Sweet William & The Stereos (feat. Duane Allman) "I Can Hear My Baby" - 1965

50 years ago, an 18-year-old Duane Allman played on a tune with Sweet William & The Stereos called "I Can Hear My Baby".  The band lineup is:

Bill “Sweet William” Fauls: vocals

John Walden: guitar

Johnny Ford: organ

Dave King: saxophone

Roger Capps: bass

Bill Hileman: drums

Allman Brothers Band "High Cost of Low Living"

One of my favorite later Allman Brothers Band songs, from their last studio record.  The second cut off of "Hittin' The Note"... "High Cost of Low Living".  Great jam, with a good all around message in the lyrics.  Check it out.

In Memory Of Duane Allman- The U of Music Honors The Allman Brothers Band

Check this out.

http://www.uofmusic.com/blog/3667/in-memory-of-duane-allman--the-u-of-music-honors-the-allman-brothers-band

Allman Brothers Band "Stormy Monday"

Continuing to remember Duane Allman.  Here are two phenomenal versions of "Stormy Monday", the great T. Bone Walker blues, covered by the Allman Brothers Band.  The first, is a live cut, with Duane, and with the band's pal Thom Doucette, on harmonica.  The second version, is from the 2009 40th anniversary concert series, and features a guest appearance, by none other, than Eric Clapton, who has done great versions of this song, in his own right.  You will recall, that Clapton, and Duane Allman, recorded together, on the vast majority of tracks on the "Layla" record, in 1970, as well.

Rest In Peace, "Skydog".

Otis Rush & Duane Allman "You Reap What You Sow"

Duane Allman and Otis Rush, with the song "You Reap What You Sow", recorded during Duane's session days in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

Derek Trucks on What He Learned From Allman Brothers

Bonus post.  We've heard, from Warren Haynes, a year after the Allman Brothers' incredible run, of 45 years, came to an end.  Here, is Derek Trucks' perspective.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/derek-trucks-on-what-he-learned-from-allman-brothers-20151028

Warren Haynes Talks Life After Allman Brothers, Singer-Songwriter Roots

An interview with Warren Haynes in Rolling Stone magazine, speaking about the Allman Brothers, a year on from their final show, and also, his musical roots, as showcased on his great new record "Ashes & Dust".

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/warren-haynes-talks-life-after-the-allman-brothers-singer-songwriter-roots-20151027

"Lost" Roy Orbison Album, MGM Box Set To Be Released In December

The music of the late, great, Roy Orbison, lives on, in a new record, and box set, to be released, in December.  At the bottom of the article, (the link is below), is Roy Orbison performing the song "River" from a movie called "The Fastest Guitar Alive".

http://www.americansongwriter.com/2015/10/lost-roy-orbison-album-mgm-box-set-to-be-released-in-december/

Soft Machine "Teeth"

Have blogged about this band before, but not for a while.  Check out revolutionary jazz fusion/prog rock band Soft Machine, and their monster composition, "Teeth" circa 1971.  The band line up is:

Roy Babbington / double bass
Mark Charig / cornet
Elton Dean / alto sax, saxello
Nick Evans / trombone
Jimmy Hastings / alto flute, bass clarinet
Hugh Hopper / bass guitar
Mike Ratledge / organ, piano
Alan Skidmore / tenor sax
Robert Wyatt / drums

Watch Steely Dan's Donald Fagen Pay Tribute to Jazz Legend Sonny Rollins

With a band, that includes jazz veterans and legends, Randy Brecker, on trumpet, Jimmy Heath on tenor saxophone, Buster Williams on bass, and Al Foster, on drums.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/watch-steely-dans-donald-fagen-pay-tribute-to-jazz-legend-sonny-rollins-20151026#ixzz3pliF6cPR

Vinnie Colaiuta, Joe Diorio, & Jeff Berlin "Space Shuttle Shuffle"

Take me, directly, to outer space, baby!  It's Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, Joe Diorio on guitar, and Jeff Berlin on bass, playing, "Space Shuttle Shuffle"!  10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.  We have liftoff!

Pharoah Sanders - "Kazuko" - An Abandoned Tunnel

How cool is this!

Pharoah Sanders - "Kazuko" - Live In an Abandoned Tunnel in San Francisco (Marin Headlands - close to the Golden Gate Bridge) 1982

The Modern Jazz Quartet "Django"

 

The Modern Jazz Quartet did a lot of revolutionary things that had not been accomplished in the world of jazz before they came on the scene.  Here is their tune, "Django".  The band only ever had one personnel change in it's existence.  Milt Jackson on vibraphone, eventually quit the band, due to creative differences.  But the other three members (John Lewis on piano, Percy Heath on upright bass, and Connie Kay on drums), stayed together.

John McLaughlin & Jeff Beck "Django"

Dig this track by Jeff Beck and John McLaughlin.  It is called "Django", which was originally recorded by The Modern Jazz Quartet, and features the two guitar masters, along with a great rhythm section.

John McLaughlin, Jeff Beck - electric guitar
Pino Palladino - bass
Mark Mondesir - drums
Tony Hymas - keyboards

I'll bet the cats in the Modern Jazz Quartet never would thought their song would have been given the electric fusion treatment.  But, the song is still a classic.

Lenny White "Mating Drive"

Check out this amazing piece of music, from Lenny White (drummer for Return To Forever), on his solo recording, "Venusian Summer".  The tune is called "Mating Drive" and features a monster solo from guitarist, Ray Gomez.  Holy cow!  The full band lineup on this track, is:

Lenny White : Drums
Doug Rauch : Bass
Doug Rodrigues : Rhythm Guitar
Ray Gomez : Lead Guitar
Larry Young (Khalid Yasin) : Organ
Onaje Allan Gumbs : Electric Piano - Melotron

Billy Cobham "Slidin' By"

Neat track by Billy Cobham called "Slidin' By" from his 1992 "By Design" record.  The band lineup:

Billy Cobham - drums
Brian Bromberg - bass
Dean Brown - guitar
Joe Chindamo - keyboards
Ernie Watts - tenor saxophone

Rush "Xanadu"

One of the magnum opus songs of Rush's catalog.  This one, was performed, at their R40 tour show at the Xcel Energy Center that yours truly, saw, back in May.  Here is "Xanadu" featuring the double neck guitars, released, in 1975.  The lyrics of this song, are based on an 18th century poem called "Kubla Khan" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge.  The poem was completed in 1797, but, not published, until 1816.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kubla_Khan

Al Jarreau & Marcus Miller: "Tenderness" Live in Studio, 1994

Posted a video from this performance, a while back.  But, here is the whole concert.  A very good band is playing on this session including:

Al Jarreau: lead vocals
Marcus Miller: bass
Joe Sample: piano, Rhodes piano
Paulinho da Costa: percussion
Steve Gadd: drums
Eric Gale: guitar
Neil Larsen: Hammond B3 organ
Philippe Saisse: keyboards
Michael "Patches" Stewart: trumpet
Jeff Ramsey: backing vocals
Sharon Young: backing vocals

Special guest - David Sanborn: alto saxophone

Pink Floyd reunion @ Live 8, 2005

A decade ago, Pink Floyd, reunited, with all four original members.  David Gilmour on guitar, Roger Waters, on bass, Rick Wright on keys (Rest In Peace, Rick Wright), and Nick Mason, on drums.  The set list.

1. Breathe (In The Air)
2. Money (feat. Dick Parry: tenor saxophone, & Snowy White: guitar)
3. Wish You Were Here (in memory of Pink Floyd founding member, Syd Barrett)
4. Comfortably Numb

Chick Corea & Gary Burton Live in Tokyo, 1981

Chick Corea on piano and Gary Burton on vibraphone, live in Tokyo, Japan, in 1981.

The set list.

1. Mirror, Mirror
2. Bud Powell
3. Children's Song No. 1
4. Children's Song No. 2
5. Children's Song No. 15
6. Children's Song No. 9
7. Children's Song No. 10
8. Children's Song No. 11
9. Children's Song No. 6
10. Senor Mouse
11. Song to Gayle
12. La Fiesta

Phil Keaggy "John The Revelator"

Check out finger picking guitar master, Phil Keaggy, playing Son House's gospel blues tune, "John The Revelator".

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Keaggy

The Black Crowes to Re-Relase First Four AMERICAN RECORDINGS Albums On High-Grade 180-Gram Vinyl

A bonus post of sorts, for this Thursday.  Even though The Black Crowes, as a band, are now defunct, their first four classic recordings, issued in 1990, '92, '94, and '96, will be re-released as high grade vinyl LP records.

http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/the-black-crowes-to-re-release-first-four-american-recordings-albums-on-high-grade-180-gram-vinyl/

Trey Anastasio: Lessons from Dead Camp

Trey Anastasio in an interview with Relix magazine, reflects on playing with The Grateful Dead, during their Fare Thee Well concerts.

http://www.relix.com/articles/detail/trey_anastasio_lessons_from_dead_camp

Greg Howe's Extraction

More jazz fusion mastery.  Dig this.  Greg Howe's band, Extraction, playing a wicked jam, and featuring, Greg Howe, on guitar, Akira Onozuka on keyboards, Tetsuo Sakurai on bass, and Dennis Chambers on drums.

Billy Cobham & George Duke, Montreux Jazz Festival, 1976

Live from the 1976 Montreux Jazz Festival, it's Billy Cobham and the late, great George Duke, who were part of an incredible band, for this performance.

George Duke: keyboards
John Scofield: guitar
Alphonso Johnson: bass
Billy Cobham: drums

Here's the set list.

1. Panhandler
2. Juicy
3. Red Baron
4. Almustafa The Beloved
5. Ivory Tattoo
6. Some Day
7. Hip Pockets
8. Drum Solo
9. Sweet Wine
10. Life & Time
11. Stratus
12. That's What She Said

Bob Berg "Travelin' Man"

Check out contemporary jazz saxophonist, Bob Berg, with the track "Travelin' Man" from his "Backroads" record.  Among the musicians in the band are Jim Beard on piano and Dennis Chambers, on drums. 

Eric Clapton "Tulsa Time"

Two great versions of "Tulsa Time" written by J.J. Cale and performed by Eric Clapton.  One is from a solo gig with his band, in 1985.  The other, is a performance from the second Crossroads Guitar Festival in Chicago, in 2007 that also features Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, Albert Lee, and Jerry Douglas. 

Yellowjackets "Top Secret"

Heard this song again, on a program on the local Minneapolis, MN jazz station, (KBEM 88.5), a couple nights ago.  Check out, The Yellowjackets, and their 1981 composition, "Top Secret" from their "Mirage A Trois" record.

Russell Ferrante: keyboards
James Newton Howard: synthesizers
Robben Ford: guitar
Jimmy Haslip: bass
Ricky Lawson: drums
Paulinho da Costa: percussion

The Stanley Clarke Band - North Sea Jazz Festival 2015

Yours truly, has seen Stanley Clarke, with Return To Forever, and, twice, with his solo band, with various members.  Here he is, playing with the solo quartet, at the 2015 North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam, Holland.

Lee Ritenour "Captain Fingers"

Lee Ritenour plays the title track to his 1977 record, "Captain Fingers", which is his nickname as a guitarist. 

Tower of Power "Squib Cakes"

Studio and live performances of Tower of Power, playing their instrumental, "Squib Cakes".  Been doing this one a lot, for a cover band I am in, playing guitar, that plays lots of horn driven R&B and funk, and this tune, is part of the repertoire.  Dig it.  Be aware, the Hammond B3 solos in the studio and live versions, are fantastic.  Dig the horns.  But, in my book, the guitar solo on the studio record, is superior, to the live track, also included here. Credits for the studio track are:

Tower of Power

Lenny Pickett: 1st tenor sax, alto sax, bass sax, soprano sax, flute, alto flute, piccolo
Stephen "Doc" Kupka (a.k.a. "The Doctor"), baritone sax, English horn, background vocals
Greg Adams: trumpet, flugelhorn
Mic Gillette: trumpet, flugelhorn, background vocals
Bruce Conte: guitar, background vocals
Chester Thompson: Hammond B3 organ
Emilio Castillo: 2nd tenor sax, background vocals
Brent Byars: congas
David Garibaldi: drums
Francis Rocco Prestia: bass
Lenny Williams: lead vocals

Caravan medley: "Can't Be Long Now"/"Francoise"/"For Richard"/Warlock [Canterbury Scene]

Revisiting music of prog. rock/jazz fusion band, Caravan.  The credits on this recording and song are:

Pye Hastings: guitars, vocals
David Sinclair: keyboards
Jimmy Hastings (as Brother James): flute, tenor saxophone
Richard Sinclair: bass guitar
Richard Coughlan: drums, percussion

Shakti (feat. John McLaughlin) "Face to Face"

Shakti, a band from India, featuring jazz guitar legend, John McLaughlin, on a composition called "Face to Face", from their record titled "Natural Elements".  The band lineup is:

Zakir Hussain – bongos, dholak, percussion, tabla, timbales, triangle
John McLaughlin – guitar, acoustic guitar
Lakshminarayana Shankar – viola, violin
Vikku Vinayakram – ghatam, kanjeera, percussion

Pat Metheny "(Cross The) Heartland - Airstream"

Check out this piece by Pat Metheny called "(Cross The) Heartland - Airstream", from his 1980 "American Garage" record.  The band lineup is:

Pat Metheny - 6 and 12-string electric and acoustic guitars
Lyle Mays - piano, Oberheim synthesizer, autoharp, electric organ
Mark Egan - electric bass
Dan Gottlieb - drums

Caribou Mountain Collective "Ramblin' Woman"

Check out bluegrass pickers Caribou Mountain Collective, with their song, "Ramblin' Woman".

Ed Motta "Awunism"

Check out Brazilian jazz keyboardist Ed Motta and his band, playing their tune "Awunism".  The band lineup is:

Ed Motta: Rhodes piano
Cassio Ferrera: tenor saxophone
Jesse Sadoc: trumpet
Sidiel Vieira: upright bass
Leandro Cabral: electric piano
Vitor Cabral: drums

concert DVD review Gregg Allman "Back To Macon, Georgia"

Yours truly, predicted it, after seeing Gregg Allman & Friends play the Pantages Theater in Minneapolis, back in March, and that prediction, came true, with the release of "Gregg Allman, Live.  Back To Macon, Georgia".  On the DVD, Allman and his band play Macon's Grand Opera House, on January 14th, 2014.  The version of the band on the DVD is slightly different than that of the 2015 tour.  But, the only differences are in keyboard and trumpet players, with Ben Stivers on piano, and Dennis Marion, on trumpet, joining sax men Jay Collins and Art Edmaiston.  The integral band members... Gregg Allman (Hammond B3, vocals), Scott Sharrard (guitar), Ron Johnson (bass), Steve Potts (drums), and Marc Quinones (percussion), are the same.

The set starts with the triple threat of "Statesboro Blues", "I'm No Angel", and "Queen of Hearts".  before blending into a songwriter vibe and also, throwing in more Allman Brothers covers.  Gregg and the band groove on Muddy Waters' "I Can't Be Satisfied", and follow that up with poignant versions of Jackson Browne's "These Days", and "Ain't Wastin' Time No More", from the Allman's "Eat A Peach" record.  Some surprises are thrown in towards the end of the first half of the set.

Gregg plays a tune, that he mentions the history of, saying, "this is a song I cut in 1976, for a solo record called 'Playin' Up A Storm'.  Myself, and Ray Charles are the only two people to ever record this song.  It's called "The Brightest Smile In Town".  This is a soul blues, at it's finest, with plenty of input, from the horns, and Gregg's soul drenched vocals and organ, highlighting the tune.  Then, the band gets jazzy, and pays tribute to the Allman Brothers, with "Hot 'Lanta" which the band recorded on the second side of "Live At Fillmore East", circa 1971.

"Hot 'Lanta" is a springboard, for Allman, Sharrard, Stivers, Johnson, and the drummers, to all go for it, and improvise.  Not to mention, Jay Collins on tenor sax.  It is clear, that other instruments, have picked up the mantle from where dueling lead guitars used to be.  Set one closes, with a rare, and really cool take on Wilson Pickett's "I Found A Love", another great R&B ballad.  On some of the tunes, Sharrard sings harmony lines, in addition to providing solid lead guitar, similarly to how Warren Haynes fulfilled that role in the Allman Brothers.

"Don't Keep Me Wonderin' " from "Idlewild South", begins the second set, and speaking of Warren Haynes, his song, "Just Before The Bullets Fly", (covered by Gregg Allman on a 1988 record of the same name), is next up, and it's a definite rock and roller.  A ubiquitous number follows.  "Melissa", which (like "These Days", from earlier in the set), features Jay Collins, on flute, as opposed to saxophone.

The arrangement for "Midnight Rider" is from Allman's 1973 "Laid Back" solo record... his first solo record he cut, right around the same time as the Allman Brothers Band released "Brothers & Sisters". "Queen of Hearts" was also featured on "Laid Back".  The solo version of "Midnight Rider" is so different from the Allman's version.  But, the difference, provides for a unique feel, with horns, and electric piano, taking center stage.  Closing out the set are a romping boogie tune called "Love Like Kerosene" (you will have to hear/see that one, to believe it, folks... trust me), and, the Allman's magnum opus, "Whipping Post".

This time, "Whipping Post", (just as at the concert back in March), is done with a very Latin, uptempo feel, as opposed to the original version from the Allman's first record, which is between a thunderous rock anthem, and a stone cold blues.  Speaking of stone cold blues, the encore is... you guessed it... "One Way Out", which is treated with horns, and a major league drum solo by Steve Potts.  Gregg's son Devon Allman, makes another cameo, and takes an energy charged solo, before the tune comes to a close.

There is some bonus material, on the DVD, too, in addition to the sections of the interview that are interspersed during the concert.  Two bonus tracks appear, that were not included in the track list, but were played at the same gig.  T Bone Walker's "Stormy Monday", (a staple of the Allman Brothers Band's catalog through the years), and Sleepy John Estes' 1937 blues, "Floating Bridge".

To close out the concert, is a short little feature/interview with the legendary H&H soul food restaurant, in Macon, Georgia, where the Allman Brothers used to get meals from owner, Mama Louise Hudson.  The band members, chat with each other, over lunch, how much of an honor it is, to get to play with a legend like Gregg Allman.  Sax player Jay Collins describes the difference in approach between the Allman Brothers and the Gregg Allman Band, saying, "the Allman Brothers is like a sledgehammer and just comes at you full force.  Our band, is more precise, like a surgical instrument."

Bass player Ron Johnson, and the other band members joke about how they knew each other, and also discussed their approach for recording the concert that is on the DVD.  H&H's soul food is just as much a part of Macon, Georgia's heritage, as the Allman Brothers Band's music, and Mama Louise's daughter explains the popularity of the soul food dishes, served at the restaurant, like collard greens, black eyed peas, lima beans, baked ham, fried chicken, and stew beef.  Good food, and good music.  Two of the things, that make life, a pleasure.

So, though the Allman Brothers Band's career is over, it seems like Gregg's solo band is just getting started, and this concert DVD is a brilliant example of that.  If you are an Allman Brothers fan, or just want to know more about the music, check out the CD/DVD "Back To Macon, Georgia."

Here's the set list/track listing, which is identical for the 2-disc CD and DVD.

1. Statesboro Blues
2. I'm No Angel
3. Queen of Hearts
Interview, Part 1: What Macon Was To Us
4. I Can't Be Satisfied
5. These Days
6. Ain't Wastin' Time No More
Interview, Part 2: Practicing in Macon
7. Brightest Smile In Town
8. Hot 'Lanta
9. I've Found A Love
10. Don't Keep Me Wondering
11. Before The Bullets Fly
12. Melissa
Interview, Part 3: We Worked Hard
13. Midnight Rider
14. Love Like Kerosene
Interview, Part 4: Songwriting for the Allman Brothers
15. Whipping Post
16. One Way Out

Bonus Tracks:

17. Stormy Monday
18. Floating Bridge
Mini Feature: The Gregg Allman Band at the H&H