The Band Guestbook, July '99

Sat Jul 31 23:41:47 CEST 1999

Spider John

Franko, The cover by Jimmy Buffett of Ramsey's tune is IMHO a classic. I'm a semi-converted Parrothead. Lil is a long time Bandhead that's seeing the light since she shared my company. :-)

Sat Jul 31 20:46:25 CEST 1999

Suzie

I guess you're right Lil. All art forms are ultimately totally subjective so in reality all The Band songs and the pre and post Last Waltz configurations and their output are all equal. Therefore HOTH is actually just as great as Stage Fright. Thanks for opening my eyes "it's a brand new day!"

Sat Jul 31 20:41:10 CEST 1999

franko

After a long wait, Willis Alan Ramsey's 1972 album was re-released this month. I knew nothing about him except for what was in Shawn Colvin's liner notes to his song 'Satin Sheets' that she covered in 1994 on her 'Cover Girl' CD. Band connection # 1 - she also sang 'Twilight' on that CD. Bad Guest Book connection # 1 - the first song on the CD "The Legend of Spider John is about the relationship between Spider John and Diamond 'Lil that contains a great lyric "she thought I was a saint not a sinner gone astray". All this time I've been reading this guestbook I had no idea where Spider and Lil got their names from, or is it only a coincidence? "Spider got tangled in the black web that he spun."

It is a great record.

Sat Jul 31 20:40:03 CEST 1999

Darcey

I wonder why RR with all those publicity savvy industry people behind him couldn't get his Red Road Ensemble show on American or British TV. Could it really be as awful as I've heard? I saw two songs from it on RR's "Going Home" tape and thought they were abominable but could the whole show have been as bad?

Sat Jul 31 20:18:44 CEST 1999

Jon Lyness

That new bootleg sounds interesting...I hope it makes it to this neck of the woods. Can anyone post a tracklist for the first disk?

Also, I've been wanting to read that Village Voice article "The Moving Shadow of Richard Manuel" for a long time now. Anyone have a copy, and/or willing to post it to this site?

Sat Jul 31 19:30:26 CEST 1999

Ilkka

Dear gb community
WARNING: The game Lil describes here (15:51) is a classic way to get a NetBus virus . . look out.

Sat Jul 31 15:51:48 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Peter Viney: Thought I'd mention that my son has a game on his computer (sent to him by one of my friends btw) where you can um...get Bill Gates. Ol' Bill's head pops up all over the screen...and you just keep throwing pies at him. Pretty funny actually..like a carnival game. And life, as we all know..is a carnival :-)

Sat Jul 31 13:04:07 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

The revenge of Bill Gates on us Macintosh users, Word 98, caused the inexplicable garble in my previous posting.It mangled itself between writing it in Word and pasting it into Navigator.After IUtaly, it should be full stop, then begin "REM …" Words from the last paragraph migrated in the ether.

Sat Jul 31 13:00:45 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Jenny: Sure, The Band perform a barrellful of great songs. Written by Robbie Robertson. And what’s so wrong with Italian TV? RAI had the great sense to show the Red Road concert, which is more than British or American channels have done to my knowledge. And Clapton? And REM? Well, I guess they show them both in Italy Many Mornings”, then get it for. Early REM leaves me stone-cold, but I’d have to admit a liking for “Out of Time” and “Automatic for the People”. Anyone rated as highly as REM by the music press is over-rated for sure, but nevertheless there has to be something good there (And there is).

Lee: absolutely right. If the media had turned up at Cambridge 96, there would have been great, positive reviews instead of the snide stuff generated by the subsequent London gig.

And so to “Tangled Up in Blues”. If you don’t get it for The Band’s “One Too Many Mornings”, then get it for Taj’s “It Takes A Lot to Laugh” or Mavis Staples making me like a song I’ve always deeply loathed by Dylan, “Gotta Serve Somebody”.

Sat Jul 31 11:35:32 CEST 1999

Jimmy Moretz

Why cant there be more groups like the BAND? I guess because most groups dont have the desire not to comproize what they record.

Sat Jul 31 11:30:35 CEST 1999

Ilkka The Pathfinder

The best directions to *Big Pink*: a German guy named Reinhard has send them Feb 7 and 8!

Sat Jul 31 10:48:05 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Les from Austin TX: Not sure why you would feel "offended" by my opinion on HOTH unless you actually played on it :-)

Someone mentioned something about hurting other fans feelings with our personal opinions, which again I'm not sure I understand. An 'opinion' is just that...one person's preference. Opinions have no right or wrong, and when I give mine..I do try to do so respectfully....as do most others here.

Freddy Fishstick: Very well said. "A healthy Levon singing "Don't Wait"..backed by The Band. It wouldn't get too much better than that.

Sat Jul 31 03:55:04 CEST 1999

J.T.

Anybody have any insight about current relations (or lack thereof) between Robbie Robertson & Dylan? My apologies if this has previously been discussed at length & please direct me to GB pages where I might find past discussion.

Sat Jul 31 03:54:47 CEST 1999

J.T.

Anybody have any insight about current relations (or lack thereof) between Robbie Robertson & Dylan? My apologies if this has previously been discussed at length & please direct me to GB pages where I might find past discussion.

Sat Jul 31 03:50:31 CEST 1999

Vera

Give poor Levon a break guys. He's had obvious health problems to deal with recently. Let's all be thankful for what he's done and continues to do musically. I bet many of you folks who are clammering for The Band to tour didn't even make enough effort to see them the last time they played within reach.

Sat Jul 31 03:43:53 CEST 1999

wanda 'n dennis

we're about five miles down the road...if anyone needs directions, feel free to contact us. their is a caveat(sp?): according to an article last fall in Kingston's Daily Freeman, the house (at the end of a dead end) has new owners and we're not at all aware about how they feel about company...

Sat Jul 31 03:40:30 CEST 1999

Pat Brennan

As I recall, you follow the main drag east out of Woodstock until it curves to the north. On your left will be Stoll Road. Up about a half mile is a bunch of mailboxes--one of them is pink. I think it's the second road you can make a left on. Make the left. It's down on your right. You might want to ask in town about getting to Stoll Road. And the house is on a dirt road but it's pretty easy to navigate.

Sat Jul 31 02:03:12 CEST 1999

MF

RYAN: Last Oct 5th, Anthony Fappiano posted (19:04:09) his directions to Big Pink. I've never been there myself, so I can't vouch for their accuracy.

Sat Jul 31 01:37:52 CEST 1999

Pat Brennan

Sundog, I believe the directions to Big Pink are on the site somewhere. The search engines should get any interested party the info.

Sat Jul 31 01:20:05 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

" COME ON NOW FOLKS, 26 POSTS AGO, A BAND FAN ASKED FOR HELP ( RYAN STANG ) IN FINDING THE MONUMENT "BIG PINK" SO HE COULD GET SOME PICTURES OF IT". CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP HIM?? I REMEMBER A COUPLE OF PEOPLE POSTED DIRECTIONS HERE BEFORE, BUT I CAN'T RECALL WHO THEY WERE!!! THANKS!!

Sat Jul 31 01:00:45 CEST 1999

Pat Brennan

Louise, you can have HOTH, and I'll take Storyville. Or NLSC. Or Moondog. Or ROA. And I have unfortunately seen the post 83 Band disappoint a number of times. Perhaps you haven't seen them enough. One time Levon didn't even show up. If RR performed, I have a feeling his musicians would make the curtain.

Sat Jul 31 00:45:47 CEST 1999

Freddy Fishstick

With the recent NY performances by "The Band" ex- Levon, the upcoming concert at Yasgur's Farm and the release of Rick's new CD, I cannot understand why Levon is AWOL. Whatever slight or mistake might be attributed to Rick, the rest of the boys, including Garth, are willing to waive. Its time for the "brothers in arms" to get on the stage together and be a BAND. If I could make it up to Albany on 8/31 I'd hope to tell that to "the boss". I can't so this mail and perhaps hundreds or thousands of others that make the same request will do the trick. Until I hear a healthy Levon Helm do "Don't Wait" backed by The Band I ain't gonna be content.

Sat Jul 31 00:08:28 CEST 1999

Jim Soko

For the Mid Hudson valley residents, Jim Weider and the Guru's are playing at Bodles in Chester on the 27th of August. It is a nice place for a show.

Fri Jul 30 23:35:06 CEST 1999

Parker

If I could shift time around I would like to see Robbie and the Red Road Ensemble open for Jimi Hendrix. It might be a really short set though.

Fri Jul 30 23:28:11 CEST 1999

Les

Diamond Lil: I guess I shouldn't feel offended by your low opinion of HOTH since I think it's up to scratch with Jericho and listen to it quite a lot. But somehow I still do. No hard feelings though.

Fri Jul 30 23:19:59 CEST 1999

Chriswell

I'm a very big fan of Robbie's solo efforts and I think the main reason why they are underrated is that he is so far ahead of his time. One hundred years from now when The Band and The Beatles, as well as Jimi, Eddie Van Halen, and Eric are long forgotten Robbie will be the sole beacon of light visible from an ancient dim past and his solo CDs and guitar pyrotechnics will only then be fully appreciated. Just wait and see.

Fri Jul 30 22:28:57 CEST 1999

Elsie

Diamond Lil: I'm with you on one thing. I play Stage Fright more than any other Band CD. But yet, I also really like HOTH but think Jubilation is the weakest of the 3 recent CDs. Maybe we should all just e-mail ourselves and spare hurting any other fans' feelings with our personal opinions.

Fri Jul 30 22:15:28 CEST 1999

Les Thierolf

Are there any survivors of the Austin, Texas Labor Day festival just prior to The Last Waltz. I went and it was great. 100,000 people - 95 degree - mud - naked people. The Band played a great set. Funny, one of the things I remember is a delay in the middle of the concert when Robbie broke a string. I also remember Rick Danko wearing an orange and beige striped docker-styled shirt. I had one like it for a long time. About the only other artist I remember is Steve Miller. After drinking several adult beverages and seeing The Band I left. Chicago and Fleetwood Mac appeared later but I was long gone by then. So there's a Fleetwood Mac-The Band connection. I seem to recall a story about Richard being injured in a boating accident on nearby Lake Travis. (broken collarbone?)

In the seventies I think The Band opened for CSN but no Y. I was at the KC concert. The next day I ran into an older fellow wearing a Band shirt. I asked him about it and he said he had front row seats and The Band members talked to him and couldn't get over how appreciative the audience was of them.

about 8-10 years ago there were rumors that George Harrison was going to tour the U.S. with Robbie Robertson as the opening act.

Les.

Fri Jul 30 21:56:19 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Louise: Sorry, but I've listened to HOTH more times than I'd care to. I stand by my original opinion. Guess we all have our likes and dislikes when it comes to this Band of ours. My favorite Band album has always been 'Stage Fright'..which I know alot of folks would disagree with me on. That's the nice thing about music. Each of us can find something different to enjoy.

Fri Jul 30 21:25:27 CEST 1999

mattk

Oh yes, for the record:

1. Red Boy was my favorite album of 1998--nothing about it resembles cow intestine, at least to me
2. REM's Murmur is a wonderful album, not without a certain "Band-ness" about it in terms of it's rustic quality--a relatively "quiet" album released in an era when Punk ruled the "alternative" or college radio market. I pretty much liked everything through Green--after that...yawn
3. I don't like Cahoots much either, though it has some great songs that are among my favorites (carnival, 4% pantomime, most notably).

Matt

Fri Jul 30 21:17:21 CEST 1999

mattk

Jenny,

Chris was rather respectful in disagreeing with you, yet you seem compelled to always respond with postings that are derisive. There's no call to mock him for his like of Cahoots or REM. To my view, all it means is that's two more albums that give him joy than you have. By that standard, seems like he wins.

I'm sure you can advocate your musical tastes without beating up on other people's musical choices. After all, no one here has yet been rude or condescending to you. What benefit is there in trying to make another person feel badly about what they like to listen to? As I mentioned in a recent post, the inability to talk positively about what you like without putting down others says more about your own insecurities than anything else.

Take care

matt

Fri Jul 30 21:13:13 CEST 1999

Dave Z

Chris: I like REM too, especially the older stuff that rambles on with a little more of a messy edge... I think they are maybe closer to a streams-of-consciousness Van than a finely attuned and arranged Band... Plus my wife has followed REM from the start so the fallout of family negotiations is that I get to listen to REM in the car periodically instead of Robbie, who I much prefer...

Fri Jul 30 21:13:05 CEST 1999

Jenny

PV - You can have RR and his business savvy. I'll take the new Band with their lack of savvy and and barrel full of great songs. I saw enough of that spectacular Red Road Ensemble stage show on the RR "Going Home" video to make me realise I didn't want to see any more. It belongs on Italian TV. BTW Clapton has been so boring since he left Cream that they now play him in my local supermarket. "Music to shop by."

Fri Jul 30 20:56:54 CEST 1999

Jenny

Chris -- At least we agree on one thing! You're probably the only person in the world who views Cahoots as a timeless classic. I guess that explains your penchant for REM. Mystery solved!

Fri Jul 30 20:23:52 CEST 1999

Louise

Diamond Lil - I really think HOTH is as strong as Jericho. I was disappointed with Jubilation which suffers from a lack of Bandworthy songs and Levon's vocal problems. Rick sounds great however. If you give HOTH another good listen I'll do the same with Jubilation. Agreed? Maybe headphones will do the trick by bringing out the subtleties.

Fri Jul 30 17:54:18 CEST 1999

L. G.

Peter,

There is one essential ingredient you fail to mention with regard to The Band's show at Cambridge in 1996. The London show had advertised in Mojo or Q magazine, I forget which, that this was the only UK show by the legendary Band. Also, the policy of the Cambridge Corn Exchange is expecting the bands that play the venue to do their own advertising...which is usually more than two shows, if you get my drift. It's obvious that the media had no idea they were playing there otherwise we would have seen reviews.

Fri Jul 30 17:47:29 CEST 1999

David Powell

As if the blazing heat is not enough, things really got crazy down here in Atlanta yesterday. Back in the mundane world today, I feel that speculation regarding any Band touring plans is futile. The current aggregation known as The Band is at present no longer a band in the true sense of the word. As for Robbie Robertson, he has other fish to fry as they say, and he let it be known long ago that he has no inclination to return to life on the road.

Fri Jul 30 15:47:38 CEST 1999

Richard

Got the "Last Moving Shadows" set a couple of weeks ago, and love it. One of my favorites on it is a great sounding "Caledonia" on Disc One. Makes me wish the reunited Band had put out an official live album before now, perhaps from the Jericho tour. Oh well....

Fri Jul 30 12:29:28 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Live draw: I’m sure Lil’s right and this is a waste of time, but I’ll say it anyway! The Band’s potential as a live draw has been severely hindered by poor promotion of live gigs. Of course, you can argue that The Band actively don’t want a high profile, and enjoy more intimate settings. This has a lot of validity. In Britain in 96 their gig at Cambridge seemed to be a secret to anyone who didn’t live next door to the venue (except to those of us who subscribe to “Jawbone”). I believe that if The Band were playing London in the near future, hardly anyone would find out. Just us lot on this website.

On the other hand, as Pat said, Robbie would have the full might of Capitol, let alone Dreamworks behind him. There would be interviews placed at the right time - coming out 3 to 4 weeks ahead, press releases, TV shows. One of my “what if?” nightmares is seeing ads for RR and The Band at the same time on opposite sides of the same city. Where would I go? Judging from the last few years, it wouldn’t be an issue. I’d never get to hear about The Band gig. The RR one would be a major event, with articles on Native American music, interviews with Howie B, Bono, Daniel Lanois, quotes from Clapton, Van Morrison & George Harrison, who’d probably guest if they had half a chance. Ticket sales to Rita Coolidge fans. Lots of promotion to lovers of Native American music. Undoubtedly higher prices.

There might be a regional thing here too. Where’s the concert? On the West Coast RR might be a greater celebrity draw. In the north-east, lots of people have seen The Band and its offshoots, so RR would have rarity value. It won’t happen, Jenny, but given comparative Band/RR “business savvy” prior to this hypothetical gig, the RR gig would be way the bigger draw. I also think the RR audience would have a younger profile with a higher proportion of women.

I think Robbie was pretty clear about his attitude to touring in 1976, but if you’ve seen the 1995 Agrigento Festival show by The Red Road Ensemble (broadcast originally on Italian TV), you’ll know that when he does perform he puts on a full theatrical show complete with lighting plot, fabulous choral backing singing from Ulali and The Coolidges, Native American dancing, dynamics. There’s great variety because he stands back and supports his fellow performers. All of this with a guitarist who has no equal in the middle.

Fri Jul 30 11:53:38 CEST 1999

Chris

OK, Jenny, we fundamentally disagree - but I'm pleased to see that we can do so in a civilised, articulate manner free of the obscene invective that one so often encounters on the Net. And it is silly to argue about who can draw a bigger crowd - actually, I didn't think that we were doing that... I don't find anything predictable about Robbie's new stuff, and even though I'm not over the moon about all of it, I'm pleased to see him taking chances and looking forward...But I'm used to differing with fans of the Band - after all, I'm probably the only person in the world who thinks that Cahoots is a timeless classic, more than able to hold its own alongside Big Pink and the Brown Album... And REM, though they have been overplayed and overexposed in this decade will always be on my private jukebox, which I'll not force anyone's hand to put a quarter in!

Fri Jul 30 10:36:32 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Seems to me that since RR is not touring, and The Band is no longer able to tour, and the 'new' Band doesn't seem to want to tour...arguing over who could fill what arena is pretty much a waste of time. Frankly, for the many configurations I've seen over the years, I never really took interest in whether the venue was filled to capacity or not. I was there and I enjoyed the shows. That's all that mattered to me.

And btw..to the person who said the current line-up never disappoints... I have to disagree. I've been a fan for about 25 years, and it's my opinion that 'High on the Hog' was a major disappointment. Doesn't mean the new line-up isn't incredible...they were just capable of doing so much more. And they did. With 'Jubilation'.

Fri Jul 30 09:08:29 CEST 1999

Louise

Pat -- Robbie's "current musical approach" as you put it = tripe in my opinion. Robbie's guitar playing was very inventive when linked to the structurally inventive songs on Big Pink, The Band, and Stage Fright. But his current playing is as weak as the songs it is linked to. He is not in the same class as Hendrix, Richard Thompson, or Keith Richards where his guitar playing alone can rise above a mediocre song (though I'm hard pressed to think of a mediocre Thompson song.) If I were going to spend the rest of my life on a desert island and were allowed 5 Band or Band related albums I'd take along The Band's first three and Jericho and High on the Hog. Robbie's solo efforts would be left behind on the dock. Robbie could probably fill Carnegie Hall with curiosity seekers but my bet is they'd go away disappointed. The recent new Band lineup never disappoints. NEVER.

Fri Jul 30 07:47:46 CEST 1999

web browser

Very good web pages! Love the Band

Fri Jul 30 07:05:23 CEST 1999

Gary

I am a huge fan of the Band and a collector of old memorabilia. I have been trying for years to get ahold of the Last Waltz poster (the one with the couple dancing on the beach). I have come very close a couple of times but still have not been able to obtain it for my collection. If anyone has a copy of this poster that is willing to part with it, please email me and we can talk money. Thank you.

Fri Jul 30 04:57:18 CEST 1999

Pat Brennan

Jenny and all, I don't know how you can argue whether RR would draw a crowd or not based on if you like his present musical approach. There are, however, a number of facts you can take into consideration. Sales? RR records are distributed and promo'ed by the majors. When they come out, you see him everywhere and the albums get airplay. The first solo album went at least gold and I assume platinum. I believe later albums sold less but I'd like to see the numbers. Showtime? The 1983 to present incarnations of The Band have played (at least in Chicago) smaller and smaller halls. 1983-Auditorium. Close to sellout (around 4000). 1990-Cubby Bear. Sellout-1000. 1995-Park West. 900. Seems like they've settled into drawing around 1000 in your major markets. Danko played solo not too long ago. Drew about 200 people. Given RR's stature in the music community alone, as a guitarist, as a writer of all those songs, producer of all those albums of new music, I think I can guess that he would draw more than 1000 people in Chicago. How many more? Can't be sure. Passing into the realm of guesstimate. I would also venture to say that all these new fans that the woman from NYC mentions arrived at The Band as much through their extraordinary recorded output as their live shows. And I would guess it would be the Brown Album and not HOTH that performs the christening.

Fri Jul 30 04:25:23 CEST 1999

Ryan Stang

Is it possible to visit Big Pink, or at least stand outside and take a picture of it? I'm going on a camping trip in a couple of weeks to Maine, and would like to stop by if whoever's there is OK with it; anybody have any ideas?

Fri Jul 30 02:57:22 CEST 1999

Jenny

Chris: The essential thing I was bringing out was that the current level of interest in The Band (as gaged by the vibrant activity on this website)is made viable by Rick, Levon, and Garth's love of the classic Band tunes. I don't think they continue to play them simply because they are "crowd pleasers." They have turned a whole new generation or two onto The Band by continuing to breathe life into these great songs. The Last Waltz was Robbie's brainchild and the others half-heartedly went along for the ride. Robbie should have never said never. Watch the RR video "Going Home" and you'll see how lame his new songs are. Predictable chord structure, predictable leads, and inaudible lifeless vocals (in fact, I much prefer Levon's vocals on Jubilation depite his current problems.) As far as REM are concerned I don't think any of their songs even belong on a jukebox!

Thu Jul 29 23:32:36 CEST 1999

Pete RIvard

Just checked out those recent photos of Rick onstage from June of this year. Playing an Ovation!! Yikes. It reminds me of a tour I was on one year that found us in Utica, New York in January. Snow all around and nothing to do. We threatened to take our front man's Ovation outside as none of us had thought to pack a toboggan. No guestion but that rounded plastic back would be hellfire on packed snow, and with a crude steering mechanism to boot! Look out below!

Thu Jul 29 22:19:13 CEST 1999

Chris

I have been pondering what Jenny from NYC said in her last post - she asked us to, after all - and I've decided that I disagree with her. I don't think that there is a flame to keep anymore - bringing the snuffer down on the candle was what that extravaganza at Winterland in 1976 was all about, wasn't it? I'm sure that the surviving Band members who insist on using the famous name would bring more people into a concert hall than Robbie - the name itself has drawing power, and they also do the crowd-pleasing hits. I was at an REM concert a few years ago, and Michael Stipe finally replied to the repeated baying of the audience for 'Radio Free Europe' & 'Don't Go Back to Rockville', etc. by saying "I'm sorry, we're not a jukebox." He said in an interview on that same tour that he thought that playing old hits was the surest way that he knew of to kill a band. I agree. If Robbie doesn't want to play 'Up On Cripple Creek' for the 100,000th time, I greatly respect him for that. I also like his solo stuff, even though it may never equal his work in the glory days in Bearsville. Well, reaching a peak and then going into decline is the pattern of the career of many great artists, isn't it? Robbie has the right to be frail and human as well as to live in the present...

Thu Jul 29 21:57:36 CEST 1999

BOB

Glad to hear that Levon is okay.

Re. Robertson as guitar player. I recall seeing (in a documentary)Sean Penn and Daniel Lanois talking about Robertson as a great guitarist and stating that he should return to playing as its what he does best.

Unfortunately, except for the odd television performance or picking up an award, I don't think we'll see him playing live shows like the other guys. I've always been surprised that he's never done some select shows for his album releases.

Thu Jul 29 20:28:37 CEST 1999

Stanley Landau

I am compelled to post my complete agreement with Bones re Robbie vs. Jim.

Thu Jul 29 20:13:42 CEST 1999

mattk

I agree with Bones. No slight to Jim intended as he's certainly an exceptional guitarist. But RR holds a place in the pantheon of rock guitar (and electric guitar in general) pioneers.

Even Levon notes in his autobiography that RR's work with The Hawks and Dylan was very ahead of it's time. It's safe to say that without RR, their would not be a Jim Weider as we know him today. Every guitarist, especially one that makes a portion of his living on playing Band material necessarily owes a great debt to the groundbreaking work or RR.

But hell, if you don't believe us, or Levon, ask Clapton, ask George Harrison, all of whom have lauded RR's place in the history of rock, if for nothing else, a guitarist.

matt

Thu Jul 29 20:04:32 CEST 1999

Richard

The rumor about Levon dying of a heart attack appeared July 18 in the alt.music.the-band discussion group, supposedly originating from a radio station. Last I heard (a few days later) he was fine, according to Butch Dener, so chalk it up to misinformation.

Thu Jul 29 19:56:52 CEST 1999

BOB

What's up with these comments about Levon Helm? The Band have always had breaks when they've got more involved with their solo shows, right through the 80s they were playing many solo shows. In the early 90s too.

The Band will get back together to play shows when their good and ready. Hopefully, this will be soon.

Thu Jul 29 18:54:32 CEST 1999

band lover

what is up with levon? is he ok?

Thu Jul 29 18:41:46 CEST 1999

Bones

Wayne: I believe you need to know a little about history before making a comment like that. Robbie is considered one of the greatests guitarists of all time. There was a time in the 60s when Robbie, Roy Buchanan and a few others were doing things with the guitar no one dreamed of (way before Page,Clapton,Beck etc). Even in Jim Weider's video, he recognizes Robbie as one of the early greats. Now Jimmy is a great player! There is no doubt about it, but Robbie has been much more influential.

Thu Jul 29 18:18:07 CEST 1999

David Powell

Amen Mr. Young. Rolling Stone once described Nesmith's music as "the greatest music never heard." His triology, _Magnetic South_,_Loose Salute_ and _Nevada Fighter_(recorded with his First National Band), contains some great music. His mom invented Liquid Paper and he invented the concept of MTV, became a pioneer in the home video field, produced the classic movie "Repo Man", and recently won a multi-million dollar judgment following litigation with PBS. Not bad for a gittar picker from Texas.

Thu Jul 29 17:46:45 CEST 1999

Mary ( bear )

I love this web site. I especially loved the photos and info supplied by the fans. I hope to be able to meet them soon. after a gig i wonder if they mingle with their fans? would they sign autographs and the like? I love this web site. Please keep up the good work.

Thu Jul 29 17:07:19 CEST 1999

Charlie Young

Michael Nesmith (who once wrote a song called "Listen to the Band") contributed a classic trilogy of albums in the early seventies, one of which I played for my daughter the other day and we were BOTH impressed. For my money these were sadly overlooked recordings, but Michael probably doesn't care since he now has more dough than all the surviving members of The Band COMBINED and just published his first novel, to boot. Note to Pehr: I think the female singer from the Dead circa 1975 was Donna Godchaux who went the typical dope to Jesus route. I suppose in thirty years some of the arsonists and rapists from WOODSHUCK '99 will be televangalists...

Thu Jul 29 14:21:04 CEST 1999

Neil Diamond and Monkeys fan

What's the Band?

Thu Jul 29 14:02:21 CEST 1999

Wayne

Just listening to the Las Vegas radio special and some thoughts. RR doesn’t compare to Jim Weider. Weider is THE master of the Fender. Robbie may have written the parts in the old songs but Jimmy takes the leads a step beyond while keeping the feel. No question, Jimmy plays circles around Robbie.

Thu Jul 29 13:24:29 CEST 1999

Andrew McConnell

Someone just told me they had read in the Band newsgroup that Levon Helm died of a heart attack a few days ago. It can't be true? Please, someone.

Thu Jul 29 09:19:07 CEST 1999

Trevor

Here's another Beatle - Band connection. Both appeared on Ed Sullivan on the same TV set in my parents' living room. (A 23" B&W Magnavox.) Rod -- you're right mate! A world tour to support The Last Waltz would have been fantastic!

Thu Jul 29 08:13:13 CEST 1999

Rod

The Band couldn't really have called themselves The Hawks in to 1980s as Ronnie still had a band by that name.

Thought of the week: The Band's biggest mistake was not touring to support The Last Waltz.

Thu Jul 29 06:33:48 CEST 1999

Iggy

Here's a couple of Monkees/Band connections. Neil Diamond wrote a couple of hit songs for the Monkees and was in TLW. RR later produced one of Neil's great albums! Also, Stephen Stills auditioned for the Monkees and The Band toured with CSNY in the early '70s. I know all you Monkees and Neil Diamond fans who are also into The Band will find this of interest!

Thu Jul 29 03:53:49 CEST 1999

Gene

Connection of Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac and the Band -- both appeared on the same bill with the Grateful Dead -- Fleetwood Mac in New Orleans, the Band in Watkins Glen.

Thu Jul 29 03:30:38 CEST 1999

Gene

For Spencer's (and other Fleetwood Mac)discography and biography information, check out: http://www.cyberpenguin.net/penguin/index.html

Thu Jul 29 03:06:22 CEST 1999

Gene

Spencer was a founding member of Fleetwood Mac. Kiln House was recorded after Green left in 1970. Spencer, himself departed Fleetwood Mac after Kiln House, having disappeared to join the Children of God while FM was on tour in LA. By 1972, Kirwan had been fired as well.

Thu Jul 29 02:48:47 CEST 1999

Richard Patterson

Fleetwood Mac: One of my favourite Mac lps features Jeremy Spencer in a quartet with Danny Kirwan and Fleetwood/McVie. No Green, Buckingham/Nicks, Christine P.(although she did the cover art), or even Bob Welch on this one. Called 'Kiln House' from '70. "Station Man" and "Jewel Eyed Judy" are my favourites. Is this Spencer's only Mac album? He also wrote over half the material here.

Peter Stampfel from the Holy Modal Rounders has actually had a very vital career during the seventies (check out 'Have Moicy!' with Jeffery Fredericks and Michael Hurley) and eighties (his own spinoff band and lp called the 'Bottle Caps'). The music is best described as psychedelic/bluegrass/surfin'/folk-rock. (HMV needs a new category!). Lots of humour and honest to God great musicianship. Will provide news on the new Rounders lp 'Too Much Fun' when it shows up.

Hate to admit that I've never purchased 'Storyville', but now that several have pointed out that Blue Nile is on this one I am very curious. Have loved Blue Nile for years, thanks for the info.

Wed Jul 28 23:21:44 CEST 1999

pehr

just an opinion ... jeez that richard manuel was one hell of a drummer, eh? i just fall all over when i put on that yazoo st. scandal. watched the last waltz last nite and love the way richard plays ... he hold one arm up real high an just flops around. a true original. ah yes. thanks

Wed Jul 28 22:54:20 CEST 1999

Dave the Phone Guy

Richard and Levon both played trap sets.No doubt about it.Saw 'em with my own eyes.Richard drummed with a real loose simple style that was kinda funky but sneaky rock steady at the same time.Yes,two drummers at the same time,seen 'em do it at several shows.I just wish I could remember which songs they used two drummers.Oh well, so much for long-term memory.I'll ask some buddies who went to some of these shows with me if they can recall which tunes were played live with two drummers and report if possible.On the name thing, The Band, whether it be original Band,The Band is Back Band,or new Band, LONG LIVE THE BAND.

Wed Jul 28 22:50:18 CEST 1999

Voice of Reason

Silliest Lyrics Ever: ..."We can share the women We can share the wine..."

Wed Jul 28 21:47:25 CEST 1999

pehr

thanks peter v and peter r for the note on invisible republic. peter v i love your pieces on the band songs, particularly the one on "The Weight" comes to mind. I guess i'll see if a friend can loan a copy of invisible republic. as to Richard and Levon ever drumming simultaneously i've never seen it other than the last waltz when Dr. John for example came on and moved richard to the second kit behind levons kit. I dont think they ever did but what do i know?. I was thinking about the dead and their use of two drummers distancing me a bit but what really scared me off the dead was that lady that would join them, barefoot and seldom on key as i remember,in the late 70's-early 90's. who was she anyone know/ was she a member of the dead or just a prolonged experiment and what ever came of her. just curious. I agree with the sentiment expressed that a place should be secured for people like johnny johnson. these guys wrote the book on rock an roll and should have a special wing just for them. another I'd add Hubert Sumlin, Howlin Wolf's guitar player, and Sonny Boy Williamson to the list. finally , Robbies new work isnt about the band so its not for all of us, thats o.k. I'm glad he's making records (Damn good ones I think) and taking good care of himself. He's making these records out of his own neccessity to do so, which is all i really ask of any artist to do. if he were to do a show at carnegie with the native americans on the record i'd be all over it. heck robbie come to texas and play at antones anytime!!!!!!

Wed Jul 28 21:34:29 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

“Papa said as he passed around the black-eyed peas, Billie Joe ain’t got but a lick of sense, pass the biscuits please …”

Always loved that lyric, even if I’ve misquoted it from memory. Thanks for reminding me, David Powell (who I seem to recall is another admirer of Ms Nicks). So, “Storyville”. I reckon this is the most-Band like album since 1976, and fits in the quality stakes around the level of “Northern Lights”. I listen to it more than any other solo album. I’ve said it many times, the songwriting here is outstanding, and the careful use of the Blue Nile and Neil Young also make it a vocal treat. This is the perfectly-attuned material The Band needed in the same era.

RR has been reasonably frequent on TV, with some good backing musicians, using the female singers brilliantly as a contrast to his voice. He seems to avoid the road (except for Seville & Agrigento - both nice places to visit) but especially if you include video, he does perform.

Wed Jul 28 21:15:48 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Jenny: The Robbie vs the rest of The Band thing has been done to death in here. Please let it rest.

Hi Mitt! Nice to see you back. Good luck with the move.

Buckingham/Nicks? Aah....Leather and Lace. That's one tune I never get tired of.

Wed Jul 28 21:13:07 CEST 1999

mattk

Oops. Sorry Jenny, the comment about the HOF inductions came from Dexy, not you, obviously. Sorry for the confusion.

matt

Wed Jul 28 21:10:47 CEST 1999

mattk

Jenny, while you are certainly entitled to your opinion on the relative merits of RR's solo work vs. the re-constituted Band's work, I don't think there's anyway you or anyone could imagine the interest in an RR solo concert at a Carnegie Hall or the Beacon. While I doubt RR could single-handedly sell-out a large venues over a series of tours, certainly a one-off show at those venues, or even a single tour would generate enough interest or curiousity to bring a crowd to those types of places. There is a rather large RR following out there that never touches this site at all, and I think even here there would be considerable desire to see RR play live and in person as a rare treat. After all, RR's record sales, while not stellar, certainly out-pace Jericho, HOTH or Jubiliation.

Regarding the Hall of Fame inductions and Levon's lack of attendance, it seems clear to me that it was a combination of what you suggest and "the fued." Levon's white-hot rage as expressed in his book and in interviews over the years make it clear that Levon has no desire to be a part of any event where RR would be at--much less an event that requires him to get on stage and in anything representing what he would consider "The Band."

Matt

Wed Jul 28 20:24:06 CEST 1999

Jenny

Here's something for everyone to ponder: How exciting would this website be if Rick, Levon, Garth (and Richard up to his untimely death) hadn't been touring and performing all the great Band classics since The Last Waltz? They are the keepers of the flame. Robbie doesn't perform anymore and if he did he wouldn't choose to or be able to do the classic Band song's on his own. Robbie's solo efforts are all pretty lame in my opinion despite his magnificent achievements with The Band. Rick, Levon, and Garth have filled the Beacon and Carnegie Hall in the past 5 years. Robbie couldn't.

Wed Jul 28 20:12:11 CEST 1999

Dexy

Thanks, Bones, for the Rock Hall induction info. I guess they feel they need to be flexible because different groups have different histories. Some with issues: Beach Boys (Jardine was an original member but not on a few of the first records), Doobies (Michael Whatshisname didn't join until the second wave), etc. Eagles is kind of strange though -- didn't Timothy B. Schmidt join pretty late in the game? As for The Band just having the originals while others get everyone -- seems a little unfair to Weider, even though it may be a reasonable approach. In any case, it serves to explain why Levon didn't show. It happened about the time of Jericho.

Wed Jul 28 19:23:46 CEST 1999

Bones

The Hall of Fame does not have a set guideline on inducting various members of a group. For instance, every member of the Stones are inducted, but only the five original members of the Band. Every member of the Eagles have been inducted, but only the original Santana group was honored. Fleetwood Mac is even stranger, for the original Peter Green group was inducted along with the Buckingham/Nicks era, but the early 70s configuration which included Bob Welch was not honored.

There is a movement currently underway for the Hall to start honoring some early musicians like Johnnie Johnson, Scotty Moore, the Cricketts, and Motown's Funk Brothers. These people should be in the Hall of Fame.

Wed Jul 28 19:00:10 CEST 1999

David Powell

On the subject of live recordings--it was on this day in 1973 that The Band, the Dead & the Allman Brothers performed at Watkins Glen.

Wed Jul 28 16:41:13 CEST 1999

mattk

David Powell, I agree on your assesment of Buchanan vs. RR, vocally speaking. I'm not suggesting that RR's voice is the equal to Rick, Levon and certainly Richard. However, unlike some/many, I do like RR's voice, and I think it's strength is the same as Buchanan's: both men have learned how to take their limited vocal range, and at times strained intonation to a place where they come off as if the guy on the street was singing.

I'm not suggesting that either guy is the equal to, say Tom Waits, but when I listen to Blue Nile, I feel like I'm listening inside a regular guy's head, and that provides much of the power to both RR and Buchanan's vocalization.

Levon, Rick, and especially Richard, have voices that are almost super-human (well, Richard's was immortal). Given that, and especially RR's and Blue Nile's almost Eno-esque/ambient production sensibilities, putting the two together on the same album was a masterstroke.

BTW, thanks to Mr. Patterson for pointing this out via e-mail, but my reference to Simon Clarke as Pete Townsend's drummer of choice is, of course, incorrect. I meant Simon Phillips. Simon Clarke (I think) is a member of the erstwhile Kick Horns, who pioneered Britain's Acid Jazz movement in the 1980s and served as Townsend's horn section on "White City" and "Deep End Live."

cheers

Matt

Wed Jul 28 15:36:18 CEST 1999

David Powell

Now we know why Billy Joe McAllister jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge after tossing his copy of that Simon & Garfunkel album.

I have to admit that I've always been partial to Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac. Some seem to forget that, in between Green's departure and the arrival of Buckingham/Nicks, Bob "Sentimental Lady" Welch was briefly the frontman for the group. The year that Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles and Santana were all inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Peter Green was also present at the ceremonies. It was a nice touch when Santana performed "Black Magic Woman" (written by Green)that night, Peter was up on the stage playing & trading licks with Carlos & his band.

I've been listening to Robbie Robertson's "Storyville" album a lot lately. I don't know if it's been discussed here in the guestbook before, but I hear the definite musical influence of the group Blue Nile on several of the songs. In particular, the song "Breakin' the Rules" on which all three members of that group, Paul Buchanan, Paul Moore & Robert Bell play, sounds more like a Blue Nile song with Robertson as a guest. Robertson even tries to emulate Buchanan's soulful, atmospheric vocal style as you can hear at the end when Buchanan sings a verse. Paul Moore distinctive synth/keyboard sound can also be heard on several of the other songs on the album.

I had the pleasure of seeing one of Blue Nile's rare live performances on their 1990 tour and it was one of the best concerts I've ever attended. It's too bad they've only released three albums but the rumor is that another one may be on the way soon.

Wed Jul 28 10:55:11 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Peter Viney:

As someone who wanted to jump off the Bridge over troubled Water years ago if she heard it one more time...I know what you're saying. Anything if mega-hit status (even if it's great) can really get on your nerves if it's played out. Maybe that is why The Band's music is so timeless. It wasn't forced on us...we got to listen and discover it as we chose to. I've never tired of The Band's music, and I doubt I ever will.

Wed Jul 28 10:02:10 CEST 1999

Bob Wardlaw

Peter Viney: You are absolutely correct about the Band finding "new and younger listeners who discover the joys." I am 18, and last year (either in the summer or fall), my older brother indroduced me to the joys of the Band. He had discovered them years before, and I had always just ignored them before.....Until the day I saw them as one of VH1's "100 Greatest Artists." (number 87 or 88, i believe, though they should have at least been in the top 10. #1 or 2, if you ask me). I then asked my brother to send me some tapes of them, and I was immediately taken. Then, on January 2nd, my brother took me to see the current Band at Levon's Cafe in N.O. That pushed me over the edge to total Band obsession. Now I can't get enough of them, and I am constantly pushing them on to my reluctant friends. I have already converted 2 of them, but my job is not nearly complete.....Thanks for reading....Bob W.

Wed Jul 28 09:27:12 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Tangents: FM’s “The Shrine” live album comes from the vaults of legendary soundman Dinky Dawson, whose roadie’s autobiography “Life On the Road” is an essential guide to the end of the sixties / early seventies and mentions everyone except the Band (well, it does once). It’s strong on Fleetwood Mac, The Byrds, Lou Reed, Steely Dan. Some of his verdicts surprised me, but he backs them up. Don’t read it if you’re fond of Joni Mitchell.

I did see Fleetwood Mac in the Peter Green days and was unimpressed. Great guitarist who wrote a few great tunes. Shame about the rest of the material. Anyway, Stevie’s much better looking. Sorry, I mean has got a more interesting voice. Chris’s note started me thinking. In a way, The Band were “lucky” not to have the mega hit of “The Rumours” / “Hotel California” / “Thriller” degree. Because they weren’t stamped that heavily on public consciousness, they can still find new and younger listeners who discover the joys. All the albums that got that big ended up getting on some people’s nerves seriously. I remember being stuck in a house for several days where the only available entertainment was “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and I couldn’t listen to it for another 20 years.

Professor - I’ll defend Robbie to the Levonistas, then turn around and defend Levon to the Robertsonians. I don’t think it’s productive to vote one way or the other, and hopefully we won’t go down that road again for a while. Anyway, long term readers will have worked out my choice.

Paul: a question that fooled me. Which Band member has played on two US number one singles? Answer: Richard Bell, on “Me & Bobby McGee” and “Welcome Back.”

Wed Jul 28 08:06:42 CEST 1999

Prof

Errata - I'll take Jericho ...

Wed Jul 28 08:03:12 CEST 1999

The Professor

I believe Shakespeare settled this "name debate" centuries ago when he wrote "What's in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet!" The post Last Waltz creative efforts of Danko, Helm, and Hudson have far outshone the efforts of Lonesome Robbie. I'll Jerico, High on the Hog, and several cuts on Jubilation (which is weakened by Levon's voice condition) over anything Robbie has done solo in the post Last Waltz years.

Wed Jul 28 04:03:36 CEST 1999

To America's Jerryland

The Fat Man Rocks!

Wed Jul 28 03:45:18 CEST 1999

Gene

Hey Razorback, How 'bout them VOLUNTEERS!

Wed Jul 28 03:15:27 CEST 1999

Razorback

These current arguments as to who should or should not have a claim on the name "The Band" seems kind of absurd since the name itself grew out of the fact that the band had no official name when Big Pink was released and the name simply came about by default. PV - I wonder if the Grateful Dead ever realized how appropriate their name might become. Well, maybe they did given Jerry's unapologetic use of hard drugs. I recall him saying that he had no problem with anyone using drugs despite the loss of many of his friends. To each his own I guess though to me it's pretty sad when someone near the half century mark thinks that way. Pretty dumb I'd say.

Wed Jul 28 02:52:40 CEST 1999

Mitt Stampler

I may be coming late to the "name game" thread...but for what it's worth, there's good arguments on both sides. I guess the argument (crass though it is) could be made that it's better financially for the re-formed Band calling themselves "The Band"--but I don't know that that's true, nor am I even sure that there's any difference between the folks who go see Levon Helm or Rick Danko solo and "The Band." It's true I've got a soft spot for Robbie (I'd be in deep trouble if I didn't, being married to a certified Robbie-nut) but I have to admit that while I like the current "Band," in my mind it's a very different entity than the original "Band"--just as JRR's solo stuff is very different from his current (well, perhaps "most recent" is a better expression) stuff. But I don't know that the name matters-- Stan, Skinny Kid, Ragtime, Cat, Lil--missed you all. Right now we're in the process of moving to MD. Which means that at this very moment, I'm on my third G&T, staring at a couple of very big boxes with nothing in them, and listening to the movie "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" on the tube. It doesn't get too much better than this...

Wed Jul 28 02:29:52 CEST 1999

Paul Godfrey

Stanley, Matt....any thoughts that maybe Richard Bell should be in the Hall of Fame because of his involvement with the FULL TILT BOOGIE BAND? Could kick myself for not getting out to see Colin Linden last weekend with Richard Bell!

Wed Jul 28 00:10:24 CEST 1999

Pat Brennan

Interesting moment on VH-1 over the weekend. Another History of Rock thing had a post-Woodstock/Altamont/Isle of Wight chapter which showed Jerry Garcia getting lambasted by someone in the audience at IofW for selling out/capitalism etc. All of a sudden, Levon (present day) is sitting there and says, "The reason the Dead stayed together is that they kept their own counsel, unlike us." Show was at least a couple of years old. I thought The Band was still together a couple of years ago. Odd.

Tue Jul 27 23:52:42 CEST 1999

Pete Grant

Hi, I was directed to this guest page by Gene, and fascinating reading it makes! I was interested to read Peter Viney's comments about Fleetwood Mac. It is interesting how throughout that bands history, with the people fronting the band changing every few years, the name remained! Of course Fleetwood and McVie were the only constants, and so the situation is somewhat different from a band called the Stones, where Jagger has remained a constant! I have to come out in favour of the Greeny version of Mac in favour of the Nicks Buckingham outfit! They are fine music makers, but Greeny had (has)that spark of genius that I don't find with the later lineup. At one time, Mac manager of the time Clifford Davis had a band out on the road touring as Fleetwood Mac that contained no established Mac members. There does come a point when a group ceases to be the true unit and become just a name. Maybe the Band reached this point late on! Cheers Pete

Tue Jul 27 22:57:15 CEST 1999

Chris

Peter: for the first time we were in strong disagreement - I prefer early Fleetwood mac to the Nicks/Buckingham era by a wider margin than Labour's present majority. That might have something to do with the fact that Rumours is inseparably linked in my mind with the late '70s, a time in my life which encompassed the worst horrors of school and adolescence.

Tue Jul 27 21:49:43 CEST 1999

Dexy

RE: WHO'S IN THE ROCK HALL? I believe the inductees are those members of any group who were members when a record was issued 25 years ago. By that standard, Ronnie Wood would not be a Stone Hall of Famer, although he could be as a member of Faces (although not Small Faces). I've thought it strange too that the current lineup is shown on the RockHall site, but always figured it was good from a marketing point of view. Sort of ironic that Mr. Helm didn't go to the induction, but that it's "his" Band pictured, without you know who. I think that, for example, the Eagles inducted were the original lineup (Frye, Leadon, Henley, Meissner), although every member from every era of the Eagles played at the event.

Tue Jul 27 21:22:03 CEST 1999

Bones

Peter Viney: I don't think Robbie, Rick and Garth were ever at the Grammies. Did you mean the Junos? Anyway, I've always thought the name The Band should have ended after the Last Waltz. Even when they had four out of five, it was never the same.

Tue Jul 27 20:39:27 CEST 1999

Bill

Richard P: If the Holy Modal Rounders are the longest running singing, then who would be the longest singing running group? I believe the Rounders (whose Boobsalot (sp?) was a personal favourite many moons ago) were an outgrowth of the Fugs - who hung out with Allen Ginsburg who hung out with Robbie Robertson in the mid '60s.

If they recorded a CD at a studio-farm in Ontario, I wonder if it would be Puck's Farm just north of Toronto. It's owned by Frazier Mohawk, who turns up in various rock books and articles (esp those about Buffalo Springfield) under the name Barry Friedman (or something like that). Puck's Farm, by the way, is where ex-Suede and ex-Hawk Scott Cushnie recorded both of his recent CDs.

Tue Jul 27 20:39:20 CEST 1999

Gene

For the live album thread, I would nominate the recently released "Shrine '69" by Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac--awesome.

Tue Jul 27 20:32:47 CEST 1999

PV again

I wonder if Gerry & The Pacemakers ever realized how appropriate their name would become?

Tue Jul 27 20:30:41 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Postscript: it appears that The Band follow a “three out of five” rule, consciously or not. So Levon, Rick & Garth are The Band. At the Grammies, Robbie, Rick and Garth were billed as The Band. The Rick Danko Band next month isn’t The Band, though it features everyone except Levon. In the past there were Danko / Hudson shows, Danko / Helm shows and Danko / Manuel shows.

Gene: I wouldn’t disagree that Peter Green was a genius. It’s just that the late 70s Mac created even more classics than the earlier incarnation. I liked ‘The Dance’ showing how important Lindsey Buckingham had been to their sound. My wife said pointedly that Stevie Nicks must have been terribly uncomfortable in such a heavy wig. I hadn’t realized. It’s odd actually that the group’s identity remained in the hands of the non-singing (but great) rhythm section. It’s a bit like Wyman-Watts being the key to whatever developed in the Stones.

The Holy Modal Rounders. Ah, the “Easy Rider” soundtrack. So whatever happened to Smith, The Electric Prunes and The Fraternity of Man (Don’t Bogart Me)? I’m sure there are more than a few surviving groups without personnel changes. I passed a poster for Gerry & The Pacemakers (who are playing every Tuesday night with The Searchers in Bournemouth, UK) and they looked much the same, though obviously greyer and fatter and balder. But that’s me too. I don’t think I’ll make the effort to see them. Did that in 63. But 60s Revival Nights aside, I don’t know how many groups are intact.

Tue Jul 27 18:14:36 CEST 1999

David Powell

There are various parallels between the Byrds and The Band involving the use of the groups' names following the departures of original members. Both groups carried on through the revolving musical chairs of personel changes in one form or another. It's ironic that Danko and/or Manuel would become part of Gene Clark's (or was it Michael Clarke's) attempts to cash in on the Byrds' name. In 1990 McGuinn, Crosby and Hillman would reunite briefly to record a few new songs and make a couple of public appearances in order to legally retain the use of the name, and at the same time, prevent Michael Clarke and Gene Clark from touring under the Byrds banner. The Byrds retrospective box set released that same year contained a few of these newly recorded songs. Many critics, however, felt that this box set contained too many selections featuring the later versions of the group in which McGuinn was the only remaining original member.

Sadly, the '90s would bring the passing of both Gene Clark and Michael Clarke, and Crosby himself would barely survive through a liver transplant. In a strange turn of events, McGuinn is now adamently opposed to any sort of Byrds reunion, even though Crosby and Hillman seem receptive to the idea.

To paraphrase Ry Cooder's quote about rock & roll groups, "You fight in the beginning and you fight in the end, and hopefully in between you record something worthwhile." Does this sound familiar?

Tue Jul 27 18:07:34 CEST 1999

Dave Z

Richard and David P: Thanks for the Little Feat recommendations!

mattk: I don't know Matt... I went to "rockhall.com" then "Inductees" then "Band, the"... And I saw a page recognizing an entity called "the Band" with a pic of the 1994 Performers, and later on mention of "The remaining members continued as the Band and released Jericho..." I am wondering if there is something not on the Hall's webpage but at the actual building or in it's records which specifically limits the Band's induction to just their work prior to and including the Last Waltz? If not, I may conclude that the Hall is recognizing a group which has evolved to contain other members... If you are invited to be a part of that group, and your name is mentioned or pictured in the Hall in association with that group, aren't you in the Hall to some extent?

Tue Jul 27 17:53:24 CEST 1999

Richard Patterson

Peter V; The Holy Modal Rounders: "the longest running singing group on the planet, although skeptics might point out that it's easy to keep your original members together when there's only two of 'em" (Xgau,VV,7/28). Says in the article that they have just released a brand new CD called "Too Much Fun", recorded at a studio-farm in Ontario. Somebody out there got a studio they haven't told us about? Debut album by this band was on Prestige label in 1964. Recorded the day before Kennedy was killed. Anybody have a review of this one? Canada post seems to have spirited my copy away. Anybody remember "So You Want to be a Bird" from a film that also featured "The Weight"?

Have Moicy!

Tue Jul 27 17:15:08 CEST 1999

Gene

Mr. Viney, I respect your preference for the Buckingham/Nicks era Fleetwood Mac and I admire their commercial success but I wouldn't trade a truck load of Buckingham/Nicks for one Peter Green record. By the way, there is a brand new Greeny website, www.petergreen.net. See you there.

Tue Jul 27 17:14:59 CEST 1999

Stanley Landau

Mattk thanks for clarifying my original point.

By the way, I wasn't suggesting that the name be changed at this point. What I really meant was that perhaps in hindsight it would have been more appropriate for a different name to have been chosen back in 1984 or at the very least after they reformed following Richard's death.

Tue Jul 27 17:07:19 CEST 1999

mattk

Checking the quote that started the whole "name of The Band" controversy:

Guitarist Jim Weider's been around. Around the world. Weider, along with fellow Gurus, Richard Bell (keys) and Randy Ciarlante (drums) are Rock & Roll Hall-of-Famers, best known as members of The Band.

I think there are two issues here. First Weider, Bell and Ciarlante are not in the Hall of Fame. While the picture at the Hall features the current line-up, the citation for The Band mentions the original five, NOT these three.

So maybe we can all agree that the author of the article quoted above was inaccurate in their unfortunate reference to Weider, Bell, and Ciarlante as "Hall of Famers." Does anyone really believe that the re-incarnted "Band" is why they are in the Hall? Their place in music history, regardless of fueds and tragedy is because of the work they did in their original line-up, particularly because of their first two albums.

With that argument, it's fair to say the Ronnie Wood is a hall of famer because of the stamp he put on the Stones music, which resulted in some of their most classic, albiet different work. By that same extension, Daryl Jones, who (by the way) is one of my favorite bassists of all-time (his work with Miles Davis's latter day efforts is second only to Marcus Miller in my book), could not be called a "Hall of Famer." Not because he's not a supreme musician, but because he simply arrived on the scene too late, unlike Ronnie Wood.

We can make similair comparison's other inductees, Keith Moon vs. Kenny Jones, for example... (though I always thought Simon Clarke was a MUCH better drummer--and so does Pete, apparently).

As far as keeping the name. I think it's a non-issue, providing the concert-goer and album-buyer have a reasonable chance to KNOW what they are getting. I'm thinking back to recent discussions regarding groups that are so diluted that they don't have anything to do with the original--like the Platters, or Menudo ; )

However, ignoring Baron Carter's crude comment, I think it would be great for them to borrow one of Richard's would-be names--I'm partial to Marshmellow Overcoat, personally (hee hee).

Matt

Tue Jul 27 16:39:00 CEST 1999

mattk

Lil, absolutely agree. Thanks for taking my comment for what it was intended.

Sundog, relax. I'm not making a generation vs. generation comment. Indeed, my comment was intended to communicate that this is not a generational issue. Obviously the two events (Altamont and Greedstock) have different dynamics. But it is educational and important to note that EVERY generation has it's black eye where the spirit of the music was overwhelmed by something darker and more sinister. The organizers of Greedstock and Altamont are both culpable for creating an environment for disaster. Likewise, the Stones have some responsibility for the Altamont tragedy in that they did little to stop it and did much to help incite the incident. Bands like Limp Bizket and whoever was on stage Sunday night also own responsibility for inciting the crowd.

I basically ascribe to a Zappa-esque theory that stupidity is the universal solvent that crosses all boundaries--generational, racial, cultural, gender, whatever. Whether we're talking about riots at Greedstock, stabbings and mayhem at Altamont or a deadly stampede in Cinncinati (the Who) or Salt Lake City (AC/DC), what you are REALLY seeing is the sad fact that too many people view concerts and music as an opportunity to behave "less than human" in respecting the music, the venue, and their fellow human-concert-goers.

Like I said, originally, the events this weekend horrified and disgusted me as much as anyone, but so does any event, regardless of era, that results in violence which overshadows the music. Like I said, it's cool to criticize, but be very wary of how you couch your criticism, it can come back to bite you.

Peace

Matt

Tue Jul 27 13:27:32 CEST 1999

Brown-Eyed Johnny

What a show Monday night at Tramps in New York City. Bob Dylan playing before 900 of the faithful. He played every lead guitar line, and you couldn't wipe the smile from his face. "The Times They Are A-Changin" with a harmonica solo that brought down the house. Who'd ever think that he would play "Visions of Johanna." He substituted "Madonna" for "Johanna" so often that you wondered if Madonna was actually there, perhaps standing near Elvis Costello, who would later join Bob on stage for "I Shall Be Released." "Every Grain of Sand" was a prayer. "Seeing the Real You at Last" packed oh so much power. "Ballad of a Thin Man" without the organ and transformed into a guitar showpiece. Bob smiled so often and struck so many classic lead-guitar poses. He looked as if he was having the time of his life. I wish you all could have been there.

Tue Jul 27 12:34:44 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Sundog:

I understand your anger and agree with your main point. I don't condone violence of any kind for any reason. However, Matt and Little John make a very good point as well. We can't put complete blame on the younger generation, as they live what they see, what they hear, and what they learn. Let's just be grateful that noone was seriously hurt or killed this time, and hope that events like that one are much more peaceful in the future.

Bob: I agree. The very name of 'The Band' is synonymous with names and faces known all over the world, and to suggest a name change would be pretty ridiculous at this point. I do still maintain however, that this Band is _not_ that Band. In fact...not even sure if _this_ Band even exists anymore.

Blown away here at how easy it is to completely misread the intentions of someone you put a whole lot of trust in. Still waiting for an explanation. Deserve at least that.

Tue Jul 27 12:26:15 CEST 1999

Baron Carter

They should call themselves Chocolate Overdose ... eh, Rickie? :-)

Tue Jul 27 12:15:07 CEST 1999

BOB

Ah, yes. Well said, Peter.

I can't believe anyone could expect a group of musicians that are known all over the world as THE BAND to say, Okay, guys. As of today we're Levon & The Hawks or maybe The Crackers. Hell, lets go with Marshmellow Overcoat instead.

I mean, Really.

Tue Jul 27 12:13:53 CEST 1999

Steffan Sundgren

This site looks very good! And The Band is the best!

Tue Jul 27 08:48:47 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Names: it would be harsh to deny musicians the right to a name they helped to create. The Beatles could afford to be choosy, and had spent ten years fighting to establish separate identies before John died. Rights to a name are a constant problem, and The Band must have sorted this out to mutual agreement at some time. I can’t think of any band with the exact line-up it had in 1970. The Rolling Stones, like The Band, is down to three fifths. I can see why the issue is raised in that The Band’s two losses were the principal songwriters. I’d feel happy enough with any unit called the Rolling Stones on condition it contained both Mick AND Keith. With some groups subsequent line-ups were an improvement in spite of the loss of a key member. Peter Green was an example. He WAS Fleetwood Mac, but judging from the recorded results I’d take the Buckingham / Nicks Fleetwood Mac in preference to the Peter Green version anyday. There’s a line somewhere that makes me find The Band or The Rolling Stones perfectly acceptable as a continuing unit. There are other examples which I’d find unacceptable. One being The Byrds Tribute Band in 1985 which had only Gene Clark and John Yorke from the Byrds, but interestingly featured both Rick Danko & Richard Manuel. I’d rather have seen that line-up than The Byrds in fact, but the use of the name “The Byrds” to sell it was unjustified.

If we date the current Band from say 1990 when they were doing demos, they’ve lasted longer in a continuous line than the original line up of 1968-1974. Don’t forget the “we’ve been together since 1961” line ignored an absence of about two years by Levon in the middle. It’s also true that 1972 saw nothing from the original line-up.

Tue Jul 27 04:56:35 CEST 1999

Just Wonderin'

Ben Pike: Welcome back from wherever you were! I agree The Wild Magnolias is a lot of fun. Makes me want to get to NO this year no matter what. Stanley Landau: You are right that lineup at the '89 Junos was not The Band, just as any other lineup is not The Band. There should be some kind of legal thing for names of groups. I know that the 3 remaining "original" members must have claim to the name, but how can The Band exist without Richard's soulful voice or Robbie's writing and guitar?

Tue Jul 27 04:27:25 CEST 1999

Maya

Stanley - I think the present Band members should all use the name "The Crackers" whatever their configuration might be. The "Hawk" tag was a play on Ronnie's name. SUNDOG - don't forget that the "fan" who was murdered at Altamont had a gun - see "Sympathy for the Devil" for reference. Also, pardon my ignorance but what the hell does *America's Jerryland* mean?

Tue Jul 27 04:27:15 CEST 1999

Pat Brennan

Now, let's not get started on the Rascals, shall we? And, Grim Reaper, fabulous post. Lot of thought. I am moved. Wow. And the "GR" to end it. Genius. Really.

Tue Jul 27 03:12:03 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Matt my friend; a Hell's Angel )killed a fan. Also, the music was Part of the riot, so lets get real. THAT NOT WHAT MUSIC IS ABOUT! I don't care what generation it is,,,mine or yours! I sure don't go to events and start that kind of sh*t. All of that is uncalled for, be it 249,000 people, or 249 people, I don't defened ANY of it! Its crap like that, that make it hard for even us little people to put on a outdoors park event, CATCH MY DRIFT!!!

Tue Jul 27 02:24:45 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Matt & LJT:

You're both right of course. Maybe the fact that my son initially thought it was "cool" clouded my judgement. Thanks for the wise words.

Tue Jul 27 01:14:40 CEST 1999

Ben Pike

Hey, I'm back... did anyone miss me? Well, let's be honest, there is just not a lot of Band Related stuff to say anymore. The boys are old. And while it seems you could do at least one full CD of interesting unrelased rarites, we have no powerto help get them out. Still, the spirit of the Band lives on in new releases by old pros like Tom Waits and Randy Newman. And The Wild Magnolias album is really a lot of fun. Hope everyone has a great summer.

Tue Jul 27 00:44:52 CEST 1999

Jerry Tenenbaum

I suggest a focus on the music. Leave the crap behind. Put on the performance of Counting Crows and Dave Matthews Band and extinguish the flames with the music. That's what the music has always been for.

Tue Jul 27 00:31:18 CEST 1999

Little John Tyler

Easy there, Diamond Lil.

250,000 kids rioting? I doubt it. We didn't like it at all 30 years back when our elders incriminated an entire generation because of the extreme actions of few. Let's give at least 249, 000 of those music-loving kids upstate last weekend the benefit of the doubt.

("Oh the streets of Rome, are filled with rubble...." hmmmmm?!)

Tue Jul 27 00:15:09 CEST 1999

Stanley Landau

I just read the article on Jim Weider & The Honky Tonk Gurus. Is it correct to refer to Jim Weider, Richard Bell and Randy Ciarlante as "Rock & Roll Hall-of-Famers"? Personally I think not.

This leads to another question. Is it appropriate for the current six man line up (assuming it still exists) to even refer to itself as "The Band". I believe that the name "The Band" should be reserved for the original five members.

At the Juno awards in 1989 and later at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Awards Robbie, Garth and Rick played along with others and they were referred to as "The Band". I don't think that was right either.

I note that George, Paul and Ringo have turned down countless millions to perform as "The Beatles". They say that The Beatles can't perform again because John is gone. This is particularly ironic because many Beatle songs were recorded without all the members performing

I recall that someone once suggested on this Guestbook that a more appropriate name for Levon, Garth, Rick, Richard B., Randy and Jim might be "The Hawks". True to the origins of the (small b) band and consistent with the fluid membership of the predecessor to The Band. Any thoughts?

Mon Jul 26 23:57:58 CEST 1999

Stanley Landau

The Band used two drum kits on the Before the Flood Tour and both Levon and Richard played drums on When you Awake and on Ballad of a Thin Man when Dylan moved to piano.

Mon Jul 26 22:38:23 CEST 1999

Paul Godfrey

Peter V. It might have been that two sets of drums were on stage at the same time during an original band performance...but I never did see that arrangement. John Donabie...any thoughts?

Mon Jul 26 22:17:11 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

I posted this a while back, but the impact of two drummers was shown by Van’s concerts a year back. He alternated drummers for 90 minutes (keeping them fresh?) then suddenly both drummers kicked in together for the last 30 minutes. The whole thing went up a notch. In The Band’s case, they need two drummers to allow instrument swopping. Levon to bass, Levon to mandolin, Randy to bass, Levon to harmonica … etc. They always had this potential, but can anybody tell us whether Levon and Richard ever drummed simultaneously? Am I wrong in recalling that two kits were set up? But I’ll tell you what, Pehr, I never quite sussed how it works with the Dead. Micky Hart’s a fine drummer though.

I’d agree with Pete Rivard. If you think I’ve ever stretched the connections in my articles, do read “Invisible Republic.” It’s a good book, but “wide ranging” is the polite way of saying it wanders a mile off the point, stops for a rest, then goes for a long walk in another direction again. Fascinating stuff, but virtually nothing to say on The Band. I love Pete’s category “should skim”. Whoever read all the encyclopaedic bits in “Moby Dick” after all? “should skim” includes “Mansion on The Hill”, Marshall McLuhan, Douglas Coupland and a lot else.

Mon Jul 26 22:17:03 CEST 1999

Bones

Has anybody heard anything about the release of "Eat The Document" on some sort of video format? I saw the film recently in New York and it was sensational. The music and visuals were very powerful.

Mon Jul 26 22:11:50 CEST 1999

mattk

Ok, first let me say that I was as repelled by the image of rioting at the so-called "Woodstock" as anyone. Personally, as most folks here pointed out, this version was highly corporate and lacked the virtual spontaneity of the original, and even the giddiness of the 1994 version. It was sick, stupid and a rather depressing indication of what happens when you reduce the arts to the bottom line--the destructive nature of which we're all to familiar with on this board.

Having said all that, let me caution my boomer friends here to be wary of stones. While I don't want to get into the relative merits of the "good old days" vs. today, let me suggest that it's best to keeps ones rocks near one's feet rather than toss them at "the youth of today" or "those fans."

Lest y'all get too cocky, might I suggest one word to my esteemed boomer friends:

"Altamont"

And nobody ended up dead this weekend...

Just a friendly reminder that the ravages and violence of youth transcends every age.

cheers

matt

Mon Jul 26 21:38:29 CEST 1999

Pete Rivard

pehr:

The book name is "Invisible Republic." I read it. Basically a damn fine magazine article stretched, and I mean stretched, to book length. Greil Marcus never uses five words if fifty will do, and seems to prefer displaying his own erudition over simple exposition. Probably not a "must read." More like a "should skim."

Mon Jul 26 21:11:18 CEST 1999

pehr

Just feelin a little talkative today. a little while back people were discussing which band albums were good with sex. After some research in this area I have settled upon moondog matinee as my recommendation. as to the dead i have alot of respect for them and all but one thing stands out that i dont get is why they need two drummers for those songs. I dont want to irritate anyone but its a valid question isnt it?finally, anyone read greil marcus' most recent book on the basement tapes? forgive me, i forgot the title again it's mentioned a few posts back. review anyone?

Mon Jul 26 20:32:10 CEST 1999

pehr

hey, garth's birthday is comin up. be interested in hearing about how some of us will celebrate. someone asked about a band/jfk jr. connection... dylan and the band '74 was his first concert.(TIME MAGAZINE)

Mon Jul 26 20:18:04 CEST 1999

Lil

That last post should've read 250,000. Dropped a zero. Hope it didn't hit anyone.

Mon Jul 26 20:14:12 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Sundog:

I couldn't have said it better myself. 250,00 kids rioting..broken bottles and rocks thrown...destruction of the site....500 state troopers called in. It makes me sick.

My 15 year old son came to me a little while ago and asked me if I heard about it. "Cool" he said. Straightened him out quick. _Not_ cool. Sad. And frightening. The way of the world truly is upside down.

Mon Jul 26 19:53:30 CEST 1999

Rod Serling

"AND IN THAT SPACE LIES..." You are in the land of Lost Causes, the home of the frustrated Confederate, the domain of The Last Waltz and the Second Coming of Robbie. To the North you see the frigid figure of Mr Amused. To the West you see the remains of Lt. Dan. To the east you see a Gopher in the West Virginny hills. And to the south you will see what's left of Levon's Cafe. It waits, like the rest of us, for some good news. We listen to the music here, and we wait for good news........

Mon Jul 26 19:03:17 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

I'm pissed off how them jerk off's used the good name of *WOODSTOCK* to put together such a sh*tty show, with idiots (they call themselfs fans). Not only did they disrespect Willy Nelson, but also themselfs! The 1969 WOODSTOCK was not about being assh*les and such. I hope crap like that NEVER happens in my life again!!! I've never seen people act like that before, whatever happened to humanity, and music, and brotherhood??? What's happining to US???

Mon Jul 26 15:27:38 CEST 1999

And in that space lies all the things I'll never know

Jeg ser, jeg ser. Her er sa underlig. Jeg ma ha havnet pa feil klode.

Roughly translated - Where the fuck am I?

Mon Jul 26 14:02:18 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

August 15, 1999...Rick Danko/Garth Hudson, Leslie West & Mountain, Johnny Winter (Yes!), Melanie, David Crosby, Country Joe (Give me an F...!), Richie Havens, and more.... Was originally billed as a free show...tickets now listed at 19.69 :-)

Mon Jul 26 13:58:57 CEST 1999

Bill

Thanks to Peter for remembering Joey Dee and the Starlighters. There are lots of Starlighters / Rascals parallels, as I believe I've said here before. Starting with the factoid that Starlighter producer (and writer of Peppermint Twist) was Henry Glover.

Mon Jul 26 13:13:56 CEST 1999

Lee Gabites

Check out www.dayinthegarden.com for all the details of the Yasgur's Farm show. It's going to be a great day.

Mon Jul 26 12:36:20 CEST 1999

merlin

jersey shore jim- appearing at yasgur's on8/15 will be hot tuna, david crosby, melanie,ritchie havens and the rick danko band(rick,garth,professor louie,randy, jim,and a kick ass horn section). look for a whole new set from rick.

Mon Jul 26 08:57:44 CEST 1999

ANGEL

Okay, first of all (If this entry is allowed),#1 what really is up with Levon and Rick? Where did that come from? Levon just doesn't get along with anyone anymore, does he? #2 I hear what you're saying Arlo. I may have a filthy mouth, according to some, but I use "Jesus Christ" daily. Such as "Jesus Christ, Robbie Robertson can play guitar," or "Christ, Richard had a hell of a voice," or "Jesus, I can't believe they're calling this concert 'Woodstock'. 'WoodCrap' would be better." I feel what you're saying. #3 I'd just like to say, no matter what LH says, The Last Waltz was a damn good movie. The music reamins to be the most amazing thing I've ever heard. Whatever was going on within The Band is no one's business, so he should quit making it everyone's problem. Levon, son, it's time to let go of the bitterness and hate. Try to enjoy your life while you still have it. See, you're forcing Band fans to take sides, and it's kind of pathetic. The reason we are fans, is because The Band is a group of unstopable musicians. The music is timeless and brilliant. So this is my personal message to Levon: Realx, don't hate anyone, hate kills. You're pissing Robbie fans off and making Band fans hate Robbie. It's pretty ridiculous. For the love of GOD, man, let it go. There's my two cents, put that in your bank account.

Mon Jul 26 07:04:05 CEST 1999

Richard P

Grim: We've already had this discussion. This guestbook is about "the Band" not "the Dead".

Mon Jul 26 04:52:27 CEST 1999

Jim

Does anyone know where to get info on the "Rick Danko Band" concert at Yasgurs Farm in August?? Is Rick the only act or where there be others? Thanks

Mon Jul 26 04:36:29 CEST 1999

The Grim Reaper

This Guestbook is pronounced dead. May it rest in peace. GR

Sun Jul 25 19:00:59 CEST 1999

Richard Patterson

John: Au contraire mon frair (that's pidgeon Cajun), always interested to hear your views. Hard to make it to Toronto on a Wednesday night though, since they took my driver's license away. Have to wait for Rick Danko to come here, which he did May 23rd at the Icon in Niagara Falls (over 2 months ago now, jeez).

Belated live concert review; Openning up were a truly wretched band called "Bridge Machine" (I keep wanting to say "Bridge Mechanics"). Totally out of place heavy metal cover band who later joined Rick for "Stage Fright". It was frightening all right, even Rick looked at first confused and then amused with the incompetence. The rest of his set with the Professor was timeless classics. He was in very good voice and looked great (did some dancing around the stage). Same set list as we have seen appear here for most shows in the past few months. Ended with "Rivers of Babylon", reggae fans!

I think the music of the past will always be the yardstick by which we measure new music. Don't forget John that your favourite part of the Blackie show was when "Richard (Bell) made the organ swell circa Band 1966 or Al Kooper-like". I think the current focus on live albums is just an overwelming response to someone's comment (way back there) that there weren't many good ones.

Sun Jul 25 10:46:23 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

llkka: The tickets for this years Woodstock Concert are up to $500 for three days, depending on whether folks are driving or taking one of the special buses. Tracy used the right for this is my opinion.. "Greedstock". It's a shame.

Also llkka, I apologize for not answering your question the other day. I never should have posted something here that I'm not at liberty to talk any further about. I was merely congratulating Jan on something that he worked really hard to achieve, and anything further about it should be posted not by me, but by him, if he chooses to do so. Thanks.

Sun Jul 25 08:21:45 CEST 1999

Ilkka

This is about the first Woodstock festival.
Three days - 18 dollars. How much is it today? I have tried to count it in the Swedish currency and got the result: 50 Big Macs. Can it be correct?
Lil, I'm no man for small talks, and my question to you the other day might have sounded a bit cruel, but I really wanted to know :-)

Sun Jul 25 03:12:00 CEST 1999

bUBBA jAMES

RIGHT ON, FRANKIE!!!

Sun Jul 25 02:10:03 CEST 1999

Frank

To the writer of "To Arlo" A few things, my friend: 1. I've followed a number of guestbooks from other sites and never have I seen one which emphasises and encourages harmonious relationships (as The Band guestbook does) between those who communicate via it 2. "The same old boring people" as you so patronisingly refer to them are actually a community - ie. people who share a common interest and enjoy discussions on that interest 3. If the guestbook still bores you that much...don't read it

Sun Jul 25 02:02:02 CEST 1999

Arlo

I'm sorry for my bad grammar. I was actually emphasising my love of Richard Manuel's voice. I used Jesus Christ as an emphasis of my awe. Sorry for the confusion I created for you, "To Arlo"

Sun Jul 25 01:55:07 CEST 1999

John

Sorry no one found the Blackie & The Rodeo Kings review interesting. Your missing out on some great current music as you search back in time for live albums.

Sat Jul 24 23:43:05 CEST 1999

Rich

Does anyone out there have live band tapes please email me at: krivisky@umich.edu I have tons of psycedelia, bluegrass, folk and blues live shows for fast, efficient trade.

Sat Jul 24 21:44:08 CEST 1999

Juan

Ya Mr. Peter V you got it right. There be nothin' like the Reggae beat to take de mind off de summertime heat. Bassman Danko he can play dis music like a native. If Ricky agree to wear his hair in dreadlocks he could gig all through the islands.

Sat Jul 24 21:31:07 CEST 1999

Lars

There's a local band called Dr. Romo, they played in Stone Ridge last night. Their music is Cajin (is that spelled right, it looks wrong) and they sing in French (I think they understand English, but they won't sing it). They have five people playing guitar, bass, accordian, fiddle and percusion. They switch instruments nearly every song and most of them sing well. They have a real country flavor and I enjoyed them a lot.

Next Sun (Aug 1st) they will be playing at the Rosendale (south of Woodstock) Street Fair at 1:00 PM. They are working on a new song called "Acadian Driftwood" and I'm hoping they'll play it.

Sat Jul 24 21:15:36 CEST 1999

Charlie Young

When Bruce Hornsby straps on his accordian and plays "Masterpiece" in concert he sometimes sings "Edward Hopper's niece" or names some other artist. Of course he changes the lyric line about Coca-Cola to "Hojo Cola" (does Howard Johnson have their own brand?). I think Boticelli belongs in the song because it is, after all, about Italy.

Sat Jul 24 18:10:06 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Danny Lopez: Funny that you mentioned hearing 'I Shall Be Released' on Fox. I heard it a few weeks ago on a re-run of 'The Wonder Years'. Still kind of gives me a chill to hear Richard's voice in places where I'm not expecting to hear it.

Happy 40th birthday John..although forever 36..forever young.

Sat Jul 24 17:05:21 CEST 1999

Dexy

Lil -- there's probably a better Edgar/Band connection, but here's one: Johnny killed 'em at the Dylan Tribute Concert at Madison Square Garden about 6 years ago. I was there...

Sat Jul 24 16:55:04 CEST 1999

Danny Lopez

I was just in the kitchen when I heard Richard singing I Shall Be Released coming from the back TV room. I rush back there, and to my amazement, the Fox news channel put together a montage of photos of JFK,JR. with the Band supplying the background music. Fox played about half the song. It was actually quite touching. Who would have ever thought that now we have a Kennedy-Band connection!

Sat Jul 24 16:55:01 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Spider John: you know, I’d never noticed “Where I had a date with Botticelli’s niece” on the Dylan version until you mentioned it. I’m many, many times more familiar with the Band version. It makes more sense if he’s in Rome than “a pretty little girl from Greece” does. But I think “a pretty little girl from Greece” fits the space better. Pity really, a girl who looks like “Botticelli’s niece” is a good image. “Purty little girl” rolls well off Levon’s tongue. Not that I can see him having difficulty with “Botticelli’s niece” either.

Whether the Band version is a cover or not is a debatable point. As I recall, “Cahoots” came out before “More Bob Dylan Greatest Hits”. The latter finishes with a block of his songs that were known in cover versions, including three other Band-connected ones, ‘I Shall Be released’, ‘You Ain’t Goin Nowere’ and ‘Down in the Flood.’ These were recorded especially for “More Greatest Hits” and … to me at least … are inferior to the other versions. So was “When I Paint My Masterpiece” by The Band a cover? I always placed it with “I Shall be released”. “Wheel’s on Fire” and “Tears of Rage” as Dylan songs written for the Band.

The writer of “To Arlo” (not “Arlo” himself): I’ll delete my first uncharitable response, but will simply note that we keep this going, all aware that there isn’t a great deal to discuss that’s new right now. But there will be. Next month sees an official Band live album (Woodstock) AND a Rick Danko solo album. This month sees “Tangled up in Blues” with a new Band version of “One Too Many Mornings.” My copy is between the mail order supplier and me, and I look forward to it. For a band of this vintage, this is a fair enough level of productivity. Let’s hope Levon’s new band gets something recorded too. And Lil mentioned Garth’s long-unavailable “Our Queen of the Angels”. Why doesn’t someone get a re-release for that? (And add as much as you like to it!)

Sat Jul 24 16:38:06 CEST 1999

Richard Patterson

Another live album that kicked off a career? How about Delaney & Bonnie & Friends: 'On Tour with Eric Clapton'. The "friends" include Carl Radle, Jim Gordon and Bobby Whitlock (later known as "Derek and the Dominoes" w/Eric and Duane Allman, and previously as "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" w/ Joe Cocker and Leon Russell) as well as Dave Mason, Bobby Keys, Rita Coolidge, etc. Real funky Memphis soul sound to this album (good horn section) although it was recorded live on a tour of the U.K. Tribute medleys to Robert Johnson and Little Richard mixed in with Dave Mason's "Only You Know and I Know", Eddie Floyd's "Things Get Better", and a whole bunch of great Eric solos. Not too much of a stretch to find Band connections here I think.

Pat Brennan: Nice post on Watkins Glen.

Sat Jul 24 16:10:33 CEST 1999

Pat Brennan

To Arlo, nice to see you adding to that 90%.

Sat Jul 24 15:47:54 CEST 1999

A thought

Spider John:

Perhaps Levon wasn't speaking to Botticelli's niece?

Sat Jul 24 14:14:52 CEST 1999

Spider John

Was listening to Cahoots with Lil , particularly enjoying "When I Paint My Masterpiece". Really enjoy Levon's cover. Any thoughts on why he changed the original lyric

Where I've got me a date with Botticelli's niece / to

Where I got me a date with a pretty little girl from Greece.

Perhaps good old boy Levon though the reference was too high faluttin. Any thoughts?

Sat Jul 24 13:49:45 CEST 1999

To Arlo

Are you asking if J C was blessed with a voice, or are you telling us that J C actually had one ( a voice that is )???. Just trying to understand what you're saying.

Time to phase out the Guestbook Jan. 90% of the present content has nothing to do with the Band. The same boring bunch is stretching for none existant connections. All's been covered and said before. Put it to rest.

Sat Jul 24 13:29:09 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Live albums: We’ve all forgotten “Bob Marley: Live at The Lyceum” with the classic live “No Woman No Cry”. The CD was digitally remastered by Rob Fraboni, giving us a (faint) Band connection. Rob Fraboni & John Simon engineered TLW. When they remastered the track they took the top edge off the exquisite bit of accidental mic feedback (as he sings “along the way”) which brings it down from painful (on the “Legend” set) to just loud. No doubt Bob could have done the same in 1975, but realized it added to the feel. Which tells us something about live albums, including the reason so many here are fond of “The Complete Last Waltz”. A live album has to include a couple of “warts” to make it feel real. On the Marley box set, ‘Songs of Freedom’ it was substitued by a version from The Roxy, and every time it comes to the line I really miss that bit of mic feedback.

Lest anyone find reggae inappropriate, I’d remind you of Jim Weider / The Band’s versions of “Many Rivers To Cross,” Garth Hudson & The Crowmatix take on Toots & the Maytals and that the hit version of “Rivers of Babylon” (which Rick Danko has often done in concert) was a reggae treatment. Rick Danko also did Johnny Nash’s “I Can see Clearly Now” on a radio show from 1977. There’s not enough there for an article on The Band & reggae though!

Two great early live albums are “Live at the Apollo 1962” which has been mentioned and “Doin’ The Twist at The Peppermint Lounge” by Joey Dee & the Starliters. A perceptive critic (or it might have been me instead) once said that this was the best document of what a live group sounded like in 1961. There’s an obvious connection with the fragments of Hawkins & the Hawks live shows. This is now on a 2-on-1 set with “Back At the Peppermint Lounge”. Look at the tracks on the combined set - a bit of Lee Dorsey (Ya Ya), a bit of Ray Charles (Sticks & Stones, Talkin About You), a bit of Isley Bros (Shout), a bit of Fats Domino (Hello Josephine) plus Money, Kansas City, C.C. Rider, Bill Doggett’s “Honky Tonk”. They were drawing water from the same well as the Hawks. They even showed off a bit of vocal talent with Dee Clark’s “Raindrops”. To my knowledge, The Hawks never covered this, but I can imagine Richard would have been superb on it.

Sat Jul 24 12:06:41 CEST 1999

The Ragman

First I'm hearing about a possible feud between Rick and Levon. Too bad. Does this shed some light on the Robbie-Levon feud? I hate to say it, but the longer this goes on, the less of a chance the wounds have to heal. Is this the end?

Sat Jul 24 08:47:42 CEST 1999

Arlo

I sit here in front of this screen - Big Pink is on - track 9 - guitar in my hands - I'm looking at the chords - and no matter how much I try I can't come close to that feel that Richard had. Jesus Christ, what a voice he was blessed with.

Sat Jul 24 04:09:24 CEST 1999

Juan

Live album from 1974 that still rocks my world: Roy Buchanan-Live Stock. Why? Buch is my main man. this is Roy being Roy! Billy Price on vocals. Malcolm Lukens tickling the 88's. I was there. Graduated high school. We were the state B-Ball champs. This was my 2nd concert-1st was of course the Band in 73-at the Spectrum. Because of this concert the "tele" became my main axe and music my mistress. Thank You Lord.

P Rivard: you were'nt the only one who snuck under the tent at the old TMFair. Scuze me while I disappear..........

Sat Jul 24 03:35:06 CEST 1999

Ragweed

medicine hat -- If Levon becomes Pope I'm gonna dust of my prayer book an' rosary beads an' start believin' again! But really I think Dylan's next in line for the job. Of course, he'll have to get the approval of the Jews for Jesus first.

Sat Jul 24 03:10:55 CEST 1999

Juan

Hey Mon, take it easy. Life it be short. De summer be hot but de days are long. Get you a cold drink and have your honey take off her shoes. Now play Ernest Ranglin 1996 record Below the Bassline. Now watch her move...mmmm...hips seem to have a life of their own. Ya Mon, dats what I call Jubilation!!! Perfection can be achieved.

Sat Jul 24 02:23:14 CEST 1999

Daisy Mae

medicine hat: I heard you've just been added to the list of persons Levon isn't talking to! Maybe he's been cool to Rick since the Japan incident 2 years back which caused The Band to cancel a lot of dates, possibly affected their record deal, and cost them a lot of bread. Just speculating.

Sat Jul 24 00:11:34 CEST 1999

medicine hat

NOW IT CAN BE TOLD -- very soon, having run out of people to talk to, levon won't be talking to anyone. he will convert to catholicism, retire to a cloistered monastery in kentucky, and become the first pope from arkansas -- pope sonny boy I. mark my word, you heard it here first!

Fri Jul 23 23:58:27 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Dexy: Edgar Winter's White Trash! Now you're talking! One of my favorites. Edgar, Jerry LaCroix, Rick Derringer...and a horn section that could blow the roof off. Tunes like 'Dying to Live', 'Good Morning Music', 'Keep playing that Rock and Roll', 'Give it everything you got'...some great, great music. Also, the live album called "Roadwork" which had an incredible cover of 'Tobacco Road'..I think it's like 20 minutes long. Have been an Edgar fan for more years than I'd care to admit, with 'Diamond Eyes' being my favorite tune. Nice to know others appreciate what can be classified as hot funk combined with that incredible primal scream.

Ok..trying hard to think of a Band connection here..and have one. Sort of. I know this is stretching it, but back in Texas, when Edgar was young, he fronted a band called 'The Twilights' :-)

Fri Jul 23 22:51:49 CEST 1999

Wheeler

Well, it seems we've come full circle with the "Great Live Albums" trip. With so many being mentioned the question now seems to be "Are there any great studio albums?" Thanks to Mattk for his analysis and insight into the 2 Joni "lives." "Free Man In Paris" is on the 1979 tour video titled S&L which features Pat and Jaco. It's just being re-released in Japan with extra material. Check the JM website - it's beautiful by the way and extensive. But do please come back here!

Fri Jul 23 22:50:11 CEST 1999

Dexy

Another great live album -- Edgar Winter's White Trash. Can't remember it's name (how the hell old am I, anyway). The first White Trash album was a real killer -- Dying to Live, Who Will Save the Planet, many others. Great forgotten album, and one that I have to think at least Levon would love. You know -- Levon Helm. Used to be in The Band.

Fri Jul 23 22:46:24 CEST 1999

A. Child

Maybe the reason Levon isn't playing with Rick next month is that the two are not speaking to each other, or at least Levon won't talk to Rick. Come on guys, let's get over it.

Fri Jul 23 21:49:03 CEST 1999

Gene

Has anyone mentioned "LIVE AT THE REGAL" by the great BB King?

Fri Jul 23 21:45:30 CEST 1999

Pete Rivard

Also Newgrass Revival, "Live at Toulouse", speaking of strong live performances and Bela Fleck.

I snuck in under the tent with a girlfriend to see the Joni Mitchell "Miles of Aisles" tour stop at the Temple Music Festival in Ambler, PA, as a penniless college soph. Since the circus never came to town, I had to get in my sneaking under the tent experience however I could. I remember Mr. Ford as being pretty hot that night.

Fri Jul 23 21:31:29 CEST 1999

Dave the Phone Guy

I'll agree that Dylan/Dead CD is pretty bad,except All Along The Watchtower showcases a rippin' improv jam and Knockin' On Heaven's Door has some good accapella singing.One newer live CD out that I think is absolutely great is Sons of Champlin Live.I don't know of any link to The Band, but this Sons CD jumps outta the speakers way a'LIVE'.

Fri Jul 23 21:19:07 CEST 1999

merlin

dex- I agree it's strange but I think Rick and Garth are both going to be doing there own show. levon is working with a blues band and seems to be happy doing his own thing. Rick and Garth will have a kick-ass band and horn section at Yasgur's farm.

Fri Jul 23 20:47:44 CEST 1999

mattk

Also, for live albums, Frank Zappa has produced many of my personal faves:

• Live at the Fillmore East
• Just Another Band from LA
• Roxy and Elsewhere (My all-time fave live album in the rock genre)
• Live in New York
• Baby Snakes
• The Best Band You Never Heard in Your Life

Of course, there are also terrific performances to be found in the multi-volume releases of "You Can't Do that On Stage Anymore."

Matt

Fri Jul 23 20:10:19 CEST 1999

Dexy

Am I the only Band fan who finds it a little strange that the Danko/Hudson band is appearing at the August 15 show without Levon?

Fri Jul 23 20:05:17 CEST 1999

Don Pugatch

Driving this afternoon, I had Jericho on the cassette player, and walking into the gym, on TV was the ending of the JFK, Jr. memorial. Thinking back a while, the last song before I turned off the car, was, yes, To Soon Gone. Coincidence? On a lighter note, want to hear a great live CD, John Hiatt, Live at Budakahn. He is mocking Frampton on the cover, since the album is live shows from various spots in the US. Also, Live Art Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.

Fri Jul 23 19:30:27 CEST 1999

Charlie Young

Besides ROCK OF AGES, my list of all-time favorite live albums includes some already mentioned, such as The Who's LIVE AT LEEDS and the Allman Brothers FILLMORE EAST sets, but there are some more obscure ones such as John Mayall's ROOM TO MOVE which still sound fine thirty years later. Speaking of Joni Mitchell: I just saw the video released in 1995 of the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival in which Ms. Mitchell was one of the highlights. It was also interesting to see an all-too-brief glimpse of the great Zal Yanovsky, then ending his music career as lead guitarist for Kris Kristofferson. I wonder if we'll ever see the official release of the Dylan/Band footage from that choatic concert. Has anyone else noticed that on the WOODSTOCK DIARY version of "The Weight" there's apparently a brief insert of the studio acoustic guitar intro not found on the previous track included in the boxed set? I wonder which version will turn up on the upcoming release of The Band at Woodstock...

Fri Jul 23 18:10:09 CEST 1999

mattk

Lisa, good call on the Joni albums. "Miles of Aisles" is the lesser of the two, IMHO--while the LA Express is a good band, "Shadows In Light" features (for my money) one of the best "pick-up" bands of all time.

I'll take Michael Brecker over Tom Scott any day of the week. Brecker's work on the Mingus cuts, in particular are stellar.

Lets call Pat Metheny vs. Robben Ford a wash. Robben is the better blues/rock player, but I think Metheny works better with the newer, jazzier material on S&L than Ford does on the folk redux material on MOA. It's documented (Levon) that the Band had real difficulty with the odd tunings (which Garth had to transcribe as Joni was not hip to the theory) used on tunes like Coyote. Metheny's thicker sound works very well on this material.

Lyle Mays vs. John Nash? Please, Lyle is up their with Garth as underappreciated keyboard "sidemen" who work wonders on the timbre of a group. Nash is solid, Mays can be visionary.

Don Alias vs. John Guerin. Probably a close tie here, though Don's conga and percussion work is OUTSTANDING on S&L.

Jaco Pastorius vs. Max Bennet. Do we really need to go into this? For my money, this is one of Jaco's finest moments. He really takes over the lead guitar slot with his bass. It's his work on Coyote that makes the S&L version work. No slight on Rick intended, but Coyote was just not his bag. Any doubt about Jaco's performance should be directed to "Dry Cleaner from Des Moines," especially when he and Brecker go toe-to-toe. Amazing.

It is a somewhat unfair comparison, however, between MOA and S&L. MOA, as previously stated is a retrospective of Joni's earlier work (Big Yellow Taxi, Both Sides Now, etc). S&L covers (and for me is the fruition) of Joni's "jazz" albums (Hissing of Summer Lawns, Mingus, Hejira, even Court and Spark). While the LA Express was/is a very talented fusion band, the S&L group features a far more accomplished group of Jazz musicians who can cover more bases than Tom Scott, et al.

It's appropriate, then, that there is only one tune appearing on both albums (Woodstock). It's ironic that it's a tune Joni is well-known for writing, but not performing. In general, for me, MOA is a great recap of Joni's earlier career. S&L is not a simple "best of." I honestly believe that most of the songs on the album are the BEST versions of those songs available. While I love Mingus, Hejira, etc, putting them in a live context with that kind of talent raises the stakes and puts them in the setting where jazz really flourishes and the improvisational elements really come to life.

My faves from S&L? "Edith and the Kingpin," "Hejira," "Amelia," "Coyote." For the sidemen, I really like the way they do "Dry Cleaner" and "Porkpie Hat," which is weak on Mingus, but really shines live. It's a damn shame that "Free Man in Paris" (written during her trip to Paris with Geffen and RR, and rumored to be about RR, in part)did not make it to the CD version (it's on the vinyl version of S&L). It's a wonderful cut. Hopefully a full two-cd version of S&L will be released to include that tune as well as Don Alias' tremendous solo leading into "Dreamland."

Matt

Fri Jul 23 17:39:02 CEST 1999

Ilkka

Sorry Lil, I don't get it: Jan and the VIP status? Is there something I have missed?
As you all have noticed this gb file is growing and growing. That shows what a great job Jan is doing by maintaining this site. Jan, welcome back from the holiday!

Fri Jul 23 16:43:07 CEST 1999

AHROOO!!

Ah, do not fret about Greedstock II or is that Corporate Woodstock: The Sequel. There will be a festival entitled "A Day in the Garden at Yasgur's Farm" set on the original day Woodstock was held, August 15th. Artists include David Crosby w/CPR, Richie Havens, Arlo Guthrie, Johnny Winter, Melanie, Country Joe McDonald, Leslie West, and Rick Danko and Garth Hudson! Tickets will be sold through Ticketmaster and are for $19.69 :::snicker::: A lot better than the ridiculous outrageous price for Greedstock II.....plus better acts!

AHROOO!!

Fri Jul 23 12:44:08 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Pat Brennan: Really enjoyed reading your memories of Watkins Glen. Was that you with the long hair?? Go figure :-)

What's being billed as 'Woodstock 99' kicks off today here in New York...amidst hot, humid weather and thunderstorms. Hmmm...thousands of kids rolling around in the mud. Some things don't change I guess.

Jan: So here it is, your last week to be just another pretty face. Congrats on your upcoming VIP status. Will be thinking about you on August 1st.

Fri Jul 23 04:01:13 CEST 1999

Lisa

Before we get off the subject of great live albums I'd like to nominate Joni's "Miles of Aisles" and "Shadows and Light" - 2 Double Live LPs. Or maybe this impromptu poll just includes men? Joni can and has written and sung circles around any other artist male OR female in my opinion - not that she was attempting to do that.

Fri Jul 23 03:51:20 CEST 1999

James

Re: "You kidding?'s" recent comments. There's a rotten apple in every barrel. Too bad one this rotten is in The Band's barrel.

Fri Jul 23 03:42:35 CEST 1999

Pat Brennan

Watkins Glen....ah, yes. Wandered down to the soundcheck the night before. The Dead doing their circa '73 wall of sound/Donna/Keith thing. Went back to the campgrounds and ate spaghetti. Slept with someone I didn't know in a tent. Next morning wandered back down. Walked through the entire crowd to my friends post about 30 yards in front of the stage. Yeah, about 700,000 people I guess. Ran into a friend from Albequerque about halfway through the crowd. Dead played for, I don't know, four hours or so. Massive amplification. People in front of me were dancing naked. Pretty high. Donna kept hitting high notes and everyone would yell along. Dead finally finished. Some roadies bring out The Band's little setup. RR used a small Fender amp. Levon had his brown wooden drums. Rick had an Ampeg SVT. Richard had his little Hohner and a mic'ed grand. Garth a Lowry, a couple of Leslie's,a clavinette. Started playing and seemed like the exact opposite of the Dead. SHort, concise solos, beautiful singing. Clouds started to gather. The parachutists tragedy. Dixie, Rain. Really seemed like the night they drove it down. Garth. I remember a lot of smiling on stage, unlike the'71 tour. Later I read RR thought it was something special, that the audience was terribly in tune to what they were doing. The layoff must've helped the voices. Jeez, Richard sounded great. They finish. Went and ate. Watch the Allmans from far away. Really high now. RR tried to sing with them but he appeared very drunk. Met some girls from NY and had a blast. If you were there, perhaps you remember me. I had long hair. If you do, I still love you.

Fri Jul 23 02:56:41 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Matt: No offense taken. Was hoping you'd know that my post to you was done in good fun..which is why I gave you one of these :-)

You Kiddin? : You are entitled to your opinion, however insensitive and ignorant that may be.

Fri Jul 23 02:19:10 CEST 1999

John Donabie

Lil,

As My father used to say, "Don't let the bastards get you down." Rock on Lil

Fri Jul 23 02:15:41 CEST 1999

Debbie

Dear "You kidding?" -- Considering what he was born into I'd say JFK Jr. was incredibly unspoiled. If you'd seen him walking around the streets of Manhattan like I did you might think differently. But then again, maybe there's no hope for you. Most of us are with you Lil -- otherwise this world would be a truly terrible place in which to live.

Fri Jul 23 01:19:26 CEST 1999

Freddy Fishstick

Speakin of Bruce Cockburn, just heard Jimmy Buffett's wonderful cover of "Pacin the Cage" on Radio Margaritaville. Before that "I Shall Be Released"- yup from Big Pink. Congrats to JW from Wantagh who will get to see Mr. Dylan next week @ Tramps. Bear and JD, don't say I didn't give you a head's up on that show. Every night is amateur night here so Gene, Matt & Lil don't go wastin your breath on those who favor us with their anonymity.

Fri Jul 23 01:16:06 CEST 1999

Richard P

If the Band are (Ontario) apples, and the Dead are sunflowers (I prefer to say roses), and the Allmans are (Georgia) peaches, what do you have at the end of the day? The biggest live concert draw of all time. Something for everyone! Revel in the diversity folks, the world is too small not to.

Bigfoot: The feedback part in the middle of the show is when you smoke your dope. At this point of the show comparisons with jazz musicians are closer to Ornette Coleman or Art Ensemble of Chicago than Keith Jarrett. Love them all though. Check out Jerry's guest apperance on Ornette Coleman's "Virgin Beauty".

Pinetop:Those "infantile party types" know collectively as "Deadheads" are the greatest example of unconditional love I have ever seen. Really didn't understand what the big deal was about the Dead until I saw their fans react to them. It was a concert film ("The Grateful Dead Movie" -mid seventies film with a wild animated sequence at the beginning) that really turned me on to this band. Have only been a fan for a short time now (my first show was '92), but the shows I have seen were very good. The audience were always an equal part with the band. I'm reminded of Grace Slick's comment that she liked being on stage because it had the best view at the party.

You Kidding?: Don't you know it's a sin to speak ill of the Dead?

Fri Jul 23 00:55:11 CEST 1999

Gene

Sometimes the tastelessness and cowardice of the commentary here overwhelms me. Would that person have said that to Lil's face?

Fri Jul 23 00:45:24 CEST 1999

Professor M.G.

Lyric test. Any takers?

Pay phones all were ringing as the crowd went roarin' by Lovely dancers swaying to an island lullaby Beside the southern ocean taking stock of what's to be Writing you this letter that you'll probably never see Chorus: But I can't help but be Ruled by inconsistency Not unique just distantly in love Tried to phone from Paris thinking Things could be arranged Me and you could rendezvous But I found your number changed So I drove to San Remo where The crazy painter dwells And toasted our old photographs Still up there on his shelf But I can't help but be Ruled by my antiquity Not unique just distantly in love I can't be the one to fill Your times and all your places I can't be the one to fill Your blanks and empty spaces I heard it from a friend of ours I saw in Timber Bay That you had a new lover who had Stolen you away That could be be the reason that I never got in touch And may present slight problems If he loves you half as much Chorus As I who can't help but be Ruled by my antiquity Not unique just distantly in love You know I can't help but be Part of my own philosophy Not unique just distantly in love natura teie ao nei maitai no te mitie Nature lives (Life to nature) Have pity for the earth (Love the earth) Bounty of the land is exhausted But there is still abundance in the sea.

Fri Jul 23 00:38:52 CEST 1999

John Donabie

It's too bad that my entire review disappeared from the site of Blackie & The Rodeo Kings. Did everything right and it's gone. Sadly I will write a shorter version.

Remember what turned you on to The Band in the first place. The feel...the music....the dynamics of the original 5 on stage. I haven't felt that way about a band in a long time; until last night.

Coling Lindon, good friend of Ricky Danko...Steven Fearing from Vancouver and Tom Wilson from Junkhouse performed at the Horseshoe Tavern. It was magic. I remember when a friend of mine called The Band the tightest loosest band he ever saw. What he mean was they made everything appear easy...like it was right off the top! They were in fact so tight and a "look" at one of the others would bring on another memorable moment.

Colin Lindon (co-writer of Remedy) happy & smiling. Steven Fearing ( tall good looking and an amazing guitar player....Tom Wilson ( dangerously Elvis like...looking like a heavier Stan Szelest. Taunting the audience. The three singers (sound familiar) and three song writers weaving back and forth in one strong song after another. Suddenly Tom Wilson yells out "Richard Bell on the organ." Richard made the organ swell circa Band 1966 or Al Kooper-like. It was one of the highlites of the last few years for me. If you have the chance, pick up Blackie & The Rodeo Kings. Colin also sings Tombstone by Jules Shear which didn't make it to Jubilation. Colin informed me last night that he will be producing the new Danko/Anderson/Fjeld CD. He is currently producing Bruce Cockburns newest. Please check it out. It'll make you smile. Richard Bell had to leave after the first set. A busy man. He was playing later that night with Canadian blueboy Colin James. My first review was better; but I've eaten since. I want to repeat...they don't sound like The Band...they just have the majic ingredients to give you the "feel."

Fri Jul 23 00:21:08 CEST 1999

donabie

Just testing. I wrote an entire review of Blackie & the Rodeo Kings and it has disappeared.

Fri Jul 23 00:00:47 CEST 1999

Gene

You are the one who sounds like a spoiled brat. If you had any decency you would keep your views to yourself and apologize to Lil. I bet you don't.

Thu Jul 22 23:34:52 CEST 1999

You kidding ??

Lighten up Lil. Seems to me your "America's son" was an irresponsible, over-priviledged spoiled brat who basically thaught that he was above all rules and regulations as to the safe handling of an airplane, and should have known better. I call it homicide, unvoluntary of course, but nonetheless the result of this stupidity is tragic. Think before you spout off your syrup.

Thu Jul 22 23:33:16 CEST 1999

Bob W.

Diamond Lil: You are exactly right about The Band being a five person group that needs each person to be what it is. That was my point exactly.+

Thu Jul 22 22:55:49 CEST 1999

mattk

Dylan & Dead:

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I seem to recall that the 1988 album and tour was pretty poorly received by both Dead fans (I think Jerry was fresh from his coma) and Dylan fans (the eighties was somewhat of a low-point for Dylan in concert, where many felt he was almost a self-parody). I have not listened to the album, nor did I attend concerts, but I recall my Dead friends were pretty disappointed, and I certainly found Dylan's late 80s work somewhat tiresome (though he started the 90s with a bang).

Interestingly, Dylan opened for the Dead during all/much/most of the Dead's last tour in 1995. Folks I knew who went to see them up at their stop at Highgate in Vermont, said that the Dead seemed pretty subdued, but people were unanimously impressed (across age groups, from 40-somethings to 20-somethings) that Dylan was awesome and very much "on his game."

Thu Jul 22 22:47:38 CEST 1999

mattk

Sorry, Lil, no offense intended. That comment was born from my days growing up in Denver. JB's shows at Red Rocks and Fiddlers Green were written up every year as one of the most difficult and disorderly crowds. JB's culture is definitely heavy on the romance of alchohol, and unfortunately, I suspect many so-called Parrotheads choose to attend concerts to relive their drunken college days, which to me does a dis-service to those people that genuinely go to hear the music. The comment is less directed at JB or fans of his music than the contingent that chooses to use his concerts as an excuse from drunk and disorderly content, which by reputation, is unfortunately what JB's concerts are infamous for...

sorry...

matt

Thu Jul 22 22:46:31 CEST 1999

Ben

I picked up a copy of the 'Woodstock 94' video last weekend at a cd collectors show. It's a pretty enjoyable performance. One odd thing about it is that Roger Mcguinn is playing guitar off on the side of stage away from the microphones. Does anyone know why he was there? Also does anyone know the complete song list of the new Danko Cd. Thanks, Ben

Thu Jul 22 22:14:31 CEST 1999

David Powell

Comparing the Dead with The Band is like comparing apples with sunflowers. However, perhaps a valid point of reference would be the juxtaposition between Dylan & The Band's "Before The Flood" and the 1988 album, "Dylan & Dead." Listen in particular to the versions of "All Along The Watchtower" and "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" which appear on both albums. It's my opinion, and I think many of you will agree, that the versions that Dylan performed with the Dead pale in comparison with those performed with The Band.

Thu Jul 22 21:43:17 CEST 1999

Sharon Fancher

I would like to have any information on upcoming tour dates in my area. Mobile, New Orleans, the Gulf Coast Area, Florida are in my immediate vicinity. Thanks for a reply.

Thu Jul 22 21:39:54 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Um...Matt? Jimmy Buffett.."the Dead for alcoholics"?? Oooohhhh....consider yourself lucky that I like you :-)

Thu Jul 22 21:39:03 CEST 1999

medicine hat

mattk: as usual, i couldn't agree with you more. people, regardless of their personal tastes, deserve respect, even admiration for their passion. however, i can't resist resurrecting the old joke: q: what does a deadhead say when he's (or she's) run out of acid? a: "man, this band sucks!" just a joke. peace.

Thu Jul 22 21:26:52 CEST 1999

mattk

Ok, now I did not mean to start a "bash the Dead" session, and especially not a "bash the Deadheads" thing. I do respect the Dead, and recognize their place in music history. I grow weary of their deification (as I do the Band), but unlike the Band, Dead worship is hard to escape if you live in anything resembling a hippie-friendly area. I'll admit to peturbing my Dead fan friends by making comparisons between Elvis fans and Jerry fans (I also like to make the comparison that Jimmy Buffet is the Dead for alcholics).

ALL of that give, and all teasing aside, I don't question a Deadhead's (or Parrothead, or any "head") passion for the music they love. After all, music is entirely subjective. Might I suggest that it's fine to say that the Dead doesn't do much for you, but refrain from bashing their fans? After all, there are a HUGE number of Dead fans on this site, and it's unfair to bust on their choices just because it's not your (or my) choice?

Just trying to keep it friendly...

Matt

Thu Jul 22 20:13:06 CEST 1999

Bigfoot

Richard P: Saw the Dead in London in '73. The large amount of improvising consisted of an hour's worth of boring feedback in the middle of the set. A complete waste of time. I'll take Keith Jarret any day!

Thu Jul 22 19:26:04 CEST 1999

Andrew

Diamond Lil: Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the recent tragedy. Another three "too soon gone."

Thu Jul 22 19:17:08 CEST 1999

Pinetop

I'm with you medicine hat - I hate the Grateful Dead but even more so I hate their fans - infantile "party" types for the most part. The music just isn't there and they had no collective personality like The Band. Diamond Lil - your observation is right on target - The Band members had a symbiotic relationship and the whole was greater than the sum of the parts.

Thu Jul 22 18:30:52 CEST 1999

Dave the Phone Guy

Check out Workingman's Dead or American Beauty.These two albums have A LOT in common with The Band sound.(Instumentation,vocals,and song type).We all know the Grateful Dead played a few shows with The Band.To each his own though,for sure.I was a Band fan first and most but love the Dead also.

Thu Jul 22 18:29:47 CEST 1999

Dave the Phone Guy

Check out Workingman's Dead or American Beauty.These two albums have A LOT in common with The Band sound.(Instumentation,vocals,and song type).We all know the Grateful Dead played a few shows with The Band.To each his own though,for sure.I was a Band fan first and most but love the Dead also.

Thu Jul 22 18:14:11 CEST 1999

medicine hat

matt k -- the isle of white version of "the mighty quinn" can be found on bob's "self portrait" lp. it's a very "drunken" version -- vocals colliding against one another, and everyone sounding like they're having a ball. quite a sizzling solo by RR as well. thanks to your opening up the door, i too feel emboldened to proudly proclaim -- "i really dislike the grateful dead." there. i said it. feels goooooood!

Thu Jul 22 18:11:28 CEST 1999

Richard P

Sharon: The Grateful Dead - "Europe '72".

Nice choice. The Dead are definately one of those bands that you can see (or hear) a million times and always walk away feeling something new and interesting has happened. I think it's because (like the jazz greats) their songs always contain a large amount of improvising. For that matter so do Band and Allman Bros. songs. The lineup at Watkins Glen '73 has always struck me as the ultimate concert. Wish I could have been there.

Thu Jul 22 17:53:02 CEST 1999

mattk

Little Feat - It's ironic that my fave LF performance is a live cut of Mighty Quinn. To date (since I lack the requisite boots), I've not heard either the BT or live versions The Band did with Dylan. The LF version is sooooo very funky in that "hippie groove" way (which I really love, but doubt either Dylan or The Band would pull off the same way). I'm pretty much "anti-Dead," so their version does little for me. How do the Band/Dylan versions compare stylistically?

Matt

Thu Jul 22 15:27:54 CEST 1999

David Powell

Chris Morris: The Greil Marcus book is "Invisible Republic" published last year by Henry Holt & Co. and available in both hard & soft covers.

Dave Z: You really can't go wrong with any of Richard Patterson's Little Feat recommendations. My personal favorite is their 1973 album "Dixie Chicken." The group had an affinity for Atlanta and began playing down here often, beginning in the early '70s. They would later record a song entitled "Oh Atlanta." I got to see them perform live many times, first as a quartet and later as a six piece group. Original bass player Roy Estrada, who played on the first two albums, "Little Feat" & "Sailin' Shoes," left to rejoin Zappa's Mothers. He was replaced by Kenny Gradney, and second guitarist Paul Barrere & Sam Clayton on congos, were added to the group's lineup on "Dixie Chicken." This album also features Bonnie Raitt & Bonnie Bramlett on back-up vocals. In addition to the great title song & other originals, the group does a fine cover of Allen Toussaint's "On Your Way Down."

Here's an interesting quote from Fred Goodman's book, "The Mansion On The Hill," mentioned by mattk yesterday in the guestbook. In his chapter on Albert Grossman, entitled "Cumulus Nimbus," former Band road manager Jonathan Taplin says:

" 'One of the problems with Albert was that he was too hip,' says Taplin. 'With Dylan he had perfected this strategy that the best thing to do was not communicate. Stay away from the press. _Music from Big Pink_ is the apotheosis of that theory: don't be known, be mysterious, and you'll be big. But the Band never could get out of that 'too hip' thing and never had the great success they probably could have if they'd been a little more willing to make some compromises with the music business. There was never an attempt by anyone to try and make a record that could be played on the radio. Nobody would ever say, 'Y'know, if you'd just get one record on FM radio, you might sell ten times as many records.' Which is usually the kind of news that a manager is supposed to give. But Albert would never have thought of doing that."

Thu Jul 22 14:21:02 CEST 1999

Will Western

I've always wanted to know this. Who are the other characters that appear on the cover of The Basement Tapes official album? Anyone know?

Thu Jul 22 13:16:22 CEST 1999

Brown-Eyed Johnny

I just purchased the Japanese single 2 of Bob Dylan's "Not Dark Yet." It features an extraordinary version of the Richard/Bob composition "Tears of Rage." Get it while you can.

Thu Jul 22 11:55:21 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Since I just posted something Band related, I hope you'll bear with me while I post something non-Band related here now.

The Band's music, this guestbook..whatever it is that brings us all together as fans...also brings us together as people. Without getting in any way political, it's a very sad time in the US right now as we prepare to bury a young man who was for all intents and purposes...America's son and America's brother. To anyone here who is feeling this the way I am, I just want to say you're not alone.

My thoughts and prayers are with both the Kennedy and Bessette families at this time. Rest in peace John.

Thu Jul 22 11:28:49 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Bob W: You ask us to imagine how far The Band would've gotten without the songwriting talents of Robbie. The answer would be 'not very far'. However, without the voices of Rick, Richard, and Levon bringing RR's songs and characters to life, and the musical genius of Garth holding it all together...The Band would also not have gotten very far. There were 5 people who made The Band what it was...and they all contributed equally in my opinion.

Thu Jul 22 08:47:35 CEST 1999

Chris Morris

Can someone tell me what the title of Greil Marcus' new book on the Basement Tapes is? We don't hear about such things so quickly out here in the eastern Med! And who cares if Robbie and Levon are bickering these days? You can't hear any of that on the albums that made us love them...

Thu Jul 22 07:25:32 CEST 1999

Bob W.

ALL OF YOU RR HATERS: First of all, I just want to say that I love Levon. But can you imagine how far the Band would have gone without Robbie??? Come on, people!!!!!

Thu Jul 22 01:50:58 CEST 1999

Sharon

Matt; sorry if I gave the impression that RR mentioned Levon on Politically Incorrect. Speaking of live albums;what about The Grateful Dead's "Europe '72 "?

Thu Jul 22 01:25:18 CEST 1999

The Ragman

The live version of Rag Mama Rag on Rock of Ages is, I believe, superior to the great studio version. Those horns! Garth! Fabulous!

Thu Jul 22 01:05:38 CEST 1999

pehr

thanks for the note on the p.i. transcripts from robbies appearenceon the show matt k. now i can stop kicking myself. btw while the show was on i was busy watching hubert sumlin. he was introduced as "Probably the most copied guitarist of all time". well, thanks. I agree with the post on TLW's "Dixie", but i sure rate ROA version right up there. as to the levon feud in levons book I blew off most of it but when levon said he never got a dime for the movie, well that certainly can get stuck in the throat. thats cold. still I hope this fued (i like that sp) is over soon. also.. has anyone read the new greil marcus book on the basement tapes???? care to review it for us?

Thu Jul 22 00:38:48 CEST 1999

pehr

watkins glen and rock of ages go real fine together i think. watkins glen is a great encore set.

Wed Jul 21 23:57:38 CEST 1999

Richard Patterson

Dave Z: Sorry, this wasn't addressed to me, but I have to comment (Little Feat are one of my faves!).

'Sailin' Shoes' ("Easy to Slip", "Cold,Cold,Cold", "Tripe Face Boogie" - 'Buffalo'd in Buffalo'-, "Willin'", "Sailin'Shoes", "Teenage Nervous Breakdown", "Texas Rose Cafe", etc.) -no need to hit "program" or "skip" on this one! The ultimate statement of Little Feat as a four-piece band.

Second place ? - 'Dixie Chicken', or 'Little Feat', or do I mean 'Feats Don't Fail Me Now'. Really can't fail with any of these.

Looking forward to getting 'buffalo'd in Buffalo', August 28 at the Majestic Theatre in Tonawanda!

Wed Jul 21 23:14:22 CEST 1999

mattk

Well, Ms. Ahrooo, "that's certainly a very personal statement"

; )

Wed Jul 21 21:55:25 CEST 1999

Dave Z

David P: Can you recommend the essential Little Feat CDs to have... I only got the 2 LP live set Waiting For Columbus... Funny, I have been listening to it for years, lovin' it, and never thought to buy another...

Wed Jul 21 21:39:31 CEST 1999

AHROOO!!

Good lord, Matt! Do I think Robbie's voice is sexy? DAMN STRAIGHT! Still to this day, I've never heard of anyone who comes close to that. Although, I really do like Leonard Cohen's voice (which is the only one I can compare to Robbie's) but it's not the same. I think somebody mentioned some new artist by the name of Shawn Mullins who does that song "Lullabye." Well, he leaves me cold. Just average coffee house music.

Here's a great way to have an answer. Listen to "Weird Nightmare- meditations on mingus" and you tell me why Robbie was chosen to recite a part of "Beneath The Underdog."

As for that burning question of would it be good to have sex with RR's first album playing. Um, yeah, if you like some of it "rough." Storyville seems like a better choice to get in a romantic mood, although a compilation of RR's work might be in hand for such activities.

Hot, hot......chills and fever

AHROOO!!

getting warm in here

Wed Jul 21 21:36:26 CEST 1999

David Powell

I agree with MattK regarding "Mansion On The Hill"; it is an interesting look at the "bidness" end of music. Richie Havens was in Atlanta last week at a bookstore autographing copies of his new book "They Can't Hide Us Anymore." Havens writes briefly about his dealings with Albert Grossman, who was a force to be reckoned with in the folk scene of Greenwich Village. After earlier associations with Gordon Lightfoot and Peter, Paul & Mary, Grossman became an even more powerful figure after signing Dylan.

It's interesting to note that several authors who have written about Grossman all seem to agree that after several disturbing events, Grossman became less interested in the day to day affairs of his music management business. These events include Janis Joplin's untimely death, the falling out with Dylan and Peter Yarrow's legal problems arising from a certain incident involving a young female. It is said that after this Grossman spent more & more time at Woodstock, away from his offices in N.Y.C., devoting his energy to other things such as building his Bearsville studios.

I believe that it is mentioned in "Mansion On The Hill" and in other books that, although Grossman & The Band parted ways around the time of the Geffen signing, Grossman still took an interest in helping out Richard Manuel. It is said that Grossman looked after Richard, so to speak, when he moved back to Woodstock from Malibu. Grossman's death from a heart attack while on board a flight to Europe occurred shortly before Richard's suicide.

Wed Jul 21 20:18:38 CEST 1999

mattk

At the bookstore recently, I was paging through "The Mansion on the Hill : Dylan, Young, Geffen, Springsteen, and the Head-On Collision of Rock and Commerce," by Fred Goldman, formerly and editor at Rolling Stone.

The book contains a pretty detailed account on the demise of Albert Goldman and his "war" with Geffen over Dylan, and yes, The Band. Specific sections highlight Geffen's efforts to court RR. The general gist of the book, as far as I could tell, was about how the rock-and-roll industry changed to a more corporate, marketing-driven business in the 1970s as more and more money came flowing in.

While it's not "about" The Band, it's one of the few things I've seen that really attempts to dig in to some of the business dynamics that we all postulate about, but really don't understand. I would not describe it as a revelation, but it's VERY interesting to browse through.

Like I say, I've only browsed the book at my corner bookstore, but I did send a note to Jan that this book might be considered as an addition to the Book section in the Library area of this site. I provided a synopsis from the Booklist, but it does not mention The Band specifically, though Jon Landau is apparently a key figure in the book:

Fans shocked by Bob Dylan's nonreaction to a bank's using "The Times They Are A-Changin'" as an ad jingle have their worst fears confirmed by Goodman's screed on the co-opting of Woodstock nation's music. Taking his title from separate songs by Hank Williams (senior, and barely mentioned), Neil Young, and Bruce Springsteen, Goodman examines how a music marketed for its antiestablishment stance became mere product in the hands of hip capitalists like Jon Landau and David Geffen. Ex^-Rolling Stone editor and reviewer Landau is portrayed as an operator unconcerned with niceties like conflict of interest, such as reviewing records by musicians with whom he was financially involved, in his pursuit of pelf. This should not surprise us about big-time entertainment, of course, and Goodman just underscores how a pop music that arose from the left-wing, anticapitalist American folk scene was merchandised and hyped until it became what it originally reacted against: the boring, unimaginative mainstream. Good book, sad story, and excellent companion to Selvin's Summer of Love (1994).

If anyone here has read it, and you agree that it's a valuable addition as a listed resource on the site, could you shoot Jan a note with a synopsis that covers The Band-specific topics?

cheers

matt

Wed Jul 21 19:55:14 CEST 1999

David Powell

There is a Woodstock website at:

http://www.woodstock69.com/

You can find complete set lists for all the acts that played along with other information & photos there.

Wed Jul 21 19:49:08 CEST 1999

David Powell

The set list for The Band from Woodstock (Aug. 17, 1969) I think is:

Chest Fever, Baby Don't Do It, Tears Of Rage, We Can Talk, Long Black Veil, Don't You Tell Henry, Ain't No More Cane, Wheels On Fire, Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever and The Weight.

Wed Jul 21 19:46:13 CEST 1999

mattk

According to Jan's Tape Archive, the set list for Woodstock was...

Chestfever
Don't Do It
Tears of Rage
We Can Talk About It Now
Long Black Veil
Don't Ya Tell Henry (cut)

But this is clearly inaccurate as it's lacking, most notably, "The Weight..."

Anyone got the boot that can double-check for us?

Wed Jul 21 18:58:42 CEST 1999

pehr

i second the comment re live music... the who 68to70... great weird loud and overwhelming. not always in the mood for it but great live stuff. saw in time magazine yesterday jfk jr.'s first concert was tour 74.

Wed Jul 21 18:46:24 CEST 1999

Bones

The Band: Woodstock !!! Thanks Peter Viney! Does anybody remember the set list from that show. We know they played Ain't No More Cane, The Weight, Loving You, and Long Black Veil. I think?

Wed Jul 21 17:56:36 CEST 1999

Dave Z

mattk: I like Voice of Reason's answer (Arrh arrh arrh I says in my best Tim-The-Tool-Man voice) but the reality is my wife gets a vote, so if I have any hope of Band-related action it's probably Robbie's Storyville...

Wed Jul 21 17:46:16 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

James Brown did (at least) “Live At the Apollo-1962”. “Live At the Apollo Vol 2” (1968) & “Live at the Apollo Vol 3” (1972). Vols 1 & 2 both feature “Please, Please, Please”, “Think”, “Try Me” and confuse. I’m sure Paul Godfrey will be after the original 1962 one, which starts with “I’ll Go Crazy”, a Hawks speciality. My CD is Polydor 843 479-2. “Vol 2” is considered greatly inferior by enthusiasts, though “Out of Sight” and “It’s a Man’s, Man’s world” are not to be sneezed at.

At one point I used to go round different record stores listening to the 1962 album (released in 1963) in the booths twice a week. I couldn’t afford to buy it, but “I’ll Go Crazy” was just unmissable.

I’m reminded of a radio discussion some years ago when a famous rock star (wish I could remember who) said that “White Rabbit” was the best song to have sex to. The interviewer pointed out that it was less than two minutes long, and that while Grace Slick’s intentions were not a million miles away, she had based it on the 15 minute “Bolero” by Ravel. Whose intentions were said to be the same again. Following that train of thought to The Band, you’d have to say (or at least pretend in public) that CD’s are a great improvement on the LP era, and note that the CDs from the box set clock in at a full 74 minutes each :-)

Wed Jul 21 16:42:25 CEST 1999

mattk

The "album to have sex to" question...

Now, here's where I show my age, but I assumed the statement pertained more to RR's solo work. I agree that Band material is probably too twisted, lyrically to accomodate "setting the mood."

However, RR's 1st solo album ranks right up there with Prince's Lovesexy on the sensuality scale. I know a lot of people in Bandland dislike that album for its "overproduction," but Lanois' ambient production values and RR's rough-edged voice set a great mood.

I know many folks at this end don't care for RR's voice, and compared to Richard, Rick and Levon, he's certainly lacking in raw vocal talent. However, years of smoking and a that deeper raspy voice makes him sound pretty cool. My wife has told me she think's RR has one of the sexiest speaking voices in Rock, and that even when he strains his voice up high like on "Showdown in Big Sky" or even the chorus of "Crazy River," he gets a certain sensual quality.

Hell, if Tracy (Ahroo) is around, I'm sure she'll attest to this. She's pretty unabashed on this issue. Hey Tracy, would you call RR's (solo)voice "sexy?"

matt

Wed Jul 21 15:19:29 CEST 1999

Tom Guerra

Found the site and it looks great! Stop by my website to hear my new "Band" influenced cd "Mambo Sons" with Kenny Aaronson and Colin Tilton, former Woodstockers... Thanks, Tom

Wed Jul 21 10:14:00 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

The Band: Woodstock was announced by Capitol (UK at least) as an August release. A few mail order companies put it on their lists with £POA (price on application) which means that they haven’t got a price. They also haven’t got track listings. That’s all I know. Attempts to get information have stalled. We live in hope. Let’s hope it doesn’t follow Capitol’s example with the Beach Boys. I think the “Pet Sounds sessions” box had five release dates spanning two years - but I’d assume the hassle there was due to the Wilson / Love feud. I see Columbia have just announced yet another release date (September) for the Byrds remastered “Untitled” for all you Clarence White fans. This had a live disc (with a full side of 8 Miles High) and a studio disk. Both are being expanded.

Live albums by established bands usually need some added value - new arrangements with more players is a good one. Two of my favourite live albums were cut in the same year with the same horn section - ROA and Taj Mahal’s “Real Thing”. A neglected goodie is ‘Live Rhymin’” by Paul Simon where you get the added Peruvian and Gospel backings. I agree with Pat Brennan that for The Band the 1976 Palladium tape is the outstanding one, but I guess that will always be ignored because it was only a month or so before TLW.

Hot Tuna (#1) and Joe Jackson bring to mind another type of live album, where the artist decides to make a new album in front of an audience. A classic “live” album was Cannonball Adderley’s “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy- Live at The Club” According to the original liner notes it was recorded live at The Club in Chicago in July and was a “full evening’s performance.” The notes to the 1995 reissue point out that it was actually recorded in October in Hollywood at Capitol’s Studio A, thus getting a very live feel with studio quality. They invited “real people (not music biz types)” and set up an open bar. As the notes say it gave them “guaranteed wonderful sound and the ability to repeat tunes in front of a non-paying pary-minded audience” (Michael Cuscuna’s notes). i.e. few live albums are exactly what they pretend to be!

Wed Jul 21 05:51:03 CEST 1999

Voice of Reason

Dave Z; re: the best Band lp for sex;

It's the one your're listening to at the time.

Wed Jul 21 05:23:21 CEST 1999

Gene

Be Careful Mr Godfrey! Check the playlists--amazon.com lists 3 CDS; "Live At The Apollo", "Live At The Apollo, 1962", and "Live At The Apollo, 1995"!!!

Wed Jul 21 04:22:58 CEST 1999

Gene

To Paul Godfrey; for James Brown, "Live At the Apollo" CD, $11.49 at barnesandnoble.com

Wed Jul 21 04:16:06 CEST 1999

Dave Z

Re: Politically Incorrect Question nobody has dared touch yet... I'm at a loss as to which Band album is best to listen to during sex... I just don't get it... Well, maybe if I was at a Civil War re-enactment, and my wife looked at me in the right way while wearing one of those big puffy dresses, and then ran toward the barn giggling and shouting "stay away from me you damned rebel"... Any recommendations?

Wed Jul 21 03:42:25 CEST 1999

Also Wonderin'

Who does the proof reading for The Band? On "Jericho" Richard's name is misspelled as "Manual" (right under his photo too!) and on The Band's last video I believe Richard Bell's name appears under Jim Weider's picture and vice-versa.

Wed Jul 21 03:08:42 CEST 1999

Paul Godfrey

Noticed the name COUNTRY BOY on this site. Brings to mind COUNTRY BOY by Richard on Jericho. It would have to rate in my personal top 30 of all time. Any takers? James Brown Live at the Apollo is one great live recording...landmark! Does anyone know if it can be had on cd?

Wed Jul 21 02:09:18 CEST 1999

Just Wonderin'

Just saw a misnomer for "The River Hymn" ..."The Rythm Hymn". Chuckle for the day!

Wed Jul 21 01:54:23 CEST 1999

Jeb

What about "Jerry Vale Live from Grossinger's?"

Wed Jul 21 01:49:12 CEST 1999

Richard Patterson

Live music:

Oh Yeah, just about everybody on the Monterey Pop and (original) Woodstock lp's.

Wed Jul 21 01:47:34 CEST 1999

Paul b

I believe Levons book this wheels on fire is the best on THE BAND that is in print.It seems honest enough compared to The Great Devide and others. Ive also been to the Watkins Glenn Festival and have the cd I think the comparison is great . To be able to hear this and I can visualize being there all over again thank GOD for someone finally making the CD. Ive seen them in past few years and the guys still can sound great.

Wed Jul 21 01:43:34 CEST 1999

Country Boy

Hey, don't forget "Johnny Cash Live from Folsom Prison!"

Wed Jul 21 01:01:03 CEST 1999

Tyler

Hey! Cool page, although you should put some chords and lyrics on it.

Wed Jul 21 00:46:42 CEST 1999

Richard Patterson

Diamond Lil: A few more people who became 'famous' because of live recordings. Granted, most of these artists had studio recordings before their live work (just like our old friend Peter Frampton), I think it's their live performances that made them famous;

James Brown (Live at the Apollo), Bob Seger (Live Bullet), Johnny Rivers (At the Whisky a Go Go), Quicksilver (Happy Trails), MC5 (Kick Out the Jams), Humble Pie (Rockin' the Fillmore - Frampton comes alive again!), Hot Tuna (Hot Tuna), Cheap Trick (Live at Budokan), Edgar Winter (Roadwork).

I'm sure there must be a few more.

Tue Jul 20 23:30:35 CEST 1999

mattk

Sharon, just to make sure, I re-read the transcript. The only Band-specific comment by name came from Sandra Bernhardt, who mentioned the Last Waltz as a great live album (starting our conversation here). RR did not mention Levon, nor do I read anything in between the lines on that front. I wish I did fully understand where Levon's coming from, but I don't think it's jealousy, really...

Again, whatever it is, it's complicated, and deeply personal between them, and I don't think under any rational examination it makes sense, and it shouldn't. Something so emotional, especially when you're talking about two disperate personality types, is usually a mystery, even to those involved.

I just find it plain sad for EVERYONE involved...

matt

Tue Jul 20 23:16:18 CEST 1999

mattk

oh yeah, Lil, I'm with ya on Watkins. It's right near the top of my favorite albums (1. Brown, 2. Pink, 3. TLW, 4 (tie) WG/ROA). WG's "I Shall Be Released" is my absolute favorite version--Richard's take on verse 3 reduces me to rubble everytime. It's not only my favorite Richard vocal (Rocking Chair a close second), but it's arguably one of my favorite vocal performances, period.

Matt

Tue Jul 20 23:10:49 CEST 1999

Rod

As far as I'm concerned all of The Band's songs on TLW are better than the originals - the fact that they may have been doctered in the studio doesn't really worry me. I never really liked Watkins Glen that much mainly because half the songs were already available else where. The good thinh about it though was it included songs that didn't make it on to any other live albums - eg Time To Kill and The Rumour.It's a shame Chestfever didn't make it.

While we're talking live albums, Peter V mentioned a Woodstock album a while back. Any updates?

Tue Jul 20 23:09:31 CEST 1999

Sharon Brown

Thought Robbiw was wonderful on Politically Incorrtect. RR stated he still hasn't gotten over the VH1 program about him. They did mentiom the rift between him and Levon. I think its basically jealousy on Levo's part. Levon knows the Band is not the same without RR's creative songwriting As far as RR not mentioning Richard's death. what is the big deal He's not real emotional. Remember the line, I gave my love a heart of stone..

Tue Jul 20 23:04:04 CEST 1999

mattk

Lil, you're right, there are not too many Rock acts that are more known for their live recordings. Frampton is the most glaring example of this small category. The Dead are probably a good example given their extremely long hiatus from the studio. Lynard Skynard, while known for studio albums, is best remembered by the rank and file for their live work, which serves as a memorial to their deceased members and enjoyed extremely wide airplay (thanks mostly to *yikes* Freebird). On that score, The Band, outside of our dedicated following, probably enjoys much of its pan-generational success due to TLW--my first Band album purchase.

Of course, other genre's enjoy extreme popularity in live formats, most notably Jazz, where live performances were often seminal in themselves and not simply "best of" compilations in a public setting. My sense is that the record companies don't like doing live work for unestablished groups as live versions tend to run long and don't generally provide good fodder for releasing singles for radio play (stations like that tight 2-3 minute runtime). Plus, in the current MTV environment, the live video seems to have been relegated to special events or retro-acts which can be featured on VH-1, which does a great job, IMHO of keeping the tradition of live musical performance in the public eye. Of course, video styles are based entirely on trend, and it only takes one live take of a song to re-introduce the live performance as a video single format--which was in heavy rotation on MTV as recently as the early 90s.

Interesting you mention Joe Jackson. Not only does he have his large eponymous collection from tours, but his "Big World" album (which, for my money was his last great collection of original songs) is technically a live album. When he recorded it, he brought in a live audience, but instructed them not to applaud, not to make any noise, but just listen. The theory was that it would give the album the edge of a live, one-off performance, but preserve the quality of a studio recording. Along with its three-sided, two album format, this approach makes Big World very unique in the history of recording, and, as I say, the terrific quality of his writing makes it one of my all-time faves. Unfortunately, it's not available in the US on CD. I still rely on my original pressing of the LP, now 13 years old. I guess I should pony up the big bucks and get an import of the CD.

Matt

Tue Jul 20 23:01:27 CEST 1999

Tracy

And where is Chest Fever on TLW? I thought Scorcese was a huge Band fan. To tease us with a bit of the opening organ riff and then cut to something else borders on cruelty. But maybe there'll be a "fan's cut" of the flick someday. We can always hope.

Tue Jul 20 22:29:31 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Much as we love the studio stuff, isn’t one of the joys of a live show in hearing that unexpected cover version transformed to the artist’s style? Both Springsteen & k.d. lang know this well. Bruce always used to do it. k.d.’s hilarious “What’s New Pussycat” brought the house down on her last UK tour. That’s why “Slippin’ and Slidin’” and “Loving you (Is Sweeter than Ever)” are always welcome on Band shows. Incidentally, though Stevie Wonder co-wrote this, it’s surely forever associated with The Four Tops, not Stevie. (And btw, I did get hold of The Left Banke’s version of ‘Walk Away Renee” following our previous discussions. And I’m still an unashamed Motown fan!).

On which, I thought “Free Your Mind” was a clever choice in the unexpected cover stakes, except I don’t think they managed to quite carry it off. In retrospect, The Band didn’t do enough of them. More like Jim Weider’s magnificent ‘Many Rivers To Cross’ would be great.

Tue Jul 20 22:23:21 CEST 1999

mattk

RE Watkins Glen
I agree that the lack of Chest Fever behind the Genetic Method, especially given that version's rather mythical origin (thunderstorm, a tipsy Garth serenading 600K people soaked to the bone) is frustrating. It would be great to have it, but it's my understanding that the 45 minutes represented are not only based on performance, but of recording quality. It might be that the tape source used ran out during Chest Fever, so the version on the CD reperesents all that's available. There are certainly boots available with the full thing, but I expect the sound quality was not up to Capitol's (or RR's?) aesthetic, so it came down to "quality of sound" vs. "complete take." In this case, quality won out, which is good as I think the tremendous subtleties Garth uses would be lost in a lower quality recording.

Regarding the addition of "Loving You is Easier..." While this group has a pretty high lyrical standard, when it came to love songs, they often ended up getting a bit schlocky (It Makes No Difference, while a beautiful melody and arrangement has some pretty maudlin lyrics). Given the vocal performance, and the rather eclectic mix of originals, jam and covers, works quite well and shows off The Band's Motown infatuation--which other than Don't Do It, is under-represented in their other recordings (and given their rather retro-state of mind in having just finished Moondog Matinee, makes sense).

Matt

Tue Jul 20 21:38:59 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Nancy: The fact that 'Chest Fever' is not there, doesn't make me dislike what is there. Sorry that it ruins the cd for you. I have several different live tapes of Chest Fever, so maybe I just don't miss it. Besides..when I really want to hear Garth..all I have to do is put on 'Our lady queen of the angels'. That does it for me.

Tue Jul 20 21:34:12 CEST 1999

Les Thierolf

Peter R. - It sounds like the internet recording in the current Doonesbury cartoon is more truth than fiction.

Peter V. - Seeing live music may be better than listening to a studio album but what about seeing studio music being made? Those few seconds of clips showing The Band in studio drive me crazy. There must be more footage of that somewhere. Alright you guys where is it?

Les. I can see Kansas on my left as I drive home from work.

Tue Jul 20 21:02:57 CEST 1999

Nancy

Just one question Pete: Is your latest song as good as anything on the Brown Album? And Diamond Lil, how can you possibly love Watkins Glen when Chest Fever was omitted? BTW does anyone know if this song was omitted due to technical flaws -- if it was flawed I would much prefer they included it anyway as it's omission ruins the whole CD for me -- especially since they put Garth's intro on! It's like Dr. Pavlov ringing the bell and then there's no dinner. Also, could live without the Stevie Wonder tune -- Stevie's one of the greats but this type of "pop love song" is too lightweight for The Band in my opinion.

Tue Jul 20 20:10:51 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Ironically enough, I was listening to some live Joe Jackson stuff as I was reading the recent posts about live recordings versus studio. I don't know too much about all the technologies of music, but I sometimes think that listening to something that was recorded live is just more interesting, even if it's not a really great live recording. The feeling of 'being there', even if you weren't....is fun.

I was wondering if there are alot of people who became 'famous' due to live recordings. The only one I can think of is Peter Frampton, who was known..but not until 'Frampton Comes Alive' was he really _well_ known. Who else?

And btw...I really love The Bands Watkins Glen cd, despite the fact that so many seem to put it down. I guess it's that diversity in our likes and dislikes that makes music so intriguing.

Tue Jul 20 19:51:47 CEST 1999

Will Western

Maybe a good live album is based more on feel and emotion rather than great mixing or impeccable technique. Dylan's Live 1966 is a good example that someone else mentioned. The mix can be pretty dodgy and sometimes in your face but the emotion and energy that being on stage can elicit is priceless.

Tue Jul 20 18:23:24 CEST 1999

Manx

Necessary ingredients: 1) A small to medium size venue - 100 to 3,000 seats. 2) An enthusiastic audience. 3) Decent sound equipment and a competent sound person. 4) A great band with great musicianship. 5) A minimum of talk and time spent tuning up. WHO COULD PULL THIS OFF? The Back Street Boys, of course.

Tue Jul 20 18:18:02 CEST 1999

Pete Rivard

When you review the photos in the Brown Album jacket, it brings back that era of recording when everyone sat in the same room, including the drummer, maybe positioned a few plywood boards between musicians to limit unwanted sound bleeds, then said A--one, a--two, a--onetwothreefour and played the damn tune...together...as a band. Now The Band had years of playing together every night, along with what sounds like years of intense rehearsal that Hawkins put them through. I envy Paul and Serge and the folks that were there to see those young bucks at their tightest tearing through their sets. It must have been impressive. That's the kind of preparation, to me, that produces a fine live project, or the ability to record the old fashioned way.

My latest song was recorded directly to a Macintosh hard drive into Pro Tools software. I played banjo, acordion and tambourine, and sang lead and harmony vocals, the engineer played guitar and bass, sang harmony and (God deliver me from everlasting hellfire) programmed the drum track, and we brought in two additional harmony singers. We punched in bits from various takes to cover any initial errors and actually tweaked the pitch in a couple cases to get some of the harmonies exactly on key. We put 22 hours of tracking and mixing into a 5 minute song. The final mix was dumped directly to CD, the only "consumable" in the entire process. We aren't in Kansas anymore, Toto. We are most definitely in the Land of Oz.

Tue Jul 20 18:00:03 CEST 1999

Bones

Granted, it is a subjective thing, but I think there are a few Band songs better when tey're live. Mattk mentioned a few of them. I would also like to add the Last Waltz version of "It Makes No Difference". I have heard Rick perform "Twilight" a lot in person , and he almost always improves on the original. Interestingly, every song on Dylan Live 1966 is an improvement.

Tue Jul 20 17:55:28 CEST 1999

Abraham,Martin, and John

Has anybody here seen my old friend Jan? Can you tell me where he's gone?

Tue Jul 20 16:07:17 CEST 1999

David Powell

Is it live or is it Memorex?

So much of our perception of music, especially in this digital age of multi-track recordings, is tainted by a constant exposure to music that is recorded & reproduced in unnatural, controlled & therefore artificial environments. Tracks are layered & mixed according to studio standards, tranfered to digital bits and then played back electronically. What reaches our ears has been equalized, compressed & altered into someone's approximation of what they perceive as an "ideal" sound.

Real voices & instruments, intoned in a real space can only be heard in a natural, live environment. One must regularly listen to music played live in order to cleanse the palette of artifice. Keep your ears attuned to real sounds.

Tue Jul 20 15:48:29 CEST 1999

John Moores

Becca, I heard a broken arrow is an indian gesture for making up after an argument or war. So it says in 'For What It's Worth' re: Neil Young's song of the same name. Makes sense with Robbie's heritage, doesn't it? Live album? The Who c.1969/70.

Tue Jul 20 14:48:42 CEST 1999

Dave Z

So, based on all this discussion, can someone please summarize what are the necessary ingredients for cooking up a good live album? If it can be done? And which band would be most likely to succeed if it took up the challenge?

Tue Jul 20 13:04:31 CEST 1999

bob chiz

hey dave powell, does it get any better than duane and dickey trading licks at the fillmore? i'm a huge fan of the band and have seen them many times over the years,but robbie does'nt come close in technique or creativity.the road goes on forever!!!!!!!p.s. i wore out before the flood on vinyl had to buy the cd

Tue Jul 20 05:57:51 CEST 1999

Kalervo Koskela

The Band is my favorite band of all time. So much to say.... And Robbie' s solo albums are my heart music, to put it simply..... Great web site, thanks for that... Love Kalervo

Tue Jul 20 04:10:41 CEST 1999

Pat Brennan

Re: Live albums. When someone records a live album, they don't use the mic's that feed the PA. A whole different set of mic's are set up and fed to a remote recording facility--usually housed in a truck. Since the instruments/amps are tight mic'ed, it really doesn't matter what the acoustics of the hall are--you generally won't hear them because of the tight-mic'ing. They will also record some audience with an overhead, but that's just for the applause. Overdubs on TLW are obvious and have been explored here. Comparing the boot to the record or the movie is instructive. It's also obvious comparing boots of the Dylan/Band 74 Tour that Before The Flood was also subject to overdubs--Garth's keys in particular. Gimme that NY/Sept 76 with the horns and/or SNL anyday--blows ROA and TLW out the box. I've heard Little Feat's Waiting For Columbus is an overdub delight--sad, because some early LF boots are extraordinary. Now mattk, don't get so upset with the Robbie bashing. Spurned love is wide, deep, and frequent--to quote a phrase. Also, if accounts are correct, it seems RR waltzed with the demons after he left The Band and took up with the movie people.

Tue Jul 20 02:56:39 CEST 1999

Becca Hawley

I just have a question about the song broken arrow. I've heard that presenting someone with a bottle of rain means that your love is pure. I was just wondering if giving someone a broken arrow had a similar meaning if someone knows this i would love to know i've had great difficulty find- ing any information on the subject.

Tue Jul 20 00:20:19 CEST 1999

Kilgore

Luke my friend -- it means that Dylan was stoned out of his mind when he came up with it. Don't waste your time looking for hidden meanings.

Tue Jul 20 00:07:09 CEST 1999

Luke

Somebody, please help! Question: On "Don't Ya Tell Henry", the last line of the chorus is "Apples got your fly". does anyone know what the hell this means????

Mon Jul 19 23:39:34 CEST 1999

pehr

enjoyed and agreed with matt k and peter viney's posts. I hope that all the acrimony ends soon. as to the live music , the Before the Flood version of "When you Awake" changed my life completely... I was 14 and got the chills and art and music meant something else entirely... There is an edge to this performance that captures the hope and terror of confronting the vastness for me in a sense I get from a great work of art. I better shut up now. thanks

Mon Jul 19 23:34:22 CEST 1999

Pete Rivard

Two thoughts on recordings of live shows:

1) In some bands, quite frankly, the level of musicianship and professionalism is not there on stage to produce a tight sound. So much recording is done by stacking tracks over a period of time, as well as punching in fixes over initial mistakes, (to say nothing of using studio session stand ins for the actual band members) that it is no problem to produce a studio piece that sounds great. Now get the same five musicians together on stage, clean and sober and concentrating, and rehearsed to the point where they can deliver, and see what happens. A lot of bands just can't deliver the goods.

Secondly, the sound engineer has to be as well rehearsed as any of the band members on all the material, or they just won't mix the sound properly, especially in respect to instrumental leads and vocals to instrument levels.

Finally, the acoustic properties of most arenas, stadiums, etc. don't allow for an aural experience of any quality.

By the way, I just caught Boz Scaggs on the kick off night of his new tour, and he and his band (2 keyboards, drums, bass, female vocalist) are quite impressive. Plus, I saw him in a great venue, the Orpheum Theater here in Mpls. Catch that show if it swings through your town.

Mon Jul 19 23:33:31 CEST 1999

MattK

Transcript from Friday's 7/16/99 "Politically Incorrect" on ABC Television:

http://abc.go.com/pi/forum/xscripts/19990716.html

For the record, here's the stuff about self-destruction and self-abuse and fame that got the ball rolling...

Robbie: But the shame about this is these guys were kind of martyrs in a way. And something's to be learned out of that. And it's really hard to get it through your skull.

Bill (Maher, host): Martyrs, what do you mean?

Robbie: Just because they died, you know? And so the next generation comes along and says, "Oh, I see what you did. I'm not going to trip over that same rut in the road. I'm not going to make the same mistake."

Sandra (Bernhard): Trip over a new one.

[ Laughter ]

Robbie: But it doesn't seem to work that way.

Bill: No.

Robbie: Because it's like, "God, Jimmy Hendrix, such meaning to it, what a shame." Or Kurt cobain, you know, they didn't die for nothing, did they? Did they die for nothing?

Sandra: I don't think anybody --

Bill: What did they die for? They died of their own selfish indulgence. I hate that they're made martyrs. I don't think they're martyrs. They had everything in the world and it wasn't enough. That's their human moral failing.

Ed (Kowalczyk, of the rock group "Live"): They were going for it to give the world the art that they gave the world. They were going for it in life.

Bill: Oh, please.

[ Laughter ]

Bill: That's like sports guys who say, "I do it for the game." You don't do it for the game, you do it for the big money, the groupies and your life. You don't do it for the game. Who plays baseball for the game?

[ Laughter ]

Robbie: It's no different than James Dean, they drove too fast. They hit it too hard and spun out on the road. And -- but when you see that happening, you see why they spun out, you think, "Okay, this means something to me."

Bill: Well, why did they spin out?

Robbie: Because they drove too hard.

Sandra: They weren't spiritually or emotionally equipped to handle their success.

Ed: Their sensitivity, too.

Leah (Andreone--singer/songwriter): They weren't grounded. They weren't grounded from the very beginning. You know, starting off in like a youthful age before the fame hit them, they weren't grounded and balanced.

Sandra: Exactly.

Leah: And they imploded and --

Robbie: It's a deadly disease, success, you know? When you're a young kid and somebody is putting you in this position -- and just yesterday, you know, you were just scrambling to get whatever you can. And, all of a sudden, you're in there -- somebody's dusting you off. You know, you're not even dusty. And somebody's dusting you off. You're thinking, "Wait a minute, this is working for me. And I'll take more money and I'll take more drugs and I'll take more -- what else have you got?" That's our immediate instinct -- to go to that place. You grow up a little bit more, and maybe you're just a bit smarter about it. But, in the beginning, nobody has those smarts not to hit the wall.

Mon Jul 19 23:26:15 CEST 1999

The Dancing Bear

LITTLE FEAT TRAMPLE THE ISLAND OF LONG PLANTING FIELDS 7/17/99 Cajun Rage, Distant Thunder, Callin' The Children Home, Cadillac Hotel, Dixie Chicken, Oh Atlanta!, Can't Be Satisfied /Hot Tamales, Takin' Up Another Man's Place, The Blues Don't Tell It All, Let It Roll, Feats Don't Fail Me Now (Encore)

Mon Jul 19 22:56:26 CEST 1999

mattk

Peter, generally I'd agree with your assessment of "live" vs. studio for MOST Band songs. The archetype for me is Dixie, where the TLW version and the original impart completely different emotions to the point where the song's character is completely overhauled. Levon's rage at TLW comes shining through and brings out the rage many Southerners in the US feel/felt about the Civil War and its aftermath.

Going to my dad's family farm in SW Virginia every summer, (this is the early 1980s mind you), it was completely normal to find people who would, like Levon's dad, get very angry at the mere mention of Sherman, Sheridan or Stoneham. For me, the TLW version embodies the anger.

The original version is more plaintive, more wrenching. If TLW's Dixie is a deep scar, the version from The Band is an open, gaping wound. In the end, the two versions come across from very different positions, and communicate both viewpoints very powerfully.

I would disagree on two points: For my money, the TLW versions of Ophelia and Carnival are head and shoulders above the versions on NLSC and Cahoots, respectively. In this case, Peter, you touched on the exact reason for me: the horns. They are bigger, fatter and nastier (TLW's low brass section is bigger in the...er..."mix," I believe, than ROA's, which feels brighter and more top heavy---more sax oriented).

This is another reason I love TLW's Dixie, (in addition to Levon's voice/emotion). The brass band, and particularly the tuba, REALLY punch the intro lines into the verse and underpin the harmonies in the vocals over the chorus' better.

Matt

Mon Jul 19 21:55:07 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Matt k: very well said on the seemingly one-sided feud.

Live shows: one of the disappointing things about most Band live tapes / boots is that Richard’s piano is invariably buried too far back in the mix. I’ve been listening to the 1974 LA boot, ‘Paint The Daytime Black’ which suffers from the usual problem, until we get to “Ballad of A Thin Man” where the piano is suddenly very loud and clear (and flashy). In 1966, Dylan always played piano on this, and I assume he did the same in 1974 because the loud rhythm guitar is missing from this track. So when Dylan moved to piano, it got lifted way up in the mix (same in 1966). It’s fine then on Richard for “I Shall Be Released”. So why was it so low elsewhere? It wasn’t technically difficult, because it happens a few times. “Ballad of A Thin Man” shines out because Garth is louder, the piano’s louder. It could be that removing Dylan’s somewhat messy rhythm guitar from the equation was a major improvement to the balance (as on The Band’s own tracks). Also, the official “Before The Flood” is said to be from the two LA gigs. Some things sound totally different, though this may be the fact that they’re a combination of two LA shows. Anyway, judging from the boot, “The Last Waltz” was not the first time things got cleaned up so markedly.

In answer to the general question on live recordings, I can’t think of any Band song where the live version is significantly better than the studio. It’s sometimes AS good, and sometimes interestingly different, and “Rock of Ages” is the best live set for me. All the ones I’d rate up with the studio versions have the horn section on. But the balance rarely seemed to be captured perfectly on live sets (not enough Richard, not enough “air” between the instruments). As Framus says, seeing live music is better. The document doesn’t often represent the full experience.

Mon Jul 19 19:56:03 CEST 1999

Framus

Neil, I agree that live music is better. However, recordings of live music aren't always better. e.g. The doctored Last Waltz and Watkins Glen releases. I think we need at least 2 bumper stickers.

Mon Jul 19 18:29:41 CEST 1999

Kilroy

It seems to me that everyone keeps dumping on Robbie while no one ever mentions Rick's heroin bust in Japan only 2 years back. Does anyone really believe Rick's chronic back pain could only be alleviated with this dangerous substance. This was all in the newspapers and on radio so it shouldn't be anything any true Band fan doesn't know. If the post half-century Rick hasn't learned or doesn't care (like Jerry) about the dangers of drug use should we blame Robbie for not wanting to be palsy walsy? Levon too, I've heard still has his own demons. That doesn't mean we still don't love them all however.

Mon Jul 19 17:43:31 CEST 1999

Ilkka

DAVID POWELL, you said it again! - But your #2, 'Band of Gypsys', is my #1.
BTW another great guy from Georgia sang in my ol' home town last weekend. It was over 18 degrees Celsius and it didn't rain so everything went just fine!

Mon Jul 19 16:19:33 CEST 1999

Bud

Saw Levon & the Barn Burners Saturday night in Bearsville. The two-hour all-blues set started on time and featured Garth on keys during the second half, with guest saxist Harvey Kaiser. Levon stayed on drums throughout, looking healthy and happy. The Bearsville Theater is a great venue, too. A converted barn, cozy, comfortable, good sound and an adjoining bar with a huge window into the theater. Too bad more people didn't hear about the show. Less than half the seats were filled.

Mon Jul 19 16:11:18 CEST 1999

Bones

To Mattk: I loved your post and feel the same way. I am an unabashed Robbie AND Levon fan, and I prefer to remember the good times. I still think of them as brothers, and Levon's bitterness in that book is troubling because there was a time not too long ago(Post Last Waltz) that Levon spoke very highly of Robbie. Robbie always talks fondly of Levon, refusing to join this so-called feud.

Mon Jul 19 15:35:44 CEST 1999

mattk

Amen, Diamond Lil.

Let's take it apart piece by piece:

RR is not a member of the Band anymore. He has no reason to push Jubiliation. It's not his project, any more than Rick or Levon have any compunction to push Red Boy when they make a public appearance.

Seeing the show, it was Maher and Berghman who mention Janis, et al NOT Robbie.

I watched him (RR) pretty closely during that exchange--I'm reading Levon's book and had a very similair conversation with my wife not an hour before the show. RR really kind of clammed up when discussing individuals, mostly (I expect) because he Kond Lil.

Let's take it apart piece by piece:

RR is not a member of the Band anymore. He has no reason to push Jubiliation. It's not his project, any more than Rick or Levon have any compunction to push Red Boy when they make a public appearance.

Seeing the show, it was Maher and Berghman who mention Janis, et al NOT Robbie.

I watched him (RR) pretty closely during that exchange--I'm reading Levon's book and had a very similair conversation with my wife not an hour before the show. RR really kind of clammed up when discussing individuals, mostly (I expect) because he KNEW Janis, et al. (and Janis and Maher dominated the discussion anyway). Plus, yes, I imagine since it was precisely this self-destructive tendency in Rock and Roll that led RR to LEAVE the biz, essentially, for 10 years (and still keeps him from touring), I don't think he wants to bear his soul on national TV. How Robbie feels about Richard's loss is deeply personal, and I'm sure painful despite what others may conjecture.

I agree with who ever pointed out that RR spent his part of the discussion talking about how he survived. He said something to the effect that (paraphrasing, now from memory)...

"...you realize that this s*** is really bad for you, but THIS stuff over here is good for you, and you either learn from that or you don't, and if you don't, bad things happen to you."

Ironically, after reading "This Wheels on Fire" this weekend, and even picking through Levon's rage, I'm pretty convinced that (again) RR is speaking pretty plainly about why he left the Band. I'm getting increasingly confused and frustrated with this need to make this man such a bad guy. Whatever Levon's feelings are about him, the rage in his book makes it clear it's deep and personal, and not always rational, making it ridiculous for us "fans" to be choosing up sides.

If you like Jubilation, Jericho, HOTH great. If you like Storyville, Red Boy, et al, excellent. If you like the RCO all-stars, The Call, the Crowmatix, or whatever, great. It has nothing whatsoever to do with wounds gathered over the last 40 years since RR and Levon hooked up, made great music and fell out with each other.

For once, I'd like to see an RR comment, accomplishment, press release or trip to the dentist pass without these silly comments.

Frankly, folks, the fact that RR can't sneeze without a comment from the peanut gallery in here says more about certain people's feelings about the current Band work than anything RR does or has done. If you don't like him, ignore him. But if you have to kick him in a guestbook to feel good about the next time you pop Jubiliation in the CD player...well, I think you probably have some issues that have nothing to do with music, these people or this site.

Increasingly frustrated...

Matt

Mon Jul 19 15:24:14 CEST 1999

David Powell

In addition to The Band's "Rock of Ages" and Van's "It's Too Late To Stop Now," at the top of my list of live albums are two that were recorded at Bill Graham's Filmore East. First is the "Allman Borthers Live at the Filmore East" and second is the newly-remastered & expanded version of Jimi Hendrix's "Band of Gypsys" performances from New Years 1970.

Freddy: The Feat's Sam Clayton was part of Buffett's touring band in the mid-'80s. The rhythm section also include Timothy B. Schmidt of Poco/Eagles fame. Back then Buffett did a mean version of Little Feat's "Dixie Chicken" during his set.

Mon Jul 19 14:55:08 CEST 1999

Ilkka

To JENS MAGNUS:
Live albums????!!! Too much sun in the night can make a man crazy :-) That little of the Isle of Wight concert I can "enjoy" in Self Portrait is too MUCH!
(BTW The Norwegian crew on that boat in fire did a great job!)

Mon Jul 19 14:17:01 CEST 1999

Jon Lyness

Someone asked a while back about the Genuine Basement Tapes...I agree with Peter Viney, Vols. 1, 4 & 5 would get my vote for all the great & unique cover versions. If I had to choose one volume, I'd probably give the nod to Vol. 5 -- among other gems, a stunning trio of Johnny Cash songs make this one a must-have. One of the truly great things about all 5 volumes -- to me at least -- is that Richard can be heard all over the place on backing vocals, and as we know recordings with Richard are all too rare indeed. It always sounds like he & Dylan had truly amazing chemistry during such a fertile creative period for the six of them.

Mon Jul 19 11:16:35 CEST 1999

Neil Young

Live music is better bumper stickers should be issued.

Mon Jul 19 10:45:57 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Caboose from Albany: (Any relation to Blues from Buffalo, hm?)

You're asking the wrong person the wrong question here. I also did not see RR on Politically Incorrect, so I'm not going to comment about anything that he said or didn't say. The only thing I'll comment on, is that from life experience, sometimes even the strongest feelings get buried in silence with no explanation. People make choices, out of fear or frustration or whatever...and even those of us who don't understand those choices...have to respect them anyway.

Ehm..anyhow..Robbie "plugging" Jubilation for Rick, Levon, and Garth would've been a nice thing to do..but as I understand it..he didn't. My opinion on what RR has and has not done over the years is not important here. He's made his choices, and right or wrong, he's entitled to them.

Mon Jul 19 08:29:57 CEST 1999

Jens Magnus

I don't understand the question "Why do live albums suck". Of course there is much difficulties to run into when recording from stage, but in my humble album stack, some of the diamonds in the gravel are definetively live ones. Rock of ages is of course outstanding. But also Van Morrison and his band from mid-70's, Blood Sweat and Tears double live, Eagles double live, even Kinks,though the production is poor, the music and the mood is fantastic. Now I am waiting to get my hands and pick-up on the Watkins Glen. Long live the live albums!!

Mon Jul 19 04:47:17 CEST 1999

Smashed Robbie Fan

Yeah, and why doesn't Robbie pull down his pants and show us his undies like Rick does?

Mon Jul 19 04:32:35 CEST 1999

Caboose

Unfortunately, I missed Robbie's pick-up on the Watkins Glen. Long live the live albums!!

Mon Jul 19 04:47:17 CEST 1999

Smashed Robbie Fan

Yeah, and why doesn't Robbie pull down his pants and show us his undies like Rick does?

Mon Jul 19 04:32:35 CEST 1999

Caboose

Unfortunately, I missed Robbie's appearance on Politically Incorrect but what's wrong with his plugging "Jubilation?" It shows that he still has strong feelings for his former Bandmates. Am I wrong Diamond Lil?

Mon Jul 19 01:16:36 CEST 1999

Freddy Fishstick

Had the pleasure of accompanying the Real Dancing Bear to see Little Feat & the Neville Brothers on Long Island last nite. Let me first establish the Buffett connections. :-) Sam Clayton of LF appears on four Buffett albums and the Nevilles have worked on several Buffett tunes. I had never seen either group in person before nor was familiar with LF beyond "Dixie Chicken" but was struck by their incredible musicianship. The bass player looks like a young Rick Danko. The female vocalist did Janis Joplin proud. Wished I could have had them carry best wishes up to to Levon in Albany. Bottom line was a great evening of music and a surprise meeting with Mr Concert- JD, a solid fan of The Band. Lil, don't dare miss the Feat up in Albany!

Mon Jul 19 00:10:23 CEST 1999

Bashed Robbie Fan

And furthermore, the other night on "Politically Incorrect," Robbie didn't even MENTION Levon, Rick or Garth or plug Jubilation for them. Whassup wit' that?!?

Sun Jul 18 21:41:09 CEST 1999

Rick Smith

Unabashed: Didn't mean to offend, and didn't intend comments as an attack on RR--I'm a fan too, and I too am glad that he did what was necessary to get beyond the lifestyle that claims many rockers. I didn't say that he SHOULD have commented on Richard; only that I was disappointed when he didn't. Again, sorry if I offended.

Sun Jul 18 16:42:28 CEST 1999

Unabashed Robbie Fan

Rick Smith: At minimum, I think your comment regarding Robbie's reaction to the discussion about drugs and the toll it has taken on the world of music on Politically Correct the other night, is taken out of context. I think your observation sounds like it comes from a bystander, and not from someone who has experienced much personal loss yourself. Maybe RR didn't use the forum for a soapbox to address his personal loss, because it touched him too deeply to discuss it on national TV. He did however, use himself as an example of someone who could have easily become a drug casualty, and I respected him for that. I'm also very glad that Robbie pulled himself away from his demons, because I find him an extremely creative and positive musical force. Peace! Long Life! Happiness! ... and good taste.

Sun Jul 18 16:25:34 CEST 1999

Twilight

I saw the politically incorrect show the other night as well. Bill Maher asked a general question that was something to the effect of "Why do live albums suck?" There was some benign discussion about the difficulties of capturing a live preformance, and then Sandra Bernhard looked at Robbie and said "You did a great job with the Last Waltz." Had to chuckle. Diamond Lil - I've been gone for awhile - thanks for helping to keep the spirit around here positive. It's looking like this week is going to be a sorrowful one here in the US. I too hope for the best, but who really knows what is best? i continue to be amazed at how close we all really are. Let's try to be there for each other.

Sun Jul 18 14:43:32 CEST 1999

Rick Smith

Saw RR on Politically Incorrect the other night. There was a discussion of great rockers who died too young. Robbie made some very analytic comments, no emotion (something like "we can all learn from their mistakes, etc."). Mentioned Janis, Jim Morrison, but not Richard. Very disappointing. Passed on an opportunity to publicily acknowledge and pay respects, not to mention adding a personal perspective on what turned out to be a purely academic discussion.

Sun Jul 18 05:10:04 CEST 1999

FYI

Spoke with Colin Linden this afternoon (sat.) Richard Bell WILL be performing with Linden Sunday night, 18th. shortly after 9 pm, Home County Fest. London, Ontario.

Sun Jul 18 03:06:30 CEST 1999

merlin

not to stir the pot on the ongoing subject of Rick's involvement with the chili bros. but he told when i spoke to him that he played empty bottles with tony maderas. not in one eye and out the other. He put on a great show last night in bearsville and garth was in rare form. look for "LIVE ON BREEZE HIL" to be released in early august. also look for rick at Yasgur's Farm. We're going to have a horn section Garth and a great band. QQQQQQQQQQ

Sun Jul 18 02:15:18 CEST 1999

Dexy

Doc or anyone else who gets to the Bearsville Theater tonight -- please let us know about Levon's show and any special guests. Thanks.

Sat Jul 17 23:37:08 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

My thoughts today, as I'm sure are so many others, are on the waters off Martha's Vineyard. Hoping against hope for a happy ending.....

Also want to wish Freddy and The Bear a grrrrrreat time tonight :-)

Sat Jul 17 23:08:23 CEST 1999

The Doc

"Rick Danko/Garth Hudson Band" played last night (Friday) at the Bearsville Theater here in Wood- stock...great show!! Garth showed us all again why he is THE most versatile musician on a stage..Rick's voice was in tune..pretty good group of people backing them up..LOTS of old, ie "The Weight", "Long Black Veil" etc..some new also. Overall, a GREAT show. Levon plays there tonight..Rick has promised to "drive by" & "maybe stop in".

Sat Jul 17 21:05:31 CEST 1999

John Donabie

ATTENTION TORONTO FANS OF BLACKIE & THE RODEO KINGS...

They will be at the Horseshoe Tavern on Wednesday Night

Sat Jul 17 12:09:35 CEST 1999

Karl Wallendszus

For those of you in the UK, you might like to know that Carny, the 1980 film starring Robbie Robertson, is on Channel 5 tonight (Saturday) from 10.40 to 12.40. Sorry for the short notice but I've only just noticed it myself.

Sat Jul 17 06:20:46 CEST 1999

Mike

As one who was there during the early days, I have rarely heard much about Port Dover's "Summer Gardens". Originally Levon and later, Robertson and Danko all backed Hawkins every Sunday night during the late fifties into the sixties. It was a summer ritual. In an effort to rectify this, we have released a Collectors print of that great place, complete with Ronnie's signature. Check it out!

Sat Jul 17 06:18:30 CEST 1999

Mike

As one who was there during the early days, I have rarely heard much about Port Dover's "Summer Gardens". Originally Levon and later, Robertson and Danko all backed Hawkins every Sunday night during the late fifties into the sixties. It was a summer ritual. In an effort to rectify this, we have released a Collectors print of that great place, complete with Ronnie's signature. Check it out!

Sat Jul 17 05:31:21 CEST 1999

PJ VILLEGAS

Chat ~#:).......! PJVSMK2112@hotmail.com ps.Feather River.......thats me....."think "...past the wind mill:

Sat Jul 17 05:26:27 CEST 1999

PJ VILLEGAS

Fri Jul 16 23:23:32 CEST 1999

Pete Rivard

Dave Z: Thanks for plugging my CD. It can be ordered straight off the net at malt-o-media.com, or folks can listen to little 30 sec. sound bytes. Access the "Blue Sundress" page on the site. There's some other decent indie music offerings on the same site as well. Peter V: I haven't forgotten that I owe you a tape. It's on its way and I'm also sending you a cut from a folk-rock musical in progress. See what you think. Unfortunately, it's just a demo with me on vocals and I'm closer to a Robbie than a Levon.

Fri Jul 16 22:56:51 CEST 1999

Don Pugatch

Listening to the Complete Last Waltz currently, reminded me to inform all lovers of music and humanity to try to see the movie " Buena Vista Social Club". I will not go into a disertation nor review, but if you love music, feel a warth toward artists, especially ones who the world has forgotten, spend you bucks, go see this flick, you'll be dancing in the aisles.

Fri Jul 16 22:53:32 CEST 1999

Blind Willie McTell

I picked up the new "tribute" cd of Dylan songs this week called Tangled Up In Blues. The Band does a wonderful version of "One Too Many Mornings".

Rick-vocal,bass. Levon-drums,harmonica. Garth-Hammond B3 organ. Derek Trucks-slide guitar. Jim Weider-guitar. Richard Bell-electric piano. Randy Ciarlante-congas.

The liner notes mention that One Too Many Mornings "is a song The Band played with Dylan at all 47 concerts they played together in 1966". Rick is doing his best Danko-ised Dylan vocal, Levon's harmonica weaves it's way in and out of the entire song, Garth's B3 sounds straight out of 1965/66, and Derek Trucks' slide guitar is a nice touch. I will send Jan some scans from the cd over the weekend.

Sidebar - there has been mention here recently about Blackie and The Rodeo Kings. I don't know their first cd, but I can highly recommend the new "Kings Of Love". Excellent musicians, excellent songs, and Richard Bell is on at least half of the songs.

Fri Jul 16 21:06:05 CEST 1999

John Donabie

Today I picked up an old Richie Havens CD "Live At The Cellar Door" recorded in 91 in Santa Monica. Only Richie could breathe new air into "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down."

Fri Jul 16 21:04:01 CEST 1999

Steve Thomas

Peter Viney I usually agree with your comments but feel that I have to respond to your view of George Jones. In my opinion Jones is a better vocalist than any of the following- Rick,Levon,Dylan (miles) Van,Joni, N Young, A Neville or Muddy Waters. Neil Diamond and Andy Williams don't even come in to it. The only person who you mentioned who is in the same league as Jones is our very own Richard. George Jones is one of the most soulful singers in any genre. Rigpink

Fri Jul 16 21:01:54 CEST 1999

Greg

When I was young I use' to wait On massa an' hand him his plate An' pass de bottle when he got dry An' brush away de blue-tail fly Jimmie crack corn an' I don't care Jimmie crack corn an' I don't care Jimmie crack corn an' I don't care Ol' Massa's gone away One day he ride aroun' de farm De flies so num'rous they did swarm One chanced to bite him on de thigh De devil take de blue-tail fly! Jimmie crack corn an' I don't care Jimmie crack corn an' I don't care Jimmie crack corn an' I don't care Ol' Massa's gone away De pony run, he jump he pitch He threw my Massa in de ditch He died an' de jury wondered why De verdict was de blue-tail fly Jimmie crack corn an' I don't care Jimmie crack corn an' I don't care Jimmie crack corn an' I don't care Ol' Massa's gone away They lay him under a simmon tree His epitaph is there to see -- "Beneath this stone I'm forced to lie -- Victim of de blue-tail fly." Jimmie crack corn an' I don't care Jimmie crack corn an' I don't care Jimmie crack corn an' I don't care Ol' Massa's gone away

Fri Jul 16 20:54:15 CEST 1999

THE DANCING BEAR

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E STREET BAND July 15, 1999 Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, NJ My Love Will Not Let You Down, The Promised Land, Two Hearts, Darkness on the Edge of Town, Darlington County, Mansion on the Hill, The River, Youngstown, Murder Incorporated, Badlands, Out in the Street, 10th Avenue Freeze-out, Where the Bands Are, Working on the Highway, The Ghost of Tom Joad, Streets of Philadelphia, Backstreets, Light of Day, ---- Freehold, Stand On It, Hungry Heart, Born to Run, Bobby Jean, ------ Thunder Road, If I Should Fall Behind, Land of Hope and Dreams

Fri Jul 16 20:28:50 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Blues: Yes, I saw Rick, and Richard, and Blondie at MFP in Roslyn many many times. Shows with Butterfield, as well as Levon. Thought the place was kind of run down myself...but the music was always good. Have no idea if the original club is still standing. Haven't been to Roslyn in years. And btw..if you were there..chances are good that we probably met somewhere along the line.

Fri Jul 16 20:07:53 CEST 1999

Blues

Diamond Lil: Apologies. I just re-read some of your more recent postings. Obviously, you couldn't have been at the Rick's Roslyn gig with the Cates Bros. as it was cancelled. Why I wonder? Anyway, did you see Rick when he played a couple of dates with Richard and Blondie Chaplin at My Father's Place in Roslyn in the late '70s? I did -- Great shows, great club -- wonder whatever happened to it. I heard they re-opened in Bayside, Queens a few years ago (Rick played there -- remember seeing the ad) -- but it closed down pretty soon thereafter. Is the old site of My Father's Place in Roslyn still a club?

Fri Jul 16 19:33:16 CEST 1999

Pepper

Actually, Viney, I think Tony is a Fall River guy. I saw The Chili Brothers a bunch of times at Tinker Street in Woodstock...one night they did a James Brown set that was a lot of fun! And yeah you are right, he played a lot with Rick about ten yrs ago.

Fri Jul 16 18:57:21 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Blues from Buffalo: Nowhere did I post anything about a 'recent' gig between Rick and The Cates in Roslyn. This is beginning to feel like that kids game where someone whispers something into the ear of the kids next to them..and by the time it reaches the last kid...it's a completely different story. I'm not going to comment on this subject anymore. If you're really that interested, please re-read my posts. Thank You.

Fri Jul 16 17:59:46 CEST 1999

mattk

Robbie is indeed confirmed as a guest on tonight's (Friday, July 16) "Politically Incorrect." Check your local listings...

Fri Jul 16 17:55:51 CEST 1999

David Powell

Maybe if Rick or Levon would venture down here to Georgia to play some live gigs I wouldn't be so distracted by all this other music. I don't know if it's a factor or not, but the SFX takeover of local concert promoters and venues sure seems to be affecting the bookings in the smaller clubs in Atlanta. But anyway, it sure would be nice if the various Band members could head South for a change. Reading a familiar set list or concert review only does so much to quench my thirst for music.

Fri Jul 16 17:39:13 CEST 1999

Manfred

Roger: The Stones most likely got their version of "I'm Movin' On" from Ray Charles who recorded it as a single in the late '50s as a follow up to "What'd I Say?"

Fri Jul 16 17:33:58 CEST 1999

Blues

Enough about the Hot Chili Bros. already! I just wish Diamond Lil would give us a basic rundown of the recent Danko/Cates gig in Roslyn. Rick should be more careful about the names of the bands he chooses as backup - this confusion is all his fault.

Fri Jul 16 17:30:30 CEST 1999

Bones

David Powell- That is definitely REM's Mike Mills on "Shake This Town". In fact, there is one brief moment where he has a solo(vocal) during the chorus.

By the way, there is a song by George Jones called "She Thinks I Still Care" that represents everything that is good about country music.

Fri Jul 16 17:29:47 CEST 1999

David Powell

The Flying Burrito Brothers recorded a version of "I Shall Be Released" which was not included on any of their original albums. A fragment of this out-take can be heard on the "Farther Along / Best of" compilation released by A&M in 1988. This single disc release is still available at a budget price and is an excellant jumping-off point for those interested in checking out the early Burrito recordings. Among the 20 cuts are 9 tracks for the debut "Gilded Palace Of Sin" album and 5 tracks from the follow-up "Burrito Deluxe." In addition to "I Shall Be Released," other curiosities include "Wild Horses," "Six Days On The Road," and of all things, a version of the Bee Gees' "To Love Somebody."

Peter: The third Burrito album, entitled "The Flying Burrito Brothers" was originally released here in the states by A&M on LP in 1971. It was available briefly on CD from Mobile Fidelity on a smooth-sounding aluminum disc. As with most of MoFi's older reissues, the licensing rights have expired and they are no longer manufacturing the disc.

The addition of Rick Roberts on the third album rejuvenated the group. Gram's substance abuse problems contributed to dischord among the group and eventually led to his departure after the recording of "Burrito Deluxe." In addition to Roberts' "Colorado" and Haggard's "White Line Fever," the third album also includes a wonderful version of Dylan's "To Ramona" sung by Chris Hillman. LP copies of this album can still be found in used record stores, and keep your eye out for any of those rare MoFi CD versions that may still be floating around.

Fri Jul 16 16:03:57 CEST 1999

medicine hat

WOODSTOCK -- wasn't there, my mom wouldn't let me go. however, judging from the recordings extant, richard was indeed there. those are his organ fills on "the weight", and it's clearly his drumming on "ain't no more cane".

Fri Jul 16 15:40:04 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Dexy: “Six Days on The Road” wasn’t on the third Burritos album, but it was on the fourth, “Last of The Red Hot Burritos” (also with Rick Roberts). Funny, I checked yesterday because I was also sure it was on the third album. I think it’s because they did it live while they were performing following the 3rd album. “White Line Fever” is on the 3rd, and maybe we both associated it with that!

Fri Jul 16 15:38:16 CEST 1999

Gene

By the way, Civil War buffs, General Samuel Cooper, the senior ranking general of the Confederacy was born, YES, in Dutchess County, NY, according to "Generals in Gray" by Ezra J. Warner (other sources, however, have Gen Cooper born in Hackensack, New Jersey)

Fri Jul 16 15:12:16 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

But seriously: to end all this stuff about RHCP (who I believe have never recorded “In One Eye and Out the Other” with Andy Williams, Perry Como or anyone else), this is extracted from the discography elsewhere on this site:

The now defunct Massachutes blues band the Chili Brothers was fronted by New Bedford Portuguese guitar wiz, Tony Mederios. They seem to have made at least two albums. Empty Bottles was released in 1988 and had The Band's Rick Danko singing backup vocals on 3 tracks, most engagingly on the title track. Other guests on this album included steel guitar wiz Buddy Cage and Paul Geremia, who played harp on the track "Help Me." Rick Danko used the Chilis as back-up band and opening act for his some of his solo shows in the late '80s.

Fri Jul 16 14:55:48 CEST 1999

Dexy

Viney -- wasn't Six Days on the Road on that same Rick Roberts/Hillman Burritos album with Colorado? You're right, that was a great and underrated collection. Robert's first solo album was solid too. Then, there's Firefall... Oh well. As for the long-awaited and asked for link between Perry Como and The Band -- Como portrayed by Eugene Levy on SCTV. Levy nephew of former Band manager (?) Morris Levy. Nothing yet on Jim Nabors, but our staff is working on it.

Fri Jul 16 14:30:05 CEST 1999

KICKING HORSE

BROWN EYED JONNY! Yeah that JUMPIN JOE is kinda like the EVER READY BUNNY and continues to play all over Central New York (He has recently been the receipient of a by-pass operation and even this has not slowed him down. What the sayin "When You Reach The Top of The Hill You Pick UP Speed" As far as skip murphy is concerned and his ex band OUT OF THE BLUE; skip is livin in Fayetteville N. Y. and works for the state in some kinda Tax capacity. Occassionally plays at impromptu gatherings around Syracuse and every now and then OOTB has a reunion get together. By the way Bruce Tetley ( a good child hood friend of the Horse ) still plays and at last check was playin in the Atlanta GA, and Florida regions. As been seen with Freddy Lawrence of CROSS CREEK fame over in Nashville. But, lifes hard in the music industry; tough to make a livin regardless of connections. I also know Skip still likes to "kick back" and do some serious relaxin. Skip also does a sports write up and radio show for the Syracuse News Times covering another one of his specialties Syracuse University basketball.. Does a pretty good job/ not as good as his harmonica palyin though. Skip continues to tell me when I see him that he'd sure like to get together with Rick.. Who knows maybe ..

Fri Jul 16 14:27:31 CEST 1999

John Moores

'I'm Movin' On' is from the Stones EP: 'Got Live If You Want It!' from March 1965.

Fri Jul 16 13:44:15 CEST 1999

Roger Woods

Richard Patterson - The Stones covered Snow's "I'm Movin' on" way back at the start of their career. It was first released around '64 on an EP (Around and Around?) Now available on "December's Children"

Fri Jul 16 13:43:54 CEST 1999

Roger Woods

Richard Patterson - The Stones covered Snow's "I'm Movin' on" way back at the start of their career. It was first released around '64 on an EP (Around and Around?) Now available on "December's Children"

Fri Jul 16 13:41:56 CEST 1999

Will Western

Whoever's looking for "Across the Great Divide" & Levon's book: Try www.bibliofind.com - a great site! I ordered a copy of both titles from there a couple of weeks ago.

Fri Jul 16 13:33:49 CEST 1999

Tracy!

Klair, if you're looking for more information in regards to Robbie, personal or musical, you can always check here....

http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Bistro/6403/basement.html

Tracy

shameless plug

Fri Jul 16 12:44:52 CEST 1999

Gene

Pat Brennan, the connection of Franklin, Tennessee to the Band; Major Gen. Patrick Ronayne Cleburne, CSA, born in County Cork, settled in Helena, Arkansas. He valiantly fell in Franklin on Nov 30, 1864. Levon Helm is from Arkansas. I don't have much to say about John Bell Hood.

Fri Jul 16 11:31:54 CEST 1999

Zimmy

Klair, The Levon book is/was available from a record store called Timewarp in Sydney. You can probably get the Hosdkyn book there too but you'll probably have to order both of them in.Timewarp is run by Glenn A Baker who I believe runs or is involved with Raven Records which recently released the excellent Ties That Bind "greatest hits" compilation of Levon's songs.

Fri Jul 16 06:09:29 CEST 1999

Klair

Wow Harry, that's a long time, I think the title of true and original fan must surely belong in part to you. Do you have a 'favourite'? And you'd also probably know if Richard was at Woodstock, it's most likely my imgination, but I didn't see him on the doco, and as I said, robbie sang his part on the Weight, which is pretty unusual. Thanks again, I feel alittle stupid not knowing this stuff.

Fri Jul 16 05:49:54 CEST 1999

Harry

Klair - Glad to be of help. You can probably find both books in the library or check the second hand bookstores. Or check the web for book suppliers. I've been into The Band since Big Pink saw their first NY concert at the Fillmore East and have seen them many times in both the old and new configurations. Always great!

Fri Jul 16 05:30:59 CEST 1999

Krispy

Hello all!

Lil - Got my book yesterday from Barnes & Noble! Thanks again for the suggestion!

Just an FYI - I heard that Robbie will be on "Politically Incorrect" with Bill Maher tomorrow night.

Fri Jul 16 05:06:19 CEST 1999

Klair

Thank you so much for that Harry, you're a life saver. I've tried to order those two books you mentioned from stores in the past, but they can't get them in. I think both of them are out of print, which is really annoying, because I think they would be a really interesting read. Any way, thanks again, and by the way, how long have you been a Band fan for?

Fri Jul 16 04:35:25 CEST 1999

Harry

I believe Robbie's is and so is Garth's. The others aren't the first. I'm pretty sure of this but not absolutely certain. Check Barney Hoskyns' "Across the Great Divide." I believe it's all in there though not in one place. Just mentions these facts in passing but certainly does not explore their personal lives in detail with regard to marriage, children, etc. That's the best I can do. Also check Levon's "This Wheel's On Fire."

Fri Jul 16 04:22:33 CEST 1999

Richard Patterson

Paul G.:Where did you find the Stones doing Hank Snow?

Fri Jul 16 04:09:18 CEST 1999

Klair

Thank you so much Harry for your response, just one more question though, are all or any of those marriages the first for the Band members, because part of my article is centred on the sucess of first time marriages entered into in the heightened period of fame. A response would be so appreciated. Thanks

Fri Jul 16 04:01:51 CEST 1999

Jonathan Katz

Jake - Apparently [I wasn't there of course so this is 2nd hand], under pressure from ABC [I think], Pennebaker put together a rough cut of a film with the help of Howard Alk. Dylan was way behind schedule on "Eat The Document" which never aired. Pennebaker's film was shown [but probably not publicly]. On the opening of the Museum of Radio & Televisions showing of Eat The Document there was a panel discussion about the film. The panel included Pennebaker and Greil Marcus. During this discussion [and in some interviews for "Invisible Republic"] Marcus mentions seeing the film and that it is GREAT. Pennebaker joke about the film, almost dismissively [making me all the more curious about it].

Fri Jul 16 03:46:13 CEST 1999

Paul Godfrey

John D. Haven't heard of anything with Blackie and the Rodeo Kings and Richard Bell. However as posted earlier on this sight....COLIN LINDEN is appearing Sunday Night at the Home County Folk Festival Sunday night at 9:20pm at Victoria Park, London, Ontario Canada with piano player....Richard Bell. Maybe I will see you and Serge there?

Fri Jul 16 03:36:09 CEST 1999

Pat Brennan

klair, accepting anything we have to say on your subject isn't exactly good research. However, if you peruse the many articles in the library section, most of your questions will be answered. For all you country music lovers out there, in the 60's George Jones and Tammy Wynette lived in an antebellum house south of Spring Hill, Tenn. The house that George shot up. Well, during the Civil War, the house was the site of quite a party, a night of Confederate revelry that allowed an entire Federal division to march past and reach the safety of Franklin. General John Hood was so upset he launched his entire army at the Federal earthworks south of Franklin in what was the largest infantry attack of the war. Cost Hood a good portion of the army and failed to bring the Federal division to bay. A couple of weeks later, Hood's army disintegrated after the battle of Nashville. One Civil War historian said it was one of the few times he'd go to the 1960's instead of the 1860's if he had a time machine, such was his interest in George.

Fri Jul 16 03:22:34 CEST 1999

Paul Godfrey

Peter V. George Jones will be remembered as a major contributer to country music. However, his persona will stretch to even broader horizons. Once taught a music appreciation class and always enjoyed the reaction of students hearing: "I'M MOVIN ON/BY HANK SNOW" the original song writer. Then quickly moved into a Ray Charles version of the song. Finished up with the Rolling Stones doing the Hank Snow tune. Many interesting reactions were gained from these sessions. But then again....thats music appreciation. John D. Can't add anything to your question. However, the Home County Festival is on this weekend at Victoria Park London, Ontario. Sunday at 9:20pm its COLIN LINDEN. According to an earlier posting on this site Richard Bell will be playing piano. Maybe I will see you and Serge there?

Fri Jul 16 03:08:56 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

To whoever asked : No, The Cate Brothers tune 'In one eye and out the other' is not included on Rick's new solo effort.

Fri Jul 16 03:00:59 CEST 1999

Harry

The other Band members are all married at present. For info on TLW check Levon's book "This Wheels on Fire" and Barney Hoskins' book "Across the Great Divide." Hope your article will be favorable.

Fri Jul 16 01:00:05 CEST 1999

klair

Can anyone tell me why, on the Woodstock video/doco, there are no shots of Richard while the Band is playing the weight, and why Robbie sings Richard's part in the chrous. I know this is all leading to the conclusion that Richard wasn't there, but I'm not sure. Also, the last thing is, that I'm doing an article that will hopefully get published in a music magazine, on the insidence of divorces/marriages among high profile musicians, with the main focus being on those musicians who peaked in popularity in the 60's and 70's. So if anyone could help me out here, and supply me with the present/past marital status' of Rick, Robbie, Levon, and Garth, although I'm pretty sure that I'm right about Garth being married to Maude I'd really appreciate it. I've tried to find this info on every related Band websight, and have had no luck, so please, all you knowedgable people out there, give me a hand. I really only want this info for theh statistical side of the article, there will be no invasion of privacy etc Thanks

Fri Jul 16 00:31:38 CEST 1999

Baxter

While were on this "connections" thing -- can anyone establish a link between The Band and Johnny Mathis, Mitch Miller, or the Mormon Tabernacle Choir? Just to make it easier I'll throw in Perry Como and Liza Minelli too!

Fri Jul 16 00:20:07 CEST 1999

Jasper

Diamond Lil -- Thanks for straightening out the confusion. It is now clear that Rick DID NOT jam with the RHCP's OR the Hot Chili Bros. out in Roslyn but rather with his old pals the Cates Bros. However, you failed to say whether the tune they did together (I think you said it was called "In One Eye and Out the Other") was taped for inclusion on Rick's new solo effort.

Thu Jul 15 23:20:27 CEST 1999

Pepper

I can tell you for a fact that the Chili Brothers aren't Peppers. Also, DA "Penny" Pennebaker followed Rick, Eric Andersen, and Jonas Fjeld AKA DFA around for three club shows in Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo, NY and ran lots of film and nothing seemed to come of it but a few years ago Rick told me it might still "Be Released"!

Thu Jul 15 23:02:22 CEST 1999

Chopper

While we're on Andy Williams (and I do hope we'll be off him soon) I do recall him doing a neat little Roger Miller tune entitled "In the Summertime" ("when all the leaves and trees are green") and a pretty good job of it. Also, I'm sure Bob Crewe, Barbarella, Neil Diamond, and the RHCP's, all have several websites each. Likewise the Chilli Bros. Enough said.

Thu Jul 15 22:36:33 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Addendum: to be fair to George Jones, C&W is not an idiom I have any gut feeling for. Apart from bits of Elvis and novelty country, I was immune to its charms until “Sweetheart of The Rodeo” and “Nashville Skyline”. So, I find basic C&W hard to take unless it has a touch of irony (which I think Elvis often had). Blues and soul dominated my formative years. All I was trying to say was that I found it odd that RR chose George Jones when he had worked with three far greater artists - and I suspect they might even deny their superiority themselves. Let’s sum up: IMHO, Rick Danko is considerably more accomplished.

Thu Jul 15 21:35:36 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

I suspected everyone would disagree about George Jones. But I hadn’t expected (in my worst nightmares) to find myself as an apologist for Andy Williams or his cuddly but lurid sweaters. But I’ve defended Neil Diamond in the past, so what the heck. Andy’s claims to fame are:

He did the second-best version of that 60s showstopper “Music To watch Girls By”, though it is far exceeded by the Bob Crewe Generation’s instrumental, which was cut during spare time on the “Barbarella” soundtrack sessions. Andy’s version has recently been a UK hit due to a TV commercial which used it.

“Can’t Get Used To Losing You” is a truly memorable instrumental arrangment.

“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is OK.

I wouldn’t knock the quality of George Jones voice, but I would cheerfully knock the quality of his acting. Singing a love song when you’ve got a bad cold and playing a little club on a wet Tuesday is hard. Part of singing it, is acting it. Finding the emotion. Rick Danko can always pull it off. Every tape I’ve heard of “It Makes No Difference” is moving. That has to be good acting. You can’t genuinely feel it every time, and I’d hazard a guess that neither did even Muddy Waters or Van Morrison. George sounds like an over-sincere TV quiz show host. It’s what you get on 13 channels on Florida TV on Sunday morning - bad ham acting.

Richard P: The Flying Burrito Brothers “Six Days On The Road” is on their ‘greatest hits’ 2CD collection “Out of The Blue” on A&M (where did they get THAT title?). I looked at the sleeve notes, and it’s culled from a Dutch LP “Honky Tonk Heaven”. I was surprised it wasn’t on their first three albums. I remember seeing them do it live, and it was superb, as was “Ain’t That a Lot of Love” (dare I say better than the Band version?). Both songs are also associated with Taj Mahal. I hate to say it, but the “Islands” version of “Ain’t that A Lot of Love” comes behind Homer Banks, Taj and The Burritos. In mentioning their “two official albums” you forget their third official album, which featured Rick Roberts, and the great song”Colorado”. This is one of the great albums not to have been released on CD.

Thu Jul 15 21:33:11 CEST 1999

David Powell

Bones: I haven't heard anything about the Robertson/Buck sessions. Since Peter remarried & started a new family, he relocated from Athens to Seattle. I wasn't sure whether or not that's REM's Mills credited with background vocals on "Storyville." In addition to being a talented bass player, keyboardist & singer, Mills is a big basketball fan. During this past spring's NCAA college finals, Mike won the Atlanta newspaper's contest for picking the winning teams. He faxed in his winning entry sheet from Europe where REM was on tour.

Robertson has worked with other Athens area musicians in the past. Randall Bramblett, Davis Causey & friends from the Normaltown section of Athens played on the "Carny" soundtrack album.

Thu Jul 15 20:49:21 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Arrrgghh!!!! Geez...Ok..one more time.

Rick played with the _Chili Brothers_ (not red hot or otherwise). They were _not_ peppers either. That was _my _mistake and I corrected that..more than once. And _no_..they did _not_ jam on a Cate Brothers Tune. That was an entirely different post. I hope this straightens things out. Again :-)

Thu Jul 15 20:40:13 CEST 1999

Arnold

Cindy: regarding Rick's jam with the Hot Chilli BROTHERS (not Peppers -- I hope we've all got that straight by now) the person best able to answer that would be Diamond Lil as I believe she mentioned being at that gig in Roslyn, LI somewhere back in the Guest Book. I think she said they jammed on a Cates Bros. song. Maybe she knows if it's on Rick's upcoming CD.

Thu Jul 15 19:43:43 CEST 1999

Bones

Even in jest, The Red Hot Chili Peppers are getting way too much coverage in here.

David Powell: Speaking of your beloved state, What ever happened to the studio sessions where Peter Buck played with Robbie Robertson? Rolling Sone wrote about it. Wasn't it Mike Mills on "Shake This Town"?

Thu Jul 15 19:14:44 CEST 1999

Brown-Eyed Johnny

KICKING HORSE: It's great to read that Joe Whiting is still going strong. I remember watching Fritz Lang's "Metropolis" at Joe's house in the late 1960s with Joe and the rest of Jukin' Bone. Does George Egosarian still perform? How about Skip Murphy and Out of the Blue?

Thu Jul 15 18:39:32 CEST 1999

Richard Patterson

George Jones : Hey Matt, check out a George Jones lp from '79 called "My Very Special Guests". Duets/Trios w/ Emmylou Harris, Pop and Mavis Staples, and James Taylor (on "Bartender Blues"), as well as more (Waylon, Willie) and less (Elvis C.) traditional country artists. This guy sure can sing! Definately beyond the usual limitations of "country and western" as a style.

Also there is a great track by the Burrito's (w/GP) on the Maysles Bros. film "Gimme Shelter". The cameras aren't on the band as much as one would like, but the audio is good and I don't believe "Six Days on the Road" was on either of their official releases.

Thu Jul 15 18:23:29 CEST 1999

KICKING HORSE

YOU ALL MISSED IT. "JUMPIN JOE WHITING" @ the Borodino Firehouse.. They tell me ols Joe put on an electrifying performance. ALSO How about Leon Russell in Clinton Sq. Syracuse N.Y. 7/17/99 at 7:00pm for the Blues Fest with Delbert McClinton just down the rosd at the landmark theater.. "WHAT A SHOW - WHAT A SHOW".

Thu Jul 15 17:10:18 CEST 1999

Bill

Yet another way to link Gram Parsons with the Band is via drummer ND Smart, who drummed on all sorts of Woodstock sessions along with various our guys, and who was in Parsons' group towards the end.

Thu Jul 15 16:57:39 CEST 1999

David Powell

Just thought I'd mention another indirect connection between Gram & Emmylou with The Band. Parsons, in his recordings with Emmylou, attempted to recreate some of the magic of the classic, male/female country duet teams. Along with recordings of George & Tammy and Johnny Cash & June Carter, the work that The Band's old friend, Conway Twitty, created with Loretta Lynn were greatly influential on Parsons. A perfect example of this is Conway's performance with Loretta of the song "Mississippi Woman, Louisiana Man."

It's only fitting that Conway's old friend Levon would be chosen to play Loretta's father in the movie "Coal Miner's Daughter." Whenever Loretta worked with Conway, it brought out the best in both performers. It was this kind of magic that Parsons was looking for when he sang with Emmylou.

Thu Jul 15 16:41:27 CEST 1999

Dave Z

Just bought Gord's Songbook, mostly for the rare and unreleashed tracks, which so far sound great (I'm not done getting through all 4 CDs). I also justified the $42 purchase as saved time associated with re-taping my LPs. The surprise was the nice booklet that comes with the CDs (it's width is about the same as that of a CD case). There's pictures (lot's) and/or comments about the Band, the Hawks, Ronnie Hawkins, Levon, Dylan, John Simon, and Albert Grossman... plus Gord's comments on his own songs...

Lil': Thanks for the nice comments...

Anybody out their with some loose change burning a hole in their pocket? I would suggest you bug Pete for his CD... You won't be disappointed...

Thu Jul 15 15:41:24 CEST 1999

mattk

Peter, I've got to respectfully disagree with your lumping George Jones in with Andy Williams, et al. While I'm not a huge Country and Western fan, I do ascribe to the theory that George is/was the pre-eminent male country singers of his generation. One could argue that George's and Tammy Wynette's efforts in the late-sixties and seventies DEFINED country vocals (at least until Nashville went completely schlock in the last 10-15 years). Regardless of my feelings about the STYLE, from an objective viewpoint, George is technically a terrific vocalist who's style really reshaped everyone that came after him. While is admitted problems with drinking and spousal abuse may not make him the most likable man in music, that should not overshadow the fact that his voice is in many ways the defining voice in C&W for everyone that came after him. Guys like Andy Williams are completely derivative of other crooners, and while commercially, Andy has made an impact, artistically it's tough to argue that his impact is anywhere near that of George Jones. Of course, it's all just opinion, but I do think you are underestimating George's role as an influence as well as the quality of his voice by making the comparisons that you are making. Cheers Matt

Thu Jul 15 15:39:26 CEST 1999

Bill

Some time ago, Peter Viney took the trouble to discuss the appearance of the Hawks' He Don't Love You on a British CD. He Don't Love You, The Stones I Throw and Go Go Liza Jane were recorded in that order at a single session (judging from the matrix numbers on the two resulting 45s). Though HDLY was recorded first, TSIT it was most assuredly the "Plug Side" - that's exactly what's printed on US promo 45s. And GGLJ was not released until after Big Pink (as is shown on this site's discography) - and then only as a promo in the US.

My fellow anal retentives may care to know that the US promos were both black printing on white labels. Regular US releases of TSIT were black and yellow on white. Initial Canadian pressings of TSIT were white on black (as shown in the discog); later pressings were like the US.

Thu Jul 15 14:49:48 CEST 1999

David Powell

P>While listening to the Jerry Garcia Band's version of "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" on this July morning, I was reminded that it was on the first three days in July 1863 that the Battle of Gettysburg took place. July 20-22 also marks the 135th anniversary of the Battle of Peachtree Creek and the Battle of Atlanta in 1864. The entire Atlanta campaign lasted from May through September of that year, as Sherman's troops, including Stoneman's calvary, ravaged Georgia on their march to the sea. Shortly after the Battle of Atlanta, Stoneman & some of his troops were captured & held as prisoners of war by the Confederates. Stoneman would later be freed as part of a prisoner exchange and resume his part in the war.

Living down here in Georgia, its hard to escape the memories of these events. The war is an important part of our history. This coming weekend, the Atlanta Historical Society is hosting its annual Civil War Encampment & battle re-enactment. We Georgians don't need a book or a musical play on Broadway to remind us of Confederates in the Attic. The graves & the memories can be found right here, buried in the red clay.

Thu Jul 15 13:28:13 CEST 1999

Beard

Man I know that Robbie didn't sing that much but that vocal track he does for Bessie Smith is an absolute killer. I presume he has the lower part and Rick takes the higher part? Beautiful singing.

Thu Jul 15 13:26:17 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Magazines constantly fill spaces with polls and “Best 100 lists” in lieu of news (as we sometimes do here on this site). Anyway, the Band-George Jones link. When the artists chose their favourite singers in Mojo, Robbie Robertson was quoted on George Jones. I think the artists all chose ten. At the time, I didn’t get how someone can work with Richard, Levon & Rick (all in my top ten when readers voted), Dylan, Van M, (also in my top 10), Aaron Neville, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Muddy Waters (to name but a few) and even consider George Jones in their Top 100 (or indeed 1000), but there you go. Neil Diamond would have been forgiveable. George Jones is getting a lot of positive critical reappraisal recently. But so are Andy Williams and even Dean Martin. And I can think of at least three Andy Williams tracks I really like.

The other Band-George Jones link is that Rick Danko and George Jones both perform James Taylor’s “Bartender Blues”, though Danko’s always excellent versions are only on live tapes. Taylor wrote it for Jones and sings backing vocal on Jones’ version. If I wanted to hear “Bartender Blues” I’d go for a Rick Danko live tape everytime.

Our Red Hot Chili Peppers combined urban myth just grows and grows, where it started no one knows. What I want to know, is do you have to have your knees and calves checked for visual appeal before appearing with them? Rick must have passed to get on their “In one beer and out of the oven”. But did this check prevent other Band members from joining in?

Thu Jul 15 13:20:38 CEST 1999

Lester

Crucial Moments in Rock 'n' Roll History #242: At the end of Garth's solo (man!!!!) in Bessie Smith you can just hear the audible sound os someone going "ohhhh....." possibly taken away with the beauty of the aforementioned sembers from joining in?

Thu Jul 15 13:20:38 CEST 1999

Lester

Crucial Moments in Rock 'n' Roll History #242: At the end of Garth's solo (man!!!!) in Bessie Smith you can just hear the audible sound os someone going "ohhhh....." possibly taken away with the beauty of the aforementioned solo? Priceless moment for me.

Thu Jul 15 06:50:14 CEST 1999

Kenny

I agree Paul the best thing in "Eat the Document" was the carpet ads. In fact it was the only thing that made any real sense. In fact they should've had more carpet ads in it. "Jawbone" is great, TLW stinks (my main gripe is they cut out Chest Fever - same with Watkins Glen), secondary gripe: Neil Diamond, Garth is great on all instruments which he plays, and I have seen the Band many times since '67 or '67 and they've never played "Bessie" or "Katy." Did I leave anything out?

Thu Jul 15 06:47:59 CEST 1999

Klair

Hi every body, I'm from Australia, and have just been introduced to the Band by a good friend of mine. Any idea if they will be comming to Australia any time soon, and if not, why not. I m also alittle sadened by the fact that there is bad blood between Robbie and the rest of the band.I realise that no one knows the full story except for those involved, and of course no one is ever blameless in these kinds of situations, but I just wish everyone could except things for the way they are, and remember all the good times.Ok, so that does sound alittle cheezy, but it's hard to except that these guys, who were such good friends, could feel this way about each other, and besides, a real reunion tour(granted that no reunion could ever be really real with out Richard)would be a great event in music history. Thanks for listening to a rookie.

Thu Jul 15 06:20:03 CEST 1999

Jake

"Eat the Document" was shown in it's entirety in a pretty clean video version at the Museum of Television & Radio in NYC last November for several weeks (projected on auditorium screen). Unfortunately, although Pennebaker shot some of the footage it was Dylan's film which he edited with buddy Howard Alk and they both butchered the original negatives in the process of their "masterful" (I'm being sarcastic here)editing job. That's why there remain no songs intact. But no doubt they were too stoned to realiz what they were doing. Pennebaker was very upset that they destroyed his negative of "Ballad of a Thin Man." Check "Across the Great Divide" by Barney Hoskyns. If there is another film put together by Pennebaker I've never seen a copy of it or even read about it Jonathon.

Thu Jul 15 05:06:56 CEST 1999

Jonathan Katz

Eat the Doc is well worth trying to find! Has anyone seen "There's Something Happening Here" [which is Pennebaker's film of the same tour]? I've never seen it [and I don't think that too many have], but from what I've heard I'd kill for a copy of that baby!

Thu Jul 15 05:02:14 CEST 1999

Paul

Did they ever play Katie's Been Gone or Bessie Smith live? What does everyone think of Jawbone? You know, "I'm a thief and I dig it." I don't like The Last Waltz cause oyu can see the coming apart at the seams. I like Rock of Ages better. Do you think Garth is better at clavinet or organ? Has anyone seen Eat The Document? My favorite was the carpet ads.

Thu Jul 15 04:10:59 CEST 1999

Cindy

Merlin: Excited to hear about Danko's new one "Live from Breeze Hill!" Do you know if that track "In One Eye and Out the Other" that Rick recently performed with the Red Hot Chili Peppers is going to be included?

Thu Jul 15 04:00:14 CEST 1999

Gene

Amazon.com has "Confederate Tales", too--for a better price.

Thu Jul 15 03:38:43 CEST 1999

merlin

Rick Danko's new CD "Live on Breeze Hill" will be available through woodstock records in early August. With a new studio version of "Sip the Wine" and live performance of Twilight, Ophelia, Caldonia Mission and many others its a must have.

Thu Jul 15 02:27:56 CEST 1999

Still Echoing

In my hour of darkness - in my time of need - Oh Lord grant me vision - Oh Lord grant me speed".

Thu Jul 15 02:18:21 CEST 1999

Pegleg

Meg Griffin of WFUV-FM broadcast ALL the Basement Tapes 2 Summers back while interviewing Greil Marcus. There is some good stuff there but a lot of rough stuff too (sound-quality wise & material wise) and in my opinion the Columbia double LP release contains the cream of the crop. You wouldn't want all the others in lieu of the tracks contained on the official release, let's put it that way. At around 20 bucks each the bootleg CDs (around 6 volumes) are not worth it. A lot of the songs on the complete set are mere fragments and unfinished songs. Interesting, but you can't listen to them over and over without annoyance.

Thu Jul 15 01:48:36 CEST 1999

Angel

Quite seriously though, there are a couple of really nice Gram Parsons websites. I was lucky enough to see the Burritos with Gram once at Steve Paul's Scene in the West 40's NYC (about '68 - John Mayall joined on keys for a couple of numbers in the tiny basement club) and once when the Burritos opened for the Byrds at Carnegie Hall maybe a year later. Gram had the white suit on. For a finale the two bands jammed together. DO CHECK OUT GRAM ON THE WEB!

Thu Jul 15 01:39:12 CEST 1999

Gene

Try them by phone--(800) 923 - 1122

Thu Jul 15 01:23:39 CEST 1999

Gene

The "Jesse James" CD is available in a 2CD set called Confederate Tales (with "White Mansions") at Collectors'Choice (www.ccmusic.com) They also have ROA on sale for $9.95.

Thu Jul 15 01:23:30 CEST 1999

Jonathan Katz

Genuine Basement Tapes - For my money, whichever one has on it "All You Have to do is Dream" is the first one to buy [I don't rememeber which one it is]. That song kills me every time. But I agree [as I usually do] with Peter - get them all if you can!

Thu Jul 15 00:56:19 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Okay. I Think I got it straight now. Rick played with the Chili Brothers..not the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Gram Parsons was a Burrito (and a flying one at that). Anyone else suddenly have a craving for a Margarita?

BTW..Not that much makes Jan happy these days, but one of Gram Parson's idols was George Jones...which should at least make him smile for a second. Don't know if there's any real connection between George Jones and The Band..but Rick did warm up at a show last year with 'He stopped loving her today'...

Thu Jul 15 00:05:31 CEST 1999

pehr

all the talk about the genuine basement tapes has really got me curious. I went over the links to find some contacts but i'm coming up with nothing. if anyone could help me find the right direction to be pointed in I'd be much obliged. I left my e mail address for discretion and convenience. thanks, and Band on!

Wed Jul 14 23:39:39 CEST 1999

Ben

Curious about Rick's reported jam with the Red Hot Chilli Brothers. Someone said they jammed on a rendition of the old Cates Brothers tune "In One Eye and Out the Other." Was it in this neck of the woods or somewhere else? Don't see any reference to it in the tour schedule.

Wed Jul 14 23:21:43 CEST 1999

John Donabie

Any more news of the Blackie & The Rodeo Kings show with Ricky Bell in London Ont.? Paul Shine On? Serge? Hope I haven't missed it.

Wed Jul 14 23:18:37 CEST 1999

John Donabie

Point 1. The more I read Paul and Bones recollections of the RCO party, the more I wished I'd been there. When Lee invited me, I couldn't get out of a work commitment. The other point (although a little late again) is to thank Peter Viney for his review of the CD "At The Club".

Peter perhaps if you wouldn't mind, could you e-mail me with the name of that record store in England where I bought my Jesse James CD. I believe it was in York. I have lost it. Thanks & Cheers old chum.

Wed Jul 14 19:38:35 CEST 1999

Bones

Paul Godfrey: I think Emmylou was at the RCO party, although I did not see her. Emmylou had just finished Evangeline with the Band, which was after the concert in '76 but before the movie release in '78. Emmylou spent some time with the Band in the late '70s. Besides the Last Waltz, she used some Band members on her Quarter Moon and Ten Cent Town record and re-recorded "Evangeline" as the title track of her 1980 album. She was married to Paul Kennerly during the period which he wrote The Legend of Jesse James record. I'm guessing here, but maybe she had something to do with Levon's involvement with the project.

Wed Jul 14 19:31:11 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

AW Jesus: Your name alone tells me I've been there. Searchin by myself...singing old songs...and no, they don't always help. Hope you feel better soon. It's a comin..a brand new day.

Wed Jul 14 16:03:10 CEST 1999

AW Jesus

So many feelings Just been listening to "To Kingdom Come" I am drunk. Rest In Peace Richard Manuel Rest In Peace Clarence White Take the tears from my eyes. Please turn them them to joy.

Wed Jul 14 15:17:01 CEST 1999

David Powell

I've been listening to "Muleskinner" this morning in memory of Clarence. Another guitarist who uses the Parsons/White string-bender is Albert Lee. Albert, who has played with Emmylou, Clapton & so many others, can be heard on "The Legend of Jesse James" along with Emmylou, Levon et al. Perhaps one of the unlikeliest devotees of the string-bender is another Englishman, Jimmy Page, who can be heard playing it on Led Zeppelin's "All Of My Love."

Wed Jul 14 12:15:49 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Genuine Basement tapes: Vols 2 & 3 (in spite of multiple versions) pretty much go over the same ground as the official release. On the other hand, “I’m Not There (1956)” off vol 2 is essential. Vols 1, 4 & 5 have the unreleased stuff. It’s so hard to choose that I’d start at Vol 1 and work through as you can afford it. (I’ve played #4 most).

Pete: You’ve reminded me that “Muleskinner” is written on a creased dog-eared postcard I carry round to record fairs.

Wed Jul 14 12:14:39 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

PETE RIVARD: Like dad, like daughter. You have every reason to be proud! Congrats to your daughter..and all the best for her future.

Wed Jul 14 06:32:18 CEST 1999

Ragtime

Hey Pete

I'm usually very very proud of my own daughters (& sincerely believe I have many reasons to be), but this little girl of yours...

you make me very very jealous... :-)

Wed Jul 14 03:17:21 CEST 1999

Paul Godfrey

Bones...David P mentions Emmylou. Back to the RCO Album party. Is my memory working ok? Emmylou was there right? You see many times Forest had me running in to town to get more hamburgers or over to Bearsville to get more beer. Even picked up a station wagon load of fire extinguishers that we placed strategically thru the woods....just in case. Man, in any other spot you would never have been able to get a fireworks permit for an event like that. Only in Woodstock you say!

Wed Jul 14 01:21:37 CEST 1999

Pete Rivard

Clarence White also played on the superb "Muleskinner" album with Bill Keith (banjo), David Grisman (mandolin) and Richard Greene (violin), one of the central early 70's projects to bridge the gap between what was traditional bluegrass and what was to become "newgrass" or "acoustic nouveau" and or "dawg music" (named after David "Dawg" Grisman [who, by the way, is a huge "Sergeant Bilko" fan and is reported to have every episode on tape, which he is said to view at the breakfast table each morning].) Anyway, "Opus 57 in G minor" is the classic cut from that Muleskinner album, and Clarence White just rips this guitar solo that sounds like he's channeling Django and Doc simultaneously.

On the Band front, we here in the Twin Cities have this 13 yr. old blues chanteuse named Shannon Curfman who covers "The Weight" and, sorry to say, just slaughters it, sacrificing lyrical content for blues growls, moans and wails. Imagine the girl who trashes a kitchen in the "this is your brain on drugs" commercial,and you get the idea.

Finally, on a happier, and prouder note, I am pleased to report that my 15 year old daughter just made her first $100 as a musician doing some session work for a movie score here in Minneapolis. Her old man was hired to lay down some banjo and squeezebox for a Ken Burns-ish documentary and I brought her along to show her what a studio session was like. So she brought her flute along to practice during some of the interminable waiting periods, and the producer heard her. When he found out she could play by ear, he haued her out to the piano, played some lines, she nailed 'em on the first try, and he slapped some headphones on her and stuck her in the booth! The topper was when she had to take a break and phone up her high school music teacher/orchestra director. Told him she couldn't make her lesson that afternoon because she "was gonna be in the studio, tracking all afternoon."

Wed Jul 14 01:16:49 CEST 1999

Freddy Fishstick

Heard "Georgia on My Mind" this afternoon on Radio Margaritaville. The DJ wrongly identified it as being from Moondog Matinee. To continue the thread courtesy of JB

In one ear and out the other Don't you get criss-crossed I recommend you try a little Mental floss

Tue Jul 13 23:13:05 CEST 1999

David Powell

Emmylou Harris of course provides a link between Gram Parsons and The Band. This past Saturday night, Emmylou hosted & performed during the televised segment of the Grand Ole Opry broadcast live from Nashville. Emmylou & her band, which included Buddy & Julie Miller, were joined onstage with Rodney Crowell for a moving performance of the song "Wheels," written by Gram Parsons & Chris Hillman. The Opry segment that night also featured a rare performance by June Carter Cash.

After Gram Parsons & Chris Hillman left the Byrds, following the release of "Sweetheart Of The Rodeo," they formed the seminal country rock band, the Flying Burrito Brothers. Who can forget their classic first album, "The Gilded Palace of Sin," which featured the Burritos decked out in sequined Nudie suits, posing with a couple of comely young ladies. Gram's jacket was decorated with several big ole marijauna leaves, in a fashion statement that linked traditional country music with a new era.

Tomorrow marks the sad anniversary of the death of guitarist Clarence White. Clarence was killed on July 14, 1973 after being struck by a drunk driver while loading equipment following a gig in Palmdale, California. Clarence started out as an incredible, flat-picking bluegrass guitarist. He later became an accomplished electric guitarist as well, playing on many recording sessions for groups that included the Byrds. He later joined the Byrds following the departures of Gram Parsons & Chris Hillman from the group. Clarence, along with Byrds' drummer Gene Parsons (no relation to Gram) invented a mechanism for the Fender Telecaster guitar called the B-string bender. This device duplicated the sound of a pedal steel by raising the pitch of the guitar string when the guitarist pulled down on the strap. This would later become one of the distinctive sounds of country rock music as others began using the string-bender, including Bernie Leadon, who played with both the Eagles & the Burritos. One of Clarence White's orignal string-benders was purchased from Clarence's widow by Marty Stuart. It's the thick-bodied Tele custom with the peace sign decal that Marty often uses onstage. Marty of course covered The Band's "The Shape I'm In" on his debut album.

I got to see Clarence perform on two occasions with the Byrds. Both times I somehow conned my way backstage (that's another story) and got to watch from the side. I got to briefly speak to the various members of the group and Clarence & Gene came across as very down to earth guys. Clarence was an incredibly gifted guitarist that I sorely miss. I surely would have loved to have heard him play with The Band. Farther along Lord we'll understand why.

Tue Jul 13 22:28:20 CEST 1999

Dexy

There's another pretty solid Gram / Band link: Emmylou. The Band really should be on this Parsons tribute CD, along with Elvis Costello and Emmylou.

Tue Jul 13 22:21:16 CEST 1999

Gene

Harry, many thanks for establishing a Gram Parsons - Band link, thus keeping Jan happy. Since I started all this Gram Parsons hoopla, let me say that I like the Eagles tune, "My Man" from On The Border, a tribute to Gram.

Tue Jul 13 21:08:27 CEST 1999

Bones

To Mr. Viney: Please don't tease me! Just the thought of a new major label release gets me all giddy. Why don't they accompany it with a video release of the same show.

Thanks Lars for your post. I love to hear Band memories.

Tue Jul 13 21:00:24 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Some magazine this last month mentioned that "Country Honk" off "Let it Bleed" was the Gram Parsons remix of "Honky Tonk Women". Accurate description. I was genuinely asking about The Eagles, BTW, rather than protesting. I was never into them, but Don Henley on the DVD hold his own with almost anyone.

Tue Jul 13 20:59:05 CEST 1999

merlin

heard a pre-release of Rick's new album, "live on breeze hill" excelent quality and a hell of a band. including garth,randy, the professor, jim weider, bones malone, lenny pickett, jim heines and roger mason. I'm told it will be available in august. {in time for Yasgur's farm}

Tue Jul 13 20:49:11 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Gotcha Mr. Viney..in one ear and out the other. And speaking of that..didn't the Cate Brothers do a tune called 'In one eye and out the other'? Or perhaps that was the Red Hot Chili Peppers? Geez.. I need a vacation :-)

Tue Jul 13 20:48:11 CEST 1999

Harry

Peter: I wouldn't dream of telling anyone who to listen to or to like and, yes, I too, prefer GP to ole Hank in terms of being able to take the unbearable sadness a little easier from Parsons than you can from a Hank Williams, Sr. or a Billie Holiday...that being said, I would say there is a fairly equal amount of GP wanting to be a Rolling Stone and KRichards wanting to be a C&W "sanger", like his first musical icon (sic), Roy Rogers. I enjoy the fact that Richards recorded at Mr. Helm's studio when the "original" Elvis Presley band (truncated) cut some tunes there a year or so ago. I can just imagine the "Dartford Cowboy" getting a real, down home lesson from the "Marvell Marvel."

Tue Jul 13 18:55:35 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Rumours: A little bird tells me (or should that be Little Birdies tell me) of a hinted Capitol Records, August release of a new CD with the title “Woodstock” by The Band? Does anyone have any confirmation + info on this? Let’s hope it’s 1969. Three tracks have already appeared on the 4CD 25th Anniversary Woodstock collection (The Weight, Long Black Veil, Loving You). This means that they’ve got the tapes & they’ve got the quality. And that “Watkins Glen” proved to be a worthwhile exercise.

Lil, we’ve all seen Mr Exclamation Mark before. Put-downs are the name of his game. In one ear and out the other. Hmm, good title for a Butterfield album.

Gram Parsons wasn’t Hank Williams Snr (I hate to say it, but I prefer Gram Parsons for everyday listening), but Keith Richard wanted to be Gram Parsons for a while. And at least Gram wasn’t Hank Williams Jnr (anyone recall “If The South Would of (sic) Won”, a song singularly lacking in the humanity of “Dixie”). Speaking of which, the new “Return of The Grievous Angel” is a great tribute album. Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams with David Crosby + The Cowboy Junkies stand out immediately, but it’s like the best of tributes. You like it so much you go back and enjoy the originals again. Then the tributes. then the originals. Harry mentions The Eagles. I see that the “The Very Best of …” album has just passed “Thriller” in (one of ) the best-selling albums of all time list. That makes it #1. I pretty much let The Eagles pass me by as car radio fodder over the years, but since getting the “Hell Freezes Over” DVD, I’m really enjoying them again. Is this a bad thing? Should I stop now?

Though this week I’m totally lost to Macy Gray’s “On How Life Is.” Every track on her album sounds like a potential single. Soul for late 60s / early 70s soul fans with just enough of a 90s feel.

Tue Jul 13 15:37:48 CEST 1999

Harry

To Gene from Dutchess county: Your right, Gram Parsons wasn't Hank Williams Sr. or Elvis Presley; nevertheless, the Eagles were no Gram Parsons and they seem to get the mantle of the "country rock" kings, don't they (measured by record sales, only)? GP's limited recording career is totally surpassed by his amazing influence on many diverse musicians playing very in many different "categories." Band relativity - they appeared at a "tribute" concert for Mr. Parsons held in Maryland in 1974 with a bunch of other "country rock" luminaries, including the incredible Clarence White "playing his 'silver stringed guitar'"...

Tue Jul 13 14:36:48 CEST 1999

Yep

Hey people, I want to get a bootleg copy of one of the Basment Tapes volumes (1-5). At this stage I've only got money enough for one. I've read the article on this site which analyses all five volumes. Any suggestions as to which volume I should get first? Does anyone have a particular favourite out of all the volumes? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

Tue Jul 13 11:14:14 CEST 1999

Freddy Fishstick

Moses: For the record the "boot" is Royal Albert Rags. I paid $20.00 for it at a place in Greenwich Village. Never claimed I was holy, but did enjoy your post. Now I understand why Moses never made it into the Promised land.

Tue Jul 13 08:41:15 CEST 1999

A Little Annoyed

Diamond Lil:

I agree with you completely! I am starting to get a little fed up with the nasty, sarcastic comments that come through here sometimes when a person makes a simple statement. The caretaker of this site made this guestbook so people could share their feelings on The Band, or communicate with other fans of the group. There is no need for the nasty attitude over a simple comment, in any case. Remember what mom used to tell ya, "If ya don't have anything nice to say, don't say ANYTHING at all."

Tue Jul 13 04:16:44 CEST 1999

Wolle

Hallo Leute, ich muß leider in Deutsch schreiben, da mein Englisch nicht so Gut ist.Frage : Kann mir jemand sagen wann The Band außer 1996, schon mal Concerte gaben in Deutschland ? Grüße alle The Band Fans Worldwide Wolle

Tue Jul 13 04:03:33 CEST 1999

Pat Brennan

Lil, no need to get riled. Posts like those belonging to ! and Moses are merely attempts at humor, with emphasis on the word "attempts."

Tue Jul 13 03:21:39 CEST 1999

Lars

Welcome home, Freddy. I enjoyed your post.

At the risk of getting off the subject, I was thinking today about what Band/ Band member concert gave me the most pleasant surprise. The concert that had a magic moment for me. You can't plan it, it usually sneaks up on you when you least expect it, but sometimes you hit a special moment when the time stands still and the music goes straight to your heart. And you never forget it.

One night I heard Rick Danko sing "I Shall Be Released" in a falsetto. I closed my eyes and I thought I was hearing Richard.

One night in Vermont Randy was playing bass and Rick (guitar) was sharing a mike with him for "Long Black Veil." Randy was always waiting until the last second before he slid up to the mike to join in the chorus. Rick moved the mike closer to Randy, as if to say "does this help?"

Watching Garth slumped over the organ at Carnegie Hall. He's still alive because his fingers are still playing.

Watching Levon smile at Randy at Woodstock '94. They were both playing drums and a gust of wind blew Levon's hair up (kinda like the old "flat-top" look) and when Levon smiled he looked like he was eighteen again.

Watching Jimmy Eppard give one of his "soft screams" during a Crowmatix show.

Listening to Jim Weider's lead guitar as it gave a long groan in the intro to "The Weight" at Woodstock '94.

Watching "The Last Waltz" and the look on Richard Manuel's face as he looked into the lights, then jumped into the opening line of "The Shape I'm In."

Watching the same movie and watching Robbie play the intro to "Stage Fright."

And, finally, the pick of the night, Rick dancing with his back to the crowd in a smokey little bar in New Paltz. He was doing Sam Cooke's "Chain Gang" and I could see something really big was going on.

Tue Jul 13 03:07:20 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

FREDDY FISHSTICK: Missed you too. Very happy you're home.

MOSES: Remembere the commandment that says 'love thy neighbor'? Shut up..or move...ok?

Apologies....I just can't take this nasty crap anymore.

Tue Jul 13 02:36:49 CEST 1999

Moses

Freddy, Bootlegs are covered under the "Thou shalt not steal" section of the Ten Commandments. If you have trouble reading I suggest you rent the movie in which I am portrayed by Charlton Heston. (Pretty good job he did too!)

Tue Jul 13 00:55:01 CEST 1999

!

Good for you Fred. I just returned from a weekend in GarDanko sing "I Shall Be Released" in a falsetto. I closed my eyes and I thought I was hearing Richard.

One night in Vermont Randy was playing bass and Rick (guitar) was sharing a mike with him for "Long Black Veil." Randy was always waiting until the last second before he slid up to the mike to join in the chorus. Rick moved the mike closer to Randy, as if to say "does this help?"

Watching Garth slumped over the organ at Carnegie Hall. He's still alive because his fingers are still playing.

Watching Levon smile at Randy at Woodstock '94. They were both playing drums and a gust of wind blew Levon's hair up (kinda like the old "flat-top" look) and when Levon smiled he looked like he was eighteen again.

Watching Jimmy Eppard give one of his "soft screams" during a Crowmatix show.

Listening to Jim Weider's lead guitar as it gave a long groan in the intro to "The Weight" at Woodstock '94.

Watching "The Last Waltz" and the look on Richard Manuel's face as he looked into the lights, then jumped into the opening line of "The Shape I'm In."

Watching the same movie and watching Robbie play the intro to "Stage Fright."

And, finally, the pick of the night, Rick dancing with his back to the crowd in a smokey little bar in New Paltz. He was doing Sam Cooke's "Chain Gang" and I could see something really big was going on.

Tue Jul 13 03:07:20 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

FREDDY FISHSTICK: Missed you too. Very happy you're home.

MOSES: Remembere the commandment that says 'love thy neighbor'? Shut up..or move...ok?

Apologies....I just can't take this nasty crap anymore.

Tue Jul 13 02:36:49 CEST 1999

Moses

Freddy, Bootlegs are covered under the "Thou shalt not steal" section of the Ten Commandments. If you have trouble reading I suggest you rent the movie in which I am portrayed by Charlton Heston. (Pretty good job he did too!)

Tue Jul 13 00:55:01 CEST 1999

!

Good for you Fred. I just returned from a weekend in Gary Indiana. It was awesome.

This guestbook is getting sillier each day...

Tue Jul 13 00:09:24 CEST 1999

Freddy Fishstick

Have returned from the Holy Land after 2 weeks incommunicado. I visited Tiberias by the Sea of Galilee and have returned sans harp but with a special gift for a good friend on the move. We visited Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Eilat, Masada, the Golan Heights and Mt. Sinai. I can't say I stood on the rock where Moses stood, but I was close. Most of the trip had me Jubilant, but it is good to be back home. I took 1 bootleg CD to not lose complete touch with The Band. Missed you Lil. Shalom to all.

Mon Jul 12 20:46:23 CEST 1999

CHEEEEEEEEEEEE - YEEEAOOOWW ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Mon Jul 12 19:38:52 CEST 1999

HEY NANDINI

Take a picture of THIS

Mon Jul 12 19:12:43 CEST 1999

Nandini (Holy Cow bestower)

Anyone have any more details on the Danko/Red Hot Chilli Peppers gig? Did Rick strip down to his undies? Did anyone get any photos or tape it?

Mon Jul 12 18:52:50 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Dave Z: Thanks for posting that wonderful piece. The first time I read it, I felt as if I was there. The second time I read it..I wished I was. Beautifully written Dave!

Mon Jul 12 17:46:40 CEST 1999

Dave Z

I’m jealous Jonathan K... Nice review of the Danko Columbia, MD show... I get a little sad when I keep seeing posts about Rick at the lake, or Garth polkas, or Levon and friends in NY... Anyway, I’m sitting here at this keyboard, scrolling downward to the depths of a serious vacation-comedown-blues... And an occasional flame followed by defensive counter flames... Just searching for some hope for those of us who can’t get to the lake... When I drift off into a daydream while a sad song plays in the background... "Think of all the dreams that are brewed in a coffee pot. And they always seem so real, but you know they’re not. For the only truth tonight is the one you’ve got. When..."

All of a sudden, I’m on the Carolina Coast in Mom’s kitchen looking at newly discovered old photos of my great grandparents taken in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s... And pondering a family mystery... My great grandfather was a Methodist minister from Nebraska who as an infant was frozen on a stagecoach ride into a fetal-knees-to-the-chest position from which he never recovered. Turns out he married a childhood friend in a moving-car-ceremony because he was too embarrassed to stand at the altar. The childhood friend was first married to a prominent doctor but tragically lost to pneumonia in a short span of time both an infant and then her husband... I am looking at a series of photos of this young couple maybe in their 20’s, and she is extremely beautiful. I had only known the tired old senile woman when I was a small child... I am wondering how this beautiful woman and a crippled minister could have hooked up... And created the crazy broad that became my grandmother... As I quickly finger through the last few photos like a dealer shuffling a deck of cards, I see my great grandma’s eyes appear to move and look at me in the form of a stranger’s familiar face... On the back of the last photo it says Hastings, NB... Spooked I jump and bang the PC keyboard as I awake from my daydream. And then go blind after lifting my head and staring right into the table light... When my head clears and my vision starts to come back, I realize it may have been piano keys that I indirectly hit because I am leaning against an old piano in what looks like a coffee shop. The girl singing glances my way, and for an instant resembles my great grandma from the photo. That’s when it all comes back to me, and I realize or rather remember that a humble GBer named Pete Rivard did not tell the whole story of my visit to see his band, the Rivertown Rats, play... Play the Band like that...

I’m in a long narrow coffee shop with couches up front on the left upon entering, leading to a long counter serving bar on the right followed by restrooms and finally to a claustrophobic area of round tables and chairs, and a tiny stage – far from the entrance and worlds away from what’s outdoors... I’m sitting up front left near he stage and wallflowering it against an old piano... Right behind me is a soundboard and soft lounge type chair in which it seemed to me an endless stream of different people would sit throughout the night... Occasionally Pete would yell something like "Hey, quit making out and turn up number 7 all the way." I got here by... Well you partly know... But I took a right off 61 right before the Mississippi River in Hastings, MN... Of course I got lost and took a left under the overpass, glanced at the river then turned around and eventually found this place called Professor Java’s...

I don’t know a soul here... But I did meet Pete for some small talk just before the female singer, Lisa Kane, warms up the crowd for what turns out to be a family reunion... Pete informed me she graciously agreed to share the billing for what was supposed to be her night... Lisa is hitting her acoustic axe in a trance like a female Neil Young doing Sugar Mountain in Rust Never Sleeps... And spewing out poetry in songs called "Fine With Me", "Sage" and "Feel Me Waiting"... She appeared kinda shy with that 90’s is 60’s feel of heavy boots and curled brown hair in her eyes. I bought her CD "Old Strings & All" from her during a break... And later read the story about "Sage" on the sleeve cover. A story of how a sage bush saves a woman and child. It made me flash back to my great grandparents and stories of people they took into their house... Later the Rivertown Rats would welcome her up twice to join the band. Only the second time she gave in and then gave up some great backup vocals... Towards the end of her set, I find myself waiting in line for the place where you deposit used apricot and Japanese green tea, and a small boy is taking his time making all kinds of weird noises that sound like screams or don Genaro sounds (Yeah. I’m still reading Carlos). The guy behind me asks what’s taking so long. He’s got kinda an old bikers in black Grizzly Adams look going, and turns out to be the steel pedal guitarist. I think the boy in the restroom was from the Rivard litter.

As the Rivertown Rats take the stage I scan the crowd... There’s a group from maybe Texas that’s pulled a couple a tables together... A lot of older folks it seems... An older biker looking dude with a bandana on head sitting next to a farmer in blue cap and shirt with the top button fastened, and they look ironically similar... A quiet girl who maybe came with Lisa, a real tall Bill Walton looking type guy with long black hair, and an older young woman who maybe had some fun in the 60’s and was doing some funky kind of raise the left elbow before you clap type move... And then there’s a bunch a kids... Pete had told me the band hadn’t played together for 1 and 1/2 years and this was a reunion... Pete would play electric guitar, an accordion Garth would have been proud of, and a funky looking electric banjo (5 string fender?) – think car spokes and motorcycle wires with a single star on its face. Afterwards I wondered why I never heard a banjo in the Band’s music. I fantasize that maybe the only excuse could be that Robbie or Levon couldn’t have played it better than some Danko relative, and therefore stuck to what they knew best... Pete blew me away with his banjo playing and solos on songs like "Sultans of Swing" and "Brown-Eyed Girl" but I loved his accordion on some sad Irish song, which I later found out he wrote called "Into The West". I also liked their version of "Downtown Train" in which the band elevates their sound from low to loud and goosebumps like Van doing "Caravan". The pedal steel guitar player Malcolm Cox made beautiful colored sounds in Garth like fashion, and at one point the lead singer turned around and said "Did you hear that lick?" I am trying to recall if Richard played the pedal steel guitar in TLW. Or was it something else. I’m not a musician, and I didn’t have Serge with me in the audience, so my apologies. The lead singer Steve Krum played acoustic guitar, shared songwriting duties with Pete, and was wearing some cool white alligator boots and a tropical shirt. A regular Curly from the Three Stooges. This guy was great. An extravert who I thought I overheard someone say you would have to kill to get the boots off. Pete said he moved to Arizona for some great technology type job I think. And hence the reunion. He sang some great bluegrass Lou Reed, a song about the Northern Lights, and Greg Brown’s "Who Woulda Thunk It?" which fit the band perfectly. During their version of "The Weight", which they played with a cool slower timing, Steve sang the first "And" and then tried to hold it in vain waiting for the others who didn’t sing their "Ands" and instead laughed. He later sang some bluesy Kansas City type song which got some woman up front all hot n’ bothered in a good loud way. I also recollect some hilarious song about some double happy cigar, which I felt like I had smoked. The bass player Gary McAlpin really held it all together and had a nice solo on "Brown-Eyed Girl" (I think everybody had a solo on this one).

Then in true Band like fashion, they invited various other characters from the audience to join in the fun... There was some big teddy bear looking disheveled blond dude who came up out of the audience and after hugging everyone and receiving cheers sat in on organ... Then at one point while working on my third Sprecher Root Beer (Is this not truly the best beer out of Milwaukee Sundog?), this guy jumps on stage in a blue sundress, and everyone sings Happy Birthday... Then the band yells “Give him a free CD” and kicks into this funky tune and starts singing about him... I later noticed that the title of the CD was "Blue Sundress", which I bought from Pete... Then as I am sitting there nervously hoping someone is not going to ask me to man the sound board and turn up number 4, I notice an Arlo Guthrie young looking type dude, who earlier had maintained the Group W soundboard, jump up on stage with an electric guitar... The band had earlier introduced him as Memphis Evans from Northfield, MN and a band called Urban Rust... He was calling for a lyrics sheet from the crowd. I reached over to the chair next to mine and passed up some sheets of paper to the gray-haired hippie elbow clapping chick, and watched in amazement as the band performed "Up On Cripple Creek"... For a brief moment I flashed to a thought of whether or not I had seen a photo of my great grandpa in the hills of Tennessee... It was then it registered in me that there was no drummer in the band even though the song sounded great... I have always loved a quality of Levon’s drumming which to me sounds like someone tripping in the garage and knocking over pans which crash over boxes and car parts in a random like fashion that would make you say "That’s cool." Anyway, their version of "Cripple Creek" was kinda country too, and felt to me like the second version of "Forever Young" compared to the first version on Dylan’s Planet Waves... Memphis then sang one of his own songs, an eleven minute dream piece with groovy guitar solos and hilarious lyrics. I know it was eleven minutes long because Pete warned us and timed for us... Then in the loose time between songs, I notice this skinny little short blond haired girl who looked maybe thirteen or fourteen walk up to the stage... Then get on the stage... Then start playing flute with the band... It turns out it was Pete’s daughter Terri, and she would receive the loudest applause... And would later return when the band played "Tupelo Honey"... Awesome...

So now I’m sitting here holding an empty styrophone cup which is picking up weird vibrations from the band. And my foot hurts from too much tapping... And I notice a woman videotaping the show... It’s been 4 hours or so since the music started and the band warns us there’s a few more... Lisa is invited back at one point... The band plays their signature tune "The Song of the Rivertown Rats"... And somewhere in here, Pete introduces the owner of the coffee shop... And just when I think I have seen it all, the band kicks into Little Feet’s "Willin" with the coffee shop owner on vocals... I later learned he was Steve Cox related to the pedal steel guitarist Malcolm somehow... At this point, I remember Garth’s words in TLW, and I am thinking that I’ve definitely been healed by the music tonight... That’s when the lead singer encores by himself with an acoustic guitar and a new song about Monica Seles getting stabbed... Or something... When he is done, and everyone is filing out, I look for Pete to say goodbye, but decide not to disturb him once I see him in the front row rockin’ a sleeping boy in his arms... So I hit the road to a rainy night, and drive west out to Chaska passing the Koch Refinery on the way, and listening to Robbie and Aaron sing "Crazy Love" from my "Phenomenon" CD.

And then I come out of this daydream hearing my wife say "Come to bed". When she sees my typing she says with a smile on her face "You shoulda called me that night before you left." "I was worried you were kidnapped by some crazed internet banjo player, and headed for Arizona." In the background, my CD player is still playing that sad song. "Think of all the dreams that are brewed in a coffee pot. And they always seem so real, but you know they’re not. For the only truth tonight is the one you’ve got. When the river rats are gone and the coffee’s cold."

Thanks Pete. Let me know when you get the musical done... Once again, my apologies if this is too long...

Mon Jul 12 16:44:57 CEST 1999

David Powell

There are similar incidents in both the careers of Moby Grape & that of The Band relating to the motion picture documentaries of two historic concert events.

The 1967 Monterey Pop Festival helped introduce Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who and Otis Redding to newer & larger audiences when footage of the performances of these artists was included in the subsequent motion picture. Moby Grape was originally slated to perform at Monterey on the Saturday night before Otis. The group's original manager got into a dispute with Lou Adler, one of the festival's principals, over a demand of a large sum of money for the rights to film the Grape. As a result, the band's performance was rescheduled at sunset on Friday, before a smaller audience, and footage of that performance was not included in the original motion picture version.

Two years later, the original Woodstock Festival helped introduce many artists to wider audiences when footage of their performances were included in the movie of that event. For reasons that vary depending on the source, the footage of The Band's performance at Woodstock was not included in the film of the event.

Mon Jul 12 13:34:34 CEST 1999

Brown-Eyed Johnny

I saw the J. Geils Band on Saturday, and they were awesome. It got me to thinking that it is time for the Band to get it together and give a concert people can talk about.

Mon Jul 12 11:01:16 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

PEPPER: Yikes...you are right! The Chili Bros. Or maybe it was Dr. Pepper.... :-)

Mon Jul 12 04:32:22 CEST 1999

Pepper

Hey LIL, I think you meant the Chili Bros. unless that is Tony Medeiros posing as "Flea"(yeah I know Tony doesnt play bass but I dont know the name of the Chili Bros. bass player)! We dont want to boggle the readers minds with the thought of Rick playing with the Red Hot Chili Peppers....althought I saw Rick play with Del Fuegos...that was a little different...he actually was on one of their tracks...but thats another story!

Mon Jul 12 02:44:16 CEST 1999

Mary

Before any one answers my question about Rick playing in Roslyn, I found out from a friend that it was cancelled. Looks like Pollstar doesn't get evrerything right. Guess you have to call and check it out for yourself. Well, anyway I didn't miss him and will probably head up to the turning point in two weeks.

Sun Jul 11 22:47:42 CEST 1999

Harry

Re: What they do now as opposed to what the boys did during the late 60s' to mid 70's - I know Jan's Website is devoted to "The Band"; but it is certainly not a timecapsule. LH's roots lay in the deep blues of the Mississippi Delta and him and his buddies do play that music as well as anyone living. I'd travel many miles to see Levon & the Classics play a tune I've heard a million times because of the sheer joy the music creates in the audience and the players. Butch - thanks again for your friendship and love of the music. "Sometimes when I get to howling real loud, Well, they call me Too Bad Jim." M. Morganfield "When we went in the studio to cut, we didn't go in to cut no "blues record" or no "jazz" or no "Rhythm & Blues", we just went in to (play music)cut." Paraphrased from interview with Mac Rebennack

Sun Jul 11 21:58:32 CEST 1999

Chris Morris

Thank you, Levon, for doing what you want to do and getting on with your career - if I want to hear Up On Cripple Creek for the 10,000th time, I'll put on the Brown Album!

Sun Jul 11 17:48:32 CEST 1999

Bones

To Paul Godfrey: I have wondered the same thing. Either Levon did not read his book before it went to the printer or he refused to remember the good times with Robbie. Certainly, the RCO party was one of the good times. You could tell there was a bond between those two guys that went beyond good friendship.

Sun Jul 11 17:40:39 CEST 1999

Pat Brennan

So, I pulled out my copy of Moby Grape's first album...and it's too warped to play. But, off the top of my head, Omaha, Hey Grandma, 8:05, Naked If I Want, Come In The Morning...that's pretty good. The hype is another story. Plus, all you Deadheads should check it out because it's the obvious blueprint for what they turned into.

Sun Jul 11 16:12:04 CEST 1999

Gene

Moby Grape has come to symbolize the hype and excesses of the music industry in the late 60s and probably rightly so. It's true that Moby Grape wasn't not Buffalo Springfield but, then again, Peter Green wasn't Eric Clapton and Gram Parsons wasn't (add whoever you like here)...but isn't our collective musical library all the richer because we have them all? I know that I want all of the above in my collection. Mr Viney is stating a valid opinion. I just wanted to state mine, Moby Grape was pretty good. Now, I'm finished. Peace

Sun Jul 11 14:46:44 CEST 1999

Mary

I was just curious, Went into Pollstar and saw that Rick played Friends of a Farmer, Friday evening in Roslyn. It wasn't posted, Did any one go? Is Jan on vaca? Anyway, I live ten minutes away and didn't know What a bummer!!!!

Sun Jul 11 13:51:37 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Moby Grape: I was slightly surprised not have been pulled up on this one before. I was talking about the Rock Machine compilations which introduced so many artists to a new audience. Moby Grape is represented here solely by “Can’t Be So Bad” which is mainly a very typical fast guitar romp of its day. It does have an interesting touch in the quiet passages with horns, and the acapella bit with horns coming in, but it’s not “The Weight.” Bands that have survived 30 years as critics’ favourites like Moby Grape and Love must have something major going for them. With Moby Grape and Love (and for that matter Nirvana much later), I just failed to get what was so fantastic. I don’t dislike them, they just don’t knock me out.

Richard Patterson: Hi-fi is probably a huge turn-off to many here, but I like to answer direct questions. No Linn gear. NAD record deck. Listening to movie sound and listening to music CDs requires different set-ups to get the best out of each. Slightly esoteric British Myrad CD and amp + Mission speakers for hi fi. A Yamaha A1 with a mixture of Mission and MK gear for surround sound, with a small amp switching unit to cut between the Yamaha and Myrad. My office system is Quad and Bostons. If you want to know exact set-ups, e-mail me!

Sun Jul 11 11:35:38 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

After reading the post by 'lover of The Band', it got me thinking about all the various configurations of The Band that I've been privileged to see over the years. There was The Band..the 5 original members. There was Levon and The Cates, Levon and Garth, Levon..Rick..and Richard, Levon and Rick.

I attended shows by Rick completely solo and acoustic, Rick and Richard, Rick and Garth, Rick and Levon. Not to mention Rick with...well...everyone. There was Jorma Kaukonen, Paul Butterfield, Kinky Friedman, Ronee Blakely, Eric Andersen, Jonas Fjeld (never did however catch DFA), John Prine, Emmylou Harris, Ringo's All-Starrs with Levon, John Sebastian, Blondie Chaplin, Sredni Vollmer, Maude Hudson (yes..Garth's wife), Dr. John with Richard and Rick, The red hot chili peppers, Marie Spinosa, Aaron Hurwitz, Rick..Levon..and Dylan (Lone Star Cafe, NY 1983), Jules Shear, Carlene Carter, Cindy Cashdollar, both Happy and Artie Traum, not to mention Jimmy, Richard, and Randy. And I know there are many more that I just can't even think of right now.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I think for The Band members, it hasn't been about The Band for more years than alot of us would even like to think about. The Band, for all intents and purposes, ceased being The Band more than 20 years ago. Since then, it's been about the music, and perhaps also keeping busy and doing what they love to do. No, it's not what we remember, and sometimes not even what we want to hear...but it's the way it's all evolved over the years.

Lover of The Band: Blues may not be your thing, and it's not the Levon we all remember and wish we could have back again..but the fact that he's happy and having fun counts for alot. We have the albums, the cassettes, the cd's to remember how it was...and I'm grateful for that. I'm also grateful that Rick, Levon, Garth, and Robbie are still with us...in whatever way they choose.

Thanks for listening.

Sun Jul 11 04:59:37 CEST 1999

kar-en dean

your music is just what i need for a peaceful ride to the coast. i am grateful for your concern for LEONARD PELTIER and all you have done to get the word out, yes, LEONARD,is still in prison for those of you who don't have a clue. when will you be in the oregon area? we look forward. EARTHS BLESSINGS. WALK SOFTLY UPON OUR MOTHER EARTH.

Sun Jul 11 02:50:11 CEST 1999

Lover of the Band

LEVON: I'd like to thank you for all the music you and your Bandmates made. You made the best sounds I ever heard, anywhere, any time. No other band touched me like your Band, RCO, and the the Cromatix. I tried to make as many shows as I could because nothing good lasts forever. I wanted to take in all the rock music I could while I had the chance.

Last week in Bearsville it finally sunk in: you have moved on to other music. That's your right. I wish you all the best with it. You gave us all you could. I will remember you.

Sun Jul 11 02:38:58 CEST 1999

Lover of the Band

Sun Jul 11 02:19:58 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Linda..Jonathan Katz...thanks.

And to 747: What we're "dealing" with is a long time Band friend/manager who's nice enough to post about upcoming concerts. He deserves our thanks.

Sat Jul 10 22:57:36 CEST 1999

747

"no special guests, except Garthy-poo might stop in, & Scott Healy will be on piano again,,, what a player he is,,, all we need is BONES & Howard Johnson, eh ??? anyway, for a night of the blues come on down,, now or august,,, thanks for asking,,, butch ' Garthy-Poo? Christ Look at what we are dealing with! Garthy-Poo!, eh!

Sat Jul 10 22:34:19 CEST 1999

Sharon

I hope The Band plays sometime soon in the New York/New Jersey area. Anyone know any upcoming dates?

Sat Jul 10 22:28:39 CEST 1999

Sharon

Your Web site is Great!

Sat Jul 10 21:12:26 CEST 1999

Tami Chandler

I enjoy the Band and your web site -- best wishes to Levon from Arkansas...Hi to Dennis and Wanda in NY....

Sat Jul 10 20:48:03 CEST 1999

Jonathan Katz

Thank you all for your posts on the Roxy show. I have a tape [compliments of another fine Band fan] of Danko at the Roxy dated 3/1/78 [don't know if there were other dates at the Roxy]. [Who knows whether that is accurate?] The songs on the tape are:

Sip The Wine

New Mexico

This Wheel's On Fire

Stage Fright

The Shape I'm In

The Weight

Once upon a Time

What A Town

Also playing are Garth, Richard, and Levon, but there is no mention of Robbie and the guitar does not sound like Robbie. Of course someone mentioned that Robbie sat in late in the evening - maybe after the taper had run out of tape. [From the length of the tape that I have, he didn't come with much tape to begin with!] Rick does on this tape call for someone named Rob, but it is in reference to the balance in the PA system and [as Peter Viney mentioned in a post some time ago] it is more likely that Rick was calling for Rob Fraboni than Robbie Robertson. Too bad I didn't get a tape that had more of the show - its a bit ragged at times with a poor mike-ing that drives Rick crazy, and some sloppy playing. But its a fun tape to listen to, with some good moments. This is the tape that I asked Rick to sign recently when he was here in Columbia, making it one of my absolute favs [so flame me - I'm an uncritical fan at heart!]. So thanks all of you for the additional info on the concert!

P.S. A belated happy 40th to you Diamond Lil! I've been there, and its not too bad on the other side of 40 - especially with sites like this.

Sat Jul 10 20:12:01 CEST 1999

Linda

To a dynamic , intelligent and powerful friend , Diamond Lil', happy , happy birthday. The world is your oyster.. go get some pearls. love ya,

Sat Jul 10 20:10:03 CEST 1999

Linda

To a dynamic , intelligent and powerful friend , Diamond Lil', happy , happy birthday. The world is your oyster.. go get some pearls. love ya,

Sat Jul 10 20:07:09 CEST 1999

Linda

To a dynamic , intelligent and powerful friend , Diamond Lil', happy , happy birthday. The world is your oyster.. go get some pearls. love ya,

Sat Jul 10 19:08:48 CEST 1999

Gene

Eight-oh-five, I guess you're leaving, goodbye.

Sat Jul 10 19:06:08 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Butch: Appreciate all the information. And I just want to add that hearing that Levon "drums his ass off" and looks happier and healthier than you've seen him in years...is truly music to my ears. Hope I make it there to see him. Thanks again.

Sat Jul 10 18:30:46 CEST 1999

Pat Brennan

Let's not forget that Moby Grape managed to include perhaps the most subversive/sophmoric poster in rock history in the sleeve of their first album.

Sat Jul 10 18:05:40 CEST 1999

butch

Lil,, & others who asked,,, It is Aug 31st in albany,,, Levon & the Barn Burners , AKA The Classics, will be opening for Little Feat, on the Empire State Plaza,,, It Is FREE !!!! Levon & the guys play delta blues,,, Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson, James Cotton,,, & the like,,, they do no band songs,, & Levon drums his ass off, & is happier & healthier than I've seen him, in years,,, Levon is also playing this Sat. night, with the dellas @ The Bearsville Theatre, again,,, no star trips,, no B.S.,, no special guests, except Garthy-poo might stop in, & Scott Healy will be on piano again,,, what a player he is,,, all we need is BONES & Howard Johnson, eh ??? anyway, for a night of the blues come on down,, now or august,,, thanks for asking,,, butch

Sat Jul 10 17:52:08 CEST 1999

John Moores

I was stewing over whether to defend Moby Grape against the usually perceptive Peter Viney, but now I'm going to back up Gene; The Grape were pretty good. NOT, however, as good as the Buffalo Springfield, who share a few similar aspects with the Band.

Sat Jul 10 17:37:38 CEST 1999

Mike

I feel like Rip Van Winkle. Just picked up some Band music the other day to play with some guitar playing friends that I had'nt seen in about 25 years and then found this site on the net. What the hell was I thinking over the last 25 years? Sure missed a lot of good tunes & times. Oh well, I'm awake now & damned glad to be back. Great Band! Great tunes! Great time to be alive!

Sat Jul 10 17:36:32 CEST 1999

Mike

I feel like Rip Van Winkle. Just picked up some Band music the other day to play with some guitar playing friends that I had'nt seen in about 25 years and then found this site on the net. What the hell was I thinking over the last 25 years? Sure missed a lot of good tunes & times. Oh well, I'm awake now & damned glad to be back. Great Band! Great tunes! Great time to be alive!

Sat Jul 10 17:02:26 CEST 1999

Krispy

Just wanted to say thanks to Lil and the kind person that e-mailed me directly for the info on hopefully where I can find the book!

Now, does anybody know if Levon's Cafe is really planning on opening back up? I sure do hope so!

Sat Jul 10 16:56:31 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

John: Levon's show is August 31..empire state plaza..in Albany NY. I believe when Butch posted me mentioned that 'little feat' would also be playing. I also believe it's a free concert.

Which brings me to a question for Butch Dener: Will this be Levon doing Levon/Band stuff...or is it the blues band that just played Bearsville? I'd really like to go and hear Levon just be...well...Levon. Thanks for any info.

Sat Jul 10 16:48:13 CEST 1999

John Donabie

Does anyone have any information about Levon's concert in Albany on the 31st of August...or was it July? Thanks

Sat Jul 10 16:42:51 CEST 1999

John Donabie

Hey Lil!! You never need to apologize for your feelings. It's what makes this site rather unique.

Sat Jul 10 15:55:50 CEST 1999

Alice

I'm The Band fan. But it's not comon we hear their songs on radio. There is just one that once in a while play Band songs. I just sorry living in Brazil, 'cause there are few bands that come play here. About the rest, Brazil is a good place to live in.

Sat Jul 10 12:45:57 CEST 1999

The Ragman

Just got a hold of Randy Newman's "Bad Love." A great record. A while back I read on this guestbook, that the Band should consider doing some of Newman's songs. I too felt that with "Good Old Boys." But Newman's songs (where he adopts another character, etc.) don't ring true and don't work for other performers. All of Newman's musical revues have flopped here due to that. He's not really true to his character's voices. He wants to be funny, controversial and shocking. More important than truth? A redneck wouldn't necessarily sing "I don't know my ass from a hole in the ground", just as a peformer might not sing "I'm dead but I don't know it." He doesn't KNOW. Some of Newman's song work well for other artists; Marie, Guilty, to name a few. But really, do we really want to hear Levon singing "My Country?" It boggles the mind!

Sat Jul 10 12:45:02 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Krispy: Hi..and thanks. Try (www.barnesandnoble.com)..I've had very good luck with alot of out of prints books from them. I thought about trying to give you a link to it ( I kinda sorta know how to do it), but trust me when I say that Jan is crazy enough right now without having to deal with me playing with html codes again :-)

Sat Jul 10 06:07:44 CEST 1999

Blind Willie McTell

Good to see the Band fans of Toronto supporting The Band through thick and thin.

Please drop by this autumn.

Sat Jul 10 05:24:32 CEST 1999

Anthony Frazer

I was just reading Weberman's Dylanology site - the few times I've been there I don't know whether to come out feeling pity or rage for the guy. Anyway, part of his diatrbe consisted of a story abou Rick Danko being busted for heroin in Japan in 1997. Is thre any truth to this? The Band have always seemd to me to put forward a comparitively "non-drugs" Or am I just being too naieve?

Sat Jul 10 04:41:16 CEST 1999

Krispy

(((Lil))) Sounds like you could use a hug, so there's one for you. Happy Birthday! And what you wrote to John brought a tear to my eye - indeed "too soon gone". Does anybody have any idea where I may be able to find a copy of "This Wheel's on Fire"? I have Amazon and the other book site Jan has listed in the Merchandise section, but since it's out of print, I'm not holding much hope of them coming up with it. And help would be greatly appreciated!

Sat Jul 10 03:50:13 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Thanks Tracy...couldn't find any documentation of the juno awards date. Appreciate it.

Friends just left....but the liquor sure does linger. Thanks again to everyone who helped make this bitter-sweet day just a little more bearable. Not only the big 4-0 thing, but what would've been my 17th wedding anniversary as well. I got through it though. Always try and land on my feet here.

And in memory of my husband John, who was truly 'too soon gone'...I love you and I always will.

No more personal stuff from Lil folks. I shot my load today. Now....back to The Band.

Sat Jul 10 03:09:57 CEST 1999

Gene

I've been thinking about this for a while and I know I'll be phlamed but, actually, Moby Grape was pretty good. Sorry, but it's true. There were a lot of worse bands.

Sat Jul 10 01:49:58 CEST 1999

John Donabie

Does anyone know anything about the best of The Band volume 2 from Rhino?

Sat Jul 10 01:48:11 CEST 1999

John Donabie

Saw Levon in "End of The Line" the other night. Noticed at the end of the film a thank you to then Govenor Bill Clinton in the credits. Clinton was the character in the film that was head of Southland Railroad

Sat Jul 10 00:45:52 CEST 1999

Paul Godfrey

Bones...just wondering if anyone ever thought that maybe Levon never proof read...or maybe never even read his book? Wonder if every line in the book is taken in perfect context? Just wondering or maybe wandering?

Sat Jul 10 00:35:06 CEST 1999

Tracy

Juno Awards held March 12, 1989.

Tracy

Fri Jul 9 23:45:28 CEST 1999

Richard Patterson

Hey Peter V.; I have been enjoying your posts, and the info you have provided elsewere on this sight is informative and entertaining. I was just reading your review of "Jubilation" and you mentioned your 1st best hi-fi system (as opposed to your car, boom box, or whatever). What is it? I'm guessing you're a Lynn man considering recent references to 5-channel video.

Just wondrin'.

Fri Jul 9 21:00:42 CEST 1999

John Donabie

One last time

Fri Jul 9 20:59:13 CEST 1999

John Donabie

Sorry, just testing a new browser.

Fri Jul 9 20:57:13 CEST 1999

backdoor man

I need live BAND tapes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have scores of live tapes for trade. contact me at krivisky@umich.edu peace love dank

Fri Jul 9 20:53:54 CEST 1999

backdoor man

ATTENTION!!!!!! I need live Band tapes if there is anyone out there who can help me I have scores of live tapes of other psycedelic, folk, rock and blues live tapes for trade. I also have the complete GENUINE Basement tapes (4 tapes) available for trade. Please email me at krivisky@umich.edu.

Fri Jul 9 20:52:50 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Lil's on her way to total inebriation here :-)

llkka, Bones, Peter Viney..thank you. I'm almost overwhelmed here. Too bad all of you can't stop by for a drink.

Peter Viney: Happy Birthday to your son...and a belated happy birthday to you (July 2, yes?). I should've remembered that...same as my bosses. Hope yours was a wonderful one!

Fri Jul 9 20:45:02 CEST 1999

Bones

Thanks, Diamond Lil and Tracy, for the Roxy info. Happy birthday Lil. Paul Godfrey is right about the RCO party. Everything was great. Levon and Robbie hanging out like brothers in '78. Levon's book makes it sound like Robbie was the enemy ever since Stage Fright,which bothers me because it is not true.

Fri Jul 9 20:29:20 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Happy birthday, Lil. July 9th is a great day for a birthday (my son's 21st today).

Fri Jul 9 17:44:24 CEST 1999

Ilkka

Happy Birthday. Lil!

For awhile ago I spent my night first time by the rice field. I woke up to a terrible noise. FROGS!!!! And I remembered that there is a certain person in gb from 'The Frog Capital of the USA' wasn't it so...

So there might be someone, somewhere who remembers You in the middle of the night, without even knowing You...
Those frogs :-)

Fri Jul 9 15:27:07 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Thanks Brown eyes :-) Hope you and Lori enjoy Mayall tonight.And if you're going to raise a glass to me...could you make it a double? Thanks. I need it.

Hey Sundog: Don't ya knowetry..I love good poetry! Thanks for the wishes.

Am curious if anyone knows the actual date in March 89 that the Juno awards took place? (Stan? John Donabie?) Thanks.

Fri Jul 9 13:46:19 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

'Lil, I just walked in the door, Hope to wish you the best, cuz you are so full of zest, but don't take a rest, cuz ya still have to take care of your nest!!! I know, I know, but hey,,, I didn't have time to get to the store, ha ha ha!

Fri Jul 9 13:19:14 CEST 1999

Brown-Eyed Johnny

Lil: Hey, Happy Belated Birthday. Lori and I are going out tonight to see and hear John Mayall and for a few drinks. We'll be sure to lift a glass or two to you.

Fri Jul 9 12:16:22 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

LJT,John Donabie, Ragtime....Thanks. And to my son, one of the nuts that came from the tree...thanks and I love you.And they say women can't keep a secret. Geez...

Just want to mention that I got a birthday call from my very best friend...Freddy Fishstick...who's still thousands of miles away. A voice of comfort and happiness. Sends his regards to everyone...especially Brown Eyed Johnny. Thanks Freddy. Love You.

Fri Jul 9 08:39:44 CEST 1999

Ragtime

Diamond Lil:

"MAY YOU STAY FOREVER YOUNG..."

Fri Jul 9 02:47:11 CEST 1999

John Donabie

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR LILLLL, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

I should be giving you the present. Thanks for the Roxy piece. Hope the kids made dinner.

Fri Jul 9 02:30:39 CEST 1999

Little John Tyler

Diamond Lil:

Happy Birthday to one of the people who makes this site of Jan's such a nice place to visit. 40? Been there, done that, and believe me, it gets better and better. Congratulations!

Fri Jul 9 02:28:02 CEST 1999

Greg

Matt et al: Blue Rodeo is definetly a band worth exploring. They don't cover "Brown Eyed Girl" The song on 'Nowhere to here' is called "Brown Eyed Dog, and is not really one of their best efforts. Check them out, you will like them!

Fri Jul 9 02:27:16 CEST 1999

Dexy

Sorry -- wanted to mention a couple of other things about the Harrison interview (see below). For some reason -- he very very rarely does interviews -- he did this one for an old friend. It's about his favorite '50s influences. Much about John and Paul, and he mentions Paul's upcoming CD, which is all or mainly all old R'n'R classics. The show also apparently had a sneak of one of the new Paul songs. Strangely, George talks about him as if they were still in the same group. It does appear that any personal problems between the three surviving Beatles has been repaired. If you get my point.

Fri Jul 9 02:23:13 CEST 1999

Dexy

There's a very interesting July 5th BBC interview with Bandfan G. Harrison available at www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Limo/9509/george.html Mentioned here for three reasons: 1)George's high-profile and longstanding friendship and appreciation for The Band (and Bob); 2) George recently went through similar (and, I think worse) throat problems to Levon's and here he sounds strong and ready to sing; 3) He's always been my favorite Beatle.

Fri Jul 9 01:35:17 CEST 1999

TSax Man 15

Hey Mom! I want to be the first one to say Happy Birthday to you. And don't worry. 40 wouldn't be that old - if you were a tree ;-)

Fri Jul 9 01:21:26 CEST 1999

Paul Godfrey

Matt K. Robbie was at the RCO party. He did not play. A lot of folks dropped by including John Sebastian and Albert Grossman. Next morning Robbie sat out back with us around what was left of the fire. As mentioned in an earlier posting on this site...Ronnie Hawkins, Levon, Robbie et al autographed a copy of the Before The Flood Sheet music book I have to this day. Everybody got along just fine, laughed, joked and "told lies son!"

Thu Jul 8 23:58:14 CEST 1999

Lee

Diamond Lil: Hey, I didn't know the good Doctor was there. Goes to show that Mac wouldn't miss a good show when in town. I wonder if Danko played more than one night at The Roxy, probably played more than one set. I think it was in '78 that he opened for Bonnie Raitt and also went on a tour with someone who's name escapes me.

Thu Jul 8 21:49:52 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

John Donabie: I have the Rolling Stone article from the Roxy show in 78. Yes it was a Danko show.

"Rick Danko had a sell out concert at the Roxy theatre in LA recently. It also marked the first occassion that Rick and the rest of The Band had played together since their farewell concert over a year and a half ago. Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Richard Manuel, and Garth Hudson all joined Rick onstage during his set at about 2 in the morning. Dr. John was also on hand to play keyboards."

Hope this helps.

Thu Jul 8 21:17:25 CEST 1999

David Powell

Another "Best-Of" collection from The Band? I also noticed that "Jericho" and "High On The Hog" are now part of the Rhino catalog.

Thu Jul 8 21:08:45 CEST 1999

Lee

The tape that is in circulation from The Roxy doesn't feature Robbie Robertson, though, there are 10mins of Rick Danko calling out to the audience and crew for him. The Rolling Stone article had a small photo of Rick and Robbie but who's to say this photo was taken at The Roxy. The pic was in the gossip section anyway.

Thu Jul 8 20:37:36 CEST 1999

Tracy

Nope. It's not folklore John. It was for real. The impromptu reunion took place on March 1, 1978 at the Roxy in L.A. For the most part Levon and Richard joined Rick, then later on Robbie did. It turned out to be a three hour show. There was an article from Rolling Stone that said this too. Only there is no mention of Garth. I'll get out a song list of what's available very soon.

Tracy

Thu Jul 8 19:37:20 CEST 1999

Rhino Man

The Best Of The Band, Volume 2 will be released October 5th on Rhino Records. Check out this and other new releases at: http://www.rhino.com/Upcoming/Upcoming_index.html

Thu Jul 8 18:25:08 CEST 1999

Bones

To Mattk: Robbie and Levon were all smiles and hanging out together, but I don't think they played together at the RCO party.

I want to hear more about the Roxy in '78. Is it true? Was it a Danko show?

Thu Jul 8 17:51:38 CEST 1999

Richard

There's a little clip of Garth speaking with John Simon at http://www.sme.co.jp/Live/Moto/Interview/musician5.html

Thu Jul 8 14:47:06 CEST 1999

mattk

Lil, John, Stanley and JW, as always, thanks for the great information. That helps clear things up considerably for me. I found it odd that Levon would be anywhere near Robbie after at least 1986.

Regarding Blue Rodeo, I really like that band, though I've only heard "Lost Together." I understand their album called (I think) "Nowhere to Here" has a nice version of Brown Eyed Girl on it, though I've not heard it personally. I can see where their lineup would work well with Band tunes...

Thanks again everyone

Matt

Thu Jul 8 14:14:43 CEST 1999

John Donabie

Not that Stanley needs it; but I'm just backing up his account of the Juno experience. Everything happened that way; including Richard's kids accepting the award. Levon looked just fine on video. I would sure like to see some more information on the "Roxy" gig. People talk about it in kind of a folklore way. Did it really happen? Is there anyone with a newspaper review or anything? That would be interesting to see.

Thu Jul 8 02:48:05 CEST 1999

Stanley Landau

Lil, all your information about the Junos is correct, but whoever thought Levon looked bad is wrong. I recently watched a tape of the event and Levon looked great. There was no cane (on the Brazo or anywhere else).

All was friendly among Robbie, Rick and Garth in the post show interviews. Robbie joked about the fact that Rick and Garth were used to performing and that it had been years since he had played live.

If I recall the reports in the Toronto papers at the time, Robbie's appearance at the Horseshoe was not quite so dramatic as reported by Mattk in his reference to the 1998 post on this site. Robbie was at the club and was coaxed into performing the Weight and Life is a Carnival with Garth and Rick during their last set.

The Feud was well established by this time and that is why Levon refused to attend the award show in person.

For anyone who is interested, Blue Rodeo are still around and are a well respected band in Canada. They were and probably are still great Band fans and in interviews after the Juno awards they were kidding each other about being awestruck to have performed The Weight with the guys.

Reference has been made to the Roxy performance in postings on the Guestbook. In any event, there is no doubt that there was at least one post Last Waltz performance by all of the original members since I heard Rick Danko refer to it on a radio show. He said it was at at a party he threw for about 100 of his friends who hadn't seen each other in a long time.

Thu Jul 8 02:44:07 CEST 1999

Bob W.

PEHR: hey, thanks a million for the chords! i love that song, and i have been wanting to play it for a while. let me know if i can do anything for you. thanks again!!

Thu Jul 8 01:30:42 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Just Wonderin: Yes..your memory does serve you well (and it also just jogged mine). Levon did indeed send his thanks by video at the juno awards. The picture on this site must be from that. Rick, Garth, and Robbie performed 'The weight' backed by a band called 'Blue Rodeo' if _my_ memory serves me well now. Can anyone corroborate?

Thu Jul 8 01:13:27 CEST 1999

Just Wonderin'

MattK: If my memory serves me well(and these days it's debatable!) Levon was on videotape for the Juno induction. He also appeared to be standing with a cane and it shocked me to see how he'd aged. In fact I think he looks better in recent years than he did on that show. Also I think there is a pic of Robbie somewhere playing at the Roxy...Maybe in "Last of the Good Old Boys"...I know I've seen it just can't remember where. Maybe my memory's not serving me well after all!

Thu Jul 8 00:13:34 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil (again)

Sorry Matt. Neglected to mention that Levon was not at the juno awards at all. He was in Arkansas. Not sure what picture you're referring to on this site of him accepting an award..but it wasn't the juno's.

Thu Jul 8 00:08:33 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Hi Matt. Robbie, Rick, and Garth were at the juno awards in 1989. Richards kids accepted the award on the Band's behalf. The last time the original 5 members played onstage together I believe was The Roxy Theater in LA in 1978. Hope this helps.

Thu Jul 8 00:02:14 CEST 1999

mattk

Ooops! I swear there are gremlins around here. In that most recent post, somehow a whole paragraph disappeared!

The missing peice referenced the 1978 RCO party Levon threw where Robbie reportedly showed up and played. Bones makes reference to this in a guestbook entry from last year

So I've got a possible RR and Band (with Levon) performance in 1989 and a seemingly definite performance with Levon and RR with RCO in 1978...

What's true, what's not, and what are missing? Any other lost tales of the post-TLW era? Anyone? Bueller?

Wed Jul 7 23:54:07 CEST 1999

mattk

Ok, so I'm trying to explain this Robbie/Band thing to a friend of mine. Not the politics, mind you (please, none of that), but when and where RR and various members played together last--most specifically, after TLW, was there an occasion where RR and Levon performed on the same stage? There are two tales that appear to be apocryphal (sp?): Bones made reference to this event last year in a guestbook post, but I've read references elsewhere. 2) Accoding to RR's site at Capitol Records, the Band performed, with Robertson at the 1989 Juno Hall of Fame inductions. A picture on this site shows Levon receiving the award "on behalf of the band." What gives? Was RR there or not? If so, did RR and Levon perform? Did they speak?

Also, what about this guestbook entry from 1998 where someone makes reference to a night where:

The Band was playing at the Horseshoe, and Robbie Robertson showed up at the back door, with his guitar. He apparently joined The Band on stage. And the owner apparently bought drinks For the entire bar for the next two hours.

Ok, so who can help me nail this down? How many times, since TLW has Robbie played in some ensemble that included Levon? When was the last time that occurred that we can document? Also, if the Levon gig with Robbie did not include the whole Band, when was the last time the group played together, with or without Levon AND Robbie, NOT counting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction?

Just trying to get this straight in my head.

thx

matt

Wed Jul 7 22:56:15 CEST 1999

Jim Soko

Hey Krispy, that is some nickname. Those were the words out of Garth's mouth. I got the pictures back today of Garth, they came out great. A couple months ago, someone involved with The Band said they would be playing in Mar 99, when Levon was able to sing. It looks like it was pushed back, but not killed.

Wed Jul 7 21:56:52 CEST 1999

Ann Slatter

hI I found your web pages when I was seaching the net and it a nice web site and keep the good work up all the best. And will have to go back to your site again and i love music very much and i am a song writer and a singer take care I had made a mistake on my web page but it right now From Ann Slatter

Wed Jul 7 21:47:05 CEST 1999

Ann Slatter

hI I found your web pages when I was seaching the net and it a nice web site and kAnn Slatter From: Aylesbury Bucks England UK
Home page

hI I found your web pages when I was seaching the net and it a nice web site and keep the good work up all the best. And will have to go back to your site again and i love music very much and i am a song writer and a singer take care I had made a mistake on my web page but it right now From Ann Slatter

Wed Jul 7 21:47:05 CEST 1999

Ann Slatter

hI I found your web pages when I was seaching the net and it a nice web site and keep the good work up all the best. And will have to go back to your site again and i love music very much and i am a song writer and a singer take care From Ann Slatter

Wed Jul 7 21:39:27 CEST 1999

Chris Morris

I would have made a bad job of transcribing the lyrics from the Brown Album as well - I always thought that Levon was singing 'There goes the Robert E. Lee' (as if it were the name of a train or a steamboat) on 'The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down'. So, it was the man himself, was it?

Wed Jul 7 21:01:50 CEST 1999

Brown-Eyed Johnny

R.I.P.: Singer Guy Mitchell, today, at 72 ("Singing the Blues" and "Heartaches by the Number").

Wed Jul 7 19:53:00 CEST 1999

Bones

I have a question for Bill Paige if he is still reading the guestbook. Is the promotion for Jubilation over? Even if Levon's voice was not in good shape, why did they not go on TV and play "Book Faded Brown"? It was a good record that deserved better. Did the boys just not want to promote it?

Wed Jul 7 19:17:25 CEST 1999

Krispy

Howdy folks! Happy Belated Birthday to Robbie!

Jim Soko - Man, I hope what Garth told you is for real! It would be great to see The Band back together in November ! I've made a very special new friend thanks to us both loving The Band so much and it would be GREAT to see them together! I'm really glad to hear they're all out and about these days though! Peace...

Wed Jul 7 18:51:22 CEST 1999

pehr

hi bob w. chords to bessie are c(put a g on top),E7 - am - am7 (g on bottom)- F - G. Chorus: C (g on top) - Fmaj7 (leave the high E string open) -C- G - (to G7, also add a d note on the B string then to C - E7 - am - (add G) -F- (I slip an fm in for a second... am am7 F G C // G. what a great song. hope that helps you

Wed Jul 7 05:51:15 CEST 1999

Bob W.

Hey, if anybody out there has the guitar chords for "Bessie Smith," they would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Wed Jul 7 01:33:44 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Sorry folks, that was the wrong website I gave on the last post, this is correct: http://www.expectingrain.com

Wed Jul 7 00:18:16 CEST 1999

Gene

Doesn't work, son. Try: \http://www.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/Music/9907/06/robbie.robertson.wb/

Tue Jul 6 23:28:22 CEST 1999

Little John Tyler

I found an interesting interview with Robbie Robertson on CNN's website:

www.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/music/9907/06/robbie.robertson.wb/

Tue Jul 6 19:32:34 CEST 1999

Bones

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBBIE!!!!! Thanks for the music.

Tue Jul 6 18:16:58 CEST 1999

Red Stones

Tue Jul 6 15:58:25 CEST 1999

David Powell

Jesse Winchester and Eric Andersen are two singer/songwriters who have worked with various members of The Band. Both of these artists are known for their exquisite songs that lay bare the heart & soul.

Jesse Winchester has just released his first album in eleven years, "Gentleman Of Leisure," Sugar Hill Records SHCD 1062. It features thirteen new original songs, revealing that Mr. Winchester is back in top form, with his soulful, breathy vocals, fine keyboard work and deep Southern grooves. The master of the slide bar guitar, Jerry Douglas, steps in flawlessly as producer and adds his tasteful licks here & there. Vince Gill, the Fairfield Four, John Cowan (formerly with the New Grass Revival) and Jonell Mosser appear as guest vocalists. Back-up musicians Bryan Sutton, Byron House, Mike Henderson and John Gardner add a perfect blend of grooves behind Winchester's wonderful singing. Best of all, the legendary Steve Cropper adds his distintive Stax guitar licks on two songs. Bottom line, in my opinion, this is one of Mr. Winchester's best efforts and certainly worth the long wait since his last album.

Columbia/Legacy has reissued Eric Andersen's classic 1972 album, "Blue River" CK 65696. Sony, as with their recent back catalog reissues of Dylan and Miles Davis recordings, once again has produced a finely detailed, yet smooth sounding remastered CD, with each layer of instruments & vocals clearly revealed. Like most of the Legacy reissues, "Blue River," is budget-priced at around $12; I picked up my copy for $9.99 at Tower Records during their July 4th sale. What a bargain, especially when compared with those high-priced Japanese import reissues!

"Blue River" was recorded in Nashville and features some of Music City's finest pickers. As Anthony DeCurtis comments in his liner notes for this reissue, "What's wonderful about the playing on "Blue River," however, is that that the superb musicians on these tracks have no interest in giving the album a country feel. They are perfectly content to serve the songs, to tease nuances in the lyrics, to add texture, to shadow the intimacy of Eric's voice."

This reissue version contains two bonus cuts, "Come To My Bedside My Darlin'," a session outtake, and an exuberant, Cajun accordian-driven version of Hank Williams' "Why Don't You Love Me." Columbia/Legacy has done a great job with this reissue of one of Andersen's best albums. If you liked Rick Danko's version of the song "Blue River" on the DFA album and haven't heard the original, you owe it to yourself to pick up this great album, thankfully available once again.

Tue Jul 6 13:50:44 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

'Lil,,,you just gotta SMILE on those to two Ragtime and John ha,ha,ha! Anyway, my comments on Bob Dylan and Paul Simon at Summer Fest in Milwaukee Wi. First, it was the best I've seen Dylan in years, he was funny, happy, and even talked to the 24,000 plus people, and his back up band were right on top to cover any f**k ups that Bob might make, ( and he did ), but he laughed too! 2nd, Paul Simon (was the first time I ever saw him live) was like his records, very perfectly performed... If you go to www.expectrain.com you will get more info. I just want to say this,,,there was two great icons there that day, but I think the only GREAT match and only match would be*Bob Dylan and The Band*, sorry Paul Simon!!!

Tue Jul 6 04:00:36 CEST 1999

Steve Stiert

Hi Folks: We've got a story (preview) of Levon and the Barnburner's gig at Bearsville at the referenced website (Hudson Valley Music website). Includes a couple of pictures. It was a good show although oversold and as someone mentioned, the PA system wasn't monitored or mixed very well (in my humble opinion). The article references most of the players except perhaps John Sebastion who played a bit of harp and two of the three keyboard players. The third was Donald Fagen (Steely Dan). I don't know the other keyboard players, but I've seen them around the Hudson Valley and know they are well regarded. Mindy Jostyn was great (harp, violin, accordian-- http://MindyJostyn.com) and Phoebe Snow was awesome. Levon looked like he was having a ball the whole gig. regards, Steve

Tue Jul 6 03:21:34 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Hi from the sweltering heat wave in the northeast. Hit 105 here in upstate NY today. Seems no matter how many times I listened to Acadian Driftwood..that ol Canadian cold front is still not movin in.

John Donabie: Trailer Park Troubadors sounds like 'fun' music. Music that just has to make you smile. One of the reasons I like Jimmy Buffett so much. Makes me feel good. Probably one of the most magical things about music..the power to bring a smile, even at times when smiles are hard to come by.

And speaking of Jimmy Buffett and smiles...I miss you Freddy. I'll be so happy when you're home again. Come Monday.

Mon Jul 5 21:23:36 CEST 1999

Ragtime

John D:

I'm trying to figure out whether you're actually recommending the "Trailer Park Troubadours" or not...

If Sundog could have written their repertoire, it sounds promising... :-)

Mon Jul 5 19:18:10 CEST 1999

pehr

happy birthday robbie. thanks for the music, stories, images and memories. "it makes a difference!"

Mon Jul 5 17:39:04 CEST 1999

John Donabie

I just picked up "The Ties That Bind" a retrospective on Levon. I thought Raven did a pretty good job on the sound quality. As it's been mentioned before, they either put the wrong version of The Weight on it; or the wrong liner notes pertaining to it. The sound quality is really quite excellent. Leave it to the Brits to do it right....Right Peter Viney! Right!

After years of turning my son Jim on to The Band, he turned me on to.................get ready DAVID POWELL...."The Trailer Park Troubadours". The CD is called Doublewide & Dangerous; with such classics as, "It Ain't Home Till You Take The Wheels Off." Or how about "Aunt Beula's Roadkill Overcoat" or "Mud Rasslin At Pinky's." Sounds like something Sundog might have written:) On the RioStar label.

Mon Jul 5 14:14:54 CEST 1999

Chris D.

I recently got back from my annual camping trip with the guys{motel camping/bar hopping}.This year was Skyline Drive.An absolutely incredible trip,although maybe mylast.Like one of The Band said sitting on a sofa in"The Last Waltz","It aint like it used to be".None the less,cruising slowly at dusk through the park I popped in my old Best of The Band cassette,which has outlasted my three previous cars.Without fail,the younger guys{in their twenties}asked "who are these guys?It never fails!Every week at the local watering hole I'll play some Band tune and someone without fail will ask who it is,and be loving it.To me The Bands music is as "Americana" as the parade I'm going to, or the fireworks tonight.Without doubt somewhere all over America today The Band will be playing and someone will ask"who is that,Ilove that song"?Happy 4th to The Band!!!!!!

Mon Jul 5 05:28:51 CEST 1999

Tracy!

HAPPY (56th) BIRTHDAY ROBBIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

with much high spirits from the ahroo gal :)

Mon Jul 5 04:36:10 CEST 1999

Just Wonderin'

Happy Birthday Mr. Robertson!

Mon Jul 5 04:10:16 CEST 1999

Dave Panico

Wow, what a weekend. First, it's Levon and the New Levon Helm Blues Band (aka the Barnburners - a local Woodstock joke) sounding pretty hot, also with Amy Helm, Phoebe Snow, Don Fagen, Walter Becker, and last but not least Garth Hudson. My new friend Yoshio from Japan came to Woodstock to see Levon and Big Pink. But where is Big Pink, I asked? Garth told me that half the fun is getting there, and he's right: after a day asking locals around town and cruising around West Saugerties with the windows down and The Band cranked, we finally found it! "If your memory serves you well ..."

Mon Jul 5 03:55:25 CEST 1999

Jeb Stuart

There's a fairly new musical on Broadway about the Civil War. I just saw the words to one of the songs and I'm sure everyone here will notice some strange lyrical coincidences:HERE TONIGHT AS I LOOK UPON THE FACES OF MY BROTHERS I REMEMBER ALL THE OTHERS WHO ARE GONE SAFE IN HIS GRACE WATCHING OVER THIS PLACE WITH THE DAWN... INTO HIS HANDS WE SHALL SURRENDER TO HIS GLORY AND WHEN THEY TELL THE STORY LET THEM SAY OF THE SONS OF THE GRAY NOT ONE TURNED AWAY IT'S THE LAST WALTZ FOR DIXIE IT'S THE LAST SONG SHE'LL SING SO PLAY IT WITH PRIDE FOR ALL THOSE WHO DIED AND THE SPIRIT INSIDE YOU THAT'S THE DIXIE IN ME

Mon Jul 5 02:48:53 CEST 1999

John Griffin

I have loved the Band since their days with Dylan in the early 70's. I thought Richard Manuel was an awesome force in the group; may he rest in peace. Would you let me know if the Band will ever tour in the southeast?

Mon Jul 5 02:24:53 CEST 1999

Rick

Happy 4th y'all. It's hot as blazes. Bottle rockets blasting, dogs barking, beer flowing. Tupelo, Bragg/Wilco & "Rock of Ages" cranked to finish it off. God, I cannot believe how this music moves me. At 14, it killed me, 30 years on it's still killing me. Thanks again Jan, for this site, and thanks to the greatest Band on earth for killing me, again & again.

Sun Jul 4 22:00:40 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

BTW, the “At The Club” album (see “What’s New”) which includes ‘He Don’t Love You’ got five stars in this month’s “Uncut”. Deservedly.

Sun Jul 4 21:43:44 CEST 1999

Jim Soko

I went to see the show in Montgomery with Garth playing with Jimmy Sturr. The musical highlight was The Bill Perry Blues Band, then Bill Perry came back out to play with Richie Havens. During the Richie Havens show, we spotted Garth with the Jimmy Sturr band. We went over and spent some time talking to him. I asked him if they were going to play the Chest Fever Polka. He thought about it, started to laugh, then said it wouldn't work, but The Weight would. He was very friendly and fun to talk to. He said Levon is doing good and sounding better. He expected The Band to be playing in November. He was happy to sign some autographs and take some pictures. He played with Jimmy Sturr, but Polka don't do much for me.

Sun Jul 4 18:58:09 CEST 1999

Little John Tyler

DEXY:

Good idea - a Festival with all the entertainment provided by The Band's off-shoot bands. Let's not forget Garth's new Polka Project! Did anybody catch that show yesterday in Montgomery?

Sun Jul 4 16:40:43 CEST 1999

Dexy

LARS -- Thanks. Sounds like Levon & Band put on a good show. With all these new Band bands floating around, it's a little hard to keep up -- The Crowmatix, Honky Tonk Gurus, Colin Linden Band, Rick Danko Band, DFR, now Levon's Band. Maybe they should all do a festival, somewhere in upstate NY.

Sun Jul 4 13:47:00 CEST 1999

Lars Pedersen

DEXY: You asked me to give an account of the Bearsville Theater show with Levon and his Classic Blues Band.

The band had new (to me) members, the mike wasn't working too well when the guy from WDST introduced them, I can't tell you their names.Levon was on the drums in the back. Their was another drummer to his right. They had a stand-up bass, a piano, and a guitar, with a harp player in the middle who did most of the vocals early on. They played blues, there wasn't one Band song all night.

Jimmy Vivino added his guitar and vocals, around the middle of the show. Then Amy Helm did some vocals. John Simon took a turn on the piano for one song. John Sebastian came out and played some harp. Mindy Jostyn played harp, accordian, and fiddle, she was really good. Finally, Phoebe Snow came out and sang some rock and the crowd (SRO) gave her a the biggest hand of the night.

Levon looked well, I thought. He looked happy. Levon's got a new band, and if you like the blues you're going to like this band.

Sun Jul 4 11:45:35 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Ooh...Aah... Nope - that's not the sound of the men working on the chain gang. It's that collective kind of sigh that fills the air as fireworks light up the night sky. Listen tonight if you're watching some.

Although it kills me to say this, I never made it to either Garth's or Levon's shows this weekend. (Yeah, I know....) There were things the kids wanted to do so I opted for that. Easier. 3 against 1.

Anyhow...when you post about the shows I missed...please be kind :-)

Safe and happy 4th everyone.

Sun Jul 4 03:32:16 CEST 1999

LARRY MOE BROWN

Levon, If you run onto this message give me a call. (870)732-1430 Larry Moe Brown West Memphis, Arkansas

Sun Jul 4 03:07:25 CEST 1999

catbalu

To The Finest of the Breed and Mr. Pelham, On behalf of all your women who held the door, the car keys, the wide-open spaces and the darkness so dark you could not see your hand if she had not placed it where it belonged... Happy 4th and all the fireworks you deserve... and a toast of Absolut straight-up with feelin - to you both.... and most especially to our sponsor.

MITT - i'm at work because my mac was struck by lightning AGAIN! (the fireworks are going on outside by the river (setting off car alarms.) But my boys gotta have it - so i'm here, waiting. keys in hand; i'll get back with you on Freida...

well, little brother, be big. wish you the best.

and Lil, you should trust ME on this one: Pure Vinegar is the cure. Period. Bet ya'll all - warn you upfront, I'll win... (hey, all my macs are named after triple crown winners. except for Man O' War, as Big Red was just --- the marketing legend. The horses make me smile...and money. Too easy. :)

Sun Jul 4 02:53:22 CEST 1999

John Donabie

I don't know if I'll have time to post tomorrow; therefore I just want to wish all my American friends a very, very happy 4th of July.

Sun Jul 4 01:22:26 CEST 1999

Charlie Young

Rod: the disc you mention is just a single-CD "best of" ROCK OF AGES. It's worth about what it usually costs(not much). Go for the whole thing. Garth's intro to "Chest Fever" is worth the extra few bucks, and there's lots more good stuff, too. Back in the waning days of vinyl, Capitol Records issued a "bargain" version of the brown album which omitted "Whispering Pines" and another track. That was no bargain...

Sun Jul 4 00:47:14 CEST 1999

Tam O'Shanter

Fagash, God Bless you. I get the LG, Gen. Game, ref. Thanks for the warning:-) Any more railroads going under? IMO...UR quite right. Ever washed a dead spug off a black lab (hee hee). Hang up your six shooter and come home; Hadrian's Wall is going back up. Remember Acadian Driftwood:-) Fair fa' yer sonsie... PS Colossal Head, as colossal as NL/SC. Oh ah dinnae ken, ma heid hurts

Sat Jul 3 23:49:20 CEST 1999

Fagash Floosie

Re' Tam O'Shanter:-) I know where you're coming from;-)Or I should say, as an ex-nat-pat:-(I ken whaur yer comin' frae!!) :-)Dream aboot Kirkcaldy :-) an' the Puddledub Pigs (I laffed and and laffed)Remember Larry Grayson's Fagash...;-) and you've got it!:-) This isnae whaur ye bother to talk aboot ye ken what IMO :-) and certainly no if yer up to yer oxters in mindless glaur in an equally mindless midden! :-( Find somewhaur else:-( This is nothin' mair than a Sunday e-mail pipper roond jam-packed fu' o' Oor Wullie and the Hon Man an' first-fitters arna' a' that welcome :-(, if ye ken whit ah mean;-) An' that eagle has nearly flown into extinction...:-( Good to hear a voice from the Old Country. Sunday, whether it be July 4 or not,is what we did back in Benderloch, get fu' as a puggie and hae a bath afore goin' back tae school! Stay awa' and gtf ye kilten kelpie Fagash...and a' that. Let's nae bother e-mailin' each ither. We can dae it here, like a'body else. An' by the way whit's the quantum leap betwixt NL/SC and Colossal Head. I ken ye ken, ye ken:-) Hope I dinna see yer fisog again, I'm only passin' thru mysel':-( but jing, crivvens, help ma boab have we got some outrageous gun laws here. Whoooeee! It's as bad as the Stakis Ingram on a Friday nicht when the new Gers' strip has just come oot! Black puddin' to ye and a michty dollop o' stovies. By Christ, there are more buffalo standing out in the rain than you could possibly imagine...:-) FFPRyBass, d'ye ken whit ah mean,like... Hats off tae the Burntisland Games!!!

Sat Jul 3 23:34:13 CEST 1999

Rod

Can anyone confiirm that the CD "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" is not just ROA repackaged. I've seen this around town a few times but never bothered with it - until I read the page here today.

Sat Jul 3 20:53:24 CEST 1999

Rondeau Rider

To: Freddy Fishstick's train pal bon soir! MMMMMMMM ... chocolate banana bread sounds good .... try making it in those little muffin tins like they do in Venice, served hot w/ a little marmalade and a cafe au lait. Everybody's gonna say "Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?" .... trains are neat!

Sat Jul 3 20:37:52 CEST 1999

Tam O'Shanter

Crivvens:-) whits a' this wi' the 4th o' July an' a' that:-( Is that like a special day or somthin' in The Band's history?;-) It disnae mean much to me here in Scotland:-( except Sampras is playin' Agassi in the Wimbledon final:-) and that's got to be a first wi' these twa fine examples o' American manhood bein' mentioned here on this site:-) St Andrew's Day, now yer talkin' like:-) y'ken but the 4th of July, ah'm scratchin' ma heid just thinkin' aboot that, must be big date in Canada or something, like when they a' gaun oot and kick the livin' daylights oot o' a half-tamed haggis;-)Oh my Gaud, jings, crivvens, help m'boab, did ony o' ye ever hear about the eagle of distinction? :-) :-) ;-(

Sat Jul 3 19:51:56 CEST 1999

Gene

How was the show in Bearsville last night?

Sat Jul 3 18:59:27 CEST 1999

Phil

Just got NL-SC Toshiba-EMI CD yesterday and it sounds great. As Peter Viney has said the lyric sheet is hilarious."Had a brother who got caught in the whale" ?? And how about "...ain't hard to suit without water lamb". On the back of the English lyric sheet are either liner notes or lyrics in Japanese. If they are lyrics and are the same as the English on the other side, then they must think RR is one strange dude. A North American Syd Barrett, only weirder.

Sat Jul 3 18:08:39 CEST 1999

Bob Lee

I love the Band of brothers that are remembered in this guestbook. The beauty of this site has never given me a false report. My favorite song is "Dixie," although I don't understand the part about Tennessee. Long live the Band.

Sat Jul 3 17:53:59 CEST 1999

Frederick Freekowtski

Just bought the "Jubilation" CD after reading about it here. Not bad at all, except for that awful "dance, dance" song. The two first tracks with Rickie and Levon are both wonderful, the Irish song in particular. I love hearing how Rick is ëchoing Levon's rough voice on that one. Get together again soon, please, the world needs The Band and I think you guys need it too. Dylan and Robbie optional.

Sat Jul 3 17:33:21 CEST 1999

Jeb Stuart

Gene, just doin' what I was told to do.

Sat Jul 3 17:11:51 CEST 1999

Gene

Hey, J.E.B. I thought we saw the last of you back in May at Yellow Tavern. I'm glad you're back, but you were late to Gettysburg!

Sat Jul 3 16:53:17 CEST 1999

Tom Kotenberg

Saturday in the park, I think it was the 4th of July,-Chicago-.

Sat Jul 3 15:19:50 CEST 1999

Jeb Stuart

"We carried you, in our arms, on Independence Day..."

Sat Jul 3 15:06:59 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

To all my web friends that I have made here on Jan's web site*THE BAND* included, especially to those who dislike me for reasons even they don't know,,, I wish all of you ( even if you are not AMERICAN ) *A HAPPY 4TH OF JULY*, and be sure to play music with 4th of July in it like CREEDANCE CLEARWATER REVIVEL,,," I can remember the 4th of July, runn'n through the back woods bay"...

Sat Jul 3 11:19:37 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Brown Eyed Johnny: Freddy's in the holy land, probably standing on the rock where Moses stood as we speak. He'll be returning to his rightful place in the lives of those who miss him on the 12th. I, for one, am counting the days.

In a way, yes. One of the survivors...although not in the context that you're speaking of. The poem _is_ about survival however. A good friend taught it to me.....

Sat Jul 3 03:55:01 CEST 1999

Brown-Eyed Johnny

I'm so glad you liked my post. I miss FF as much as anyone. Have a great 4th.

Sat Jul 3 03:32:35 CEST 1999

John Pelham

"FINEST OF THE BREED:" I feel the same way every July 3rd. You must be one of the survivors, not many of you guys left. I wish I could have been there to help.

Sat Jul 3 01:23:06 CEST 1999

The Finest of the Breed

There's nothing to discuss. There's nothing to remember. There's nothing to forget.

It's sad and it's not sad.

Seems the most sensible thing a person can do is sit with a drink in hand as the walls wave their goodbye smiles.

One comes through it all with a certain amount of efficiency and bravery, and then leaves.

Some accept the possibility of God to help them get through. Others take it straight on.

And it's to them I drink tonight.

Sat Jul 3 00:06:50 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Peter Viney: 'Sail on Sailor' was one of my favorite Blondie-plays-with-The-Band tunes. Have 2 incredible live versions of them doing it, both from The Lone Star Cafe in Manhattan. Blondie also did very good renditions of 'Semolina' and 'Can't find my way home", which I'm also lucky enough to have tapes of. Blondie not only played with Rick, Levon, Richard, and Garth in the early 80's, but was a great source of both musical and emotional support after Richard's death. A very nice man with a great sense of humor.....who loved to wear bright orange pants :-)

Fri Jul 2 22:31:29 CEST 1999

Chris Morris

I'm so glad that some persistent journalist finally managed to wangle an interview with Bob Dylan's mum - had I known that chicken was his favourite meal, I could have spent much less time over the years agonising over the meaning of many of his lyrics - perhaps Mr. Jones and Queen Jane were barnyard fowl that he had devoured on the road...

Fri Jul 2 21:33:29 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Freddy Fish- Thanks for the MOM/BOB review, and 'Lil, nice words,,, Karen, thanks for the visit,,, anyway, I have one more day till I go back stage and see Bob Dylan and Paul Simon at Summer Fest in Milwaukee, this well be my 2nd time around, and I'm nervous as a Dancing Bob Cat with it's ass on farr!!!

Fri Jul 2 20:50:12 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

There’s something great about fighting to catch / guess the lyrics (and getting them wrong). Robbie said this in the “Time” piece inserted into UK copies of ‘Stage Fright” - Chuck Berry and Little Richard never printed their lyrics. As I said in my Cahoots piece, I felt great foreboding when I saw the lyrics printed on that sleeve. Last night I had a sudden wish to hear The Beach Boy’s “Holland” (as one does) and noticed that the CD has the lyrics to every song … except the best one, “Sail On Sailor”. It looked like a deliberate omission. The title and writers were printed in the lyric section, just no words. This has a Band connection. When Blondie Chaplin was playing with various combinations in the late 80s they performed “Sail on Sailor” live.

Fri Jul 2 19:39:03 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Freddy Fishstick's Train Pal : Hi! Loved your post...hope all is well with you. I'm missing Freddy alot :-(

Please take it easy on ol Sundog. He's one of a rare breed..good hearted and nice to everyone. Let's give him the same respect, ok?

Someone else very much on my mind here (you know who you are). Hoping you're feeling good and starting to smile again. Miss you....

Fri Jul 2 19:03:24 CEST 1999

Karen

Well, well, I see the good-natured bantering still continues, huh? I think it ok as long as it's all in fun. Takes all kinds to make a world, doesn't it? Pepote, I understand your frustration (?), and Sundog, if everyone carried on personal conversations back and forth, there wouldn't be much room for anything else. So I say, let's keep the guestbook as it is intended (public), but let's not turn it into our own e-mail forum, for the sake of everyone else out here. Cool? (Sundog -- I checked out your web page -- it's great!)

Fri Jul 2 18:53:27 CEST 1999

Crazy Chester

Pepote -- Lighten up on the boy, his hearts in the right place. (But he sure does tend to ramble!)

Fri Jul 2 17:39:39 CEST 1999

Mike Carrico

Lil: Glad you're back too Yesterday local Atlanta station played an hour of "Canadian Rock" in honor of Canada Day, and managed to not play anything by The Band, but did manage to squeeze in offerings from Rush, Triumph, Guess Who, 5 Man Electrical Band and other lesser lights. Go figure...

Fri Jul 2 17:33:47 CEST 1999

Mike Carrico

Fri Jul 2 17:08:14 CEST 1999

Jonathan Katz

Lil: Glad you're back

Fri Jul 2 17:07:01 CEST 1999

Little Brother

"Around Philly, PA" is ramping up to a holiday heat wave, with 100-degree (Fahrenheit) predicted for the Fourth. Is this nationwide? The froth of postings I just skeeted through make me want to sing: When you get half-crazy/From the Ju-ly heat!

No, that's not a Quiz question! (By the way, Pepote, I sort of agree with you-- but your last note posted twice, and I expect you'll pay.)

Speaking o' twisted lyrics-- as one who's been called Terminally (or was that Interminably?) Articulate, and once-and-future pretensions to musicianship, I've always been embarrassed about my mediocre ear for getting lyrics. Even knowing that I'm not alone, and that there are even books in the "humor" section featuring garbled lyrics, hasn't made me get over it. I still recall traumatic instances of being mocked-- like when, as a kid, I chirped a line from "Penny Lane" thusly: He likes to keep his fire engine clean/With a Gleam Machine. My one and only older brother overheard me and corrected me with a sneer.

I'm one of those people who shed the concept of "Let it GO, for God's sake!" like a duck sheds water. Maybe I should try bathing in tomato juice. I still think "Gleam Machine" was kind of cute. John also raked me over for making out the line in "The Ballad of John & Yoko" as: The news people said/Hey, what you doin' in bed?/I said, We're only tryin' to get us some sleep! It's PEACE, you dope! Oh...

But y'all might get a chuckle about a real lulu of a blooper from "Acadian Driftwood": For a long, long time-- until I got the songbook, I guess-- I CLEARLY heard this line: "Fifteen under zero when the baby came-- a threat/My clothes were wet and I was drenched to the bone."

I swear, I interpreted this as a gamy but poignant reference to a particularly perilous childbirth by some Acadian wife fleeing in a winter wilderness. I vaguely wondered if Robbie was inspired by assisting with recent birth of a child! I thought the image of the wet clothes was kind of gross, but I chalked it up to the atmosphere of gritty realism. No, the "ice fishing" reference didn't connect to my preposterous vision of a crisis where birth and death came hand in hand! Hell, I was giving them credit for making a really DIFFERENT dramatic choice! And I was grateful the verse didn't mention eating the placenta.

When I read the real lyrics-- hey, were they on the dust jacket, come to think of it?-- I said what I always say: Oh.

Duh! and F--- ME! also come in handy. Them Japan-folk ain't got nothin' on ME! Happy holidays to my fellow Amerikans...

Fri Jul 2 16:12:59 CEST 1999

Pepote Rouge

Sundog -- Lighten up...Don't be so sensitive...I wasn't trying to censor you..Wouldn't think of it...It was a request, a simple request from someone who is bored to f*cking tears with your inane, stupid, idiotic, mindless, mis-spelled drivel. Give it a rest...PLEASE!

Fri Jul 2 16:10:57 CEST 1999

Pepote Rouge

Sundog -- Lighten up...Don't be so sensitive...I wasn't trying to censor you..Wouldn't think of it...It was a request, a simple request from someone who is bored to f*cking tears with your inane, stupid, idiotic, mindless, mis-spelled drivel. Give it a rest...PLEASE!

Fri Jul 2 16:07:58 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Staggeringly inept review of the month: The award goes to “Q” magazine for the British Big Pink re-release:

“1968 melange (blues, country, folk, R&B) laced with staggeringly affecting singing - Rick Danko (sic) is unbearable on Tears of Rage. For lovers of Deserter’s (sic) Songs, the album and the things. 4 stars.”

Glad they paid so much attention to the backing vocals. The same magazine gave “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” two stars. What? And in their Top 100 stars of all time Kurt Cobain comes in at #3, one ahead of Bob Dylan. I imagine that history will put Cobain next to Jim Morrison - a minor side road. What do the editors do?

Fri Jul 2 15:21:11 CEST 1999

pehr

hi matt k i enjoyed your post. i thought it was an interesting issue that coyote brought up because i hear it all the time. personally i pick up a sense of coyotes own issues are really what his problem is. who is peter coyote anyway ? best,pehr

Fri Jul 2 13:43:47 CEST 1999

Freddy Fishstick's train pal

June 30, 1999 Dinner for a song

Chicken, mom's banana bread always a hit when Beatty Zimmerman's son sits down to eat

Recipes revisited: Cooking for Bob Dylan

By Sandy Thompson News-Tribune staff writer

She's one of Minnesota's mysteries. Countless journalists have tried, unsuccessfully, to interview her.

But at age 84, Bob Dylan's mom agreed to talk about food and family.

Like many good old-fashioned moms from the Iron Range, Beatty Zimmerman still cooks and bakes, although not as much as she used to. Beatty (pronounced BEE-tee, short for Beatrice) is healthy and happy, dividing her time between the Twin Cities and Arizona.

She sees her famous son, now 58, all the time: ``He just spent a week here a little while ago,'' she said in a recent phone conversation, during which she talked about a variety of things: stories in the news, how hard it is for working parents these days, her son the icon, fudge bars.

Beatty admits that her own fudge bar recipe is not that good to use. ``It's too complicated. You have to separate the eggs, it's a big monkey business. It's not a good recipe if people don't know when to take it out of the oven. It dries up the next day.''

Beatty did agree to share one family favorite. ``This is a wonderful recipe,'' she said, ``and to make it is so easy, dear. All of the children like their grandma's banana chocolate chip loaf bread. They all like it because it's not too sweet.''

What does her son enjoy? ``Bob doesn't really have favorites; he always ate whatever I cooked,'' Beatty said. ``They're not gourmet eaters; they like all kinds of food.''

``One thing Bob does like,'' she added, ``and I know he hates the publicity, but I know you have to write something nice -- and everybody likes a good recipe -- he does like chicken every way.''

Beatty says she also enjoys chicken (``I could eat it every day''), roast beef and Lake Superior trout with a little lemon. ``But,'' she added, ``we try to keep the cooking down to where you don't gain a million pounds.''

Beatty and her husband, xxxxx, lived in Duluth for 14 years, moving to Hibbing when their boys, Robert and David, were 6 and 2, respectively.

``Oh, that was a long time ago,'' she mused. ``I love Duluth, I love the people. But many of my friends there are gone now,'' she said.

One of her closest friends is still here, Sylvia Seiler (who shares her fudge bar recipe, which Beatty recommends over her own). Beatty's sister Irene, 75, is a Goldfine. Beatty, in fact, visited Duluth in May when Erwin and Beverly Goldfine received honorary degrees for their dedication to the University of Minnesota-Duluth and the university system.

``This generation really doesn't know me,'' Dylan's mother said. ``I really don't do anything with Bob's career, except for security purposes, (such as) with the Kennedy award.'' (Dylan received the Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime achievement in 1997.)

``But all the years that Bob has been out, he kept everybody in the family away from the career, just because of security. He had to keep his normalcy, he had to cut out a lot of the reporters because he was afraid for the children. The children were never bothered in school; they lived a nice, normal life.''

When Beatty talks about her son, she could be any mom, chatting over coffee and cake: ``He went out and had a wonderful family, five wonderful children. He came to Minnesota for the summers, bought a small piece of property, brought his children.''

And the grandchildren? Beatty's equally proud. ``There's Maria,'' she said, ``who's an attorney and is married with four children; Jesse does videos and commercials and has a little boy; Anna is an artist, she's 30; Sam is 31, is a photographer and writer; and Jakob, he's in the Wallflowers, he's an exquisite boy, has two little children and is very busy.''

Beatty mentions her son's current tour: ``He gives you a show that is worth every penny. I've been to his shows all over the world. Once you're a showman, it's hard to get it out of your blood.''

But will she attend his concerts in Duluth or Minneapolis this weekend? ``I don't think so, honey -- too many people,'' she confides.

Of his show in October, his first ever in his hometown, his mother said: ``He loved playing Duluth, he liked it very much. The reason he never got to Duluth was that the tours never took him that far. He played several times here in the Twin Cities, but the tours never got past Minneapolis. The promoters weren't really pushing that,'' she says.

``I never did ask him about coming to Duluth. I don't have that time to ask; I just want to know how he is and how everybody's doing. I think he asked his promoter to come here. I know he was glad to be back in Duluth, and Duluth has really showed him by the ticket sales, so what more do you need than that?

``You know,'' she continued, ``people are so happy to see Bob. He leaves a wonderful impression, they love his words. His words are so apropos for anybody. Like `Blowing in the Wind,' it's apropros to the world, and it's 40 years old.

``He writes how he feels, and now the younger people are into his work. He doesn't write on drugs, he doesn't write on liquor, he writes on everyday occurrences.

``He just does not like the publicity. I have stayed out of it for 39 years, and it's been a hard job. Thirty-nine years is a long time. I'm not critical of people; people write nice things about him. But I don't have to be seen, my friends know me and that's fine.

``My hope in life is that everyone stays well, health-wise. When the phone rings and everybody's OK, I'm happy, you know?''

Of the extended Zimmerman family, Beatty says, ``We live a very, very beautiful, wonderful life. We celebrate Christmas, Thanksgiving, we get to see them all the time.''

And about her elder son: ``For a man that is labeled a celebrity, he is not. He's a wonderful human being, a normal, good person, and that's what life is all about.''

Fri Jul 2 12:44:21 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Re: IIKKA Ya, I knew the words I was singing to were not the correct words, but I didn't care, the music took me to a place were no drug, or weed could... and thats what I cared about. I think Eric Clapton said it best, and in my book BIG PINK will always hold the deepest of youthful memories for me, plus, I'm still getting new ones to this day, PUT YOUR HANDS ON THE TV, praise the Lord!!!

Fri Jul 2 12:05:44 CEST 1999

Ilkka

To SUNDOG
When 'Big Pink' was released I was trying to understand the lyrics, too. I was learning English as my language #4 and I probably misunderstood the most. But I FELT it, SANG with it . . . what a great storyTELLER The Band is like David Powell posted here awhile ago! Now when I understand (or do I????) the lyrics it gives really not that much compared to that storyTELLING gift they have.

This was deeeeeep thinking but I believe, SUNDOG, there is a deep dimension under your hat:-)

Fri Jul 2 06:04:39 CEST 1999

Ragtime

It's allright ma... :-)

Fri Jul 2 02:56:44 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Re: Plow Boy. Ha ha, ha,,,Yes, I know what ya mean, but you have to understand,,, when *Music From Big Pink* was released, there were no song books for it, and I was only 15 years old, and didn't have an edge for things that The Bands age group (life) already knew! The next part of that song (Chest Fever) I thought went like this,,, She's stoned on the weed, and the moon crop is eased, but like the piper, he's sharp, and my eyes on the harp!

Fri Jul 2 02:38:52 CEST 1999

Tracy

Does anybody have a copy of Robbie's appearance on the Pamela Wallin Show last April? If so, can you please e-mail me? I've got a ton of things to trade if anyone chooses to do so.

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!

Tracy

Fri Jul 2 02:34:45 CEST 1999

Mitt Stampler

Cat--could you email me Frieda's info? love to find out the future. Got an agent for my book and now it's nail-biting time to see if he can sell it :) Keep your fingers crossed for Das Mitt...Lil--I get those moods too. The beloved spouse always tells Whirlwind Dreamer that I'm about to go "China Syndrome." I don't even think I was born when that movie was made, let alone WD. Right now my sister's emailing me with yet more details on some ^&*#@--ing family feud. Some days it just doesn't pay to wake up...But then I think of the good stuff I'd miss, and grit my teeth...which seem to be worn down to live nerves these days. ouch! Peace, Mitt

Fri Jul 2 02:28:53 CEST 1999

Plow Boy

SUNDOG: I bet you did think those were the lyrics to Chest Fever. What you think the lyrics are now is what scares me.

Fri Jul 2 01:52:32 CEST 1999

Blind Willie McTell

It's Canada Day today. Happy Birthday Canada!!! Those with copies of the Canadian Squires should play them right away.

Fri Jul 2 01:41:00 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Coming off of one of those 'nothing is going right' kind of days, and figure at this point tis better to post than to fade away. Or something like that.

Apologies to Ragtime, the unsuspecting victim of my lousy mood this afternoon. I actually liked 'the humor'..just wasn't in the mood for any I suppose.

Thanks to everyone for the skunk remedies. I see my son already posted. Probably only to tell you all that I made _him_ bathe the doggie because my stomach was turning. Yeah..he's a good kid. "Are you gonna pay me for this mom?" Yeah..right :-)

Medicine Hat: Loved the recipe for pepe le peu bloody mary. Made me laugh. Thanks.

Peter Viney: No skunks where you are?? Wow. Guess that makes you....lucky :-)

Jan: Hope tomorrow is a better day for you too. Start smiling, will ya? Don't make me start quoting Buffett lyrics at you again :-)

Catbalou: Thanks for the offer of your fortune teller. Frankly though, the present is scary enough. Really don't want to know what the future may hold.

John Donabie: Told Ya! On my feet... :-)

Fri Jul 2 01:20:24 CEST 1999

Charlie Young

Hey Medicine Hat: Anyone who quotes Sendak and mangles song titles like you can't be all bad. And speaking of radical revisions, there's a great new two-disc anthology by the legendarily reclusive but infuential Fred Neil which includes an obscure single he once cut of an upbeat, bouncy version of "Long Black Veil." Check it out. And by the way, e-bay is a ship of fooools. People pay big bucks for stuff I see mangled in the trash of some of my bookstore accounts. It's a place for folks with too much money and time on their hands. This here is MY only regular website, the Norweigan Medicine Show...PEACE.

Fri Jul 2 01:15:31 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

When I was young I always thought Chest Fever ( the middle part) went like this... Its a lawn, along way to Don's, an' I guess we're really hang'n on, now I'm only satisfied, I don't think I'm gonna last, bury my dogga'. Boy, ain't that a kick?

Fri Jul 2 01:02:41 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Please,,,I don't tell any of you WHAT, or WHAT NOT to put on your post, so please don't tell me or Bob or anyone for that matter what to do here... freedom of speech. I mean it or I will start doing some FRANK ZAPPA posts!!!

Fri Jul 2 00:28:00 CEST 1999

Luke

As I read the different "slant" on the titles of Band songs, I'm reminded that the boys, themselves, have nicknames for songs. "Let's do 'Chester' " and soon you would hear "Chest Fever."

Thu Jul 1 23:45:56 CEST 1999

TSax Man 15

Hi! I'm Diamond Lil's son. Just wanted to say thanks for the tip about the tomato juice. While it didn't completely work, the air is breathable once again. Though when I was doing it (Thanx Mom) wasn't helping the smell too much. Thankx again.

Thu Jul 1 23:02:05 CEST 1999

Dexy

LARS -- please give us your take on Levon & the Marshmellow Overcoat after the show. How's he look, sound,etc. Not to suggest I don't like you're name, but here are my entrants for the contest: The Marshmellow Overcoat All-Stars, The Band, The Mickey Jones Experience, The Mighty Eskimos, Turkey Scratch Fever, The Honks, The Offs and finally, Chad & Jeremy. If I win, just give me full recognition and take the winnings yourself!

Thu Jul 1 22:51:43 CEST 1999

Bob Wardlaw

PEPOTE:(& anyone else who is annoyed with SUNDOG and me) I just want to apologize for all of our little games. We were just having a little fun, but if it is bothering y'all, I'll stop. Sorry.

Thu Jul 1 22:36:08 CEST 1999

Gene

Dear Catbalu, if that's what you want, I am loathe to disagree.

Thu Jul 1 22:30:26 CEST 1999

catbalu

Gene - hold that freight train just a minute - weren't Lee a poor boy? once upon a time?

Thu Jul 1 22:12:59 CEST 1999

Gene

If I am not mistaken (always a real possibility), some versions of Stage Freight have two "plough" boys and no "poor" boys.

Thu Jul 1 22:01:38 CEST 1999

Neil

Time for a little fowl humor! Codds and Hends{surf+turf}. Hen,You awake?

And the piece de resistence- Get Up!!! Its a Snake!!! thank ya,thank ya very much. Take it home James{burton}.

Thu Jul 1 21:11:29 CEST 1999

Lars

DIAMOND LIL: Sounds like you and your dog had a rough night. Once in a while, my hunting dog goes out for a nocturnal romp and comes back after an encounter with a skunk. Tomato juice works, I tie him up outside and give him two or three treatments. He doesn't understand it because HE thinks he smells great.

Levon and his new band are playing at the Bearsville Theater this weekend (as Butch announced earlier this week) and I just ordered tickets for Sat nite. The phone no. is (914) 679-4406. Tix are $20.00, doors open at 9:00 and the show is supposed to start at 10:00.

The guy answering the phone at the Bearsville Theater said that Levon's group doesn't have a name yet (how about "Classic Blues Band," I thought THAT was their name). He said they're going to have a contest this weekend to pick the group's new name. That's kinda hard for me to believe, but if it's true, I'd like to have dibs on "Marshmallow Overcoat."

Thu Jul 1 21:08:21 CEST 1999

robert allen zimmerman

are you guys playing at sixflags over darien lake on July 4?

Thu Jul 1 21:06:51 CEST 1999

Pepote Rouge

Sundog...Please!!! Give it a rest, will ya? "And this livin' off (your posts), is getting pretty old." Don't you and Bob have private e-mail?

Thu Jul 1 20:55:44 CEST 1999

catbalu

Ilkka, great idea on anonymous posting. gave Jan all my info (and more!) back in January. I remain anonymous because of my client. he causes me enough problems by day. be damned if i deal with his fan club by night or in a forum (internet) i barely have a handle on as it is. (will email you a footnote later, alligator :-)

Hey, Lil, i'd love to pass on the phone # of my fortune teller, Freida. you should call her. i'll pay! not kidding. she's a hoot. Cherokee woman who talks very straight. just a lark, just for fun... let me know. YOU WILL LIKE HER! don't go.

Mr. V - love that British humor. Here's to Black Adder and my first taste of Bubble and Squeak! life's just a constant learning experience...

Thu Jul 1 19:39:17 CEST 1999

Bones

To Mattk: I loved your post. No need to apologize. Peter Coyote makes some interesting points, which we all have heard before with regard to white people singing the blues. He's wrong about the Band "faking" it. The look on their faces shows it all... they're having a blast. Don't confuse it with passion, for they are having fun playing with one of their heroes. Plain and simple.

Thu Jul 1 18:21:21 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Hey, Lil. I liked The humor. Now when the humor, comes to your town, it glows and glows, whether it’s hearty, no one knows. If anyone from Toshiba-EMI reads this they’ll assume I’ve just typed the real lyric. Please keep posting. We don’t have skunks in Europe, except perhaps in the Disney 101 Dalmations (Glenn Close version) which populates the English farm with several North American animals. This is a cultural divide. I’ve heard about what a skunk smells like, but trying to imagine what it smells like is like a blind person trying to imagine lime green. But I assume I don’t want to find out!

Medicine Hat: I’ve got to say ‘Unfaithful Savant’ (aka Ode to Timothy Leary, judging by today’s newspaper) is my favourite so far.

Hip Hype: I’m guessing that “Dylan & the Hawks Live in Australia” is the bootleg usually known as “Melbourne” - 19th/20th April 1966? That used to be around a lot in the Dylan section. It’s a frustrating one because it has only four tracks from the electric set (but a great acoustic set).

Thu Jul 1 16:32:40 CEST 1999

Hip Hype

Dylan & the Hawks live in Australia, of course.

Thu Jul 1 16:20:45 CEST 1999

Hip Hype

Speaking of the Band on ebay, that Dylan & the Hawks piece certainly looks like a rare treasure any reader of this page would be delighted to own.(And no bidders on "Hollywood Bowl"? Come on!)

Thu Jul 1 14:57:03 CEST 1999

medicine hat

THE BREAST OF THE BAND, VOL. 2: daniel and the sacred carp; 4% pants are mine; shoot out my china, tom; upon a crippled geek; look out! it's cleveland!; where do we get a beer?; unfaithful savant (so smart he never gets caught).

Thu Jul 1 14:52:54 CEST 1999

Just Wonderin'

Ebay has another copy of the Complete Last Waltz...starting at $250.00. It will be interesting to see what it goes for.

Thu Jul 1 14:25:51 CEST 1999

catbalu

Hey little Brother (BTW, i like your moniker). Of course, i'll answer! :) Since nobody has a face in here and i'm a visual artist first, what people say creates the image (and why it's most fun in here for me when folks start letting their hair down alittle) Some of these "faces" that emerge in here are consistently old, some young, some always the journalist, the DJ, etc. Yours is one (tho not the only one! :) that's been one of the hardest for me to figure. sometimes you sound like the big brother, sometimes you sound like the little one... i enjoy your posts, tho. #68 from the Tao was for the brown cow. the rest is in general about many conerns repeatedly stated over The Band or anybody not walking down the latest politically correct route... we just don't know much about each other, really. tend to fall into arguments instead of discussions. a bit more judgemental than i recall from back then. so if french fries make you smile, i wish for you a mountain of them, if bible-thumping is your thing, i wish for you a soapbox. :)

Talking off the top of one's head doesn't mean somebody's "Way out THere" on some unnatural high. I go way out there on purpose - hoping to encourage the creatives who visit this site to drop a jewel on this path. (thus, i'm KrazyCatbalu! which is fine with me – being so very, very (hardnosed? tough? mean? demanding?) all day long is a pain in the id for me... so it's a pleasant change to just GO among people who enjoy a band famous - or infamous? - for just GOIN beautifully and landing in our stereo. Those who are "like me" hear me. i know that. the rest who stay lost in the confusion of my comments sould - disregard or whatever.feels great not to be taken seriously here.

the posts about which chord, etc., or what instrument, etc., are not my favorites because i'm not a musician, but they most definitely belong in here and i read em!.

to all ya'll, i quote, "everybody is entitled to their own troubles" and "whatever gets you through the night."

Therefore, Lil, before you go, i'll trade you a Prednizone for a Valium! :) and here's a little favorite poem of mine, from the child with the silver pony tail: The dinosaur, A beast of yore, Doesn't live here Anymore. wish i'd written that. but don't leave unless you're bored, ok? i really enjoy your "company". and BTW - Dad says vinegar gets rid of skunk smell on animals. if it doesn't work, guess you'll have a REAL hell of a smell... :)

well, let's all go walk through the cowpies, pick the mushrooms and burn them in effigy. (sp?) and have a tolerable day.

Thu Jul 1 14:24:33 CEST 1999

Ragtime

Hey Lil...

Sorry Lil

What did I say to make you so... bitter...

You & I forgot our usual smiles. So here they are: :-) :-)

Thu Jul 1 13:20:36 CEST 1999

medicine hat

lil -- DON'T GO!!! ("we'll eat you up we love you so" -- maurice sendak). i know from experience that having one's dog sprayed by a skunk is a disheartening experience, but don't let it get you down. bathe that dog in tomato juice and you're problems are o'er. (then soak that dog in a tub full of vodka, add hot sauce and several celery sticks and -- voila! -- you've killed two birds!) rest up and come back. your thoughts are always welcome in my book.

Thu Jul 1 12:21:15 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Ragtime: Yeah..a bit lame..but humor right now is very hard to find. Sorry my poor attempt wasn't up to your standards. Seems like I can't do anything right lately. Did manage to take several valium before posting this though. A desperate attempt at sweet nothingness. When you don't feel, you don't hurt.

Sorry. Probably my last post here. Going out with a whimper instead of a bang. Take care everyone.

Thu Jul 1 11:57:24 CEST 1999

Ragtime

Bit lame... isn't it...?

Thu Jul 1 08:17:40 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Heheh....cute Mr. Viney :-)

It's 3:30 in the am here, my dog is outside barking...she just got sprayed by a skunk (anyone know a quick fix for that???) and I needed something to make me laugh here. Good timing with those great alternative Band tune titles. How bout "The Shade I'm In" (good for a hot summers day), or "Opealya" (maybe an ode to a grape)...kinda funny to think about some of the possibilities :-)

Thu Jul 1 08:05:57 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Just read an article on Harry Smith’s “Anthology of American Folk Music”. Hal Wilner is doing a tribute concert in London tomorrow, then later two in New York. The writer of the article (John L Walters) writes:

“Well, you know those dark mysterious songs by The Band and Bob Dylan full of strange visions and memories of wrongdoing and endurance? Well, it appears that Smith is the source.”

I was delighted to see that he put The Band first. Actually, I’d guess that any kind of direct “Anthology” influence would have been filtered through Dylan.

‘Stage Freight’ is a fortunate accident - a typo to join some of those titles found on Japanese and bootleg releases (The Wait was my favourite). So, how about a title selection for an imaginary new “Breast of The Bland” compilation? You don’t have to imagine it’s a bootleg. If Capitol can print errors and Pioneer thinks that there’s a song called “The Sun Don’t Shine Anymore” just assume that it’s an official release with Capitol / EMI / Toshiba / Pioneer’s usual high standard of prufreedin and edtin. Side one:

The Wait, Stage Freight, Chest Heaver, The Night They Drove Old Dicky Down (aka The Watergate Song), Caldonia’s Missing.

Thu Jul 1 06:49:27 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Re: Plow boy, yes you are right, as in Stage fRIGHT, and both ways sound good too!!! ?meanings? Bob W. when you awake you well...!

Thu Jul 1 05:53:45 CEST 1999

Plow Boy

Bob W: Plow Boy thought he was obvious. We all know the title and the meaning. And it is Plowboy first and "poor boy has paid..." second. Use your headphones,thats what they're for. But Stage Freight would be a good song about roadies. All you songwriters out there go for it . I won't sue. But you may have to spilt the royalties with SUNDOG. peace PB :)

Thu Jul 1 04:56:18 CEST 1999

Bob W.

PLOWBOY&SUNDOG: Sorry boys, but both of you are wrong about that song. It is called "Stage Fright", not "Freight," and it is poorboy, not a plowboy, although it does sound an awful lot like plowboy. talk to you later. Keep 'em coming, Sundog.........

Thu Jul 1 04:52:30 CEST 1999

mattk

Boy, I gotta stop writing off the top of my head when I write lack that. Once again, I've been so rude as to dump far too many grammatical and typographical errors on anyone foolhearty enough to venture into my monologue, diatribes, whatever.

I apologize. I guess after two paragraphs I should rethink the logic of posting such long-winded prose. Alas...

Thu Jul 1 04:45:58 CEST 1999

Bob W.

SUNDOG: just notify my next of kin, this wheel shall explode. "This Wheel's On Fire." Great song. By the way, I dont really listen to "Jericho" or "High on the Hog" very often, but I do know "Jubilation" quite well. I guess I'll have to give them more of a listen

Thu Jul 1 04:42:24 CEST 1999

mattk

Pehr, that came from me. I was not saying I believed it, I was merely quoting Peter Coyote. Still, I completely agree with your sentiments. Hell, if race is a barrier to playing any form of music, then (in my view) the music isn't doing it's job. First, let me let Peter Coyote have his say, and then I'll bore everyone with one of my patented spur of the moment babbles. I warn you, this is one of my more interminable messages. To me, you can hear the drug use in the music. Everybody made such a big deal about the music. But the difference between the way Robbie Robertson was playing and Muddy Waters was playing was the whole story. All the white boys were amping up all this synthetic kind of fucking passion and just showing how into it they were. Muddy just came out. He was just fucking being there and doing it and I was embarrassed by the music. I thought, "Is this the fucking best we can do?"

Rock and roll is not for rocket scientists anyway. But even so, don't *fake* it. Go out there, have a good time. Don't act out your passion for the audience. PUt it in the fucking music. Don't mistake the amplification of the instruments for the emotion that's coming through it. I thought the Band was great. They were teh best of the white guys. But even so. Next to Muddy, it was just hype. It wasn't real. I thought so that night and I really saw it when I saw the movie.
-Peter Coyote, from Bill Graham Presents: My Life Inside Rock and Out by Bill Graham and Robert Greenfield

Ok, to me there are two central points he's making here:

1. The Band was basically just mugging during TLW. A facade of pretend passion is worse than simply showing none at all.
2. It's implied that as "white guys," there is something inherently dishonest in their playing the Blues. That Muddy, simply for the fact that he is Black, (and not a "rocket scientist"), can go out there and be "honest" and not bogged down with an overly complex musical idiom.

I'd like to live #1 on the table, as I KNOW where that leads, and reading another RR bashing session does not interest me.

As far as #2 goes, first let me say that I think there is some subtle and not so subtle racism in Coyote's statement. But let's get beyond that too, as we'll only end up getting caught up in interpreting his comments and defining "racism." Lets set that aside, for now, and allow me to address the topic of music and race and why comments like Coyote's tend to upset me.

The beauty of music for me, is that it simultaneously defines the performer and the listener, and that transformation can transcend time or space. Only this way, can I as a musician play Mannish Boy, or Ready for Love, or 19 Years Old, and simultaneously connect with Muddy, whose version I've listened to thousands of times as well as to an audience at the same time. In that moment, race is irrelevant. I'm no master bluesman, but I've been honored to have people of any number of races, ages, cultures, creeds, tell me that they felt something personal when they play. For me, and perhaps for most musicians, this is the holy grail. If you're really good, if your Muddy or Robbie or Levon or Rick or Richard or Garth or whomever, you get to connect like that over and over again. You get to define whole new METHODS of connecting through music and by blending styles and experiences. To limit it to race is offensive, I feel.

This is not to say that race and culture do not play a major role in music. Obviously the Blues, as well as Jazz, as well as virtually other vibrant American musical form, is a product of the Black experience and Black history. I think it's important in understanding the US's schizophrenia about race to recognize the fundamental disconnect we have between an despicable, embarassing history of slavery, discrimination and a host of evils that is part of our collective history is also the environment which gave birth to so much of the culture that defines us and we collectively hold dear. Rock and Roll, R&B, Jazz, Funk, Rap all trace back to the Blues, and the Blues is a direct by-product of the US's most shameful history.

Sadly, too, though we'd prefer to think otherwise, the evil did not stop either. Not with the Emancipation Proclimation, not with the enacting of the 13th Amendment, not with the Voting Rights Act of 1965, nor the Civil Rights Act of 1968. Wounds run deep, and even those who showed up in the middle of all this as poor immigrants are scarred with it. In the US, we tend to refer to our treatment of African Americans as an episode. Like some Seinfeld show where Kramer pops in, makes a few bigoted comments and leaves. So none of us really talk about it. None of us are sure, Black, White or otherwise, how we feel about this history and by extension, how we feel about each other.]

In the end, all we're left with is the music. We can't reach out and own a collective joy or a collective pain, but we can reach out and own the music which teaches it to us. And in the end, for me, is what music is about, and in many ways, is part of what attracted me to this band. There aren't a lot of groups or musicians that do the job of blending and embracing so many North American, and particularly US, culture like The Band--regardless of race. Where Mr. Coyote hears simple volume, and some lack of "sincerity," I cannot disagree more. Is the version of Mannish Boy on TLW the same quality as the 1955 recording. But in that moment in 1976, Paul Butterfield could reach back to Little Walter, and Robbie could reach back to Jimmy Rogers and Levon could reach back to Francis Clay, and Rick could reach back to Willie Dixon. They can reach back 21 years and make something new and in turn send it 23 years later on to us. And suddenly, the world ain't so big, and this country and this planet, for 3 or 4 minutes, is not seperated between an old Black man and 5 young men, or Americans and Canadians or really anything at all.

Finally, I really think Peter Coyote, in an attempt to be glib and sound sincere and cynical and "honest" misses the whole point. And I honestly believe, his problem with the Band in this quote really isn't about them at all, but about himself and his own cynicism as a founder of the Mime Troup and the Diggers--two groups that really defined the political and social consciousness of the San Francisco scene in the late 1960s. Standing there in 1976, amid all the excess of stardom, of yes, drugs, he too can't look past any facade to find something of value just under the surface. He limits that performance, I believe, because he's found out there are limits to himself, of all but a select (and usually short-lived) few, as an activist. Maybe it's because, as an actor, he only deals with facades. His life is constructing and deconstructing identities to gestures and lines in a script. From that perspective, I simply fell, "he doesn't get it."

But hey, as I'm sure someone will point out, I wasn't there. And yep, you sure are right, I wasn't. But it really doesn't matter, does it? In the end, as Borges would point out, it's all in how you look at it, in the moment, through those eyes. As soon as you realize you are percieving it, it passes into memory and is subject to all the filters of emotion and experience that came before and after. In that sense, standing five feet from the Mains at stage right, or standing 5 feet from my stereo 23 years later, I still see something he apparently doesn't.

Peace

Matt

Thu Jul 1 04:24:33 CEST 1999

Ploughboy

PS: Some prefer Ploughboy. I assume they are both correct. But I prefer PLOW BOY. You've got to CYA. PB. :)

Thu Jul 1 04:10:26 CEST 1999

Plow Boy

Sundog: Back to Stage Freight. Freight is cargo carried by train, plane, or truck, or what ever. ...'they gave this PLOW BOY his fortune and fame'. I may be poor, but please don't take away my fame. Thanks, Plow Boy. :)

Thu Jul 1 02:03:18 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Sorry Bob,,,LARS P. "You're the winner of that Gold Dollar", it is *REMEDY* off of *Jericho*. Try again Bob, I got "one" on ya now!!! Roll'n down the roooaad...