I was introduced to the Band through listening to Bob Dylan and reading up on the notorious 'JUDAS' debate which happened in the 60s when Bobby was playing in my hometown of Manchester.
Who were these guys who caused such a stir? Of course, they were The Band.
As soon as I heard the opening track Across The Great Divide, they got my attention, the full on roots vibe, the earthy feel and look of the album known as the Brown album, was quite an attraction, nothing better than getting back to nature and in a way this album is a the perfect soundtrack for that kinda thing.
It's REAL...
That southern twang and easy on the ear voice in which I heard on The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down was that of drummer Levon Helm.
I could sing the praises of this band all day long and if you don't own the albums Music From Big Pink and the self titled The Band (Brown album) I'm pretty sure you won't be disappointed if you ever chose to pick them up.
For myself Levon was an inspiration, not only was he a drummer who's unique style of playing I could get to grips with, as you'd sometimes see him play is high-hat with his left hand, I also choose to do that as at the time I was playing in a band, but my true love has always been with the instrument the mandolin.
My fingers too small for guitar, the mandolin was the ideal solution...
Low and behold LEVON PLAYED MANDOLIN...
He could sing!!
A drummer which took the drummer stereotype and through it right out of the window.
I had a HERO!
Not only was he vastly talented you never ever hear a bad word about the guy.
Mentioned in so many biographies and music discographies and if there is an anecdote to be told Levon shines as a voice of reason and stand up guy through and through.
When the news was released this week that we should keep him in our thoughts and prayers, my heart sunk.
Levon was too ill to play the last time he was supposed to be in the UK and the tour had to be cancelled but I always thought I'd catch him at some point even if it meant travelling to the States as he would host workshops alongside other musical endeavours.
It makes me a little sad to think that the world has lost another great and magnificent musician, but reading the blogs and posts from the people who were the closest to him and knew and loved him I hope Levon has found peace where's there's no more pain and suffering.
The strong legacy of the music he made will never fade and it will continue to thrill, cheer and delight for generations to come, he'll always be alongside us.
Love ya Levon!
I could sing the praises of this band all day long and if you don't own the albums Music From Big Pink and the self titled The Band (Brown album) I'm pretty sure you won't be disappointed if you ever chose to pick them up.
For myself Levon was an inspiration, not only was he a drummer who's unique style of playing I could get to grips with, as you'd sometimes see him play is high-hat with his left hand, I also choose to do that as at the time I was playing in a band, but my true love has always been with the instrument the mandolin.
My fingers too small for guitar, the mandolin was the ideal solution...
Low and behold LEVON PLAYED MANDOLIN...
He could sing!!
A drummer which took the drummer stereotype and through it right out of the window.
I had a HERO!
Not only was he vastly talented you never ever hear a bad word about the guy.
Mentioned in so many biographies and music discographies and if there is an anecdote to be told Levon shines as a voice of reason and stand up guy through and through.
When the news was released this week that we should keep him in our thoughts and prayers, my heart sunk.
Levon was too ill to play the last time he was supposed to be in the UK and the tour had to be cancelled but I always thought I'd catch him at some point even if it meant travelling to the States as he would host workshops alongside other musical endeavours.
It makes me a little sad to think that the world has lost another great and magnificent musician, but reading the blogs and posts from the people who were the closest to him and knew and loved him I hope Levon has found peace where's there's no more pain and suffering.
The strong legacy of the music he made will never fade and it will continue to thrill, cheer and delight for generations to come, he'll always be alongside us.
Love ya Levon!
