Jam Central Station 1.14.12 : The Band
Posted by Jeff Modzelewski on 01.14.2012
The legendary contemporaries of The Grateful Dead and The Allman Brothers
Hey everyone. As always, I hope you're doing well. We've had some great performances with The MuckleBuck, writing new material and working on arrangements for some of our current songs. I really think we're putting together some good stuff. Hopefully you'll check that out. Anyways, on with the show!
While The Band never experienced the level of mainstream success that many of their contemporaries did, in music circles their work is often looked at as just as important and influential as some of the biggest names in early rock and roll. While you would never confuse The Band with The Beatles, the fact remains that The Band's influence on rock and roll in the 60's and 70's was nearly as substantial and their legendary live performances set a standard that few bands could ever live up to. In the late 60's and early 70's they were as prolific as The Grateful Dead and The Allman Brothers, and often shared the stage with these acts as well as Bob Dylan and many others. Early in their history, however, it would never have been apparent that this group of Canadians (and one Arkansas-ian) would come together with the success that they ultimately had.
In the mid 50's, Leon Helms was playing in a rockabilly group in Arkansas called the Jungle Bush Beaters. Through playing with this band he met up with a young Ronnie Hawkins, who was looking for a serious backing band. Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks was put together in 1957, and due to certain connections that members had they began playing regularly in the Great Lakes region and in Canada. They moved the band to Toronto, where their wild rockabilly sound was very unique and soon gathered a following. However, most of the Hawks would leave Canada within a couple of years. Instead of deterring the band, however, they simply found some of the best young Canadian musicians to fill the voids. Robbie Robertson joined first, and was quickly followed by Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, and Garth Hudson. While Hawkins was the frontman of the group (and a star in his own right), the departure of the majority of southerners left Hawkins as an outsider in his own band.
The Hawks split from Hawkins, with only Helms remaining from the original group. They spent some time playing and recording together with Helms as the frontman, focusing on perfecting their heavy R&B based rock sound. They became a well known club band, playing music in bars primarily focused on getting people to dance and enjoy themselves. The band ended up meeting Bob Dylan through a mutual colleague, and quickly decided that this was the band that he wanted to use to "update" his music. They began touring with Dylan, focusing on his style of modern electric folk and learning how to be less rigid when playing live. Dylan's habit of changing songs on the fly forced his band to learn how to keep up. While this wasn't what they had been doing in years past, they learned to read each other and Dylan to follow where the song was going. They toured with Dylan in 1965 and 66 (although Helms left early in the tour due to the poor reaction of fans) and recorded the Basement Tapes with Dylan in 67.
There were significant disagreements during this time on how Dylan and "his" band should proceed. Dylan was primarily focused on his lyrics and had very little interest in how the production of an album sounded. The rest of the band, Robertson in particular, were interested in making an album that sounded great, where each voice and instrument had its own unique characteristic. The group decided to split with Dylan and record on their own. Helms re-joined the newly christened "The Crackers" (which was soon changed to simply "The Band"), they recorded some demos, and were soon signed to Capitol Records.
They recorded the initial tracks for Music From The Big Pink were recorded in New York and finished in Los Angeles. Each song on the album had a distinct feel and the band took great interest in things like the order of each track. Each member other than Helms contributed to the songwriting, and Dylan was also credited on the album. The album included some of their most well-known songs, including "The Weight" and "Chest Fever." While the album wasn't an instant success, The Band's songwriting and the excellent production and sound of the album soon caused fans and critics alike to take notice. As fans got word that this had been the band that recently toured with Dylan (and had recorded on the unreleased-at-the-time Basement Tapes), they gained a cult-like following, despite giving no interviews and not touring for over a year.
By the time the band began work on their second album, they had all grown significantly as musicians. Robertson also emerged as the primary songwriter and wrote every song on the album either by himself or with and bandmate. The eponymous album was a major success and considered to be their masterpiece. The songwriting was as strong as anything Dylan was doing at the time, and the single "The Night They Drove Ol' Dixie Down" was a hit single. Robertson and producer John Simon spent a week planning out the recording sessions before the band finally gathered in California to record. They began touring regularly, playing both Woodstock and the Isle of Wright festival.
The Band has historically gone down as one of the greatest albums ever recorded. While it isn't a concept album, the songs all deal with either historical figures or themes. While Robertson was the primary songwriter, many of the songs dealt with themes that were from Helms neck of the woods. Robertson was able to capture these different themes in a very real and impactful way, and the band's attention to detail assured that every nuance of the song was heard as the band intended. It was a songwriting and recording accomplishment that has rarely been matched.
The Band found themselves having a difficult time dealing with the fame and celebrity that suddenly surrounded them. They began looking for ways to have more fun with their music. They began writing a new album with the intention of recording the album live at a small show in Woodstock NY. However, the city turned down the show, and the band instead recorded the album in the studio in just about two weeks. While Stage Fright was initially planned to be a lighter, more fun rock album, the songs became increasingly dark during the recording process. The band had decided that they were more interested in being taken seriously as songwriters and musicians instead of playing for the typical "drunk rock" crowd.
After a year on the road they reconvened for 1971's Cahoots. The sessions were marked by tension, as Robertson's songwriting had become increasingly complicated and complex. Other members worried that Robertson was being complex simply for the sake of being complex, while Robertson felt that many of the songs were half-finished. Robertson was his own worst critic in regards to the songwriting, and his trepidation carried through the entire mixing process. The album did include some classic Band tracks, but there's more mediocrity than greatness.
The Band closed out 1971 with a trio of gigs at the Academy of Music in New York, accompanied by a horn section arranged by Allen Toussaint. The shows were so successful that they released a double LP commemorating the best of the shows with Toussaint and the horns. After a pair of lackluster studio albums, Rock of Ages showed The Band could still bring out their best. Still, it was their last gig for a year and a half. Their next show was the legendary Watkins Glen show in July of 1973 with The Grateful Dead and The Allman Brothers. The show is believed to be the largest concert ever produced, with over 600,000 attendees.
Later that year The Band released Moondog Matinee, a collection of R&B cover songs meant to highlight their roots. They then rekindled their relationship with Bob Dylan, going out on a joint tour with him. The tour was memorialized on the double album Before the Flood. They continued their Dylan collaboration by finally completing and releasing The Basement Tapes, which were originally recorded in 1967. The album included many of the over 100 songs originally written in those sessions as well as a half dozen songs written and recorded solely by The Band. It was an odd mix, and many critics wondered why Columbia included later tracks instead of just using the original session. The final product, however, is still lauded as one of the great albums of the era.
The Band finally got around to recording an album of new material in 1975. Northern Lights – Southern Cross was recorded in the Spring of that year and released in October. Robbie Robertson was the sole songwriter credited on the album. However, the rest of the band contributed with great performances on the album. Hudson's keyboards were layered in multiple tracks using a variety of instruments and Danko's vocals were a highlight of the album. Other instruments like a fiddle and accordion were brought in to add the appropriate feel to different songs. The album was considered a "comeback" album of sorts for The Band, and a very successful one both critically and commercially.
Given the success of Northern Lights – Southern Cross, it was surprising that the band was nearing their end. They were looking for a new record deal and growing tired of touring. They announced that they would play one final show on Thanksgiving 1976. The Last Waltz was immortalized both as a triple album as well as a movie directed by Martin Scorcese. The concert featured an amazing list of guest appearances. Along with both Ronnie Hawkins and Bob Dylan, The Band performed with Neil Young, Joanie Mitchell, Eric Clapton, Neil Diamond, Ronnie Wood, Emmylou Harris, Ringo Starr, and many others. The concert was an elaborate affair and a huge success, lasting until well past 2 in the morning. The movie is widely considered to be the greatest concert film ever, and the live album soundtrack was also extremely successful.
Despite recording The Last Waltz in 1976, it wasn't released until 1978. There were a variety of contractual reasons for this, including that the band wanted to release the soundtrack on Warner Bros. but were contractually obligated to give Capitol one more album. Islands is considered to be a throwaway album for The Band, despite it being the last studio album with the original lineup. Many of the songs were written in years past and not considered strong enough for other albums. While the cover of "Georgia On My Mind" was a modest hit, the rest of the album is lackluster at best.
The Last Waltz was originally simply supposed to mark the end of the touring era of The Band, but it actually was the end of The Band as fans knew it. Member went on to form other bands and record solo albums. All of the members other than Robertson would play together in various collaborations in the years following The Last Waltz, and a reunited The Band (sans Robertson) began touring in 1983. Richard Manuel committed suicide while on tour with The Band in 1986, although the reformed group found a replacement and continued. They finally called it quits for good after Rick Danko passed away in 1999.
The story of The Band is really a great one. They went through so many styles and adjustments in their early career, all of which culminated in their recording and touring history as The Band. The original group didn't overstay their welcome and left on as high of a high note as any band. They left a legacy in their wake of amazing songwriting, legendary live performances, and some of the best studio recordings ever made. There are surprisingly few recordings of Robertson-era shows, so it's difficult for fans to relive those moments. But the influence of The Band continues to be felt over 30 years after their last show.
Coachella Lineup Announced
Coachella announced the lineup for their two-weekend festival. Both versions of Coachella will include the same lineup for the weekends. The headliners are The Black Keys, Radiohead, and Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. Other notable acts include The Shins, Florence and The Machine, Girl Talk, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, and Dawes. Both festivals are already sold out.
Wakarusa Lineup Round 2
Wakarusa announced their second round of lineup additions. Major additions include Primus, Umphrey's McGee, and Girl Talk. Other added artists include Greensky Bluegrass, Big Gigantic, Tea Leaf Green, Emmitt-Nershi Band, and Toubab Krewe. There's one more major announcement scheduled, including one more headliner for the festival.
Mayan Holidaze
January 26-30, 2012
Now Sapphire Resort and Spa
Mayan Riviera, Mexico
STS9, Umphrey's McGee, and The Disco Biscuits will host this destination festival on the Mayan Riviera! Tickets (actually, rooms at the resort) are available now!
Panic en la Playa
January 31-February 4, 2012
Mayan Riviera, Mexico
This destination event be a part of Panic's final shows before their hiatus. They'll be performing a full set each night, and attendance is limited to 2,000. Rooms at both resorts are sold out!
Jam in the Dam
March 14-16, 2012
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Jam in the Dam returns! 2012's lineup includes moe., Mike Gordon, Dark Star Orchestra, Lotus, and Keller Williams. Each artist will play each a full set each night. Tickets are available!!
Suwannee Springfest
March 23-25, 2012
Suwannee Music Park
Live Oak, FL
Performers include: Yonder Mountain String Band, Peter Rowan & Tony Rice Duo, Emmitt-Nershi Band, Hot Buttered Rum, Infamous Stringdusters, Great American Taxi, Greensky Bluegrass, and many others. Tickets are available now!
Ultra Music Festival
March 23-25, 2012
Bayfront Park
Miami, FL
Performers include: Tiesto, New Order, Kraftwerk, Justice, Fatboy Slim, Bassnectar, Skrillex, Pretty Lights, Afrojack, Big Gigantic, and many others.
Coachella
April 13-15, April 20-22
Empire Polo Club
Indio, CA
Both weekends will have the same lineup. Performers include: Radiohead, The Black Keys, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, Explosions in the Sky, Dawes, Girl Talk, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Florence & The Machine, and many others. Both weekends are sold out.
Hangout Festival
May 18-20, 2012
Gulf Shores, AL
Summer Camp
May 25-27, 2012
Three Sisters Park
Chillicothe, IL
Performers include-Three sets each from event hosts moe. and Umphrey's McGee. Other artists announced include Primus, Gogol Bordello, The Bob Weir, Chris Robinson, Jackie Greene Acoustic Trio, Flogging Molly, Cornmeal, Victor Wooten, Greensky Bluegrass, and Hot Buttered Rum.
Sasquatch! Festival
May 25-28, 2012
The Gorge
George, WA
Lineup will be announced in February
Mountain Jam
May 31-June 3, 2012
Hunter Mountain, NY
Wakarusa
May 31-June 3, 2012
Mulberry Mountain
Ozark, AR
Performers include: Primus, Umphrey's McGee, Pretty Lights, Robinson & Greene Acoustic Trio, Edward Sharpe & Magnetic Zeros, Toubab Krewe, Big Gigantic, Girl Talk, G. Love & Special Sauce, Railroad Earth, Beats Antique, ALO, Keller Williams, The Infamous Stringdusters and others.
Bonnaroo
June 7-10, 2012
Manchester, TN
No news on artists yet, and super-early-bird tickets are sold out.
Telluride Bluegrass Festival
June 21-24, 2011
Telluride, CO
Performers for the 39th annual festival include: Yonder Mountain String Band, Leftover Salmon, Alison Krauss & Union Station, The Punch Brothers, Bela Fleck & The Marcus Roberts Trio, Greensky Bluegrass, and many others.
Governor's Ball
June 23-24, 2011
Randall's Island
New York, NY
Electric Forest Festival
June 28-July 1, 2012
Double JJ Ranch and Resort
Rothbury, MI
High Sierra Music Festival
July 5-8, 2012
Quincy, CA
Camp Bisco XI
July 12-14, 2012
Indian Lookout Country Club
Mariaville, NY
All Good
July 19-22, 2012
Legend Valley
Thornville, OH
Gathering of the Vibes
July 19-22, 2012
Seaside Park
Bridgeport, CT
Floyd Fest
July 26-29, 2012
Lover's Rock
Floyd, VA
Performers include: Michael Franti & Spearhead, Leftover Salmon, Matisyahu, Galactic, Punch Brothers, Toubab Krewe, Drew Emmitt Band, and many others.
Newport Folk Festival
July 28-29, 2012
Ft. Adams State Park
Newport, RI
Newport Jazz Festival
August 3-5, 2012
Ft. Adams State Park
Newport, RI
Lollapalooza
August 3-5, 2012
Grant Park
Chicago, IL
Camp Barefoot
August 23-26, 2012
Camp Hidden Meadows
Bartow, WV
Performers include: Zach Deputy, Brothers Past, The Motet, Euforquesta, That 1 Guy, and others. Headliners yet to be announced.
The Werk Out Music and Arts Festival
September 20-23, 2012
Legend Valley
Thornville, OH
Thanks again for checking out the column this week. Nothing much else to talk about, so I'll wrap things up with my usual plugs of Jam Central Station on Facebook and Twitter. Until next week, Jam On!
