The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down

I can’t assume to know where our heroes go when they die. Nirvana. Heaven.The tremendous band in the sky, assembled in the round, together there on a sun-kissed, better shore. Whatever it’s called, wherever it is, you can betthe farm that today the bells are ringing there, and the people are singing.Because Levon knows what we can only guess: That there is no last waltz.That we’ll forever file in through the barn door with the ones we love, drawn by the firelight, grab our children and go round and round in a dance interminable. We doe-see-doe. We stomp the boards. Shout. Kiss. Cry. Sing.Spin. Laugh. Squeal. Study the stars through the gaps in the ceiling. Simon Felice Requiem for Levon

The Weight

I have been to many a concert in my 34 years, but I think I may have been witness to musical perfection last night at the Brooklyn Bowl. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, A Benefit to Save the Barn was held in honor of Levon Helm who passed away in April. With acts such as Nicole Atkins, Ian Felice, Marco Benevento, Joe Russo ... you knew great music was going to be played. The energy was incredibly high and positive from the first note of Ophelia to the last beat of The Weight.

The musicians played musical chairs all night, never taking a set break, and performing some of Levon and The Bands greatest songs. The crowd, a mix of eclectic hipsters and Ramble veterans (such as myself) sang, danced and reminisced together, celebrating the music of Levon. There were many highlights to the night - each moment a special musical memory. Ian Felice taking lead on The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down was beyond stellar. Don't Do It's jam kept going and going with incredible energy - you'd think these guys have done this song for over 20 years together. And Levon himself would have been so proud of the lovely ladies singing Anna Lee.

There have been and there will be many more tributes to Levon. But last night's show embodied the soul of the man and the pure joy that music can bring. We each had our moments that brought us to tears, made us dance up a storm and pause to reflect on that smile that Levon would get when he played. Whether you have been a lifelong fan or were just introduced to his music, the night will go down as memorable and just they way Levon would have wanted: a bunch of strangers becoming friends, singing songs together as if soulmates, laughing,loving and dancing at our ramble, our own last waltz.




Courtesy of Brooklyn Bowl Instagram @brooklynbowl



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 ...

So Much Music and So Little Time

We're back folks...music filled fall is here. I feel like Chris Stevens from Northern Exposure. First off, getting to see the filming process of Greetings From Tim Buckley each day on my way to work was kinda nice. Being able to say, yup, Jeff Buckley made me late for work again made me smile. It also made me re-load all that Tim Buckley onto my iPod.

This fall brings so much music back to my life -- Felice Brothers, Nicole Atkins, those Umphrey's pretending they are the Allmans and taking over Brooklyn Bowl  for a week (congrats on your wedding Robbie), there was the Big 4 Metallica, Anthrax, Slayer and Megadeth, a little Widespread Panic in Billyburgh, in December maybe some My Morning Jacket, who wouldn't love a nice autumn Ramble with Levon Helm (can Robert Plant show up PLEASE) not going to see Guns N Roses -- ain't GNR without Slash - sorry DJ Ashba I will see you with SIXX: AM. Sadly missed Wilco in the Park -- but nothing will top their April 2010 Carnegie Music Hall show in the Burgh. And all these "old" bands as one of my "young" friends call them: Jane's Addiction, the Cure -- and some up and coming bands like Apophenia are also out there trying to make their mark.

To  get ready for this exciting season of music, I will look back at a highlight of my concert attending career. No, not the Pantera incident (War Memorial, Skid Row / Pantera. My head versus steel toed boot).  June of 2009, I was able to continue chasing the ghosts of Vaughan and Buckley -- and make it to all the concerts that any music fan should see. This time on my list: Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood. I would not be let down.

I had seen Buddy Guy, Crosby, Stills, even Bob Dylan, but Clapton seemed to elude me. Not this time. It was even more of a great night being that Steve Winwood -- the other half of Blind Faith, was there to re-create many of those classic songs. Years of experience, loss, love and just the simple love of music truly influenced the artists that Clapton and Winwood have become. There were no long set breaks, not many words spoken except Clapton's occasional thank you. They played - we enjoyed. I sat transfixed by the closeup of Clapton's hands while he played Layla -- yes, I would not ever say I wish I had seen Clapton. It would not be a regret in my life.

Set List from June 2009 Clapton / Winwood @ the IZOD
Had To Cry Today
Low Down
After Midnight
Sleeping In The Ground
Presence Of The Lord
Glad
Well Alright
Tough Luck Blues
Tell The Truth
Pearly Queen
No Face, No Name, No Number
Forever Man
Georgia On My Mind - Steve Winwood solo
Driftin' - acoustic
Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out
Layla - acoustic version
Can't Find My Way Home
Split Decision
Little Wing
Voodoo Chile
Cocaine

Encore:
Dear Mr. Fantasy


So what is next for the blog??? I will share a new band from Long Island -- Apophenia (please click on their link above to hear their new music - completely original). I will also share some photos I have been taking about music history in NYC -- like pics of the infamous and now doomed Chelsea Hotel. To quote Eddie Izzard -- we tear our history down. I will also take any ideas -- still working on a blog about the whole debate with MP3 and old music technology. Stay tuned!!!

Fool in the Rain

I was so pumped to go for a nice run over the Brooklyn Bridge this morning. Saw the clouds in the distance but figured I could dodge it. I listened to some of my new tunes I loaded onto the Shuffle: some INXS, Depeche Mode, Pantera (not a typo). I kissed my sleeping Love a wonderful day. I even picked up the neighbor's Times and put it by his door on the way out. Raindrops--plop plop. Heavier and heavier- almost like Riders on the Storm rain. Sigh-I usually don't mind running in the rain but when it entails keeping soaking wet clothes and shoes at work all day, I quickly admitted defeat.

I didn't let this stop me though. I did some ab work, weights and even updated my to do list (and found every excuse to have some Nutella). I changed, made sure the iTouch had some juice, again kissed my  snoozing Love a good day and walked to Starbucks. Upon receiving my iced quad espresso -the sky opened and rain fell heavy-like a Braveheart rain-sideways and even up from the ground. I could do it. It wasn't a far walk to the train and I had an umbrella. I was just happy I wasn't on the bridge in this rain. Whew-nice save. But then it became the rain like in Forrest Gump -- remember when he was in Vietnam?

Fast forward ten minutes: Didn't you leave like two times already? Soaked-shoes, pants, bag, wallet, everything but the iTouch (thank you very much) was soaked through. Ok - regroup. New clothes, wet ones hanging. I will simply use my hairdryer to dry some things. Until it too decided to stick its middle finger up at me and quietly whimper and quit.

Sigh

I felt like sitting at home and listening to Sarah McLachlan (not) maybe a little angrier like Slayer. I dried everything off, re-dressed - this time a la Jimmy Buffett complete with some flip flops.

Again- I kissed that lucky guy again who was sleeping though all of this silly nonsense. I don't know what the plan was - to save me from some demise, a crazy person or to just allow me to spend some more time with the hubby.

So instead of being angry I am thankful that I   got to spend extra time at home, listen to some Robert Plant and even get  a new hairdryer out of the deal. I crossed many things off my old to do list as well -- and yes, added a whole bunch more.

I sit here on the subway listening to some Apophenia and Jeff Buckley and look at the unhappy faces (looks like they listened to Sarah McLachlan today - just kidding people, lighten up). I am completely happy to know that this was not the end of the world -- especially when I look at others in my life right now (prayers to you all for healing, safety, enough ammunition and a healthy newborn). Let the sun shine in people -- even if you are the fool in the rain.

A Soul Lost No More

Today my bird flew away
gone to find her big blue jay
Starlight before she took flight
I sung a lullaby of bird land everynight
sung for my Ava every night

October Song