Bill Dixon - An American Original
Antonio G. Pereira © 2010 Antonio G. Pereira
____________________________________________
Bill Dixon. Painter, Composer, Arranger, Educator, Author, Pianist, Trumpeter, and one of the key Instigators and Revolutionaries of what we now know as (Post-Bebop) New Music, passed away on June 16th. He left an incredible body of work. www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=58430 , www.nytimes.com/2010/06/20/arts/music/20dixon.html
Many years ago, Soul Patrol Digest, a wonderful Arts and Culture Online Magazine, was gracious enough to publish an article I had written about him, 'You Wouldn't Know About Bill Dixon, Unless...': http://www.soul-patrol.com/soulpat/magazine/july03/may.pdf or https://yumpu.com/en/document/view/16052010/soul-patrol-digest-magazine I always thought that if Bill Dixon and Frank Zappa {Go to the Internet Archive http://www.archive.org Type http://home.online.no/~corneliu/mother1.htm into the Wayback Machine Click Browse History Then choose 2015} (both exceptional musicians with brilliant minds), had had the opportunity to meet each other and talk (they were both admirers of the music of Anton Webern), they would have ended up conversing for hours.
Bill Dixon - An American Original
Go to the Internet Archive http://www.archive.org Type http://bill-dixon.com into the Wayback Machine Click Browse History Then choose 2007.
Antonio G. Pereira
Friday, July 23, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
The Coltrane Legacy DVD/John Coltrane Live In '60& '61 & 65 DVD
The Coltrane Legacy DVD/John Coltrane Live In '60 & '61 & '65 DVD
Antonio G. Pereira © 2010 Antonio G. Pereira
____________________________________________
There are two marvelous DVDs that have been made about John Coltrane. The Coltrane Legacy (Video Artists International) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006LPGR?tag=dvdmaailm and John Coltrane Live In '60 & '61 & '65 (Reelin'In The Years Productions) http://www.reelinintheyears.com/
The Coltrane Legacy was produced by Burrill Crohn, the business partner of well known Filmmaker David Chertok http://www.nytimes.com/1988/07/23/obituaries/david-chertok-66-amassed-an-archive-of-rare-jazz-films.html . The Coltrane Legacy DVD (originally released on VHS) contains very rare footage of John Coltrane in performance, and interviews with associates who knew him. The interviews (interspersed with the music at intervals) with Jimmy Cobb (who performed with Coltrane in Miles Davis' band), Reggie Workman and Elvin Jones (who worked with Coltrane when he formed his own ensemble), are fascinating and very informative (and in Elvin Jones' case, very moving); concerning what kind of person John Coltrane was. It's obvious when you hear his colleagues talk about him, that John Coltrane was someone special, and gifted with something beyond the ordinary; as if guided by the hand of a Higher Power, which is why, one suspects, his music touches so deeply. The songs on The Coltrane Legacy are, 'So What', footage from a Television Special of Miles Davis recording his album, Kind Of Blue. 'Everytime We Say Goodbye', The John Coltrane Quartet recorded Live on German Television. This is John Coltrane, Reggie Workman, McCoy Tyner and Elvin Jones. 'Impressions' and 'My Favorite Things', footage from the same German Television Program, with the Quartet augmented by Eric Dolphy. 'Afro Blue', 'Impressions' and 'Alabama'. The John Coltrane Quartet a few years later, now consisting of John Coltrane, Jimmy Garrison, McCoy Tyner and Elvin Jones. These recordings are from Music Journalist Ralph J. Gleason's PBS series, Jazz Casual; which was produced for PBS in San Francisco. (The entire show, by the way, can be purchased on DVD. Go to The Internet Archive http://www.archive.org type http://www.jazzcasual.com/onvideo.html into The Wayback Machine and click, Take Me Back ). The Miles Davis footage is quite stunning, and Gil Evans can be seen conducting the Orchestra, with Miles, Cannonball Adderley, Bill Evans, and other band members, along with Coltrane, taking their turns soloing. The footage from German Television of The John Coltrane Quartet is wonderful, and you can see the band flowering with Eric Dolphy. Then the footage from Jazz Casual is very exciting, as you see the Quartet in it's prime. (From the glimpses of Ralph J. Gleason, you can tell of his obvious love for the music.) This particular footage is of note, because you see the Quartet performing Coltrane's (at that time) brand new composition, 'Alabama'. (In an interview segment, Elvin Jones explains how the song came about.) Just before thundering into a crescendo on drums, there is a profile of Elvin Jones' face, as he listens to Coltrane's heartbreaking notes of anguish; on the deaths of four little Black Children, killed when their church was bombed by Racists. (Many years later, you can hear Jimi Hendrix play the same kind of anguished notes {this time incorporating rage} in his interpretation of The Star Spangled Banner, at the Woodstock Festival; expressing in music, what America had become. A Battlefield. {See the book, Woodstock Dream by Elliot Landy. Published by teNeues Publishing Group teNeues Verlag GmbH + Co. Kampen, Germany http://www.teneues.com/ .Woodstock Vision by Elliot Landy. Elliot Landy http://www.landyvision.com/ }) The Coltrane Legacy is quite a powerful DVD, and the version of 'Afro Blue', performed on Jazz Casual, is nothing short of Majestic.
John Coltrane Live In '60 & '61 & '65, is the other DVD collection. From the first gorgeous piano introduction by Wynton Kelly of, 'On Green Dolphin Street', where he is joined by Paul Chambers, Jimmy Cobb, and then John Coltrane, the DVD sails off to a great start. These recordings are from German Television, and Coltrane is backed by Miles Davis' band, whom he was touring with for the last time. Delightfully bluesy and swinging, it's a wonderful performance of the song. Next is a take on 'Walkin' (A recording originally done on the album, Walkin'/The Miles Davis All Stars - Prestige Records. Check the Summer 1985 Japan Swing Journal Miles Davis Special Issue titled: Oh Miles; for the most detailed Record and CD Discography on earth, and with very rare photographs of Miles Davis and members of his bands from the'40s through the'80s, and full colour photographs of Miles relaxing at his home in Malibu and sketching colour artwork.), and the band really starts to cook, and follows it up with a Miles Davis composition, The 52nd Street Theme; named for the string of Jazz Clubs that used to occupy that New York Block, during the 1940s and '50s. And you begin to see the musician's delight in trading solos. A beautiful version of 'Autumn Leaves' is next, and the band is then joined by Stan Getz, for 'Moonlight In Vermont'. (These performances are gorgeous to look at, as well as hear. The cameramen on German Television took great care in filming these performances.) Stan Getz does a delicate and beautiful solo during 'Moonlight'. It's quite fascinating to watch the quick facial exchange between John Coltrane and Stan Getz, as the band completes 'Moonlight In Vermont', and Oscar Peterson replaces Wynton Kelly on the piano stool, and John and Stan both hear Oscar begin to play the first notes of Thelonious Monk's quirky and delightful tune, 'Hackensack'; (written with reference to Rudy Van Gelder's Recording Studio). Here are John Coltrane and Stan Getz, loving every moment of this. Both contemporaries at a crossroads. Shortly after this tour of Europe, Stan Getz went off in a direction of collaborating on Bossa Nova with Brazilian Innovators of the music; including Antonio Carlos Jobim, Luis Bonfa, and especially Joao and Astrud Gilberto. John Coltrane would take his music into a highly Spiritual direction, incorporating Black American Spirituals, African and East Indian music. It was an incredibly productive time for what was termed as 'Jazz' music; which moved to a completely different level, as the stage was set for a new and gloriously fruitful and fateful direction, of what eventually would become known as 'New Music', that would last for many years to come, and interestingly, from which Miles Davis would emerge in the 1970s as a major innovator, once again. (There were those who would disparage Coltrane for moving music in an "ethnic" direction, and would look on as the events of the 1960s would prove differently, as America changed forever; and those who didn't want anything to change musically, socially, culturally, and politically, found themselves smoked out into the open. Coltrane's new composition, 'Alabama', performed on Ralph J. Gleason's, Jazz Casual PBS program, being a prime example of the artist expressing what was wrong and desperately needed to be corrected, and in turn, a harbinger of drastic changes that would come.) 'Everytime We Say Goodbye', 'Impressions', and 'My Favorite Things', which follow, are the same performances of the John Coltrane Quartet with Eric Dolphy, from The Coltrane Legacy DVD; but done with Digital Mastering, so the picture and sound are much clearer. The interviews with Coltrane's band members however, make The Coltrane Legacy DVD as much a treasure as the Coltrane Live in '60 & '61 & '65 DVD. Finally, the performances which end the Coltrane Live DVD are from a 1965 concert in Belgium. We catch John Coltrane playing 'Vigil' (from his album Kulu Se Mama) and soloing in full flight with a frenzy. (Elvin Jones in the moment, delighting in rapturous drumming.) Followed by an exquisitely gorgeous version of 'Naima'. (Coltrane bending notes with a vengence.) And a beautiful version of 'My Favorite Things'. (McCoy Tyner conjuring Middle Eastern chording from his piano during his solo.) Though some of this footage has deteriorated with time and even with Digital Mastering, could only be restored but so much, it is nevertheless exciting to see. The performances leave you breathless, and are the kind Coltrane was noted for, by those who loved his music. It's wonderful that these performances survived. The booklet included with the DVD is full of beautiful photographs. The Forward by Michael Cuscuna (who you might remember from the original Albert Ayler Quartet recordings on Arista-Freedom, The Albert Ayler Septet Village Theatre and Village Vanguard Live Recordings on Impulse Records, and the Limited Edition Releases on Mosaic Records), is informative. The text by Ashley Kahn is passable from a business point of viewing the music therein, but lacking in understanding what took place in this music, and most importantly, 'why'. The final notes by the team at Reelin' In The Years, are quite good, and their dedication to what they are doing, shows.
There are several books about John Coltrane, which make wonderfully informative reading. Chief among them is, Chasin' The Trane by J.C. Thomas. Published by Da Capo Press N.Y. Here you find Coltrane's life in detail, told with the author's masterful and exciting prose; with interviews with just about every major artist, close friend, and relative who knew him. This is a book you can't afford to be without when learning about John Coltrane. Other books of interest are, Coltrane: A biography by Cuthbert Ormond Simpkins, M.D. Published by Herndon House Publishers (Distributed by Lawrence Hill & Company, Westport Conneticut) Dr. Simpkins has written an incredible biography, full of marvelous information, and a treasure of photographs; tracing the life of John Coltrane. John Coltrane by Bill Cole. Published by Schirmer Books (A Division of Macmillan Publishing Co.) The most detailed book with it's emphasis on Coltrane's music and it's creation. As Serious As Your Life: The Story of the New Jazz by Valerie Wilmer. Published by Lawrence Hill & Company, Westport Conneticut. British Music Journalist and Photographer Valerie Wilmer's book covers the developments in Jazz with emphasis on John Coltrane, Albert Ayler, Sun Ra, Earl Cross, Bill Dixon and many others. A wonderful book with a wealth of information, and excellent photographs. The chapter on John Coltrane, alone is worth the price of the book. And finally, Black Nationalism and the Revolution in Music by Frank Kofsky. Published by Pathfinder Press N.Y. There is an extensive section of the book, devoted to John Coltrane, the members of the Quartet, and finishing with a fascinating interview by the author, with John Coltrane himself. Frank Kofsky speaks of Coltrane in a deeply moving retrospective light.
You can find additional coverage and Live footage of John Coltrane, at his website: http://www.johncoltrane.com/
John Coltrane discovered something within music that makes him stand out in much the same way that Jimi Hendrix would later distinguish himself. He was able to tap into not only the spiritual, but combine it with the emotional; and translate it into a universal language that others could understand and feel, which is not an easy thing to do. One has to be a remarkably special human being, to be able to do this. (See the parts of Alice Coltrane's interview with Jazz and Pop magazine from Sept. 1968, cited in Chapter 14 of Dr. C.O. Simpkins' biography, Coltrane, where she discussed John Coltrane's composing techniques.)
We are truly blessed to have this music in our lives.
I shall remember the beauty of John Coltrane's recording of 'Central Park West', and it's effect on me the first time I heard it, for the rest of my life.
Antonio G. Pereira
Antonio G. Pereira © 2010 Antonio G. Pereira
____________________________________________
There are two marvelous DVDs that have been made about John Coltrane. The Coltrane Legacy (Video Artists International) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006LPGR?tag=dvdmaailm and John Coltrane Live In '60 & '61 & '65 (Reelin'In The Years Productions) http://www.reelinintheyears.com/
The Coltrane Legacy was produced by Burrill Crohn, the business partner of well known Filmmaker David Chertok http://www.nytimes.com/1988/07/23/obituaries/david-chertok-66-amassed-an-archive-of-rare-jazz-films.html . The Coltrane Legacy DVD (originally released on VHS) contains very rare footage of John Coltrane in performance, and interviews with associates who knew him. The interviews (interspersed with the music at intervals) with Jimmy Cobb (who performed with Coltrane in Miles Davis' band), Reggie Workman and Elvin Jones (who worked with Coltrane when he formed his own ensemble), are fascinating and very informative (and in Elvin Jones' case, very moving); concerning what kind of person John Coltrane was. It's obvious when you hear his colleagues talk about him, that John Coltrane was someone special, and gifted with something beyond the ordinary; as if guided by the hand of a Higher Power, which is why, one suspects, his music touches so deeply. The songs on The Coltrane Legacy are, 'So What', footage from a Television Special of Miles Davis recording his album, Kind Of Blue. 'Everytime We Say Goodbye', The John Coltrane Quartet recorded Live on German Television. This is John Coltrane, Reggie Workman, McCoy Tyner and Elvin Jones. 'Impressions' and 'My Favorite Things', footage from the same German Television Program, with the Quartet augmented by Eric Dolphy. 'Afro Blue', 'Impressions' and 'Alabama'. The John Coltrane Quartet a few years later, now consisting of John Coltrane, Jimmy Garrison, McCoy Tyner and Elvin Jones. These recordings are from Music Journalist Ralph J. Gleason's PBS series, Jazz Casual; which was produced for PBS in San Francisco. (The entire show, by the way, can be purchased on DVD. Go to The Internet Archive http://www.archive.org type http://www.jazzcasual.com/onvideo.html into The Wayback Machine and click, Take Me Back ). The Miles Davis footage is quite stunning, and Gil Evans can be seen conducting the Orchestra, with Miles, Cannonball Adderley, Bill Evans, and other band members, along with Coltrane, taking their turns soloing. The footage from German Television of The John Coltrane Quartet is wonderful, and you can see the band flowering with Eric Dolphy. Then the footage from Jazz Casual is very exciting, as you see the Quartet in it's prime. (From the glimpses of Ralph J. Gleason, you can tell of his obvious love for the music.) This particular footage is of note, because you see the Quartet performing Coltrane's (at that time) brand new composition, 'Alabama'. (In an interview segment, Elvin Jones explains how the song came about.) Just before thundering into a crescendo on drums, there is a profile of Elvin Jones' face, as he listens to Coltrane's heartbreaking notes of anguish; on the deaths of four little Black Children, killed when their church was bombed by Racists. (Many years later, you can hear Jimi Hendrix play the same kind of anguished notes {this time incorporating rage} in his interpretation of The Star Spangled Banner, at the Woodstock Festival; expressing in music, what America had become. A Battlefield. {See the book, Woodstock Dream by Elliot Landy. Published by teNeues Publishing Group teNeues Verlag GmbH + Co. Kampen, Germany http://www.teneues.com/ .Woodstock Vision by Elliot Landy. Elliot Landy http://www.landyvision.com/ }) The Coltrane Legacy is quite a powerful DVD, and the version of 'Afro Blue', performed on Jazz Casual, is nothing short of Majestic.
John Coltrane Live In '60 & '61 & '65, is the other DVD collection. From the first gorgeous piano introduction by Wynton Kelly of, 'On Green Dolphin Street', where he is joined by Paul Chambers, Jimmy Cobb, and then John Coltrane, the DVD sails off to a great start. These recordings are from German Television, and Coltrane is backed by Miles Davis' band, whom he was touring with for the last time. Delightfully bluesy and swinging, it's a wonderful performance of the song. Next is a take on 'Walkin' (A recording originally done on the album, Walkin'/The Miles Davis All Stars - Prestige Records. Check the Summer 1985 Japan Swing Journal Miles Davis Special Issue titled: Oh Miles; for the most detailed Record and CD Discography on earth, and with very rare photographs of Miles Davis and members of his bands from the'40s through the'80s, and full colour photographs of Miles relaxing at his home in Malibu and sketching colour artwork.), and the band really starts to cook, and follows it up with a Miles Davis composition, The 52nd Street Theme; named for the string of Jazz Clubs that used to occupy that New York Block, during the 1940s and '50s. And you begin to see the musician's delight in trading solos. A beautiful version of 'Autumn Leaves' is next, and the band is then joined by Stan Getz, for 'Moonlight In Vermont'. (These performances are gorgeous to look at, as well as hear. The cameramen on German Television took great care in filming these performances.) Stan Getz does a delicate and beautiful solo during 'Moonlight'. It's quite fascinating to watch the quick facial exchange between John Coltrane and Stan Getz, as the band completes 'Moonlight In Vermont', and Oscar Peterson replaces Wynton Kelly on the piano stool, and John and Stan both hear Oscar begin to play the first notes of Thelonious Monk's quirky and delightful tune, 'Hackensack'; (written with reference to Rudy Van Gelder's Recording Studio). Here are John Coltrane and Stan Getz, loving every moment of this. Both contemporaries at a crossroads. Shortly after this tour of Europe, Stan Getz went off in a direction of collaborating on Bossa Nova with Brazilian Innovators of the music; including Antonio Carlos Jobim, Luis Bonfa, and especially Joao and Astrud Gilberto. John Coltrane would take his music into a highly Spiritual direction, incorporating Black American Spirituals, African and East Indian music. It was an incredibly productive time for what was termed as 'Jazz' music; which moved to a completely different level, as the stage was set for a new and gloriously fruitful and fateful direction, of what eventually would become known as 'New Music', that would last for many years to come, and interestingly, from which Miles Davis would emerge in the 1970s as a major innovator, once again. (There were those who would disparage Coltrane for moving music in an "ethnic" direction, and would look on as the events of the 1960s would prove differently, as America changed forever; and those who didn't want anything to change musically, socially, culturally, and politically, found themselves smoked out into the open. Coltrane's new composition, 'Alabama', performed on Ralph J. Gleason's, Jazz Casual PBS program, being a prime example of the artist expressing what was wrong and desperately needed to be corrected, and in turn, a harbinger of drastic changes that would come.) 'Everytime We Say Goodbye', 'Impressions', and 'My Favorite Things', which follow, are the same performances of the John Coltrane Quartet with Eric Dolphy, from The Coltrane Legacy DVD; but done with Digital Mastering, so the picture and sound are much clearer. The interviews with Coltrane's band members however, make The Coltrane Legacy DVD as much a treasure as the Coltrane Live in '60 & '61 & '65 DVD. Finally, the performances which end the Coltrane Live DVD are from a 1965 concert in Belgium. We catch John Coltrane playing 'Vigil' (from his album Kulu Se Mama) and soloing in full flight with a frenzy. (Elvin Jones in the moment, delighting in rapturous drumming.) Followed by an exquisitely gorgeous version of 'Naima'. (Coltrane bending notes with a vengence.) And a beautiful version of 'My Favorite Things'. (McCoy Tyner conjuring Middle Eastern chording from his piano during his solo.) Though some of this footage has deteriorated with time and even with Digital Mastering, could only be restored but so much, it is nevertheless exciting to see. The performances leave you breathless, and are the kind Coltrane was noted for, by those who loved his music. It's wonderful that these performances survived. The booklet included with the DVD is full of beautiful photographs. The Forward by Michael Cuscuna (who you might remember from the original Albert Ayler Quartet recordings on Arista-Freedom, The Albert Ayler Septet Village Theatre and Village Vanguard Live Recordings on Impulse Records, and the Limited Edition Releases on Mosaic Records), is informative. The text by Ashley Kahn is passable from a business point of viewing the music therein, but lacking in understanding what took place in this music, and most importantly, 'why'. The final notes by the team at Reelin' In The Years, are quite good, and their dedication to what they are doing, shows.
There are several books about John Coltrane, which make wonderfully informative reading. Chief among them is, Chasin' The Trane by J.C. Thomas. Published by Da Capo Press N.Y. Here you find Coltrane's life in detail, told with the author's masterful and exciting prose; with interviews with just about every major artist, close friend, and relative who knew him. This is a book you can't afford to be without when learning about John Coltrane. Other books of interest are, Coltrane: A biography by Cuthbert Ormond Simpkins, M.D. Published by Herndon House Publishers (Distributed by Lawrence Hill & Company, Westport Conneticut) Dr. Simpkins has written an incredible biography, full of marvelous information, and a treasure of photographs; tracing the life of John Coltrane. John Coltrane by Bill Cole. Published by Schirmer Books (A Division of Macmillan Publishing Co.) The most detailed book with it's emphasis on Coltrane's music and it's creation. As Serious As Your Life: The Story of the New Jazz by Valerie Wilmer. Published by Lawrence Hill & Company, Westport Conneticut. British Music Journalist and Photographer Valerie Wilmer's book covers the developments in Jazz with emphasis on John Coltrane, Albert Ayler, Sun Ra, Earl Cross, Bill Dixon and many others. A wonderful book with a wealth of information, and excellent photographs. The chapter on John Coltrane, alone is worth the price of the book. And finally, Black Nationalism and the Revolution in Music by Frank Kofsky. Published by Pathfinder Press N.Y. There is an extensive section of the book, devoted to John Coltrane, the members of the Quartet, and finishing with a fascinating interview by the author, with John Coltrane himself. Frank Kofsky speaks of Coltrane in a deeply moving retrospective light.
You can find additional coverage and Live footage of John Coltrane, at his website: http://www.johncoltrane.com/
John Coltrane discovered something within music that makes him stand out in much the same way that Jimi Hendrix would later distinguish himself. He was able to tap into not only the spiritual, but combine it with the emotional; and translate it into a universal language that others could understand and feel, which is not an easy thing to do. One has to be a remarkably special human being, to be able to do this. (See the parts of Alice Coltrane's interview with Jazz and Pop magazine from Sept. 1968, cited in Chapter 14 of Dr. C.O. Simpkins' biography, Coltrane, where she discussed John Coltrane's composing techniques.)
We are truly blessed to have this music in our lives.
I shall remember the beauty of John Coltrane's recording of 'Central Park West', and it's effect on me the first time I heard it, for the rest of my life.
Antonio G. Pereira
Friday, May 7, 2010
Jim Marshall
JIM MARSHALL
Antonio G. Pereira © 2010 Antonio G. Pereira
___________________________________________
Recently, Jim Marshall passed away suddenly. He was an extraordinarily gifted Photographer. And there was something about him, as a person, that signaled to his photographic subjects, that 'this photographer', was going to put down for posterity, 'correctly', what needed to be documented.
Whether they were Musicians, Civil Rights Workers, struggling Farmers, or people who were neglected and desperately poor, Jim Marshall photographed it for history, and apparently realized very clearly, how much all of this meant. http://www.samys.com/g/jim_marshall_article2010/2660.html
Just look at the selection on his website: http://www.marshallphoto.com/collection or go to the Internet Archive: http://www.archive.org/ and type http://www.marshallphoto.com/ into the Wayback Machine, and click Take Me Back; to see earlier collections {eg: Jimi Hendrix graciously accepting a flower from a young admirer in Golden Gate Park in 1967, with Mitch Mitchell in the background, understanding what a special moment it was, Hendrix filming a delighted Janis Joplin, and members of Big Brother and The Fugs backstage in Winterland in the Spring of 1968, and Hendrix backstage at Winterland in Oct. of '68 in San Francisco, talking with Black Students, jamming with Taj Mahal, and interacting with Mitch Mitchell, Buddy Miles and Noel Redding.} 'This Photographer', was an unusual human being, touched by something deeply moving and human. He will be greatly missed.
http://www.marshallphoto.com/
Antonio G. Pereira
Antonio G. Pereira © 2010 Antonio G. Pereira
___________________________________________
Recently, Jim Marshall passed away suddenly. He was an extraordinarily gifted Photographer. And there was something about him, as a person, that signaled to his photographic subjects, that 'this photographer', was going to put down for posterity, 'correctly', what needed to be documented.
Whether they were Musicians, Civil Rights Workers, struggling Farmers, or people who were neglected and desperately poor, Jim Marshall photographed it for history, and apparently realized very clearly, how much all of this meant. http://www.samys.com/g/jim_marshall_article2010/2660.html
Just look at the selection on his website: http://www.marshallphoto.com/collection or go to the Internet Archive: http://www.archive.org/ and type http://www.marshallphoto.com/ into the Wayback Machine, and click Take Me Back; to see earlier collections {eg: Jimi Hendrix graciously accepting a flower from a young admirer in Golden Gate Park in 1967, with Mitch Mitchell in the background, understanding what a special moment it was, Hendrix filming a delighted Janis Joplin, and members of Big Brother and The Fugs backstage in Winterland in the Spring of 1968, and Hendrix backstage at Winterland in Oct. of '68 in San Francisco, talking with Black Students, jamming with Taj Mahal, and interacting with Mitch Mitchell, Buddy Miles and Noel Redding.} 'This Photographer', was an unusual human being, touched by something deeply moving and human. He will be greatly missed.
http://www.marshallphoto.com/
Antonio G. Pereira
Monday, November 30, 2009
Stax Volt Revue Live In Norway April 7th, 1967
Stax/Volt Revue Live In Norway April 7th, 1967
Antonio G. Pereira © 2009 Antonio G. Pereira
____________________________________________
What do you say about something that is such pure magic, that when you see it, you are left just totally enraptured by all of it?
Such is the Stax/Volt Revue Live In Norway April 7th, 1967. This concert was filmed during Stax' legendary and groundbreaking tour of Europe in the Spring of 1967. The best of what everything the Real America represented at that time, was projected on that stage. During a period when Dr. Martin Luther King, Fannie Lou Hamer, Rev. Ralph Abernathy and countless Civil Rights Workers, and just plain Americans who all believed in an America whose culture was all inclusive and embracing, had already been instrumental in the passing of the Voting and Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1965; that broke the back of the old racist policies of the old south, and began to build a New South. Stax Records, and in particular THIS TOUR, was what emerged from that. And the world was watching. Many more battles for Civil Rights were still being fought during the time of this Stax concert tour of Europe in 1967 (this time in the Northern U.S. cities, and again, The World Was Watching). So this concert in a foriegn land represented more than just mere musicians on a stage doing a nameless one nighter. This was History taking place, right before your eyes. It is obvious from the sheer joy expressed by the audience, and the love for what they are hearing and seeing; from the learning of the rhythms and call and responses, to the infectious music of Booker T. and The M.G.s, the precise rhythm steps of The MarKeys, the vocalists singing their hearts out, who one right after the other, Arthur Conley (a protege of Otis Redding), Eddie Floyd, Sam and Dave, and finally Otis Redding himself, leave the Norweigian audience with a memory that they will never forget for the rest of their lives. And now with the release of this carefully and lovingly put together film document, everyone who wants to, can experience the same magic that the audience did at that concert in Norway, long ago in 1967. Reelin' In The Years Productions ( http://www.reelinintheyears.com/ ), who are also responsible for a continuing string of releases of wonderful Jazz Concerts from the same era, Wes Montgomery {reviewed in an earlier posting on this blog}, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, John Coltrane}, have done a fabulous and masterful job on this one. In the Extra Features on the DVD are reminicences of the tour by Jim Stewart (Co-founder of Stax Records), Sam Moore (Sam and Dave), Steve Cropper (Booker T. and The M.G.s) and Wayne Jackson ( The MarKeys). The 24 page Booklet included with the DVD, has a wonderful collection of photographs and additional reminicences by the performers, and comments by the Producers of the DVD. The writer Rob Bowman, whose essay, 'The Stax/Volt Revue: Oslo 1967', though adequate at retelling the historical facts of Stax Records, on a business level, tends toward the current trend of self important long winded Journalists who analize and pick apart something without acknowledging the fact that if it wasn't shown to them in the first place, they wouldn't have a clue. (For a prime example of some first class journalism on Stax Records, see British Journalist Valerie Wilmer's profile of drummer Al Jackson, in the October 1977 issue of Black Music, page 32; 'He didn't do anything, you see. He just played.') But the overall significance and presentation of the Norway Concert, is what matters. And people the world over, will be enjoying this for many years to come.
Thank You Reelin' In The Years Productions!
Antonio Pereira
Antonio G. Pereira © 2009 Antonio G. Pereira
____________________________________________
What do you say about something that is such pure magic, that when you see it, you are left just totally enraptured by all of it?
Such is the Stax/Volt Revue Live In Norway April 7th, 1967. This concert was filmed during Stax' legendary and groundbreaking tour of Europe in the Spring of 1967. The best of what everything the Real America represented at that time, was projected on that stage. During a period when Dr. Martin Luther King, Fannie Lou Hamer, Rev. Ralph Abernathy and countless Civil Rights Workers, and just plain Americans who all believed in an America whose culture was all inclusive and embracing, had already been instrumental in the passing of the Voting and Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1965; that broke the back of the old racist policies of the old south, and began to build a New South. Stax Records, and in particular THIS TOUR, was what emerged from that. And the world was watching. Many more battles for Civil Rights were still being fought during the time of this Stax concert tour of Europe in 1967 (this time in the Northern U.S. cities, and again, The World Was Watching). So this concert in a foriegn land represented more than just mere musicians on a stage doing a nameless one nighter. This was History taking place, right before your eyes. It is obvious from the sheer joy expressed by the audience, and the love for what they are hearing and seeing; from the learning of the rhythms and call and responses, to the infectious music of Booker T. and The M.G.s, the precise rhythm steps of The MarKeys, the vocalists singing their hearts out, who one right after the other, Arthur Conley (a protege of Otis Redding), Eddie Floyd, Sam and Dave, and finally Otis Redding himself, leave the Norweigian audience with a memory that they will never forget for the rest of their lives. And now with the release of this carefully and lovingly put together film document, everyone who wants to, can experience the same magic that the audience did at that concert in Norway, long ago in 1967. Reelin' In The Years Productions ( http://www.reelinintheyears.com/ ), who are also responsible for a continuing string of releases of wonderful Jazz Concerts from the same era, Wes Montgomery {reviewed in an earlier posting on this blog}, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, John Coltrane}, have done a fabulous and masterful job on this one. In the Extra Features on the DVD are reminicences of the tour by Jim Stewart (Co-founder of Stax Records), Sam Moore (Sam and Dave), Steve Cropper (Booker T. and The M.G.s) and Wayne Jackson ( The MarKeys). The 24 page Booklet included with the DVD, has a wonderful collection of photographs and additional reminicences by the performers, and comments by the Producers of the DVD. The writer Rob Bowman, whose essay, 'The Stax/Volt Revue: Oslo 1967', though adequate at retelling the historical facts of Stax Records, on a business level, tends toward the current trend of self important long winded Journalists who analize and pick apart something without acknowledging the fact that if it wasn't shown to them in the first place, they wouldn't have a clue. (For a prime example of some first class journalism on Stax Records, see British Journalist Valerie Wilmer's profile of drummer Al Jackson, in the October 1977 issue of Black Music, page 32; 'He didn't do anything, you see. He just played.') But the overall significance and presentation of the Norway Concert, is what matters. And people the world over, will be enjoying this for many years to come.
Thank You Reelin' In The Years Productions!
Antonio Pereira
Friday, October 9, 2009
John Lennon: The Life
John Lennon: The Life
Antonio G. Pereira © 2009 Antonio G. Pereira
____________________________________________
John Lennon: The Life, by Philip Norman, is quite a remarkable biography. Published by Ecco Books (an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishing), it is a massive work; 851 pages in length in it's entirety. There are two things that deserve mentioning: (1). I am not convinced by the picture, (of questionable sincerity) painted of Lennon's father Freddie Lennon, and (2). The author's (which I can only term as) happily ignorant additional portrayal, of John's paternal grandfather (also named John Lennon), who after arriving in America in the late 19th Century as an immigrant, and becoming a Blackfaced Minstrel, as something worthy of mention in the story of someone whose life was as meaningful as John Lennon's (and to whom, for some strange reason, the author continually makes comparisons); I find a little questionable also, in this, the 21st Century. This exercise ends up being a pointless distraction in the biography. That said, this is the type of book that is so well written, you just can't put it down. Philip Norman has really outdone himself, and surpassed his previous book on the Beatles, 'Shout! The Beatles In Their Generation'. (Although, if you want to read the best first hand account of what the Beatles were like as a group and individually, that would be Press Officer Tony Barrow's book, 'John, Paul, George, Ringo & Me: The Real Beatles Story'. Published by Thunder's Mouth Press {U.S. - an Imprint of Avalon Publishing Group, Inc.}, Andre Deutsch Limited {U.K. - an Imprint of Carlton Publishing Group.}) Here, you find John Lennon's life in greater detail than ever before. The only other book I can think of, which covered John's life in such detail, was the late British Journalist Ray Coleman's epic two volume work, 'Lennon: The Definitive Biography' (mentioned in my previous posting: http://observer1984.blogspot.com/2007_10_01_archive.html
What you do get with John Lennon: The Life, is an expanded view of his relationships with his Mother Julia, and Father Alf (Freddie), Aunt Mimi and Uncle George (who became his Surrogate Parents), his Half-Sisters Julia and Jacqueline, Cousins (among them his favourite, Leila), assorted Aunts and Uncles, Liverpool College of Art Teacher, Arthur Ballard (who recognized and nurtured his talent as an Artist), friendships with Stuart Sutcliffe (and later, Actors Peter Cook, Victor Spinetti, Actress Eleanor Bron, and Journalist Maureen Cleave), his Wives, Cynthia Powell and Yoko Ono (and their Children, Julian and Sean), his Mother-In-Law Lilian Powell (for the first time you see the whole picture very clearly), Stuart Sutcliffe's Wife, Astrid Kirchherr, Brian Epstein (very clear picture here too), Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (fascinating to read, within it's layers of simple yet complex enlightenment, and ultimate disappointment), Dr. Arthur Janov (under whom John took Primal Therapy, which resulted with one of his best solo albums 'Plastic Ono Band, full of powerfully raw rock songs, and gorgeous love songs; as well as the 'Lennon Remembers' Rolling Stone Interviews, one of the longest and most detailed interviews he ever gave.), the other Beatles, various Musicians and Artists, Girlfriends (some known and some previously clandestine), and Business Associates.
I don't think it will get much better than Philip Norman's biography. You see Lennon as a complete three-dimensional human being. Covered from every angle, from birth to death. Good and bad. And done with great knowledge and respect.
It is well worth reading (especially on this, his birthday), and being reminded, why John Lennon, remains so important and unforgetable in people's lives, the world over.
Highly recommended reading.
Peace,
Antonio
Antonio G. Pereira © 2009 Antonio G. Pereira
____________________________________________
John Lennon: The Life, by Philip Norman, is quite a remarkable biography. Published by Ecco Books (an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishing), it is a massive work; 851 pages in length in it's entirety. There are two things that deserve mentioning: (1). I am not convinced by the picture, (of questionable sincerity) painted of Lennon's father Freddie Lennon, and (2). The author's (which I can only term as) happily ignorant additional portrayal, of John's paternal grandfather (also named John Lennon), who after arriving in America in the late 19th Century as an immigrant, and becoming a Blackfaced Minstrel, as something worthy of mention in the story of someone whose life was as meaningful as John Lennon's (and to whom, for some strange reason, the author continually makes comparisons); I find a little questionable also, in this, the 21st Century. This exercise ends up being a pointless distraction in the biography. That said, this is the type of book that is so well written, you just can't put it down. Philip Norman has really outdone himself, and surpassed his previous book on the Beatles, 'Shout! The Beatles In Their Generation'. (Although, if you want to read the best first hand account of what the Beatles were like as a group and individually, that would be Press Officer Tony Barrow's book, 'John, Paul, George, Ringo & Me: The Real Beatles Story'. Published by Thunder's Mouth Press {U.S. - an Imprint of Avalon Publishing Group, Inc.}, Andre Deutsch Limited {U.K. - an Imprint of Carlton Publishing Group.}) Here, you find John Lennon's life in greater detail than ever before. The only other book I can think of, which covered John's life in such detail, was the late British Journalist Ray Coleman's epic two volume work, 'Lennon: The Definitive Biography' (mentioned in my previous posting: http://observer1984.blogspot.com/2007_10_01_archive.html
What you do get with John Lennon: The Life, is an expanded view of his relationships with his Mother Julia, and Father Alf (Freddie), Aunt Mimi and Uncle George (who became his Surrogate Parents), his Half-Sisters Julia and Jacqueline, Cousins (among them his favourite, Leila), assorted Aunts and Uncles, Liverpool College of Art Teacher, Arthur Ballard (who recognized and nurtured his talent as an Artist), friendships with Stuart Sutcliffe (and later, Actors Peter Cook, Victor Spinetti, Actress Eleanor Bron, and Journalist Maureen Cleave), his Wives, Cynthia Powell and Yoko Ono (and their Children, Julian and Sean), his Mother-In-Law Lilian Powell (for the first time you see the whole picture very clearly), Stuart Sutcliffe's Wife, Astrid Kirchherr, Brian Epstein (very clear picture here too), Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (fascinating to read, within it's layers of simple yet complex enlightenment, and ultimate disappointment), Dr. Arthur Janov (under whom John took Primal Therapy, which resulted with one of his best solo albums 'Plastic Ono Band, full of powerfully raw rock songs, and gorgeous love songs; as well as the 'Lennon Remembers' Rolling Stone Interviews, one of the longest and most detailed interviews he ever gave.), the other Beatles, various Musicians and Artists, Girlfriends (some known and some previously clandestine), and Business Associates.
I don't think it will get much better than Philip Norman's biography. You see Lennon as a complete three-dimensional human being. Covered from every angle, from birth to death. Good and bad. And done with great knowledge and respect.
It is well worth reading (especially on this, his birthday), and being reminded, why John Lennon, remains so important and unforgetable in people's lives, the world over.
Highly recommended reading.
Peace,
Antonio
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
THE PIPES OF PAN
The Pipes Of Pan
Antonio G. Pereira © 2009 Antonio G. Pereira
____________________________________________
Some of you may remember an album that quietly came out on Rolling Stones Records in 1971 named, Brian Jones Presents The Pipes Of Pan at Joujouka. Rolling Stones Records - COC 49100. One can consider that had he lived longer, Brian Jones might have done for North African Folk Music, what George Harrison did for East Indian Folk Music; and what Taj Mahal has been doing for many decades for the diverse forms of Folk Music in North America, the Caribbean and West Africa.
In 1972, a second album was released on Adelphi Records named, The Master Musicians Of Jajouka. Adelphi Records - AD 3000. Included with the album, was an insert with liner notes by Music Journalist Robert Palmer, and Artist/Painter Brion Gysin.
This posting is for the Musicians of Joujouka.
Last year, on July 29th of 2008, The Musicians of Joujouka performed a concert in commemoration and remembrance of a young Welshman named Brian Jones, who loved music, and walked into their small village 40 years before; and because of whom, 40 years later, was instrumental in pasting The Master Musicians of Joujouka into the memories and hearts of music lovers and admirers around the world.
May their talent continue to bring us all wonderful inspiration and pleasure for many more years to come.
Antonio
The Musicians have several wonderful, fascinating and informative sites on the Internet, which are listed below; and a real enjoyment to explore.
http://www.myspace.com/mastermusiciansofjoujouka
http://brianjonesjoujoukafestival.blogspot.com/
http://www.joujouka.net/
Finally, I would be remiss if I forgot to mention these other fantastic albums on Lyrichord Records, which also feature Moroccan Folk Music.
Music of Morocco: The Pan-Islamic Tradition - Lyrichord Stereo LLST 7240
The Rwais: Moroccan Berber Musicians From The High Atlas - Lyrichord Stereo - LLST 7316
Moroccan Sufi Music: Islamic Mystical Brotherhood - Lyrichord Stereo - LLST 7238
Moroccan Folk Music - Lyrichord Stereo LLST 7729
Enjoy Them All.
Antonio G. Pereira © 2009 Antonio G. Pereira
____________________________________________
Some of you may remember an album that quietly came out on Rolling Stones Records in 1971 named, Brian Jones Presents The Pipes Of Pan at Joujouka. Rolling Stones Records - COC 49100. One can consider that had he lived longer, Brian Jones might have done for North African Folk Music, what George Harrison did for East Indian Folk Music; and what Taj Mahal has been doing for many decades for the diverse forms of Folk Music in North America, the Caribbean and West Africa.
In 1972, a second album was released on Adelphi Records named, The Master Musicians Of Jajouka. Adelphi Records - AD 3000. Included with the album, was an insert with liner notes by Music Journalist Robert Palmer, and Artist/Painter Brion Gysin.
This posting is for the Musicians of Joujouka.
Last year, on July 29th of 2008, The Musicians of Joujouka performed a concert in commemoration and remembrance of a young Welshman named Brian Jones, who loved music, and walked into their small village 40 years before; and because of whom, 40 years later, was instrumental in pasting The Master Musicians of Joujouka into the memories and hearts of music lovers and admirers around the world.
May their talent continue to bring us all wonderful inspiration and pleasure for many more years to come.
Antonio
The Musicians have several wonderful, fascinating and informative sites on the Internet, which are listed below; and a real enjoyment to explore.
http://www.myspace.com/mastermusiciansofjoujouka
http://brianjonesjoujoukafestival.blogspot.com/
http://www.joujouka.net/
Finally, I would be remiss if I forgot to mention these other fantastic albums on Lyrichord Records, which also feature Moroccan Folk Music.
Music of Morocco: The Pan-Islamic Tradition - Lyrichord Stereo LLST 7240
The Rwais: Moroccan Berber Musicians From The High Atlas - Lyrichord Stereo - LLST 7316
Moroccan Sufi Music: Islamic Mystical Brotherhood - Lyrichord Stereo - LLST 7238
Moroccan Folk Music - Lyrichord Stereo LLST 7729
Enjoy Them All.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARTHUR LEE
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARTHUR LEE
Antonio G. Pereira © 2009 Antonio G. Pereira
____________________________________________
Today is Arthur Lee's birthday. The frontman of the influential 1960s Los Angeles band Love. Quite a colourful and talented musician, he was constantly changing (much like Miles Davis), and never ceased to amaze with the ideas he came up with. If you don't know anything about him, you may really enjoy the article below, by clicking on the link, which was my very first posting after creating this blog.
http://observer1984.blogspot.com/2007/09/have-you-ever-heard-of-arthur-lee.html
Additionally, you can also explore what is, in my estimation, the best site on the Internet, devoted to Arthur Lee:
TODAY IS FOREVER
http://poisgoneforever.blogspot.com/
And finally, a wonderful page on MySpace for John Echols, who was the lead guitarist, vocalist and composer in the original Love.
http://www.myspace.com/johnnyechols
Antonio G. Pereira © 2009 Antonio G. Pereira
____________________________________________
Today is Arthur Lee's birthday. The frontman of the influential 1960s Los Angeles band Love. Quite a colourful and talented musician, he was constantly changing (much like Miles Davis), and never ceased to amaze with the ideas he came up with. If you don't know anything about him, you may really enjoy the article below, by clicking on the link, which was my very first posting after creating this blog.
http://observer1984.blogspot.com/2007/09/have-you-ever-heard-of-arthur-lee.html
Additionally, you can also explore what is, in my estimation, the best site on the Internet, devoted to Arthur Lee:
TODAY IS FOREVER
http://poisgoneforever.blogspot.com/
And finally, a wonderful page on MySpace for John Echols, who was the lead guitarist, vocalist and composer in the original Love.
http://www.myspace.com/johnnyechols
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