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  A completely subjective blog of music reviews covering mostly jazz and blues but branching out into other genres as well.December 15, 2006You Can’t Spell Disney without a $! – A Week in the African Velt with Fela KutiPosted by nick at 9:47 AM | Comments (0) I have just resurfaced after being submerged in Di$ney culture for a week. I have been hobnobbing with Mickey, Goofy and Captain Hook in the many theme parks, characters dinners and hotels in the Di$ney World encampment in Orlando. Lounging around the pool at the Animal Kingdom Lodge viewing the many shapes and sizes of humanity using the watering hole I came across the $ floating on by. If you been to Di$ney, you know - You Can’t Spell Di$ney without a $! The week passed quickly at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. From our hotel porch one could see zebras, giraffes, wildebeests and other non predatory animals strolling majestically around a watering hole (not the pool). I enjoyed the African environment and the food and was surprised with the choice of music they piped into certain areas of the hotel and the Animal Kingdom theme-park. Not the usual Paul Simon/Muzak crap, but wonderful mbanga, ju-ju and kwassa-kwassa styles. The best surprise however came one night down at the pool. The pool area was very busy because for most of this very hot day the pool had been closed for cleaning (the rumor went like this: an adult using the pool the night before decided to use the pool as a toilet and he took a DUMP in it). I digress. The Animal Kingdom Lodge threw a party to re-open the pool and blaring from the loud speakers was the originated of Afro-beat himself - Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Fela was one of Africa's most controversial musicians throughout his life. Born in Nigeria, Kuti’s life was to help the common man. In 1968, Fela came to the US and discovered the funk, jazz, blues and Motown sounds flooding through riot torn cities across the US. He took the music back to Lagos and combined all the styles to form what he called Afro-beat. His music was intricate, akin to Sun Ra or the later recordings of Roland Kirk. To some his style might be more arguably called Afro-jazz. His recordings often consisted of just a few songs which sounded more like a jam session than a specifically written piece of music. Fela hated performing any song after recording it, which left him to always be creating, evolving and expanding his musical senses. During his life he spent time in prison in Nigeria as he was at odds with who ever were running the country. Fela died of AIDS back in 1997. He was saxophonist and political activist; credited with the invention of afro-beat. In a career that spanned 4 decades he established himself as one of the most popular figures in African music, with a musical influence that has spread around the globe and in some strange way I’m happy Di$ney recognized it. November 24, 2006The Return of the Giant Hogweed – Peter Gabriel and GenesisPosted by nick at 9:48 AM | Comments (0) Rumor has it Phil Collins is trying to reform Genesis. Not the crap band Collins fronted for ten years in the ‘80s but, the Peter Gabriel lead version. It’s been almost thirty years since Gabriel fronted Genesis and we all know what success he has had during that time. With Cream’s brief reuniting earlier this year the Gabriel lead Genesis would be an interesting idea. Just please don’t let Collins sing any of his crap. I was fortunate to see Genesis, with Peter Gabriel, back in England, just before Peter moved on to his solo stuff. The show, at the Hammersmith, was a visual masterpiece. Gabriel dressed for the concert. His costumes provided a new side for the singer. He was also an actor. Songs like “Supper’s Ready,” “The Musical Box,” and “Watcher of the Skies” became a lasting memory. A two week run on Broadway for the re-formed Genesis would fit the bill – They could perform the entire “Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.” So, if Genesis could reform who else would we want to see - Pink Floyd? The Live 8 concert was, too say “Comfortable Numb.” But I would want to see the original King Crimson, Roxy Music, Camel, Gentle Giant, Mott the Hoople and Hawkwind October 28, 2006What are you doing for Halloween – Zappa and G.G. AllinPosted by nick at 9:48 AM | Comments (0) With a few days to go before Halloween I was scanning the media to see if the great music Halloweens of yore were still happening. The concert list for New York this Halloween night really doesn’t set the spine-a-tingling; Medeski, Martin & Wood, Sheryl Crow, Christine Lavin are some of the tricks (or treats depending on your choice of candy) for the night. Though I don’t care for their music Slipknot will be showcasing their costumed wardrobe and stage show that night along with an old treat – the Misfits playing in Times Square. But, does anyone remember when Frank Zappa would play the Palladium every Halloween or G.G.Allin would entertain with his vile and short explosive shows? Both Frank Zappa and G.G. Allin died in 1993. Both were completely unique in voicing their opinions and playing their music. Over the years Zappa became a cult following. His mixture of avant-garde classical minimalism, ‘70s guitar rock, be-bop jazz rock and satirical lyrics created a carnival atmosphere at his concerts. If P.T. Barnum was still alive Zappa and the Mothers of Invention would be the circus’s orchestra. His Halloween stage shows incorporated a mix of burlesque, a visual sense of Salvatore Dali and the wit of Mark Twain. At least that’s what I saw and felt when I saw him. G.G. Allin was one scary dude. No one I knew every went to his shows for the music. They went for the stage show. Now, strangely enough, Allin’s full name was Jesus Christ Allin. The name was reported to be from His father who had a vision about his son. The G.G. came from his younger brother who called him Je Je, which became G.G. His colorful life became one dedicated to booze and drugs. In between those pursuits he spent some time in jail. His penchant for confrontational theatrics on stage usually curtailed his concert to around 15 minutes of fame. Along with appearing nude, ripping broken bottles across his body, defecating on stage and throwing it at the audience, there was always a few minutes for a sexual act as well. He once said he wanted to commit suicide on Halloween during a concert. Alas, his death came a few months early. His last show should have been on Halloween as it ended in a riot, which took to the streets of lower Manhattan. Allin, naked and bleeding from jumping through a glass door somehow out raced the police and hid out at a friend’s apartment. He was found the next day dead from a heroin and booze overdose. A true rock’n’roll death. Halloween was made for Zappa and Allin. What are you doing for Halloween? October 13, 2006You Smell Like Teen Spirit – Courtney Sells Out NirvanaPosted by nick at 9:47 AM | Comments (0) The media whoring Courtney Love has made noise about opening up the Nirvana coffers to allow advertising companies, TV, and other media outlets the opportunity to bid and pay high sums of money for the use of certain Nirvana songs in advertising, TV shows and alike. Can’t you just see the melee as advertisers from ever fragrance, stink bottle-and feminine hygiene company from around the globe line up to try and get the deal-of-a-life-time with their new fragrance – “It Smells Like Teen Spirit”. How distressing would this be? Stones, Beatles, Led Zep, The Clash and The Ramones all have had songs appeared in ads over the last ten years or more. After “It Smells Like Teen Spirit”, what would they be after? “Lithium” could be good for the pharmaceutical guys. Or is it too direct as the lyrics suggest: I'm so happy 'cause today “Come as You Are” could be a happy tune for Applebee’s. Their registered slogan is “Eatin’ Good in the Neighborhood”. Nothing better than a :30 second TV commercial with Kurt wailing in the background: Come as you are, as you were, And the final eerie coda could be as the commercial fades out……, And I swear that I don't have a gun Capital One, or any other credit card could grab a few lines out of “Heart-Shaped Box” for their few seconds of fame. Would you sign up with Nirvana thrashing away and telling you: Hey! Wait! Maybe HR Block would be better for that. Beers and Auto always go together with rock. Strangely enough they go all to well on the streets too. The Beer boys would like “Scoff”, from the “Bleach” album: In my eyes, I'm not lazy Unfortunately, the next lyric would end that relationship…. Heal a million, kill a million? – You can’t have it all. It is left up to our own opinions and imagination if Courtney Love drove Cobain to his ultimate end. We could consider Love to be the next generation Yoko Ono, both fairly hated and should remain quiet and reverent to their husbands and band mates’ fare. (It’s keeping them in the money now isn’t it). With Corbain’s daughter, Francis Bean, now 14 years, I wonder if she has heard lyric her father wrote: She should have - been a son July 15, 2006Will you still need me when I’m Sixty Four – Paul McCartney Hits the AgePosted by nick at 9:44 AM | Comments (0) Paul McCartney is turning 64 years old next week and I thought it a good time to reflect upon his life in relation to his song “When I’m Sixty Four”, which appears on one of the most famous and influential albums ever recorded, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The song was recorded in December,1966 and was before he met his first wife Linda Eastman. Paul was ending his five year relationship with Jane Asher at the time of writing and recording the track. When I get older losing my hair, many years from now Will you still be sending me a valentine, Birthday greetings bottle of wine. If I'd been out till quarter to three Would you lock the door, You'll be older too, Sunday mornings go for a ride, Will you still need me, will you still feed me, We shall scrimp and save Grandchildren on your knee Send me a postcard, drop me a line, Give me your answer, fill in a form Will you still need me, will you still feed me, June 1, 2006Dylan and the Gospel of JudasPosted by nick at 9:45 AM | Comments (6) Bob Dylan was mistaken for Judas Iscariot forty years ago. The lasting memory of Dylan’s moniker was brought home recently when I listened to the “Bob Dylan Live 1966 – The “Royal Albert Hall” Concert” recording. The two CD set features a strong non-political set of acoustic songs feature Dylan solo. The fun begins when he comes back after intermission and introduces The Gospel of Dylan; Electric guitars, backing band and an attitude. On May 17, 1966, Bob Dylan played a concert at Manchester, England, (not the Albert Hall in London, as the original bootleg was titled) and brought a feisty concert to a close with a shattering version of “Like a Rolling Stone”, which was loud, ferocious and angry. What provided Dylan the extra level of vexation that night was the endearing adulation of a single fan who yelled “JUDAS” loud and clear. Dylan had put up with some fans walking out and others yelling to “turn it down” through out the second set. The Judas fan was the catalyst for his anger to boil. Dylan’s replied “I don’t believe you”, and sitting at the piano yelled to the band to play LOUD. The shattering version of “Like a Rolling Stone” was the anger boiling as he showed his disdain when singing “how does it feeeeel.” Through out the British tour Dylan’s fans were yelling back at him to “turn it down”. They would clap while he tried to speak and turned their back and walked out. It was almost a year since Dylan walked out on stage at the Newport Folk Festival and went electric. Audience reaction was tepid then but, the Judas moniker was the one that history remembers. The press called it the “Big Let Down” Is that ferociousness still around? Fans, Bands, or do we care as music is so easily available now. One thing that hasn’t change is that most of the music is bad, just like most media. March 9, 2006The Cool American Chill for the Arctic MonkeysPosted by nick at 9:46 AM | Comments (1) The long hyped invasion of the chilled simians from Sheffield, England began over six months ago when the pseudo-“gospel”thumping music leader of British weekly triviality, the NME, proclaiming them to the “next big thing.” The fastest-selling debut album ever in Britain brought them critical acclaim and the magic buzz that surrounds the “next big thing”. Unfortunately, that critical acclaim and internet buzz got lost on both the American music buyers and radio heads somewhere over the Atlantic. The “loss” reached such an extent The Wall Street Journal devoted a column to the lack of sales and radio airplay for them in America. (Hope the British GNP is not based on how their musicians sell. Still, the Stones can give them some money. Preferably pound sterling and not that Euro rubbish U2 would be sending from Ireland) “Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I Am Not”, the title of the Arctic Monkeys debut album is very fitting because reviewers, critics and writers have missed the boat by dumping them together with Franz Fernando, which they are not. Although both record for the Domino label, the similarity ends earlier on when first hearing their album. Arctic Monkeys bleed the wonders of Wire, The Wedding Present, The Rakes and Nine Black Alps and, yes to some extent, the early early days of the Gang of Four (which Franz F really is trying to emulate); the glass shattering chords, plunging sharp drum hits and back bass runs which fill in the silent moments of echoing distorted guitar. Even their song titles show a marked difference with; “You Probably Couldn't See for the Lights But You Were Staring Straight,” “Red Light Indicates Doors Are Secured Ahead” and their break out hit “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor.” The Wall Street Journal Article, “London’s Calling But U.S. Fans Aren’t Picking Up” brought up several points to ponder regarding the success or failure of an album. From the beginning of the Arctic Monkey hyped to the day their CD actually hitting the stores and legal online download sites, more than six months had passed and sustaining a hype in these days on instant communications and illegal downloads might have cause a lose of interest because of the time span and also from the over saturation of their first single “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” on radio. Secondly, and one I find more interesting, is the theory rock critics, radio programmers and music magazines have less power and persuasion than before. There are more magazines than before. Just go look at the magazine rack at Barnes & Noble or Borders and see how many music mags there are. Beyond the NME the Arctic Monkeys are the “next big thing” for Rolling Stone and CMJ, Blender and Q and Punk Rock, the titles are endless and their power has diminished. Radio in all forms has changed also. Radio was once free now satellite can give you many channels for some monthly charge. Internet radio has been the platform for the launch of the Arctic Monkeys more than conventional radio. BBC 6 internet only radio was first on the band wagon. KEXP 90.3 in Seattle was another. Both these stations are wonderful for the passionate music listener and lead before the hype sets in. February 24, 2006Have You Every Felt Like You’ve Been Cheated?Posted by nick at 9:47 AM | Comments (47) Sooner of later the ever numbing and endless award show season will finish. Regardless of the award’s importance, let alone credence it should win an award at all, the urgency, for instance, of a Grammy winner is lost on the audience within the week. Quickly – What artist won record of the year? In a few weeks the 2006 induction ceremony to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will be held in New York. A “strange brew” of artists this time as Miles Davis, Black Sabbath, Blondie, Lynard Skynard and the founders of A&M records, Herb Albert and Jerry Moss, will be feted before they are put on display under glass in Cleveland, Ohio for time and memorial. I’m glad Miles is getting some credit as his work covered more than six decades of experimentation in the fusion of jazz with rock, soul, funk and hip hop. Miles Davis wasn’t called the “Picasso of Jazz” for nothing. He was the catalyst for many styles to come. He would fade from the scene every few years to come back to re-invent the musical landscape for everyone to follow. Another band who influenced the musical landscape to come was the Sex Pistols. They too will be inducted in to the Hall of Fame this March. It is fitting that they are being added in 2006 as it marks the 30th anniversary of the beginning of the Punk in Britain, along with the 50th Birthday for Johnny Rotten. The Pistols were the original snarling face of the British Punk Movement. Though the Damned released the first punk album, the Jam took over the record charts with every single, the Clash were certainly a better, stronger and more adventurous band and the Ramones delivered the speed and persona to the movement, the Sex Pistols were the quintessential debauchery band Rock and Roll has come to Love and Hate. Regardless of looking ten years earlier to see the Rolling Stones and their social presents, the Pistols controlled the media to their best advantage. As a traveling circus, the Pistols were well represented. Sid Viscous was the clown, Steve Jones and Paul Jones was the workers-the laborors in the mess (along with Glen Matlock) and Johnny Rotten, the “star” puppet whose strings were being controlled by the Svengali Malcolm McLaren. Their music is still powerful "God Save the Queen", "Pretty Vacant", "Anarchy in the UK" brought political fury to the top. In 1977, during the Queen’s Jubilee, "God Save the Queen" featured the line God save the Queen/ she ain’t no human being which became Britain’s number one single even though it had been banned. A band like this needed to “die before I get old” (nice Who lyric there). Regardless of the "Filthy Lucre" tours the Pistols have done over the years to cash in on some money from the X and Y generations, the official last show was in January 1978, in San Francisco. The band had disintegrated, Cook and Jones pounded out the chords and beats, Sid wandered the stage in a stupor and Rotten stared out at the audience and utter these famous last words – “Have You Every Felt Like You’ve Been Cheated?” Lasted news is that the Sex Pistols will not be attending the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame party in New York. Their web site said they were not coming - But not with out a few choice 8#@&^ words. February 20, 2006Music Paranoia — are you being bugged?Posted by nick at 9:47 AM | Comments (0) After swimming through the Holiday season relatively unscathed the numbing focus of another year came in to view, but not before the floating iceberg of paranoia came creeping stealthy from last year. Ever wonder if there was a connection between the SonyBMG CD scandal, the Patriot Act secrecy, Celine Dion and terrorism...Oh, there is. Digital Rights Management (DRM) became a major story in the middle of November as it became evident that certain SonyBMG releases had been specifically encoded to stop the user from making "authorized duplication" of the CD. From the Foo Fighters to Dave Matthews Band to Celine Dion and Neil Diamond, the playing and downloading of the special encoded program on to your computer brought major alarm to the masses once the it had been raised. The installation of the special media player brought a secret "rootkey" file that left your computer open to viruses, hackers and out-sourced telemarketers in Bangalore. Once the program was on the computer you needed to get permission from SonyBMG to delete it by sending them your personal info for which they would decide to send you the patch to delete. Every time you played an encoded SonyBMG disc you had to access the Sony media player program, which would send a CD identifier back to Sony telling them of your listing habits and probably, after sneaking around for a look-see on your computer report back to Sony (and other political forces) your favorite URL sites, files and naughty photos. Who's bugging my privacy...Is the Patriot Act using SonyBMG disc to infiltrate the sorry lot of Celine Dion fans or trying to find out who is emailing friends out side of the States or vice versa? I didn't see any country artists on the list — some heavy persuasion from the Texas power lot to stop the good-ol' boys there. They hit Pete Seeger again. He was chased as a communist back in the fifties and a civil rights groupie in the sixties — if you bought that disc be ready for the Brown Shirts of Texas (via Greenwich, CT) to come visit. In closing, Osama bin Laden is not tech savvy. He has no podcast, nothing available via iTunes or Google video, no ring-tones or e-mail to a blackberry. Probably still makes his videos on tape. I wonder if he buys anything from Amazon. October 21, 2005Austin Powers and Frodo Baggins - Rock StarsPosted by nick at 9:49 AM | Comments (2384) Have you heard!! – Austin Powers wants to play Keith Moon in a biopic of the crazed Who drummer's life. The teeth might cause a problem but the wardrobe won’t be too far from what Moon wore. Also, Frodo Baggins is trying to get a film made of Iggy Pop’s life, O.K.? Iggy’s life has sometimes parallel the perils of traveling through Mordor but, do we really care? The singer Pink is filming the Janis Joplin story now. The short life and times of Jimi Hendrix is not far behind. Film's based on musicians lives and times have generally bombed. I'm not talking about documentaries like the Stones' "Gimme Shelter," The Who's "The Kids Are Alright," or The Clash's "Rude Boy." I'm talking theatrical movies. Very few have provided a sense of the life and times of the artists. "The Buddy Holly Story" wasn't bad and to some degree was factually correct; however, the movie was made in 1978 and the direction and look of the movie is far too reminiscent of bad '70s TV film. "La Bamba" was just awful. No comment on any film based on the lives of Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison or any other former SUN recording artist. The Beatles films fell in to the promotion area as they were made while their were still together. Other films, like "Ray," provided more than you want to know about the artist. Several people told me how they loved the film but lost some respect for Ray Charles because of his philandering. Austin Powers as Keith Moon, Frodo Baggins as/or producing the life and times of Iggy Pop, Pink as Janis Joplin. Let them make the films. More than likely we will never watch them at the movies. We will rent the DVD and watch them at home. The music would sound much better there. |
