Eric and I Went Out for Lunch

When my Ornette Coleman quest was helped by my professor of English at my community college he told me he would not stop there. He also told me that even though he respected the Jazz professor, he did not like the stuff that created as he put it "to much mess." I told the English professor that the Jazz professor loved Brubeck, but was quick to dismiss the people who literally created a new genre of music. When I got my first Ornette tape as I mentioned in a previous blog, the other side was filled with an album called Out to Lunch.

It was Eric Dolphy's only official album on Blue Note while he was alive. It includes a wonderful cast of musicians. Richard Davis on Bass, Bobby Hutcherson on Vibes, Freddie Hubbard on Trumpet and a young and barely 18 year old Anthony (Tony) Williams on Drums. It was an album that took a lot to digest in a few listens, but it was well worth the effort. I am still fond of the opening song "Hat and Beard." A loose tribute to Monk it plays in 9/4 time. A real fun piece to just try to figure out what Tony Williams is doing.



The song Gazzellioni is a wonderful tribute to the classical flautist Severino Gazzellioni. It's opening part where Hutch is, we believe using a violin bow on his vibes at the same time Eric is on flute. The reason I am not so sure is because a more trusted music professor at my college after the community college had a question on that. He noticed me one day working the college library with my copy of Out To Lunch and asked me a few questions. First was if I am in the music program here. I sadly said no, because I cannot read music. Then the harder question was what is happening on that third track. I gave him my response of violin bow and flute at the same time. He looked at me and told me that is a question for the gods to answer. We became fast friends after I commented on his musical score he was taking out. He happen to have another classic which I have also talked about in this blog. Charles Ives' "Unanswered Question" which is still my favorite piece of classical music.



When I continued listening to this album I really enjoyed the great playing of all the musicians. I mean Tony Williams the young and maturity that he showed on this album I am sure Miles Davis heard the same and wanted him in his next group. Each song has a identity all it's own. Even the last song had this drunken lurch to it. Much has been written about Dolphy's odd time signatures, wide-interval leaps, and flirtations with atonality. And those preoccupations reach their peak on Out to Lunch, which is less rooted in bop tradition than anything Dolphy had ever done. But that sort of analytical description simply doesn't do justice to the utterly alien effect of the album's jagged soundscapes. Dolphy uses those pet devices for their evocative power and unnerving hints of dementia, not some abstract intellectual exercise (AM)

As I listen to it today I still thank that professor for widening the music pallet that I have. It was a great album just to remind how much talent they all had. His creepy, floating chords and quick stabs of dissonance anchor the album's texture, and he punctuates the soloists' lines at the least expected times, suggesting completely different pulses. Meanwhile, Dolphy's stuttering vocal-like effects and oddly placed pauses often make his bass clarinet lines sound like they're tripping over themselves. Just as the title Out to Lunch suggests, this is music that sounds like nothing so much as a mad gleam in its creator's eyes. Eric was a master, but sadly he died of a diabetic coma later that year of 1964. A must have in any collection. Yes it's Jazz but it's the classic Jazz of Eric Dolphy. It will provoke conversation that you even have it in your collection. You should play it for proof that it is one of the best, and are proud to say it kicks ass.

Trip-Portishead Hop

For a change of pace in the mid 1990's I decided to listen to something new, different and most of all daring. I usually like the rock and roll, but I wanted to move away from my habit of what I like and move to something more challenging that sound different and unique. I entered the world of Trip-Hop.

Trip-Hop is the "Bristol Sound" or "downtempo electronic music." This music is recognized by the artists Tricky, Portishead and Massive Attack and others. These artists I knew nothing about, but a friend suggested I try them out. Around this time also was the same kind of buzz over one of these bands. Portishead was played on MTV to death. I think honestly it was to much, so I listened to Tricky and Massive Attack. I was very impressed. It had the electronic feel, but it was very catchy. It was not full of heavy pounding, but it had a great feel and a wonderful rich sound I have never heard before.



After a year went by, the MTV buzz on Portishead shifted to something else. It shifted to Green Day. I was not interested so I continued my quest on Portishead. I bought the first album. I was so impressed I wanted to hear more. I heard they were touring. I asked the friend who got me into them about tickets. He told me that the buzz is still there and the tickets sold out in five minutes. I was sad. Then the day of the show he called me. He said he just happen to have to 2 tickets for New York City, if I meet him at his job with in the hour we can get to New York and see them.

After the show I shook his hand and told him, by far one of the most amazing shows I have ever seen. Not only did everything I ever thought it would happen, it was more stuff that happened after that. If that made any sense to you readers. It was like a Mack truck just sideswiped me and then came back around and hit me again. Beth Gibbons vocals were spot on.



When listening to the first album and seeing them live it was quite impressive to see how this magic was done live. Everything had to be just right. After that first album sadly we had to wait three years for their next masterpiece. The Self titled album came out with some buzz, but not to much as the first. I picked it up right away. Again I wanted to see the tour, and this time tickets were even tougher. They played Roseland for about three nights. The songs on the second album had some really great songs that could be played so well live. When I found out they were they were playing with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. The stuff that they sampled anything from Issac Hayes to music from Mission Impossible TV show. This could be done without those samples and played very fresh and new.

The second album is my classic and it has more of an eerie feel to it. A few samples were present, but stuff I did not recognize. The album is very well done. Excited for new stuff once again we had to wait eleven years to hear something from them. Their third album was in my top 10 in 2008 and was a real joy to hear the return of Portishead. Enjoy a rare band with a great feel and wonderful music that will nicely wash over you.

Brutal Elvis!

You know I could pick his first five albums, but that be to easy. I love those albums too, but I figure I pick an album from his 90's output. It's an album I have appreciation for because it was the tour I saw of him the most times. I also think contrary to all the critics reviews of his albums I like this, the best output of the 90's.

My Elvis Costello liking came early in life. It was my best friend who loved him. Saw him about 15 times and if he could he would take me to a show. I have seen Elvis Costello about 10 times and each time is more and more fun. I would go to these shows with him and beside the new material the old stuff would have a better sound to it. This all came to the head with the Spike tour. That is when my love for Elvis Costello was at it's peak. He played forever and it was really a fun show.



I played Spike a lot. I even liked the Paul McCartney songs that he wrote with Elvis Costello. A few years pasted when I picked up Brutal Youth his first album with The Attractions since 1986. It was featured on a radio program and every song was a great treat. The bass and drum parts were great. His voice was in top form. His lyrics were fun and playful. Here is a sample;

"My science fiction twin
Decided to become invisible
He has my eyes, my face, my voice
But he's only happy when I'm miserable
The words flew from his mouth
And they were gently gathered by reporters
Trying to frame his once infamous flame
With tattered pictures of her daughter
Her hair is all made out of porcupine
Her figure is fantastic
But as you know, they corrupted her
So they're being sarcastic
Who put the fascination back into my science fiction twin

He'll scream and shout
Everything is working out just as he predicted
Pride and position in the gallery of attempted people
Oh and the pain is so sweet
Better stamp his little feet
And you'll even have time to pity me
How can you feel content?
You wonder where this fellow went"

These words are great. That is only a sample on his greatness. The album has a wonderful feel like none of his 90's albums have when he was on Warner Bros.

The tour for this album followed and I was ready to see him again. This time with the Attractions. I only saw them once and then I was only 12 and I did not get it. This time a little more mature and very heavy on the music I finally got it. I saw 3 dates for this tour and wish I saw more. He mixed it up a bit and a great time. Then two years later I saw the Costello and Nieve shows. Some of the Brutal Youth songs were stripped down. These songs were more engaging.



This album is still one of my favorites. It has a good chunk of songs to keep anyone happy and a must listen if you are trying to find that Elvis Costello album that you want to take a chance on. Full of great hooks and wonderful music. You should be playing air guitar or in my case air drums to. Have fun and enjoy! Here are some more great lyrics too.

"The shirt you wore with courage
And the violent nylon suit
Reappear upon your back
And undermine the polished line you try to shoot
It's not the torment of the flames
That finally sees your flesh corrupted
It's the small humiliations that your memory piles up

This is hell, this is hell, this is hell.

"My Favourite Things" are playing
Again and again
But it's by Julie Andrews
And not by John Coltrane
Endless balmy breezes and perfect sunsets framed
Vintage wine for breakfast
And naked starlets floating in Champagne
All the passions of your youth
Are tranquillized and tamed
You may think it looks familiar
Though you may know it by another name"

Dave's Conference About His Masterpiece.

One of my favorite Jazz albums I tell people to listen to is Conference of the Birds by Dave Holland. I mention this one is because it's not only a great album, but includes Anthony Braxton. It is also an early example of how ECM records changed on how we listen or buy music. In the early years at ECM they were more forward thinking then most labels. They also took chances that not many people would do. Dave Holland was fresh from playing with Miles Davis electric stuff and decided to forgo the electric bass route. He was new to the ECM record label, and he was open to some of the most unusual, and Avant-Garde music.

Dave Holland's debut as a leader, Conference of the Birds, doesn't seem to get its proper due outside of avant-garde circles; perhaps, when discussing the greats, Holland's name simply doesn't spring to mind as immediately. Whatever the case, Conference of the Birds is one of the all-time avant-garde jazz classics, incorporating a wide spectrum of '60s innovations. Part of the reason it works so well is the one-time-only team-up of two avant-garde legends: the fiery, passionate Sam Rivers and the cerebral Anthony Braxton; they complement and contrast one another in energizing fashion throughout. (AM) Each person shares the spotlight on this album. It's not all Dave Holland. It's Braxton, Rivers and Barry Altschul who equally add more colour then anything.



I am not sure how I stumbled upon this, but I knew right away this was a keeper. Since being a fan of Dave Holland I buy everything he has put out. I even studied his playing in college with the a friend who shares the same love as myself. My friend is an upright bass player and he told me that when he was learning to play upright he wanted to model himself after Dave Holland. I told him my love for this album and he told me that since the album flies in the Avant-Garde, the music is tough to play. It may seem simple bass playing, but in matter of fact it is very hard.

It takes may take a lot to grow on this album but the reward is hearing some of the best musicians of their time put so much effort in making it perfect. Some songs are a far cry of what you would hear in a song, but others such as the title song really show how rich and great they are. If you think it's a tough listen you should just break it down and hear the really skilled Barry and Dave keeping them in the reins and the driver of this album.

The title alone comes from a more intelligent person then the simple. The title comes from the poem by Farid-Ud-Din Attar and the quest for enlightenment. It really does show something with how much enlightenment this can do for any music fan. This album is a basic requirement for any avant-garde jazz collection, and it's also one of the most varied and accessible introductions to the style one could hope for. Enjoy a great album from 1972.

We Will Meet At the 4 Way

When I was younger I used to go through my uncle's record collection. He had a lot of classic rock and he also had some oldies too. One band I loved growing up and he played in the house was Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. He would play their music all the time. He would even sing to their songs. One day he came over my house and had some records in his hand. He handed me a copy of 4 Way Street. He told me that this is not yet on CD and I should take good care of it. I looked at this album in awe. Not only did have all their hits, but they were done live. Some of the songs I never heard of too. Songs like "Triad", "On The Way Home," "Chicago," and "The Lee Shore" were awesome.

When I listened to it more I could hear how great it really was. When it came out it was considered a classic in live albums. When I was in High School I was wondering why this had not been released on CD. It was odd. A band that was so popular then, not on CD as a document of their classic time together. I mean their first two albums were. Finally after I finished High School I got my wish. It was out. I could not believe it. I told my parents that as a Holiday gift I wanted to get this on CD for my uncle. He got it and fell in love all over again. In appreciation for giving him this CD I got to keep the LP.



I too eventually bought the CD. I was so happy to hear the music so fresh, not only that their were bonus tracks. Each member had some great material to add to the CD. It was really fun. It kind of helped me too, because I did not know much about the solo material from Graham Nash. What made it more interesting is that the bonus stuff included the Hollies. Since I was just starting out liking the Hollies it was the best track to like them even more.

Looking back even more I remember when I worked at the library I would put books away that had to do with a subject matter that interested me. Even in my early years at that library I would pick up books on Music, Film, Food, and Art. I even would hide myself in the Biographies to see if some person would interest me. I would always go to the music books and take out this Oral History of CSN&Y. It was a great book. I know when my uncle came over he always ask for that book.



What is so definitive with 4 Way Street is the fact that this is a good capsule of what they were doing back then. It was a live protest record with everyone adding their two cents into it. Recorded at the Fillmore in New York and in Chicago and also The Forum in Los Angeles. It shows them in true political form. This valuable audio document is a treasure to listen to and enjoy. It shows how great this band really was.

A few years ago I saw them live and they played close to three hours. It was great. Each member had it's statement and the crowd agreed with that statement. It made me reflect on when they were popular how they could carry the world on their shoulders. I also remember a few years ago and saw them on VH1 Storytellers. They were in between songs and David Crosby made a comment about Neil Young. Of all the songs all four of them wrote, which was about 1200 songs. Amazing!! 900 of those were written by Neil Young alone. The rest of the band called him an over achiever. Remember this too, the most definitive protest song "Ohio" was written by Neil. If you don't own this, get it and remember a time in music where they were in the for front of the political musical world.

Vrooom, Vrooom

Ever since I was a little kid I liked old movies. I am not sure why, but I did. I used to go to the movies with either mom or dad. They took me to some odd movies for the time, but they took me to the blockbusters too. I saw all the Star Wars films in the theatre and the original Superman and two of the Indian Jones. On the other side of the coin, they took me to some odd ones too. These films are not to tarnish the popular ones, but these films belong in the "what were my parents thinking" frame of mind. I saw Blade Runner, Every Which Way But Loose and it's sequel Every Which You Can. I saw Cannonball Run and saw movies like On Golden Pond, and so many others. There are so many to name.

When we got cable in my house when I was nine years old I used to watch music videos when I came home from school. At night when I finished my homework I could watch movies with Dad or food shows (pre Food Network) on PBS with my mother. I would always get excited to see what was on TV the next day to find a movie that looked interesting. A few years later I had a neighbor who had a fast car. He used to come over and talk to my father about going to Lime Rock race track with that car and my father taking his classic motorcycle. The neighbor and I liked cars. I used to come home with issues of Car and Driver or Road and Track from him. In one issue they talked about Mustangs. They talked about the classic years. One Mustang they talked about was the 1968 Mustang featured in the film Bullitt. I never saw Bullitt so I asked my neighbor about it. He told me how great it was and if he found a copy he bring it over. My Dad on the other hand loved the movie too. He told me the story when he came back from the service he went to go see at the drive in. The now famous chase scene was impressive at the Drive in that all the people would hit the breaks in nervousness of them driving.



One day the movie came to the house. The neighbor told my parents to not watch it until he came over. At this point I was 11 years old. He came over and we had dinner with him and his wife and we all sat down and watched Bullitt. After I finished watching the film I wanted to see it again. I was in awe. In the film the music is very carefully placed with the action of the film. I back then did not know this. On the other hand I thought the music was cool and hip for the film. I never thought soundtrack film music could this powerful.

While in High School I would watch older films to listen to the musical score to go with the film. Some movies were good with the film and others did not create what I saw in Bullitt. One movie that did stand out and to this day all other people who do soundtrack work are judged was Ennio Morricone. That I will save for another blog post. What made Lalo Schifrin different was the fact he mixed Jazz and hip music of the time to create such a masterpiece.



Lalo's work is very well known in the Soundtrack world. He has done films such as Dirty Harry and Cool Hand Luke. He was like Quincy Jones rooted in jazz music so his Jazzy scores make the movie become another character of the film. After watching Bullitt I really increased my love of 60's film. To this day I would watch a classic film then a new one. Two things I look for when I watch a film are the cinematographer and the person who does the score. In some instances those two work very well together.

When the soundtrack to the movie Bullitt came out. It must have not been popular. The film was a success, but the music was not. After I saw the film for probably eighth time I went looking for the soundtrack. I had no luck anywhere. I went to NYC to a record store and saw it about a year after looking for it. The price was way to much for my budget. The $100.00 price tag was way to much. This album still does sell for a good penny. I even found it able to download too. I did find it for a cheap $20.00. A month later someone was selling the re-issue for $15.00. I grabbed both just to have them.



So If you have not seen the film Bullitt, then go see it. If you have then I recommend that you search out the soundtrack to it. This is one movie who's classic status along with the soundtrack will be a great match. The 1960's had some great films and great music. Enjoy the fun and excitement of the wonderful film. I am sure you will play the chase scene again and again. Enjoy!!!

Mr. Americana

Among jazz guitarists, Frisell is unique in his exploitation of variable timbre. Frisell's sound swells and breathes like a saxophonist's (interestingly, Frisell played clarinet as a child). In many ways his sound is reminiscent of a pedal steel guitar. And although his work is steeped in jazz, Frisell is a man of catholic tastes. His music includes characteristics of rock, country, and bluegrass, among various other styles. Such liberality explains his willingness to expand his tonal palette beyond that of the typical jazz guitarist. Where so many conventional jazz guitarists define themselves by how many notes they can play, Frisell has carved a niche by virtue of his sound. His ability as an original, lyrical player of melody combines with a unique (if much imitated) sound to make him one of the most singular musicians of his generation. (AM)

That being said, I think Bill Frisell is one of the best guitar players out there. I have seen him about half a dozen times and each time is a unique and great experience. Each time I saw him he had a different band. The first time I saw him was with John Zorn's Naked City Project. His guitar work in that project was extraordinary. The next time I saw him he had a quartet without a drummer or a bass player, but a Violin, Trumpet and Trombone. The Third time was in NYC at the Bottom Line with Victor Krauss and Jim Keltner. I was close to the front row and it was one of the best shows I have ever seen. The next time I saw him was with a world music quintet. Well you get the picture. He has back up musicians who are ever changing.



Don't ask me to pick an album for this post, because his albums are full of unique sounds and unique music too. It could sound very Jazzy or it could sound full of world music. In some instances it sounds rock too. He has an album that is called Nashville if you listen closely you can hear an very Country album with the layers of acoustic music he performs on it. Even when he guests on people albums his unusual spin makes the album a different kind of sound. I have him playing with Joe Lovano and Paul Motian and it's like Chamber Jazz. He guested on an ECM album after he left the label and it too is unique. The album is called Angel Song by Kenny Wheeler. The album has Dave Holland on Bass, Lee Konitz on Sax and Kenny Wheeler on Flugelhorn. The sound is way different then you expect, but when done listening you really see that Bill Frisell put his stamp on it. The album was in the top 10 albums of 1997. He has guested on peoples albums and his great sound has translated into a wonderful warmth of an music he plays. Even when he cover a song by another artist, he makes it his own.

When Bill does play people like myself wonder how he gets those beautiful sounds out of his guitar. His tone is entirely original and he keeps you guessing. I love the fact no matter what he does he still sounds totally unique, further more when he cover other artist (which he frequently does) he makes them sound his own or you forget how great the song is with his vision. He has covered such artists as Madonna, John Hiatt, Hank Williams, Bob Dylan, Ornette Coleman and even the song "Somewhere Over The Rainbow."



Bill's guitar playing is full of surprises. There is no cool solo's that make you want to put him in your guitar god status, but his guitar god status is the fact he can make any kind of sound out of that guitar and still make it wonderful.

I first heard of Bill Frisell back in 1988. I had no idea what to make of him. He was cool sounding, but he also had his little Avant-Garde sounds. He was toured with John Zorn Naked City and he blew my mind. I never thought his guitar playing was would be so powerful in this band. He was the only one who could pull it off. He even became more of a favorite with me because of the two albums where he did the music for silent Buster Keaton films. He is a man who no matter what he puts out I will always run out and get his stuff. His love for the Far Side comic too, is what also impressed me and this is my gift to you. If you want to try someome new and fun check out Bill Frisell. I promise you that you will never turn back and he might your favorite too.

Otis!!!

One of my first Otis Redding memories is when I bought the Monterey Pop album with him on one side and Jimi Hendrix on the other. I will admit I was more interested in the Jimi Hendrix stuff, because after all I saw the video of him lighting his guitar on fire and I was really impressed. I played the Hendrix side a lot and I decided to explore the other side, and I am glad that I did.

Otis Redding is now one of my favorite performers. I should rephrase that; he is one of my favorite singers. He is the reason I fell in love with R&B and Soul. His voice was pure and he could create such an emotion like no one could. He was one my favorite singers for a few reasons. He had the best backing band in the world, and to top it all off, they could play to match his voice. Another reason was the fact he could write. On the album I am talking about Live in Europe he wrote five of the ten songs. And lastly he probably wrote one of the best songs ever. "Respect" is one of the best songs in popular music.



When I first started liking Otis Redding I saw him on Television. It was part of the Stax/Volt Revue that included Booker T. And the MG's. I was in awe on how the band and him worked as one. They were amazing. What was great to hear was a fresh voice of Otis. I never heard anyone song like him. He was my new favorite singer. I quickly went to the record store and picked up a greatest hits. The man at the counter told me that if I like that then he would recommend Otis Redding In Person At The Whisky A Go Go. The next day I came back and picked it up.

I asked my father if he knew about him and he told me only knew a few songs. He told me if you want to hear his stuff you should listen to the oldies station because, they play him more often then other stations. Around a year later I was going through my bi-monthly Grateful Dead mailings. I used to get a Grateful Dead Newsletter that was about 20 pages or so and in the Newsletter would be advanced ticket information or music to buy. Also included was a member of the Grateful Dead who would have a column and they would talk about recently liked music or just promoting something that interested them. This issue featured Phil Lesh. Phil was known for his likes of Classical and Jazz, but in this issue he talked about Otis Redding. He talked about some of his favorite Otis albums and songs. One of the albums was Otis Redding In Person At The Whisky A Go Go.



Like Phil, I loved everything that Otis Redding did. In this blog it was hard to pick just one. If you had to chose an Otis Redding, I would recommend this album. His energy live was amazing. Having said that I think you would love this album. If you don't own any of his albums you should at least seek out some of his studio stuff, but it's in far contrast that his live stuff is where he shined. Have fun, kick back and hear some great R&B and Soul.

Roger the Engineer is Over Under Sideways Down!!

The ultimate supergroup of the 1960's was the Yardbirds. They had the most famous of all famous guitar players. The first was Eric Clapton. Then Eric left to join John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers. Then Jeff Beck came and played for them. He claims he "got kicked out" and Jimmy Page came in. Jimmy Page wanted to call it the New Yardbirds and that name was not great. He dissolved the band after everyone decided to go their separate ways. There are many different stories by the way. Jimmy Page formed Led Zeppelin.

Before Led Zeppelin, the Yardbirds made a few gems. Their album from 1966 is my favorite. Roger the Engineer or in America it was called Over Under Sideways Down. It did have Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck on it and the only album that did. Jeff was lead guitar and Jimmy Page of all things was playing bass. The album is amazing and yet it is very rarely listed in the best Rock & Roll albums. I remember getting the remaster in 1997. I was ecstatic I finally had a full fledged Yardbirds album. I remember I could not get the plastic off fast enough.



Being a fan of British Blues I was impressed by the album. I thought the guitar playing by Jeff Beck was great and the band was tight. The songs instantly made a connection to me. It did not have a Beatles of Kinks feel. It was in it's own little world. What I enjoyed about the album was that it rocked. It had a mix of Blues and Psychedelia. It had much more then any band at the time. We here in America could not understand it, nor could England. The Yardbirds finally achieved success.

What maybe drew me to this album was the fact that it was not an album of it's time. It was loud and full of "noise" and rocked out like no other album from 1966. I tried to figure out made it stick, it stuck on its own. "Over Under Sideways Down" was the coolest song I ever heard. It was full of Psychedelia and even more it was great enough to play over and over with out getting tired of it. The upright sounding of the bass that is keeping time with the drums is great.

I think what also did is the fact I had influence. My father a fan of Blow Up the film with the Yardbirds making a special little cameo made me like them more, but their five seconds of fame made it more special. Those solos by Jeff Beck, made more sense in 1966 then anything in the world. They were on another plain. They made the whole world shake their head and really figure out what they had to say. It's to bad they did not focus that hard, because they did have something to say.

The song "The Nazz are Blue" is I think the best song out of the British Blues rock world. It has a great feel, let alone a wonderful bass line and Jeff Beck can play the best guitar. If you are looking to know more about the Yardbirds, you should start here. This may the best album of theirs and to top it all off you get to hear Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck before the whole world knew about them. Classic above classics for 1966. A lost year for some and for others a preview for things to come.

Mission of Fucking Burma

I was watching the documentary that I own on Mission of Burma and my draw just dropped on how much they mean so much to me. I watch these guys on the DVD and told my friend I have seen them about a dozen times. I told my friend that every time I see them it's an adventure. The adventure is watching what the hell is going on. Three people making so much great noise.

They were so ahead of their time, people still are wondering what they did back in the late 70's and early 80's. I mean they only made one album, an EP and a few singles and then they did not get back together until 2004. I wish I could go back in time in 1982 and be a fan then. I know I would have loved to seen them at there somewhat popularity.



I was not a Mission of Burma fan till I was in my last year of High School. It happened by accident actually. I used to work on Saturdays with this co-worker. He would always go out for lunch. He asked me one day if I would like to join him. He knew a lot about music, and I trusted his ear. He too had a collection of tapes in his car. One day on the way to lunch I was looking through his tapes. I saw this Mission of Burma tape. I had no idea who they were. I asked questions. He told me that Mission of Burma was a rock trio that was way ahead of their time. There was guitar, bass and drum. He told me also that Mission of Burma was around in the late 1970's and early 80's and broke up, but they managed to make one album and a few singles and an EP.

The album I had in my hands was almost a best of, but included some live material and some stuff not around. He told me to put it in the tape deck. I was so amazed what was coming out of those speakers. It was loud and complex and most of all it was awesome. Sadly we only had a five minute drive back and forth from lunch so I did not get to hear it all. Then he told me to borrow the tape for the weekend judge for myself.

When I gave him back the tape I looked at him and told him that the tape was hot, so watch out. I was quite impressed with what I heard. The gruff textures of "Weatherbox" and the unique delay of "Trem Two" make an easy case on how great they were. While together Mission of Burma never felt like an 80's band. A note, that this band sounds like they just came out. They are geniuses. The crisp bass lines of "Laugh the World Away" and the crunchy guitar make it sound it's from another planet.



If you listen to the middle passage of "Weatherbox" you can see what really has impressed me. It has a quirky delay and spaceship quality to it and then the vocal harmony's completely throw you for a great loop. The album is a classic, but you know just one listen can tell you that. It has some of the most intelligent and innovative stuff ever heard. You kinda forget that this album is from 1982. If you need to impress your friends with a timeless album that has lots of crunch and grit then you should get it. I mean in high school, no one had any idea what I was listening to with this album. I am glad it was my secret.

"Every man thinks he does what he can
Then he...?and he's holding the weatherbox
Every night...?
Then he...?and he's holding the weatherbox
Holding the weatherbox
Holding the weatherbox
Sun is falling down
Sky is falling down
Seasons falling down
Air is falling down
Falling...
The air is round and the world is flat
And everything is clearly impossible
Clearly impossible
Inside the weatherbox"

Not So Broken

I had a teacher in high school who was not your typical teacher. He taught science and electronics and was proud to say he avoided mainstream music, media, television, or film. He was also not typical in handing out grades. He would never fail anyone (and never did in his 28 years teaching) and you started with the grade of C and worked your way up. You could never go down in grade.

One day he came up to me and asked him to help out the students in his science class that were having problems. This was a basic level class and since I passed his class with flying colors he wanted me to as he put it "help the disadvantaged youth" and get them to understand the concept he was teaching. He also handed me a couple posters and a sticker set. He told me there will be more to follow as soon as he finds them. When I opened it up to see they were two Pink Floyd posters and the sticker set from Dark Side of the Moon I was in joy. I put them in my bag and later that day we discussed music. He told me that these were his sons and I should have them because of my Pink Floyd shirt would make a matching set with items he gave me. I asked him if he was a Pink Floyd fan, he again told me that the only thing that redeems Pink Floyd to him was Syd Barrett and the organ playing of Richard Wright. He told me that the only pop song he is fond of is "Whiter Shade of Pale." He told me he is a collector of that song and if I find any versions of that song to pick it up for him.

One day he stopped me in the hallway and asked if I had a free Saturday morning. I told him name the time and I can meet up. He commented back to me that he will be at my house at 9am sharp and we are going north to go look at books and music. He told me to bring enough money for the books and music, but the food was free, and on him. He told me that he knows this great Mexican place that as he put it wants to be buried under the salsa table. I asked him if I can bring any music for the road. He insisted that the music will be our words talking to each other so, none was needed.



On our trip I asked him about Procol Harum and with great joy he told me how they changed his life in so many ways. He told me about his connection with Gary Brooker the man who played the signature organ on "Whiter Shade of Pale" must have loved Bach. I told my science teacher the only classical I listen to is Beethoven. At the time I realized that was the wrong answer to give him.

We went looking in the used bookstores and each of us bought a few things. I picked up Grapes of Wrath and he picked up a few books on boating. He told me that if I read the book I bought and write a paper on it he would give it to my English teacher explaining that I am going above and beyond to further my knowledge of the English language. I laughed, but then again I needed the points in class, because I hated what we reading at the moment.

Then we went to the music store. This took longer then I think both of us suspected. I quickly dived into the classic rock looking for whatever I wanted at the time and he quickly went to the classical and grabbed a few things and then headed over to the jazz. He was in the Jazz for a good while. I was still stuck in the Classic Rock. I grabbed a few things and one of them happened to be a Procol Harum album. It was one I never heard of, but I decided to take my chance. I also picked up a few other Rock oddities. The Procol Harum caught the eye of science teacher. He told me that he never heard that one and if I could make him a copy. He insisted that side one was the album and side two should be stuff "he should" be listening to.


The album I picked up was Broken Barricades and I had no idea what I was getting myself into. The only Procol Harum I had in my collection was a stupid best of and a live album with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. The best of I had was full of bad sounding or mastering. The live album was great. So I was at a crossroads and took a chance on an album. When we went to eat, he looked at my other selections I purchased. He noticed a Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. He told me that he was unfamiliar with both and if I so desire, to put a song of each on the tape. I was shocked that he did not know about some of the most important people of Rock and Roll. On the other hand he did tell me he did not listen to it much so I kind of understood.

As I ate my enchilada he told me about the richness of Mexican food. He told me that some of this food is the best food for you. If your parents ever complain about you not eating your veggies then you should tell them to take you to get Mexican. This day was also my first day eating avocado. A day that did change my life in really so many ways.

When I got home I went downstairs and put on the Procol Harum. It was not your typical album. I am not sure there was a single on this album, but I loved "Simple Sister" a lot. The middle passage of that song was amazing. Even more, was the Robin Trower's guitar parts. "Song of a Dreamer" was amazing. I cranked up "Power Failure" because the middle in that was full of great drums and percussion.

This album was full of rich sound and wonderful full tightness. This was a dramatic departure from what I heard from when they first started out. I would put this album in a top list of something. It was an album that made leaps for me, because after listening to that, I knew I needed to find albums just as compelling to this. In the end I gave the tape to my teacher, and he did think it was okay. He did like Gary Brooker's keyboard playing. He told me Side two of the tape was not for him, but it had it's moments. Two years later he handed me a CD of best of Bach on Organ. He told e that I should listen to track five as it sounds like what Gary Brooker was telling us. As for me I found a new love. A great album with so much power. Enjoy a classic from 1971 that sounds very good today. Not to dated, but very, very good

What Means Solid David Torn??

It was 1998 and I was ready for one of the best shows in my life. I mean who would not want to see the rhythm section of King Crimson with David Torn and a really unknown Chris Botti. I mean the music they made could be crap, but in this instance it was some of the most beautiful and atmospheric I have ever heard. Each person showed why they are amazing on each of their instruments. The four people on stage sounded like there was a orchestra but twenty times fuller.

I could write for days and days about how Bruford and Levin changed my mind on what music should be. I could write about all the shows featuring Bill Bruford and Tony Levin on stage. I would mention some of my concert going highlights is seeing Tony Levin with Seal in 1999 with Brian Blade on drums. I could mention when I saw Bill Bruford touring with his "Jazz" band Earthworks at the Knitting Factory in New York City and playing for little over 2 hours. Those were shows amazing. I would love to talk about the time I saw Bill Bruford and Tony Levin with David Torn and Chris Botti at the same Knitting Factory and they blew my mind, but what blew mind more is the same sandwich shop I go to, they are there having a pre-concert meal.



What I am going to talk about is David Torn. He is one of the most underrated guitar Gods in this world. He, to me, is a man who can play his heart out and at the same time you the listener will have his jaw on the floor the whole time. I have seen him solo at the Bottom Line. I went to see him just last year with the great Tim Berne, Craig Taborn, and Tom Rainey. He does soundtracks to movies like Friday Night Lights, Lars and the Real Girl, Departed and Traffic just to name a few. He has worked with a who's who of musicians.

David always amazes me every time I hear him. He can make these atmospheric sounds, sound natural. He could make solos out of thin air and make them sound so effortless that you wonder where he was thinking this. His shows with Elliott Sharp and Vernon Reid left you wondering if he just ran rings about the other guitar players. Sadly, his albums are out of print. I got turned on to him by a friend who loves this kind of stuff. The same man who introduced me to Steve Tibbetts. My friend told me if I want to hear guitar players who play way outside the box I should listen to Marc Ducret, David Torn and Steve Tibbetts. I took him up on his suggestions.

I am not sure if I could pick the correct David Torn album to buy, but the one I always go to is the one below. It's full of wonderful exotic guitar sounds and wonderful loops and electronic blips and pops. What Means Soild, Traveller? should be their with guitar albums. Each song has a wonderful hook and begs you to play it more to figure out what David is doing. Even his slide guitar parts with those unusual sounds makes it a treat to the ears.



Go ahead and find something new to listen to, but if you do that I would start here. This might the most interesting thing in your collection. I put it on today to hear how fresh it sounds and now it sounds like it belongs in this 21st Century. Go for it, what you got to lose.

Sung Tongs or is it Song Tongues...What ever it is I am not sure If I like it

Once in a while I do feel like I went back to college at the wrong time. I feel like I missed some kind of radical music or human movement that change the coarse of thinks we know dramatically. When it does happen I feel like I was not a part in the participation. One of those times is the Freak-Folk movement of the early 2000's.

Animal Collective is and what they did as a new and defined new genre or altering musical listen in the future. People will say Animal Collective and say hey!!! They made a musical roots when there was no new roots to be had. They created new and fresh ideas when people were wondering if the end of Rock and Roll was near. In some respects it was a new genre of music and a new life of what could or ever be possible.

I was sure I missed the boat on this one. I see the end of the year reviews and go..."oh no what the hell did I just miss." Sure what did get a lot of the press was Arcade Fire. I will and should talk about how that album hit me like a Mac truck in a later blog, but this was a hit and run. Each initial feel of this album was no sense of feel I felt before.



It's 2009 and Animal Collective are still making an impact that we cannot understand. I still cannot figure out what the hell they are doing. In 2004 they gave us this treat they the world does not know how to digest it or let alone put it in the cookie jar or just put it down in the basement away from light and let it age. What I know is the fact that some of the music is very catchy and extremely fun to listen to.

When I picked up this album I would pick the pieces I would listen to and take notes, sadly the notes were not the notes I could grasp, but the notes of Holy Shit I think they just made something so new and fresh that we are unable to know what they are doing. Sure I listened to the Avant-Garde, the Experimental, even the outer depths of what ever was out there, but this was utter chaos and controlled too. I mean some of the stuff I can listen to and go.."wow!! I get it...I think."

I could give you songs to pick and listen to, but you as the reader and listener might not get what I am talking about. You as the person might have to find your own favorite to dissect and break a part just to figure out what they are doing. Whatever Animal Collective do it is a band that should be listened to with some amount of interest and not to be taken lightly.



What I like about the album is the fact of the complexity. It may be easy to see what they are achieving, but some respects it might hard as well. What separates Animal Collective from everybody else is the fact, like Radiohead, we really are not quite sure what this is, and how to copy something that might not be able to be redone with the pleasure this is. It's experimental with out the feel of something that hard to copy or remake. If it's a classic now, in the future it will be a masterpiece. Enjoy!!!!

Phases and Stages, Circle and Cycles

When I was very young I used to hear Willie Nelson all the time. I was impressed by his lyrics and his guitar playing. We had a copy of a greatest hits of his in the house and I am not sure why that was our only country record. When he got acclaim for an album he put in 1993 again I listened to him. I even had a friend tell me he was playing of all place UConn. It was a small place, but there was enough there to reach everyone in the audience. I went, because all I knew was his hits and the album that came out in 1993.

I met him backstage, like he always does he signs autographs for his fans, and he stays until the last one is there. I got his autograph and asked him a few questions. One of the questions I asked him was what is his favorite album of his career. He joked and said all of them. Then he got serious. He told me that he loved the two albums he did for Atlantic Records. He told me he loved them because they let him do what he wanted and the musicians on there were first rate. He told me if you don't own them two get those and you can hear how much heart I actually have. I thanked him and went home with a signed Willie CD and picture.




The next day I went to the record store and took Willie's advice. I asked the guy at the store for the albums he mentioned. He laughed. He told me that no one buys those anymore. They buy the new one or greatest hits. There is no in between for people, but he brought me over to the budget tapes. There they were Phases and Stages and Shotgun Willie for the cheap price of $3.99 on cassette. I bought them both. The guy at the store asked me if I saw him the night before and I told him that I did and Willie Nelson suggested that I listen to these two. He said these were his favorite albums.

I quickly put them in the car. The first one I listened to was Phases and Stages. I was quite impressed. I liked the fact it did not sound country, but a mix of R&B and the touch of that Muscle Shoals sound. I did not think of any of that then. I just liked it because it was fresh and original.

Later in my life I picked up the album again. This time it was part of a box set of his music when he recorded for Atlantic Records. I remember Willie's words. He said the band and how he felt comfortable was the reason he liked these albums. The box set never made that clear, but the box set had a ton of bonus tracks and a live album from that time frame. The live album had an incredible loose feel to it. It sounded like they were having loads of fun.

When I read reviews of this album they mention that it's a concept album. Side one being the point of view of the women and side two the male point of view. It's got of mix of Country and Honky Tonk and the mix if the Muscle Shoals makes it one hell of an album. It sparked a lot of perspective from both genders and with a lot of power. Each these would have made a powerful album in it's own right, but both made one hell of a concept album.

If your looking for a Willie Nelson album that is not your typical album, then go right hear. The only hit is "Bloody Mary Morning," but it's not the real hit, the hit is the album itself. A classic if there was ever one. Take it from Willie on this one. I love it to, but the man who made loves it even more.

All Things Do Pass

When I first started collecting records I was looking for Beatles albums. My father only had one Beatles album in his collection and even that was not even enough to satisfy my taste. The collection called 20 Greatest Hits was not even scratching the surface of what I wanted to hear. I went to tag sales looking for more Beatles albums. I even asked family members if they would part with some of their Beatles and all I got was an answer that was firm and honest "NO."

I bought tapes of the Beatles, but even then I wanted to say I want to own them on record. My first ever Beatles album was Magical Mystery Tour. That fell in my lap. I saw it for a dollar and was happy I finally owned one. Then it was like an avalanche I got Sgt. Pepper and then Rubber Soul, and then Abbey Road and the two greatest hits albums the blue and the red as people call it. The one day I saw All Things Must Pass by George Harrison. My world had just changed.



The Box was not in the greatest shape, but the records and the were in awesome shape as well as the sleeves and it included a poster. The man who I was going to buy this from told me he would take $10.00 for it. It had 3 records and a poster and I gave him the money. I quickly went home and put it on the turntable. When I looked at the records I was in awe on how everything was packaged. I thought for a bit this was some lavish box with George Harrison songs that he saved up while he was in the Beatles and was not able to record (which is now true). I also noticed the cast of musicians on it. It had Billy Preston, Eric Clapton, Gary Brooker (Procol Harum), Ringo Starr, Dave Mason and Alan White. I was really impressed.

With three albums this was going to take all day for me to digest. I liked the song he did on MTV and was ready to go through this box. I was impressed by how full the production of the album was. This album confirmed that my favorite Beatle was George Harrison. The album was full of surprises on every song. It had a fun feel, yet you knew there was a lot of hard work. I wanted to record it and put in my Walkman. A friend told me that his father had it on tape and barely listened to it and he would give it to me. I got it from him, and for about a month I played it to death. I was picking favorites on the tape and replaying them.

I finally realized how great this album was. Every song was a keeper. "Beware of Darkness" is a song that everyone should learn. There was no bad song on the album. I do have my favorites that I play more often though. One of those songs is "Wah-Wah." I think it's one of Harrison's best written songs. It's sound feels like there is about 20 people in the studio with him. Another song is what was the single from the album, "My Sweet Lord." The song is a good catchy riff that you will remember. Other classics include the title track and also I love "What is Life", because that too is a very catchy song.



When I listened to this album, I always wondered how much more could George Harrison write. He was the coolest person in the world. He made me proud to say "George Harrison is my Favorite Beatle." I think what stands this apart from other albums is the way George Harrison really makes a case for his song writing. He even makes a Bob Dylan song sound like his own. He truly is a talent. If I could turn back the clock to see how his album was made I surely would have seen a man who knew how to do it right. He was serious and funny, but he knew more then most. I mean I even heard that he sent a letter to the BBC to keep Monty Python on the air.

Enjoy a giant classic, and when your done I am sure you will put this at the top of your post-Beatles albums. This is not a one sitting album. It takes a lot of work to listen to, and the rewards are rich and full of fun. If you want to start your Beatle solo album collection, then get this is the one.

Jack and Meg together forever!!

It was the fall of 2000 when I got introduced to the White Stripes. It was not till the spring till I fell in love with them. I thought as a duo, they were amazing. Jack White had some of the best guitar sounds and his range of old blues songs were great. I also fell in love with Meg White. She sounded like Moe Tucker of the Velvet Underground, but cuter. They were making music No one but a duo could do. There was a lot going on, so much so as Jack White said, "There so many songs and personalities happening, you forget there are just two people doing it." He is correct. The mix of all types of stuff is so mind blowing, you to want to start a band like they have.


When I heard the second album of the White Stripes. I was going crazy wondering how they knew about Blind Willie McTell and Son House. Two blues people I actually go out and seek if I can find them on record. I liked the song "Let's Build A Home" because of the opening by the kid. I really think it's Jack White when he was a kid. The guitar riff is amazing and the way the Guitar are as one is mind blowing.

The songs are just long enough to grab your interest and then gone, but you can play it again to really hear the stuff you missed. What you do miss is the wonderful slide guitar playing of Jack White. You miss that Meg White is playing drums better then anybody could on a song like that. Her thumping in time is amazing.



When you hear De Stijl you hear some of the best 38 minutes of your life. I have decided not to pick that album. What makes the White Stripes more impressive is when they do it live. I am doing a bootleg of some live stuff from the BBC of July 2001 for the John Peel Show. The Cover of Son House, the standard of "John the Revelator", also the traditional "Boll Weevil" and the Dolly Parton cover make it all worth so much to a man who loves roots music. No to mention a reading of Gene Vincent's "Baby Blue" that would make him very proud. It is what makes the White Stripes who they are. All these versions are 21st. century versions of classics that should be renewed for a fresh audience.



The White Stripes might be one of my new favorite bands because, of the respect to tradition that they have for the roots. Not many bands these days look back at the Harry Smith's Anthology of American Folk Music and use that is a template of what should be played. They are original as well. The White Stripes are daring, and wonderful, and bold. If you are looking for this bootleg it maybe be tough to find but it's well worth the search.