Record Store Day 2013 is two weeks from today, Saturday April 20th. I still haven’t figured out where I will be shopping on that day. But I’m working on it
I purchased the book, Record Store Days, written by Gary Calamar and Phil Gallo to celebrate the upcoming semi-annual treasure hunt. The book underlines a major passion of mine, it’s written by record collector enthusiasts for vinyl lovers everywhere. The book tells the story of the development of record stores which has become a threatened species.
Peter Buck of R.E.M. fame wrote the foreword where he shares with us his history of working at record stores. He met Michael Stipe while working at Wuxtry Records in Athen, Georgia and they each discovered they were looking to form a band. His favorite record stores are in Seattle, Washington, most notably Easy Street Records which I have yet to frequent but plan to next time we visit Seattle. May that be soon
The book is a delightful read. We learn about the origin of record stores and the brave owners who built them. Its well illustrated with 150 photographs of record stores, owners, consumers, and artists.
There is text dedicated to Russ Solomon and Tower Records. I made a special point of visiting Tower Records on Sunset Strip, Hollywood, California in 1978. I was managing the record department at Caldors a discount department store chain in Stamford, Ct. in those days.
Ameoba Music is also featured in the book. I went to Ameoba Music in Hollywood on my birthday a couple of years back .It’s the world’s largest independent music store I found it a cavernous store with a sea of product to choose from and I loved being overwhelmed like that as a music collector.
There is a chapter dedicated to in-store appearances which I get to on occasion. I saw Los Lobos perform an in-store at Tower Records in the Village when The Ride was released in 2004. They performed on the street level of the store that day and then did a signing on the second floor walk up. I always find Los Lobos to be very accommodating to their fans.
All in all this is a cool, fun book that I plan to finish before Record Store Day 2013
A very mysterious press release from Tom Waits landed in inboxes this morning at exactly 10 a.m. The subject line read: “Tom Waits: Permission to Come Aboard,” and attached is a photo of the songwriter dressed as a pirate, complete with an eyepatch and a sword. The only words are “Coming August 7th.”
Waits could actually be announcing a Tom Waits cruise next week?
July 9th, 2012, The Late Show with David Letterman
Interview segment
Performance segment
July 10th, 2012, Late Night With Jimmy Fallon
Joining Waits on stage to perform were his son Casey on drums, long time bassist Larry Taylor, guitarist David Hidalgo (Los Lobos), keyboardist Augie Myers and guitarist Big Bill Morganfield (son of Muddy Waters). Amazing players and another genius Tom Waits performance.
I have deeply loved and admired the music of Los Lobos these past 40 years. Their sound has matured to such interesting depths of woven texture and synergy. It’s been great evolving with them over time as I never find their music boring or repetitive to listen to.
When we last saw them on tour in April, 2012 at The Ridgefield Playhouse, Louie Perez mentioned that their next music project would be a reissue celebrating the twentieth anniversary of Kiko (1992). Many people hail Kiko as Los Lobos’s watershed recording. Watershed is defined as a crucial dividing point, line or factor, a turning point (Merriam-Webster). Looking back on that period of Los Lobos’s career I would agree. 1992 is the halfway point in this cohesive group’s evolution.
Los Lobos will be adding to the original studio album with previously unreleased early and alternate takes of several songs. Simultaneously, a document of the band’s 2006 performance of Kiko in its entirety will be released separately on CD, DVD and Blu-ray, with both Kiko projects coming Aug. 21.
The CD also includes three tracks the band recorded live at Capitol Records in Hollywood for a “Hollywood House Party with Los Lobos” special that aired in 1992 on National Public Radio. The album reissue and the “Kiko Live” DVD/Blu-ray are being released by the Shout! Factory reissue specialty label.
“Kiko Live” has never been released or broadcast, and includes interviews with the band members and others about the making of the album. In 2006, Los Lobos did a series of live performances focusing on it in its entirety. Here is exclusive video of the group’s performance of “Kiko and the Lavendar Moon.”
Instead of “segregating our influences, treating them parochially,” as band member Steve Berlin described the band’s approach before “Kiko,” for that album “whatever our unconscious minds’ response was to the stimuli, that was what we wanted. We let our imagination take over and didn’t try to control it.”
You can place a pre-order for both the Los Lobos Audio CD and the BlueRay DVD on Amazon Here.
Been a fan since 1986 This will be the ninth time seeing Los Lobos play live. Hoping they switch it up for us this evening. I know we’ll love whatever they perform.
Los Lobos (Autograph) – Tin Can Trust CD I collect autographs of musicians and musical groups. My collection started due to my wife and I attending live music concerts and wanting to meet the artists before or after the show. If I owned their music on CD or vinyl form I would bring their recordings […]
The Fairfield Theatre Company is a true class act. They e-mail you an evening guide that informs you about the specifics and logistics for the event. The guide shares a listing of local restaurants that offer discounts to ticket holders.
It was really good to see the Taj Mahal Trio perform. Taj Mahal has a very immediate style and epitomizes the blues with his unique voice. He took the stage with his trio and went right to work playing f without being announced. I found that method very engaging. His set was a great combination of the blues and world music. He was ably backed by Bill Rich on bass and Kester Smith on the drums .
Taj played my favorite song of his, “Fishing Blues” with great aplomb. He mentioned fishing for blues and stripers in the Hous (short for the Housatonic River) and the place went nuts. It was a great tip of the hat to our local fishing business, as Taj is a world-class sports fishing professional.
Los Lobos, from East L.A. took the stage next and started their set acoustically playing acoustic songs from Acoustic En Vivo. They played Rosemary and my personal favorite track, “Saint Behind The Glass” magnificently. I have seen Los Lobos eight times in concert now and I must admit they are always exciting, creative with their music.
Their set was a mixed potpourri of their musical catalog. Cesar Rojas led us through “Yo Canto” which is a very danceable number.
Their regular drummer Cougar Estrada couldn’t join them on this tour as his wife is close to having their baby. David Hidalgo’s son (who is also the Los Lobos guitar roadie), David Hidalgo Jr. sat in on the drums. Louie Perez also drummed on two numbers as well.
This was the first concert I could hear Steve Berlin the best on keyboards and saxophone. I like how Steve accent’s Los Lobos sound with his riffs.
David Hidalgo played a Gold Les Paul Gibson and played the accordion on several songs. I find when Los Lobos plays songs that express their musical heritage, sung in Spanish I get a chill. They command my immediate respect as their music shows their culture.
The encore was a special treat as Los Lobos invited Taj Mahal to jam with them and jam he/they did. A fellow fan, Frederick Matt shot this video from the second row in front of me last night. It captures the spontaneity of Taj with Los Lobos singing “Lucille” by Little Richard. They ended their three song encore with “Guantanamera” which featured bassist Conrad Lozano on lead vocal.
I also wanted to share the art piece we have hanging in our foyer that Los Lobos signed for us last summer in New Haven after their concert on the green. Ain’t it cool, it was Rosemary’s idea to have them all sign this kerchief after the show.
Taj Mahal is ever-expanding his musical capabilities with rich textures gathered from across the world stage. Taj ranges with natural motion from the blues, through calypso, diving into reggae and swaying us like palm trees with island music.
It has been 37 years since I last saw Taj Mahal perform live at The Westport Country Playhouse in Westport, Ct on October 30, 1974. I spent quality time with Taj Mahal that evening as I interviewed him for a local music magazine. He played a National Steel Guitar underneath the interview as we talked in his dressing room. Sitting right outside his dressing room that night was James Cotton who joined Taj Mahal softly on his harp. That is one of my fondest backstage moments when two pivotal blues musicians broke out in improvisational song as background accompaniment in my presence.
I also saw Taj Mahal open for the Mahavishnu Orchestra at Staples High School in Westport, Ct. 1973. Taj Mahal had Howard Johnson on Tuba with him that evening and Taj’s set was reminiscent of The Real Thing recorded live at The Fillmore East in 1971.
My lovely wife Rosemary purchased tickets to see Taj Mahal and Los Lobos live at The Klein Memorial Auditorium in Bridgeport, Ct. on Saturday February 19th. My modus operandi before I attend a concert is to immerse myself in that artist’s music and read as much as I can about them and their art. I enjoy researching the artist’s Web pages, catching up on what has been written and learned about the artist. Its going to be both fun and a challenge assimilating Taj Mahal’s 40+ year legacy in the next 10 days Thankfully I have Zune to help me do that
When I attended the University of New Haven(1972-1974) I took a music course that covered the blues extensively. I chose to write my term paper that semester about Taj Mahal. Having established a nice working relationship with Ed NaHa at Columbia Records in New York City, I availed myself of CBS Record’s research department utilizing press release and extensive artist background information files. Ed was a tremendous help to me in 1973 and 1974 when I needed background information on Mahavisnhu John McLaughlin and Taj Mahal. Ed made me feel right at home at the Big Black Rock as CBS was known as in those days. He understood it was my desire as a student majoring in business and minoring in music that I wanted to work for CBS Music when I graduated. That dream never did materialize for me but I always stayed in direct touch with music as best I could over the years.
So today’s WordPress post is dedicated to old friends and the ever unfolding music of Mr. Taj Mahal.
Taj Mahal’s latest recording is Maestro, give it a listen soon
These are my selections for the 10 best recordings of 2010. I used the following criteria to establish the field of artists.
1) I had to purchase the recording. None of these recordings are samples from the record companies or the artists or the music distributors. Each one of the Top 10 recordings was an out of pocket expense.
2) My emphasis this past year has to become more of a student and benefactor of jazz music, its derivatives, nuances, etc. I split the Top 10 between five top jazz recordings and five other "genre" recordings.
3) The recording had to produce repeated plays and create a memorable impression.
4) There was a live performance or tour associated with the recording, in other words I was compelled to see the music performed live. In some instances the recording was the impetus to see the artist live. Live performances are denoted by an asterisk *. You’ll notice that 7 of the 10 Top 10 recordings had live associated events. This speaks to the integrity of these recordings and the artists chosen.
Pat Metheny has accomplished an amazing feat with his Orchestrion. He makes a powerful statement with the use of robotics, pneumatic devices and the syncopation of all these entities. I bought the recording on the first day on the strength of Pat’s innovative creativity and was not disappointed one iota.
There will be a DVD of this break through concept of musical diversification coming out in 2011. I am eager to own that video replica of what I saw and heard live. I give this recording 5+ Stars.
Herbie Hancock continues his mastery of collaboration with a recording that took place around the world. Herbie has a tremendous ear for musical harmonies and exchanges. The collection of artist friends on this recording is striking and a testament to how many people want to work with Herbie Hancock and company. Herbie’s core band, which consists of Lionel Loueke on guitar, Vincent Colaiuta on drums, and Tal Wilkenfeld on bass is quite the nucleus.
My favorite tracks on the recording are "The Song Goes On" Featuring K.S. Chithra, Chaka Khan, Anoushka Shankar, & Wayne Shorter, anIndian based raga composition complemented by sitar, tablas and the soothing sound of Wayne Shorter on soprano saxophone.
“Tamatant Tilay/Exodus” Featuring Tinariwen, K’Naan and Los Lobos was recorded worlds apart but sounds like they all gathered in the next room.
I really like Space Captain which brings Herbie and his group to Derek Truck’s studio in the Florida Everglades. Susan Tedeschi sings with such a soulful touch on this number. The interplay between Herbie and Derek is a marvel to witness.
Here is the video of that collaborative effort, which I know you will watch more than once
I have been a long time fan of John McLaughlin’s and he continues to reinvent himself in his tireless efforts to make music that challenge the senses and stretch the boundaries. To the One is a tight set of tracks that blasts off in lots of intriguing directions. Pay special attention to the drumming and keyboarding of Gary Husband on this recording. This recording works its way into your soul and consciousness in inviting ways.
Ted Nash has designed, composed and developed a visual/aural treat for the senses with Portrait in Seven Shades. Each composition is a tribute to a famous painter on display at the Museum of Modern Art., giving you a new appreciation for textures and sound.
My best advice is to look at the MoMA Web site, read about Ted Nash and MoMA and then listen to this recording to fully appreciate what Ted has accomplished. I was very inspired by Ted’s work and developed some Web pages on my Web site, LearningEdje in honor of his stellar thinking and arrangements.
The track that will impress you on a new and exciting level is Nessun Dorma the aria from the opera by Puccini.
2. Ryan Montbleau Band – Heavy on the Vine*
Ryan Montbleau Band have put together a very listenable recording. It plays effortlessly from track to track. I like Ryan’s voice and the fun his lyrics provide. The CD can be set on repeat play and you just want to hear it again and again.
We have seen the Ryan Montbleau Band three times now in concert and they really are a joy to hear perform live.
My favorite song is More and More and More about all the choices we are overwhelmed with in this life.
3. Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings – I Learned The Hard Way
Raw, soulful energy. Sharon Jones and Dap Kings show us why Brooklyn epitomizes R&B, Soul and makes you want to kick up your heels. You can’t help but love this recording and smile in awe of this get down with it group. Ms. Jones has a thing going on, trust me
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers nailed it on this recording. Reaching back into their Southern roots, placing the accent on the blues and rock and roll, this CD has many listenable and playable tracks.
They were giving this recording away for free, which told me how much Tom Petty believed in this musical effort. Turned out he was so right about that belief.
Los Lobos produces another strong recording. You’ll love “Do The Murray”, a fun shake your booty number. I love their rendition of “West LA Fadeaway”, Los Lobos covers the Grateful Dead so well.
The song “Tin Can Trust” as David Hidalgo explains is about that tin can you have by the side of the bed on your nightstand where you place your loose change along with your dreams every night.
From Nick’s Taste of Texas, Covina, CA
We were fortunate to buy the CD before it was released and get it signed when they played the New Haven Green on July 31st.
Los Lobos will be adding to the original studio album with previously unreleased early and alternate takes of several songs. Simultaneously, a document of the band’s 2006 performance of Kiko in its entirety will be released separately on CD, DVD and Blu-ray, with both Kiko projects coming Aug. 21.![Los Lobos: Kiko Live (Blu Ray/CD) [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/515m5Kic39L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
.jpg)
