The Band Guestbook, June '99

Wed Jun 30 23:52:58 CEST 1999

Lars Pedersen

BOB W: I wish I could offer a remedy for your befuddlement. I'm gonna guess "After the Gold Rush."

Wed Jun 30 23:48:39 CEST 1999

pehr

really enjoyed the new piece on the rick danko show. felt as if i was there with you, really enjoyed it. thanks for sharing you experience with us. there was a post earlier about white boys and blues that is interesting to discuss. i dont think muddy put the boys in their place so to speak... hell it looked to me like he was determined to express and share that rare gift he possessed in a special moment. It seemed muddy was thrilled and happy to play there and when it comes to stage prescence like muddy well the roll call is mighty short. muddy and the wolf were larger than life and photographs of them all attest to this. i cant think of anybody of any color that could overwhelm them onstage playin blues. didnt muddy more or less introduce the blues to all of us? as for the blues being a racial thing its an interesting thing. there arent many white blues artists i get too excited about really but there arent many black artists coming up that really do much either for me. personally i think the most interesting bluesman contemporarily is jimmie vaughn. saw him over chrismans holidays at antones and heard something like a medicine show might be like: lots of people on stage dancing,singin, playin horns, harp (kim wilson) guitar (billy gibbons) i guess what im saying is blues is a product of a time and place in america that lives on only in memory and on record. its a vital tradition, one that sets american music apart from others. it is interesting to see what comes from this no one really knows. as artists the band made a significant contribution toward music that we are still trying to understand all around us as artists, musicians,participants and fans. I think the band captured the mystery and sheer fun of the blues in ways no one else ever will... really you cant give more than that - well deepen the mystery and fun perhaps . ok ok i'll shut up and sorry about my penmanshipppp

Wed Jun 30 23:25:30 CEST 1999

Bob Wardlaw

SUNDOG: I must confess-You have stumped me!!

Wed Jun 30 19:44:19 CEST 1999

Bones

Jim: Thanks for the post. It sounds like you have a great band. How do you get together with Rick? Does Aaron call you up and throw a date at you? Have you ever played any "hidden gems" with him, for his set list has not changed much in the last few years. I have always found this surprising since the man can pick up a guitar and play anything. For instance, he played "When You Awake" on the Classic album video and it was marvelous.

Wed Jun 30 18:32:24 CEST 1999

Little Brother

Catbalu: I turned 44 on April 15th.

I contemplated the question in the context of your comments, assuming it was-- well, not so much rhetorical as a sublime koan upon which to meditate and free myself from overblown folly.

But I came up empty, so I figured I'd offer a straight answer. I AM very much a Little Brother, by the way. If I ask why you ask, will you answer?

Wed Jun 30 18:11:41 CEST 1999

John Donabie

Thanks to Peter Viney; about a year ago...I sent away for the British Import of the double CD of The Legend of Jesse James (featuring Levon) and White Mansions. At the time there was not going to be a U.S. release. I understand in the next few weeks it will finally get a North American release. I don't know the label. Believe me, The Legend of Jesse James is great!!

Wed Jun 30 13:44:08 CEST 1999

Ilkka

About anonymous posters. - We are many who are using the first name: Rod, Lars, Gene, Mike, Serge and many others. I for myself have felt comfortable with it. Wouldn't it be proper netiquette for those who are 'serving lifetime' here to send Jan the family names and email addresses? I've just done that - maybe you have done it already!

Wed Jun 30 13:22:31 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Bob W. and I can hardly breath! Don't cha take your time!!!

Wed Jun 30 04:42:55 CEST 1999

Jonathan Katz [again]

Diamond Lil: Thanks for the correction! [and kind words - I mix up my two boys's names every so often too. Justin [if you read this]; my apologies. Jan: a fix please?

Wed Jun 30 02:58:09 CEST 1999

Jim Gilheany

To Jonathan Katz:

Thank you so much for your enthusiastic review of Ricks show in Columbia,M.D. on June 19th. Im the bass plater in Kings IN Disguise and everyone involved agreeded that this was our best show yet with Rick and Aaron.

Columbia was our 5th gig with Rick. We first played with him at Irving Plaza in N.Y.C. last year where we were on the same bill for a benefit for Parkinsons Disease. Rick of course was the headlner and at the end of his set we joined Rick and Aaron on stage for the Weight and The Shape Im In. Both songs turned into very long joyful jam sessions, after which both Rick and Aaron vowed that we would have to do this again!

Since then we have had the pleasure of working together at the Sarah St. Grill in Stroudsburg,P.A.,Planet High Bridge in(where else?) High Bridge,N.J. and the Bottom Line in N.Y.C.

Once again thanks for the warm words. Im a regular reader of the guestbook so if you have any questions I will get right back to you.

P.S. Our second song that night was a Kings original named 'SAL" THANKS Jim Gilheany

Wed Jun 30 02:24:53 CEST 1999

Bob Wardlaw

SUNDOG: "Lonesome Suzie" Congrats. I had to work for that one. Keep 'em coming.......

Wed Jun 30 02:01:26 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Re: Bob W. why don't we get together, what else can we do?

Wed Jun 30 01:51:52 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

John Donabie: Do you have an e-mail address? Forgive me if you've posted it and I never took notice, but I can't seem to find one. There's something I'd like to mail you about if it's ok. If you would prefer not to post an address here..I completely understand. You can get mine from Jan if you'd like. Thanks.

Wed Jun 30 00:31:57 CEST 1999

Just Wonderin' NOT Just Wondering

Thanks Jonathan for the interview! We all should be green with envy!

Tue Jun 29 23:43:10 CEST 1999

Bob Wardlaw

SUNDOG: "Get Up Jake."......."It's late in the mornin', the rain is pourin', we've got work to do." Come on, I'm ready for some tough ones. So far, I've known all of your songs like the back of my hand. Don't be afraid to give me a hard one. I may be young, but I know my Band music.

Tue Jun 29 23:14:54 CEST 1999

Mitt Stampler

Stopped in just in time to catch the Peter Coyote thread. An interesting character--Coyote wrote an autobiography last year called "Sleeping Where I Fall." He gets a bit tiresome--especially when he tries to wax eloquent about his "learning experiences"--apparently the PC term for youthful indiscretions. Skip over the parts about credit card theft and the Manson family--but worth reading. To listen to him and my dad, I always viewed the sixties/seventies as a time when a bunch of very decent, well intentioned folks' lives went wrong en masse. I never understood the appeal of drugs, but then, I remember being shown those anti-drug movies in grade school where a kid took one hit of wacky weed and ended up in prison or the squirrel farm for life. Could be just a matter of conditioning :) Little Bro: Speaking of anonymity, I've always used my real name on the web (jeez, how could I make up a name like that???) but my phone bills, paychecks, legal summons, etc. come to my middle name and my ex-spouse's. A reverse psuedonym, works quite well...Just looked outside and noticed that there's a downpour in progress. I'm going to go stand out in the rain for awhile and really give the neighbors something to talk about. Peace, Mitt

Tue Jun 29 23:09:51 CEST 1999

Lars

FREDERICK: Is it "Drop Kick Me Jesus Through the Goalposts of Life"?

Tue Jun 29 22:45:20 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Thoroughly enjoyable review, Jonathan. Many thanks.

Tue Jun 29 22:41:19 CEST 1999

catbalu

A good soldier is not violent. A good fighter is not angry. A good winner is not vengeful. A good employer is humble. This is known as the Virtue of not striving. This is known as ability to deal with people. This since ancient times has been known as the ultimate unity with heaven.

little brother, how old are you?

y'know, i doubt very seriously if Ben Franklin's ancestors came from Norway... but, yeah, he'd love jan. have I (!) ever been censored? jan, you are a good guy (and i'm really glad you have a day job! :)

to your award, jan - it is truly to you i drink (or would, if i could) hey, ya'll young folk, having your body turn on you is a Bi***... but the heart of youth will stay true if we stay out of it's way.

hey, bumbles, i'm a horton fan myself... inherited it from my daddy.

Tue Jun 29 20:00:12 CEST 1999

tao now brown cow

Bumbles, apparently you: "A singing drummer who no longer sings (or drums without support), a bloated junkie fumbling his way through songs he’s performed for 30 years..."

Bumbles, June 4, 1999

Tue Jun 29 19:56:27 CEST 1999

Jon Lyness

Thanks, Jonathan, for the great Danko review.

To anyone out there: I'd love to know more about the Band's "One Too Many Mornings" cut on the upcoming Dylan tribute album. Specifically, was that cut recorded at the Jubilation sessions, or at a separate session more recently??

Tue Jun 29 19:51:25 CEST 1999

mattk

'scuze me, that was Buddy Guy, not BB King...

Tue Jun 29 19:50:36 CEST 1999

mattk

Playing in Baltimore the night of the Danko concert was a bit frustrating. Seems the whole world was either off listening to Rick or down in Montgomery County checking out BB King and Los Lobos...sigh. Personally, I'd have loved to go to either show, but was left to entertain the losers, like me, too disorganized to make it to Columbia or Gaithersburg for some first class music.

Alas...

Tue Jun 29 19:45:15 CEST 1999

Bumbles

What's all this about dope? Even the prim & proper Mr. David Powell pulled himself away from his 180-gram vinyl lp's and the latest issue of ICE long enough to type up a dispatch on the subject of the deadly H drug. What's it got to do with 'our boys'?

BTW: Emmett Grogan's autobiography, Ringolevio: A Life Played for Keeps, (complete title, correct spelling) is worth finding.

Tue Jun 29 19:44:01 CEST 1999

mattk

Of course, it's that masquerade which enables Don Pedro to fool Claudio into believing in Claudio's unfaithfulness--which as far as Claudio is concerned, ends in tragedy...hmmm, maybe a bad analogy...(hee hee, just goofin' Little Brother)...

There's actually a fairly unpleasant evaluation of LTW by Peter Coyote in Bill Graham's book, "Bill Graham Presents." Something to the affect that when watching the Muddy Waters set, he (Coyote) was struck that where Muddy was inspired by passion, The Band was inspired by chemicals and volume. He goes on to state, essentially, that while The Band was one of the less "white" of the white blues influenced bands of the era, that the Muddy Waters set illustrated perfectly why white guys would always come up short playing the blues.

Before you phlame me, I'm just the messenger here...Peter Coyote said it, not me. I'll try to dig up the actual quote this evening.

thx matt

Tue Jun 29 18:34:24 CEST 1999

Little Brother

-- Well said, Pete Rivard!

-- Hmmm... it certainly appears that Jan censors "next to nothing", but how can you tell exactly WHAT he censors? By the way, after floundering around with various metaphors, Band-based or not, for this site, I'm sorry I didn't think to simply say: This is a Medicine Show, and Jan is W.S. Walcott!

P.S. As a non (or pre) HMTL user, what's up with text that appears bracketed with underlines. I mean, like _this_. It appears pretty frequently, and, I gather, is too much trouble to correct.

I certainly don't mean to precipitate another rash of unstable experimentation, Jan-- Just _curious_.

The whole issue of identity vs anonymity on the 'net turns into a multidimensional shell game when one delves into the issue. Which I won't, except to say that even using one's "real name" doesn't prove anything-- only you, and maybe your closest friends/family, can reasonably know it's "you", and so on.

But after a couple of postings using my real name, I picked "Little Brother" and have come to like the concept. As Lil noted, it's at best like an elegant masquerade-- I'm thinking of those scenes from Kenneth Branagh's "Much Ado About Nothing", the medieval ball where guests wear beautifully crafted masks that conceal, yet create an identity of their own. Way cool!

Tue Jun 29 17:57:57 CEST 1999

Bones

To Jonathon Katz: Thanks for the review. What a great story. I'm very jealous. So we are going to get a live record on top of another live record. I'll be happy with anything. I just hope the sound quality is better on this live recording.

To David Powell: Thanks for the Emmett Grogan post. I never knew what happened to him.

Tue Jun 29 16:52:50 CEST 1999

Don Pugatch

Jonathan, I can't believe you of all people did not record the concert or the interview. Great feeling you must have had to talking to Rick, but I know the feeling of being a pest. Years ago here, The Band preformed in Atlanta, and we hung around the bus before the concert, and Rick asked my son and myself into the bus. The moment was so exciting, but I did have a camera, and have the pictures to show, but the memory of the moment is what' s important. Don

Tue Jun 29 16:51:44 CEST 1999

David Powell

Pete Rivard: I also heard the "Fresh Air" interview with Peter Coyote and was reminded of a Band connection. Coyote was a close friend of Emmett Grogan, a fellow member in the "Diggers" counterculture group. As Coyote recalled in the interview, it was Grogan who gave him his first taste of heroin.

Grogan evidently knew Albert Grossman and various members of The Band. It was Grogan who came out on stage at The Last Waltz to introduce the poets who performed. Grogan's own account of the concert was published in "Oui" magazine shortly afterwards and was recently included in the articles section on Jan's website. Grogan also co-wrote the songs "Brainwash," "Java Blues," "Sweet Romance," and "Once Upon A Time" which appeared on Rick Danko's 1977 solo album.

Although Coyote did not come across as apologetic about his drug use in the NPR interview, he did admit that his own acting career was delayed, his health suffered, and several of his close friends died as a result of drugs. That list of friends includes Janis Joplin and Emmett Grogan. On April Fool's Day 1978, Grogan was found dead from a heroin overdose on a subway car in Coney Island. That same year, when Dylan released "Street Legal," the album's liner notes contained the following dedication: "In Memoriam: Emmett Grogan."

Grogan wrote an autobiogaphical novel entitled "Ringlevio," which may be out of print.

Tue Jun 29 16:20:30 CEST 1999

John Donabie

mattk

I was never one for "sweetheart journalism" You did your research and stated some documented facts. I don't feel this takes away your love for The Band or their music.

Tue Jun 29 15:41:29 CEST 1999

Dexy

Jonathon Katz -- Thank you for a really entertaining and informative post about the Danko concert. Maybe you didn't get Rick to respond to all of your questions, but you got some interesting comments from Aaron, and anyway, what a day! Great read.

Tue Jun 29 13:33:29 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Re: Tim(sundog)Corcoran- I'm impressed that you want to be me, but theres only ONE me, thank God, (but I ALWAYS spell SUNDOG with capital letters) but *STAGE FREIGHT* is the name of that song! Re: BOB W., 'on a fairy called the Baltimore... Now I'll make it harder for ya!!!

Tue Jun 29 13:17:18 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Gene: Enjoy the show Saturday! Haven't heard anything more about the Yasgurs Farm event. In fact, it seems to have all but disappeared from the local paper here. If I hear anything more, I'll be happy to post it.

Jonathan Katz: Thanks for that great article about seeing Rick. Very nice to know you had such a good time. Don't give a second thought to having made a 'pest of yourself' though. As I'm sure you found out, Rick is a very gracious man and truly enjoys interaction with those who go to see him. I do however, have one minor correction of your article if you'll allow me. Rick's son is Justin, not Jason. Don't feel bad about that though. You're reading this post from someone gets my own kids names mixed up at times :-)

Tue Jun 29 13:05:24 CEST 1999

Gene

Sorry, we're going Saturday.

Tue Jun 29 13:04:02 CEST 1999

Gene

Diamond Lil, I'm going with my wife. Any further word on the Yasgur's Farm event?

Tue Jun 29 12:57:41 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Is anyone heading to the Bearsville Theater on _friday_ night to see Levon? Seriously contemplating it myself, but will probably be going solo. Just wondering if there'll be any semi-familiar folks there.

Brown Eyed Johnny: Just want to say hello and let you know that Freddy's plane arrived safely at it's destination. Hope all is well with you.

Tue Jun 29 11:24:53 CEST 1999

Frederick Freekowtski

Bob, what about this one, then: "I've got to let it roll / I've got to let it ride / I can never show / What's really going on inside"

Tue Jun 29 09:48:43 CEST 1999

Bob Wardlaw

SUNDOG: Easy as pie. It's "Stage Fright." Pick a song that never made it to any collections and/or never became very popular. Try suff that was only on the albums. Come on; now I'm ready for more.... I;m ready for your next verse...

Tue Jun 29 08:41:36 CEST 1999

Rod

Peter - this time you have over stepped the mark by suggesting Rick's Gibson Ripper was the reason he was out of tune at TLW. I've owned a Ripper for about 10 years now and never had any trouble with the intonation - though Frisco is probably a lot warmer and humid than Wellington. However it does sound like a fart at times on the E string - especially when played open. The nice thing about the Ripper is that it has a thin neck - a bit like a jazz bass.

Cecil - great to see another Band fan in the windy city - I was beginning to think I was the only one. I haven't got any boots (unfortunately) - send me an email sometime.

Tue Jun 29 06:01:14 CEST 1999

Ragtime

Re Insomnia

Dutch poet J.C. Bloem once wrote a poem called "Insomnia" with the opening lines:

"Thinking of death I can't sleep

And not sleeping I'm thinking of death"

Sorry Lil, I can't be much help to you, here from my Rockin'Chair. Listening to The Band when you've got Time To Kill is no Remedy, as you probably know, 'cause their music is so lively... I hope that you're Sleeping now & that this post makes you smile When You Awake :-)

Tue Jun 29 05:30:28 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

All apologies graciously accepted Matt :-)

Now...does anyone know a cure for insomnia? I'm figuring sleep would be the best one..but can't seem to do that tonight. My thoughts, it seems, are thousands of miles away......

A little DFA should soothe the soul. Goodnight.

Tue Jun 29 04:27:02 CEST 1999

catbalu

bet 10 bucks (starwars monopoly money only) JW is a girl.

mattk i like you. jw, i like you, too. (and i'm always only catbalu in the Name box) there's a long story behind "Give it a rest." don't abuse that, ya'll. i will also be so kind...

Tue Jun 29 03:54:54 CEST 1999

Neil

"The Loner"?

Tue Jun 29 03:46:25 CEST 1999

mattk

I also apologize for the atrocious spelling and grammar in my more recent posts. Life has me pretty harried these days, and the old fingers just aren't up to the task.

; )

matt

Tue Jun 29 03:44:37 CEST 1999

mattk

Lil and everyone (including JW):

It was not my intention to imply that those who post with higher degrees of anonimity are inferior to those that don't. After all, I'm here with a first name last initial and a free Yahoo e-mail. My exposure is pretty limited. I apologize for coming of as critical to those of us who choose, regardless of reason, to exercise their right to internet privacy. Certainly we can all agree on the importance of that.

My regretably curt response to JW where I challanged his/her anonimity was pure defensiveness. I felt attacked, and I reacted poorly. I apologize for in anyway criticizing the more "anonymous" guests for their Avatars. It was not my intention.

Peace

Matt

Tue Jun 29 03:34:17 CEST 1999

Lars

"Freebird"?

Tue Jun 29 03:19:01 CEST 1999

Tim(Sundog)Corcoran

OK here's one I betcha can't guess. "Now deep in the heart of a lonely kid who suffered so much for what he did. Thay gave that poorboy his fortune and fame, since that day he ain't been the same."

Tue Jun 29 01:54:02 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Matt K and JW:

As someone who always enjoys reading posts from both of you, I'd like to respectfully add a few comments in regard to the latest posts.

I have always been very vocal in my opinions regarding someone being purposely cruel or hateful in order to win an argument or make a point. I truly believe this was _not_ what Matt was doing. Stating documented facts in an intelligent manner is very different from name-calling and personal attacks. Drug and alcohol problems were (and are) a very real part of this Band of ours, and discussing the musical or artistic repercussions is all a part of the story of how things were, and where things are now. I would personally like to thank Matt for posting truth without being hurtful.

A far as band members reading posts on this site, every one of them at one time or another has checked this place out. I doubt we're telling any of them anything they don't already have first-hand knowledge of though. Both Richards kids and Rick's kids also 'visit' here from time to time. We should all keep that in mind when posting anything relating to things that could be painful or hurtful.

Jan truly deserves alot of thanks for allowing all of us to voice our opinions here. Very rarely does he interject his own opinions, and he censors next to nothing. I, for one am very impressed with his tolerance and patience.

And lastly, as far as anonimity goes, we are all entitled to whatever level of privacy we are comfortable with. I don't use my _real_ name here strictly because I am a single mom of 3 children and protecting _their_ privacy is important to me. I do however always use the _same_ name when I post so I am a familiar 'name' to all of you.

Yikes! This was soooo much longer than I anticipated it to be. Good thing Jan's so tolerant :-)

Tue Jun 29 01:22:14 CEST 1999

Bob Wardlaw

SUNDOG: Hey, if you've got anymore lyrics, I'm here to play the game. I may not know it all, but I consider myself to be pretty well-versed in the ways of the Band.

Mon Jun 28 23:47:39 CEST 1999

pehr

re: members reading the guestbook i remember a post last spring when alot of robbie bashing was going on that was signed j.r.r.(not tolkien) i wondered if this was the man. well i tried to find the post in the archives but it doesnt seem to be there anymore . it was addressed to dreamworks which is interesting. maybe it was ferdinand the impostor. oh well

Mon Jun 28 23:29:58 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Re: Chris *Long play CAHOOTS*

Mon Jun 28 22:59:51 CEST 1999

Chris Morris

Just one more thing - I'm not the Chris Morris who wrote the liner notesw on Northern Lights, Southern Cross!

Mon Jun 28 22:28:50 CEST 1999

Original Five

Interesting comment about the members of The Band reading this page.

Wasn't there a song about that by Joan Osborne?

What if Garth was one of us. Just a slob like one of us. Just a stranger on the net trying to make his way home...

Mon Jun 28 22:22:30 CEST 1999

chris morris

I love this site (as I do the Band) and visit it frequently. I'm so glad to have discovered it - I was beginning to think that I was the only person in the civilised world who liked 'Cahoots' - most of the reviews I've read of it over the years have been negative - and I don't think Robbie's lyrics on it are rubbish at all!

Mon Jun 28 22:19:41 CEST 1999

Chris Morris

Mon Jun 28 22:17:34 CEST 1999

Me

Gee, I feel like I've entered the realm of World War III.....all I wanted to say is this: MORE GARTH HUDSON ! ! ! ! ! ! Thank you for your time and have a great day. Me

Mon Jun 28 21:50:15 CEST 1999

mattk

Hey, thanks Ragtime. I too often lik JW's postings, which is why I was dismayed by his/her rebuke.

That said, I really don't want this to be a "sides" thing. I just want to discuss all of these issues openly and civilly (sp?). I'm just a peaceable guy who would prefer to be ignored as phlamed.

Mon Jun 28 21:50:07 CEST 1999

Pete Rivard

"Sleeping Where I Fall". Peter Coyote. Counterpoint Press.

Mon Jun 28 21:41:43 CEST 1999

Gene

I, too, enjoy the diversity of opinion and the wealth of knowledge and experience featured here. This site, it seems to me, at its best is a sort of patch-work quilt that welcomes all and from which all my derive benefit. 'Bumbles' come back, all is forgiven. God bless us all. Life is precious.

Mon Jun 28 21:35:44 CEST 1999

Pete Rivard

Apropos David Crosby and all other reformed "sinners":I was visiting a musician friend this past weekend who checked himself into a clinic after he fell off the wagon. This particular place specializes in musicians, and it was one hell of a jam session. However, a couple of them got real frosty with me when they discovered that I was visiting, and not "in the program," as if I had slipped past the doorman. There always seems to be this inference that there are only two types of people, those who are "in the program" and those who have not admitted they should be just yet. I allowed that I felt that there is nothing inherently evil in tobacco or alcohol, for that matter, and I haven't made up my mind on a lot of "drugs", just their abuse by people who can't or won't exercise discipline in their application. Well, you can imagine how that was received.

I heard a rebroadcast of an NPR interview with actor Peter Coyote that was pretty interesting. He participated in the drug scene with as much gusto as the next person, but he seems, upon reflection, to have a lot less knee-jerk, more considered reaction to that usage. He's got a memoir that just came out in paperback, the title escapes me, but it sounds like a good read.

Mon Jun 28 21:25:03 CEST 1999

Ragtime

mattk & jw:

I like you both & I always enjoy your posts. But if I'd be forced to take sides, I'm with mattk. The guy obviously loves The Band & its members, is not abusive, but simply states some well-documented facts that the members themselves are not secretive about. That's what is forum is for, isn't it...?

Mon Jun 28 20:28:16 CEST 1999

mattk

Yeah, quoting David Crosby made me itch a bit, but the point is that the impact of drug abuse on the musical genius' of American music in the 20th Century is nothing new, nor does it demonize anyone. It's simply a fact, partcularly for rock-and-rollers of that and subsequent eras.

Now on to meatier matters:

First:
...there are many anonymous people on this site... Everyone has their reasons. The biggest is the public lashing one gets if they disgree or question a comment from one of the "star regulars like yourself."

I'm a "star regular?" Cool! I'm updating my resume! Beyond that, I've never "lashed out" at anyone. Indeed, it was your post that obliquely accused me of being "cruel." I've not even lashed out at you, unless objecting to your characterization of my posts counts as "lashing out."

I get my biggest kick when people come here and ask "Do you think any members of The Band read this site? Wouldn't it be great if they were? Duh you think Robbie just gushes when he sees the degree of hate there is for him here? Duh you think that either Levon or Rick will say after reading mattk, Gee we love mattk, he reminds us of how f****d up we were.

Well, personally, I don't come on here hoping to connect with the members of The Band. I come here to discuss observations, interests and threads relating to their work or associated projects. If I wanted to make this a star turn, I'd send a SASE envelope to Woodstock and get an autographed picture. I don't listent to or think about music because I want to hobnob with someone on a web site. If Jan wishes to change the nature of this board and prohibit discussions of anything that a member might find uncomfortable, THEN I'll edit my comments.

As far as the "more kindness in analysis" bit. I'm not really sure what you are asking of me. Am I to not mention the fact that one member died a tragic death? Is it inappropriate for me to cite that person's own account of drinking too much? Is it wrong to postulate whether such abuse had an affect on what the group produced or it's eventual "break up?"

I recognize these are difficult topics, both at a personal level and at a cultural level. But to ignore their impact seems foolish and limiting when trying to earnestly and honestly deconstruct the meaning of certain public statements, creative projects and public feuds.

I'm sorry if it bothers you, but I'm not attacking, demonizing or libeling anyone here. I'm simply asking the question, and attempting to derive some answers based on available information. Given that RR STATED his worry that "the road" might take someone (maybe himself) and compared the group to other famous people like Jimi, Janis, etc who "the road" had taken (in each case through drug overdose), then it's perfectly reasonable to try to see the development and "break up" of the band through that filter?

Frankly this strikes me (and forgive my use of this overwrought phrase) as the worst form of political correctness.

I've been out front in chiding people for not being civil or directly cruel to make a point. Two weeks ago I Mr./Ms. Bumbles and I got into a very public feud on the issue where I was very critical of his/her need to make what I considered overly dramatic and glib statements to make their point.

However, you are asking me not change my tone (which is civil and reasonable, I believe), but to change the entire TOPIC because you think it might keep Mr. Danko from, what, asking you over for dinner? Invite you over to jam? I'm not sure, but it strikes me as censorship, regardless of motive.

I'm going to go on citing material that I need to make a point. The history of any rock and roll band is filled with great highs and some very dark moments. In the end, the point here is that these are people, with human frailities, strengths, sorrows, joys and failings. To siphon off the "negative" would be to deprive the body of their work true balance, and ultimately paints a very limited and dishonest picture and understanding of their work and careers?

Matt

Mon Jun 28 19:40:38 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Re: JUST WONDERING, or whoever you are,,,you could be Robbie for all we know... But what I do know is that I'm for real, and that is my real name I use above this post You have made your point more clear, than I ever could have, and my hats off to you!!!!!!

Mon Jun 28 19:31:58 CEST 1999

Bones

For those of you who are interested, there is a complimentary review of Levon's Ties That Bind CD in the July issue of Q magazine. Mr. Viney, you have great mags in your country. Both Q and Mojo are better than anything we have here.

Mon Jun 28 18:50:58 CEST 1999

Little Brother

First of all, to Linda Dalkeith: Don't Be Shy. We're nothing but a pack of cards! If Trekkiespeak means anything to you, let's say that when you type in the magic box and submit, it's like beaming into a holodeck program. You may get banged around some, but there's no real blood or even broken skin.

Think of this "place" as a kind of club or bar in a huge room like a barn or warehouse. On one wall is a "Fanvision"-style screen, like the things mounted in most (American) sports stadia. (Or, if you prefer, stadiumz.) The spotlight/mike jumps, more or less randomly, from one guest to the next.

There seem to be organic groupings, like "tables"-- f'r instance, I notice that a bunch of folks seem to actually KNOW each other in the Big World. There are "in" tables of folks who knew, maybe know, The Boys. There's an impressive assortment of scholars, technicians, and archivists; professional (or semi) musicians; aigheads 'n windbags.

And of course, every shade of the mood ring rainbow, from the surly/belligerent to the dreamy/mellow. And one or two who sound SO HIGH, God bless 'em.

You pop up on the Big Screen and people either spit on you, or most likely turn their backs and drink their drinks until they see/hear someone they like.

Hey, Linda, would you like to buy a watch-- real cheap? By all means dive in to the Moondog Matinee!

Anyway, I also appreciated the songwriting discussion. There isn't all that much disagreement, since everyone seems to acknowledge that the devil's in the details. I can't shake the lingering suspicion that RR took the lion's share of credit, with an antlike (as opposed to grasshopperlike) temperament influenced by the mentors or models like Mo Levy and Albert Grossman. But the others were grownups, too-- if Levon noticed the lopsided credits even before "Stagefright", he and the others had time to work things out before everything was accelerated in the slippery slope of decadence in the pre-TLW year. Too bad.

Mattk, I always enjoy your postings, but please don't quote David Crosby any more than you have to. All of those Clean 'N Sober celebrities who parlayed a latter-day version of the Reformed Drunk at the Revival Meeting into a second career give me the fan-tods. Drugs ate (and eat) a lot of people alive, but then again you only hear the bad things about them anymore. There ain't never been anything as sweet as my Strawberry Wine...

P.S. Yes! Someone get that SNL performance out on video! I'm glad to find that others have seen it; it happened before I owned a VCR, and I'm so sorry I had no way of preserving what I remember as a great mini-show! The overhead shots of Garth alone are worth it!

Mon Jun 28 18:14:07 CEST 1999

Just Wondering

Right off the bat, Jan runs at top notch #1 site. There isn't a better music site on the web. mattk there are many anonymous people on this site from freddy fishstick to Diamond Lil. Everyone has their reasons. The biggest is the public lashing one gets if they disgree or question a comment from one of the "star regulars like yourself."

I get my biggest kick when people come here and ask "Do you think any members of The Band read this site? Wouldn't it be great if they were? Duh you think Robbie just gushes when he sees the degree of hate there is for him here? Duh you think that either Levon or Rick will say after reading mattk, Gee we love mattk, he reminds us of how f****d up we were.

People have taken their shots at Richard as well. The only person in The Original Band who could read this site and not walk away bloody angry or hurt would be Garth. Yeh I know it's documented; but if I were a member of The Original Band. I'd find more kindess in analysis.

Mon Jun 28 17:56:16 CEST 1999

David Powell

Just to address mattk's question about ASCAP fees: ASCAP, BMI & SESAC license the performance rights for the music of their respective members. What these organizations do is that they arrange, negotiate & collect the fees from the businesses that use the music. Any business must pay the fee, whether it be a t.v. or radio station, night club, tavern, hotel, concert presenter, etc. The fee is paid in one transaction up front, allowing the business to obtain the performance rights to all the songs contolled by the organization. The amount of the fees vary according to the type of business, usually based on the amount of revenue the business generates. The business owners, not the actual performers, pay these fees. Periodically, the licensing organizations send people out to monitor businesses that haven't paid the fee, in order to verify whether or not protected music is being performed there. They'll make a list of the songs that are played and the licensing organization will file suit in court against the business over any violations. It's not just clubs or concert venues that face this threat; shopping malls or fitness clubs that pipe in music are also held accountable.

Mon Jun 28 15:50:10 CEST 1999

Shuwamp

I love the band & Woodstock sounds !.

Mon Jun 28 15:12:20 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Excellent well-argued, thought-provoking posts, Matt K. The example of a modern pick-up band performing the songs in new arrangments is excellent. Apply it to recent Dylan.

Dubbing: I’m trying to remember whose albums they were, but at least a few live albums have been trumpeted as “without any overdubs.” Those publicizing them thought this sufficiently rare to be worth noting. Overdubbing has reached the point where it’s done far too often - particularly with actors’ lipsynched dialogue in movies. The demands for an even sound quality, made worse by Dolby 5.1, make it more and more likely. What happens on the set is that dialogue is just there as a guide for later lipsynchs, especially on action sequences. With music there is a difference between rebalancing instruments and correcting fluffs, but I’d expect these both to happen. It depends on how bad the fluff / change is. If you get a really rough one, you’d be tempted to change the others to match sound. John Simon is quoted in Levon’s book:

“Robbie was right in that there were some good reasons for overdubbing the whole thing. Richard wasn’t singing well. Rick’s bass was out of tune & Robbie wanted to improve his guitar solos. Also the horns were recorded completely out of balance & had to be redone in NY with arrangements Henry Glover and I put together.”

Simon says that Levon wasn’t overdubbed. When overdubbing gets worrying is when a film becomes just a pattern on which to synch basically new tracks. TLW didn’t go quite that far. The main vocals are intact. Other stuff wasn’t used probably because it needed work on main vocals. Yes, I note that Richard and Rick’s overdubbing was to bring them up to normal performance levels, whereas Robbie’s were to improve on normal levels. The out-of-tune bass- could this be because he wasn’t using a Precision bass or a Jazz bass:-)

Mon Jun 28 15:07:35 CEST 1999

David Powell

Word is that DCC Compact Classics is seeking Chapter 11 protection in Bankruptcy Court as a result of debts incurred in a business venture unrelated to the company's music sales. DCC specializes in gold CD & 180-gram LP reissues remastered by Steve Hoffman, including the wonderful sounding version of The Band's "Stage Fright" album. Here's hoping that DCC can work out their financial problems.

Speaking of 180-gram LP reissues, I just picked up the Classic Records limited edition 2-LP box set version of "Bootleg Series Vol. 4 / Bob Dylan Live 1966" (CK2-65759). This analog version was produced by Classic under license from Sony as part of the 50th anniversary of the Columbia label, and is pressed on ultra quiet 180-gram vinyl mastered by Bernie Grundman from the original master tapes. The separate acoustic & electric set LPs come in their own picture outer sleeves in a rather large box that also contains the LP sized booklet. The records come with a reproduction of the red "Columbia 360-Sound" label.

The vinyl version sounds much "warmer" than the CD version, with more dynamic detail and a deeper soundstage. Need I say more? Although it's relatively expensive, at around $60 retail, this is a must-have set for all you analog die-hards.

Mon Jun 28 13:37:15 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

IIKKA, I can't believe you let 'ol Bob W. kick your ass!!! I guest I'll have to try an e-z song for ya!!!

Mon Jun 28 11:16:55 CEST 1999

cecil

thought i'd write some more quickly, though am having trouble with page the rumour is a crowd beater, one that live i bet would have mesmerized any listening, as it does on record, the mood just pulls you in, you cab't ignore it. L & R & R are on thier game. the pull back and sit rythmn lets the romour be told with quaking force, rupturing and resetting, no one holds the forefront to long (instrument or singing) all have their say-just long enough to be heard.they were v. cool around stagefrieght. straberry is one of the funkiest tracks i've heard made me record my drums through a piece of wood, -worked fine on 4-track, allowing rolls to echo and bluntly end . the system i engineered let the air dry leaving a remarkable texture -wide yet with precise strikes, -funny the things you try.

Mon Jun 28 11:00:26 CEST 1999

cecil

Mon Jun 28 10:23:41 CEST 1999

cecil

rod, i saw yr name etc about six months or so ago cutting through i've been a longtime listener in the hills of wellington. would be interested to sea a list of the albums, boots etc you have with view of obtaining the obscure -as you'd know yu don't find rare recordings often in the backwaters of the southpacific will check the file here in a few days

Mon Jun 28 10:16:19 CEST 1999

cecil

Mon Jun 28 08:09:46 CEST 1999

Rod

Mattk - your probably right.

Mon Jun 28 04:07:16 CEST 1999

Pat Brennan

Just Wondering, although I generally counsel people to ignore your type of post, your latest demands some response. You chose to ignore the boys' own words on the subject, the rather large batch of primary and secondary material, and even the words to the songs ("Forbidden Fruit"), just to rip someone who has posted a balanced and insightful piece. Ah, the pride.

Mon Jun 28 02:12:53 CEST 1999

Lars

LINDA: Don't be that way. Please feel free to say anything you want, nobody will bite you. You may get flamed (fer sure), but all that means is that someone's writing nasty words across your monitor, doesn't hurt a bit.

Abe Lincoln once told a story about a man who was tarred and feathered and being rode out of town tied to a rail. Someone asked him how he liked it and the poor unfortunate replied, "If it wasn't for the honor of this position I'd just as soon forego the whole thing." This guestbook can be like that.

Happy birthday to Jimmy Eppard, former touring member of the Band.

Glad to hear Levon and his new band will be playing this weekend at the Bearsville Theater. Wouldn't miss it for the world.

Just a quick hello to people who haven't been around in a while: Gopher, Luis, Dan Blood, etc. It would be good to hear your voices again.

Mon Jun 28 01:02:36 CEST 1999

Bob Wardlaw

TO: SUNDOG Come on, that's easy!!! It's "The River Hymn." Give us something hard next time. Try some album-only songs.

Mon Jun 28 00:14:57 CEST 1999

Paul Godfrey

John....Hear Here! (in that order) ;-)

Sun Jun 27 22:34:46 CEST 1999

John Donabie

Thanks Lil. I don't want to indicate through my post that I don't respect or enjoy people who dissect or analyze music. I could never do what Peter Viney does for example. That's his talent. It's just not something I can do. I just lay back and enjoy. As Levon once said in an interview, " Man I could talk about the music; but let the music do the talking for me." Never forgot that.

Sun Jun 27 22:05:23 CEST 1999

Linda Dalkeith

As a voyeur on this site,and looking at the mattk/just wondering exchange,this place seems a bit too intimidating for anyone with a view that differs from the royal `we'. Shame.

Sun Jun 27 19:58:37 CEST 1999

Bones

Do you think Levon would be bringing up the songwriting issue if the original Band were still together? I don't think so. When the Band was still the Band, Levon would refer to Robbie as the "songwriter". Even when the Band reunited in the 80s, Levon talked about Robbie and Richard being the two songwriters of the group. Now in the 90s, this is not how he remembers it at all. Levon, in interviews, called Robbie by his first name in the 70s and 80s, but now calls him Robertson if anything.

Sun Jun 27 19:06:30 CEST 1999

mattk

Just Wondering:

Snideness is easy when you are so anonymous, no? I'm out here with a name and an e-mail address, who are you? I'm addmittedly stating opinions here like everyone else and backing them up with facts where I can. If you want to debate my opinion with your own set of data, please do. That's what we're here for, no?

Regarding my statements about problems with chemical abuse by members in the 1970s. Such things are well documented. I did not say they were falling down with needles in their arms outside the Viper Room. However, Richard discussed his drinking problem in post-TLW interviews. I sincerely doubt Rick's problems with heroin may have only popped up in the 80s and 90s for all I know, but multiple members of the group have mentioned the early-70s as a time of "bad habits" among all members. And lets be honest: 1969 you live in a house in the Hollywood Hills with a large advance to record an album. Sorry, but unless we're talking about Up With People, it's hard to cite to many groups of that era, in that circle of musicians that didn't have to battle demons, nor is it hard to find groups where members battled demons and lost--including this one. It does not call into question their artistic merit, nor does it mean they were bad people. They were a product of their time where, frankly, a lot of rock-and-rollers got rich very quickly and had rather naive attitude about chemicals their affect.

To paraphrase David Crosby from the "History of Rock and Roll" series:

In the 60s we were right that peace is better than war, that money isn't everything, that people should be treated fairly regardless of culture or creed. But we were wrong about the drugs.

In my OPINION, the Band simply fell victim, like so many others, where key members or every member, perhaps, got wrapped up in the trappings of Rock-and-Roll stardom--which in that era, meant drugs--and ultimately it affected their creative output and even their ability to work together.

Sun Jun 27 14:29:27 CEST 1999

Martin

Re overdubs on TLW. On my copy of the complete last waltz (a CDR of the bootleg) the songs are slightly slower and lower in pitch than on the movie and soundtrack. Is this the case for other copies of the discs or just mine? If this is consistent for all copies of the complete last waltz, it implies that unless the bootleg source runs slightly slower than the actual performance, then the finished cuts on the movie were speeded up slightly in addition to being 'sweeetened'.

Sun Jun 27 13:57:39 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

IIKKA: Right on!!! How 'bout this one, bet you can't get this song,,,. Son, you ain't never seen yourself, no crystal mirror can show CLEAR, come over HERE instead. Son,YOU ain't never eased yourself, until you've layed it down in a river bed...

Sun Jun 27 11:08:31 CEST 1999

Ilkka

RE: SUNDOG
(tchk) Daa-daaaa-daa (tchk) Daa (tchk) - Daa-daaaa-daa (tchk)

Sun Jun 27 05:47:58 CEST 1999

LuAnn

I'm new to this website, but I'm a baby boomer and a big fan of Dylans and the Band. Saw them at the ValleyFair amusement park in Shakopee, MN in 1986. It was great to visit with Rick Danko and LeVon was in top form, as always. Hello to all you Band fans!

Sun Jun 27 04:39:44 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Well, it's long,,,long when shes gone, I get weary hold'n on, now I'm coldy fad'n fast, I don't think I'm gonna last, very much longer!

Sun Jun 27 02:53:48 CEST 1999

Pat Brennan

One eexample: Get Up Jake on ROA, Danko blows some changes but no fix. Caravan on TLW, Danko blows some changes, fixed for the album. Two different concepts at work, evidently.

Sun Jun 27 02:12:44 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

John Donabie:

If wishing there had been more music from The Band is selfish..then I guess I'm as guilty as you are. I wouldn't know how to dissect the music if I tried. I only know I love it, and for the most part it makes me feel good. And I think that's what music's supposed to be about. Feeling good.

Freddy Fishstick: Hard for me to say anything more than I'll miss you. Wishing a safe and happy trip to you and your family. Don't forget your camera! :-)

Jan: Hope your weekend was enjoyable for you and the folks. Welcome back. It's a comin..a brand new day.

Sun Jun 27 01:32:58 CEST 1999

Freddy Fishstick

Tomorrow the Caravan leaves for the Holy Land for two weeks or so. While we won't be totally Incommunicado, there won't be any posts to this Guestbook or Band music. To Lil & Brown Eyed Johnny, you will be in my thoughts. It doesn't look like we will get to Jericho so no need to take The Band tshirts. Butch, best regards and I hope Levon knocks em dead in Woodstock & Albany. We need to see Rick & Levon on the same stage again. Best to all friends n neighbors.

Sun Jun 27 01:21:12 CEST 1999

John Donabie

I FEEL SO FORTUNATE, ONLY TO HAVE LOVED THE MUSIC. I DON'T QUESTION IT AND I DON'T DISSECT IT. I HOPE I NEVER HAVE TO TREAT THE BAND'S MUSIC LIKE A SCIENCE PROJECT. I'LL LEAVE THAT TO THE INTELLECTUALS ON THIS SITE. MY ONLY WISH IS THAT THERE HAD BEEN MORE. SELFISH I GUESS?

Sun Jun 27 01:15:05 CEST 1999

Just Wondering

mattk

Your either a cruel man or a smart one. We had no idea you were there throughout The Band's early career. Knowing just when any chemical dependence happened, if any. You are so enlightend. Are you the 6th member of The Band. Or was that Murray the K? I get so mixed up.

Sat Jun 26 21:58:46 CEST 1999

mattk

Rod, after Big Pink and The Band, the co-writing by other members came to a screeching halt. Stagefright features two songs cowritten with RR by either Levon (Strawberry Wine) or Richard (Just Another Whistlestop). The first two albums feature brilliant writing by Danko and Richard, but I'd argue that both men's spiral into chemical abuse in that period undermined their creative initiative as songwriters. Contemporanious accounts and recollections by people outside the Band paint RR as a somewhat reluctant leader. By his own account, RR HATED having to take on the writing and producing duties full-time, and even grew to resent it as the recording process became more and more contentious.

To me, this boils down to the difference between composing and arranging. In my old band, we had this thing we called the "red ball theory." The approach was that any member would bring a song or song idea to the group. It usually included lyrics and the essential chord progression. We called that, "the red ball." The person who brought the song in would establish that there was a ball and that it was red--that was the song.

NEXT, it was up to the band as a whole to decide, is it a big ball or a little ball? Is it perfectly round or oblong? Is it cherry red or candy apple red? That was the arrangement. These other contributions were critical in that they allowed the group to take ownership of the music as it was performed. To inject our personalities into it. Sometimes we changed songs greatly. Rock songs became reggae songs. Happy songs became sad songs. Pronounciations were altered to add the singer's own character to the lyrics. Sometimes lyrics were altered. However, the song was still written by the original guy. It was his idea. His epiphany. The rest of us were simply honored to have opportunity to make it our own.

Today, someone posted a review of Rick's performance in Rhode Island recently. He used a pick up band with a violinist to play the songs. Stagefright, The Weight, etc, I guarantee, sounded very different from what they sounded like on Big Pink. If an album is released of that concert, should the members of the backup band get songwriting credit and points on the publishing of the Weight now? Of course not. If that specific arrangement is codified and published, and someone copies it, should the band get a cut? Absolutely.

The fact remains that if a guy sits in his house and gets an idea for a song, even if it's a bit incomplete. And if he presents it to a group and through an organic process they come up with a version that makes it breath and makes it vibrant, HE STILL OWNS THE SONG! Interpersonally, if they want to agree that after a certain threshold they share credits, so be it. But the fact that there are instances of songwriting credits shared with other members indicates that some credit was being shared. After the fact, as RR was able to capitalize on his rights and the others discovered that album points don't count for a hill of beans, THEN it becomes and issue. THEN everyone says, "gee, if Rick hadn't come up with this bass line, it would be a different sounding tune, he should get credit for that."

To me that's disengenious. Rick, Levon, had every opportunity to write songs for Cahoots or NLSC, or even Islands, but did not. Why? I don't know. If RR was putting guns to their heads, I suspect that they'd have walked. RR is certainly more business savvy then the others, he's also probably smarter for knowing when to get out with his skin in tact (Richard, sadly did not, and Danko is lucky to still be here himself). But that doesn't make him dishonest. If there is dishonesty, it can only be found in conversations none of us will every be privvy to, and will be forever lost in the muddy waters of lost friendships and bitter words.

I do have one question for someone: When Rick or Levon or the reconsitituted Band perform songs with the JRR credit assigned, do they have to pony up the ASCAP fees?

Sat Jun 26 21:25:56 CEST 1999

Rod

It would be great to see the Saturday Night songs released - but as a video. One of the disappointments with the authorised biograthy video was all the great live footage that was cut short by the commentary. That was probably nessecary given the nature of the video but it would be great to see them released uncut. There must be others as well.

U2 got around the problem of song writing credits by attributing their songs to "U2".While this may or may not always be fair it did solve alot of problems. As one book about them said, it meant they didn't need to include inferior songs from other members (as Sting had to on Synchonicity) just to give every one a share of the royalties. In the case of The Band I don't think the songs contributed (or co-authored) by the other members were at all inferior - they probably helped balance out some of RR's more pretentous leanings and and I've said before RM's contributions featured some of the most interesting chord progessions and melodies. (As an aside I don't think some of RR's songs really allowed RM to use his voice to full capacity.) As the 90's Band testifies, none of the other members (maybe except RM) ever really developed as song writers in their own right.

Sat Jun 26 21:22:35 CEST 1999

mattk

Pat, I suppose it comes down to what you expect from a live recording. Obviously, if a live album is to be an accurate account, an archive of what actually happened, then overdubbing is dishonest. However, let's say there was feedback, or bad solo in an otherwise good performance? What if the the core ensemble plays well, but one guy screws up one part? Sure we'd all like to believe that the edge of a live recording is in it's immediacy. I'd argue, at least for myself, that a live recording should capture the essence of the show, but not necessarioy all of its details. If subsequent engineering occurs, or if parts are redone, what do I care? Does it lessen my enjoyment? For me, no. A live album CANNOT exact the experience of seeing/hearing it first hand. It is necessarily an abstraction.

I guess if we there were concerns about dubbing over, say the Watkins Glen CD, or if they released the original Winterland recordings from the first live performances, and if RR re-did his parts to cover up his illness, I'd say that's not good. MOST live albums come from a number of performances over weeks, months, even years, where the best material can be culled. However, in the case of ROA or TLW, where it's a one time shot, and if Garth's mix was bad, or if Richard (by his own account) was too drunk to sing by the end, and if the group decides to fix those post-facto, it does not diminish my appreciation of the recording, the film or the concert (which of course I was NOT at).

Now to take this discussion to some really interesting levels, do we assume the reason EC's broken string, or Neil Young's cocaine on the nose should have been either edited out or fixed? At this level, I do smell some duplicity. I'm willing to let slide that EC was not doctored because he was not available--it seems only the Band, and possibly the horns were dubbed in any real sense. Yet, quoting Neil Young from a Rolling Stone interview:

When they were editing the film, they asked me if I wanted to have (the scene where cocaine is visible under his nose) removed. And Robbie Roberston said, "The way you are is kinda whayt the whole movie's about—if you keep on doin' this, you're just gonna die, so we're gonna stop doing it."

Now I'd argue that RR makes a good point in seperating his visual values from his musical values here. The image of Neil coked out, Danko tanked (the old time religion scene) or Richard bleary (or, in retorspect, Levon seething), is appropriate as a record of the show and the environment and issues that led to it's occurence. These chemical and emotional factors are part and parcel to why RR left and the group disbanded (temporarily, obviously...let's call it an extended hiatus).

Now, is the music a record of the event, or a final statement, retrospective of the group an multiple levels, including soundstage (Evangeline and The Weight) and studio recordings (Out of the Blue, etc).

I guess for me, as I look at this album, I conceive of it as a Soundtrack to a movie and not an example of The Band on top of their game in a live setting (though, in many cases, I think they are on tunes like Dixie, etc). However, if it IS to be the best of the songs performed live, then why no Georgia? Why not Rag Mama Rag, which was terrific? Why, for gods sake, not "Don't Ya Do It," which positively sizzles?

So, in this case, I don't care about the dubbing. To me, it's not dishonest in the same sense that Milli Vanilli was dishonest. In this case, again for me, since it's used to make up for short-comings at specific points, by specific musicians, and not a wholesale re-recording of the show, the essence of the event is still intact. And as a testament to the end of an era, it satisfies nicely.

Sat Jun 26 21:19:57 CEST 1999

Kathleen O'Neill

To Peter Viney: Thanks for the comment on Robbie. Rumour, perhaps? I just know what I read in Levon's book. Besides, in watching the video again, how could you tell whether or not the mike was ON or OFF?

Sat Jun 26 20:00:54 CEST 1999

Shecky

Report on Danko show in Providence, RI, 6/25. Rick was backed by members of the opening act, The Kim Trusty Band, including guitarist Tony Medeiros, vocalist Kim Trusty, a violinist(!), drummer and bass player. This in addition to Professor Louie, and Rick's own upright double bass player. An interesting lineup, and one which seemed to energize and please Rick. The set list was familiar, including Book Faded Brown, Crazy Mama, Stage Fright, Makes No Difference, Let the Four Winds Blow, Twilight, The Weight, Opheila, Java Blues, Next Time You See Me, and Shape I'm In. In addition, a couple of blues numbers, one with Tony Medeiros singing lead, and one with a scorching lead vocal by Kim Trusty. The violin added interesting fills and riffs, and made for an especially sweet and poignant "Makes No Difference." A large crowd (maybe 750?) filled the outdoor amphitheater at Waterplace Park in Providence. Rick's voice continues to be a unique, expressive instrument, still unchanged. All in all, a great evening, well worth the drive from Boston. As Rick told the crowd, "you can't beat the price!" (free show).With all the petty comments, demands and analysis one sees in the guest book, I, for one, am still grateful for the opportunity to see an original member of the Band perform live and perform well. Good job, Rick!

Sat Jun 26 19:38:42 CEST 1999

butch dener

Levon Helm & The Classics ( his blues band )will be playing The Bearsville Theatre, in Woodstock, n.y.,,, on 2nd & 3rd of July, 1999,,,, special guests will include, Jimmy Vivino, Mindy Jostyn, Phoebe Snow, Amy Helm, ( if she's back from N'awlins ) & OTHERS,,,, come spend a red white & blues 4th of July with us,,,, Happy Birthday America, with down home american blues,,,, see ya there,,,,,, butch

Sat Jun 26 17:35:33 CEST 1999

catbalu

Mr. V - speaking of versions of "The Long Black Veil" - have you, by chance, heard Mick Jagger's with the Chieftons? I'll say no more and leave those comments to others who have. Ya'll have a good day. I, in the meantime, and going to try to get all of my son's expensive golf balls out of the snake holes in my yard and replace them with a sack full of cheap ones before he makes any more comments about the foolishness of old hippies left to their own doing without youthful supervision. :) Oh, me.

Sat Jun 26 13:57:51 CEST 1999

Congratulations Jan

For perfecting the art of keeping up appearances and soldiering on as usual. Yet another prestigious award. You should be proud.

And now back to The Band.

Sat Jun 26 13:52:04 CEST 1999

catbalu

One of my old Professor's "boys" was one of the most gifted singers/songwriters i'd ever heard. he could sing other people's songs beautifully, but when he sang his own - it was haunting. several years ago i was pleasantly surprised to hear his voice on the radio singing somebody else's song. made it to the top in country. but he was with a different band than the one from back then. the song was excellent (and not his) but the two followups were not_good_at_all. his heart was nowhere in it, i could tell. and then i never heard them again and recently found out the band had split up and he'd gone back home. i'm hoping he has gone back to his old buddies; am afraid to call and hear (don't want to know) that something unforgiven has happened between him and his other musical half, the lead guitarist he left behind. Together, back then, they were magic - had known each other for so long... got a feeling he learned a hard lesson. hope his old friend is back beside him. he's lost alot of ground, looking at his reflection in the water with a bone in his mouth.

still, the old Professor would be proud to know he got a chance to shine, even if for one moment, for all to hear. what a voice.

Sat Jun 26 12:24:36 CEST 1999

KAHN

Chest Fever is my favourite song.

Sat Jun 26 06:42:32 CEST 1999

Pat Brennan

Live recording/dubbing; Matt, all well and good. But what if the bass player completely messes up some changes? What if a vocal harmony comes off poorly? A bad solo? Feedback? Is that still honest to overdub and correct all those inconsistencies? I also wonder about your tone discussion? The Band used to spend far more time soundchecking that actually performing, just to get the tones and balances perfect. Keep in mind that TCLW is probably some kind of monitor recording or a single channel feed for archiving purposes. I believe that most if not all stage recordings can be properly eq'ed and balanced in a studio environment if it's a multitrack recording, which TLW was. Fact is, TLW had a lot of ragged performances. I've heard a number of 1976 boots that are much better performances, for a number of reasons. As exciting as TLW was/is for most of us, I presume it was something of a letdown for a few of the members of the group. To me, it shows. Also, the 76 tour had a lot of new material that the group was exploring, but TLW comes off as a greatest hits sort of thing. Very unfortunate. I keep harping on Saturday Night Live and the four songs they did there. Tight, punchy, GREAT sound, should be released as an EP. Plus the video thing they did during Dixie killed. As I recall, after Stge Fright, they pan to the audience shot where Dylan is sitting. Clapping. There's the great story that Garth re-dubbed all his parts because of the technical problems. That makes sense. But ROA has feedback in a number of places. Not much of that sort of thing on TLW.

Sat Jun 26 03:10:22 CEST 1999

John M`

Further to the Ry Cooder/Stones connection, Cooder played acoustic guitar on Prodigal Son from Beggars Banquet. Don't ask me why I bothered!

Fri Jun 25 21:47:36 CEST 1999

Don Pugatch

I can't believe the price of TCLW, Record store in Greenwich Village, NY< Name to withheld, sold these gems for $100.00. Any one interested in a cassette copy, e mail and we will trade. Also, recently purchase Levons new import, so if that is of interest, let me know. Yes, Jonathon, I will use high bias tapes. Don PS Sorry, my record player broke, so don't ask for any vinyl dubbings

Fri Jun 25 21:39:10 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Little Brother: The songwriting question is never going to be solved, but I’m enjoying the discussion. The best shot from Levon’s point of view was always ‘What do you remember about Chest Fever? The organ playing or the lyrics?’ RR got his point about ‘The Night they Drove Old Dixie Down’ in during ‘Classic Albums’ when he describes how he wrote it at home at night while the kids were asleep. McCartney’s official biography carefully shares out the credit in percentage terms for as many songs as possible: This was 65% me, 35% John; This was 95% me, 5% John; This was 98.2% me, 1.8% John etc:-). But both John & Paul went on to write significant songs on their own. Jagger & Richard (with the exception of “Memo From Turner”- thanks for reminding me David) noticeably didn’t during their brief “divorces.”

The point you’re making is that the songs may have arrived in a raw and unfinished state, and that the joint contribution may have had some aspects of songwriting. The issue here is that RR has continued to turn out significant songs. The others haven’t. Now I’d say that indicates that RR was “the songwriter” in all the normal and legal meanings of the word. With the Band, as we’d all agree, “songwriting” was only one part of the equation that leads to the magic. Diana Ross’s version of “The Weight” is the song, but is not magic. The Band’s version is magic. And that magic was the combined work of five. Because of the way the music business has been structured historically, being “the songwriter” is rewarded far more highly. RR didn’t create that situation, but why should he have tried to overturn it? Another example might be “The Long Black Veil” which is an amusing if hokey novelty in the hands of Lefty Frizell, but a wonderful song by The Band.

The executive producer of Dreamworks knows a songwriter when he sees one. I guess many here are getting into Randy Newman’s “Bad Love” and the initial impact of “My Country.’ In todays “Independent” newspaper, Andy Gill says: “ Bad Love is the work of a master at the peak of his powers, aided and abetted by the most simpatico of studio cohorts … the louche swagger of the saxophone and the slither of brush on snare are as articulate as Newman’s lyrics”.

There is indeed wonderful drumming from ex-Attraction Pete Thomas. I met him just once, many years ago and we got talking about The Band. He gave me a very enthusiastic and detailed technical explanation of Levon’s brilliance as a drummer. Listen to his timing in “My Country” … that microsecond after you’d expect him. Andy Gill says it best above. The Band should do an album of Newman songs, ‘Louisiana 1927’ being first.

Fri Jun 25 18:17:54 CEST 1999

mattk

TLW Version of the The Weight (soundstage version):

I've always operated under the assumption that the film version is the recording of the song with some sweetening added to the record itself.

The key peice of evidence, to me, is actually Mavis Staples. At the end of the song, in the film, you see her beam and whisper "beautiful." At the end of the version on the record, if you listen, you can hear her say it there as well (though it's faint).

Beat on Robbie all you want folks, but if you try to tell me that Mavis Staples would participate in dubbing the word "beautiful" to fake the immediacy of the performance, well, I'd have to hunt you down. For my money, Mavis is the most accomplished, honest and heartfelt R&B/Soul singer of her (or any) gender. I'll take her singing over Aretha's any day (not to say I don't love Aretha, but Mavis changed my life and the way I think about music).

Dubbing in general:

I do think we need some perspective on the dubbing issue, however. Dubbing live versions for release has been common for years, and in the era before recording technologies matured enough, it was generally rather necessary to overdub vocal, keys and horn parts. With a large ensemble, the stage and audience mixes sound strange coming off the high fi as they are mixed to the ambience of the room where they were played.

Thicker textures tend to fall apart under those conditions, so as rock ensembles became more complex, you HAD to overdub or sweeten to make a good performance an equally good recording. Hence, complex ensembles like those used on TLW, ROA, etc inevitably required some work to be worthy of release.

Now, of course, with digital technologies, and as rock venues have become more acoustically sophisticated, live albums can be simply remastered to adjust levels appropriately, applied with some masking to minimize stage noise, and they are good to go.

From our perspective today, it's easy to claim that an overdub on a live album is "dishonest." And Levon can claim all he wants that RR's mike was off (though listening to the official and complete TLW recordings suggests otherwise), and Levon can claim that he did not overdub (again, evidence suggests otherwise).

But stepping outside the bitterness and inter-personal stuff, dubbing live albums in the TLW and ROA era was less about dishonesty, and more about quality control. I doubt most of us would find TLW nearly as brilliant if forced to listen to the raw mix you get on the 'complete' TLW recordings.

Not that the performance was bad, clearly it was great, but so much is lost in the live mix that rather than a final, end-of-an-era tribute, we'd have a rather rough and unfriendly recording that would leave us wondering "what if."

Fri Jun 25 16:58:35 CEST 1999

Little Brother

That Moon Tune sounds pretty catchy, Peter, but I spoze you realize that your "songwriting" comments beg the question. You're leaving out the Uncertainty Principle upon which this site so frequently perns, gyres, and pinwheels. And I'm afraid that Just Won't Do...

Your examples are clear, lucid, and correct as stated, but the problem lies in when a song becomes a song. It's as much a matter of perspective as anything.

I mean, yeah, in a common-sense, pragmatic, real-world sense it's a given that songs are discrete, concrete entities authored by a person or persons. Every song has a pedigree the way every baby has parents-- a fact of business, a fact of life.

Thus, your catchy "Moon" tune, or "The Weight", is put on the table as a fait accompli. In making the song a "given", with yourself or RR as creator, it's easy to separate out the secondary creative processes: arranging, performing, embellishing.

Two broad issues, which have been raised in other postings, come to mind: First, collaboration. Now, in mah candy opinion it's highly unlikely that the Band repertoire was created in the manner described in the utopian Big Pink/Basement Tapes era-- with a typewriter in the kitchen where rough drafts were added to or reworked by all and sundry, and the tunes built up in like manner on piano or guitar. But it's equally unlikely that RR locked himself in a garrett, or, like Rossini, tossed page after page of completed songs out the window. Again, as a matter of business, the main/chief/primary author usually gets (and deserves) artistic credit and financial reward. But in an ensemble as tight as the Band, each baby might truly have grown from a triple, quadruple, or quintuple helix.

So the problem is when did "The Weight" BECOME "The Weight"? The other fork of this dilemma is what "counts" as "THE song". The simple answer is that of course the song is the abstract thing reduced to sheet music-- an artifact that can be copyrighted, reproduced, and sold. That is, the song is certainly NOT the performance. But one can come at it from the other side, as Levon has, and argue that the songs were shaped and perfected in a specific context requiring contributions from all. If I recall correctly, Levon somewhere uses "Chest Fever" as an example of a song that was an embryo, at best, on paper.

Ah, well-- as noted elsewhere, with sweet brevity, many great rock songwriters have gotten entangled in commercial and ethical briarpatches. Robbie, by all accounts, carried the weight (pun intended). No Morris Levy, he. But it does seem as if he didn't try TOO hard to set a better example.

Th-th-th-th-that's all, folks!

Fri Jun 25 15:23:23 CEST 1999

David Powell

In recent interviews Ry Cooder has downplayed the rift over the Stones riff. There's no doubt that Keith Richards borrowed a little bit of Cooder's slide guitar style. Part of the secret of playing slide or bottleneck guitar lies in the open tunings used & the intervals associated with those particular tunings. Cooder mastered this technique long before most of his peers, and his slide playing is amazingly fluid.

Cooder worked with Mick Jagger on the movie soundtrack for "Performance." His distinctive slide work can be heard behind Jagger's snarling vocals on "Memo From Turner." During the "Exile On Main Street" recording sessions, Cooder & keyboardist Nicky Hopkins were captured on tape jamming with the Stones rhythm section and Jagger's "numbled bathroom mumblings" one day when Richards didn't show up on time for the session. These jams were later released in the form of the "Jamming With Edward" album. Cooder can also be heard playing slide on "Sister Morphine" from "Sticky Fingers," a song that Marianne Faithful wrote with Jagger. Cooder is also a talented mandolin player and can be heard playing that instrument on "Love In Vain" from the "Let It Bleed" album.

Fri Jun 25 13:38:47 CEST 1999

Brown-Eyed Johnny

I just had the pleasure of hearing the reconstituted Band's version of Bob Dylan's "One Too Many Mornings," from the forthcoming "Tangled Up in Blues" album. What a treat.

Fri Jun 25 12:35:35 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Rod: I wish I could claim that the choice of Ry Cooder was brilliantly ironic, but I’d forgotten all about the “Honky Tonk Women” dispute. You did remind me of what a great version “Country Honk” is from “Let it Bleed”.

Fri Jun 25 11:45:49 CEST 1999

Nancy Huyck

Trying to reach Garth Hudson regarding the 50th anniversary of Medway High School. He attended this school and we know of no other way to reach him. If he would please contact us if he is interested. Thanks

Fri Jun 25 08:04:43 CEST 1999

Rod

Phil, I've often wondered about TLW sound stage songs as well. The most interesting bit being Rick's verse on The Weight which is the only difference between the film and the record. When Levon adds the harmony on this verse Robbie starts to look around with a "what the f**k!" look and then catches himself as he realises he's on film. My guess is these tracks were recorded live on the stage.

Peter V. the guitarist you chose for your recording session is ironic as Ry (if my memory serves me well) once accused the Rolling Stones on stealing the riff from Honky Tonk Woman off him.

Fri Jun 25 03:55:06 CEST 1999

Wolle

Hi, The Band Concerte Europa,Germany?????????????????

Fri Jun 25 01:26:40 CEST 1999

Gene

SOLD for $480.00 American

Thu Jun 24 23:37:13 CEST 1999

Gene

With less than two hours to go, the current bid for The Complete Last Waltz 4CD set on eBay is... $445.00! Going...going......

Thu Jun 24 21:33:01 CEST 1999

David Powell

More on theft by receiving (improperly earned) songwriting credit. A great book about some of the unsavory aspects of the music business is "Hit Men: Power Brokers and Fast Money Inside the Music Business" by Fredric Dannen, published by Vintage books in 1991.

Dannen discusses the career of Morris Levy at length. According to the book, Levy first realized the potential earning power of music when he was running a night club in New York City. One day the BMI representative showed up at the club to collect the licensing fees. Levy was surprised to learn that whenever protected music is performed live as well as electronically, fees are paid according to a formulated agreement. As it seems, the proverbial light bulb must have gone off above Mr. Levy's head. Needless to say, songwriting credits, and the appropriation thereof, soon became a major interest of the aforementioned non-musician.

Thu Jun 24 20:48:20 CEST 1999

Bill Paige

had just read the post about Fred Eaglesmith's new disc when I came across this review/article from today's Ottawa Sun http://www.canoe.ca/JamMusicCountry/jun24_eaglesmith.html Unfortunately, no reference to Garth! Also, just a brief heads up on House of Blues' July 17 release "Tangled Up In Blues: Songs of Bob Dylan," featuring The Band on a newly-recorded version of "One Too Many Mornings." They let me write the liner notes for the pre-release -- Paul Williams did them for the real release, although I was initially pitching Viney for the job (no kidding, Peter!) -- in which I connected Dylan to the blues in a variety of ways, including this sentence: "And long before they backed Dylan on his tempestuous 1965 and 1966 tours, the Hawks -- later known as The Band -- had been weaned on the roadhouse blues of Howlin' Wolf and Junior Parker." (e-mail me if you're interested in reading the entire text) glad to see this board active as ever!

Thu Jun 24 19:29:23 CEST 1999

Rohit Bapat

Wow, This is really one of the finest tribute pages I've seen for a Band!...great job...keep up the excellent work! I hadn't listened to the band at all (except for the weight - I love that one!)....but a few days back I saw the classic "The last Waltz" and man, it blew me away. I made it a point to catch the reruns of the film and its the third time that I've seen it now!!!...I love it. I'm really very impressed by their music and hope to catch more! Congratulations for a Great Job with this website once again!

Thu Jun 24 19:29:09 CEST 1999

David Powell

I've always found it interesting that two of the most successful songwriting teams in rock, Lennon/McCartney and Jagger/Richards, worked out an arrangement to share credit, irregardless of contribution. Of course, George Harrison no doubt became frustrated, trying to get his compositions included onto their albums. All of the Beatles got taken early in their careers, when they naively signed away their publishing rights, which were then acquired years later by Michael Jackson. Check out Harrison's satire on this situation by listening to "Only A Northern Song."

I recently watched a VH-1 documentary on Eric Burdon. According to the program, a rift developed early on in the Animals between Eric and keyboardist Alan Price which continues to this day. It seems that, unbeknownst to the rest of the group at the time, Price received credit for arranging & hence writing "House of the Rising Sun," a song that was in the public domain. The group toured non-stop in the heels of that song's success, but the rest of the group earned very little as a result. Price, however, was receiving big royalty checks and soon left the group. And so it goes.

Robbie Robertson discovered, at a young age, another trick in the music business when Ronnie Hawkins recorded Robbie's early songs. As Robertson recalled in an interview in March 1998 edition of Mix magazine:

"'Wow! I've got songs on an album!' I'm really cherishing the moment. I open the record slowly and I'm savoring the scent of the vinyl and I look on the label and I see the song titles and I see my songs there, and under the songs it says, 'Robbie Robertson and Morris Levy.' And so I say to Ronnie, 'Who the hell is Morris Levy and what is his name doing on these songs I wrote?' And Ronnie says in his southern accent, 'Well, son, there are certain things in this business we just don't question and it's better for all concerned to just accept.'"

"A couple of days later, I was in a record store and out of curiosity I looked at some other recordings on Roulette Records, and I see Morris Levy's name on a lot of songs. And I think, 'Man this guy's a songwriting fool!' [Laughs]"

Of course Robertson soon got to meet Morris Levy and realized what the deal was. As Robertson recalled to Mix inteviewer Blair Jackson:

"...Ronnie took me up to Roulette Records to meet my 'songwriting partner,' Morris Levy. We go into his office and Ronnie introduces me as his young guitar player and songwriter who he thinks has great '_potential_,' as he calls it. And Morris Levy looks at me and says, 'Yeah, he's a cute kid. I bet you don't know whether to hire him or f---- him.' And I'm thinking, 'Whaaaat? What is with this guy?' And I look around his office and he's got these guys in there with these tight dark suits on; they're packing heat or something. Two things became apparent to me immediately. One was that the Cosa Nostra was not a myth. And number two, that I would forego my comments about the songwriting credit dispute. [Laughs]"

Thu Jun 24 19:20:43 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

'Lil, John T.-- Something in the family happened, and it's great! Thanks.

Thu Jun 24 19:16:56 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

llKKA: Mmmmmmmmm MMMMMMM MmM MMmmmmmmmmmm.....!

Thu Jun 24 18:06:57 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Songwriting: Put it this way. Imagine that I’ve written a nice little ditty called “The Moon in June Made me Swoon on my Honeymoon Too Soon”. (OK, I admit it). So I book Ry Cooder on lead guitar, get Sir Paul to pop in with his bass, maybe Pete Thomas on drums (I’ve just been listening to Randy Newman’s new one), and obviously Garth on keyboards. When they arrive in the studio, are they going to get written out sheet music with their parts exactly laid out? Or are they going to hear someone run through it on guitar and piano then contribute a part? I genuinely want to know. I’d imagine that the reason the producer has engaged such notable professionals is because he can rely on them bringing something extra to the session. I’d imagine that Mr Cooder would show me what he was going to do, and I’d say “That’s incredible.” Would he then claim to have written the song?

As we’ve discussed before, much as you might dislike Ms Baez’s “Dixie” or Diana Ross+ Supremes+ Temptations “The Weight” they are still recognizably the same compositions as the originals. Listen to Ms Ross’s effort. What does the arrangement owe to the original? But it’s “The Weight”. To quote RR (from memory), there’s some confusion here between being a songwriter and being a member of a rock group.

Thu Jun 24 17:48:21 CEST 1999

David Powell

Jon: Thanks for the tip on the new album from Joe Buck's brother. "Where's that Joe Buck?" Gone to New York City, where I guess the Lord don't live. Lately I've been enjoying Happy & Artie Traum's "Test of Time" album which features Danko, Richard Bell, Jim Weider, John Sebastian & Bela Fleck. The title song was co-written by former Georgia boy Pat Alger, now one of Nashville's best songwriters.

It was nice to see that Rolling Stone finally got around to reviewing Eric Andersen's latest album. Wonder what took them so long? Remember, you could read about it here first, months ago.

Thu Jun 24 17:28:09 CEST 1999

Ilkka

Thanks, Jan - for including the great Swedish group ELDKVARN in the list of the related artists. One of their videos was filmed on the old narrow railroad track here nearby. Every time I see it I humm that song: - Slowly, slowly my love, take your time ...

And, Jan, what a great contributors you have succeeded to gather around you. I have read two weeks posts after my homecoming and, boys, it is too good to be true: David Powell's reminiscences of the storytellers, Catbalu's reflections . . . and all the others . . . what a mixture!

Thu Jun 24 17:21:04 CEST 1999

mattk

Peter Viney:

Of course, us Zappa fans are forever indebted to the Vanilla Fudge for that 8mm home move camera, a night at Seattle's Edgewater Inn, and a chance meeting with Don Preston at the Chicago O'Hare airport. Without Vanilla Fudge, no MudShark, and no "Live at the Fillmore East."

; ) matt

Thu Jun 24 14:45:54 CEST 1999

Jon Lyness

I wanted to give my highest recommendation for a recent minor-Band-involvement album, Chip Taylor's "Seven Days in May...a Love Story". Along with Eric Andersen's "Memory of the Future", this has my vote for one of the best albums of the 90s on which Band members put in a "minor" appearance. The album is a beautiful collection of very intimate acoustic-ish songs written and sung by Chip Taylor, with a "dream team" backing which includes Lucinda Williams, Rick and Garth! While not worth getting specifically for Rick & Garth's involvement -- Rick's two backing vocals are quite discreet, though Garth's accordian & synthesizers get a few nice moments -- this is a stunning and heartfelt album which easily stands on its own. Fans of Lucinda Williams (hello, David Powell!) will find her two duets with Chip worth the price of the album alone -- truly beautiful stuff.

The album is a kind of concept album, based on a relationship he had with a woman several years ago -- perhaps not the most promising premise, but it seems to have truly inspired his songwriting and performances. Chip's voice is reminiscent of Willie Nelson's, and most of the songs are sparsely arranged, with nice acoustic guitar backing and great production & sound. You may have trouble finding this album--in most CD stores I frequent, the Chip Taylor section is even smaller than the Rick Danko section :) -- but it is well worth seeking out.

I initially learned about this album from this web site. Thanks again to Jan for giving us this incredible resource.

Thu Jun 24 08:13:06 CEST 1999

Kenji

Very good web pages. Long live The Band.

Wed Jun 23 14:40:47 CEST 1999

Dexy

Strat 258 -- re: Levon's songrwriting abilities. (Sorry to whomever may be wondering why I didn't let this drop...) I seriously doubt Levon thinks of himself as a songwriter in the same sense as he does Robbie and Richard. I think... his feeling is that on many songs, RR brought in a rough idea, and it was fleshed out and finished by the group in toto (or in various combinations). If you look at the credits on JUBILATION, and at Hurwitz' candid explanations of how each song came about, it is pretty clear that is how credits were doled out for that album (and to a lesser degree, the other '90s CDs). Even KENTUCKY DOWNPOUR, which was Levon's song and idea. Looks like if Doherty or someone brought a song to the table, and then Rick and/or Levon finished it, the credits were spread around. Also, there are a couple where the initial songwriter shares w/"The Band". I think that's Levon showing how he thinks the pre-'90s credits should have been listed.

Wed Jun 23 13:49:16 CEST 1999

strat258

Mitt, there's nothing wrong with rabid Robbie fans. Now, if we had rabid Ricky Martin or Boyz whatever, then we would. We have to truly thank him for giving us some absolutely wonderful songs.

I noticed in regard to The Band being a real band, that The Beatles too were a band. All four sang and played different instruments and also wrote their own songs, but they never complained about songwriting credits. As it is, they all have had successful solo careers.

Yes, I agree that Robbie's vocals might not have worked as well as Richard, Rick, and Levon's. What I would like to know is, with all of the complaining on Levon's part about songwriting credits, why don't we see more compositions written by him on the latest albums? I look at the credits for the latest Band recordings and they are done by other people. Why is this so, and can't Levon and the others pull through with their own songs?

strat258

Wed Jun 23 05:43:54 CEST 1999

Ilkka

TO SUNDOG:
All the tired horses in the sun, how'm supposed to get any WRITING done?

Wed Jun 23 05:34:53 CEST 1999

Phil

Sorry, it's me again.'Lil, you have a good sense of humour. Of course it's gotta be Richard humming. Just listen to the humming on "In A Station". Unbelievably beautiful. He really could do no wrong when it came to vocals. Levon could hum pretty good too. Short samples of this are in "The River Hymn".

As for the organ part, you sure can hear it on ROA and you can see him playing the organ on TLW sound stage version with the Staples. I prefer the BP version where you can't hear it (easily). Which brings me to a question I have. Was the sound stage segments in TLW lip synching to studio tapes or was part or all of it live? Maybe vocals live but intsrumental backing canned? This may have been covered before but I don't recall seeing it here.

Wed Jun 23 03:43:56 CEST 1999

Pete

Have extensive Ronnie Hawkins record collection for sale, including 78's, 45's and lp's including his first release on Quality #1827, Hey Bo Diddley on 78 and 45, many promos.Over a hundred different records.A collectors dream.

Wed Jun 23 03:20:15 CEST 1999

Mitt Stampler

I'd love to make a comment about Robbie's singing, but as (ahem) I seem to have both married and raised rabid Robbie fans, I better be careful lest my CD player privileges get curtailed...The power went down at work around four--personally, I'm hoping it'll stay down--but I had to sit in traffic for an hour before getting home and getting my guestbook fix. Makes me wonder 'bout this whole Y2K thing...guess you really don't know what you have till it's gone.

Wed Jun 23 03:18:10 CEST 1999

Stanley Landau

It's Richard on the high parts, and Rick singing harmony on the last verse. There's also an organ part played by Richard between verses that seems to have been cut out. (You can just barely hear it leaking on to the other tracks.) But he always played the part on the organ when they performed live. (Although I once saw Richard play piano on this song and Garth the organ.)

Wed Jun 23 03:18:08 CEST 1999

Little John Tyler

This Garth/Polka/Jimmy Sturr date was sort of foretold by Mr. Hudson himself in an interview that appeared in The Woodstock Times last May, prior to Garth's guest shot with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic. It's in the Guestbook Library under interviews (although credited to Jon Lyness). Garth spoke of his fondness for polka music, his friendship with multi-Grammy award winner Jimmy Sturr, and Sturr's standing invitation to have Garth sit in whenever he wanted to. That time has come, I guess. See ya there on July 3.

Wed Jun 23 03:01:34 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Holy Smoke Phil...now you got me wonderin. RickRichardRickRichard........:-)

Wed Jun 23 02:56:29 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Sundog: Something about your posts that make me smile :-)

Agree with Dexy and Lars. Robbie's voice in not anywhere to be found on 'the weight'..which is just fine by me. Not a RR bashing comment, just don't think his voice could've added anything. And yes..that high humming is Richard. I mean...holy cow! There's no mistaking that voice :-)

Garth doing polka?? Wow...now that would be something to hear! May just try to catch that show myself. Nice to hear that Richie Havens is also playing. Have caught him a few times and really enjoyed it.

Uncle H: Smile, will ya please? If you don't..I'll have no other recourse than to make you drive the car :-) Things are only as bad as you let them become. Remember that, ok?

Wed Jun 23 02:37:35 CEST 1999

Phil

Or could it be Rick humming? Holy Cow, it's hard to tell!

Wed Jun 23 02:26:24 CEST 1999

Phil

I would guess thats Richard humming in a very high voice on the desending progression between verses.

Wed Jun 23 02:23:23 CEST 1999

Dexy

Lars -- RE: The Weight. Levon on lead except for Rick's verse, chorus: Levon/Rick/Richard and last verse: Levon/Richard. Robbie on guitar.

Wed Jun 23 02:08:46 CEST 1999

Lars

I was listening to "Big Pink" last night and one thing that struck me was how the Band has changed their style in some of the songs. Take "The Weight": the swapping of verses wasn't done as much back then, it's basically Levon's song, with Rick coming in for the "Crazy Chester" verse. On most of the verses, it sounds like Levon singing "lead" with Rick on harmony, but there's a third voice, very high, that joins in at times during the chorus. Is this Richard? "The Last Waltz" portrayed Robbie as the third voice who sang "and...", but there's always been a question as to whether Robbie's mike was even on during that performance.

So my question is where was Richard during the "Big Pink" recording of "The Weight?" Is it his voice that lends the primeval quality to the chorus, or did Robbie really get up that high?

Wed Jun 23 01:53:19 CEST 1999

Jim Soko

For those in the MidHudson Valley, Garth is playing in Montgomery NY at the Star Spangled Spectacular on July 3rd. He is going to be playing with the Polka King Jimmy Sturr. That is some combination. Not sure what that will be like. There are some other excellent acts on the bill. Richie Havens is playing, as well as the Bill Perry Blues Band. Bill Perry is one hell of a guitar player. This is a free concert with excellent fireworks. Garth doing Polka?????????????????? I guess I've heard it all.

Wed Jun 23 01:42:24 CEST 1999

John T.

SUNDOG:

What are you trying to tell us, little buddy?

Wed Jun 23 01:25:52 CEST 1999

Kevin Gilbertson

Can anyone recommend 'Last Waltz Outtakes' or 'Friends and Other Strangers'? I already own the Complete Last Waltz and was wondering if the sound is any different on these. Looks like Friends and Other Strangers has some rehearals that could be interesting, but overall are these two other Last Waltz issues worth it?

Thanks.

Wed Jun 23 00:18:40 CEST 1999

Baris SANANE

Well...what can i say?...its a really amazing site im really shocked...u can understand my feelings by these...i have 3 gods: 1) Bob Dylan 2) Van Morrison 3) The Band u made me extremely glad with this site...theres almost everything about the band...well pplz...i have a request from u...if u have the band albums from 70's, please let me hear...i can buy them at any price...its so hard to fing them in here... ill be waitin for ur mails...

Tue Jun 22 23:06:48 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Slow down Willie boy, your hearts gonna give right out on you, its true, and believe I know what we should do, turn the stern and point to shore, these 7 seas won't carry us no more... *Born to be home again!!!

Tue Jun 22 22:30:59 CEST 1999

Richard

Hey Todd, Isn't Florida where old vinyl goes to die? Forget those high priced reissues and find yourself the oldest orig you can find. If it's not available in Florida we all have reason for concern, Rich.

Tue Jun 22 22:00:03 CEST 1999

Pepper

Hey Charlie Young: These ARE the Good Old Days...How far are you from Springfield? I see the Radiators are playing there relatively soon...they are a band NOT to be missed...I still think Little Feat (sans Lowell George) is a cover band of the Radiators (isnt that true Randy?) Kicking Horse: Alive and well and still waiting for Moneybags Robbie to come through for The Creator and his people and help out the Iroquois National Lacrosse Team who are still waiting by the phone down on the "res"! If he gave them .0001 of his personal wealth that would create a masterpiece for the Onondaga people and the rest of the Iroquois! Wouldn't it be funnier than shit if Levon did it instead just do well........make things right? How can you say no to Rodney Redeye and Freeman Bucktooth? The Central new Yorkers know I didn't make up the names! Furn is still furn in his eternal quest for the potato chip route and Dent is still ......well, short and ......reserved! One other thing: through the grapevine I have heard that a certain individual thinks I have emailed him anonymously with some nasty stuff despite the fact that I have told him directly (online) what my thoughts are on his manner how he treats people! I say what i mean and I mean what I say and this guy ought to explore getting a job before getting a life! In Rick's words: "You know who you are"! A nice Summer to all.....I am headed to LaJolla looking for Brian Wilson!

Tue Jun 22 20:59:21 CEST 1999

Rondeau Rider

Mr. K. Horse: pardone moi .... hence, would one surmise, a recent romantic connection to a certain woman of an exceptionally quick wit then...one who can hopefully cook this time...

Tue Jun 22 20:58:51 CEST 1999

Rondeau Rider

Mr. K. Horse: pardone moi .... hence, would one surmise, a recent romantic connection to a certain woman of an exceptionally quick wit then...one who can hopefully cook this time...

Tue Jun 22 20:27:43 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Pat: As you know that I’m a great fan of the first Vanilla Fudge album, I shouldn’t honestly have complained about The Flock’s version of “Tired of Waiting”. They were both of their time, and magnificently so at the time (and I had The Flock’s album too). I was interested in how some tracks have survived the many changes, while others still seem stuck in their era. Also on the concept of samplers - The Rock Machine was a massive seller here, and brought a lot of US artists of the period to attention in Britain. The compilation CD misses the Dylan track, BTW - which has also survived well.

Nowadays we get samplers on magazine cover discs every month here - with Q, Mojo and Uncut magazines, but I believe this is funded by the artist. I don’t think cover discs are so widespread in the US, probably because radio is a viable medium for promotion. They seem to be missing from import copies of British magazines, due to copyright problems.

Tue Jun 22 19:23:31 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Hi Mr Donabie..err..John :-)

No need for a search party. Been kind of silently reading without much to say these days. Some will applaud that I'm sure. Did see your post on Father's Day...I am sorry that you lost your dad. Kinda finding out here lately that life is full of all kinds of unfair stuff I suppose. Thank God we have the music. It somehow, always does, manage to soothe the soul.

Tue Jun 22 19:17:12 CEST 1999

Mr. K. Horse

Donabie: The heck with LIL. Where the hell has Sargent Pepper dissappeared to. He doesn't call, doesn't write. He and his pal Ferndent have apparently struck out for the territory ahead or maybe even Woodstock.

Tue Jun 22 18:26:33 CEST 1999

John Donabie

LIL...Where have you gone to? Should we send out a search party? :)

Tue Jun 22 18:26:14 CEST 1999

Bones

I think it is wonderful and a testament to The Band's music that every 60's soundtrack and compilation has a Band song on it. I know that we take this for granted, but this is a group that never had a hit single and yet people all over the world know their music.

Tue Jun 22 14:02:02 CEST 1999

Todd Ellenberg

MFSL or EMI vinyl? "Music From Big Pink" is one of my favorite all-time records -- one of my 10 "desert island" albums. I'm on my second copy of it on vinyl from Capitol and own the Mobile Fidelity CD. Here's the question: I want a new vinyl copy of it. Have you heard the EMI 180-gram Cenentary reissue? How does it compare with the Mobile Fidelity vinyl (which I know is out of print, but can be had for a price)? I'd like to have the very best version (and I'm biased toward a vinyl copy). Your suggestions are appreciated. Thanks! Todd ellenber@fiu.edu

Tue Jun 22 13:41:57 CEST 1999

Scott Brown

I want to first of all show my appreciation to The Band for getting me through life.. Yes, its the music I listen to everywhere and I hope that Levon, Rick, Randy, Jim, Richard, or Garth reads this... I thank all of you for continuing on to make the best music that can be made. I pray that I find a band to play with that understands the real soul of what is out there... I guess I have to throw a nod to Robbie as well even though he's the devil to many...

Tue Jun 22 13:25:54 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

No matter what you think about it, you just won't be able to do without it, take a tip from one who's tryed. So if you fine someone, who gives you all of the love, take it to your heart, don't let it stray, for one things for certain, you'll surely be a hurt'n, if you throw it all away, if you throw it all away!!!

Tue Jun 22 12:52:30 CEST 1999

Tom McNally

Richard Bell plays on the new Fred Eaglesmith CD, "50-Odd Dollars". Fred is a singer/songwriter from the same part of southern Ontario that spawned The Band, and Richard's sweet B-3 sounds are a great addition to Fred's songs. Band-fans might want to give Fred a listen. Check http://www.eaglesmith.com for more info.

Tue Jun 22 08:45:57 CEST 1999

Bob Wardlaw

First of all, I just want to say that the Band is one of the greatest bands ever to play rock 'n' roll. I am 18, and most (perhaps "all" is more appropriate) of my friends have never heard of the Band. It's really too bad to see such a great group have almost no recognition these days. I have done my best to educate them in the ways of the Band, but most won't give them a chance. I had the chance to see them play at Levon's Cafe in New Orleans over Christmas, andit's too bad I couldn't have brought them along, because I know it would have opened their eyes. I know that i was moved by the experience. By the way, I would really appreciate any Emails from any Band fans reguarding anything about the group. Like I said, I am only 18, and I don't have many people to talk to about the Band, so I dont have much access to information about them. Or if you are simply a fan, I love talking just about the Band. If you send an email, please include "the Band" in the subject, as most of the email from people I don't know is deleted. There are just too many people out ther trying to sell pornography. Well, one last thing: if anyone out there has the guitar chords for "Bessie Smith" or "Old Time Religion," they would be greatly appreciated. If it helps, Robbie, Rick, and Richard play "old Time Religion" breifly during "The Last Waltz." Well, I appreciate your listening to my ramblings. I look forward to any emails from all you fellow Band fans!!! Bob Wardlaw

Tue Jun 22 04:44:51 CEST 1999

Pat Brennan

Peter V., you know I love you...but The Flock was a bunch of neighborhood (mine) boys who made good. Always much better live than their studio efforts. And everyone here with long memories, the New Rascals played Chicago last weekend. Dino and Gene with two hired hands, one of whom looked, sounded, and played the B3 (bass pedals and all) like Felix Cavaliere. Kinda like the museaum that had George Washington's axe, except the handle had been replaced when the wood got termites, and the head got replaced when it deteriorated under less than prime conditions. Roosevelt Stadium is one of the poorer Band boots. I'd look for NY Palladium, 76 or Hollywood Bowl. To be honest, the Complete Last Waltz, while technically excellent, is fairly ragged. The Saturday Night Live performance is the real deal. Short, yeah, but Georgia is mind-blowing and Carnival, Dixie, and Stage Fright blow TLW away. No massive overdubs either.

Tue Jun 22 03:38:55 CEST 1999

Just Wonderin'

Thanks for the advice on "Blue Highways" everyone who posted on the subject. I changed my mind and decided to wait. Anyone happen to know if there is going to be a record show in London Ontario Canada this year? Thanks!

Tue Jun 22 03:06:20 CEST 1999

Charlie Young

I caught Brian Wilson's concert in Philadelphia last week and was quite moved. The great old Tower Theater (with fine acoustics) was an excellent venue and the crowd was behind Brian all the way. I can almost imagine Robbie putting together a big band covering the music of his whole career for a few select road shows in the same manner--especially if The Band is really finished. I'd pay good money to see that show in a mid-sized venue. As for the current Springsteen tour, I think that Bruce has lived in his $14 million home in Beverly Hills too long. The ticket prices for his tour of huge sports facilities in the US are ridiculous. I'll stick with my memories of the four shows I saw in the mid-70s. Ticket prices were about a tenth of what they cost now, and the venues were about a tenth of the size too. Ah, "the good old days, they're all gone..."

Mon Jun 21 23:06:09 CEST 1999

cannonball

some good shows here at antones club here in austin. Dr.john was with his band here, just a fabulous show. I was off the side of the stage by the stairs, swept away by the new orleans chord changes we all lub so much.thought of richard Manuel several times,just beautiful. next night wasour friend james cotton with matt guitar murphy and mojo buford who sings for cotton now,and evidently played harp for muddy as well. i saw a special on pbs exists documenting music down the misissippi... the stop in helena features cotton with our friend levon.very interesting. i punched in levon on snap and found the program. this is the greatest website ive seen anywhere by the way. rock on

Mon Jun 21 22:27:28 CEST 1999

Bones

Does anyone know how I can get a copy of the Hurricane Carter Benefit CD?

Mon Jun 21 19:54:36 CEST 1999

David Powell

Steve Hoffman of DCC Compact Classics did a fine job on the gold CD reissue of The Band's "Stage Fright." Mr. Hoffman, under license from Capitol, has done many other great-sounding reissues from the Capitol/EMI vaults. Here are a few examples: From Paul McCartney (& Wings), "McCartney (first solo album), Ram, Band On The Run, Red Rose Speedway, Speed of Sound, and Venus & Mars." From Steve Miller Band: "Fly Like An Eagle, Book of Dreams, and Greatist Hits." From the Beach Boys: "Pet Sounds (gold CD & 180 gram LP versions of the original mono mix), Endless Summer and Spirit of America (hits collections)." Hoffman has also done a reissue of Bonnie Raitt's "Nick of Time" and several albums from Nat King Cole (both gold CD & 180 gram LP versions).

With these releases, Hoffman has proven he & DCC can do just justice to Capitol's recordings.

Mon Jun 21 18:54:13 CEST 1999

Fulco Ottervanger

THE BAND IS THE GREATEST BAND IN THE WORLD! I LOVE THE BAND!!!! Excellent website too. Fulco Ottervanger(14 years old)

Mon Jun 21 17:28:17 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

What about these amazing auction prices for bootlegs? The message to the Band should be that it’s worth mining the vaults and getting material out officially, on a small scale perhaps. The Complete Last Waltz is essential listening. Blue Highways? As I’ve said before this 1973 Jersey City show was knocking around Europe as “This Wheel’s On Fire” for years. I got it as a budget price CD. The label is “Oh, Boy!” from Luxemburg. Until recently, Italy still maintained there was no copyright on live material and cheap bootleg CDs were legally available there. Live in Washinton (sic), which was the 76 King Biscuit recording, was around at about $10. Now in my opinion, the Jersey City 73 show sees The Band on comparatively poor form. (I’d still buy it though). There are far better shows on tape, notably The Paladium 1976. The interest of Blue Highways is that it’s from 1973. There are several known 1971 shows, and again quite a few good 1976 ones. There’s a lot of 1974 Dylan tour material. 1973 has its official release, Watkins Glen, but little else.

I assume the problem about releasing more material goes back to the old feud thing. Who owns the copyright, and who’d get the money, and would it be worth the time etc. Some of the radio broadcasts must exist in good condition. Just think how galling it must be for the guys to get a few cents a copy for official releases, and see someone walk away with $240 for a bootleg. At UK record fairs, single bootlegs go for £14 or £15 (say $24) - the price of a full-price undiscounted normal release here. Of course most releases are discounted. Legal pressure on record fairs has meant far fewer bootlegs are about, and the old laws of supply and demand are taking over.

Danny: The Japanese versions are better, just not that “lifting the veil away” (remember the ads when CD was launched) which “Street Legal” has received. “Street Legal” is a good example of what can be done, but don’t forget that supposedly it was mastered wrongly in the first place. The Band stuff wasn’t. But the initial CDs are a shoddy transfer.

Mon Jun 21 17:02:06 CEST 1999

Aidan Jameson

More than any one thing the Band exposed me to a myriad of influences that I'd have otherwise ignored. Those hints of country, tints of bluegrass, strains of ragtime would have all been lost in the punk-metal ethos of my adolesence. The Band made me realise that even "uncool" styles have some pretty great rhythms and riffs and helped broaden my mind - made me I guess more inquisitve. Then of course there's the brilliant vocals, the cutting edge musicianship and lyrics Dylan, Reed and Townshend would be envious of. Thanks to Nux and Greg for placing me on this Endless Highway... hope to ride it till I die.

Mon Jun 21 15:50:49 CEST 1999

Donabie (One More Time)

In the first line of the second paragraph....it should read.... It appears that if it were not for the "insistence."

Mon Jun 21 15:47:34 CEST 1999

John Donabie

REGARDING RE-ISSUES AND RE-MASTERS:

I was watching the two hour special last night on A&E on Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys. It was of interest to me what happened around the time of their signing to Capitol records. The label that brought us on this side of the ocean, the 3 B's. The Band, The Beach Boys and The Beatles.

It appears that if it were not for the instance of a young producer by the name of Nick Venet...who knows if The Beach Boys would have been signed at all. Let's also remember that he allowed Brian (not a studio producer) to produce the group; which was not a popular move in those days. It took years to finally get the Pet Sounds Box. Pet Sounds....The record that The Beatles acknowledged scared them; because of how good it was. They later asked Sir George if they could do as well and his reply was..."we can do better." Sgt. Pepper than appeared. That's another discussion.

My point is that The Band and The Beach Boys didn't appear to get great treatment from the label. It's just been in the last few years that even The Beatles have been packaged well. When I interviewed Sir George last year, he told me of his constant frustration with Capitol North America.

I would still like to see Bill Inglot from Rhino have his way with The Band catalog. This is a person who truly cares about his craft. Thanks for listening.

Mon Jun 21 15:40:57 CEST 1999

FDR

Danny Lopez: Great tip: a page that hasn't been updated in six months, with a non-secure order form, and no price listed for four-disc "CLW." Keep yourself busy with those hogs.

Mon Jun 21 15:37:44 CEST 1999

Danny Lopez

Hey "Just Wondering," re Blue Highways: "Baby, Don't You Do It"

I.e., I usually see it priced around $25-30. Check out the rarity cd shops on Dylan's Bringing It All Back Home web site.

Finally, it's not Band-connected, but did anyone see the A&E Biography show on Brian Wilson? They hailed him as one of America's greatest songwriters (or something like that). Although you couldn't get a rock sound farther away from the Band's, Pet Sounds is truly a masterpiece. What a brilliant-tragic life story. Made me wonder if it wasn't Richard's retreat from active contributor that really spelled the demise of the Band. What if he had continued to write after the Brown album and had beaten his demons? I can only think the Band would not have suffered a creative nosedive (i.e., the critically maligned Cahoots and middle period) and would have perhaps attained that commercial-popular success -- perhaps by a stormy torch ballad penned by Richard -- that always just eluded them. Oh well, so much for counter-factuals.

Mon Jun 21 15:15:30 CEST 1999

Danny Lopez

In light of Gene's comments on the CLW auction on ebay, I say, hold on there partners, and try this site for a more reasonable price: http://www.eclecticmusic.com/cd/cd_b.htm

Peter Viney just posted how fresh the Band's first two albums still sound. Of course, that's an article of faith among all of us. But I was listening to the Brown cd the other day having just purchased Dylan's remixed and remastered Street Legal, and I have to confess, the sound is just frustrating. Dylan's cd, in contrast, sounds fantastic! And alot of other artists have recently had their work remastered -- Clapton's No Reason to Cry, some Allman Bros. cds, etc. When will Capitol ever do justice to our boys' priceless musical contribution? Although Viney has mentioned the Japanese version is not a revelation, I'm considering giving it a shot. The Gold Stage Fright certainly was a revelation for me, and I highly recommend it. Incidently, Big Pink never struck me as quite as muddy in the sound, at least on my (not-so-expensive) cd player.

Mon Jun 21 13:35:37 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

So I put my hand in my pocket and felt with my thumb, and galently handed her my last piece of gum.

Mon Jun 21 07:49:45 CEST 1999

J. Katz

Rick Danko - Columbia, MD June 20, 1999.
Great concert. Here's the set list.

Cross Town Traffic - Kings In Disguise
? - Kings In Disguise

Crazy Moma
Stage Fright
Book Faded Brown
Blind Willie McTell
Long Black Veil
Next Time You See Me - Aaron Hurwitz
Let The Four Winds Blow - Aaron Hurwitz
The Weight
Ophelia

The Shape I'm In

Mon Jun 21 03:11:23 CEST 1999

John Donabie

Diamond Lil,

Lovely comments about your husband and the father of your children. I lost my dad in '83 and think of him often......especially today. Thanks for a heartfelt post. It's amazing how the music keeps you going through good and bad times.

Mon Jun 21 02:10:27 CEST 1999

Gene

A "Complete Last Waltz" 4CD set is currently getting heated bidding on eBay. With a little less than four days to go, the current bid is $251.59! Ouch.

Sun Jun 20 20:03:42 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

In 1968 and 1969 Columbia more or less invented the sampler album with ‘The Rock Machine Turns You On Vols 1 & 2’. At least in the UK. Listening to the CD compilation ‘Best of The Rock Machine …’ today it struck me with great force how badly most of this music has stood the test of time. The only true survivors are Taj Mahal (Ain’t That A Lotta Love), Laura Nyro (Stoned Soul Picnic) and The Byrds (You Ain’t Goin Nowhere). The rest are mainly of historical interest, from Spirit (fascinating time-warp) through Moby Grape (extremely dull), Electric Flag (pretty dull), BST (dull), The United States of America (Zappaesque), It’s A Beautiful Day (dated, but highly commended for “White Bird”), The Flock (ludicrous), Tim Rose (come back Neil Diamond, all is forgiven. You’re so subtle! File under William Shatner) , Leonard Cohen (wow, has he improved since!), Big Brother (noisy), Grace Slick & The Great Society (amateurs practice session for Airplane) and so on. The rock stuff all has the same busy, noisy bass riff. What a contrast with The Band’s work from the same era. Big Pink & The Brown Album still sound as fresh and relevant as they ever did.

Sun Jun 20 19:40:58 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Father's Day in my house is made of memories and we're so grateful for those. The kids have learned to smile again when talking about their dad...and that's a real good thing. And so in our own way, we're celebrating Father's Day here too. Going out to our favorite seafood restaurant, and sharing 'funny dad stories'. More than anything, I think it's the 'sharing' part that counts.

Nope..not Band related...just a bit sentimental. Have a good day everyone.

Sun Jun 20 17:47:08 CEST 1999

Chris Dougherty

I'm not really sure who in "The Band"are fathers so to all of you I say"Happy Fathers Day"!!Together you all gave birth to some of the greatest music and performances the world shall ever know.For all of this I thank and applaud you.

Sun Jun 20 16:50:10 CEST 1999

!!! tsk... tsk... tsk... !!!

...that's right I get by with a little help from my friends...

Sun Jun 20 16:30:40 CEST 1999

Freddy Fishstick

On Father's Day a song to rival "When You Awake", sentiment wise atleast.

THE CAPTAIN AND THE KID Jimmy Buffett I never use to miss the chance to climb upon his knee and listen to the many tales of life upon the sea. We'd go sailing back on barkentines and talk of things he did, tomorrow just a day away for the Captain and the Kid. His world had gone from sailing ships to raking mom's back yard; he never could adjust to land although he tried so hard. We both were growing older then and wiser with our years; that's when I came to understand the course his heart still steers. He died about a month ago while winter filled the air, and though I cried, I was so proud to love a man so rare. He's somewhere on the ocean now, the place he ought to be; with one hand on the starboard rail, he's waving back at me. For the Captain and this kid.

Sun Jun 20 15:30:31 CEST 1999

WWC candles

As a Rolling Stones fan i like The band. There music is like the Stones always timeless. If you want to see wat i'm doing. Watch my side. http://www.wwc-kaarsen.demon.nl

Sun Jun 20 14:38:46 CEST 1999

catbalu

David Powell, i, too, was transplanted from a southern big-city to the rural south as a child. read your post several times and have saved it. i go back there as often as i can just to eavesdrop on the "real old coots" who hang out and play checkers at my dad's little store (they drive mother crazy sometimes, especially when the subject is politics and gets kinda loud :). the best medicine in the world - all the deadlines and pressures of the gimme gimme world don't even cross my mind when i'm with the old man who told me all my life, "be fair, stand by your word, and always respect your mother - she will always be your best friend." And, to Ragtime, something he said to me long ago: "every little girl needs a good daddy." hope your daughter is doing fine in London and returns to you "unpierced"! and i hope you enjoyed my father's day "present." you're welcome :)

If i could wrap Dad up and give him to all the children in the world who need a good daddy, i surely would. instead, i'll keep writing those stories down (and songs and poems). one of these days, they will be bound and given to my children. then, when he - and i - are gone, they will have a written record of al la glory they have inherited from a man loved by so many people all of his humble life.

happy father's day to all you dads - and moms who have to be dads. on my way all the way home today. got to help cage some tomatoes and hoe some weeds. might even get to drive the tractor! have a good day, everybody.

Sun Jun 20 08:23:10 CEST 1999

Lonesome Susie

it's wonderful to be here... it's certainly a thrill

!!! tsk... tsk... tsk... !!!

Sun Jun 20 03:42:52 CEST 1999

Just Wonderin'

I've been offered a copy of the boot "Blue Highways" for $43.00 plus $4.00. Can anyone tell me if it's worth it? Thanks in advance!

Sun Jun 20 01:19:46 CEST 1999

Ed Shook

Sun Jun 20 00:29:47 CEST 1999

Gene

Listen everybody, I KNOW you're gonna flame me for hitting the button 3 times, but, I DIDN'T. I am being VERY careful. It wasn't my fault but I'm SORRY, anyhow! No, Lil I wasn' there in December but I was at Joyous Lake recently and Rick was terrific!!!

Sun Jun 20 00:21:58 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

North Gene. Towne Crier a good possibility. Were you there last December for Rick's show..when Jonas Fjeld played? I was. Nice club. Good food. Would definately go there again.

Sun Jun 20 00:14:18 CEST 1999

Gene

Thanks, Diamond Lil--are you N or S, E or W of here? Rick plays at the Towne Crier on 21st Aug by the way, maybe see you there.

Sat Jun 19 23:48:12 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Thought I'd just wish a happy father's day to all you dads out there. have a nice tomorrow!

Gene: Hi from the neighboring county. Maybe I'll see you in Red Hook or Rhinebeck sometime.

Freddy Fishstick: Thanks for the tie that binds. Was trying to leave the whole kid in your car..but he got loose :-)

Sat Jun 19 23:29:53 CEST 1999

catbalu

Pete Revard: I apologize. you are right. guess i mean in the world of business when they say, "I'll give you 10 bucks an hour to stare at that wall and come up with something 'for food'..." and millions of people WILL buy it over and over and over and over... and since some of the folks i came in here and a few other places looking for (and have not found, i can tell...) are heavy on my mind, and i-myself am just now "waking up" from a self-imposed "Cold Mountain" kind of dream, it bothers me, that this new stuff bombarding my children like cheap candy, is even LESS than what was a dime a dozen when i was young (so i guess journey ain't that bad, eh?) i have been so very fortunate to sit in on and be a part of some of the finest songwriting you will never hear.... and it bothers me. guess it's either still in their trunk, or they're gone, gone, way gone. that is basically what i meant (now, would catbalu fail to get her point across... :)

The Band had the overwhelming advantage of a THINKING songwriter. which brings me to this site again. there is an abundance of intelligence in here (and foolishness of course, who wants to take the SAT test ALL the time, who wants to be the smartest ALL the time. gives me a headache) RR has a lot to do with who is in here, ya'll (even tho i'm always gonna be kindly partial to LEE!! :) and aggravated at RR.

lonely heart's club? how about longing heart's club... Read an interview in the Atlanta Journal (or Journal-Constitution, or Constitution - one of em, read everything i could get my hands on FREE at a hotel for the past 3 days) with Tom Waits. interesting that he should be mentioning golf balls and computers and swimming pools.... sounds like Memorial Day all over again. Oh, and Ronnie Hawkins was quoted in the National Enquirer (and it's just a fake and i knew it why'd i do it)

ya'll have a good day. i am - i'm home again.

Sat Jun 19 23:23:51 CEST 1999

Gene

By the way, "by April the Third, Richmond had fell..."

Sat Jun 19 23:02:28 CEST 1999

Gene

EASY folks. "Blue Highways" sold at $43.00 on eBay! Congratulations 'bechet'. "fancy people go driftin' by..."

Sat Jun 19 22:09:28 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Kathleen: only rumours. Listen to "The Complete Last Waltz" or listen to the video again!

Sat Jun 19 21:41:17 CEST 1999

Kathleen O'Neill

So many comments about Robbie never singing. Robbie always sang onstage, but his mike was.....off.

Sat Jun 19 20:42:31 CEST 1999

Goran Dahlstrom

A friend and fellow The Band fan told me about this site, he found the address on a copy of JUBILATION from the USA. It is a very good site and treasure chest for Band fans all over the world. Thank you for creating this great tribute to the Robbie and Levon Helm, the two greatest rockers ever in the worlds best Band.

Sat Jun 19 20:00:43 CEST 1999

Tsk...Tsk...Tsk...!!!

I mean ROCKS!!!!!!!!!! so fugitaboutit... 'n be 'appy

Sat Jun 19 19:56:09 CEST 1999

Tsk...Tsk...Tsk...!!!

This site ROCK!!!!!!!!!!

Sat Jun 19 17:35:32 CEST 1999

Tsk...Tsk...

Sat Jun 19 16:26:02 CEST 1999

Sick and Tired

Hey !!!

Mind your own fucking business, ok?

Sat Jun 19 15:56:56 CEST 1999

!!!

Is this page turning into a "lonely hearts club" ?? There really is nothing left to say, but rehash. What a shame.

Sat Jun 19 01:49:11 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Spider John:

Thank you. For you..I thank my 'lucky stars'.

Sat Jun 19 01:35:29 CEST 1999

Spider John

To My Precious Jewel one:

Some people love to lead/And some refuse to dance/Some play it safely,others take a chance/Still its all a mystery/This place we call the world/Where most live as oysters/While some become pearls.

Sat Jun 19 00:17:54 CEST 1999

Lars

PETER VINEY: Mercury Rev is playing tomorrow night (Sat, June 19th) at the Bearsville Theater, just outside of Woodstock, 9:00 PM. (phone for ticket info is 914-679-4406).

I'll make up a bed for you in the spare bedroom. Grab your passport and a toothbrush and I'll pick you up at the airport. I'll be the one holding a Barrow's Goldeneye.

Fri Jun 18 22:44:18 CEST 1999

Paul Godfrey

Thank you Kevon....Great stuff in "Whats New!"

Fri Jun 18 22:01:21 CEST 1999

wayne whetzel

Keep on rocking

Fri Jun 18 21:31:04 CEST 1999

FDR

The Band, Blue Highways

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=116554028

Fri Jun 18 21:28:14 CEST 1999

FDR

Saw Tracy's post about The Complete Last Waltz up for auction on ebay. I also noticed a copy of Blue Highways, the legendary 1973 show at Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City. Man, what a treat for some lucky Bandhead.

Fri Jun 18 18:32:40 CEST 1999

mattk

So if the pun is the highest form of wit, is the bun the highest form of wheat?

; )

Fri Jun 18 18:30:01 CEST 1999

mattk

Joyce, of course! Silly me. Especially after pointing out McClure and his lovely recitation at TLW. Now I have a craving for "Finnegan's Wake."

matt

Fri Jun 18 18:28:18 CEST 1999

David Powell

Mattk: When it comes to wordplay, don't forget the master, James Joyce.

Fri Jun 18 18:13:06 CEST 1999

mattk

RE: 'Holy Roaster'

Robbie likes to play with words. Throughout his lyrics, you find these kinds of play(s?) on words. The one that jumps to mind for me was Ophelia:

Ashes of laughter, the ghost is clear

For a long time I'd thought it was:

Ashes to ashes, the coast is clear

My sense is this is the result of RR's exposure to the beat-poetry crowd in SF when the Hawks hooked up with Dylan (I love that photo of RR with Ginsburg, Dylan, and Michael McClure(sp?). You can see it Here.

The most public link to this influence, obviously, is McClure's and Lawrence Ferlenghetti's appearance at TLW. Specifically, Ferlenghetti's take on the lord's prayer.

The Beats were famous for using puns in their work to highlight the familiarity and cliche's found in everyday life. Ginsburg uses this method throughout "Howl" and went to extremes in later life, repeating these puns over and over in a single poem, sometimes singularly, as he developed a more mantra style later in life (Anne Waldeman also used this technique regularly).

Obviously, twisting familair phrases and images is nothing new in poetry. Shakespeare, Donne, and even Chaucer would play with words this way (forgive my English/Anglo-centricism, I'm not fluent enough to pick up on such techniques in non-English works). I assume such techniques are rampant throughout the world's literature--I KNOW, for example, the libretto(s) for the Beggars Opera used this technique to accentuate the satire.

Beyond poetry and opera, you also find this punning technique in traditional, older forms of popular music in America dating back to at least Stephen Foster. The Broadway musicals from Broadway's golden age (1930 - 1960) would base entire song concepts on being punny.

Hmmm, perhaps we have a new thread to dig in on, here...

Matt

Fri Jun 18 17:45:09 CEST 1999

Little Brother

P.S. I ducked into the site library to check whether there were any articles/essays on "To Kingdom Come", e.g. by Peter Viney. Apparently not, unless I missed it. Anyway, I admit I've always been baffled by the term "Holy Roaster". I want to make it Holy Roller, but it isn't. Has this been aired out before? Anyway, if anyone has an insight into this weird term, do tell. Thanks!

Fri Jun 18 17:36:52 CEST 1999

Little Brother

Though I seem fated to get rubbed the wrong way by RR issues, I always liked "To Kingdom Come" a lot-- including the vocal. There seems to be a plurality of opinion that it "doesn't quite work", suffers from RR's vocal, etc.

It works fine for me. I like the cryptic lyrics, and that great jamming quality to the arrangement-- the same loose-but-focused, quiet-but-biting flow found in "Look Out, Cleveland", or "Pepote Rouge".

Fri Jun 18 17:04:15 CEST 1999

Bones

The new issue of Rolling Stone gives Eric Andersen's Memory of the Future record 3 1/2 Stars.

There is a new movie out called Wolves with proceeds going to charity. Robbie is the narrator and he also has a track on the soundtrack CD

Fri Jun 18 16:53:58 CEST 1999

The Eyeball Kid

BEN PIKE: How was the Tom Waits show? I heard 2 shows sold out in 20 minutes

Fri Jun 18 16:15:58 CEST 1999

Tracy

If anybody is still looking for the complete Last Waltz import, you can find a copy over on Ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=119215142

Tracy

Fri Jun 18 15:42:34 CEST 1999

Dexy

Speaking of our fellow Bandophile and TO KINGDOM COME stylist, there's an extensive and new George Harrison interview at the following: www.billboard.com/sr/beatles

Fri Jun 18 01:57:26 CEST 1999

Wolle

HiThe Band, We love you......

Thu Jun 17 18:43:59 CEST 1999

Dexy

RE: Harrison. I've always thought should the Wilburys ever go on the road (and Petty recently said they might), the perfect house band would be Levon on drums, mandolin and vocals, Rick on bass and vocals, Honeyboy on whatever he chooses. A mixture of Wilbury, Harrison, Petty, Dylan, Dylan & Band, and Band songs. Maybe a few surprise guests here and there (Clapton, Starr, etc.). Might not bring in too many high-schoolers, but I think I'd try to go.

Thu Jun 17 17:35:59 CEST 1999

David Powell

More technology-related news that may be of interest to fans of The Band worldwide: EMI has announced that it is entering into a 5-year licensing agreement with Musicmaker.com, based in Reston, Virginia. Musicmaker.com operates a CD compilation service & digital download site that currently offers over 20,000 licensed songs through Liquid Audio, Microsoft MS Audio 4.0 and its own secure MP3 format.

In addition to making its huge catalog available to this service, EMI has also bought a 50% equity stake in Musicmaker.com. EMI, the world's third largest music company, encompasses the Capitol, Blue Note, EMI, Priority, and Virgin music labels.

Once the industry's "Secure Digital Music Initiative (SDMI)" standard is established, currently projected by the end of this year, computer-equipped consumers all over the world will be able to download music from Musicmaker.com's catalog. Through the Internet, hopefully, fans will soon be able to download their own custom compilations of Band songs from EMI's catalog.

Thu Jun 17 17:03:37 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Classic Albums: The Band - all the six titles in the “Classic albums” series are out on DVD in the UK. This means that The Band are one of the select few groups out on DVD here, joining such all-time greats as The Spice Girls, BoyZone and The Corrs :-). Movies are Regionalized, but many music videos are “region 0” (i.e. regions 1 to 6) or ‘Regions 1 and 2” (North America / Europe, Japan). I haven’t bought “The Band” on DVD because I have it on Laser Disc as well as off-air, and on most UK DVD’s the “bonus material” is either absent or paltry. There appears to be no bonus material on “Classic Albums”. Or maybe it’s not listed.

I was hoping that an eventual US release might include bonus tracks, such as the whole of the songs rather than the edits / snippets used in the TV broadcast / video release. I’ll take a look next time I’m in a music shop to check that the UK version is not a straightforward “Region 2” release, which you can’t play in North America. In the UK, nearly every machine being sold is having a microchip replaced to allow it to play Region 1 as well as region 2 releases, but there wouldn’t be any point in adding Region 2 (Europe, Japan) capability to a Region 1 (North America) machine. Conceivably there might be a point in future if Japan carries on the tradition of releasing good music video on DVD for the home market, as they did on Laser Disc. However, if they do, they can easily code it as “Region 0” or “Region 1 + 2”.

Further to David’s timely news of the release of “Yellow Submarine”. As he points out the DVD & CD will have the full film soundtrack, and will not be just the “Yellow Submarine” album release, which was 50% George Martin. The extra tracks are all from other albums, but it’ll be good to have them together. There’s a single of “Hey Bulldog” on its way too. George Harrison’s archives sound interesting. The jams with Dylan from 1970 are widely bootlegged (and not very good). A few years ago, there were literally several hundred Beatles and solo Beatles bootlegs at Record Fairs, and I imagine they got nearly every snippet. Hence “Anthology 1-3” to mop up the most acceptable Beatles tracks in an official version. Harrison has been heavily bootlegged as a solo artist, but then again, the bootleggers rarely get it all. It sets my mind wondering about that period hanging out with The Band in Woodstock. Harrison comes across on TV as immensely likeable, as well as a great fan of The Band. The two things so often go together :-) … with one or two exceptions. I reckon he deserves as “Sir” too.

Thu Jun 17 15:35:57 CEST 1999

David Powell

Eric Clapton & George Harrison have always been very vocal about their admiration of The Band. Last year Clapton finally got to play with the group on "Jubilation." At the same time, Harrison underwent a successful series of treatments for throat cancer. It was nice to read in Billboard that Harrison has rebounded and is entering a new phase in his music career.

Harrison, McCartney & Starr recently oversaw the restoration of their 1969 animated film "Yellow Submarine." In conjunction with the re-release of the movie, an audio "songtrack" will be released, containing the complete set of 15 Beatle songs used in the movie for the first time.

Recently the ownership of Harrison entire Warner Bros./Dark Horse catalog of recordings, along with the two Traveling Wilburys albums, has reverted back to Harrison. He has been shopping around for a new label while working on a new solo project. He is also planning a multi-CD retrospective of previously unreleased solo recordings. With regard to the Wilburys albums, Harrison told Timothy White of Billboard that he is "contemplating recirculating those largely out-of-print recordings with possible bonus tracks.

The restored version of "Yellow Submarine" is scheduled to be released on home video & DVD on Sept. 14. The CD "songtrack" is also set to be released on that date. Speaking on DVD, Rhino has so far issued three of the six "Classic Album Series" videos on DVD (the Stevie Wonder, Grateful Dead & Fleetwood Mac titles). Hopefully soon the The Band, as well as the Paul Simon & Jimi Hendrix titles will be availble in that format.

Thu Jun 17 15:27:03 CEST 1999

Shecky

For what it's worth, Al Kooper has his picks for top 100 recordings of all time. Big Pink is no. 20. www.alkooper.com/hot100.html Anyone else planning to see Rick on 6/25 at the free outdoor show in Providence?

Thu Jun 17 14:50:51 CEST 1999

Rick Hedeman

Perfect outdoor concert moment a coupla years ago at the Balloon Festival in New Jersey. The Band was playing some of the old songs from Cahoots as an encore after a day of thunderstorms, rainbows and mostly grounded balloons finally getting airborne. So, imagine lotsa mud, lotsa hot air balloons, fireworks, a roller coaster and the Band singing Volcano (i'm gonna blow...., look out below.....); and Smoke Signal (there you were all in white, standin' out in the broad daylight lookin like a smoke signal). It was all good and it doesn't get much better than that for me. Thanks Robbie et al for supplying the background music to my life.

Thu Jun 17 14:06:55 CEST 1999

Frans Kamps

Since I heard 'The Weight' at the end of the sixties I'am a fan. When in Amsterdam at the Concertgebouw I've seen The Band live and it was the best concert I've seen. So surfing on the web I'am very glad to find this beautifull site with a lot of information. Thanks for this site about my favorite group. Frans Kamps

Thu Jun 17 05:26:52 CEST 1999

Ragtime

Re Robbie's vocals:

I like David Powell's comment. As we all know RR's voice is not suited for stage performance, but it can be very effective, even moving, in a few selected studio songs. "Out Of The Blue" is one of the greatest & so are "Broken Arrow" (no I don't like "Crazy River" Peter...) & "It Is A Good Day To Die". In The Band he was like a "director" choosing his "actors" for every part he wants them to play (yes I know someone is going to flame me for not acknowledging them as totally equals in this respect!). And wonderful actors he had! Their characteristic voices were able to express a wide variety of emotions

We never heard a band being a band as we heard The Band being The Band...

But there is a flaw in his solo projects: he was forced to do the singing - "acting" - on his own, but there are lots of his tunes that desperately need real singing abilities. Just to express that diversity of emotions...

Thanks BTW to the post_person_ who pointed me to mr. Knechtel... and the spelling police did NOT chase you... :-)

Jens Magnus: you must have been starving for decades in that hobo jungle of yours... :-)

Thu Jun 17 03:56:18 CEST 1999

Blind Willie McTell

Just passing on my thanks to Peter Viney for "Deuce & A Quarter" & "Raining In My Heart" Ragtime Willie for "All Our Past Times" & "Last Night" Just Wonderin' for "Let The Good Times Roll" with double R and Cassandra Wilson. My guest Band members tape is shaping up nicely! Thanks folks, Blind Willie

Thu Jun 17 02:37:20 CEST 1999

MICHAEL INGMIRE

LEVON WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CLUB? I HOPE THAT THIS IS A TEMPORARY STATE OF AFFAIRS. I REALLY ENJOYED SEEING YOUR CLSSIC BLUES BAND ON APRIL 27, 1999. MAY GOD BLESS YOU!

Thu Jun 17 02:02:10 CEST 1999

John M

Thanks a lot Cannonball- Much obliged!!!!!

Wed Jun 16 23:52:37 CEST 1999

cannonball

oh, just an opinion... Personally I think robbies singin on "To Kingdom Come" ROKKX the big time. it sounds like richard is backing him up a little, i dont know. IN the classic albums video i like the "baby's sleeping!" voice on "the Night They Drove ol Dixie Down". well it aint levon but i remember the goosebumps showin up just the same. cheers

Wed Jun 16 23:40:19 CEST 1999

cannonball

to john moores the chords to "Bessie " go somethin like C - E7 - am - am(G bass) - F - G (verse) chorus C - F -(maj 7 on top sounds good), then use G for turnaround. actually katie's is alot like it. both seem to use a decending bass line on the low string to get from the am to the F going thru the G note. I hope that helps you out a little. I dont have my guit here at work so it might be mysterious but maybe not. also subbing dm7s for F and the like can stumble on fun patterns. the am to am(g bass) to F is in alot of band songs. good in endless hywy and stagefright among others. now that i think of it outta the blue fits in with this too,hmm. i guess when ya heard one jrr song y heard em all(not) p.s. a g note on top of the c in bessie sounds good. good to me anyway. i hack up band songs every chance i get so let your ears guide you but i dug your post and this website is a wonderful labyrinth. best

Wed Jun 16 23:29:23 CEST 1999

dates...

The Home County Festival in London Ontario, featuring Colin Linden and Richard Bell among others, will take place at Vic. Park, July 16, 17 and 18. FREE!

Wed Jun 16 22:31:12 CEST 1999

David Powell

The voices of Richard, Levon & Rick breathed life into Robbie's lyrics, turning them from mere words written down on paper into genuine, believable stories of everyday life.

When I was young, my family moved to the rural South. The courthouse squares were a gathering place for people in small Georgia towns, especially on Saturdays. In the shops, outside on the sidewalks, waiting in line at the picture show and at the drug store soda fountains you could hear people discussing the events of the preceding week. There may have been a bad wreck out on the by-pass, a tornado blew away someone's chicken coop, so & so's barn burned down, a mule got loose & ran away, or someone's boy scored the winning touchdown at the high school football game. Back then you didn't need the television news at six & eleven to hear what was going on. Besides, the local townsfolk had a more colorful way of telling stories or relating events.

At an early age I became fascinated with the way such remarkable stories were spun. Ordinary events, through the embellishment of gifted story tellers, were enhanced into real glimpses into the truths of life. This oral tradition was a great form of entertainment that everyone, rich or poor, could enjoy. Unfortunately, in this electronic age of instant gratification, a lot of people no longer take the time to talk at lenghth with their neighbors, or stop to catch up & listen to what others may have to share about their own lives.

When I first heard the music of The Band, I was reminded of those days down at the square. Like a kid again I was amazed by the story telling. I could almost picture Levon, Richard & Rick standing around outside the feed store, dressed in over-alls & straw hats, as they related the colorful tales contained in their music.

Wed Jun 16 22:21:44 CEST 1999

John M

Two Cents: Bessie Smith, To Kingdom Come, Ain't No More Cane, Out Of the Blue, Last Waltz Refrain, Knockin' Lost John, Old Time Religion (!) He WAS one of the Band's vocalists, just in the Ringo seat, like I said before.!

Wed Jun 16 22:06:00 CEST 1999

Pete Rivard

As a songwriter/musician myself with really mediocre lead vocalizing ability, I can appreciate RR's farming out the vocal chores. I'm back in the studio now doing some demo stuff, and I find it painful to listen to my voice on tape, a situation forced on me by the loss of my band's lead vocalist. You play to your strong suit. RR didn't sing much, and for the same reason he didn't invite Rick to play lead guitar chops.

And songwriters are not a dime a dozen. Bad songwriters are, but then a bad songwriter is no songwriter at all. I think I'd run out of good songwriters before I ran out of fingers and toes if I was to take the time and count.

Wed Jun 16 21:36:38 CEST 1999

Bones

David Powell: Thanks for the post. The characters in Robbie's songs were brought to life by Richard, Rick and Levon. George Harrison always said that he envied Robbie because he had those great voices to work around.

By the way, there is a coffee table book called Dylan by Steve Matteo. It has some wonderful pictures of Dylan/Band which have not been seen before(Isle of Wight,Last Waltz,Tour 74, etc..)

Wed Jun 16 21:22:49 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Well said Mr.Powell! I think the 3 distinct voices of Rick, Richard, and Levon are what helped to add character to Robbie's songwriting. Perhaps that's what makes the music so intriguing. I sometimes listen to the old songs, and hear them as if they were new again. There are stories in each voice (such as Levon doing All La Glory) that add to the story that Robbie had in mind. That's what's kept me listening for all thesae years.

Wed Jun 16 20:47:31 CEST 1999

My 2 Cents

John Moores

Since Robbie was never one of the Band vocalists, they couldn't be limited by restricting him. Vocal wise, he couldn't come close to Levon, Rick, or Richard. Better that the vocals were left to those who could sing.

Wed Jun 16 20:03:34 CEST 1999

Toni

I was wondering if Robbie Robertson would ever come to Edmonton in Canada?

Wed Jun 16 18:55:42 CEST 1999

MattK

Mr. Donabie, amen. I started to chime in yesterday with much the same point, without nearly the same research to back it up. I'm glad I aborted the post. Mr. Powell has (I believe) accurately and succinctly stated the "Robertson Perspective" on singing with the Band vs. singing solo material. Clearly RR's success as a writer is based in large part on his ability to use the resources at hand to best express what he's trying to communicate--whether it's Levon/Rick/Richard, Coolidge, Clapton, and especially himself.

Matt

Wed Jun 16 18:14:49 CEST 1999

John Donabie

Always great to read a piece from David Powell. Substance is a wonderful thing.

Wed Jun 16 16:01:26 CEST 1999

David Powell

I've enjoyed reading the various viewpoints on the Robertson "to sing or not to sing" question. I'm sure he must of realized, when writing songs for The Band, that with three gifted singers he could fashion the songs accordingly to fit their distinctive voices. The songs he wrote for the group were stories he imagined that could be sung from the different viewpoints of the singers, rather than his own autobiographical expressions.

When interviewed by MIX magazine in March 1998, Robertson admitted that "...because of the ensemble nature of The Band, I was trying to write songs that represented _our_ sound and not just , 'Here's another little song about _me_.' [Laughs]"

When discussing the songs he wrote for "Music for The Native Americans," Robertson commented, "I decided to really explore [my Native American roots] the way I wanted to. That felt good to me: I thought, 'I'm going to do this now with what's in my imagination; lay out my interpretation of this in this day and age."

With the songs on "Contact From the Underworld of Red Boy," Robertson went even deeper into his exploration of this subject matter. Commenting on the biographical nature of this material he said, "It's personally revealing in that this is stuff I've been carrying around with me my whole life. These are song ideas, stories, sounds, chants, rhythms that I've been trying to figure out how to get them from inside me _outside_ me. So that's why it's really personal to me. Like 'The Code of Handsome Lake'--this is a story I grew up with all my life. The first song on the album ["The Sound Is Fading"] has a tape of this young girl singing. I've been carrying this around with me for years. It touches something inside me. And sometimes those kind of emotions can be even more personal than saying 'Well, here's a story about the time when I...' Because they're really from inside, and not just experiences."

Although Robertson is well aware of his limitations as a singer, the personal nature of his recent solo work demands that it be presented in his voice. These are songs that he can't ask "outsiders" to sing the lead on. He does, however, effectively incorporate the voices of other Native Americans in the background to add strength to the presentation.

As with the subject matter of his songs, Robertson has broken new ground musically, adding different layers to the sound. Many have expressed displeasure over his use of programming and "electonica" textures, but say what you will, the man's not afraid of experimenting with new challenges. As he expressed in the MIX interview, "This record is really using the tools of today. When I first started making the record, what people in the Native community were saying to me was 'Use your strengths. Don't try to be traditional; you're not traditional. Your strength is in speaking the language of today, so use that.' And that was wonderful for me to hear; to not be afraid of that."

Wed Jun 16 13:32:32 CEST 1999

John Moores

Well said, Two Cents!! Much better to limit the Band by restricting one of their vocalists...Now about those two drummers,hey... I was only suggesting Robbie in the Ringo/Keef position- one vocal per album, a token to keep his fans happy.

Wed Jun 16 05:40:25 CEST 1999

Thomas Norton

how do i add set lists to your site?

Wed Jun 16 03:55:36 CEST 1999

Wolle

www.Blues-Germany.com

Wed Jun 16 00:16:43 CEST 1999

Ben Pike

Hi gang. Did you miss me? I had to go that bad old LA again, but I seen that Tom Waits and that was quite a show last night. Big movies stars was there at the Wilturn theatre.

Tue Jun 15 23:34:35 CEST 1999

4 CENTS

I think Robbie is a tremendous talent who wrote some of my favorite songs. A great guitarist, too. However, I agree with "2 CENTS."

The main point is Robbie didn't NEED to be a singer, The Band had great vocalists without him. Robbie was part of a team, and without him the Band hasn't been as good as they were with him.

Tue Jun 15 23:17:06 CEST 1999

My 2 Cents

SONGS ROBBIE SHOULD'VE SUNG :

NONE.

Tue Jun 15 23:05:46 CEST 1999

Stephen Novik

Just picked up the 2CD set "Kings of Love" by Blackie & The Rodeo Kings- featuring Colin Linden performing "Remedy" and surprise! "Tombstone"!! (one of the songs demo'd for Jericho, I believe.) And in the liner notes, Colin states, "....an amazing Rick Danko vocal. For some reason it never made it to one of their records." I personally haven't heard The Band's version, and I can't remember where in Jan's award winning site I read about it. Help! Talking about songs Robbie should have sung, "Promised Land" from Moondog? or "Rags & Bones" from NL/SC? (Nah, Richard's great there too.)

Tue Jun 15 21:36:31 CEST 1999

Bill Gates

Little Brother. I've been struck by a sudden burst of altruism and have to tell the truth. Forget the PC. Get an iMac.

Tue Jun 15 20:57:34 CEST 1999

Tom Ellis

I was wondering if it was possible for lyrics and sheet music to be e-mailed to me for "I know him so well" and "Take that look of your face" thanks in advance

Tue Jun 15 20:54:04 CEST 1999

Tom Ellis

Tue Jun 15 20:44:13 CEST 1999

Bones

Robbie Robertson is very aware of his what his voice can and cannot do; however, when he was starting a solo career and every interviewer was asking him why he did not sing in the Band, he could not say that he was not as good a singer as the others(which is subjective anyway). He was in a promoting mode, just like the Band would not tell reporters how much they miss Robbie's songwriting.

Tue Jun 15 19:15:11 CEST 1999

brian frisbie

I think the Band is one of the best groups ever. Robbie Robertson is a great songwriter. There are not any bands like them now days. I think that is a real shame. My generation does not have great spokemans like them. I identify with what they are saying more than I do "the band" of my generation Nirvana.

Tue Jun 15 18:46:22 CEST 1999

Little Brother

I still plan to acquire a PC before the millennium (the REAL millennium, 2001)-- but there is a special kind of charm in checking into this site once every few days, and occasionally weeks, in my borderline-legit-scavenging- Internet-use-at-work way.

I mean, in a way, this site is like a soap opera. You can tune in after missing a year and pick up the thread instantly. (Especially when there's not much happening with the musicians.) On the other hand, the weather can change dramatically between visits. The other day (?) there was a slew of hardline snapping about certain hard-edged views of The Boys, accompanied by scorn & derision for the kinder, gentler voices. The storm is passed, there's peace at last, and the warm and gentle postings prevail.

Lil, we harmonize again. I'm NOT a parent, which puts me in the minority here, I take it, but I was always drawn to "All La Glory" for its rich, evocative mood. Levon and Garth take it to another level, if it's right to single them out in a tune where the ensemble is so potent.

On a less lofty level, what say we form a posse and slap the dog doo out of Joan Baez and stuff what's left in a Dixie cup? Whoops, I don't know what got into me there. Yes, I do. I said it and I'm glad!

As anyone who doesn't get a scroll-bar workout when my postings appear knows, I vote with those respectful but not overly taken by RR's vocals. I hope it's the out-of-context quality of the RR quotes or paraphrases in this discussion, but I'm disposed to resent the implication that RR held himself back so as not to pre-empt participation by the others. It's one thing to say, "I didn't need to step up as a singer because we had such a wealth of talent in that department" versus "I decided to sacrifice my virtuoso singing ability so the others would have something to do".

Never having acquired or heard certain alleged bootlegs, the real Unsolved Mystery of Band non-vocals is whether Garth sings in the shower. And if so, how does he sound?

Tue Jun 15 18:33:37 CEST 1999

Dave the Phone Guy

Levon's gig will be at the Empire State Plaza.Does anyone know what this venue is like?Indoors or outdoors?Seating or Gen. Admin?

Tue Jun 15 18:22:00 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Hey Jan...'conga rats' on that new site award! :-) You deserve it.

Know what? Think I just figured out the one thing that _everyone_ here will agree with. You're doing a great job Jan. Proud of you :-)

Tue Jun 15 17:54:50 CEST 1999

David Powell

The newly remastered version of Dylan's "Street Legal," like the new versions of both volumes of "Greatist Hits," sounds amazingly good. All were transfered from the analog master tapes to digital using equipment capable of the increased 24-bit storage medium. In addition, "Street Legal" also benefits sonically from being remixed. The original analog 24 track session tapes were transfered using a digital workstation incorporating the "High-Density" audio format for editing. The higher bit storage space and higher sampling rate improves the output resolution. The final result reflects increased clarity, dynamic range and depth in the sound.

"Street Legal" especially benefits from this process since Dylan recorded this album with a large group of musicians and background singers. The improved sound allows you to hear the music as never before since you can now distinguish between each instrument and vocalist in the mix. Dylan's vocals are clear and no longer buried beneath the sound of the large band. I had forgotten how much I liked this album and now it sounds even better.

Tue Jun 15 15:51:40 CEST 1999

Gene

Has anyone had any success in ordering, um, 'rare' CDs from Tunnel Records?

Tue Jun 15 15:31:37 CEST 1999

David

One of the most informative and well-presented websites about any band or singer! Come check out my new site entitled Musician's Wall of Fame featuring autographed photos of bands and singers with links to their official sites. Hope you find something useful and please let other netizens know of our little corner of the web! Thanx http://forthefans.net/

Tue Jun 15 15:20:49 CEST 1999

Johan Hasselberg

This site is great, great! I really like a page with so much good information. Ronnie Hawkins and The Band is some of the best performers I know. My favorite song with Ronnie (solo) is "Brown Eyed Handsome Man" from "A Legend In His Spare Time". Ronnie's Chuck Berry covers is allways great and another favorit is "Moondog Matinée" with The Band. From now I run my own site "Chuck Berry News". Welcome for a "look" and, if You want, sign my guestbook. Go! Go! Go!

Tue Jun 15 15:07:44 CEST 1999

Dexy

As to why Robbie didn't sing more... Seems kind of obvious to me. Great great songwriter, great guitarist, interesting stylistic singer. But when you have Levon, Rick and Richard to handle the vocals, in my view, it would have been absurd to have Robbie sing any more than he did. For him to suggest that he could have strikes me as revisionist. I can't imagine the group would have stayed together so long if they each (RR included) had not recognized each other's incredible strenghts and utilized them properly, just as they did. The key to The Band was the well-worn concept of five outstanding and equal contributions of different kinds.

Tue Jun 15 14:13:46 CEST 1999

John Moores

On reflection you're right about All La Glory- I was just under the impression it was a lullaby for Robbie's daughter(s?) and with Robbie's range too (although I much prefer the keening yelp RR voice rather than the gravelly one.) OK, no vocal for Robbie on Stage Fright! For some reason I just never got a handle on the album till recently and I'm glad to see someone boosting it up. By the way, what are the chords to Out Of The Blue, Bessie Smith and Katie's Been Gone? They are three of my faves but no chords in the music section- can anyone help me out????

Tue Jun 15 12:09:23 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

‘All La Glory’ is a truly beautiful song. Ostensibly there’s a parent saying goodnight to a child, and it echoes an old rhyme my mother used to say, something about ‘Someone stole your marbles, Took them all away, Little one, you’ve had a busy day.’ But the whole melody drips with regret for times past. This is why I think it has the ability to touch our own individual sadnesses. Levon does it with the vocal, and Garth accents it. One of the musicians here can help me out, but there seems to be something intrinsic in the chord sequence that touches off the feeling and reminds me of other melodies that can do the same. I’ve had feelings of sadness and regret most times I’ve heard it, though the focus of this has shifted from time to time. Surely the ability to give us the key which releases our emotions is the greatest of all musical gifts, and they combined to do this. Genius x 5.

Roger: “Stage Fright” is right up there for me too, and I’ve quoted John Bauldie several times on this site saying that side two ranks with their very greatest work. But “All la Glory” is on side one, and it ranks up there too. I look at the album now and wonder if they sequenced it wrong. They seemed to give up on production, leaving it to Glyn Johns & Todd Rundgren to mix it without any input. “Sleeping” is a gorgeous song too. I think starting off with “Strawberry Wine” was the major error. It suggested a cheerful, boogie-along tone that is not representative of the rest of the album. Then after the magic of ‘Sleeping’ you got the jauntiness of ‘Time To Kill’ immediately followed by the very similar pace and feel of ‘Just Another Whistle Stop.’ They’re both good songs, but they lack the depth that’s evident on the rest of the album. These three tracks didn’t need eliminating so much as re-positioning. ‘Strawberry Wine’ would be a good replacement for a lot of things in their current (by which it seems we now mean 1994 to 1997) stage act, like ‘Caldonia’ and the tired and over-worn ‘Crazy Mama.’ It would have been great on any Levon solo album. Not only does it not fit ‘Stage Fright’ I suspect it was put first to stop it interfering with the sequence of deeper tracks!

Tue Jun 15 11:28:35 CEST 1999

Roger Woods

I'm so glad All La Glory is getting some acknowledgement. It's one of the reasons why Stagefright is right up there with The Band and Big Pink for me. More cricket - good to hear a mention of Roy Harper's eloquent "When an old cricketer leaves the crease" - taken from "Headquarters" (another cricket ref.)

Tue Jun 15 11:23:47 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Sundog: sorry. Just re-read your post..and the word you used was "crazy", not "stupid". The memory, as they say..is the first to go :-)

Tue Jun 15 11:21:03 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Sundog: I don't want to ignore your question since I think it's a heart-felt one, but I guess there are personal aspects of all our lives that shouldn't be posted here. I have however, posted before about my husband, who died very suddenly 3 years ago....and I think that's why the tune hits me the way it does. I do agree though, I don't think the song is about death. It seems to be about life. And yes, there is something about Levon's voice.....

Sorry about your brother. Feeling emotions abot a loss like that is not "stupid". Thanks for sharing.

Tue Jun 15 06:42:31 CEST 1999

Jens Magnus

Finally got hold of the brown album yesterday. It's klind of hard to get here in Norway, not because it is seldom, but because those who have it never give it up. (naturally). Good to hear the old songs over again. I had nearly forgotten how acoustic these songs are. Whispering pines is absolutely grand, like a novel and a symphony, yet in a short story/chamber format. Love it.

Tue Jun 15 05:14:02 CEST 1999

Brown-Eyed Johnny

Picking up from where I left off .... t included a tribute to Ray C. and Richard M. -- Georgia on My Mind -- as well as Mr. D's Just Like a Woman. Van also asked, "Any requests?" Then he did Gloria. Taj was also in fine form. It was a great time. (Sorry about the split post.)

Tue Jun 15 05:08:14 CEST 1999

Brown-Eyed Johnny

It was Echoes of the Last Waltz this evening at Jones Beach as Van Morison and Dr. John (along with Taj Mahal) performed at Jones Beach. The good Dr.'s set included Such a Night, and he was in fine form. Van performed for some 90 minutes and he se

Tue Jun 15 04:55:24 CEST 1999

catbalu

Just Wonderin': well then, i would like to personally thank RR for not "hogging the spotlight." If he had, this Guestbook might not exist.

Tue Jun 15 04:33:20 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Hey there 'Lil, I know what you mean by "a tear to your eye", but is it the song; or a profound memory of something in your life that is missed deeply, cuz that song brings to my memory, my brother who died back in '79, kinda crazy huh,,,cuz the song (I think ) doesn't have nothing to do with death,,, its just that the tone in his voice is sooo heart felt, sh*t, I can't explain it with words, but I think you know what I mean, (don't you...?). Maybe you can explain why that song gives you tears, if you don't, I'll understand, but one thing for sure, if it were possible to play *ALL La Glory* at one time around the world at once, that song would be a good one for ALL!!!

Tue Jun 15 04:21:01 CEST 1999

Just wonderin'

Bones: Double R said in an interview not too long ago that he thought he did enough without singing. He didn't want to hog the spotlight. Didn't want it to be the RR show.

Mon Jun 14 22:59:49 CEST 1999

Charlie Young

PS: Steve Cropper is on that new Jesse Winchester CD, too. He ain't exactly country/bluegrass, but a star, for sure...

Mon Jun 14 22:27:45 CEST 1999

Charlie Young

Thanks to David Dye's "World Cafe" radio show today I heard a fine new tune from an old favorite voice: Jesse Winchester. The new album (his first in around 11 years, I think) is called, appropriately, "Gentleman of Leisure." It features guests including Vince Gill and other country/bluegrass stars. The release date is next Tuesday, but CDNOW is taking advance orders at a good sale price. It's great to know Jesse is still putting out new music. Now if he'd only tour!

Mon Jun 14 21:10:56 CEST 1999

Bones

Although it is interesting to think about Band songs for RR to sing, he was smart to let the others do it. Robbie's voice has great character, as do the others, but it would not have been an equal-parts band if he had wrote and sung the songs.

Mon Jun 14 21:10:47 CEST 1999

Missing Richard

A wonderful web page, this is. But The Band can never be the same without Richard Manuel. I am listening to "The Moon Struck One" right now. Maybe not the best Band song, but Richard's voice, the voice, oh man. Sometimes I wonder if The Band themselves undestand what a truly incredible collection of talent they were.

Mon Jun 14 19:58:25 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Hey now Sundog! :-) Nothing in my opinion compares to the gentleness of Lee's voice in 'All la glory'. It's soothing and calming and as sweet as a lullabye. Pretty much one of my favorite Band tunes, as I've mentioned before.

I'm lookin for a star bright, to shine down your light now......brings tears to my eyes everytime.

Mon Jun 14 19:28:14 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

I think that Levon's vocals on *GET UP JAKE* has a very gental maner to it, don't you think so 'Lil???...

Mon Jun 14 16:04:15 CEST 1999

Dave Z

I'm with Diamond Lil on this one... I think Levon's vocals on All La Glory are mesmerizing... and I can't think of another song where he sings in such a gentle manner...

Mon Jun 14 14:01:49 CEST 1999

catbalu

Hey, Whaler Boy! - think you found the answer in shines brightly quite insane. :) Mr. V - hope you enjoyed your stay in America... our Brit Mr. P was in Colchester while you were here... came back to tell me more about the cost of living over there... very scary. no, imagine NOTHING is free and untaxed over there... see now why so many seem to be "big on bikes" - was beginning to think you guys were just major health nuts!

so nobody's ever heard of "Sod." well, i don't know where it came from, but sounds like some pretty good studio musicians who were putting their work out there. Roy Harper's "When An Old Cricketer Leaves The Crease" had one song i did remember — "Grown Ups are Just Silly Children." I dedicate that to the GB. :) But, the gold was found! The mess in the living room was worth it! THIJS VAN LEER/Introspection 2! ah, the peace of it all. thought i'd lost him. recommend it to all, especially when the children are too too.

And Mr. V - i agree with you absolute - RR is brilliant at using the talent around him. songwriters are (sorry) a dime a dozen. sure he knew that, and siezed the day when Levon brought him the grit to add to the snow. he found the common ground to our benefit.

Hope you vacationers enjoy your trips to Jericho... i, however, gonna do Galloo.

Everybody have a good day, and Be Dim. :)

Mon Jun 14 13:59:33 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

John Moores: Please...no...not All La Glory...not Robbie....LevonLevonLevon!

Whew! Almost just spontaneously combusted here :-)

Mon Jun 14 13:38:35 CEST 1999

John Moores

Phil, I guess you're right. I didn't really think it through, since there's only about four albums with no Robbie vocal on them anyway? It seems a lot less until you think about it! Just for the record though(!) I agree re: Thinkin' Out Loud on Cahoots, and it's gotta be All La Glory on Stage Fright, maybe Ain't Got No Home on Moondog and NL/SC? Hmmmm.

Mon Jun 14 03:06:18 CEST 1999

Phil

Peter: Interesting point you make about guiding interpretations of vocals by RR. The songs he wrote for the others to sing are associated almost more with the singers than with who wrote them. It is odd to think that at one time RR sang these songs to his band mates(at least a portion) and how much interpretation was offered by the others. I suspect quite a bit.

John: Yours is an interesting game but the more satisfying fantasy is imagining how RR solo songs would sound if Levon, Richard or Rick were singing them.

Mon Jun 14 02:57:28 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Hey now FREDIE FISHSTICK,,,Parrothead, Phishead, Deadhead, or Headband, or Bandhead, if your NOT ahead, you're behind!!!

Mon Jun 14 02:00:44 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Chris D : The only other info I have right now on the Yasgurs Farm event is that as it stands now, it's free. Can't charge admission for a peace march. No cars will be allowed anywhere near the site however, so wear comfortable shoes if you go !

Mon Jun 14 01:37:19 CEST 1999

Mitt Stampler

Diamond Lil: Life is, indeed, a carnival, but when it comes to kids, these days I stick to water parks. Between the lines and the sunstroke, the car ride home is always very, very quiet :). I confess to never liking much of anything Joan Baez ever did (I also must confess to always getting her confused with Judy Collins) but I found her version of Lily, Rosemary, and the Jack of Hearts particularly odious. I never heard it during dinner, but I did hear it once in an Oxford pub called Chequers. It was 'roundabout '92, and my beloved spouse was there on a Fulbright...for some odd reason, though, the then-bartender had a real thing for Neil Diamond. For all I know he's still there, and there are probably still neglected spouses of American scholars sitting in the pub, in the midst of ten-day scotch-and-Nyquil benders, watching a bunch of still-drunker lads arguing over whether "Song Sung Blue" is a more profound love song than "You Don't Bring Me Flowers." Ahhh, to be young and irresponsible again...To this day, I can't take cough syrup without hearing "...my rosy child, she's got the way to make me happy." I still watch Mystery, and I'd have Dexter Fletcher or Peter Viney and co. over to dinner, but otherwise, me and things British are a dangerous combination. Anyway, Lil, you're right: "Dixie" was Levon's song, and if he doesn't sing it, I'll just wear out my copy of TLW. Peace on this Sunday night---

Mon Jun 14 00:57:08 CEST 1999

Chris D.

Diamond Lil'I sure do appreciate the little bit of info on the Yasgurs farm concert.More info when available would be a real help.I thank you.

Mon Jun 14 00:06:28 CEST 1999

Freddy Fishstick

With no signs of a Buffett show this year on Long Island I've decided to take the family on a road trip to the Holy Land. I had hopes of avoiding the sun with a Band hat from the 1997 tour since it has appropriate colors. The "Not Fade Away" site has apparently let their stock of hats belie their title. Other herculean efforts to obtain same unfortunately leave me sans chapeau. C'est la vie! I have decided to keep a journal of my trip with the working title " A Parrot Head Discovers Jericho". I expect a lengthy introduction from Sir Peter Viney and a dedication to Lil of the Valley. In my absence I trust that a minimal level of Buffett references and decorum will be maintained here. I will be near the Rock where Moses stood and suggest you bear that in mind. :-) :-)

Sun Jun 13 21:01:56 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Robbie always knew he had the best palette available to any songwriter ever - the voices of Levon, Rick and Richard. And I suspect he guided the interpretation. In his solo stuff, he adjusted to what was there. He used great, individual voices (like Peter Gabriel, Maria McKee, Rita Coolidge) to support him. But no one else could have done “Somewhere Down The Crazy River.” When Robbie’s done Band stuff it’s been affecting (the solo piano “Dixie”, the Seville version of “The Weight”), but what is more, he has got the words right!

Sun Jun 13 20:02:57 CEST 1999

Phil

Robbie may have done OK on "Thinking Out Loud" though I don't think it would have improved it. It's kind of similar to "What About Now" in tempo and feel.

Sun Jun 13 19:36:21 CEST 1999

Carmen

John, how about a verse in the Weight by Robbie.

Sun Jun 13 19:03:28 CEST 1999

John Moores

Great website!!! I'm just here to praise Robbie's vocals- I know it's totally irrelevant but I think he should have sung more in the Band....his vocals have a certain charm, his voice is individual rather than bad; he's better than just about every rock frontman of today! Just for fun, what songs sung by other members could Robbie have sung on each album? For instance,just about the only vocal on the brown lp for Robbie is 'Look Out Cleveland'..I suppose Rick's voice and range is the nearest....

Sun Jun 13 14:22:00 CEST 1999

Katrina Smith

Inspired by a recent showing of The Last Waltz on Star Movies I was intrigued enough to seek out additional info. on this amazing act that I had overlooked for so many years. The site is well-organized and provided me with fascinating detail that I have thoroughly enjoyed and will return to!

Sun Jun 13 14:17:43 CEST 1999

Katrina Smith

Sun Jun 13 13:53:44 CEST 1999

Roaring Blind

Diamond Lil's quite right, nobody can do Dixie like Levon but at least the version by Big Country off the EclectiC album doesn't put you off your food. Just thinking about Joan Baez affects my appetite, I don't think I could eat and listen. Now Pavarotti sings the Sex Pistols...that would be a different matter.

Sun Jun 13 07:35:00 CEST 1999

Ragtime p.s.

f 10.- is approx. 20% added to the normal price.

Sun Jun 13 07:31:51 CEST 1999

Ragtime

What's Free?

Re "Time Out Of Mind" Free Bonus Disc: here in The Netherlands the "Free Record Shop" chain, which is all over the country including railway stations, is the only retailer selling it. But... mind you! They sell Time Out Of Mind at full price and charge f 10.- extra for the "free" bonus CD, wearing the sticker that Peter mentioned. When I informed the ignorant-in-charge about this obvious mistake, he couldn't care less... Well, I left it there since I had to catch a train... BTW the "Plato" chain sells Time Out Of Time (without the bonus) at midprice.

Sun Jun 13 04:58:53 CEST 1999

A Paler, A Whaler, And A Sailor

What's with all this "Shine On" action? You all a bunch of closet Procolholics?

"and croaks as my defuddled brain

shines on brightly,quite insane

shine on HA

shine on HA"

Sun Jun 13 04:46:33 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Life is a Carnival....and driving home from one with a car load of noisy kids is a good test for the nerves. I passed...but just barely. Be glad you weren't driving tonight Freddy :-)

Did have the displeasure tonight of hearing the Joan Baez version of "Dixie" over dinner...enough to lose an appetite. Geez...nobody can do it like Levon. And nobody should.

Sun Jun 13 00:07:23 CEST 1999

Gene

Nice message. Can we all, at least, be kind to each other? ÜÜÜÜÜ

Sat Jun 12 23:59:47 CEST 1999

catbalu

Hey, "???" - i draw the line at things that mold.... most Mothers do that. But i agree with you here: Bumbles, Serge, Sundog, Lil, MattK, DJ (?), ME, etc. should — Go where they wanna go, say what they wanna say, do what they wanna do, be what they wanna be.... (what was that song...)

When will the Band get back together? When they feel the magic swirling heading them back in that direction. until then, those of us who can't..... be kind to one another. listen to the boy with the very small voice full of stage fright, embrace the girl who thinks the sky looks prettiest when it's green..... they will be the ones who carry on. that, i will bet you on.

otherwise, anybody who comes in here MUST go where they wanna go.... who else really gives a damn about "that sound," "those days," or our "collective past." Thanks, Jan for being more democratic and tolerant of free speech than any government body America ever put out there... Ben Franklin would kiss you! and we all better appreciate such a forum dedicated to a band that was like no other.

Dave Z: how'd you know i backed my new RED car into the stone retaining wall around this house? yeah, well, it knows it's mine now, alright... just like everybody 'round Here knows - "She ain't no driver..." :)

Take care everybody, and SHINE ON.

Sat Jun 12 22:45:17 CEST 1999

Pål Krosby

Hi Jan. Congratulations on your wonderful website! I hope you don't mind, but I just had to make a link to it from our website. Takk skal du ha, Jan!

Sat Jun 12 22:14:54 CEST 1999

Mounty on the trail

"???", I'm sure that if you got yourself a life you'd stop picking on people who already have one. Sundog, and all you wonderful people who refuse to join the "main stream": shine on, And ignore the bitterness and envy from those who can't stand to see what they wish they had.

Sat Jun 12 21:58:19 CEST 1999

???

Why is this Merle ( whoever he's supposed to be ) being offered on the Band web site ?? And what's with all the fruit salad on the walls? Didn't psychedelia go out of fashion 25 years ago ? The host needs a haircut and a shampoo...badly.

Bumbles, keep telling it like it is. 'Til it sinks in ...

Sat Jun 12 20:06:03 CEST 1999

Paul Vames

In 1971 I was 8 years old. My father had a copy of "The Band" (the brown album). I loved it then just as I do now. I had the opportunity to see the group at the San Diego County Fair in 1990. What a fantastic group! This web site is (appropriately) outstanding, a great tribute to a fantastic music group.

Sat Jun 12 15:46:02 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Dylan news: I didn’t see this noted in Isis, but there’s a version of “Time Out of Mind’ in current circulation which has a 40-minute live bonus disc called “Live 97”. The sleeve looks the same, but it has 2CD on the side and a sticker with “1998 Australasian Tour Commemorative Edition with Free bonus disc of rare live tracks.” It’s a bit like an exceptionally clean bootleg. And it contains “Blind Willie McTell.” While it’s not as good as the Band version, it’s influenced by it (to me) and worth hearing. “Cocaine Blues” is great.

Sat Jun 12 13:14:23 CEST 1999

LEIF PETERSSON

THE BAND WEB SITE IS THE BEST SITE I`V SEEN! DON´T YOU ALL AGREE?

Sat Jun 12 06:15:41 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Regarding Donald Joesph: If you all want to see a picture of Donald on our stage, just go to our web site, click the PHOTO button, then click the MERL SAUNDERS button. Its the second set of pictures (the left one)with the man (Donald) holding the boy (Grant his son) by his shoulders, then my co/hostJack, Bob, Natasha, Mayor Sue Bauman, me, and Merl Saunders. Donald wrote the Proclamation which was given to Merl, which we all read to him, what a day it was!!!

Sat Jun 12 05:32:10 CEST 1999

TO RAGTIME

Make that Larry Knechtel; before the spelling police get me.

Sat Jun 12 05:29:23 CEST 1999

TO RAGTIME

I'm gonna guess Larry Knectle on organ.

Sat Jun 12 01:30:22 CEST 1999

Revelations

So that's it: Levon will play with the Classic Blues Band on the last day of August, the end of the summer. I don't hear anything about a Band reunion or even a Crowmatix reunion. Rick and Garth have their own projects going, and the junior members of the Band (Weider, Charlante, and Bell) are busy doing "Bigfoot" as the Honky Tonk Gurus. Aaron is with Rick. Mike Dunn and Jim Eppard are in different bands. I haven't heard what Marie is doing.

So if one wants to hear the Band, where can we go? The music will always be strong, it will survive. But the voices are growing faint. Who's going to play the music?

Fri Jun 11 22:50:50 CEST 1999

catbalu

Dave Z - do you mind if i add your dream to my wall?... y'know, i have let my 3 children write, paint, glue, WHATEVER they want, on the walls of their closets... In 20 years, i can open those doors and remember that day, that year, that perfect hand touching that moment. imagine reading propped up against the doorsills one day...

We are losing our BigBdaddy here. Slowly but sure. so we're gonna get it where we can this summer! time for littlewing to come back out to play. looks like Waterstown is the plan... otherwise, i'm planning on rolling on the river, whiskey and water, only the best will do...

Hey, anybody heard of a band named Sod? Gonzos? Roy Harper? Oh me, what a memorial day it was...

miss DJ too, even if he thinks i'm stranger than David Byrne. :) SYLA

Fri Jun 11 22:26:36 CEST 1999

Ragtime

Question: who plays the organ on "The Incrowd" by The Mamas & The Papas? This was recorded in 1966 & seems similar to the style that our Garth was developing at the very same time.

catbalu: thanx! I'll reply later in private :-)

Donnie "Joesph": you seem to be alive & well & kicking! Would be nice to see a post from you again.

Fri Jun 11 21:46:24 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Donald Joseph: good to hear from Sundog that you're still around. Hope you're going to continue posting.

Fri Jun 11 20:25:38 CEST 1999

Jan H.

The host that serves us with streaming RealVideo and RealAudio is off-line due to damaged cables. Hope to get it fixed some time during the weekend. The "canned", downloadable audio and video is available.

Fri Jun 11 19:45:07 CEST 1999

Don Farmer

I used to live in West Helena, Ar and I have been a big Levon Helm fan ever since. My sister worked with Levon on the film "End of the Line." Needless to say, it's one of my all time favorites. She said he was a great person to be around and was always singing and having a good. What I wouldn't give to get the chance to meet Levon Helm. Keep up the good work on this great site. Maybe someday...!!

Fri Jun 11 18:07:51 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

TO DONALD JOESPH: I thank you for all your help, and the help of your son Grant, for making *MERL SAUNDERS DAY*, the best it could be, I'm very proud to have met you and your son. Thanks to Merl, we'll be doing more events like that one, and just maybe RICK DANKO!!! Peace, Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran, and the SUNDOG crew.

Fri Jun 11 16:22:01 CEST 1999

Richard

Butch Dener has announced a free concert by Levon Helm & the Classics with Little Feat, August 31, Albany, NY.

Fri Jun 11 15:12:33 CEST 1999

David Powell

Country music legend Waylon Jennings appeared on "Prime Time Country" on the Nashville Network last night. One of the songs that he & his band performed was "The Weight." Waylon shared the vocals with various members of his large band which featured a horn section, in addition the usual guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, fiddle & pedal steel. They did a very loose, down home sing-a-long & have some fun arrangement.

Fri Jun 11 14:46:56 CEST 1999

Kicking Horse

To; Roy Bernardl... Geee Thanx, Do I know you? Have you ever loitered in the parking lot of the Bearsville Theater?? To: David Z. I also enjoy the individual efforts of the band members however equal parts will never reconcile with that ageless equation regarding the summation of the equal parts. I have absolutely no doubt that sooner or later we will see the boys together again. AND hopefully if Levons voive hasn't been completely Julie Andrewized he will once again lead the group in song.

Fri Jun 11 14:44:40 CEST 1999

Me again

Paul G. - The Home County Festival usually takes place end of July at the Victoria Park in London, Ont. ALL FREE!

Fri Jun 11 13:51:01 CEST 1999

tom izzo

Anybody going to see John Hammond at The Joyous Lake tonight? No telling who might show up.

Fri Jun 11 11:38:47 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Info about August 15 at Yasgurs Farm is slowly coming in. A peace march is planned, along with acoustic music by some of the "locals". Rick Danko will be playing...John Sebastian and Arlo Guthrie are almost sure bets at this point. Haven't heard whether Levon will be there or not. Still waiting for some kind of official line-up. I'll post it when I get it. Hope this helps anyone who may be thinking of going.

Fri Jun 11 10:32:36 CEST 1999

Dean Bursar

In re: Rick Danko Band @ Yasgur's Farm 8/15/99

It "Max" no Difference Where You Play", if Levon ain't there it ain't The Band anyway. :-) If the boss shows, they will come.

Fri Jun 11 07:54:14 CEST 1999

Rod

Peter, the copy of Deserters Songs I bought came complete with a Bonus CD called Delta Sun / Bottle Neck Stomp. It also has 3 live tracks. Probably the Australian one you mentioned.

Fri Jun 11 04:20:44 CEST 1999

I Spy With My Little Eye

Little John Tyler writes:

"YOU WHO SPY WITH YOUR LITTLE EYE: The closing of the legendary Tinker Street Cafe was duly noted in this Guestbook when it was news...."

Oh my gosh. I'm so sorry I didn't see it "when it was news." Sorry to have offended you. Gee golly; between posting Happy Birthdays on the wrong date and not following every piece of information that flows from here, it's a wonder people bother to say anything. And you know, by reading your posts in the past, I thought you were an OK guy, not an arrogant one. I'll try to keep up on "THE NEWS" and up to your standards.

Fri Jun 11 03:54:27 CEST 1999

Louis Aita

Enjoy the website daily! Huge Band fan. Does anyone have any Band songbooks they'd like to sell?

Fri Jun 11 03:51:46 CEST 1999

Hey London

I'd like to know when and where Colin and Richard are playing this summer. Hopefully "Bitch" isn't involved!!!

Fri Jun 11 03:32:35 CEST 1999

Paul Godfrey

Hello Southern Ontario. Do you have any idea as to date or venue for the festival? Any information is appreciated.

Fri Jun 11 02:48:18 CEST 1999

Tony Beignet

What this Guestbook and the world need now is love and donuts

Well the coffee is strong at the Cafe Du Monde, And the donuts are too hot to touch; But just like a fool, when those sweet goodies cool, I ate 'til I ate way too much. Cause I'm livin' on things that excite me, Be they pastries or lobsters or love; I'm just tryin' to get by being quiet and shy, In a world full of pushin' and shove.

I'm not talkin' quesadillas or a dozen Krispy Kremes, Or a pound of caviar that's a rich man's dream. No banana split or fillet of pompano. No, I will play for gumbo.

Fri Jun 11 01:50:47 CEST 1999

Little John Tyler

YOU WHO SPY WITH YOUR LITTLE EYE: The closing of the legendary Tinker Street Cafe was duly noted in this Guestbook when it was news, and the report can still be found in the Archives: Tuesday, Dec. 29, 1998, 21:00 MET

Fri Jun 11 00:31:13 CEST 1999

Chris D.

Does anyone have any info on the Rick Danko/Yasgurs farm concert 8/15/99?Will I need to get a ticket in advance and how do I do that from Jersey?I'd really appreciate any help.Thanks.

Thu Jun 10 23:29:20 CEST 1999

Southern Ontario

I believe Colin Linden and Richard Bell are scheduled to appear at the Home County Festival in London Ontario this summer.

Thu Jun 10 22:54:58 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Mercury rev with bonus disc: French double CDs are around with a live 5-track bonus disc, e.g. at HMV. Sounds like it's the same as the Australian one. Does anyone know?

Thu Jun 10 22:14:37 CEST 1999

Roy BernardI

K-Horse - Best post you have come up with, bar none!

Thu Jun 10 21:57:52 CEST 1999

Dexy

Donabie: Two things regarding your post. First, I saw The Colin Linden Band in '93 at the Lone Star in NY, featuring Richard Bell and special guest Levon Helm (who brought along Mr. Weider). We were there for the soundcheck (must have been no more than 30 minutes before the show), at which Bell put on quite a keyboard show. Anyway, the first song was Remedy -- first time I'd heard it, since Jericho was not out yet. Levon appeared half-way through with his mandolin, but after a few was persuaded to take over on drums. Did Atlantic City, Carnival, many others. Excellent show (w/about 100 people in attendance). Secondly, bought the Randy Newman CD yesterday. It's outstanding.

Thu Jun 10 21:47:07 CEST 1999

Pete Rivard

Didn't Yogi Berra also say, "I never said half the things I said."

Thu Jun 10 21:25:20 CEST 1999

Leif Petersson

I don`t know how many times I`ve seen The Last waltz on video.

Thu Jun 10 21:23:14 CEST 1999

John Donabie

Just finished listening to a advanced copy of Blackie & The Rodeo Kings; with our old friend Colin Linden. Colin has finally recorded his own version of Remedy; which he co-wrote with Jim Weider. It's a double CD and it is GREAT.

Saw Randy Newman on Monday night when I was in New York to see the Letterman show. This is a David Powell gotta gotta gotta have it CD.

Thu Jun 10 19:37:46 CEST 1999

Dave Z

Bones: I often wondered about a Van lyric that goes "...and if you think it's going to rain, we'll stay at home and listen to the Band...".

Thu Jun 10 19:33:43 CEST 1999

Bones

I'm sorry that my brilliant, pithy remarks are being erased. Somebody recently mentioned starting pages of local bands who play Band covers. I would love to have pages of records that mention the Band or its members in liner notes like Jimi Hendrix's Blues, The Very Best of Roy Orbison, BoDeans' Home, Todd Rundgren's Something/Anything, etc... I can think of those off the top of my head. Any more?

Thu Jun 10 19:26:19 CEST 1999

Bones

Thu Jun 10 19:03:08 CEST 1999

Dave Z

Kicking Horse: I've taken forks in the road before, and have been lucky enough to regroup later with my friends who took the other fork.... And sometimes the reunions are sweet....But I agree with you, life does move on.... To me it sometimes feels more like the mystery train maybe passed by this fork you aluded to a couple of times, and some members got on maybe at different times, and some didn't get on.... Anyway, there's a lot of good music as a result of there travels, and in my opinion as a fan 1998 output wasn't half bad.... I can't wait to hear the next Robbie, Rick, Garth and/or Levon effort whatever shape it takes....

Thu Jun 10 19:01:18 CEST 1999

Brown-Eyed Johnny

Mercury Rev fans will be happy to hear that June 14 will see the release in Australia of the group's 1998 double album "Deserter's Songs" with a bonus live disc containing "Holes," "Isolation," "Opus 40," "Philadelphia" and "Endlessly."

Thu Jun 10 17:13:45 CEST 1999

David Powell

On this day in 1910 Chester Arthur Burnett, a/k/a Howlin' Wolf, was born in West Point, Mississippi. On June 10, 1951 his first hit record "Moanin' At Midnight" charted. Wolf died of cancer in 1976. "He wore his forty-four so long, it made his shoulder sore."

Thu Jun 10 15:29:37 CEST 1999

Kicking Horse

To: Charlie Young. Yogi Berra also said, " when you come to a fork in the road, take it." That is precisely what the band members have done. Too Bad but thats life.

Thu Jun 10 14:13:40 CEST 1999

Band Bus

The tower of power, so long ago, and still my memory serves me breakfast. Although the swiftness is still a blur and the reason is still not clear, i find strength in the quietness of the memories shared. thanks

Thu Jun 10 07:48:24 CEST 1999

Rod

All this talk we had recently of crediting quotes seems a little ironic given that a certain songwriter who we all love and respect was not afraid to borrow quotes, titles and phrases when it suited him. For instance I think Bobby Darin had a song called "Somewhere Down the Lazy River". I've seen movie titles such as "Stage Fright" and "Peace in the Valley" and of course there were other tunes called "The Last Waltz" and "Rocking Chair".

It ain't like it use to be ..... (Robbie Robertson 1978)

Thu Jun 10 06:07:13 CEST 1999

Wolle

Hat jemand Interesse über The Band mal ein Buch in Deutscher Sprache zu veröffentlichen? Welcher Buchverlag hat Interesse?Habe genug Guter Ideen diesbezüglich!

Thu Jun 10 05:33:43 CEST 1999

Wolle

Wer in Hamburg und Umgebung hat ein DVD Player,und kann mir von The Band meine DVD auf mein Videorecorder überspielen?

Thu Jun 10 05:05:20 CEST 1999

Daniel Webster

Yes, Bumbles, and we'll leave the sarcastic, school-marmish posts to you.

Thu Jun 10 04:04:53 CEST 1999

I Spy With My Little Eye

Did anyone happen to notice the legendary Vince Martin in the audience for Danko/Anderson at Joyous Lake? The man who along with Fred Neil, wrote celebrated material. Both became shrouded in mystery.

I haven't noticed anyone mention the fact that the Legendary Tinker Street Cafe is no longer. It is becoming an art gallery. Bobby Dylan wrote some of his most classic songs, living upstairs at the Tinker.

Thu Jun 10 03:17:47 CEST 1999

Charlie Young

There's a fine Louis Armstrong budget live CD which is part of "The Gold Collection" (I found mine at a Borders store) and there's a great version of Hoagy Carmichael's "Rocking Chair." I guess Robbie might have had this somewhere in the back of his head when he wrote the Brown Album song. That sort of mainstream jazz is a far cry from the obscure Appalachian mountain music of J.E. Mainer which may have inspired "Cripple Creek," but there were lots of diverse influences on THAT masterpiece of an album, for sure...

Wed Jun 9 23:14:01 CEST 1999

MattK

Bumbles I'm not an arbiter of anything. Least of all spelling mistakes or intelligence. Again, I'm not questioning your thoughts, merely wondering why you are choosing to suddenly express them in a way that will obviously alienate the very folks you are trying to communicate with.

The sarcasm of your note on spelling aside (I write from work and I write quickly, and don't generally take the time to grab the Noah Webster--sorry if that offends you. I guess I assume that in this informal setting such oversights can be forgiven as they are not meant to belittle anyone.

As far as my "attempt" to shuttle you out the door...to the contrary, I would hate to see you go as (again) I like your posts. I'm honestly just concerned that injecting insulting comments for the sole purpose of alienating people is not productive nor in keeping with the generally friendly tone of this board. If the folks that want to pine for the good old days choose to do so, why call them out? Why do you care? Why not just skip their posts? If you can't do that, why read at all?

It's not about who's the bigger fan for the longest. That sort of elitism seems to be at the root of your own complaint about other people. My complaint with you is simply that you are purposefully trying to insult people to make your point.

If you are insulted by my (frankly) gentle chide, I apologize. I think it's obvious that is not my intent. My intent, simply is to try to short circuit the unnecessary acrimony that your posts are apparently designed to creat under the guise of "(responding)in (a)well-informed, perhaps provocative fashion."

matt

Wed Jun 9 21:52:38 CEST 1999

Bones

Wed Jun 9 21:33:49 CEST 1999

JOHN CASSARINO

GREAT WEB SITE BUT I NEED TO KNOW WHERE HAS THE BAND BEEN GREAT NEW ALBUM JUBULATION NOW LETS SEE THEM PERFORM IT I HAVENT SEEN THE BAND I THINK SINCE CARNAGIE HALL ANYONE WHO KNOWS ANY THING ABOUT THE BAND AND WHERE THEY HAVE BEEN LET US KNOW

Wed Jun 9 21:06:48 CEST 1999

Jan H.

To all of you lovely people who have sent me photos and bootleg details and concert dates and such lately:

I am a little over-worked right now, but all your contributions are neatly filed away and will be added when things calm down. Thanks,

Wed Jun 9 19:52:56 CEST 1999

Gene

Ten bucks on Diamond Lil

Wed Jun 9 19:26:47 CEST 1999

David Powell

Dave Z: I prefer Steve Hoffman's DCC gold CD version of "Stage Fright." This version was reportedly made from Todd Rundgren's mix-down of the session tapes. When compared to Capitol's officially released version, it has a more live, raw & unequalized sound. I would guess that Mr. Hoffman chose to work with this version because it was the closest to being the original source master, which Hoffman insists on using when doing reissues. Perhaps the "official" tapes in Capitol's vaults are actually later generation tape copies that were cleaned-up by Glyn Johns and compressed & equalized for cutting the original LP versions.

My favorite version of "Don't Do It" is the one from the Last Waltz.

John Simon was also brought in to work with Janis Joplin & Big Brother after they signed on with Albert Grossman. Supposedly, it was felt that Simon's expertise was needed to help "tame" Big Brother's raw musicianship when they went into the studio to record "Cheap Thrills", their first album for Columbia. Later, according to some reports, it was Grossman who helped convince Janis that she should replace Big Brother with other musicians.

Wed Jun 9 18:48:56 CEST 1999

Changing the Subject

I went to the PaulBob opener in Colorado Springs Sunday night and thought some of you kids might be interested. My man Bob was in rare form, playing that guitar, wailing on the harmonica and swiveling his legs and hips more like Elvis than the Bob of old. I wasn't close enough to get a good look at his face, but he moves around like a young man. He did Memphis Blues Again, Tangled up in Blue, Mr. Tambourine Man, Not Dark Yet, Like A Rolling Stone, Don't Think Twice, Just Like A Woman, Highway 61, Not Fade Away, Sick of Love and some others I can't think of right off. My kids, who I dragged along at considerable and possibly foolish expense, continue to insist that Bob can't sing, but I loved it and it was over much too soon.

Paul Simon was also fine and has a great band with lots of drums and horns. Paul and Bob did 4 songs together, which were pretty tentative, but I expect this will improve with subsequent shows. They did Sounds of Silence, I Walk the Line, Blue Moon of Kentucky and Forever Young. It's definitely a show to see if you have the opportunity. Bob will just blow you away.

Wed Jun 9 18:23:10 CEST 1999

Bill

Almost sure to be the same guy. Lightfoot was, in the earlier days, signed to Groscourt Productions, the Gros being Albert Grossman (and the Court record producer John Court). Maybe Simon had some sort of formal link with Grossman.

Wed Jun 9 18:22:36 CEST 1999

Trainer and Cut Man

TRAINER: Okay, okay. Sit down, let me have the mouthpiece....Take the water, DON'T SWALLOW. Spit. Let's get some vaseline over that cut............ LISTEN, He's landing those insults and you're not even covering up. When Bumbles moves in, you gotta move away from his strength. Throw the combo and move.

GOOD HEARTED BAND FAN: It really hurts....

TRAINER: HEY! You FELT it, but he never hurt you, understand?

GHBF: It really...feels.

TRAINER: Okay, now were going out there again, and we're going to be smart, we're going to be quick, we're gonna get off first. This is round one coming up.

GHBF: Round one!???! What the hell was all THAT I just went through?

TRAINER: That was the intro, technically he's not supposed to hit you during the ref's instructions.

GHBF: You mean I have to go back out there with this guy?

TRAINER:....and I'm gonna protest those two ounce bag gloves with the metal wraps.

GHBF: Can't we just all get along?

TRAINER: No. Now get out there and show me something. Remember, Levon's watching from the best seat in the house.

The bell rings, fancy people go drifting by.

Wed Jun 9 18:02:24 CEST 1999

Dave Z

In your opinion, which Stage Fright is better: The original version or the 1994 Gold CD version?

Also, what's the best Band version of "Don't Do It" on offical release or boot?

Finally, is the John Simon who worked with the Band the same one who worked on an early Gordon Lightfoot album (I forget the title I was listening to last night. Maybe it was Sunday Concert.)?

Wed Jun 9 17:54:18 CEST 1999

Question Mark

Hey! Bumbles! You forgot to put me after 'shabbily' in your post.

Wed Jun 9 16:46:07 CEST 1999

Bumbles

mattk: I admire someone who uses a word like ‘disingenuous,’ but not nearly so much as I do someone who spells it correctly. Given your self-designation as an arbiter of ‘intelligence,’ I imagine the crude misspellings that litter your last post to me are some kind of test. If so, consider them noted. I especially enjoyed ‘characturer’; in fact I can’t be certain what that was supposed to be---surely not ‘caricature’? Or maybe you were attempting to make a point concerning style vs. substance. In that case, well taken. What’s the point of mining for meaning in anything expressed so shabbily. I’ll ignore especially your sanctimonious attempt to usher me out the door of the Church of the Band. Band fans are my people---been one myself for decades. I use the resources of this site often, and if I see something in the guestbook that I choose to respond to in well-informed, perhaps provocative fashion, I won’t hesitate. I will leave the ‘Sitting here after another crazy day, listening to the sound of a lone cricket and thinking how much I miss Richard’ variety to others, though.

Wed Jun 9 15:04:16 CEST 1999

MattK

"Things Just Ain't What They Used To Be"
- Mercer Ellington

Howz that Peter? ; )

Wed Jun 9 14:47:13 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

re. Patric’s nameless critic. Surely “Nostalgia isn’t (ain’t) what it used to be” is a well-known phrase or saying not a quote. Does someone claim to have authored it? According to my dictionary it’s an anonymous and widespread piece of graffiti, which was adopted by Simone Signoret as the title of a 1978 book. If I wrote a book called “Kilroy Was Here” it wouldn’t make me the author of the expression. But if you feel that strongly, next time anyone here writes “Peace” please attribute the quote (Shakespeare, Romeo & Juliet, Act 1 Scene 4, Line 95).

Wed Jun 9 13:51:47 CEST 1999

Gene

"Life is a Carnival..."

Wed Jun 9 12:39:54 CEST 1999

Patric

Bones, Apologies for the mistaken identity,

To the nameless person who berated me for using quotations without author credits, I'm sure that over the years you have heard and read and remembered hundreds of quotes and that you know the author, day and year of every last one of them. Oh, and feel free to use a name next time.

Wed Jun 9 10:50:14 CEST 1999

Freddy Fishstick

To Lil, T-Sax 15 & Co.

The stories from my favorite books Still take on many different looks And I'm gone again, home again The time has come the walrus said And little oysters hide their head My twain of thought is loosely bound I guess it's time to mark this down

The pleasure was worth all the pain. :-)

Wed Jun 9 03:33:43 CEST 1999

Mitt Stampler

Skinny--d'ya believe I missed you by 11 minutes in the chatroom. No one wants to go to sleep around here, so they're watching South Park--guess the fact that it's perpetually snowed in makes everyone feel cooler. I was listening to "Acadian Driftwwod" at work today for the same reason...but geez, I'm already north. Right now the Chef is saying "There's a time and place for everything, and it's called college." Personally, I think only someone who never went would actually say that.... I'll always keep in touch--I like to babble too much. So my own site is staying put, and I'll still be hanging around on those nights when everyone stays up till two am...

Wed Jun 9 03:13:00 CEST 1999

Shawn Cope

I love Conway Twitty. He was the ultimate. His voice just send shivers up and down my spine.

Wed Jun 9 03:07:33 CEST 1999

Paul Godfrey

Mitt...so good to have you back on Site. Could it be if we all sang the same song ... we could not sing in harmony? Somehow it seems a beautiful thought. Be certain to keep in touch after your move.

Wed Jun 9 02:55:28 CEST 1999

Charlie Young

Yogi Berra said, "the future ain't what it used to be." Meanwhile, down here in old Virginny, a picture of Robert E. Lee (one of 29 historic images in a public display) was removed due to the protests of city council member Sa'ad El-Amin. It seems the past ain't what it used to be, either. Virgil Cain ain't around to explain...

Wed Jun 9 02:28:38 CEST 1999

To Patric

Get some original lines of your own, don't steal from Simone S. re: Nostalgia ...ain't what it used to be. If you're going to quote, QUOTE, and give credit. Better still, go play catch with a boomerang.

Bumbles: Amen.

Wed Jun 9 01:48:30 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Listening to some solo Garth here and looking at the stars outside my window. All is peaceful here in the valley tonight. The smile from sharing the company of my best friend still lingers, and somehow things seem pretty ok right now.

Nothing can tear you apart, if you keep living straight from the heart.Though you know that you're gonna hurt some...the magic will come.

Tue Jun 8 23:54:17 CEST 1999

TSaxMan15

To my Favorite Fishstick:

Hey... Hey! Yeah you! The one with the J.B. T-Shirt, yeah I'm talking to you! As I'm here front and center, it's nice to look out into the audience and see a familar fish in the water ;). Thanx for coming, and maybe you'll swim up here sometime again real soon.

Tue Jun 8 23:03:00 CEST 1999

Mitt Stampler

Nothing like a good argument to get the blood moving...and to put off working on that &$#@& project due Friday. But I've got to write fast and beat a thunderstorm, I don't trust surge protectors. Yes, it's true that the Band isn't doing the same things that they did with Robbie, and JRR's not doing the same stuff he did with them. We all have our own opinions about that, of course, but I've always held the opinion that the world would be a sorry place if we were always doing, writing, or singing the same tunes of our youth. (Granted, there's a few things from my teenage years I wouldn't mind getting back, but...) I think Little Bro's/Woody Guthrie's marriage metaphor is a good one. Not too long ago, I was showing pix of me and my first spouse to a friend of mine. "Gee, you guys look so happy," she said. Well, we were. Good things end, too, though my present spouse will always belive it was the ex's tiresome adoration of Styx that broke it up. Sure didn't help....I liked the Eagles, and I liked Joe Walsh's solo stuff, but Glen Frey's later material made me wonder who was doing all the work around '76. But I wouldn't be inclined to speculate too much on the motivations of the Band members. I'm just glad they're still playing, and I think they're all talented. Live and listen to the music...though right now all I can hear is the hum of the air conditioner. Argghhh.

Tue Jun 8 22:42:23 CEST 1999

mattk

Bumbles: Again, I agree with your central point, but again, you shoot your own argument (as well as those who might help you make the point) in the foot by trying to be cute. It undermines any intelligence you might bring as it keeps people from looking past your style to get to your substance.

I suppose you could say that you are a "straight shooter" and not interested in packaging, but that's EXACTLY what you are doing, my man. You are placing your own desire to be perceived as cynical and biting ahead of communicating--which is pretty shallow and superficial, don't you think?

Ok, so you don't mention Rick in your characturer, but come on, dude, if you are trying to be so honest, then why play that game. You know who you were referring to and so does everyone else. To hide behind "I did not mention names" is at best disengenious and at worst dishonest.

And yes, your use of "cheek to cheek" was caught. Boy, that sure is funny. Also, Lil was far more polite and measured in her response (oh yeah, you didn't mention her by name either, so I guess your off the hook---gimme a break).

Man, your posts never used to be this cruel, and I used to enjoy them. What's the deal? Why all the anger suddenly?

If you don't like the topics or the people here now, then you are more then welcome to find the door. I don't think anyone is forcing you to type in the URL.

Peace, please

Matt

Tue Jun 8 21:05:38 CEST 1999

Dave the Phone Guy

When THE BAND toured Calif. and Nevada for Jericho and HOTH I attended 2 shows in 1996 and 3 shows in four days during the HOTH tour and there was energetic from the heart performances.No trace of nostalgia from the crowds at these concerts.The audience were on there toes the whole time receiving a from the heart performance.Garth never plays it the same way twice anyway.Let's say I was given a choice to produce any concert,I'd pay THE BAND over top dollar and try to get to the front of the stage and glue my ears to the sound.ALso,I think there's some great bass lines and down in the groove drumming on Jubilation.There is more to a song than just lyrics.

Tue Jun 8 19:24:52 CEST 1999

Bones

To Steve: An even closer Don Was/Band connection is the Aaron Neville/Robbie Robertson cover of "Crazy Love" from the Phenomenom soundtrack. Don Was produced this track and got a Grammy nomination for it.

To Patric: I'm sorry but it was Bumbles, not me, who did not like Jubilation. I liked it a lot. My only point was that I wished they would continue to record, but call themselves something other than the Band.

Tue Jun 8 18:49:09 CEST 1999

Hip Hype

I see a "Complete Last Waltz" up for auction today on ebay. I guess no Band collection is complete without that beauty.

Tue Jun 8 18:41:54 CEST 1999

Little Brother

I took a real deep breath and dove down and down in order to find the Bumbles posting that precipitated so much feedback. It was quite a little serge of invective-- the kind of bitter outburst that, if we existed in a physical room, would be followed by a pin-drop stone silence. Then one of the little kids would start to cry.

Sad and sobering. But, hell, it's all in the family.

Personally, since I found this site early this year, I've been surprised to find that some folks seem to believe that "the" Band is a supergroup or megatalent or whatever glitzy label you want to use. As if with a little luck and focus they could step to the forefront in the millennial music scene. Please. Would that it were so, but... you know, if you'd asked me before I found this site, I probably would have said, "Gee, if only Robbie would hook up with the others again, etc." No more.

That said, quit pickin' on Diamond Lil. To loosely paraphrase Woody Guthrie's explanation of his divorce: She was right from her point of view, and I was right from my point of view. Man does not live by pitiless realism alone, and websites don't either.

Tue Jun 8 17:29:17 CEST 1999

STACY

THE BAND has the most unique and enjoyable style of music that I have ever heard. Each member, Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Garth Hudson, and Richard Manuel, had so much talent and chemistry when they were together. The Last Waltz has such an effect on me every time I see it. I would really love for The Last Waltz to be released on DVD.

Tue Jun 8 16:40:06 CEST 1999

David Powell

Dare I step into this current fray? I think I'd rather listen to the music play. Randy Newman's "I'm Dead (But I Don't Know It)" seems like an appropriate song for today.

Tue Jun 8 13:57:08 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Medicine Hat: Very well said. I don't think there's anyone here who's been a long-time Band follower who doesn't realize that artistically and musically, things are just not what they used to be. And that includes myself. But like it or not, that's the way it is. Noone is forcing anyone to attend shows or listen to the latest attempts by the remaining Band members. Those of us who do, do so because we want to. I have no problem what-so-ever with fair, honest criticism. Personal attacks however are childish and unwarranted.

Hey you...buried under that pile o' papers on the train...love you :-)

Tue Jun 8 13:35:09 CEST 1999

medicine hat

to diamond lil, bumbles and all the rest: in the immortal words of you-know-who, can't we all just get along? i get the sense that bumbles and i are quite alike in our attitudes towards the subjects of this web page; i.e. we had, at one time, such a high regard for what they meant on a musical and artistic level. that the bar has been lowered significantly over the years is frustrating. i for one have pretty much given up on them producing anything more than "pleasant music for the coffeehouse circuit" (rick) or standard bar band fare (levon). it's a letdown, but that's the way it is. that said, there's no reason to vent on what is nothing more than a few guys who are playing music and living there lives the best way they know how. god bless 'em.

Tue Jun 8 13:20:22 CEST 1999

greg

another mel torme/band connection? according to mel's autobiography "it wasn't all velvet." one of the few rock artists he admired was donald fagen covered a tune or two of his on some 80's releases. if i'm not mistaken, donald is married to levon's ex? (i know, it's a stretch...)

Tue Jun 8 13:18:43 CEST 1999

Ilkka

We are an incredible mixture of ' crazy ' people from different cultures and from all over the world . . . and thank God for that. Let's be proud of our posting Ladys here. I want more, more, more . . .

Tue Jun 8 11:34:09 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Sorry Jan.

Bumbles: Funny, but it seems to be folks like you who post without thinking first. Don't even try to hide behind the lame excuse that there was 'no name' attached to your very insenitive comment. It may surprise you to know that the rest of us here are not stupid enough to buy it (just as I'm sure that your 'cheek to cheek' lounge didn't slide past anyone either). Constructive criticism is one thing, but intentionally being cruel is quite another. It's sad really that you don't seem to know the difference. Don't bother posting back to me, because I have no intention of wasting any more of my time on you.

And BTW...thanks for that incredibly endearing fuzzy wuzzy monicker. Think I may even get me a t-shirt.

Tue Jun 8 10:20:42 CEST 1999

Patric

I'm in agreement with Bones on one point,Jubilation was a major let-down especially after the woeful HOTH, How such talented people can chose material that is so wrong for them amazes me. I still maintain however that Jericho was their best since The Band.As for some on here pining for "the good old days" well, nostalgia ain't what it used to be !.

Tue Jun 8 09:55:52 CEST 1999

Ophelia

Du kannst nicht sprechen deutch, niemand kann deutch..I can't speak german either. not very good! So, sprechen sie english?

Tue Jun 8 05:20:34 CEST 1999

Pat Brennan

Bumbles, a lot of people here seem to think Jubilation was pretty good. It also got some nice reviews. You could have voiced your opinion in such a way as to take that into account. Instead, you take a confrontational approach, trying to make anyone who disagrees with you seem like a nincompoop. As I've posted a number of times, I found the post Last Waltz Band interesting and sometimes quite good, but never up to the group I saw from 1969-76. To be honest, I found the Danko-Manual shows much more illuminating than the Band shows. So I agree with much of what you said. Try saying it next time in a collegial way. Personalizing your anger accomplishes very little, especially if you are truly trying to argue a point.

Tue Jun 8 03:52:53 CEST 1999

Wolle

Hi The Band, The Band Concerte in Germany????????? " " " " Europa ????????? ich finde das seit Ihr Euren treuen Fans schuldig!

Tue Jun 8 03:38:49 CEST 1999

Bumbles

Bones: Sorry, but I just don't see 1998 as some kind of breakout year for the Band on the basis of the three releases you mention. RR's is the latest interesting achievement in a solo career that's now lasted some years longer than the Band's own history as a recording unit. Live 66 is a staggering accomplishment, mind-boggling in its greatness, but it's a Bob Dylan album, recorded 30 years ago and widely available for almost as long; I can't imagine anyone remotely interested in Dylan or the Band who wasn't thoroughly familiar with this show years before Sony saw fit to issue it. As for Jubilation, it's not even memorable enough to be an embarrassment: bottom-drawer material from undistinguished Nashville & Woodstock songwriters run through so listlessly the performances barely have enough life to make it out of the speakers.

Re: 'name-calling': I wasn't. I was voicing a strong opinion that has to do with some of the more delusional fans (the 'let's close our eyes & wish real hard & maybe the Band will play at Woodstock 99' crowd) rather than any member of the group. And in my post, the bit that seemed to offend people had no name attached to it. Someone else, who seems to fancy herself the fuzzy-wuzzy, feel-good den mother of the guestbook, supplied a name in rather slow-to-think, quick-to-post (and post, and post, and post…) fashion. Shocking.

Tue Jun 8 03:24:20 CEST 1999

Little John Tyler

LARS, you're absolutely right about Rick's harmony vocals last night at The Lake. As good as I've ever heard him. Maybe we were hearing his harmony part more last night, because usually, when rick sings harmony, most of us would be focusing on Levon or Richard doing the lead vocal part. As good as Eric Andersen is, Rick steals the show for us Band fans, even when he's in background mode.

Sorry I didn't get to see you and say hi, Lars. Where in the world is John Donabie?

Mon Jun 7 23:06:48 CEST 1999

Mike Nomad

Thnx to L. J. Tyler for joyous-danko report.

Mon Jun 7 22:42:26 CEST 1999

Pete Rivard

An even cleaner link: Don Was is sitting in on bass behind the Band when they appeared at the Dylan 30th anniversary tribute.

A thought related to this will the Band/won't the Band tour debate: It's the local bands that provide 90% of the live music that lands in our ears each year. The big boys come through town once a year at best. The Band may never be seen onstage again outside of New Orleans or perhaps an upstate New York venue. I think the members of this guestbook would be doing everybody a real service if, geographically, they reported on local bands doing Band tunes. Maybe there could be a separate page on the guestbook here. That way travellers could check out the local music scene and get a few Band tunes when visiting other areas, and locals would be alerted to Bandophile performers in their neck of the woods.

Mon Jun 7 22:01:50 CEST 1999

Steve

>Although there is no Band/Mel Torme connection: Mel Torme -- May You >Rest in Peace at 73.

If you're ready to play 6 degrees of seperation, I can
link Mel Torme to the Band. Mel sang "Zaz turned Blue"
on Was (not Was) album "Born to Laugh at Tornadoes."
Don Was produced Dylan's album, and Dylan of course
is our link to the Band. Acually I wouldn't be surprised
if Don Was hasn't produced some album with a more direct
Band connection.

Mon Jun 7 19:51:42 CEST 1999

Bones

Bumbles: You actually had me all the way until you started name-calling the guys in the Band. Granted, this is not the same group most of us fell in love with way back when, but we should be grateful for what they are still doing today. In 1998, we had great records from Robbie, the Band,and Dylan/Band. We have not had a year like that since 74/75. Bumbles, you are right that there was something special about those five guys.In fact, I had always wished that Levon, Rick, Richard and Garth had used a different name after the Last Waltz. I think the "nostalgia act" criticisms would have been less.

Mon Jun 7 15:16:43 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

The "recipe" Uncle Hangover may very well be encouraging words from folks who care. A little positive reinforcement goes a long way.

Or else..maybe it's gumbo. I hear it's good for the body and good for the soul. A little like religion and alot like sex...you should never know when you're gonna get it next :-) It sure seems to work for Jimmy Buffett.

Mon Jun 7 14:55:55 CEST 1999

Uncle Hangover

Lars, many of us that could need to "shed a few pounds" aren't too happy about exercising. Did Rick give you any recipe? :-)

Mon Jun 7 13:27:34 CEST 1999

Lars

Little John Tyler: the other song Prof Louie did was "Next Time You See Me." Rick and Louie also did "The Weight," with Rick trying to get the audience to participate.

My main reason for putting an entry in here is to express my pleasure at seeing Rick look and sound so good. He looks better (I think) than he has in quite a while, appears to have shed a few pounds. Also, his harmonies during Louie's songs were great, reminded me of the old Band harmonies they used to weave.

Mon Jun 7 11:56:16 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Patric: Had the pleasure of seeing Ringo and the all-starrs in August of 89. Highlight for me was Rick doing "Rainin in my heart". Also remember laughing as they all did Ringo's "No No" song. Was a very good evening..so much talent onstage...and outside under the stars too. Thanks for taking me back to a nice memory..

Mon Jun 7 11:31:07 CEST 1999

Tanja ....?

Graham, I'm only 16 and already a great fan of The Band! Keep on going!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mon Jun 7 11:13:21 CEST 1999

Tanja Flåan

Sorry, Richard Patterson! I'm not able to reach you at your e-mail address. But thanks anyway!

Mon Jun 7 10:45:44 CEST 1999

Patric

Peter V. Yep, thats the video I was referring too, It's available for hire at the local video shop and you can still buy new copies here. Wonderful rendition of The Weight , Doctor John taking the lead on one verse and Clarence Clemons sax-soloing through another. I must say with Ringo, Joe Walsh,Nils Lofgren, Dr John, Billy Preston and the three Band members doing their greatest hits it really is the best recorded concert Ive seen.

Mon Jun 7 09:57:26 CEST 1999

Graham Pearce

I'm 19 and am I the youngest Band fan? I think their music is fantastic, it's the base for so many modern groups. I've also had a go listening to Robbie go solo and I advise anyone who likes The Band to try his album. Cheers, here's to The Band!

Mon Jun 7 05:29:08 CEST 1999

Little John Tyler

Just back from an early night at The Joyous Lake. When I walked in at 9:05, Rick was already onstage, singing It Makes No Difference. He followed that with Book Faded Brown, then Aaron Hurwitz' took a turn on 2 lead vocals (let the 4 Winds Blow was one of them.) Finally, Ophelia and The Weight.

After a half hour break, Eric Andersen did a 50 minute set that included lots of strong newer material from his latest CD, Memory of The Future, plus some vintage Andersen: Thirsty Boots, Violets of Dawn, Close The Door Lightly.

Rick and Aaron re-emerged to join Eric for four DFA songs: Driftin' Away, Blue River, Mary I'm Coming Back Home, and The Last Thing On My Mind . The show ended at 11:20. A third DFA album is in the planning stages, to be recorded in Woodstock "soon."

In his between-song patter, Eric remarked at all of Ricks' humorous, often unpredictable quips, observations and philosophical insights. Eric told the audience, 'I can't believe what Rick just said tonight, something like, 'I'd rather die happy than not die at all.'" Apparently, Eric isn't familiar with the lyrics to W.S. Walcott's Medicine Show!

Didn't see anyone there with a duck, or anyone with a sign announcing him or herself as a Guestbook regular, so who else made it?

Mon Jun 7 05:06:11 CEST 1999

Pat Brennan

Mel Torme did a very cool thing once. I saw him at the Vic in Chicago performing with pianist George Shearing. Halfway through the show, in the middle of a tune from Porgy & Bess, he puts the microphone down and sings the song au natural. No amplification at all. The place, which was packed, gets unbelievably quiet, the band lays out. Just Mel and his voice. It was incredibly powerful. He was a Chicagoan and his sister lived just south of me in Lincolnwood. I heard today that he wrote The Christmas Song before he was twenty. He disliked most rock music, but that moment at the Vic sure lives on.

Mon Jun 7 02:10:35 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Was too tired to attempt to get joyous at the lake tonight. Regretting it now though. LJT, Lars..please post and tell me what I missed.

Sad about Mel Torme. Not really a fan of his, but remember smiling at his appearances on "Night Court". If I remember correctly, he was the Judge Harry's favorite. Think Mr.Torme also wrote a Christmas tune, didn't he?

Anyhow...bedtime here in Crazyville. Thinking of you folks at the lake.

Mon Jun 7 02:09:32 CEST 1999

Mitt Stampler

In honor of the Fog's passing, the kids are watching the Mystery Science Theatre 3000 version of an old Torme/Mamie Van Doren opus. Features Paul Anka singing "Ave Maria." Ahhh, for a really world-class psychiatrist...I'm going to go fishing in the dark and get eaten alive by the skeeters.

Mon Jun 7 02:09:19 CEST 1999

Mitt Stampler

In honor of the Fog's passing, the kids are watching the Mystery Science Theatre 3000 version of an old Torme/Mamie Van Doren opus. Features Paul Anka singing "Ave Maria." Ahhh, for a really world-class psychiatrist...I'm going to go fishing in the dark and get eaten alive by the skeeters.

Mon Jun 7 00:05:56 CEST 1999

Brown-Eyed Johnny

Although there is no Band/Mel Torme connection: Mel Torme -- May You Rest in Peace at 73.

Sun Jun 6 23:24:50 CEST 1999

Ragtime

PAT: you corrected just in time, my friend... :-)

Donnie Joe where are you? Never came back from the land of the Wiener Waltz, or? If your provider disconnected you, you should ask anyone here for legal representation... :-)

Sun Jun 6 22:48:42 CEST 1999

Al Vacado

Took a stretch break and had to defrost this nugget from the NY Times re Mr. Torme

He started writing songs at 13 and was only 16 when Harry James scored a hit with his song "Lament to Love." While still a teen-ager, he toured as a singer, arranger and drummer in a band led by Chico Marx of the Marx Brothers.

Sun Jun 6 22:44:13 CEST 1999

Dean Bursar

The Faculty takes note of the passing of the "Velvet Fog" Mel Torme. We await postings offering a nexus with The Band. Sir Peter, Mr. Powell, Ms. Brennan what say you? :-)

Sun Jun 6 21:13:00 CEST 1999

Little Joh Tyler

LARS: Hope to see you with Danko tonight at the Lake. Gotta try to take a nap between now and then, though. The show's 4 hours away and I just got in from 18 holes under a hot sun. ( I know, I know, my priorities are all screwed up!) I'll be the guy who looks just like your description of yourself, but I'll leave my duck home so folks don't mix us up.

MITT STAMPLER: The lyrics you quote are from "Signs" ("Sign, sign, everywhere a sign...") by The Five-Man Electrical Band.

Sun Jun 6 21:08:15 CEST 1999

Tempted

I see some nice Band boots listed on Ebay lately. But i'm a little leery. Any one have experience buying this way? Sure would like to pick up GBS IV and the Complete Last Waltz .

Sun Jun 6 19:52:26 CEST 1999

Freddy Fishstick

Hey Brown-eyed Johnny

Suggest you catch Jimmy's cover of Bruce Cockburn's "Pacin the Cage". I note it first appeared on the latter's 1997 album which included Maria Muldaur & Bob Weir. If you don't like his cover, I'll eat my hat! :-)

Sun Jun 6 19:38:17 CEST 1999

Pat Brennan

Ragtime excluded, of course. Whatever did happen to Donnie Joe?

Sun Jun 6 19:36:44 CEST 1999

Pat Brennan

Billy Preston as a member of The Band at the Cubby Bear in Chicago, very near the 4th of July, 1991. As I recall, he left the group when he had a little problem with an underaged youngster. I also recall it was the first show of a tour. They were extremely ragged for the first few songs then totally turned it on. There is a remark some critic made around the time of the Last Waltz, something about how most of the songs they played that night were 5 years old and that they hadn't come up with anything that mattered for quite a while. I've just spent some time preusing a few boots from 1976--yeah, I know I've said this before--but on one they play Ring Your Bell, Forbidden Fruit, It Makes No Difference, Ophelia, and Twilight. That's half of NLSC +. Now I know the Last Waltz only included Ophelia and Difference, but that last tour saw them playing a lot of new material, and doing it very well.So much for perceptive critical insight. Critics=eunuchs in the whorehouse.

Sun Jun 6 18:47:46 CEST 1999

Dean Bursar

Mitt

Stampleadin cattle ruined my cheeseburger. I will now work for gumbo. :-)

Sun Jun 6 18:44:39 CEST 1999

Chico Marx

Lars

Viaduct?

Sun Jun 6 17:57:54 CEST 1999

Mitt Stampler

Woke up this morning to the sound of the kiddies playing Neil Diamond's "Soolaimon" over and over. And over. And over...again. At least it wasn't "Play Me." Sometime's it's hard to keep a sense of humor, so I thought I'd come back here to find it. And for some reason there's a line of Jimmy's going through my head: "Making the best of every virtue and vice/Worth every damn bit of sacrifice--" Okay, now I'm grinning again. A couple of folks seem to be having bad days, though--Personally, I have a lot of respect for the fact that Mr. Danko keeps performing. Granted, I wish he'd get up to Massachusetts, but Providence is just an hour away and I'm hoping to see finally see one of them live. My beloved spouse saw Robbie once, don't recall where or when, but that was all new stuff. And I'd like to hear "Stage Fright" from the only one who can sing it. (I was five at the time of TLW, and I'm sure it went on way past my bedtime.) A special thanks to all who sent me nice notes about my dad. He is still hanging in there, and I like to think kind thoughts make a difference. We'll be moving to Baltimore in August so I'll get to see him more often. "Listen once again to the stale old jokes..." I don't remember who sang it, but it's a nice sentiment: "Thank you Lord for thinkin' about me, I'm alive and doing fine."

Sun Jun 6 17:28:47 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Ringo Starr live at Montreux isn’t the video with Levon & Rick. The one you want is just called “Ringo Starr & His all star Band” and is a 1990 release of a concert at the Greek Theatre in LA.

Sun Jun 6 17:00:34 CEST 1999

Lars

Little John Tyler: Yes, I'll be at Joyous Lake tonight. I'll be wearing jeans and a baseball cap. I'm average height, average weight, middle aged, with a beard. I'll be holding a large mallard duck.

Hope to see you there.

Sun Jun 6 15:47:04 CEST 1999

Brown-Eyed Johnny

I've been listening the the Muddy Waters Woodstock album, which features Levon, Garth and Paul Butterfield. What a record. PB was the best.

Sun Jun 6 15:37:16 CEST 1999

Dean Bursar

Hi Gene: Nothing for nothing Gene, but ease up on the keys, son. Ain't heard from Billy Preston of much late. Sorry to say I believe he was away in "college". Any of you see Rick & Eric tonite be sure an pin them down on a new DFA album. Where n when they gonna record it?

Sun Jun 6 14:59:54 CEST 1999

Gene

Rod - Amazon.com lists "Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band, Live From Montreux" (1993) VHS video for $16.99, normally shipped in 2-3 days

Sun Jun 6 14:46:55 CEST 1999

Fredddy Fishstick

This morn on Radio Margaritaville found on www.margaritaville.com I heard Eric Andersen's "Thirtsy Boots" and Steve Goodman's "Santa Anna Winds". Where you gonna hear such stuff on the Internet? Now for the obligatory Jimmy Buffett cut n paste

've proved who I am so many times, The magnetic strip's worn thin And each time I was someone else And everyone was taken in. Powers chatter in high places Stir up eddies in the dust of rage Set me to pacing the cage. I never knew what you all wanted So I gave you everything. All that I could pillage All the spells that I could sing It's as if the thing were written In the constitution of the age Sooner or later you'll wind up Pacing the cage

Sun Jun 6 13:39:37 CEST 1999

John Wright

Back in April, a couple of you were discussing the song "Wheels on Fire" as used for the theme music of the British comedy series "Absolutely Fabulous" (aka "Abfab"). As you said, for the regular series, it was sung by Julie Driscoll, a British singer best known for her work with Brian Auger, and Adrian Edmondson, a well-known British comic, actor, director, you-name-it-he's-done-it type. He's done quite a few music videos. He also happens to be married to Absolutely Fabulous star and creator, Jennifer Saunders. He played her lover on one episode (the one episode where she had a lover!). However, for the 1996 special finale 2-part special "The Last Shout", they re-recorded the "Wheels" theme and this time is was sung by Marianne Faithfull (who also appears as God) and the ledendary PP Arnold. Thought you might be interested in that.

http://online.anu.edu.au/nceph/Tor/FAQ/FAQ3.html
http://people.delphi.com/shadow1and2/abfab.htm
http://us.imdb.com/Title?0105929

Sun Jun 6 12:50:23 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Patric: Billy Preston was in their line-up, in July / August 1991 when he briefly replaced Stan Szeleste. They did a few Billy Preston originals in the act. Don’t know if the Ringo Starr video is available, though I think the CD still is - they have some different tracks, with Rick’s “Rainin’ In My heart” only on CD. it’s a great version of “The Weight.”

Sun Jun 6 10:58:36 CEST 1999

Rod

I believe Billy Preston was in The Band for a short time after Richard's death - I'm not sure what years.

I have only seen the Ringo Starr video once when I got it from a local hire store back in 93 or so. I've never been able to track down a copy to buy any where I've been since then - any ideas anyone ?

Sun Jun 6 09:33:17 CEST 1999

Patric

Just got through watching Ringo Starr And The All-Star Concert [ again] and I'm always taken by Billy Preston's on stage presence, pity The Band never had someone like him in their line-up, but the introverted virtuoso's was always part of the mystique wasn't it ? .

Sun Jun 6 03:30:20 CEST 1999

Little John Tyler

SPIDER JOHN: No insult taken; no compliment presumed.

Anyone else going to seet Rick at The Lake tomorrow (Sunday) night?

Sun Jun 6 01:23:08 CEST 1999

Spider John

Here's a cut n paste from Woodstocks Records

- Sunday Aug. 15th - Yasgur's Farm - Bethel,NY The RICK DANKO BAND

Little John Tyler sorry bought screwing up your handle. No insult or compliment intended. :-)

Sat Jun 5 21:36:17 CEST 1999

Spider John

To Long John Tyler & John Donabie I wish you and ther other Bandaids who catch Rick & Eric tomorrow a Joyous time at the Lake.

Speakin of Jesse Winchester, you can hear a very nice cover of 'Biloxi" on Changes in Latitudes/Changes in Attitudes by Jimmy Buffett (1977). Also for fans of the Neville Brothers check out Jimmy's album "Hot Water" which includes a cover of Jesse's "L'Air de la Louisiane".

Sat Jun 5 18:01:31 CEST 1999

Blue Star Records

Jack de Keyzer - Down in the Groove!

Sat Jun 5 17:09:38 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Richard: Jesse Winchester. Nice live choices. Don’t forget ‘Yankee Lady.’ According to Levon’s autobiography, the album was cut in Montreal. According to Hoskyns, Winchester was Montreal-based, Robbie heard him first practising in a church in Ottawa, and then “flew up to Toronto” to do the album. Of course Levon did play on it! Hoskyns is sniffy about this very fine album, calling it a “poor man’s Tim Buckley.” I think this is a five star album (in Rolling Stone terms) which is vastly under-rated. Given the political problems, it must have been done in Canada.

Sat Jun 5 16:04:47 CEST 1999

Richard

Peter: The first song you mentioned in your last posting of Band related tunes was "Snow" by Jesse Winchester. That particular lp (his first "Jesse Winchester")is one of my favs and my bud Brian and I have been playing "Payday" and "Biloxi" at our most recent gigs. "Snow" would appear to be next. Do you have any info as to where this lp was recorded? The sleeve appears to be without any credits at all. Just curious if it was a Canadian production considering Jesse's status at the time. Also, to the person who thinks Rick should give it up, have you seen him perform lately? I did about two weeks ago, and both Rick and the audience had a totally satisfying evening. Should the Allman's and the Other Ones pack it in as well?

Sat Jun 5 11:43:26 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Blind Willie McTell: The discography on this site would take you a long time to wade through, but it’s all there. I’m only looking at tracks worth it in themselves as music (not just out of interest). There are probably several hundred tracks to choose from. I’d suggest:

‘Snow’- Jesse Winchester (RR + LH), “Crazy Love”- from Phenomenon (Aaron Neville + RR), “Best of Everything” - Tom Petty (+ RM, GH), “Wonderful Remark” - Van Morrison (+RR), “Mother”- Sinead O’Connor + RD, GH, LH (from “The Wall” live), “Secret to A Long life”- Michelle Shocked (+LH), “Little John of God” - Los Lobos + LH, Deuce & A quarter - All The Kings Men + Keith Richard+ The Band (LH / KR -vocal), “Raised on Robbery”- Joni Mitchell + RR, “Hudson Line” - Mercury Rev (+GH), “Opus 40” - Mercury Rev (+LH), “Kingdom Hall” - Van Morrison (+GH), “Raining In My Heart” - Ringo Starr (live, RD vocal, + LH), “Joefy Spokes”- Four Men & A Dog (+ RD, Randy Ciarlante), “Once Burned” - Todd Rundgren (+RD, LH), “Revolution Blues”- Neil Young (+RD, LH), “The Death of Me” - Johnny Cash + LH from “Legend of Jesse James”, “Standin On A Mountain Top” - Cate Bros (+LH), “When I Get My rewards” - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band + LH, “Longing In Their hearts”- Bonnie Raitt + LH, “Mockingbird”- Carly Simon + RR

Sat Jun 5 07:45:46 CEST 1999

Ragtime

Hey Willie

Don't forget the other Band items on No Reason To Cry - not only "Sign Language" but also "All Our Past Times" featuring Rick (or is this actually a Band tune?) & especially "Last Night", featuring Richard overpowering Clapton.

Sat Jun 5 04:17:48 CEST 1999

Just Wonderin'

Hey Blind Willie: How about "Gimme a Stone" from Largo with Levon and David Forman. Another good one is "Let the Good Times Roll" with double R and Cassandra Wilson

Sat Jun 5 01:34:20 CEST 1999

Blind Willie McTell

I would like to make a compilation of songs by other artists that feature original Band members. Stuff like Rock Salt & Nails (John Martyn w. Levon),Green Light(Bonnie Raitt w. Richard), Sign Language (Eric Clapton w. Robbie and Dylan), Garth Largo (from Largo), and something from Danko, Fjeld, Anderson.

I am looking for other suggestions.

Sat Jun 5 01:16:23 CEST 1999

Just Wonderin'

Lets just enjoy the music and forget all the hypotheses, rumors and inuendo. Overall Bull#@&The music is what it's all about and all we need to know!

Sat Jun 5 00:46:18 CEST 1999

Little John Tyler

JOHN DONABIE, take note:

"Good luck had just stung me..." and so to the Joyous Lake, Woodstock NY I will go. Sunday night June 6. A set of Eric Anderson, solo. A set of Rick Danko, solo. A final set of the two of them together, according to the man at the Lake

Hope to see you there John, but how will I know you?

On the earlier, ugly name-calling, charracter-attacking stuff: LIL, you're right (as usual). BUMBLES: You're way out of line this time, bro. Peace.

Fri Jun 4 23:53:30 CEST 1999

Gene

Never mind, Lars. I just saw the listing in Woodstocktimes.com.

Fri Jun 4 23:45:09 CEST 1999

Paul Godfrey

As Peter V says: "we're talking about collections of individual talents, who from time to time work together." Even from the Hawk era that opinion rings true. Often it is difficult to keep a score card of who shared the stage on any given night or recording. Hence, many a discography is incomplete. Possibly Lee at Jawbone will give persmission to print my personal review of Jubilation in the questbook. Better still subscribe and have a look for yourself. Understand, the Band plays first and foremost for themselves. They never had to ask anyones opinion as to when, where or with who they would play. They have never had to hide behind nicknames. They lay it out straight, clean and simple. As Levon has always said: "I would rather play the music, than talk about it! So take note...Garth, Rick and Levon are not quite yet ready to "Hang Up Their Rock n' Roll Shoes!"

Fri Jun 4 23:41:10 CEST 1999

Gene

Lars - Is Rick really playing this weekend and where can I get the details.

Fri Jun 4 23:13:00 CEST 1999

Lars

"Let us sit upon the ground and tell sad stories of the death of kings"

OR you can come to Woodstock's Joyous Lake on Sunday night and watch Danko and Anderson play live music. It's all a matter of what you choose to dwell on.

Matt: I think you hit it in the bullseye.

Fri Jun 4 23:11:30 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

I see frustration all around (though in 1999 flying somewhere is hardly “jet setting” BTW), but I was trying to say The Band don’t need to say anything about why they’re not playing in your neighbourhood this weekend. Twice nightly. With matinees on Saturday. I have the greatest respect and admiration for all eight members - the original five, plus messrs Ciarlante, Weider and Bell. If Rick Danko was singing in Britain, I’d travel the length of it to see a man who deserves the respect, admiration and the warmth of his fans. But he doesn’t owe anyone anything. He’s given it in songs. Without ever having met the guy, I can hear the genuine love of communication in his concert tapes. And he doesn’t deserve this kind of name-calling from anyone here.

Fri Jun 4 22:32:49 CEST 1999

Roaring Blind

I don't want to stick my oar in but...Diamond Lil, whom I've never communicated with, hits the target. Why make it personal? For me, The Band is all about music, what has been, what is and, hopefully, what will be. While the personalities are intriguing, from the Robbie split to the present day, it's a all a sideshow. It's the music that lives on. I thank them all for what they've given me, feet of clay and all, and all I want is more music. That is what The Band has been best at.

Fri Jun 4 22:22:04 CEST 1999

mattk

Uh oh, haven't seen this kind of rancour since Donald Joseph and Serge exiled themselves...

Bumbles, regardless of the fact that I agree with your essential point, that "The Band" of the last 17 years (off and on) is not the same thing as the 1967-76 group. And I think you'd find in a consensus vote (though certainly not unanimously) that the majority of us recognize that '82-'98 is but a shadow of the '67-'76 "classic" ensemble. Personally, I'd even agree with you that '82-'98 is (at times) a sad attempt to recapture old magic.

However, dude, there is absolutely no reason to make glib comments about Rick or Levon. Rick's problems are Rick's problems and have nothing to do with his musicianship or humanity.

So I guess the only reason you have for making such a mean-spirited comment is to impress folks with your glibness. This works well in junior high school or your average AOL chat room, but here it's just unseemly and makes it impossible for you to be taken seriously, even by those of us who might agree with your central point.

Essentially, I'm in Ragtime's corner. Unless you know something, we should tread lightly. If can't make the point without being insulting, then don't step at all...

matt

Fri Jun 4 21:52:54 CEST 1999

Dave the Phone Guy

First,I have no idea what the status of THE BAND is.They don't seem to have any gigs scheduled.Your comment is right on Medicine Hat.I'd really like to retire from my "gig' at my age.I'm just pulling for "one more time' for the good times.I just love the sound as it comes off the stage.I've heard it more than a few times(ORIGINAL BAND, BAND IS BACK BAND, NEW BAND)and even if THE BAND is not in a favorite configuration,they still got 'it'.The new BAND can still make great music in my opinion.No,this is not a topic of dire emergency,just conversation.

Fri Jun 4 21:23:15 CEST 1999

Ragtime

Has anybody inside information?

No?

Then why are we talking about it?

Fri Jun 4 20:53:32 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

"A bloated junkie fumbling his way through songs he's sung for 30 years". Real nice.

Know why Rick's still playing? Because he _enjoys_ it...and he enjoys the fact that those who go to see him enjoy it too. Name calling someone who has given so much to so many is really cruel. The Rick I (and many others) know is still the same warm hearted, funny, generous, and sincere man that he always was. The fact that's overweight and having possible drug problems don't take away from who he is. And who he is is just fine by me.

Fri Jun 4 20:51:34 CEST 1999

To Bumbles

Right on !!! You said it all.

Fri Jun 4 20:35:22 CEST 1999

Rod

Bumbles, you are going to get flamed like hell - but there is truth in what you say.

Fri Jun 4 19:48:16 CEST 1999

Bumbles

In keeping with the increasingly jet-set tone of recent posts, I just flew back from the Coast, and let me tell ya, are my arms ever tired. But seriously folks, surprising to see the rash of panicky posts: Is it over? Are the boys packing it in? Well shake me, wake me, but whatever it was ended long ago. Even in an alternative universe where the ‘Band Fan Campaign’ had the desired effect (and remember what a famous numbskull once said: “You CANNOT petition the Band with prayer!”), what would it amount to? A singing drummer who no longer sings (or drums without support), a bloated junkie fumbling his way through songs he’s performed for 30 years, and whatever semi-anonymous hangers-on are available to go through the “Willie & the Hand Jive”/”Crazy Mamma” motions? Grim, Jim. Leave it alone and move on. Let RR do his dream works and Garth find a non-Band context for his peculiar genius. And maybe Rick can tour Japan while Levon semi-retires to life as the front man for a New Orleans tourist trap. Or something.

Fri Jun 4 19:39:31 CEST 1999

medicine hat

i appreciate the sentiment of a "get the band back together" petition, but let's face it, if they wanna they're gonna, if they don't they won't. and at this stage in their lives/careers, they deserve the luxury of doing what they want, not what "the people" want. we have the records. we have the memories. maybe that's enough.

Fri Jun 4 18:23:52 CEST 1999

Dave the Phone Guy

Comrades in Guestbook, Is there some way we can start a campaign to encourage THE BAND to perform for the people? How about a letter/E-mail/phone calls to this guestbook,Woodstock Records,and any other valid address? Maybe fans who know family,associates,or neighbors could pass along encouragement and support.Maybe some more famous and influential musicians/actors/politicians could relay the love and respect and need we have for THE BAND to the remaining members.(How 'bout throwing your weight around,gracious Mr.Hoiberg?)If we keep a lot of discussion about this going here maybe it will get noticed.Let's sign a petition! There has got to be other ways the fans could organize a plea.If anyone has good ideas for a 'BAND FAN CAMPAIGN' a submit them to this forum. I know they've got a private life and are gonna do what they want anyway,but we've got a stake as loyal fans.Sure, they've given us 40 years of excellent service and owe us nothing.I'm just trying to open a dialogue centered on the subject of fans really wanting to encourage THE BAND to play for the people.I don't care if Levon can sing like a bird or sing like a frog or not sing at all.I'd just like to be there when the left hand comes down on the snare with authority and THE BAND begins to play. Normally I leave people be and try not to bother anyone.Maybe all I can do is send some love. (address for Woodstock Records Box 12498 Woodstock N.Y. 12498)

Fri Jun 4 17:23:13 CEST 1999

Pepperoni

The Casey Powell I know doesn't have a clue as to who The Band is. Doug Jackson does, though. So "Casey" you are full of shit once again about your Levon/Rick info.

Fri Jun 4 17:20:57 CEST 1999

Netta

Matt K. Kenneth Patchen lives! Have you seen "Where would we be without us," a book with color pages of his paintings/poems? (I may have the title wrong.) Gorgeous & magical. I suspect RR has come across his work.

Fri Jun 4 16:41:25 CEST 1999

Bones

Another interesting comment from Rick in the On The Tracks interview is the fact that the Band got a recording contract before Levon was in the group. Rick said that he called Levon and told him of Capitol's contract and "Levon said in traditional Levon fashion that the contract sucks, but I'll be on the plane."

Fri Jun 4 15:46:09 CEST 1999

MattK

So did this Levon vs. Rick thing come from the "Zingers" Rick reportedly delivered at a concert last month or does someone have a line on something juicier?

If I recall, the only reference to Rick and Levon being "on the outs" is this one report, and the folks that were their described them as being harmless and fairly good-natured.

Now most folks know that I think Levon is pretty tightly wound emotionally based on interviews and such. However, I really do understand the fallout with Robbie. But even I don't think that Levon OR Rick is that petulent.

So unless someone's got something concrete, I think we should avoid speculation about the interpersonal relationships--I think these boys have enough lost friends without any prodding from us.

matt

Fri Jun 4 15:02:54 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Now when the rumour comes to your town, it grows and grows. Where it started no one knows …

One, I have no knowledge whatsoever. This is opinion. I don't see any “official” announcement as being likely, or at all necessary. They were in limbo between 1977 and 1983. From 1986 to 1992 they were in a state of semi-existence, punctuated with odd concerts and short tours, either as The Band, or various combinations, until it gelled with the current line-up. If things are going badly (as the rumour would have it, with the help of a few intelligent guesses), why should they feel compelled to announce anything? They might as well lie low, wait and see what develops. It might be bad now, it might be better later. Or not. It might be all in our heads. The Spice Girls “announce” splits. A group of The Band's venerability do a bit more or less than they did before. Look at any group that’s been around this long. They don’t tour 350 days a year, but nor do they announce that they’re packing up. So, what are The Eagles doing this year? Or Genesis? These “groups” become loose and occasional assemblies. So, we get a Phil Collins big band album and a Mike & The Mechanics album, but no one says “Will there ever be another Genesis album / tour?” Well, maybe they do, I know almost nothing about Genesis, but substitute any major band more than 20 years in existence. The E-Street Band dissolved years ago, but now they’re back. We’re not in 1964 talking about The Beatles living in two hotel rooms and spending every minute together. Mature groups are no longer as presented in The Monkees TV show, or in tales of The Hawks on the road. We’re talking about collections of individual talents, who from time to time work together.

I’ve been playing with 5.1 sound for a couple of days. The Eagles “Hell freezes over” in DTS wins on sheer sound quality. I was swapping around between The Band at New Orleans and The Eagles and one of my kids was listening, knowing nothing about either. I asked what he thought. While recognizing the pristine clarity of the Eagles DVD, he said “but The Band sound more original, and they look a lot more interesting as people.”

Fri Jun 4 14:44:20 CEST 1999

Casey Powell

ROB: Levon is doin just fine thanks cept he can't sing anymore and is on the outs with Rick. Hey, everything just shit to bead and the voice went around the bend with a dead rat. Otherwise everythings groovy

Fri Jun 4 14:36:05 CEST 1999

David Powell

I neglected to mention that the suggested retail prices of Sundazed's upcoming Byrds reissues on 180 gram vinyl are listed at $12.98! This is quite a bargain, considering that most 180 gram reissues from other companies, including the EMI Band LPs, sell in the $25 to $30 range.

Fri Jun 4 14:24:59 CEST 1999

David Powell

Ilkka: Heavier 180 gram vinyl is less susceptable to warping. Many of the companies reissuing LPs with heavier vinyl are also using looser fitting shrinkwrap, which also helps prevent this problem. In the U.S., during the late '60s & '70s, the record companies began scrimping on the amount & quality of the vinyl they used. A prime example was RCA, a company once noted for quality, when they developed their "Dynaflex" vinyl which was so thin that it could easily be bent. This thinness could also be used fittingly to describe the sound of the pressings. By the time that the compact disc began replacing vinyl in the '80s, most record store retailers welcomed the switch because they no longer had to worry about returns due to warped & defective records.

Yesterday I mentioned Greg Calbi, who has mastered some of the recent Dylan reissues. Since Yan "Capeman" brought up Paul Simon, I thought I'd mention that one of Mr. Calbi's long string of credits includes mastering the original pressing of Simon's "Graceland" album.

Fri Jun 4 09:21:52 CEST 1999

Yan "Capeman" Flane

I just wanna say that The Band is the best group ever and that Paul Simon is the best solo performer. And remember this: Dress Rehearsal Rag is the best song from Lennie Cohen, Graceland is Paul Simons best song and The Weight is The Bands best song.

Fri Jun 4 08:29:27 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Mike: I’ve seen “New Orleans Jazz Festival” on laser & DVD but not video. As it’s on Pioneer’s own label, it would seem likely to be a laser / DVD only release.

Gene: Anthology No 1 is listed in the Discography here. It’s 10 obvious tracks from the first three albums. Nothing new at all. The only slightly unusual (but wise) choice is “Daniel & The Sacred Harp”. All it has going for it is the short but excellent sleeve notes. It’s poor value, as is “The Best of The Band.” Seek out the “To Kingdom Come” 2 CD set or “The Shape I’m In: The Very Best of The Band” for a compilation, though the latter may be Europe only. The very poor-value “Best of The Band” still seems to be around in the USA.

On 20-bit (or more) remasters, seek “Wheelin’ & Dealin’: The Definitive Collection” by Lee Dorsey on Arista. Often the differences on these remasters are tiny, but this remaster really makes a stunning difference. After years of Lee Dorsey on sub-budget compilations, you can really hear him at last. As Levon once said “We played Lee Dorsey better than anyone except Lee Dorsey” the original has to be worth checking out.

Fri Jun 4 07:54:34 CEST 1999

Ilkka

Re: DAVID POWELL
Thanks for the address to Sundazed - it gives me hope to go thru this life and refusing to have a CD player of my own! But what is the difference between 180g LPs and my 30 years old LPs which weigh only 160g?

Fri Jun 4 07:27:18 CEST 1999

David Trout

I just want to say Levon, Garth, Richard, Rick, and Robbie, you have made the musical experience of my life a richer one. I hope the day comes when you get what you deserve. I love the post-Robbie work, Jericho in particular, and I think Robbie is out of this world. I've watched the Last Waltz until I'm blue in the face. I still wonder what it was all about. Thanks for everything, don't ever stop until you drop.

Fri Jun 4 07:01:32 CEST 1999

Mike

Two things...First, is the New Orleans Jazz Festival Band performance available on video? (I don't see a DVD machine at my house for quite a while), and...And, did anyone comment on Entertainment Weekly's "Top 100 Greatest Moments in Rock?" The Band were nowhere to be found -- unless I just missed it. The Monkees, Pat Boone and Tupac all made the list, but our boys didn't...sad, yet typical. Reckon we're still onto something that's pretty special? Still listenin' after all these years...Thanks guys.

Fri Jun 4 04:33:11 CEST 1999

Gene

Is Anthology Vol 1 still available anywhere? Is there anything on it which isn't available on other CDs? Thanks.

Fri Jun 4 03:21:08 CEST 1999

Little John Tyler

JOHN DONABIE:

You are most welcome. If you learn anything that would be of interest to the rest of us while you are in Woodstock this weekend, please post it here. Safe trip, John

Fri Jun 4 03:11:08 CEST 1999

John Donabie

LITTLE JOHN TYLER

Thank you for your kind post.

Fri Jun 4 02:54:37 CEST 1999

Charlie Young

I agree with Dexy's remark about how our guys should take a look at road vets like Chuck Berry and B.B. King to see that even musicians past 70 can put on a great show. I saw B.B. last year and he was better than the first time I saw him around 20 years ago. I saw Chuck Berry for the third time recently and he has slowed some over the last 20 years, but he's still amazing. The same show (at Wolf Trap Farm Park here in Virginia) featured Jerry Lee Lewis with James Burton and Little Richard. I hadn't seen Lewis or Little Richard before, but they both still know how to please the crowd. Talk about survivors! For a review of that show, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPlate/m-style.html and click on "Johnny's Still Goode" by my old friend Richard Harrington (my editor from my days as an underpaid music writer).

Fri Jun 4 02:43:30 CEST 1999

Little John Tyler

JOHN DONABIE:

No one else has addressed your earlier concern, about whether The Band will ever Waltz again. It's all rumor at this point, fueled I guess by the abortive, never-rescheduled Jubilation premiere concert series at Levon's (temporarily-defunct) Cafe, and the fact that Levon, Garth and Rick have been doing their own assorted side things since Mr. Danko's holdover in Japan a couple of years ago. And despite ample opportunity to show up and sit in with one another at numerous gigs in and around Woodstock and the northeast in the last two years, they've just chosen not to. We know that Clapton's contribution to Jubilation was mailed in. One wonders just how much time was spent in the studio by Hudson, Helm and Danko together.

So, John, that's the long, and admittedly speculative answer to the question we're all asking. We've been advised to wait; official word will come in due time. But, if you'll all recall, we're still awaiting official confirmation of whether or not Levon's having throat problems.

Fri Jun 4 02:37:30 CEST 1999

Freddy Fishstick

With much respect and affection:

Something So Feminine About A Mandolin By: Jimmy Buffett, Jane Slagsvol
1975

It was late in the evenin', just a few of us pickin'
But the lady she played so easy and fine
And the chords that she strummed were so tastefully clever
They planted this song in my mind

Chorus:
'Cause there's somethin' so feminine about a mandolin
The way that they feel, the way that they ring
Just to see slender fingers, movin' so quickly
Made this boy want to sing

And when I get older and I have a daughter
I'll teach her to sing and play her my songs
And I'll tell her some stories I can barely remember
And hope that she will sing along

And maybe one day she'll take a fancy to pickin'
'Cause when that bug bites you, you live with the sting
And if she could just strum a few simple measures
She could make some young man sing
'Cause there's somethin' so feminine about a mandolin
Way that they feel, the way that they ring
And that evenin' in a pasture somewhere near Austin
That mandolin made me sing

Her mandolin made me sing

Thu Jun 3 21:35:07 CEST 1999

Don Juan

What makes you think that Carlos Casteneda's work is "a novel"?

Thu Jun 3 21:19:43 CEST 1999

Pete

"Strwawberry" Wine is available exclusively from the vineyards of E. Fudd, Esq.

Thu Jun 3 21:16:42 CEST 1999

Pete Rivard

Man, did I have a weird dream. My band's onstage in Hastings, and we're jammin' on "I'm Saved" or "The Weight" and the audience consists of just one guy, in the bathtub, waving a moist Carlos Catenada paperback around and making weird push-pull arm gestures, splashing strwawberry wine all over the floor, which isn't allowed, it being a coffee shop. Scary...

Friday, June 18th. Professor Java's. 202 2nd St. E. Hastings, MN. 7-Midnight. The return of The Rivertown Rats! We've got 5 or 6 Band tunes in the set list. Also, for the first time, (kids, don't try this at home), "The Sultans of Swing" with all the Knopfler chops transposed and presented on the Fender 5-string banjo. Woo hoo! (Okay, so I stuck a few extra notes in his leads. He didn't use enough in the original).

Thu Jun 3 20:26:24 CEST 1999

Bones

To John Donabie and Lil: Actually, Not Fade Away is still selling hats, for I just got one two days ago. It is black with a red bill. It is nice and subtle with just The Band written on it and a red circle around it( No tie dye and no large pigs).

Dave Z: Wow, what a dream!

Thu Jun 3 19:48:45 CEST 1999

MattK

Dave Z rocks...

Dave, have you ever read any Kenneth Patchen?

Matt

Thu Jun 3 19:38:25 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

John Donabie: Yes, in fact, not fade away is still selling some Band merchandise. All they have right now however is some t-shirts. No hats. I just dealt with them last week in fact, and was told that since The Band is not together "right now", no new merchandise is available. Hope this helps.

Thu Jun 3 19:17:04 CEST 1999

Dave Z

This whole daydream weirdness started out again yesterday like it usually does...I'm reading the GB, and some entity lurking out there flames Peter Viney, and calls it all habitual and boring...I log off in disgust, grab my latest read, a Carlos Castaneda novel, and head off for my desert island of a rush hour drive home… And a little "Sip The Wine" to pass my time...As I approach my right turn, I sense something very wrong. The rust colored car approaching me stops, and then backs up onto the lawn of a really nice big house… and almost hits a rock retaining wall...Instinctively I stop and somehow sense something not real...and my mind flashes stereotypically to first reckless teenager...then drunk… then a notion that it can't be a landscaper backing up to drop off some wood chips...Something's not right, all in the span of time it takes me to stop...Just then a woman on a cell phone runs out of the nice big house as her blond little girl of about four years old pushes open the driver side door, gets out and runs to her mom...I make the turn, and see in the rearview mirror the mom return the car up the incline to it's garage...These dreams just seem to start by themselves I wonder, and ask myself if maybe Catbalu is not really just a little blond girl with a ponytail...I pull into my garage as Rick belts out "What A Town" the second time through...

The weirdness now returns later...I'm in my bathtub, thinking, trying to understand this darn Carlos novel...It says to bend my right arm toward my chest with the palm out and fingers curled...Now it says to push pull like a lever...and search for warmth...I'm thinking this is silly...The only warmth is in this nice bath, so I close my eyes as I sink into the water, and keep push pulling in rhythm with the water jets...Now I hear Van..."Oh she gave me moonshine whiskey"...and later.."Watch the bubbles bubbles..." as only Van can sing...I open my eyes now, and I peer through the water, and can actually see the full moon in my skylight overhead...A strawberry moon...Van now sounds like Levon...Or has it been Levon all along...Na Na Na...Na Na...Na...Nothing fine something like my strawberry wine he sings...I remember Levon is a Gemini too, probably the only thing we've got in common I'm thinking...Gemini Twins...Yeah, wouldn't it be neat if us Gemini's could lend one of our twin selves not being used to another in a time of need...I'm worrying about a work presentation I must give, and I think the right Levon twin could pack a good punch...Maybe if I just keep push pulling here for a while I can get some help...When I start to feel stupid again, I let my mind wander...I just got off the phone with a friend I haven't talked to in a while, who called just to mention the Van article in today's Star Trib leading into Thursday's show...which I can't make...We saw him last time in '86...great sax...I suddenly pop up for air...and then back down into the water...where I see myself in a car driving to a gig in Hastings...Now I'm in a coffee shop listening to some great Band covers even though I have never been in this bar, never heard this music, or never even known what Pete's band looks like...yet I am having fun...Java Blues, baby...Feels so real, but what's real...Actually this java tastes like Killian's Red...And the music sounds like Van...No, can't be...I'm just tired and a little drunk...I'll just lean on the car door here, and look out the window, and slant the sideview mirror so I can see that 'ol strawberry moon...Na Na Na...Na Na...Na...

I fall asleep or I must have been because I awake as we pull into the gravel entrance to this bar "The Silver Mermaid"...Do I really have to get out of the car I ask the driver...who looks like Richard...So, I stumble into this Breezy Point bar, and while waiting in line, I lean against the wall, and the place is packed...I notice the burnt wood plaque and a quote by Tennyson that reads "Then all dry pied things that be, In the hueless mosses under the sea, Would curl round my silver feet silently, All looking for the love of me."...Then some biker dude sitting on a barstool at the door says "That'll be ten bucks"...which I shell out, and then I'm in, my driver nowhere to be seen...The wood floors are rockin'...I plop down right next to the biker dude as I hear Van start his sax solo right after singing "I have finally come to realize"...But, hey, that sounds like the Band...The biker leans over and says "They haven't been called that for years." "They started out as the Band, then quickly changed to the Toronto Band Sound, and then when their star came into his own, they quickly capitalized on another switch to Levon Helm & the Toronto Band Sound." "Now they are just called Helm." he says...They sound awesome to me...In fact they sound better than the Band I know or knew...the one that's on again off again closed for the season that I don't really know anyway because I'm just a habitual fan hiding out in Jan's GB and Tracy's den...Then the biker chimes in again "Yeah, it's funny." "Levon just left Helm too, and is doing some corporate thang." "I hear he gives a lot of presentations."...I am suddenly gripped by uncontrollable fear as if an entity is near...Levon can't do my presentation...Let's switch back these Gemini Twins...I catch myself in embarrassment, this Carlos novel is weird...and now I'm spooked by entities I don't know are even real...So I pop up out of the water to get some air just as Van starts to scat in a far off land...All the while I have been push pulling my curled right hand...I open my eyes, and AHHHHH!!!!! An entity!!! As the water rolls off my eyes, my wife comes into focus, and says "What are you doing?" and then "One of your boys needs you." and "Besides, you are not supposed to be taking hot baths."...She gives me the look, and storms out as a little boy wails in the background...My heart races...and I feel pretty foolish right now...But also drained so I close my eyes again...Just five more minutes...I slide back down into the watery bath...and peer up as a merman would if he were looking at my fishing nets that hang over and drape the entrance to my big 'ol tub...Then I glance at my fish paintings...then at that strawberry moon in the skylight...Na Na Na...Na Na...Na...

I cross my eyes now, because I'm trying again to figure out this Carlos novel about seeing...Now I see two strawberry moons...One for each Gemini, I laugh to myself...Me & Levon...My twin boys...One I still hear crying faintly...but now he sounds like Van...wait a minute, it's dark, and those two moons are coming at me like a truck, and this sure feels like a gravel road or maybe a wood floor...More gripping fear...Right before I think the truck will hit me square, the lights cross, and two motorcycles pass around me...I quickly turn my head to follow the lights, and then notice that one is really just a stationary stage light over Rick's shoulder, while the other is just a reflection off of a Killian's Red beer bottle that a cute waitress with quite a tail carries away on her tray to a table over there...over there where I see Richard, no it's my friend Joey, sitting with Jesse Ventura and Arnold Palmer...This can't be real...Just then the biker dude jives in that "This is Helm's first live gig." "They've been a studio band for years, and now that Levon's moved on to stellar success elsewhere, they are switching gears trying to grow to do something to feel"...Boy, they sound excellent I note from the floor...Look Rick is slimer, but sounds a little weak...And Robbie is on drums...That's weird...But I notice Garth on organ, and sigh nervously that at least some things don't change..."As I was saying" the biker dude continues, "This is there first gig." "Pretty good for a band without a guitar player...or a star for that matter."...As Van belts out some more scat...I glance out the bar's stained glass window, and faintly see that strawberry moon, and then a cricket bat hanging upside down from the branch of a willow tree...Then I hear some obnoxious voices laughing and yelling for the band to play an old Journey tune...It's Arnie and Jesse in the front row...Jesse's bitchin' about the price of Van tickets for Thursday's show, and says this ten buck ticket here allows me to give back seventy-five to the taxpayers...Richard sits there too with a Deacon's Lodge T-Shirt on...but it suddenly changes into a mermaid image...which draws me in...my eyes involuntarily cross just as I hear Arnie say "You gotta get Levon's new release on the DTS format because it's much better than Digital Dolby 5.1."...I go numb, and blind, as Helm encores with a repeat of "I Have Finally Come To Realize."...Push pull, cross my eyes...Push pull, uncross my eyes...Then I hear a muffled version of Islands, but can barely make out the lyrics...something like "When the silver mermaid comes to take you where you're going"..."They'll be no time for you to change your mind"..."Because the clouds will be a quickly forming"..."Float away like islands in a storm."...Then I hear the now familiar entity chant Na Na Na...Na Na...Na...Strawberry wine...It's Levon back this time...And the bubbles leave my troubles behind...And the baby's still crying...No, not quite crying...As I pop up out of the water I see my wife again glaring at me, now holding two boys who are beaming with smiles because Daddy's in the bath...and they love the bath too...She turns and goes, while four eyes stay fixed on me, and I sware I see them cross...I start to drift off again into thoughts of contradictions...How can Robbie's poison be peyote if his wife is a drug counselor?...I then wander to what another Robertson, an Ojibwe, said about the eighth prophecy at a recent conference I attended... NOW!!! My wife yells...And this dream ends for real...

P.S. Sorry if too long Jan. Flame away if need be.

Thu Jun 3 18:24:33 CEST 1999

Rob McKenna

Does anyone know how Levon is doing???

Thu Jun 3 17:31:47 CEST 1999

David Powell

Postscript: If only Mr. Irwin & Sundazed could obtain the licensing rights to reissue The Band's catalog of albums. Those of you interested in upcoming releases from Sundazed, including the Byrds LPs and an expanded reissue of Skip Spence's "Oar," check out their website at:

http://www.sundazed.com/

Thu Jun 3 15:51:18 CEST 1999

David Powell

I heartily agree with Brown-Eyed Johnny with regards to the new remastered Dylan CDs. Although I haven't picked up "Street Legal," I did get both volumes of the "Greatist Hits." The level of detail & clarity on these discs is, in a word, stunning. For instance, on "Quinn the Eskimo" from Vol. 2, you can distinguish the individual sounds of different guitars, the crash of cymbals, drumstick hitting the snare, Richard's piano, Garth's organ, Rick's thumping bass pattern, and the exuberant background vocals. When Dylan yells "play that guitar," you hear Robertson's distinctive lead lines complete with a short burst of feedback. Vol. 2 also contains a great version of "When I Paint My Masterpiece" featuring back up by Leon Russell & his band of distinguished musicians. Unlike other quality remasters, Sony is selling these reissues at regular prices. I got Vol.1 for $9.99 and Vol.2, a two-disc set, for $16.99.

Producer Bob Irwin supervised the mastering project, with Greg Calbi of Sterling sound handling the engineering process. Mr. Calbi also recently worked on the "Live '66" set. Several years ago Mr. Irwin supervised the superb remastering of the Byrds catalog. Part of the secret to Irwin's technique is to first locate original source tapes from Columbia's vault, and then use state of the art equipment for the analog playback & digital tranfer of the material. Mr. Irwin favors keeping everything in the pure analog domain until the final transfer to digital. In the case of the Dylan remasters, the process involved using a higher sampling rate at 24 bits before the conversion down to the standard 16 bit CD format. This process helps increase detail, eliminate distortion and prevent significant loss of fidelity. As they say, the proof is in the pudding.

Incidentally, you vinyl fans may be interested in knowing that Mr. Irwin is president of Sundazed Records. Sundazed will soon be reissuing 180 gram vinyl, all analog mastered, versions of the the Byrds "Mr. Tambourine Man," "Turn! Turn! Turn!," "Notorius Byrds Brothers," and "Sweetheart of the Rodeo" albums. Recently Sundazed also reissued Albert King's classic "Born Under A Bad Sign" on 180 gram vinyl. I urge all of you analog retentives to go out and support Sundazed. Mr. Irwin's company has also reissued much of the Buck Owens catalog on compact discs at affordable prices.

Thu Jun 3 13:51:08 CEST 1999

John Donabie

Just listened to some Real Audio clips from Mr. Randy Newman's new Album. The couple of tracks I heard (with organ background) sound rather Bandish. Check it out David Powell. I'm going to pick this one up for sure.

Thu Jun 3 13:44:09 CEST 1999

John Donabie

Lil? Sorry to bother you; but do you happen to know if Not Fade Away graphics are still selling Band Merchandise? Thank You.

Thu Jun 3 13:38:23 CEST 1999

John Donabie

Thanks for the tip Lil and as the old joke goes...please call me John...Mr. Donabie is my father. Thanks again Lil.

Thu Jun 3 11:31:52 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Mr.Donabie: Too bad your trip up here won't include any shows by the Band members. However, you may want to check out Scott (Petito) and Leslie. Quite possible you'll find them playing somewhere in the vicinity this weekend. I've seen them a few times and they're very good. Sorry I don't have any dates in front of me here, but if you grab a "Woodstock Times" or "Poughkeepsie Journal"...you may find something. Have a good trip!

Thu Jun 3 10:01:59 CEST 1999

Rod

Patric, it all back fired on Australia anyway.

Peter, if you think the rules of Cricket would be difficult to explain then we won't even attempt Rugby. Any body want to explain what constitutes a ruck ?

Maybe it is all over for The Band. There are teo things though I would still like to see.
1. A Garth Hudson album.
2. A Band tribute band featuring Richard Bell,Aaron H, Jim Weider and Randy. They would just need a vocalist and a bass player. Maybe guest vocalists?

Thu Jun 3 04:14:21 CEST 1999

John Donabie

Just flew in from Vancouver. Radio there all excited and running contests on Dylan/Simon tour and Van the Man coming back. Great to see the coastal mountains again.

Sorry to see that Jim Weider or any Band members aren't playing around home this week-end as I arrive on Saturday in Woodstock.

By the way..I've been gone 3 days and I'm reading posts about the boys calling it quits for good? Where did this come from; or is it just one of the many rumours that run rampent here?

Thu Jun 3 03:24:29 CEST 1999

craig kestenberg

Great site. You'll here more from me. Gotta go (on someone else's machine now)

Thu Jun 3 02:27:47 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Ok. Here's what I'm thinking. Rick, Levon and Garth (or the "legendary old coots"...loved that Dexy!) will still be around 30 years from now, playing the geriatric circuit...and we'll be there in our wheelchairs and motorized scooters to see them. Then we'll put on our big magnifying spectacles to post about it here in this guestbook. Whether it be The Band, or each individually, they are a part of all of us and will continue to be so for a very long time. I think it was David Powell who commented several days ago about the "human souls" that make the music. And _that's_ what keeps us going back for more.

And btw...when the rest of us are old and wrinkled, tapping our canes to the beat of 'cripple creek'...Jan will _still_ look forever young :-)

Wed Jun 2 23:21:31 CEST 1999

Dexy

The idea that Levon, Rick and Garth would decide now to call it quits is a pretty sad one, if you ask me. JUBILATION was a solid showing, and all three seem to be in relatively creative moods, if the various reviews are any indication. B.B. King, Chuck Berry, hell even the Hawk are still going, and these guys are kids compared to them. Doesn't seem to be health, since both Rick and Levon continue to appear individually. Not offering much here, I guess, but it would be my hope that the legendary old coots offer something official about the future of their 40-year partnership. And, Viney, you're a good egg and I appreciate your posts and articles. So are you Lil. And the damn rest of you, I suppose, too, especially Jan.

Wed Jun 2 21:13:37 CEST 1999

Bones

To Mattk: The Last Waltz rehearsal was recorded, and some of the tunes(like the Clapton ones) have made a few bootlegs. Never heard a complete copy.

There is a Rick Danko interview in the most recent copy of On The Tracks magazine. He said that he and Robert Palmer were going to do an autobiography and had received many offers, but Palmer died before they signed a contract.

Wed Jun 2 20:39:34 CEST 1999

David Powell

It's too bad that Bob Neuwirth wasn't around in the Nashville studio when Joan Baez recorded her superficial rendition of "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down." As he proved in the Dylan documentary, "Don't Look Back," he had a unique way of handling Ms. Baez.

Wed Jun 2 20:31:07 CEST 1999

Dave the Phone Guy

Say it ain't so! I've been lurking around this site for a year and a half hoping to see a BAND concert scheduled anywhere.(couldn't make it to N.O. in January)I'm gonna keep my hopes alive because I need to see THE BAND just one more time.Knowing Rick,Levon,and Garth weren't going to play 'together' would really be the day the music died.Do it on your own terms,pull it together for the loyal fans,and play a few shows as THE BAND just one more time.I'm not giving up till I can experience the magic one more time.Only THE BAND can hit that groove,sing the melody,and rock us where it moves your feet and goes straight to the heart.Please,fellow concert goers,make a plea right to Rick,Levon,and Garth to play together for the fans one more time before they hang up those rock 'n roll shoes.

Wed Jun 2 19:57:19 CEST 1999

Gene

Why haven't we heard from the guy who said "stop all the stupid speculation. In good time, someone will tell you what you need to know". I wonder if he's out of the police academy yet

Wed Jun 2 19:20:35 CEST 1999

Little Brother

If "The Band" really is disintegrating at last, it seems more appropriate than not that they'd simply fade away like the old rock 'n roll soldiers they are. Not with a bang but a whimper, as the line goes.

What would be the alternative? Another "Last Waltz", this time a Levon barbecue sponsored/filmed by some cable TV syndicate? Heaven forfend. That said, if indeed Garth, Rick and Levon stop making music together, the world will be a poorer place.

P.S. To pick up on a topic from the bottom-end of this guestbook: I wouldn't care if Joan Baez' "Dixie" made millions for The Band or attracted a million new Band fans-- I swear by the mud below my feet, she shreds that tune like Nabisco shreds their wheat. I never got beyond a superficial acquaintance with her work, but I sorta liked her voice and style-- but that atrocity aggravated me so badly I hold a grudge to this day.

I don't know, maybe she wasn't familiar with the "real" version. Or maybe she WAS, and thought it took itself too seriously. At any rate, that loose arrangement and half-assed quoting of the lyrics-- Interpretation? Improvisation? Lack of cue cards? Ugh! (Shudder.) It was RAPE, I tells ya! It gives me the fan-tods.

When I get mad I stay mad.

Glad you made it across the water, Peter, and never mind the sour notes. There ain't no cure for the summertime blues...

Wed Jun 2 19:02:16 CEST 1999

mattk

Tape Question:

Does anyone know if the rehersals on the night before TLW were recorded. I've read references to these rehersals as being very special. In Bill Graham's book "Bill Graham Presents," Graham (I believe) states that the night before featured some of the better performances by the guest artists. I'm wondering if out there, similair to the SNL rehersals, there might be something out there in someone's shoe box somewhere. I did not see anything on Jan's tape page, does anyone know anything?

just curious

thx

matt

Wed Jun 2 17:42:22 CEST 1999

Chris

Greg, thanks for the Dave Davies notice. He is coming to a small bar in Cincinnati, called the Blue Note. I might see him. I thought it was Ray when I first heard the ad, but quickly found it was Dave. Any info on that Concert in Columbus would be great. I might take a drive up there for the weekend to see that show.

Wed Jun 2 17:27:06 CEST 1999

greg

sorry, chris. make that_dave_davies.

Wed Jun 2 14:09:39 CEST 1999

greg

big jim from willowick: apparently it's true. just saw an ad for the "freedom fighters festival" july 30-august 1 at buckeye lake music center (about 30 miles east of columbus.) rick's on the bill (ad doesn't specify which day.) also performing: jefferson starship, richie havens, mel saunders (hey sundog!), the JGB, john entwistle band, country joe, canned heat, tommy chong and more. i'll try and send jan the ad this week. check out the latest issue of "columbus alive." chris l. from cinci: ray davies at mekka in columbus 7/5. maybe he's playing bogart's?

Wed Jun 2 13:32:35 CEST 1999

Brown-Eyed Johnny

The new Bob Dylan remasters issued yesterday are very special. "Street-Legal" is simply wonderful. I hear instruments I haven't heard before. I can't wait to pick up "Greatest Hits: Volume 2" to hear the remastered "Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn)" live with the Band. Maybe some day, Columbia will release the entire Dylan/Band Isle of Wight performance.

Wed Jun 2 10:20:34 CEST 1999

Patric

Rod from N.Z...Ok, I confess !!, You found one, I'm a cricket player and follower, and despite Australia trying to play New Zealand out of the World Cup I'm sure we can be friends, I'm trying to think of a link between cricket and The Band before Jan deletes me for getting to far off the track !!..Oh yes...song off of Rick's self-titled solo album : Sweet Romance.."Alone in the shadow of a willow tree " [ willow being the wood that cricket bats are made of] .

Just rewinding to the subject of unwelcome "guest" appearances on latter Band Cds, I was miffed by the lead vocals of Champion Jack Dupree on HOTH mainly because I brought it to listen to Rick and Levon, if I want to listen to Jack I'll buy some of his music but I have enough Howlin' Wolf, Williamson and Morganfields to keep me going.

Wed Jun 2 05:16:03 CEST 1999

We All Know

Being bored is a function of one's brain, not one's surroundings. We tremble awaiting more pearls of wisdom from the on-high.

Wed Jun 2 01:37:37 CEST 1999

Dexy

According to a post on Levon's Cafe guestbook, there was an article in the New Orleans Times-Picayune about the closing. Damn if I can find it -- that NOLA site is interesting, but it shore ain't easy to find news articles. Anyone see it?

Wed Jun 2 00:50:19 CEST 1999

I Know Too

Isn't it funny how someone so obviously bored with this guestbook makes it a point to post about it? And not once, but twice I should add.

And for anyone interested, there will most likely be much more to talk about here in the up and coming months. Stay tuned.

Tue Jun 1 22:46:52 CEST 1999

I still know...

Forgot to mention one important thing. If your travels take you far away, jet lag or no jet lag, be sure to rush to your comp upon returning and report immediately, with trepidation, at least 200 words.

Tue Jun 1 22:37:49 CEST 1999

I know...

Mr Powell, don't hold your breath. Chances are very slim that you'll see the Band ( as we know it ) travelling again as a unit.

As far as the Guestbook is concerned, there doesn't seem much left to talk about, unless all you habituals want to tell us about your planned trips this summer and then report on them like Mr Viney did. Makes for fascinating reading. Also if you happen to know the rules of strange games like cricket, you could tell us about..say: tiddlywinks or krokinoll (sp?) or spin the bottle or squat tag. But please, nothing too contrived. And don't forget to do this during "quiet" times of the forum.

Tue Jun 1 21:05:31 CEST 1999

David Powell

The summer season of music festivals & tours is upon us. It seems as though almost every act, past & present, that can still manage to get up on stage, has announced summer touring plans. One can only guess as to the status of The Band. Has the present version of the group ceased functioning as a performing unit?

Have you noticed that a lot of concert ads no longer list ticket prices? If you ask Ticketbastard, I guess they figure you can't afford them.

Tue Jun 1 17:51:56 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Back from the USA: It was great to meet up with Pat in Chicago. My investigations into Chicago’s fine record stores (this is a city that knows what the “Blues Section” is supposed to contain) resulted in two Band-related finds. First, The Band “Live at the New Orleans Jazz Festival” is out on Pioneer DVD. This is identical to the Laser Disc running order, but has been remixed from stereo into 5.1 Dolby Digital (for technophobes that’s five channels plus a separate bass channel). I was too jet-lagged to sit down and listen yesterday, as I’d hate to fall asleep listening to something by The Band. But I will report on what they managed to do with the six channels. Unfortunately, Pioneer still think that “It Makes No Difference” is called “Sun Don’t Shine Anymore” and failed to note that they previously got it wrong on the laser disc. I only hope that RR gets his royalties through in spite of the wrong title. It’s still got “Caledonia” instead of “Caldonia” too.

When I did the article on “The Band & The Blues” I couldn’t trace the original Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee version of “The Battle is Over (But The War Goes On)” which The Band used to perform in the mid 80s. At last I found the album, “Sonny & Terry” (A&M) from 1973 with the original version. It was written by the producers of the album, Maurice Rogers & Hal Winn. The album turns out to be superbly remastered by Van Gelder, who is doing all the Blue Note 24-bit jazz remasters. They even had a Gold CD version as well as the normal A&M one. It’s an interesting album with versions of “Sail Away” (as Randy Newman is in the news here), “People Get Ready”, “Bring It On Home To Me”, and “White Boy Lost in the Blues”. Sidemen include John Mayall, John Hammond, Sugarcane Harris and Arlo Guthrie. The Band’s versions are on various mid-80s tapes. It’s surprising that the song never made it to an album, but I guess the title describes the politics with RR too well.

Nobody seems to know much yet about the future of 5.1 remixes. I have the Lyle Lovett version of “Joshua Judges Ruth” which works well. There are supposed to be some jazz and classical albums recorded in 5.1 from scratch, but I haven’t seen them. I’m told that The Eagles “Hell Freezes Over” which is in the DTS format (even better than Dolby Digital 5.1) is the state of the art concert mix in 5.1 channels. I got a DTS copy in the USA and it’s lined up for trial behind “Live In New Orleans”. If the process adds anything (and the jury is still out on this), let’s hope that “The Last Waltz” gets it soon. The next Bjork single due on the 7th June in the UK, has a DVD version in 5.1 channels, and though not a fan, I’ll get the single to see what she’s done. Most rock material was designed for good old stereo, and anything else will mean someone intervening and messing around with the original intention. But for new stuff, like Dance, that is not supposed to replicate the sound stage of a concert the possibilities are endless. Given RR’s association with DreamWorks and the amount of ambient sounds on his native American material, I’d hope he’d be someone to show the way with this new technology.

Rod from NZ: I’ll break my rule against watching cricket on TV and try and find the answer. As anyone who knows English cricket will appreciate, this cannot be done while any trace of jetlag remains. I’ll tell you what, next time the Guestbook gets quiet, or any of you have insomnia, Rod and I can explain the rules of cricket!

Tue Jun 1 17:06:30 CEST 1999

Bones

Does anybody know when "One Too Many Mornings" by the Band was recorded? I assume it was recently, but how recently? Robbie Robertson said in an interview once that this was one of his favorite Dylan tunes.

Tue Jun 1 12:00:47 CEST 1999

Ilkka

Re. WOLLE
Ich wünsche auch, The Band in Mittel- oder Nordeuropa sehen können. Ist es möglich - es tut mir leit, keine Ahnung.
(Ein wunderschönes Pferd...)

Tue Jun 1 08:34:44 CEST 1999

Rod

Any cricket fans out there? (As in "I don't like cricket , I love it"). Well I can take or leave it, especially given New Zealand's form over the last couple of years, but the official song of the Cricket World Cup currently being held in Britain is called "Life is a Carnival". I haven't heard it yet and I wonder if it borrows anything from the classis Band song ? The first line goes something like "Heroes come and geroes go" which sort of fits the rythem of "You can walk on the water or drown in the sand".

Tue Jun 1 05:03:44 CEST 1999

medicine hat

way to go ben pike! god bless randy newman. i'd love to hear richard sing "my wife's named mary but she's called marie. we live in a three room house with a pepper tree. i work all day in the factory, tbat's all right with me." now that we have that out of the way, is there any news on the fellas. seems like things have come to a grinding halt. maybe they'll be like talking heads and break up without the grand announcement.

Tue Jun 1 03:32:37 CEST 1999

Wolle

Hi The Band, Concerte - Germany 1999 ?????????????? Concerte - Germany 2000 ?????????????? Concerte - Europa ????????????????????????

Tue Jun 1 03:12:37 CEST 1999

Pat Brennan

Ya know, Journey was actually a highly regarded offshoot of Santana when they first came out. Kind of a fusiony rock thing heavy on instrumentals. Ainsley Dunbar was the first drummer and the hammond player from Santana who sang a lot for that band joined the second guitarist from Santana to make up the new group. When the Hammond player was replaced and the Steve Perry fellow came on board, they became the power-ballady pop group everyone knows. Lil, first Levon's birthday, now this. Sixty days in the hole...

Tue Jun 1 02:22:12 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Thank You Tracy! If you've ever had a fragment of a tune stuck in your head then you know how frustrating it can be. Appreciate your help.

Ben Pike: With all the other bands and musicians often talked about on this site, I don't know why you have a problem with my asking a simple musical question. Might surprise you to know that members of The Band listen to other bands...should be ok for the rest of us too, yes?

Spider John: Glad you kept your 50 bucks. Just shows to go ya..even a really good ear can sometimes be mistaken. So um...listen again. RM!!! :-)

Tue Jun 1 01:54:31 CEST 1999

Paul Godfrey

Just Wonderin? Consider that mainstream artist Joan Baez gave the Band added popularity and possibly introduced them to a broader audience than they would have had otherwise. Must admit I felt the same way as you when I first heard her version. Levon will always the be power and the glory behind this southern anthem. Consider also that another Canadian writer gave rise to one of your lone star states hallowed son's in Paul Anka's "Guess It Doesn't Matter Anymore." Apparently it is the only Buddy Holly song not owned by the Sir Paul McCartney estate as Anka gave the rights to Maria Elena Holly. Shine ON!

Tue Jun 1 01:46:33 CEST 1999

Spider John

Was puzzled by old Ben Pike's reaction to mention of Journey. I really did not know their work but mistook Lights as a Doobie Brothers tune. I like the Doobies so if a tune sounds Doobish to me I'm gonna like it. Now for the Doobie/Band connection. The Band opened for the Doobies @ Jones Beach in summer of 1993 Jericho tour I think. I checked with the Real Dancin Bear who felt Journey was a semi lame group. Of course, Bear ain't big on Buffett so his opinion is questionable. He is semi big Band fan and has persuaded me to see Little Feat & Neville Brothers. Anyhow Ben, mind yer lip & your lyrics.

Tue Jun 1 01:29:40 CEST 1999

Tony Vallorani

Hi Just a Nazareth fan here passing through your cool web-site. Special thanks to The Band for all the great music and giving Nazareth the inspiration for their name. (The Weight"). Later

Tue Jun 1 00:59:18 CEST 1999

catbalu

BEN - sorry about the referral to the monkees when it was the beatles (especially after having chastised my own son Ben over not knowing who the Beatles were) challenge remains. make it cute!! :} hey, it's summer, ya'll... fly!

Tue Jun 1 00:53:16 CEST 1999

Spider John

Thanks you Lil & Tracy. I almost lost $50 on a bet to a friend that lights was actually a Doobie Brothers tune. BTW for those who haven't seen Walkin on the Moon its got a few by Richie Havens & Uncle John's Band by the Dead.

Tue Jun 1 00:16:14 CEST 1999

beneath catbalu's wing

Hey, Ben, just moved that old Monkees album to the living room as well. Got a corner for everything around here. (That's the end-uh, little girl.) Hey, give me a reason! And it better be cute...