Levon

Levon Helm was simply one of the greatest drummers ever. But he was also one of the most influential musicians and important artists of our time. Levon had a depth of feel that does not exist anymore. His brilliantly economic parts, lyrical phrasing and incredible touch and tone on the drums were as unique as his song writing and timeless voice. His impact on me cannot be overstated. Getting the privilege to double drum with him last year at our Solid Sound festival was one of the greatest thrills I could ever imagine. He was a passionate man with an extremely gracious, warm and giving personality. That he made some of his best music in the final years of his life, is a testament to his greatness and historical significance. He will be dearly missed.
-Glenn Kotche

 

 

If you ever saw Levon Helm perform live, you saw  a man who truly loved music with his every cell. The first time I ever saw Levon perform was at Bonnaroo in 2008. Sitting right up front, I witnessed a man who not only is one of the best Americana / Rock drummers, but someone who embodied what music really should be: an experience. You could see how much he enjoyed playing, but how much he truly appreciated and loved to see other artists perform with him.

 

 

On this day of his passing, a friend hit home with the following statement: He was able to do what he loved most until the very end. So very true. Levon was always true to his craft and when he needed help to pay medical bills, he used that love and the memory of old travelling medicine shows to create the Midnight Ramble. I thought seeing him perform at Bonnaroo was special but only until I went to Woodstock. The Ramble takes place in Levon's home in Woodstock. Maybe 200 people are lucky enough to get a ticket for a seat in the studio. The people that attend are all there for the same reason: the pure and simple love of music (and Levon). All ages, from all places with different beliefs and politics sing, dance and share company with a music legend. Could he have played several nights at clubs to make the money -sure, but he wanted it to be done HIS WAY. Levon loved The Band, but he also had his own music and wanted to bring in friends to play as well. He spent years singing with his daughter, Amy, watching Larry Campbell grow into a natural band leader and nurtured the natural talent of Larry's wife and muse, Theresa. Sitting with them at dinner in Bonnaroo, you could see the love and family that was built solely around music.

 

 

Levon, both as a solo artist and as the drummer/singer for The Band, will continue to inspire artists who desire the purity of his music. It will be hard to imagine a Ramble without him, but I truly think that would only be the most fitting tribute to man who lived music.

 

I'm just an honest American human being ~Levon Helm

 

The Ramble courtesy CNN http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/showbiz/2010/08/18/natpkg.levon.helm.midnight.ramble.cnn#/video/showbiz/2010/08/18/natpkg.levon.helm.midnight.ramble.cnn

I Went Back to Titanic

Many of you have no clue that I have been fascinated by the story of Titanic since I was eight. The way it was portrayed in the media was so romanticised but also shrouded in so much mystery since they had not discovered it. I created my own theory in second grade how it really sank (mine stayed in one piece) and was in Nova Scotia when Robert Ballard discovered it in 1985. I believe I embarrassed my parents in the parking lot of the fast food restaurant yelling like I discovered the Holy Grail. This was HUGE! I memorized the National Geographic special and yes I saw the movie a gajillion times.

The movie - ok, yes, it makes it romantic BUT you have to give credit to James Cameron for wanting to capture what happened. Perfect, no - there were flaws and filming oopsies. The story to me isn't necessarily isn't the cross class romance, it's the people treated as second and even third class citizens. People who probably saved for years to take their families to America. It was also filled with names that were making America - the Astors, the Guggenheim's. But - yes, you probably saw it coming a million miles away: it's about the band.

Wallace Hartley and his seven other band members played until the very end. It wasn't Hollywood theatrics, that is true fact. The final song they play in the film, Nearer My God to Thee, Hartley himself introduced to his congregation at home in England. The captain asked and he played to soothe those on the ship. Who really knows if anyone ever recalled if they played or even what they played. The simple act of going down with the ship while trying to help in anyway is an act of valour alone.  Outside of the greed and machismo that ultimately led to the demise of the ship, there were many stories of selflessness and courage in a time where class prejudice was not argued.

I watched the film today 15 years having gone by. When I first saw Titanic, I watched for historical accuracy and to see the Titanic come to life. Today, I watched with 15 more years of life experience. In those 15 years since, I lived in Belfast and had a chance to see where the Titanic was built. I now understand what it is like to fall head over heels in love in a very short time - and at a loss for words if I had to say goodbye so quickly.

It is a period we will never revisit -- a time where class injustice was rampant and enough to sacrifice safety in the name of headlines. Today, if it were to happen, we'd have enough life boats, the Coast Guard would be there immediately -- and the band playing would be on youtube in seconds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LT3XH1ikHk

Wallace Hartley

Titanic Memorial at Belfast City Hall

Harland and Wolff Shipyard Belfast

Titanic Life Jacket - Smithsonian

New Year ...Lots of New Music

I felt I didn't see enough live music last year. This year will be different. It already has been, as a matter of fact.

I began 2012 with Gogol Bordello at Terminal 5. Think of it as the steerage section on Titanic. But - it was perfect for Gogol. If you have never seen them - friends have correctly categorized it as heavy metal polka. Their lead singer is a ball of Ukrainian Gypsy energy. They band is made up of many cultures, almost the point of the bands existence. It is high energy and positive and a perfect way to ring in the New Year.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWXAPUUcstA&context=C3e857dcADOEgsToPDskKRd2JP1Mt5pjYSJm_Z3TEX

Next up -- my second Ramble at Levon Helm's house in Woodstock. The Ramble is a unique experience for music connoisseurs. Levon Helm, drummer from The Band, hosts a jam session a few Saturday's each month - and anyone from any genre of music can show and play. The first time I ventured to Levon's house in Woodstock, moe. was the guest. Dar Williams would be performing this time and I could not have been more excited. Her song Spring Street has become a bit of an anthem for me and the Mr. The man I would marry asked me to move in with him on Spring Street. AND it was the first song she sang that night:)

While Dar's set was beautiful - she even admitted it was mellow and that once Levon and the band (not The Band - I could only wish) came on, the energy would explode. And it did. Between the New Orleans jams, the Leadbelly covers and the standard Band songs, the energy at Levon's studio was well over the top. What makes the Ramble so incredible isn't just that there are only about 200 guests, it's that these guests each love music to the core. You make new friends, re-connect with old ones and truly get an up close and personal jam session with world class artists.

One week later: Umphrey's McGee. The little band that could from Chicago has been conquering the jam airwaves. They have great new tunes and do dozzies  on the covers. - such as this Thriller / Another Brick in the Wall MashUp  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVC8lMdWBwE&feature=related.

They jam, they rock they make you want to dance. Their bass player, Ryan Stasik, is also a diehard Pittsburgh sports fan :) I have seen them numerous times (the best being at Bonnaroo) but when they come to NYC - they bring a great show ... and the light is so awesome you don't need to take drugs to think you're tripping - although I am sure it would only add to the effect. http://www.jimonlight.com/2010/06/08/jimonlight-com-hangs-with-jefferson-waful-of-umphreys-mcgee-at-house-of-blues-in-dallas/ 

Moving right along ... Primus. Yes, they are back. Les has been touring a while but they band itself just released a new album. Hard to believe it had been 20 years since I saw them last. They sounded just as good as they did years ago -- ok, maybe a bit mellow. Shocked they chose to play the small Williamsburg Music Hall - but happy that I had tickets. The mix of fans was what I expected, young who never saw them (or Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey when it came out), the veteran fans like me and the parents checking their messages from their babysitter happy to have a few hours out on their own. They played the classics and some new tunes, plus a few episodes of the original Popeye cartoons in between. Who could ask for more?

The summer appears to be filling up nicely, too - Neil Diamond in Boston in June and Roger Waters at Yankee Stadium in July ... that should be unfreakingbelievably incredible. The Wall - Live, in the Bronx. I can't wait. October will be the re-scheduled Adam Ant show that was supposed to happen in January - I will try not to get too excited just in case. I did hear a rumor  - about the Stones going on tour to support a new album. They are on my list. That would top off the year in style - now wouldn't it.

Of course there are the last minute gigs and discovering new artists...so far I think my resolution is going well ...

The Greatest Love of All

I will remember Whitney Houston for two things in my life. Many my age will probably remember singing and dancing in our rooms to her records / cassettes. She was innocence to us  - happy, poppy music that was suitable for our parents. Even my dad would let me belt out a Whitney tune in the back of the old Jeep Eagle on the way back from football games (hey, I was 6). I Wanna Dance became an anthem and I Will Always Love You will always make us think of Kevin Costner.

The second moment is of her singing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl. I watched it live. I think every person (the men included) stopped and felt so proud - so electrified. The country was at war - a novelty for our generation in the early 90's. Her performance of that song was the way it should be performed every time it is sung - with honor.

Much has been said in the last few hours of how she threw it all away. She could have led the charmed life and continued putting out pop records - but she didn't. We are all wired differently - and sometimes we follow the wrong things - or allow fame to get the best of us. There is no sense now laying blame on anyone or anything.

In the end, the music industry has lost a legend, a daughter lost her mother and mother lost her daughter. We were able to share in her gift and should remember the memories that they invoke.

Happy Merry Hanukkah Christmas Oi!

It seems as if everyone loves the music this time of year – Christmas music playing all the time in the stores as we shop. But – let’s look at some non-traditional holiday songs; the ones that do not typically get played in aisle five of  Duane Reade

Christmas In Hollis – Come on, this is beautiful folks – this song is so wrong it’s right. Run DMC stereotypes galore, this song puts the hood into Christmas  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR07r0ZMFb8

Christmas All Over Again – by Tom Petty. Again, an original Christmas tune – played in Petty-esque simplicity –  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CHopZgA93E

Christmas Time – Smashing Pumpkins. Billy Corgan is Tim Burton’s dream soundtrack singer – he makes Christmas seem so Smashing Pumpkins in this song which is hauntingly beautiful.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXJ36-y5bjg

Oi to the World – No Doubt … a punk Christmas tune that only Gwen Stefani could get away with covering. A song of forgiveness and bourbon – highly recommend. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoL1Uxwk6vc

Ave Maria – Chris Cornell and Eleven – Traditional yes, but not with this voice. Beautiful – powerful. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd2emzFAqv8

Don’t Shoot Me Santa – The Killers. Disturbing but the video is hysterical http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cglLJJ0Czo8&ob=av3e

I’m not even a Tom Waits fan – but this is awesome! Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis. Sad  song – but beautifully done. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktCocv-bBDg&feature=fvst

 Fairytale of New York – This song is so New York, you can smell the bar at 4am. Beautiful (as much as Shane McGowan can be beautiful) duet with Kristy MacColl. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq9hdMIVpac&feature=fvst

Christmas Must Be Tonight – My Morning Jacket. Jim James does not stray from the Band original. Classic and should be heard by all http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF3fzS5RfC4

Making Christmas – Nightmare Before Christmas – Eerie holiday song from one of the best movies ever made. If you want to play Christmas music starting after Halloween, you should start with this one! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKAxikZmY-0

Merry Christmas Everyone - Happy Hanukkah and have Very Blessed and Happy New Year!!!

Name Five Songs You Couldn't Live Without

nikki sixx from motley crue is one of my new inspirations. i don't know if you have checked him out lately, but he is constantly challenging his fans - asking questions, opinions, and sending teasers and quizzes. this question stumped me: name five songs you couldn't live without.

huh

being a person with over 10,000 songs on their ipod alone i turned the question into: you can only chose five songs to listen to for the rest of your life - what would they be and why?

instead of songs first, my mind went to bands. which five bands/singers could i not live without. easy:

led zeppelin      u2      jeff buckley      beatles      stevie ray vaughan

yes there are runner-ups and i could have cheated to say band aid is my fave band and cover bono, sting, boy george, phil collins, duran x2, george michael -- you get the point

ok - from the top: led zeppelin. many would immediately say stairway to heaven and so do i - but why?  the song has so much to offer. you have the acoustic beginning, slow, inviting, romantic. you feel as if you are walking up the stairs of a castle staircase lit by giant wall sconces. then jimmy page turns on the amp. the song begins to come alive and plant begins singing about hedgerows and pipers and queens. plant truly was a lord of the rings nerd -- and i love it. but wait.

page seduces us with the amazing solo building building building until .... the golden god puts us over the top, pushing the limit until we can't take it any more. the song, breathlessly quiets again, whispering in our ear. my close second, is since i've been loving you. it is a blues song, minus the hobbits, rings and hedgerows.

moving along: u2. ok this was tough since u2 has so many different vibes. i am a fan of all u2 but more so old u2. the pure, oft cold notes of the early edge are my favorite. yes, i am a fan of mullet bono. i am torn on this one. i love the sultry smooth, bass laden love comes tumbling (the love song i prefer in my screen play if i ever finish it) but think those notes of i threw a brick through a window captures the real and young u2. it captures the angry, young frustrated at the world u2. edge's solo in this song is different than many but is still signature edge. this band had no idea what was in front of them at this point

oh next - jeff buckley. who can ever forget where they heard his angelic voice for the first time? if he would have lived, he would have shown us a thing or two about how music should be. i reserve this spot for that song -- the song we never heard from jeff. i would hope it would be performed with joan wasser and robert plant

beatles:  pop, psychedelic, groundbreaking, trippy. i hesitate to pick my real faves since they are all really john or george songs (across the universe or something) so i will go with a day in the life. this song is filled with so many references of the time, from the crashing of tara browne's car to timothy leary.the middle piece by mccartney somehow oddly fits in - but so out of place and happy go lucky about everyday life....woke up

and stevie ray: i still chase your ghost. i will never not go see someone play and yes i have my list. a gifted guitarist lost in his prime. he put so much of himself in his music - he lived every chord, every note. there are the standard pride and joy or house is rockin, but life without you is the one that gets me. his guitar truly sings in the solo - his emotions evident every time he played this song.

however, i need add one because it sums up where i am in life. the avett brothers - i and love and you. to me it is my journey to brooklyn and  finding love (in both my husband and the borough)

so this is my list - not shocking but missing many musicians i love and songs i cannot fathom every not knowing

Love One Another

The nicest thing is to open the newspapers and not to find yourself in them ~GH

Love One Another -- Those were the final words of George Harrison, The Quiet Beatle, ten years ago this November 29th. George is my favorite Beatle. His ability to stay so positive enlightens me. Think about it: Layla.

George didn't write much as a Beatle - but, I personally think he wrote some of their best songs: Something, While my Guitar Gently Weeps and Old Brown Shoe. It wasn't until after Beatledom that the real George Harrison was revealed - he was funny,true to his beliefs, a talented gardener and he could write beautiful, meaningful songs.

He beat Bob Geldof to the first "super concert" for humanitarian relief. The Concert for Bangeldesh was held in August of 1971 at Madison Square Garden with Starr, Clapton, Dylan, Preston, Russell, and Badfinger. He used the power of music to do something good (this good also included trying to keep Clapton alive for one more weekend).

When I get angry, frustrated, uptight, usually all three when I am on the subway, I throw on some Harrison. I wonder if he knew what impact his life and music would have on others. He gives me peace on earth -- and my fellow subway riders should thank him.

If you get to see the documentary on Harrison - do it. It is a revealing glimpse into this Beatle. There was a also a preview in Rolling Stone that included and interview with his son Dhani, whom at one point in his childhood was convinved his dad was just a gardener:

             He's probably laughing at me, says Dahni, saying "That's what it's supposed to look like. You don't build a garden for yourself, right now - you build a garden for future generations". My father definitely had a long view.

The love and light that George Harrison brought into this world is definitely seen in The Concert For Geroge. His many friends gave the perfect tribute to this man, this musician and even comedian.

When I think of George Harrison - I think of love and of peace. I also see someone who would have been happy just tending to his garden. I also think of the final scenes of Goodfellas (had a deja vu moment with this in Bay Ridge -- but that is another blog post).

I am partial to this Harrison song -- this version is my wedding song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7_MsY2IJz4