Grinderswitch "Roll On Gambler"

Another cut from the "Honest To Goodness" record by Grinderswitch circa 1974.  The song is "Roll On Gambler"

Incidentally, it should be noted that on this particular recording, guest artists included (from the Allman Brothers), Dickey Betts, and, Jaimoe.

Weather Report "A Remark You Made"

Here is what is probably my favorite tune off of the "Heavy Weather" record by Weather Report discussed in yesterday's post.  "A Remark You Made".  Enjoy this one.

record collection revisited: Weather Report "Heavy Weather"

"Heavy Weather" is the title of the best known album by jazz fusion band Weather Report.  This band was another fusion offshoot in the 1970s including members of former bands led by Miles Davis during his electric period.  Joe Zawinul on keys and Wayne Shorter on saxes were Davis band alumni and in this band, also featured were drummer Peter Erskine and bassists Miroslav Vitous and Jaco Pastorius.  Jaco had fully become a part of Weather Report by the recording of "Heavy Weather" in 1977.  Weather Report used the same complexities as other fusion bands in their music.  But, they seemed to be more accessible to listeners through their musical style than say Return To Forever or Mahavishnu Orchestra, paving the way for the "smooth jazz" era in the '80s while retaining complexities found in the sound of jazz fusion.

The instrumental tracks rely heavily on Zawinul's use of synthesizers along with Pastorius on bass and Shorter on sax.  Shorter switched frequently between tenor and soprano saxophone on this record and on their other albums.  The songs are adventurous to listen to.  One of them ("Rumba Mama") has percussion and singing.  It is perhaps the band's take on "Birdland" that is the most recognizable of all their numbers, including those on this album.  Joe Zawinul wrote it.  But, it became a staple among other artists including jazz trumpet extraordinaire Maynard Ferguson, infamous jazz drummer Buddy Rich, Manhattan Transfer, and, even, The String Cheese Incident (according to the article about the tune from Wikipedia). 

The tune is a tribute to the Birdland jazz club in New York City named after Charlie Parker.  It's form as to how the song was written is very unique.  Jaco Pastorius is noted for his scat singing on it as well as his bass work on the whole album whether on fretted or fretless bass.  Besides the title cut, there are whole lot of other listenable and musical numbers within the album such as "A Remark You Made" where Shorter or tenor sax and Pastorius ob bass really stand out, and the unique track "Rumba Mama" which is just percussion overlaid with vocals.  Puerto Rican percussionist Manolo Badrena sings and plays on "Rumba Mama". 

Badrena has played with not just Weather Report, but also with acts like The Rolling Stones, Art Blakey, contemporary jazz fusion/smooth jazz band Spyro Gyra, Blondie, The Talking Heads, Michael Franks and jazz piano legend Ahmad Jamal.  This is a fun recording to listen to because of all the different sounds and emotions the band achieves in the compositions and how syncopated they are.  Check out Weather Report.  I do have another album of theirs and that one will be reviewed soon as well.  Stay tuned.

Here's the track list for "Birdland"

1. Birdland
2. A Remark You Made
3. Teen Town
4. Harlequin
5. Rumba Mama
6. Palladium
7. The Juggler
8. Havona

stolen guitars, ugh!

I read something that bugged me today.  A favorite guitar shop in St. Paul had gear stolen from it somehow.  People who are thieves are a given to get to me.  But, stealing guitars is just wrong!  Though, I realize they are vulnerable for being as valuable and sought after as they are (most of the well known brands cost quite a bit of bread).  Willie's was one store hit and the other was Guitar Rodeo.  Ugh!  Thieves are out to steal anything, and guitars are certainly on the list.  Some very prominent musicians have had the embarrassment of having gear stolen while on the road.  Some people just are very clever and know what they want.  But, IMO, save the dough to buy the guitar.  Don't steal it! 

Miles Davis Isle of Wight Festival gig, 1970

Holy cow!  I just happened upon video of a Miles Davis show at Isle of Wight circa 1970.  This is a wild ride!  Fans never knew what to expect when Miles hit the stage in the '70s with his core road band (here, featuring Chick Corea and Keith Jarrett on keys, Dave Holland on bass, Gary Bartz on saxes, Jack DeJohnette on drums and Airto Moreira on percussion).  Incidentally, I think this whole show can be found in different parts on YouTube, and, is on a DVD as well.

In Memoriam: Dick Clark

Host of the popular music TV show and all around media and music pioneer, Dick Clark, has passed away on April 18th.  Some of this generation may or may not remember the show.  But, Dick Clark was influential in launching the careers of countless music stars.  “American Bandstand” aired for 37 years between 1952 and 1989.  Clark hosted between 1956 and 1989.  The show started out by having records played and then, in the 1960s, artists began performing live on it.  Countless names appeared and thus became well known through the show.  A partial list from the Wikipedia article about the show lists artists such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Simon & Garfunkel, Fats Domino, Johnny Cash, Ike & Tina Turner, Chubby Checker, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Buddy Holly and Sam Cooke.

Clark gave countless new artists a chance to appear on the show and that’s what ultimately launched them to stardom.  He was also a businessman and hosted other TV game shows, making him a large force within the whole of the entertainment industry with controversies that did come along the way including a payola scandal at one point.  Clark partnered with Johnny Carson for a time in the late 1980s on television projects.  He had a production company and also ventured into the business of overseeing theaters and being a restaurateur.  Clark also hosted New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, an event he created, which, after he suffered a stroke, was taken over by entertainment personality Ryan Seacrest.  

Some readers may be a bit young to remember Dick Clark.  However, his impact on the entertainment industry as a whole was widely felt.  He will be missed.  But, he will be remembered for his role of bringing popular music very successfully to the television screen and as a pioneer in the worlds of TV and the whole of media.  Rest In Peace, Dick Clark.

Grinderswitch "Catch A Train"

Another Grinderswitch track.  This is "Catch A Train" from the "Honest To Goodness" album from 1974.