be priceless. I will always be looking for more Band material, I suppose I am a Band junkie. Dear Buzzy Scoots, my list of 5 best lead vocals goes like this. 1.In a station, 2.Whispering Pines, 3.Sleeping, 4.Rag Time Willie, 5.Long Distance Operator. This was not an easy list to compile, but Im also a Richard junkie. Levon rules on 19 years from 63 and Memphis from Watkins Glen. I HAVE A FEW QUESTIONS FOR ANY KNOWLEDGABLE BAND FAN. WHO WROTE THE WORDS TO WHISLE STOP AND SLEEPING? DOES RICHARD PLAY ANY DRUMS ON MFBPINK? Thank you Jan for the greatest music site on the web.

Wed Jul 8 23:38:51 MET DST 1998

Gail

Hi folks, we're back again (after a few weeks of looking-after someone's overactive kids & animals - great fun).

First of all to say... we are greatly saddened by the news of Levon. (And before I continue, had better clarify, that I am not responsible for spreading stories - as of course, am only going on what else has been said here before me). Anyway, whatever is happening, our thoughts are of course with him, & everyone in Band-land.

So, what's happening with The Band? Afraid that news of the new album has not excited us at all. Or even "live internet appearances". If they ever manage to pull that one off. The return of The Band is gonna have to be very big, and the new album something VERY BIG, to get our attention. It's gonna need lots of interesting & exciting NEW stuff, written by them. Loads of other people can do this & putting out great stuff, so why not them? But if they can't, then they should at least employ someone else who can do a decent job.

I'll say it now, we have no interest whatsoever in a bunch of old tunes dug up from God knows where, & cover songs. (Ah - a better description, & word often quoted by another visitor to this page, would be "Regurgitated" tunes). But will just have to wait & see - I really hope our reservations will be proved wrong. At least the mention of Jim Weider writing for the album is hopeful, as this I'm sure has resulted in some fine stuff - but a waste of time that will be, if all his efforts end up in the reject pile, huh. Anyway, one can only hope & if the album does contain some exciting new stuff, worthy of "The Band", then of course it will receive our interest & full support.

As for Robbie, well he ain't doing so bad. In fact, I think he is doing very fine indeed. But of course, some people have a big problem with that, especially as indicated by the cruel comments recently posted here. They just can't stand to see the success & recognition Robbie gets. Moreover, it's abundantly clear what others are finding very irksome----i.e. that Robbie continues to put out creative new music - something they cannot. There, I've said it!

Wed Jul 8 20:30:49 MET DST 1998

Bones

Anyone know how I can obtain a copy of Happy Happy Birthday Eric Clapton? A phone number to call, anything! Thanks.

Wed Jul 8 18:44:37 MET DST 1998

Joe

It would be fun to have, "Band and Dylan-friends", from all around the world. Please write and talk some music! The Band are the best band ever, thanks to Bob who discovered them. I´ve seen Dylan live, who´s great, several times, but I´ve never seen the Band performing arts. I hope they will come to Sweden, sooooon. Greetings!

Wed Jul 8 16:13:35 MET DST 1998

Dan Blood

Doggone, it was Ronnie's idea all along for The Weight!!! "Pulled up to park my Cad ... Take a load off the tranny ... and ... And ... AND ...You save that torque converter for ME!"

Wed Jul 8 15:03:41 MET DST 1998

Ferdinand the Imposter

TypCan, it's "take a load off (that) tranny." (and it was Ronnie Hawkins who insisted that the Hawks' Cadillacs should be parked that way. I'm so glad we found this out, know we know who REALLY should be credited for 'The Weight').

Wed Jul 8 15:02:34 MET DST 1998

scott richardson

Thanks Jan for a great website. I can't imagine how much time it takes, but it's very much appreciated. Looking forward to the new CD.

Wed Jul 8 14:29:12 MET DST 1998

David Powell

I'm back for now.

Last night the E-Channel (on cable here in the states) aired a fine documentary on Janis Joplin. Included were many interviews with her old friends & fellow musicians. Richard Bell appeared several times, recounting how enjoyable it was playing with Janis in the Full Tilt band.

A segment of the program dealt with Janis' signing on with Albert Grossman & how Columbia Records bought out her old recording contract from the Mainstream label. Once on board with Grossman & Columbia, she soon dumped Big Brother & the Holding Co. in favor of a new band. Nick Gravenites, a songwriter/musician & a friend of Joplin, made some interesting comments about Grossman. ( It must be noted that Gravenites was very familiar with Grossman, through his association with Paul Butterfield, Mike Bloomfield & Electric Flag.) Anyway, Gravenites said Grossman didn't like working with a band; he much preferred to deal with the "star" or the leading force in the group. Does this scenario sound familiar?

Wed Jul 8 12:13:58 MET DST 1998

Typically Canadian

Dan B:

Cause ya gotta take the weight off a that trany!

I think the same think everytime I park.

Wed Jul 8 04:33:41 MET DST 1998

Son of REmo

Hey Fishstick....are you the one that used to loan Bobby the sports cars that he lamost kept up with Ricky D.? This was back when Butch was still buying tickets to shows (5 yrs ago or longer)

Wed Jul 8 02:20:09 MET DST 1998

Dan Blood

Hey Norman: In the past few months we have been deluged with vintage Band footage on the tube. Anybody share these feelings? The Classic Album special (did you see it?) The Last Waltz hosted by RR and Marty, which was just a fews years after 1969 anyway. AND of course, the RR special, which had a lot of good vintage stuff as well.

Up On Cripple Creek on Sullivan was poor in comparison because of the way it was shot, all close-ups and because the boys seemed so doggone nervous. Did you catch Levon's first few notes. He was kinda shakey. From a technical and artistic standpoint, overall the show was poor. I agree that is was cool just seeing it. Weren't RR's teeth BIG, and wasn't Danko skinny?

I guess also that that venue, the Sullivan Show, A REELLY REELLY BIG SHEW, was too mainstream for me. Back then, especially out west, The Band wasn't mainstream nothin'. They were clearly the proud possession of a minority audience, which is way cool. I guess I liked it that way cause I was part of that following.

Can you undertstand why the management of The Band (back then) took extra pains to keep them in a low profile posture, particularly because this increased their mystique and counterculture appeal. Weird, huh. Overexposure kills.

Right now we're getting a healthy dosage of overexposure so's we can relive all those classic memories.

Question: Every time I set or DON'T set the parking brake on my vehicle, I think of Levon. Anyone know why?

Wed Jul 8 01:50:09 MET DST 1998

Freddy Fishstick

Pat Brennan

Honored that you remembered my earlier post about Life is A Carnival & Carnival World. There is no true link between my two favorite groups except me. A good friend did get Rick to autograph a Buffett poster with the words " I love to get drunk & scr... too." That valuable piece of memorabilia permanently links the two. Thanks Crazy Mama.

Tue Jul 7 23:43:27 MET DST 1998

Keith

I just got some of the "No Reason To Cry" outakes on a cd called Happy Birthday Eric Clapton. Thanks for the tip Jan. Rick sings on a version of Hard Times that showcases how well the Band played as a unit. It is relaxed but never dull. Nobody steps on anyones toes here, Richards piano is key and Garth bathes the song with love. When Danko say's "one more time", just sit back and prepare to smile, because the last two minutes are pure bliss. Also, Van shines on Stormy Monday. Anyway, my next purchase will be the EC. Masterfiles, which contain more, including four takes of a Richard lead. Has anyone heard this yet? I would love some feed back on this. I am willing to make a trade for a tape of HBEClapton with someone if you have a copy of the PALLADIUM 76 show. GARTH IS LOVE! Also interested in Early band shows on video, if any exist? I think they do.

Tue Jul 7 22:20:51 MET DST 1998

Bones

To Andrew from Philadelphia: I agree with you about the Brown album(clearly six equal contributions). Although I also agree that it is not a so-called guitar album, the guitar parts are incredible. Besides "Jawbone" and "King Harvest" which have already been mentioned, I also love the guitar on "Jemima Surrender".

To Freddy Fishstick: You ought to get together with Spider John. He loves a good Band/Buffet conversation.

My thoughts and prayers are with you Levon. God bless!

Tue Jul 7 20:10:29 MET DST 1998

Concerned Friend

Levon: In my thoughts, in my prayers, in my heart.

Tue Jul 7 17:47:38 MET DST 1998

Just Wonderin'

Does anyone have the web address of Vinyl Solutions in San Mateo CA.? I'm pretty certain there is one but I can't seem to find it. Also any other info on this type of store since I'm still looking for Crossing The Great Divide.

Tue Jul 7 17:33:37 MET DST 1998

Just wonderin'

As usual this site is great Jan! Thanks for all the hard work to keep the fans informed! Levon if you read this we are all praying and pulling for you! Keep the faith and think positive thoughts to kick those bad cells.

Tue Jul 7 04:28:25 MET DST 1998

Pat Brennan

Freddy Fishstick: since the Brown Album came out in August of 1969, I'm just gonna guess that the boys didn't get to hear Buffett's piece before they recorded their stuff. I do admire your rather perverse attempts to link the two, but until I hear something from Big Pink or the Brown Album about cheeseburgers or flip-flops, I'm gonna pass. However, as to the relative merits of people's record collections, I'm also gonna guess that the boys' don't include a lot of Buffett, but that your boy has a Band side or two. On a serious note, one of the hardest things about life is watching your people move on. We can only hope for the best.

Tue Jul 7 01:45hat the boys' don't include a lot of Buffett, but that your boy has a Band side or two. On a serious note, one of the hardest things about life is watching your people move on. We can only hope for the best.

Tue Jul 7 01:45:43 MET DST 1998

Andrew

To Ned and Cap, you are right, I did forget the nice guitar solo in "Jawbone". With that said, I still say (and I believe that Cap agreed) that the Brown Album in not a guitar album. I would agree thatr it represented a equal contribution from 6 members (I will also include John Simon).

My comments made on July 1st were with regard to Levon and Rick's apparant lack of recoginition to RR on the VH1 special on the Brown album. These were in response to Bones's comments. I believe that Levon and Rick were giving credit to those Band members who have been slighted in the past and I think that we all can agree that the album was a truly egalitarian (sp?) effort.

Thanks to Peter Viney for his recent contributions, continued thanks to Jan for mantaining the site (stay with vodka, Jan, lay off that bourbon). Also my prayers go out to Levon, I hope all the best for him.

Tue Jul 7 00:08:51 MET DST 1998

Quentin

great site jan. i've had the news confirmed that levon is suffering with throat cancer. Get well soon. you're in my prayers. I had the once in a lifetime pleasure of seeing rick, garth jimmy weider aaron and randy ciarlante with a kick-ass horn section perform at a private party. they were absolutely awesome. Garth outdid himself on chest fever and rick's voice was in great shape. hope to see you soon

Mon Jul 6 23:45:02 MET DST 1998

tiny MONTGOMERY

NOT GOOD NEWS is right! The worst, awful! I hope it is not true (but if it is), get well soon Levon! I can't imagine the world without that voice!

Mon Jul 6 23:25:36 MET DST 1998

Bones

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBBIE(July 5th). Of all the biographic articles that I have read about Robbie, half of them say he was born in 1943 while the other half say it was 1944. Which is it?

Mon Jul 6 21:49:20 MET DST 1998

Crap for Frank and others

Just Two Words : Privacy and Dignity are two concepts that do not exist in this Guestbook. Ignore or get used to it. That's the web for you.. Every wacko has his say.

Mon Jul 6 17:16:06 MET DST 1998

Pete Rivard

Here's a post in support of Frank from Connecticut. He accurately reported a published news item of interest to Band fans. Not good news, by anybody's definition, but valid news nonetheless. If anyone wants to read the article in question they have only to log on to http://www.newstimes.com/wkend/wkc.htm/

Mon Jul 6 14:58:24 MET DST 1998

Pete Rivard

Here's another Band member involvement report: Levon Helm's vocal "When I Get My Reward" on the Dirt Band's "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?" Part 2.This compilation is nowhere near the classic that the 1st one was, but it does have three or four moments in addition to the Helm vocal, an appearance by Newgrass Revival doing "Walk into Jerusalem", a John Hiatt and Roseann Cash duet, and some sterling session work by Mark O'Conner, Mark Douglas and Bela Fleck.

I have the videotape, which has an interesting quote by one of the Dirt Band members who says something to the effect that "when Levon arrived at the studio he said, 'OK, boys, let's make some music',and that's what we did and when we were done he said,'OK boys, let's party' and that's what we did."

Mon Jul 6 12:36:33 MET DST 1998

Just Two Words

Privacy and Dignity.

Mon Jul 6 11:57:18 MET DST 1998

Crap for Frank

Frank from Connecticut: What do you mean you are " Sorry TO HAVE to write this...." You don't "HAVE" to write anything, much less regurgitate what you read in some rag. For a guy who can spell the name of a tongue twister like Connecticut you sure have a problem with "Artical" (sic). Don't believe all the "articals" you read, and believe only half of what you see.

Sun Jul 5 05:38:54 MET DST 1998

Just Wonderin'

Happy Birthday RR. May you stay forever young.

Sun Jul 5 02:42:08 MET DST 1998

Frank

The News Times: Dated 7/3/98. Artical is titled: Helm is sick, but the show goes on. (I am quoting from her on out) Shortly after ex Beatle George Harrison disclosed he's battled throat cancer for a year, I got a call from Towne Crier Cafe owner Phil Seganer with more bad news. " Got a cancellation this week," he said. "Who this time?" "Levon Helm," Phil said. He's got throat cancer. Canceled all his dates." End Quote. The artical is a weekend preview that was penned by E. Kyle Minor. Again, dated 7/3/98. Goes on to say the Jim Weider will fill in. Sorry to have to write this. And dont give me crap for printing this. Its in the newspaper, and I too hope it is not true. Peace.

Sat Jul 4 17:28:38 MET DST 1998

Brin

Happy 4th, or as it was better known in decades past (and on 'Big Pink'--first song, first line) Independence Day.

Sat Jul 4 16:26:15 MET DST 1998

cosmo

Happy FOURTH OF JULY to all! And to all you Canadiens, thanks for being a great neighbor! Robbie plays a mean lick on Ringo's 1974 album Goodnight Vienna. The song is Snookeroo which also features Elton John on piano. I don't know if anybody mentioned that one. Also, Ringo's first ALL STAR BAND with Levon, Rick and a few guest appearences by Garth was one of the most special live shows I have ever seen. I highly recomend all to buy the cd and video! Let's remember Abraham Lincoln on this special American day. Four score and......... PEACE, Cosmo

Sat Jul 4 14:15:00 MET DST 1998

Freddy Fishstick

Jimmy Buffett 1969/70 "The Captain & The Kid"

" I never used to miss the chance to climb upon his knee And listen to the many tales of life upon the sea." Young boy & his grandpa. Shades of When You Awake & Rockin Chair's Ragtime Willie. Pat Brennan- who's got the better record collection?

Sat Jul 4 11:47:52 MET DST 1998

Jim Croce

July 4, 1998

One year later-I guess 'It Does Make a Difference". Last year at this time we were waiting on a Japanese court's decision. Today, Rick is performing well and we await a new album from the boys. Lots to be thankful for. Jan the Man, what an incredible site! Old Ben Pike, last year I didn't have the Brown Album. Now I am Awake.

Sat Jul 4 10:46:59 MET DST 1998

Carl the Barber

Hey Norman: Little Feat ALWAYS kick ass. Not just today.

Sat Jul 4 01:00:41 MET DST 1998

Blind Willie McTell

To all the American Band Fans

Happy 4th of July. The Band is playing somewhere.

Sat Jul 4 00:48:50 MET DST 1998

Ben Pike

Fri Jul 3 23:36:43 MET DST 1998

Norman Paperman

To Bloody Dan from Ca

The Band clip from Ed Sullivan was 1969. Frankly, I'm thrilled for the trip back. It was great to see the boys, stiff,loose,anywhich way. To many critics spoil the Barometer Soup. Not like we can see that many clips of the whole crew.

Jimmy & Little Feat kick ass tomorrow.

Fri Jul 3 23:20:04 MET DST 1998

Crazy Mama

To Jonny Rotten If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all... It is obvious that you know nothing in regards to The Band and their past with RR... Of course Robbie has no complaints with the rights.....he did a fine job of stealing them away...You have no right in passing judgement on Levon (especially in regards to his health) and his personal feelings. Quite frankly, it is none of your business. I will not visit this site and allow you to insult someone as wonderful as Levon. He is a cut above RR in everyway imaginable.

Fri Jul 3 22:25:59 MET DST 1998

Dan Blood

Happy Fourth of July to everyone, Levon, Randy, Richard, and Jim especially. God Save the Queen and whatever else to the other Bandmates.

I thought the Band's Ed Sullivision appearance from 1971 (was that it?) was positively THE WORST insofar as sound quality and the visual movement during the song Up On Cripple Creek. Everybody seemed STIFF and uncomfortable. Yeah, Garth's smile was ... cute, but basically it said, get that camera outta my face. I though the Byrds and the Credence snippits were much better done.

Fri Jul 3 20:58:14 MET DST 1998

Uncle Hangover

Excellent choice of bourbon, Jan. Gentleman Jack is almost as good as Rebel Yell. Keep up the good work, my friend. Skaal to you, too.

Fri Jul 3 09:36:10 MET DST 1998

Rod Prowse

A Band Concert on the internet. Wow! All credit to Jan (as Sean Fitzpatrick would say), this site must have been a big influence on their decision to do it.

Fri Jul 3 08:03:34 MET DST 1998

Ben Pike

I don't know about the rest of you, but I've about had it with the Robbie/Levon spats. Most likely, there was some wrong on both sides, but just as likely, it's why we didn't get maybe 3 brown albums or maybe four or five Stagefrights. Course, I try to be thankful for the good times the fellers did bring us, but as they reach the home strech, how bout a little by gones be by gones. I think it sorrowful that Levon sat out the Hall of fame deal. But I'd like to see them ease into there Rockin Chairs fresh out of bile and recrimination. But thats just me now talking.

Fri Jul 3 04:53:35 MET DST 1998

Kechiro

Nifty little sight here - but I'm on a quest. I purchased an album set entitled The Newly Discovered Basement Tapes #2. This particular two cassette set was released by Pud Records and is Collector Cassette Series #11138. I have two questions: How did Tiny Tim get on these tapes and who is the lady singing on I Got You Babe? Any help would be most appreciated.

Fri Jul 3 04:07:53 MET DST 1998

Curious.

ok...how does calling levon undernurished and stuff and robbie an ego maniac prove anything?...it doesn't...their characters shouldn't matter...just listen to the sweet music they made...and forget whatever prejudice you have against whoever...they are all just people...like you and me...peace.

Fri Jul 3 03:27:03 MET DST 1998

Dr. Pepper

Joe King Carrosco is da man!

Fri Jul 3 03:06:11 MET DST 1998

Henry

I think that I have found the most egregious example of Robbie's big head.

On the album's songwriting credits credits to "Rock of Ages", it lists (J.R. Robertson/G. Hudson) as the author's of The Genetic Method. He didn't write any words, so what did he exactly do.

Fri Jul 3 01:02:13 MET DST 1998

stephie

I have been keeping in touch with this site for a few years now and I gotta say it truely ridiculous conversation. Maybe it was exciting to talk to others who loved the band and there was always the possibility that someone inside the mangagement would occasionally log on and let us know about concerts, health and general welfare of these musicians but now there's just a bunch of verbal masterbation and we don't evern know who the hell we're speaking to. We don't know these guys and never will...and in the end who really cares about robbie and levon. If you like the music, buy it, talk about it with others who like it but all this other bullshit it tiresome. so long.

Fri Jul 3 00:54:30 MET DST 1998

Jonny Rotten

it is obvious from the many recent Band specials that Levon is an angry and bitter man. in the end of one special he remarks with bitternes that "everything seemed righteous, at the time". i wouldn't blame Robbie if he was pissed at all of Levon's lame and boring crying. it's pathetic. who wrote the words to Whispering Pines? RR., and the music? Richard. both are credited and there are more examples of this. the band's best was big pink because richard was completing songs. Lonesome Suzie, In a Station and We Can Talk are lovely songs. this was the real Lennon, McCartney duo. the only thing Levon ever wrote was Strawberry Wine. but i don't hear RR complaining about rights, oh yeah, no surprise that it's not on anyones top ten. And will somebody please get Levon something to eat, he looks as if he might fall down from a mild wind.

Fri Jul 3 00:22:04 MET DST 1998

Luis

Jan;

Nice try? "Hero in me" is also the name of the album.

MAN! You do have a WEALTH of information on this site don't you? You rule Jan, thanks so much. I hope you don't ever tire of hearing it and I definitely hope you never tire of maintaining this site. A fitting tribute..

Peace and Love,

Luis

Fri Jul 3 00:16:28 MET DST 1998

JH

Luis,
Nice try. "Hero in Me" is the opening cut from Gaines' self-titled debut (Chrysalis 21840), see http://theband.hiof.no/albums/jeffrey_gaines.html. Nice "Garthing" indeed.

Fri Jul 3 00:09:54 MET DST 1998

BUZZY SCOOTS

HOW ABOUT YOUR TOP 5 LEAD VOCAL PERFORMANCES AND YOUR TOP5 BACKING VOCAL PERFORMANCES. in order,1.DIXIE(LAST WALTZ), 2.LONESOME SUZIE, 3.CALEDONIA MISSION, 4.YAZOO STREET SCANDAL, 5.OJ BLUES FOR BREAKFAST AND FOR SUPPORTING VOCALS 1.WE CAN TALK, 2.TEARS OF RAGE, 3.I SHALL BE RELEASED, 4.RAG TIME WILLIE, 5.WHEN YOU AWAKE

Fri Jul 3 00:00:21 MET DST 1998

Luis

Gee, as "Andy" would say;

How about JEFFREY GAINES "Hero in Me" album. The one and only Garth Hudson appears on accordion and keyboards. Speaking of which, have we all gone out and bought Jeffrey Gaines new album GALORE yet?

have a great fourth of July y'all. Back in 96 THE BAND did a 4th of July concert at Broad Street Waterfront down by Wall Street. James Cotton opened up. It rained, it was HUMID and nasty but can't imagine another place on the whole planet I would've liked to have been. Thanks boys, it was a great fourth...

Peace,

Luis

Thu Jul 2 23:12:37 MET DST 1998

JH

Nice discussion about albums with Band members as sidemen, I'm just waiting for one of you guys/gals to come up with an album that I don't already have a web page for on this site :-)

I have quite a backlog of "new" material here that will appear at the site later, including photos, articles (from Peter V., of course), and trivia. I am very "busy" with other things right now, so please be patient. And please don't expect me to answer your e-mail right away, ok? I have this huge pile of unattended messages here ... maybe if I have another shot of Gentleman Jack it'll look better. Skål.

Thu Jul 2 22:04:44 MET DST 1998

Stella

On JIm Weider's websight (under news/events) it mentions that on August 12 The Band will be doing a live show on the internet , websight to be annoused.

Thu Jul 2 21:57:43 MET DST 1998

Some "ole boys in Mississippi

Just watched "The Last Waltz" for the ?th time. We jam on the weekends for fun & stress relief. I just thought we should pay tribute.

Thu Jul 2 21:08:07 MET DST 1998

Peter Viney

Brin: "The Legend of Jesse James" was released last year on CD by A&M (A&M 540 791-2) and it contains both 'The Legend of Jesse James' and Paul Kennerley's other C&W opera, White Mansions- A Tale From The American Civil War. To others: my "Hirth From Earth" is a Japanese import (as so many good things are). I forgot Joni Mitchell's "Raised on Robbery" and should have remembered it. Glad to hear there are other closet listeners to "Beautiful Noise" One of the great things about the depth of this site is the way in which it leads you to albums you missed. I've found a lot of interesting albums here - David Lindley's "El Rayo-X" is another album I'd never have heard if it hadn't been for Band involvement.

Thu Jul 2 20:21:46 MET DST 1998

Brin

Glad to see so much appreciation of the "Jesse James" lp. For a project that screamed--from concept to cover-- cheeseball exploitation of semi-Big Names, actually listening to it is a small revelation. Levon's vocals are strong throughout, but almost everything else works, too-- Albert Lee's slide guitar, one of Emmylou Harris's most moving performances, Rodney Crowell's supremely arrogant turn, even the usually unspeakable Charlie Daniels comes off well. Does anyone know if this is available on CD?

Thu Jul 2 20:16:23 MET DST 1998

Ben Pike

Cap, My CD of Hirth From Earth is a japanese import. Maybe that will help. If you really want I would tape a cassette for you. I got my copy signed by Hirth, believe it or not, last summer. Did someone mentioned that four out of five of the Band are all Ringo's RINGO album?

Thu Jul 2 19:54:21 MET DST 1998

Bones

Great list, Peter Viney. I also find Beautiful Noise to be somewhat of a guilty pleasure. Glad to know I'm not the only one. Some great Band involvement records not mentioned so far: Emmylou Harris' Quarter Moon In Ten Cent Town, Ringo Starr's RINGO, John Martyn's No Little Boy, Bonnie Raitt's Longing In Their Hearts, Color Of Money Soundtrack, and Carly Simon's Hotcakes.

Thu Jul 2 19:41:10 MET DST 1998

Ned

Earlier in this guestbook, Andrew of Philadelphia observed that the 'brown album' is not a guitar album. Even though Cap and I drew attention to guitar licks on the album, at heart Andrew is right: It is not a guitar album. Ironically, that fact speaks in favor of Robbie's contribution. If not a guitar album, what is it? It certainly is not a drum album, a bass album, an organ album, a piano album, or sax album. It is a band album. Six men (I like to count John Simon here) united as a team playing music. Robbie is there in every song, composing or adding his subtle yet powerful guitar moments. He asserts himself but never overpowers. What is a guitar album? "Layla and Assorted Love Songs" comes to mind. It is remembered mostly as a work of Eric Clapton, even though the Dominos had other great musicians in it. Imagine if the 'brown' album was a guitar album. Do you think the Band (both the group and the album) would be as amazing? If the album had been guitar driven, the magical team quality would have fizzled. Robbie's restraint is an asset to the album.

Thu Jul 2 19:39:38 MET DST 1998

Cap

I've looked everywhere for the Hirth From Earth album with no luck at all. Anybody know where I can find it? (I'd love to just order it on the web). I've actually grown tired of the Jesse Winchester album, for the most part. But Bobby Charles is great (He's Got All The Whiskey and I Must Be In A Good Place Now are my favorites) and also the Muddy Waters Woodstock Album never gets old. I also find that the RR-produced soundtracks all have some real gems on them (Slo Burn on Jimmy Hollywood, Between Trains and Wonderful Remark on King Of Comedy).

Thu Jul 2 19:28:33 MET DST 1998

Jonathan Katz

To Jennifer

They are supposed to be real people!

To Peter Viney

I found Hirth's second album [produced by John Simon] to be much better than "Hirth From Earth," though there's one cut that knocks me out [I can't remember it by name]. But IMO the best by far Band-guesting album is "Bobby Charles" followed by "Jesse James."

Thu Jul 2 16:33:44 MET DST 1998

Ned

Cap: Sorry, my comment should have been directed to Andrew of Philadelphia. He should also listen for the subtle but skillful guitar in Cripple Creek and the more overt in Look out Cleveland. And the solo in the middle of Jawbone is hot.

Thu Jul 2 16:24:51 MET DST 1998

Tracy a.k.a. AHROOO!!

Rick Danko will be playing (solo) at the Iron Horse in Northampton, Mass. on July 25th. For more info call the Northampton Boxoffice at (800) THE-TICK. Oh, and you probably thought that I was ONLY a "Robbie nut." ;)

Thu Jul 2 16:24:49 MET DST 1998

Ned

Hey Cap. Get you butt home and listen to Unfaithful Servant again and you may note the great acoustic guitar by one Mr. Robertson

Thu Jul 2 13:52:51 MET DST 1998

Shecky

Boston area fans - straight off the net: 7/11 Rick Danko at the "PACC Waterfront Festival" Plymouth, MA. 508-747-7727 7/24 Honky Tonk Gurus featuring Jim Weider at Harpers Ferry, Allston. See you there!

Thu Jul 2 13:28:58 MET DST 1998

JH

Just moved the guestbook entries from June to the archives. Lots of traffic this month, almost as much as the record of 385K from March '98 (when Robbie released Contact..), and six times the traffic from June last year.

Thu Jul 2 13:28:45 MET DST 1998

just wonderin'

Peter Viney: I also LOVE that Jesse Winchester lp. Particularly those 2 songs. I've been looking for the Hirth Martinez thing for years and I think I've tracked it down thank to the internet. Also I like RR's work on Joni Mitchell's "Raised on Robbery". Soundtrack to Jimmy Hollywood is real good. I have to admit to having a taste for "Beautiful Noise" as well.

Wed Jul 1 22:45:49 MET DST 1998

Inspector Clouseau

Be advised, Pat Brennan, that I am opposed to the woman's rights (sniff).

Scotland Yard has advised me that the Crowmatix are playing Bodle's on Fri , July 10th ( I KNEW THAT) and may possibly be bringing Danko along! This would be a great line up in a great venue. Bodle's is in Chester, NY and the phone is 914- 469- 4595. The place is small, the food is good, and the music will be great (sniff).

Wed Jul 1 22:44:27 MET DST 1998

Peter Viney

My Top 10 appearances by Band members on other artist’s albums (based on stature of album rather than size of contribution): 1) JESSE WINCHESTER (produced RR, guitar RR, drums LH) – still playing it after 27 years. Standouts: Yankee Lady, Snow 2) LARGO – can’t stop playing it now (LH on Gimmee A Stone, GH on Garth’s Largo) 3) BOBBY CHARLES (LP) aka SMALL TOWN TALK (CD) – has been said it sounds almost like the lost Band album. All except RR 4) NO REASON TO CRY – Eric Clapton (all) – some great songs, which are probably Band rejects - Beautiful Thing, All Our Past times. 5) LEGEND OF JESSE JAMES – LH, vocals, drums 6) KING OF COMEDY OST / BEST OF VAN MORRISON – RR production of ‘Wonderful Remark’ 7) HIRTH MARTINEZ, ‘HIRTH FROM EARTH’ RR’s production of ‘the new Captain Beefheart’ 8) VAN MORRISON ‘WAVELENGTH’ – GH on three tracks, Kingdom Hall, Venice USA, Take It Where You Find It 9) MUDDY WATERS ‘THE WOODSTOCK ALBUM’ – GH, LH – LH produced 10) TOM PETTY ‘SOUTHERN ACCENTS’ – The Best of Everything is a straight Band soundalike, produced by RR with both RM and GH. The rest is great too, Oh, and Michelle Shocked, Cate Bros, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Bonnie Rait, Los Lobos, Ringo Starr All-Star Band, Four Men & A Dog, Colin Linden, David Lindley, David Olney, Neil Young’s ‘On The Beach’ of course, and 'Hawks & Doves', Crosby & Nash ‘Wind on The water’, GH on Marianne Faithful’s ‘Blazing Away’ and lots of other stuff. But DEFINITELY not RD on Joe Cocker’s LUXURY YOU CAN AFFORD (er, but I do like BEAUTIFUL NOISE … or is that heresy?)

Wed Jul 1 22:31:18 MET DST 1998

Bones

While we are on the subject of Band involvement albums, does anybody know which songs Garth and Rick play on Robert Palmer's Heavy Nova. The CD liner notes mention their involvement, but they don't tell which tracks.

To Pat Brennan: I apologize if I incorrectly referred to you as Mr. Brennan. Kevin from Pittsburgh-thanks for correcting my mistake.

To Andrew from Philadelphia: I'm not sure I understood your comments. Are you saying that Levon and Rick did not mention Robbie's name because he did not make any contributions to the recording. Do you not believe that he wrote the songs? Levon's only guitar comment in the video was when he said the guitar was out of tune on "Rockin' Chair". Hardly a compliment.

Wed Jul 1 20:04:36 MET DST 1998

Brin

For Band-related favorites, surprised I haven't seen Bobby Charles (on Bearsville), the 1st Jesse Winchester, Hirth Martinez, or Libby Titus yet. Don't have discographical info handy (at work) but there's probably information on all of these elsewhere on this site. The Bobby Charles especially is is essential listening.

Wed Jul 1 19:35:37 MET DST 1998

Cap

To Andrew from Philadelphia, concerning your comments on the Brown Album: Where did RR appear on "Unfaithful Servant"? The only real solo on it was in "King Harvest"? Are you for real? There's a song called "Jawbone" on the second side of the album that has some pretty good guitar, you should check it out...

Wed Jul 1 18:28:12 MET DST 1998

Just Wonderin'

I have a spare,unopened copy of the LAST WALTZ. It is in BETA format. If anyone is interested let me know through the guestbook.

Wed Jul 1 18:23:42 MET DST 1998

Scott

I am a sucker for any top 10 list. Here are my "Band" involvment albums: 1)Bring it on home,Volume 1 - Rick sings on the songs, Blue tail fly, Mystery train and Bring it on home. 2) Bring it on home, Vol.2 - Rick sings, Raining in my heart and The weight. Both discs released in 1994 on "Legacy records". 3) Muddy Waters tribute band - Levon sings on Going to Main Street, 1996 on Telarc records. 4) Paul Burlson, Train kept a rollin, album realised in 1997, on Sweetfish records. Jim Weider produces the cd and plays guitar on every song, Levon drums + sings on Hound Dog and drums on Lonesome train. Rick sings back up on Houn dog and sings lead on Lonesome train. Richard Bell and Randy Ciarlante also play on various songs. 5) Eric Clapton, No reason to cry, The 1st song on the album was co-written by Richard Manual and Rick. "All our past times was written by Rick and you can hear both of them on various songs. Dylan also sings on the album. Released in 1976. 6) Doc Pomus tribute cd. The Band plays Young blood. 1995, Rhino records. 7)Not fade away, Buddy holly tribute cd, The Band plays Not fade away. 1995, Mca records. 8) Tom Pacheco, Woodstock winter. Jim Weider produces and Levon, Rick, Garth, Randy, and Richard B. all play throughout the album. 9) Bob Dylan, Planet waves. The Band is the band for the entire album. 1974 release. 10) Jules Shear, Healing bones. Rick co-writes 2 songs on the album...... To give credit where it is due: I discovered at least 7 of these albums directly from info. on this page......

Wed Jul 1 16:16:14 MET DST 1998

Pete Rivard

Has anyone on this page ever commented on the similarity between The Weight and Van Morrison's Tupelo Honey? G-Bm-C-G verse structure. Which song came first? You can take (I pulled into Nazareth) all the tea in China (was feelin''bout half past dead). Geographical references in the first line of both, as well.

Wed Jul 1 15:27:15 MET DST 1998

Pete Rivard

I tend to agree with a lot of Mr. Viney's remarks on the make-up of any band. As a current member of an outfit where all the original material is developed by two of the four members and all the investment in equipment has been by those same two, it sometimes surprises me that the other two guys think that it's a pure democracy of one man, one vote. No effective band is purely democratic, if it was it would collapse under it's own lack of direction and energy. We brought one guy into the group with the clear understanding that the ensemble was devoted to developing original material. He kept pulling for more standards. When we cut our CD he never even showed up in the studio except when his specific tracks were scheduled to be recorded. So it's a tough row to hoe. It's apparent to me that the Band fell to squabbling, or worse, had issues that needed a good squabble but were never aired in a group context, and over time, the situation soured beyond repair. (P) The best case scenario is a collaboration over a shared vision but I've not been able to make that happen for more that a 12 month period at best. I envy groups that do better.

Wed Jul 1 10:01:13 MET DST 1998

Peter Viney

This goes on and on so I might as well add fuel. According to Ralph Gleason in ‘Rolling Stone’ (Messing Up With the Middlemen) the American Federation of Musicians used to insist that every group had a registered ‘leader’. Levon mentions that he took this role in Levon & The Hawks when they left Hawkins. Did this role still exist when The Band got started in 1968? And if it did, who was the registered leader? Read the various items on The Band. Most of the 60s/70s interviews are with RR. The 80s radio interviews are all RR. Read stuff on business dealings – Grossman, Geffen, Mo Ostin, Bill Graham – all seem to mention RR as the mover and shaker. I’ve re-read Levon’s account of events in 1976. Go back and read it. It’s one side only, but it’s honest and you can read between the lines. LH (1976) "Around then Rick Danko signed a solo deal with Arista Records. I knew he’d been unhappy with things for a long time and I think he’d seen the end coming and wanted to get on with his career." / LH (1975) "Richard was drinking eight or nine bottles of Grand Marnier a day" / LH (1975) (Capitol) figured RR was the leader of The Band … and I just started a process where I backed away from the whole thing as far as I could without quitting the group" / LH (1972) "RR … had fled to Montreal … Rick was getting divorced … Richard was retired … Garth was building a house" – You can find a lot more. Re-reading it, I think they’d split naturally. RR was doing the business deals and writing the songs, two didn’t like to rehearse (according to LH) and Richard was in a bad way. TLW was just writing the period at the end of a sentence that had run its course at that time. There’s more in LH’s biography that suggests The Band as the original entity effectively belongs to RR (p272: Richard, Rick and Garth seemingly sold their shares to RR. LH didn’t). This weakens the link between the old and the new, and would explain why (e.g.) Remedies didn’t finish off the box set. (And perhaps why compilations underplay Richard’s contributions in the early years). It would also indicate that RR could have been unpleasant about the reformed group (see the legal struggles over the name ‘The Byrds’ or several other groups) and that he wasn’t. I would assume that he just got tired of being totally responsible for keeping the whole thing together. I guess a lot of readers have been in bands (or other creative group enterprises). It’s rare that someone doesn’t adopt the "administrative" role. It’s Catch-22. Eventually, the "administrator" begins to resent the work load, then the rest become more passive because they have less say over the direction, so the administrator takes on more work and resents the others more, so the others take the view that they’re becoming hired help and participate less, so the administrator takes more creative decisions … you can see this pattern again and again. In my life I’ve found myself on both sides (the RR one and the LH one) of this. RR and The Band is a classic example.

Wed Jul 1 05:42:34 MET DST 1998

Blind Willie McTell

Whether you like RR or not, "Unbound" is pretty good song

"No borders" "No fences" "No walls"

Wed Jul 1 05:36:17 MET DST 1998

Jennifer

*i'm new to the band...so please, consider that before reading this*......i was just wondering, in some of the band songs...there are mentioning of names, for example, fannie, molly, and bessie...are these real people?...i'm sure i could find the info. somewhere else...but i just find this guestbook to be so entertaining.

Wed Jul 1 04:50:58 MET DST 1998

just wonderin'

From everything I've heard and read over these past many years Dylan did indeed recruit RR. In fact RR insisted that Dylan hire the band for the European Tour or Dylan had no backup. I wonder if RR reads these pages if he keeps a sense of humor about all the rumors and innuendo. Maybe if he reads these pages it will give him fodder to write new songs!

Wed Jul 1 03:11:42 MET DST 1998

Andrew

Bones - you are correct. On the VH1 program on the brown album, RR does spend time giving credit to the other members of the group. I particurarily remember him mentioning his admiration that Levon did not get "screwed up" while playing the drums and signing. He also talked about Garth (with admiration) being "quick on the draw" as he switched from the organ ("carnival music") to the clavinet on "Up on Cripple Creek".

RR also spoke of his motivations in writing "Dixie" which I found extremely interesting (his having to write subtely since hi daughter was sleeping). I was impressed and touched by the statements in that it seemed that he was remembering how it was. Or maybe he just took his enormous ego medication that day (whoops there I go bashing him again).

You are also right in that Levon or Rick did not say much about RR. That would make perfect sense. They spent most of the time dissecting "Rag Mama, Rag", "Unfaithful Servent" and "Rockin' Chair". I remember Levon being very generous in his praise of Rick ('he holds it all together"), Garth ("its easy when you know how") and Richard, who Levon and Rick spent alot of well justified time signing his praises (and showing considerable sadness over his loss). Could Levon have mentioned RR's name, probably, but where did RR appear on those songs?

Maybe the making of that album showed the real makeup of the Band. It certainly wasn't a guitar album. in fact the only real solo on it was in "King Harvest", so maybe Rick and Levon were placing the praise on those who deserved it and/or who have been grossly underrerpresented in the past (and that of course includes John Simon, who was no where near a camera in TLW).

Another thing, I would not consider Pat Brennan's comments about RR staying consistent to his reason of leaving the group high praise. First off, I don't believe for a second that it was the "real" reason. It was just a romanticzed notion that he knew would play well on the big screen . RR left the group because he thought was going to be a big Hollywood player. That is the reason. I don't blame him for that , he can do what he wants. All I want RR to do is when he speaks of The Band, show some respect and remember that he was and will be is nothing more than 20% of the greatest musical group in the f&%#$*@ world. And I consider that high praise indeed.

Wed Jul 1 02:07:21 MET DST 1998

Kevin

I've been listening to the "Rock of Ages" outtakes from "Crossing the Great Divide" the last few days and I realized I already have some of these on a Capitol release. It's called "Live at Watkins Glen". "The Rumor", "Loving You is Sweeter Than Ever" and "I Shall Be Released" are defintely the same on these two, except "Crossing" doesn't have the obtrusive background crowd noise. So what's up? Also, the pictures that grace the cover of "Crossing" (which Jan just posted) are copyright Elliot Landy. On another note, Bones, Pat is a "She".

Wed Jul 1 02:00:27 MET DST 1998

Jake Holman

What a difference between Ed Sullivan coverage of The Band and TLW. Ed's cameras show Garth smiling (what a concept). They focus on lead singer Levon but hit everybody. RR gets his appropriate minimal coverage. Sorry I was to young to have appreciated it back in 1969. Up on Cripple Creek a great tune. The boys really earned whatever few bucks Robbie paid em for the night's work of interpretation.

Wed Jul 1 00:38:52 MET DST 1998

g.washinton