I have such a story to tell. It started many years ago, at Sam's Burger Joint here in SA, and has done nothing but snowball on me.
I heard Del Castillo for the first time.
I was blown away, and remember racing up to the two guitar players, gushing something inane like "I've not heard playing like that since DiMeola, McLaughlin and De Lucia!" We, they and I have gone thru massive changes in our lives since then, many happy, many not so happy, and I have grown to love those guys, and their hardworking crew like few others I have ever known in the music business. I have given them my loyalty and effort, because I believe in what I hear in that music. If you would know who they each are, listen to what they play.
I could take the reader on a LONG, long trip thru the last several years, but it wouldn't mean much if one was not there. I have recorded the stories here to the best of my ability, finding it difficult in the best of times to warp the words into describing what they mean to my heart, because of the nature of what they are. It is, as I said, in their music.
No fan can ever truly know what affect he/she has on any band, because as they climb the ladder to success, musicians sometimes move away from where they once were, as more and more people come thru their lives. The slurry of faces and names thrown at them has got to be mind boggling. I still see this group of guys take the time to talk to most anyone who approaches them, and the number of people they seem to remember astounds me. At the same time, I have watched them become more noticed by the world, and once or twice have felt I might lose them to the world some day. And I still might.....but they are forever in this heart, for reasons that words fail to tell.
Last night, on the eve of my 49th birthday, the boys played their last gig of 2007, a very eventful year for them. It was at Sam's again, and the place was crammed. The energy was tremendous, though of a different nature. A tragedy had struck not two weeks ago, and while I have been hesitant to write about it, I knew it was tainting the whole event. I was surprised the gigs this weekend even happened really. It would have been justified to cancel, but there they were, pulling from deep inside to make the dark light again.
I was so happy just to have so many of my DC friends in the audience with me, it would've have been a terrific birthday present by itself. My boys, and one particularly sweet son of one them, made it more. After the main bulk of the show, Bert came out on with a birthday cake in hand , the rest of the guys following him out, and on stage, presented it to me, and sang to me. It was not in me to cry about it, but I can tell you right now, I had a smile on my face all night, and still get silly no matter what I am doing, just from the memory.
Bert and his son Dylan plotted the whole thing, and while I am not a very outgoing sort, I cannot say I didn't get a kick out of it. I'd be lying if I said his lovely words about my utter dedication to this band were unfelt. And to have my absolutely favourite rhythm section all around me singing Happy Birthday....well, let's just say- favourite b-day so far, and a hard one to top for this music nut.
I have so much going thru my head today, and a ton of beautiful pictures to mull over...pardon if I keep this short and sweet. I cannot thank all the DC familia that was there enough (the group picture came out REALLY well!)and as for my Boys, and Dave and the crew.....I think I am getting misty now.
Bert- you raised a great son. Dylan- you have your father's heart. DC...well, you know already. You showed me that last night.
I love you.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
A Couple of Special Birthdays to Remember
I put these on myspace, and then realized THIS is where they belong. These two guys, and the band they helped start, put on the map and make into an international phenomenon, mean a lot to me. And we share a birth month, which makesit even more special.
RAY THOMAS
MIKE PINDER
THE MOODY BLUES, CIRCA 1965
and another, a bit early.......
Ray Thomas, another of the founding members of the Moody Blues has a birthday on the 29th. Ray retired from the music biz a couple of years ago, feeling he had done his bit. Now was time to play with the grandkids and fish to his contentment. Ian Anderson once called Ray the master flautist of rock-n-roll, no small compliment. He also possesses a beautiful Welsh voice. Who can forget that lovely warble of "Timothy Leary's Dead......no,no,no, he's outside, looking in."
and just for good measure:
One of my favourite 45 covers from the 1963-65 version of the band. I have no idea what Denny Laine is up to these days, but Graeme Edge is still playing drums. To paraphrase the Grateful Dead, what a lovely, long, strange trip it's been.
Many happy returns of the day, Ray. I hope with all my heart that you are happy, healthy, and smilin' on your birthday. You too are sorely missed.
Happy Birthday
Mike Pinder, one of the founders of my dear Moody Blues. I still miss your voice out there, buddy. It's been too many years.
Currently listening :
Among the Stars
By Mike Pinder
Release date: 21 February, 1995
RAY THOMAS
MIKE PINDER
THE MOODY BLUES, CIRCA 1965
and another, a bit early.......
Ray Thomas, another of the founding members of the Moody Blues has a birthday on the 29th. Ray retired from the music biz a couple of years ago, feeling he had done his bit. Now was time to play with the grandkids and fish to his contentment. Ian Anderson once called Ray the master flautist of rock-n-roll, no small compliment. He also possesses a beautiful Welsh voice. Who can forget that lovely warble of "Timothy Leary's Dead......no,no,no, he's outside, looking in."
and just for good measure:
One of my favourite 45 covers from the 1963-65 version of the band. I have no idea what Denny Laine is up to these days, but Graeme Edge is still playing drums. To paraphrase the Grateful Dead, what a lovely, long, strange trip it's been.
Many happy returns of the day, Ray. I hope with all my heart that you are happy, healthy, and smilin' on your birthday. You too are sorely missed.
Happy Birthday
Mike Pinder, one of the founders of my dear Moody Blues. I still miss your voice out there, buddy. It's been too many years.
Currently listening :
Among the Stars
By Mike Pinder
Release date: 21 February, 1995
Monday, December 24, 2007
Jazz suffers another blow
Okay,not me personally, but the music form that gave me the name.
*****************************************************************
Rest in Peace, great man. We will remember you.
Jazz Great Oscar Peterson Dies at 82
Dec. 24, 2007, 2:34 PM EST
Oscar Peterson, whose early talent and speedy fingers made him one of the world's best known jazz pianists, died at age 82.
His death was confirmed by Hazel McCallion, mayor of Mississauga, Ontario, the Toronto suburb where Peterson lived. McCallion told The Associated Press that he died of kidney failure but that she did not know when. The hospital and police refused to comment.
"He's been going downhill in the last few months, slowing up," McCallion said, calling Peterson a "very close friend."
During an illustrious career spanning seven decades, Peterson played with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie and Dizzy Gillespie. He is also remembered for touring in a trio with Ray Brown on bass and Herb Ellis on guitar in the 1950s.
Peterson's impressive collection of awards include all of Canada's highest honors, such as the Order of Canada, as well as a Lifetime Grammy (1997) and a spot in the International Jazz Hall of Fame.
His growing stature was reflected in the admiration of his peers. Duke Ellington referred to him as "Maharajah of the keyboard," while Count Basie once said "Oscar Peterson plays the best ivory box I've ever heard."
"The world has lost an important jazz player," said McCallion. "It isn't just a loss for Canada, he was world famous."
Born on Aug. 15, 1925, in a poor neighborhood southwest of Montreal, Peterson obtained a passion for music from his father. Daniel Peterson, a railway porter and self-taught musician, bestowed his love of music to his five children, offering them a means to escape from poverty.
Oscar Peterson learned to play trumpet and piano at a young age, but after a bout with tuberculosis had to concentrate on the latter.
He became a teen sensation in his native Canada, playing in dance bands and recording in the late 1930s and early 1940s. But he got his real break as a surprise guest at Carnegie Hall in 1949, after which he began touring the United States and Europe.
He quickly made a name for himself as a jazz virtuoso, often compared to piano great Art Tatum, his childhood idol, for his speed and technical skill.
He was also influenced by Nat King Cole, whose Nat King Cole Trio album he considered "a complete musical thesaurus for any aspiring Jazz pianist."
Peterson never stopped calling Canada home despite his growing international reputation. But at times he felt slighted here, where he was occasionally mistaken for a football player, standing at 6 foot 3 and more than 250 pounds.
In 2005 he became the first living person other than a reigning monarch to obtain a commemorative stamp in Canada, where he is jazz royalty, with streets, squares, concert halls and schools named after him.
Peterson suffered a stroke in 1993 that weakened his left hand, but not his passion or drive for music. Within a year he was back on tour, recording "Side By Side" with Itzhak Perlman.
As he grew older, Peterson kept playing and touring, despite worsening arthritis and difficulties walking.
"A jazz player is an instant composer," Peterson once said in a Canadian Broadcasting Corp. interview, while conceding jazz did not have the mass appeal of other musical genres. "You have to think about it, it's an intellectual form," he said.
———
*****************************************************************
Rest in Peace, great man. We will remember you.
Jazz Great Oscar Peterson Dies at 82
Dec. 24, 2007, 2:34 PM EST
Oscar Peterson, whose early talent and speedy fingers made him one of the world's best known jazz pianists, died at age 82.
His death was confirmed by Hazel McCallion, mayor of Mississauga, Ontario, the Toronto suburb where Peterson lived. McCallion told The Associated Press that he died of kidney failure but that she did not know when. The hospital and police refused to comment.
"He's been going downhill in the last few months, slowing up," McCallion said, calling Peterson a "very close friend."
During an illustrious career spanning seven decades, Peterson played with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie and Dizzy Gillespie. He is also remembered for touring in a trio with Ray Brown on bass and Herb Ellis on guitar in the 1950s.
Peterson's impressive collection of awards include all of Canada's highest honors, such as the Order of Canada, as well as a Lifetime Grammy (1997) and a spot in the International Jazz Hall of Fame.
His growing stature was reflected in the admiration of his peers. Duke Ellington referred to him as "Maharajah of the keyboard," while Count Basie once said "Oscar Peterson plays the best ivory box I've ever heard."
"The world has lost an important jazz player," said McCallion. "It isn't just a loss for Canada, he was world famous."
Born on Aug. 15, 1925, in a poor neighborhood southwest of Montreal, Peterson obtained a passion for music from his father. Daniel Peterson, a railway porter and self-taught musician, bestowed his love of music to his five children, offering them a means to escape from poverty.
Oscar Peterson learned to play trumpet and piano at a young age, but after a bout with tuberculosis had to concentrate on the latter.
He became a teen sensation in his native Canada, playing in dance bands and recording in the late 1930s and early 1940s. But he got his real break as a surprise guest at Carnegie Hall in 1949, after which he began touring the United States and Europe.
He quickly made a name for himself as a jazz virtuoso, often compared to piano great Art Tatum, his childhood idol, for his speed and technical skill.
He was also influenced by Nat King Cole, whose Nat King Cole Trio album he considered "a complete musical thesaurus for any aspiring Jazz pianist."
Peterson never stopped calling Canada home despite his growing international reputation. But at times he felt slighted here, where he was occasionally mistaken for a football player, standing at 6 foot 3 and more than 250 pounds.
In 2005 he became the first living person other than a reigning monarch to obtain a commemorative stamp in Canada, where he is jazz royalty, with streets, squares, concert halls and schools named after him.
Peterson suffered a stroke in 1993 that weakened his left hand, but not his passion or drive for music. Within a year he was back on tour, recording "Side By Side" with Itzhak Perlman.
As he grew older, Peterson kept playing and touring, despite worsening arthritis and difficulties walking.
"A jazz player is an instant composer," Peterson once said in a Canadian Broadcasting Corp. interview, while conceding jazz did not have the mass appeal of other musical genres. "You have to think about it, it's an intellectual form," he said.
———
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
A Little Bit of Silence, A Moment of Prayer
My gods.
This season always seems to bring tragedy to light more distinctly than others. I guess it is the move toward empathy being made for once in the year. It often doesn't survive the present wrappings being dumped in the trash.
December 17th saw two deaths in my world- Dan Fogelberg, after fighting cancer for two years, and Manford Del Castillo, one of Rick and Mark's older brothers.
People at work today could actually see the pain on my face, though I spoke to none about it. I know my brothers in DC are all hurting- they grew up pretty much together in Brownsville, so this hits more than just the brothers in the group. It is quite a blow, and at a really bad time. Not that there could ever have been a good one.
Manny was in a wreck with an 18 wheeler. I don't know all the details. The truck driver was hospitalized. Manny was DOA. He left behind a wife and a couple of sons.
and several grieving siblings, cousins, parents and countless friends.
***************************************************
Six months later, I go ahead and publish this. Manny would be so very proud of his brothers, esp the confirmed bachelor who isn't anymore. The band is tighter and busier than ever, and they carry Manny's love for the band with them all the time.
Watch over them, Manny.
This season always seems to bring tragedy to light more distinctly than others. I guess it is the move toward empathy being made for once in the year. It often doesn't survive the present wrappings being dumped in the trash.
December 17th saw two deaths in my world- Dan Fogelberg, after fighting cancer for two years, and Manford Del Castillo, one of Rick and Mark's older brothers.
People at work today could actually see the pain on my face, though I spoke to none about it. I know my brothers in DC are all hurting- they grew up pretty much together in Brownsville, so this hits more than just the brothers in the group. It is quite a blow, and at a really bad time. Not that there could ever have been a good one.
Manny was in a wreck with an 18 wheeler. I don't know all the details. The truck driver was hospitalized. Manny was DOA. He left behind a wife and a couple of sons.
and several grieving siblings, cousins, parents and countless friends.
***************************************************
Six months later, I go ahead and publish this. Manny would be so very proud of his brothers, esp the confirmed bachelor who isn't anymore. The band is tighter and busier than ever, and they carry Manny's love for the band with them all the time.
Watch over them, Manny.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Catch-up
Wow.
Two months without looking at this site. One would think I hadn't been up to much- not true! Traveled to see my Del Castillo buds, first to Corpus, then to Austin. Caught several Buttercup gigs, though I have yet to make it to one of their Austin Tuesday Grackles. Weeknights are just tough to do, ya know? I payed for going to austin to see DC.
Got some WONDERFUL news the other day! My step brother's band Machine Head has been nominated for a Grammy! I am so happy for them! Dave's been in the band for 12 years, and all but one of their six albums, and it is about damn time the Industry in this country recognised them for the talent they are. I was so pissed at Roadrunner US when they fired MH! Roadrunner UK had its head on though, and after the album Through the Ashes of Empires took Europe by storm, RR here wised the hell up! I was livid about the treatment the guys got, and wasn't happy when they re-signed with them, but I know they didn't go with any half-assed contract. And the new union has paid off mightily for both sides now!
I will actually watch that damned award show ( I hate that junk....what a waste of time!) Just to see Dave and the guys in the audience. Maybe I will get a friend to TIVO it, so's I can skip over all but the important parts. Who knows- maybe they will ask Machine Head to PLAY the awards! That would SO rock!
Haven't been out to see much local talent lately. Just cannot seem to motivate myself into smoky, noisy bars. The occassional coffee house will have something that interests me, but on the whole, this city is once again lacking a place for true alternative musical approaches to be heard. There was many a night where I wanted to be elsewhere, but I really do miss the Red Room. We gave the unique a place to be, and while the audiences weren't always there, the artists loved it. Doors opened as a result, but not enough, and I think I am feeling the withdrawl. Need a dose of Billy Harvey, or Matt the Electrician, or a thousand others that passed thru our doors. Sigh.
Maybe it is the season that is making me sentimental.
And yesterday was the anniversary of that bad,bad day in 1980. I wrote about it in detail last year, so won't this time. Instead,a link: www.imaginepeace.com
This is a site run by Yoko, for the same cause she and John spoke out about for years.
Go visit, send a message to the peace memorial, and remember the positive that John Ono Lennon brought to, and left with this world. We still miss you, bro.
namaste.
Two months without looking at this site. One would think I hadn't been up to much- not true! Traveled to see my Del Castillo buds, first to Corpus, then to Austin. Caught several Buttercup gigs, though I have yet to make it to one of their Austin Tuesday Grackles. Weeknights are just tough to do, ya know? I payed for going to austin to see DC.
Got some WONDERFUL news the other day! My step brother's band Machine Head has been nominated for a Grammy! I am so happy for them! Dave's been in the band for 12 years, and all but one of their six albums, and it is about damn time the Industry in this country recognised them for the talent they are. I was so pissed at Roadrunner US when they fired MH! Roadrunner UK had its head on though, and after the album Through the Ashes of Empires took Europe by storm, RR here wised the hell up! I was livid about the treatment the guys got, and wasn't happy when they re-signed with them, but I know they didn't go with any half-assed contract. And the new union has paid off mightily for both sides now!
I will actually watch that damned award show ( I hate that junk....what a waste of time!) Just to see Dave and the guys in the audience. Maybe I will get a friend to TIVO it, so's I can skip over all but the important parts. Who knows- maybe they will ask Machine Head to PLAY the awards! That would SO rock!
Haven't been out to see much local talent lately. Just cannot seem to motivate myself into smoky, noisy bars. The occassional coffee house will have something that interests me, but on the whole, this city is once again lacking a place for true alternative musical approaches to be heard. There was many a night where I wanted to be elsewhere, but I really do miss the Red Room. We gave the unique a place to be, and while the audiences weren't always there, the artists loved it. Doors opened as a result, but not enough, and I think I am feeling the withdrawl. Need a dose of Billy Harvey, or Matt the Electrician, or a thousand others that passed thru our doors. Sigh.
Maybe it is the season that is making me sentimental.
And yesterday was the anniversary of that bad,bad day in 1980. I wrote about it in detail last year, so won't this time. Instead,a link: www.imaginepeace.com
This is a site run by Yoko, for the same cause she and John spoke out about for years.
Go visit, send a message to the peace memorial, and remember the positive that John Ono Lennon brought to, and left with this world. We still miss you, bro.
namaste.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
