EmmyLou Harris

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou Harris (born April 2, 1947 in Birmingham, Alabama) is an American singer-songwriter and musician. She has released many chart-topping albums and singles over the course of her career, and has won 12 Grammys and numerous other awards.

In addition to her work as a solo artist and bandleader, both as an interpreter of other composers' works and as a singer-songwriter, she is a sought-after backing vocalist and duet partner, working with numerous other artists including Gram Parsons, Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison, The Band, Mark Knopfler, Guy Clark, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Rodney Crowell, Little Feat, and Neil Young.

 One night in 1971, members of the country rock group The Flying Burrito Brothers happened to be in the audience. Former Byrds member Chris Hillman, who had taken over the band after the departure of its founder Gram Parsons, was so impressed by Harris that he briefly considered asking her to join the band. Instead, Hillman ended up recommending her to Parsons, who was looking for a female vocalist to work with on his first solo album, GP. Harris toured as a member of Parsons' band, The Fallen Angels, in 1973, and the two of them shone during vocal harmonies and duets. Harris was quite pleased, and invested a lot emotionally in their relationship. Later that year, Parsons and Harris worked on a studio album, Grievous Angel. Parsons died in his motel room near what is now Joshua Tree National Park on September 19, 1973 from an accidental overdose of drugs and alcohol. Parsons's Grievous Angel was released posthumously in 1974, and three more tracks from his last sessions with Harris were included on another posthumous Parsons album, Sleepless Nights, in 1976. There was one more album of recorded material from that period of time that was packaged with the name, Live 1973, but was not released until 1982.

Already celebrated as a discoverer and interpreter of other artists’ songs, 12-time Grammy Award winner Emmylou Harris has, in the last decade, gained admiration as much for her eloquently straightforward songwriting as for her incomparably expressive singing. On Hard Bargain, her third Nonesuch disc, she offers 11 original songs—three of them co-written with Grammy– and Oscar–winning composer Will Jennings—that touch on the autobiographical while reaching for the universal. She recalls the storied time she spent with her mentor Gram Parsons (“The Road”) and composes a sweet remembrance of the late singer-songwriter Kate McGarrigle (“Darlin’ Kate”) and the time they spent together, right up to the end. Harris locates poignancy and fresh meaning in events both historical and personal. On “My Name Is Emmett Till” she recounts a violent, headline-making story from the civil rights era in a heartbreakingly plain-spoken narrative, told from the murdered victim’s perspective; on “Goodnight Old World,” she fashions a bittersweet lullaby to her newly born grandchild, contrasting a grown-up’s world-weariness with a baby’s wide-eyed wonder. “Big Black Dog,” with its loping canine-like rhythms, is also a true tale, about a black lab mix named Bella. Harris, who runs a dog shelter called Bonaparte’s Retreat on her property, rescued Bella from the Nashville Metro pound and provided an especially happy ending to her story: “She goes on the tour bus with me now, along with another one of my rescues. I think of all the years on the road I wasted without a dog. They make it so much more pleasant. I’m making up for lost time now, that’s for sure.”

www.emmylouharris.com

Bob Dylan and the Band-Before The Flood

Before the Flood

I have somewhat mixed feelings about this record.

On the negative side is the fact that Dylan and the Band recorded this in front of large, stadium-sized audiences. That gives it a strange kind of antiseptic quality, where musicians and audience feel separate from one another. This is a big reason why I generally don't go to big arena shows, and I count it as a debit on Before the Flood.

But this has to be balanced against some huge credits. For starters, there are no horns. For some reason, Robbie Robertson felt compelled to flesh out Rock of Ages and the Last Waltz with a horn section, which only has the effect of trampling all over Richard Manuel's piano and, more importantly, Garth Hudson's organ. Both Manuel and Hudson are all over this record, which makes it much more enjoyable, and a more accurate sense of what the Band actually sounded like on your typical night in the early 70s.

Second is Dylan's reworking of all his old tunes. Nothing is revelatory, but it is interesting.

Third is just the high-quality musicianship of the Band. I mentioned Hudson and Manuel above, but you can also hear Rick Danko bouncing all over the bass in his usually interesting way, and Robertson is doing his typically amazing bending of notes. I still have never heard anybody do what Robertson does.

When push comes to shove, Dylan's Bootleg Series, Volume 4 (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1966) is basically similar to this record -- Dylan and the Band playing his mid-60s hits. But while the Royal Albert Hall record is a more important document in rock history, I think Before the Flood one is more enjoyable.

Manassas

Manassas

Manassas was an American rock band formed by Stephen Stills in 1971 Predominantly a vehicle for Stills’ artistic vision, the band released two albums during its active tenure, 1972’s Manassas and 1973’s Down The Road. The band dissolved in October 1973.

Manassas was formed in the fall of 1971, following Stills' concert tour to support his album Stephen Stills 2 (1971). While Stephen Stills 2 was Stills’ second solo album, it was his first completed following the acrimonious 1970 breakup of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSNY), and was not critically well-received. [3][4] After a chance meeting with Flying Burrito Brothers singer/multi-instrumentalist Chris Hillman in Cleveland, where Stills’ tour schedule crossed paths with that of the Burritos – a band that, by late 1971, had undergone multiple personnel changes and was in financial trouble[5] – Stills saw an opportunity to change his artistic direction. He subsequently contacted Hillman, asking him, along with Burritos’ guitarist Al Perkins and fiddler Byron Berline, to join him in Miami at Atlantic Records’ Criteria Studios facility to jam. Stills also invited several members of his touring band – drummer Dallas Taylor, bassist Calvin “Fuzzy” Samuels, keyboardist Paul Harris and vocalist/percussionist Joe Lala – to play at the session.

The musicians quickly jelled in the studio, and within several weeks had recorded enough material at Criteria to fill a double-LP album release. The band was capable of a wide musical range, with a repertoire including blues, folk, country, latin, and rock songs. Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman, a friend of both Hillman and Stills who visited Criteria during the sessions, was an early fan of the band, at one point expressing an interest in joining. [6] (Wyman would contribute to the sessions by helping Stills re-write his to-date unrecorded song from 1968, “Bumblebee,” as the blues/funk tune “The Love Gangster,” with Wyman also playing bass on the track.) The band christened itself Manassas after Stills, who had an interest in American Civil War history, orchestrated a photo shoot for them in Manassas, Virginia, the site of the First and Second Battles of Bull Run (1861 and 1862, respectively).

The band’s first album Manassas, a double-LP sporting a cover photo from the shoot in Virginia, was released in May 1972. The album was well received, quickly achieving RIAA Gold Record status, and Manassas globally toured behind it for most of 1972, including television appearances on ABC-TV’s In Concert in the United States and Musikladen in West Germany.


Upon returning to the U.S. from the European leg of Manassas' 1972 tour, Chris Hillman took several weeks away from the band to record a reunion album with his pre-Burritos band the Byrds, an effort that also included Stills’ ex-CSNY bandmate David Crosby. Manassas then regrouped and quickly completed their second album, Down the Road. Initial sessions for the album were convened at Criteria Studios, but the band moved the sessions in midstream to Caribou Ranch in Colorado and the Record Plant in Los Angeles after Criteria staff engineers Ron and Howard Albert expressed concern that the sessions were not producing quality results. Down the Road was completed in January 1973, and released in the spring of that year to middling reviews and sales, falling short of RIAA Gold status; it was the first album that Stills appeared on since 1968 not to "go Gold."

After completing Down the Road, Manassas went on hiatus for several months. During the break, Stephen Stills married Véronique Sanson, whom he had met in Paris during Manassas’ 1972 European tour. As Hillman and Crosby's Byrds reunion album was readied for release in March 1973, some consideration was given to launching a Byrds tour in support. When this did not materialize, two events occurred instead that effectively doomed Manassas. First, Hillman accepted his management’s proposal to, after satisfying Manassas’ scheduled touring commitments, join a project involving ex-Buffalo Springfield and Poco singer/guitarist Richie Furay and Eagles songwriter/collaborator J. D. Souther. Second, Crosby joined Neil Young on tour, in a band that also included their ex-CSNY mate Graham Nash. When this tour ended in mid-1973, Crosby, Nash and Young – encouraged by their management, who were hopeful to realize the financial benefits of a possible CSNY reunion – regrouped in Maui to discuss potential work on a new album. The three reached out to Stills, who went directly from his honeymoon break with Sanson to Hawaii to join the new project. CSNY worked for several weeks in both Maui and Los Angeles on the project, Human Highway, but these sessions were ultimately aborted due to various disagreements within the band.

Stills was greeted by several sources of turmoil upon returning from the Human Highway sessions to regroup Manassas, as, in addition to Hillman’s future commitment to work with Furay and Souther, Dallas Taylor had become severely addicted to heroin, and Calvin Samuels had left the band for personal reasons. Stills dealt with these issues by securing the services of drummer John Barbata, with whom he had worked in CSNY during their 1970 tour, as a backup for Taylor, and bassist Kenny Passarelli of Joe Walsh’s band Barnstorm to replace Samuels. Samuels would return to the band for the last leg of its 1973 tour. Following the tour’s completion in October, Manassas’s dissolution was publicly announced.

One of Manassas’ last shows, at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom in early October 1973, was made notable by the band’s being joined onstage by first David Crosby and Graham Nash, and, later in the show, by Neil Young. [12] When later asked about this occurrence, Chris Hillman would comment “I could smell a CSNY reunion.”  CSNY would, in fact, regroup for a world tour in early 1974. Following this tour, Stephen Stills would start a new band in 1975 with Kenny Passarelli and Joe Lala, but this was short-lived; Passarelli would soon depart to join the Elton John Band, and Lala would subsequently leave as well. Chris Hillman’s Souther-Hillman-Furay Band, which would also include Manassas members Al Perkins and Paul Harris (and eventually Joe Lala, who would later join Chicago), released its first album in early 1974.

WWW.stephenstills.com

Desert Rose Band

Desert Rose Band

The Desert Rose Band was formed in 1985 with primary songwriter Chris Hillman on lead vocals, guitar, and mandolin. Other members, culled mainly from Southern California session players, included banjoist/guitarist Herb Pedersen, guitarist John Jorgenson, steel guitarist Jay Dee Maness, bassist Bill Bryson, and drummer Steve Duncan. Their first single was a 1986 cover of Johnnie & Jack's "Ashes of Love," which climbed into the country Top 30. Their self-titled debut album followed in 1987 and spawned a number one hit in "One Step Forward," plus two more Top Tens in "Love Reunited" and "He's Back and I'm Blue." 1988's Running produced two number one smash hits, "I Still Believe in You" and "Summer Wind," as well as the number three hit "She Don't Love Nobody." 1990's Pages of Life brought their final Top Ten hits in "Story of Love" and "Start All Over Again." Three albums were recorded between 1991-1993, "True Love", Traditional" and "Life Goes On". The Desert Rose band has won three Academy of Country Music Awards and has received several nominations from the Country Music Association and the Grammys.

1987-1988: The Desert Rose Band

Their eponymous debut album was issued in 1987 on MCA/Curb. It contained their first hit "Ashes of Love" which was a Johnnie & Jack song from the early 1950s. It was the second time Hillman and Pederson recorded "Ashes of Love", the first being on Hillman's just prior album Desert Rose on the Sugar Hill label. The Desert Rose Band's debut also featured a remake of Chris Hillman's "Time Between" which he previously recorded as a member of the Byrds, as well as the band's first chart-topper "He's Back and I'm Blue".
1988-1989: Running

Their second album Running (1988) featured the John Hiatt-penned hit "She Don't Love Nobody", "Running", and a remake of Buck Owens's "Hello Trouble".
1989-1990: Pages of Life and Jay Dee Maness departure

The third album Pages of Life featured a remake of "Desert Rose" as well as a remake of Pedersen's folk song about his daughter "Our Baby's Gone" which was originally recorded on his 1976 album Southwest. Jay Dee Maness left the band in 1990 and was replaced on pedal steel guitar by Tom Brumley whom Jay Dee replaced in the Buckaroos. Jay Dee Maness would again play with Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen on their post Desert Rose Band duo albums Bakersfield Bound and Way Out West.
1991-1993: True Love and Life Goes On'

The fourth album, True Love, was released in 1991. It was followed by 1993's Life Goes On, released only in Europe. Several prominent country and bluegrass musicians made guest appearances on Life Goes On including Sam Bush on fiddle, Tony Rice and Larry Park (of Boy Howdy) on guitar, and Al Perkins on dobro.

http://www.chrishillman.com

Molly Hatchet-No Guts No Glory

No Guts, No Glory

O.K., I know that this wasn't their most commercially successful album, but it is every bit as good as their first two albums "Molly Hatchet" and "Flirtin' With Disaster". This was the first album recorded after lead singer Danny Joe Brown's return to the band, and you can tell he was full of energy and out to prove that Hatchet was back, bigger than ever! This album is a feather in his cap, as the true voice of Molly Hatchet. I really liked the previous two albums with Jimmy Farrar on vocals, but his style was vastly different from D.J.B. Right away on the first track "What Does It Matter?", in the opening riffs, Danny lets loose with his banter, and there's no mistaking who's on vocals. Dave Hlubek's master piece "Fall of the Peacemakers" fits nicely in the middle of the album, but probably the track with the most drive is "What's it Gonna Take". Awesome dual harmony guitar leads and sang with conviction. You will not be disappointed with your purchase. This has the true Hatchet sound!

Dave Torbert

Dave Torbert

Dave Torbert (June 7, 1948 – December 7, 1982) was a Bay Area musician, best known for his associations with the Grateful Dead and the New Riders of the Purple Sage. He played bass for the latter group, replacing Phil Lesh during the sessions for their first album.   He also played on "Box of Rain", a song from American Beauty, and on "Greatest Story Ever Told" from Bob Weir's solo album Ace. Additionally, he was a founding member, with Matthew Kelly, of the band Kingfish. Torbert died of a heart attack in 1982.

Discography

    Horses – Horses (1969)
    American Beauty – Grateful Dead (1970)
    New Riders of the Purple Sage – New Riders of the Purple Sage (1971)
    Powerglide – New Riders of the Purple Sage (1972)
    Ace – Bob Weir (1972)
    Gypsy Cowboy – New Riders of the Purple Sage (1972)
    The Adventures of Panama Red – New Riders of the Purple Sage (1973)
    Home, Home on the Road – New Riders of the Purple Sage (1974)
    Kingfish – Kingfish (1976)
    Live 'n' Kickin' – Kingfish (1977)
    Trident – Kingfish (1978)
    Kingfish – Kingfish (1985)
    Vintage NRPS – New Riders of the Purple Sage (1986)
    Kingfish in Concert: King Biscuit Flower Hour – Kingfish (1996)
    Worcester, MA, 4/4/73 – New Riders of the Purple Sage (2003)
    Boston Music Hall, 12/5/72 – New Riders of the Purple Sage (2003)
    Veneta, Oregon, 8/27/72 – New Riders of the Purple Sage (2004)
    S.U.N.Y., Stonybrook, NY, 3/17/73 – New Riders of the Purple Sage (2007)

Longbranch Pennywhistle

Not alot of information is published about this short lived band.

Longbranch Pennywhistle was a country rock/folk music group consisting of Glenn Frey and John David Souther. They played as a duo in the late sixties at Doug Weston's Troubadour Nightclub in West Hollywood, Calif. They released a self-titled album in 1969 under the Amos Records label. However, the label dissolved a couple years later in 1971, and the group split up. Shortly thereafter, Frey formed The Eagles, after meeting Don Henley at the Troubadour bar in 1971. Souther and Frey would continue to collaborate, also with fellow Eagle Don Henley, occasionally on such Eagles classics as "The Best of My Love", "New Kid in Town", "Victim of Love", "The Sad Café", and "Heartache Tonight".

They also recorded the song "I Can't Believe It" used in the 1971 film Vanishing Point. This song does not appear on Longbranch Pennywhistle's only album.

Richie Furay

Richie Furay

Paul Richard "Richie" Furay (born May 9, 1944, Yellow Springs, Ohio) is an American singer, songwriter, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member who is best known for forming the bands Buffalo Springfield with Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Bruce Palmer, and Dewey Martin, and Poco with Jim Messina, Rusty Young, George Grantham and Randy Meisner.[1] His best known song (originally written during his tenure in Buffalo Springfield, but eventually performed by Poco, as well) was "Kind Woman", which he wrote for his wife, Nancy.

In the late 1960s he formed the country-rock band Poco with Jim Messina and Rusty Young. This band, while influential to many future country-rock acts, experienced uneven commercial success. Furay's best known songs, "Pickin' Up The Pieces" and "Good Feelin' To Know", however, have reached classic status and appear on many country rock compilations. Furay left Poco in 1974 to form the Souther Hillman Furay Band. It was during this time that Al Perkins, the band's pedal steel guitar player, introduced Furay to Christianity. His newfound faith helped him rebuild his troubled marriage.

Although Souther, Hillman, Furay's self-titled first album was certified Gold and yielded the top thirty hit with "Fallin' in Love" in 1974, the group could not follow up on that success, and poor record sales eventually led to its demise.

After moving from Los Angeles to Sugarloaf Mountain near Boulder, Colorado, Furay formed The Richie Furay Band with Jay Truax, John Mehler, and Tom Stipe, releasing the album I've Got a Reason in 1976, which reflected Furay's newfound beliefs. To support the release of this album Furay formed an alliance with David Geffen and Asylum Records. Furay assured Geffen that his album would be Christian influenced but would not be an attempt to preach his newfound beliefs. "I've Got a Reason" did, however, establish Furay as a pioneer in Christian Rock. The title track of his third album, the secular "I Still Have Dreams", became a mild radio hit in 1979.

Overall, his albums charted unsatisfactorily, and, compounded with the strain of touring wearing on him and his family, he hung up his rock and roll shoes in favor of a call to the ministry. In 1983 Furay became senior pastor of the Calvary Chapel in Broomfield, Colorado, a non-sectarian Christian church in the Denver area. He continues to perform as a solo artist, and very occasionally with Poco. He toured as an opening act for America and Linda Ronstadt during the Summer of 2006. The 2006 release of his latest CD The Heartbeat of Love returns Furay to his early country-rock roots with a contemporary flair.

In 2007 he toured with a new formation of the Richie Furay Band. At the Boulder and Bluebird Theatres in Colorado they recorded a double live CD ALIVE. The ALIVE set covers 29 songs of Furay's career. The Richie Furay band continued to tour through 2008 and 2009. Furay appeared with Poco for several shows in early 2009. At the Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California in the Spring of 2009, Furay and the current Poco lineup were joined onstage by original members Jimmy Messina and George Grantham and former bass player Timothy B. Schmit reuniting the Poco lineup that achieved the most critical acclaim.

On October 23, 2010, he reunited with surviving Buffalo Springfield bandmates Stephen Stills and Neil Young for a set at the 24th annual Bridge School Benefit at Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California.

Richie is currently performing with the Richie Furay Band and regrouped with Buffalo Springfield for a 2011 tour, headlining 2011 Bonnaroo with them. In July 2011, Furay announced on his Facebook page that he would be touring with Buffalo Springfield in early 2012, ending speculation there would be a 2011 fall tour with them.

WEBSITE
http://www.richiefuray.com/

With Buffalo Springfield

Allman Brother Band -At Fillmore East

At Fillmore East

The Allman Brothers were master musicians, everyone well agrees. They wrote good enough songs, but their studio albums are for the most part quite good but not spectacular. There are a few occasions when they open up instrumentally, like in "Mountain Jam," and within limits on some shorter songs, but basic song structures are more the thing. However, there was that time at Fillmore East...

The songs on this CD, only seven, were originally in an album released as a double LP. Two of the tracks were long enough to each take up an entire LP side. Gregg Allman on keyboards, Dickie Betts on guitar, Berry Oakley on bass, Butch Trucks and Jaimoe Jai Johanny on percussion, do they ever jam and solo. And a man named Duane Allman, on guitar. I sometimes wonder if you sat down 1,000 people who had never heard this CD, played it for them, and asked them afterward whether they think Duane was a mere mortal, would any vote yes? Actually, my case is more rudimentary. I need only listen to "In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed." I hold my breath when Gregg's shimmering organ following "Hot 'Lanta" introduces this incredible performance by Duane and the rest. When I mention my favorite Allman Brothers "song," I speak in terms of studio, saying "Jessica"--it is a wonderful instrumental, with good soloing, but within a basic structure. But this live version of "In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed" is a step beyond, into free-flowing improvisation that confounds one's sense of the limitations of what can be achieved in music. Can anything be described as less limited in comparison to this display of sheer instrumental genius?

This brilliant live album has had its praises sung for it over and over, but great albums can still be uneven, at least to a certain extent. In "Live at Fillmore East," there is only excellent and better, from the opening slides of Duane's guitar on "Statesboro Blues" to the tired breaths uttering "I'm dying" at the end of "Whipping Post." The latter and the other extended number, "You Don't Love Me," contain terrific long jams that slow down in tempo in their later parts and shift some gears, with even a little hamming. I enjoy a couple of really cool chugging guitar sections in the latter part of "You Don't Love Me." However, "Whipping Post" is superior--it is more absolutely breathtaking guitar work, by Duane and Dickie Betts. "Hot 'Lanta" has a great steady-driving motif providing a good base for fiery soling, and is also brilliant. "Storm Monday" is a slower, atmospheric number. Beginning with Gregg's glowing organ, this song radiates a gorgeous texture featuring organ glides and Betts' sweet guitar licks.

Duane had more successes before his unfortunate early death, including his masterful work on Layla in partnership with Eric Clapton. But this will always be his finest moment, as well as that of this legendary Southern Rock group.

The Flying Burrito Brothers- Biography

The Flying Burrito Brothers

The Flying Burrito Brothers was an early country rock band, best known for its influential debut album, The Gilded Palace of Sin (1969). Although the group is most often mentioned in connection with country rock legends Gram Parsons, Bernie Leadon and Chris Hillman, the group underwent many personnel changes.
The Flying Burrito Brothers was founded in 1968 on the West Coast of the United States by former The Byrds members Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman,as well as pianist and bassist Chris Ethridge and pedal steel guitarist Sneaky Pete Kleinow. The group recorded their debut album The Gilded Palace of Sin without a regular drummer, although 'Fast' Eddie Hoh and Jon Corneal were both occasional full-time members during the early days of the band and both are featured on this album. The album contains originals by Parsons and Hillman, and two covers by soul music writers Dan Penn and Chips Moman. After firing Corneal the band needed a permanent drummer for touring purposes; they hired another ex-Byrd, Michael Clarke, who had recently been working with the Dillard and Clark Expedition.

Although critically well received, The Gilded Palace of Sin did not sell well.  Ethridge departed in mid-1969, and Hillman moved to bass as the band hired singer and guitarist Bernie Leadon. The band performed at the Altamont Free Concert in December 1969, and, as documented in the film Gimme Shelter, the band was on stage when fights broke out in the audience.

Owing to disagreements between Parsons and Hillman, the band's next album, Burrito Deluxe, included few collaborations between the pair. Parsons left the group after its release in 1970, and was replaced by Rick Roberts, with the new line-up releasing the self-titled album, The Flying Burrito Bros, in 1971. Kleinow then left to become a session musician, and Leadon departed to create the Eagles. Al Perkins and Kenny Wertz replaced them, and Roger Bush and Byron Berline participated as guests in live performances, with the band releasing a live album, Last of the Red Hot Burritos, in 1972.

The original band dissolved after the last founding member, Chris Hillman, took Perkins with him to join Manassas. Berline, Bush and Wertz continued with their own band, Country Gazette. Roberts assembled a makeshift Flying Burrito Bros group to fulfill contractual commitments for some 1973 European live shows, then initiated a solo career before forming Firefall with Michael Clarke.

Burrito Deluxe, the group's second album, was released in the spring of 1970. After its release, Gram Parsons left the group and was replaced by Rick Roberts, a local Californian songwriter. Roberts' first album with the band, The Flying Burrito Brothers, was released in 1971. After its release, Kleinow left the band to become a session musician and Leadon departed to join the Eagles. the Burritos hired pedal steel guitarist Al Perkins and bassist Roger Bush to replace them, as well as adding guitarist Kenny Wertz and fiddler Byron Berline to the lineup. This new version of the group recorded the live album The Last of the Red Hot Burritos, which was released in 1972. Before its release, the band splintered apart. Berline, Bush, and Wertz all left to form Country Gazette, while Hillman and Perkins joined Manassas. Roberts assembled a new band to tour Europe in 1973 and then dissolved the group, choosing to pursue a solo career. Roberts would later form Firefall with Michael Clarke.

Close Up the Honky Tonks, a double-album Flying Burrito Brothers compilation, was released in 1974 because of the burgeoning interest in Gram Parsons. Capitalizing on the collection and the cult forming around Parsons, Kleinow and Ethridge formed a new version of The Flying Burrito Brothers in 1975. The duo recruited Floyd "Gib" Gilbeau (vocals, guitar, fiddle), bassist Joel Scott Hill, and drummer Gene Parsons and recorded Flying Again, which was released on Columbia Records in 1975.

Glenn Frey-Soul Searchin'

Soul Searchin'

I have been a fan of Glenn Frey longer than I can remember, and while all his albums are standouts, each seems to be for a different reason. His little musical experiments on Soul Searchin' (like the no snare, just snaps of "Some Kind Of Blue" and his homage to Philadelphia Blues on "Let's Pretend. . .") create a unique listening experience and a fine example of what a good songwriter can come up with, just by carrying on as far as possible with his own distinct sound.
"Livin' Right" is the best song Glenn's ever kicked off an album with, while the album closes with one "Your Life", of his most memorable love songs. Two personal favorite songs of mine are "Can't Put Out This Fire", and "Working Man" which show two different, but excellent facets of Glenn's musical talent. Also, the choral-heavy title song is an enchanting centerpiece which foreshadows the tones of his mastercraft "Strange Weather".
The other songs are nothing to skip over either, unless you don't mind missing something from one of the 80's & 90's coolest solo artists. Now that I have the CD, I notice that the bonus track "It's Cold In Here" sounds like it was left off "The Allnighter", but it's still a terrific song. I look forward to hearing new music from Glenn soon, and like his fellow former Eagles, I hope he never changes. Glenn Frey's solo career has never been an attempt to duplicate the Eagles' sound. Instead he has turned out R&B-flavoured ballads, blue-eyed soul and mainstream easy listening, and even though "Soul Searchin'" wasn't very popular with reviewers, it does contain some really fine songs.

When I first heard it I frowned at the extremely 80s-like fitness-anthem "Livin' Right", which kicks off the album, and I've never really become friends with that one. It sounds like something from a commercial.

But the rest of the album is generally very good. "Two Hearts", "It's Your Life" and the slightly Springsteen-like "Working Man" have certainly dated since 1988, but they're nowhere near unbearable, and Glenn Frey turns out some truly lovely, well-arranged ballads as well, most notably the sax-laden "Some Kind Of Blue" (I love that saxophone solo!) and the slow, longing "I Did It For Your Love".

The groovy soul stompers "True Love" and "Can't Put Out This Fire" are highlighted by a wonderful horn ensemble, as is the more pop-oriented "Let's Pretend We're Still In Love".
"Soul Searchin'", the title track, is a R&B-tinted ballad with some fine string arrangements and organ playing and a female backing choir which gives the song an almost gospel-like flavour.

Don Henley

Don Henley

Donald Hugh "Don" Henley (born July 22, 1947, in Gilmer, Texas) is an American singer, songwriter and drummer, best known as a founding member of the Eagles before launching a successful solo career. Henley was the drummer and lead vocalist for the Eagles from 1971–1980, when the band broke up. Henley sings lead vocals on Eagles hits such as "Witchy Woman", "Desperado", "Best of My Love", "One of These Nights", "Hotel California", "Life in the Fast Lane", and "The Long Run". He and Glenn Frey formed one of the most successful songwriting partnerships in music history.

After the Eagles broke up in 1980, Henley pursued a solo career and released his debut album in 1982. He has released four studio albums, two compilation albums, and one live DVD. His solo hits include "Dirty Laundry", "The Boys of Summer", "All She Wants to Do Is Dance", "The Heart of the Matter", "The Last Worthless Evening", "Sunset Grill", "Not Enough Love in the World", "New York Minute" and "The End of the Innocence".

The Eagles have sold over 120 million albums worldwide, won six Grammy Awards, had five #1 singles, 17 Top 40 singles, and six #1 albums. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 and are the biggest selling American band in history. As a solo artist, Henley has sold over 10 million albums worldwide, had eight Top 40 singles, won two Grammys and five MTV Video Music Awards. Combined with the Eagles and as a solo artist, Henley has released 25 Top 40 singles on the Billboard Hot 100. He has released seven studio albums with the Eagles and four as a solo artist. In 2008, he was ranked the 87th greatest singer of all time by Rolling Stone magazine.

The Eagles were formed in September 1971, and released their first album in 1972, which contained the hit song "Take It Easy", written by Frey and Jackson Browne. During the band's run, Henley co-wrote (usually with Frey) most of the band's best-known songs.

Henley sang lead vocals on many of the band's popular songs, including "Desperado", "Witchy Woman", "Best of My Love", "One of These Nights", "Hotel California", "The Long Run", "Life in the Fast Lane" and "Wasted Time". The Eagles won numerous Grammy Awards during the 1970s and became one of the most successful rock bands of all time. They are also among the top 5 overall best-selling bands of all time in America and the highest selling American band in U.S. history.

The band broke up in 1980, following a difficult tour and personal tensions that arose during the recording of The Long Run. The Eagles subsequently reunited in 1994. Henley continues to tour and record with the Eagles. Their latest album, Long Road Out of Eden, was released in 2007.

Site
http://www.donhenley.com

Creedence Clear Water Revival -Biography

Creedence clearwater revival

The Goliwags morphed into Creedence Clearwater Revival, after a friend of a friend of Tom's, Credence Nuball. The first name, with its connotations of believability and integrity, appealed to the group. Clearwater also had two meanings. It came initially from a beer commercial, but also resonated with the burgeoning environmental movement of the time. Revival, however, had one meaning. It was the band's aspiration, that after four years as the Golliwogs, after ten years of playing together, this new change in their fortunes would take the band where they all knew it could go. John would often say, "The most important part was revival."

The newly named band released a single, Porterville, then went into the studio to cut their album. One of the tunes they cut was an extended version of one of their live favorites, Dale Hawkins' "Susie Q." Even before the album was pressed, "Suzy Q" was on the radio. KMPX one of the more popular free-form FM stations in the Bay Area, played tapes the band brought them after the band had supported a DJ strike, playing a benefit concert, and the like. So even before the record came out, it started to generate excitement on the West Coast. They played to a packed house at the LA club The Cheetah. Bill Drake, one of the most powerful people in pop radio at the time, decided he really liked the tune and suggested it to the radio stations that used his services.

At this juncture, though, the band couldn't go too far from home. Doug and John still had to get to reserve camp one weekend a month. This impediment disappeared as they both got discharged from the service at almost the same time. In 1969 the group charted with three separate albums. Their eponymous debut, Creedence Clearwater Revival peaked at #52. Bayou Country peaked at #7, largely on the strength of the monster hit single, "Proud Mary." That tune topped out at #2 on the charts, beginning of a long history of songs by the band that go shut out of the top spot on the chart. The third LP of the year, Green River also hits #7, the song "Bad Moon Rising" peaking at #2.

The band headlined at Woodstock, although by the time they got on, following the Grateful Dead, it was three in the morning. Few people were awake to see them. They didn't want to be in the film because none of them were particularly happy with the performance. They weren't on any of the albums because Cotillion (the label on which the film soundtrack came out) couldn't strike an agreement with Fantasy for release rights on their biggest money maker. Anything CCR, at the height of their fame, came out on Fantasy. (The 1994 Atlantic Records release of the four-CD remastered Woodstock set features 5 Creedence songs from their performance.)

Willy and the Poor Boys, appeared near the beginning of 1970, peaking at #3 on the album charts. The single "Down on the Corner," released late in 1969, foreshadowed the album. The a-side of the singe reaches a chart peak of #3. The flip side, "Fortunate Son," has a chart peak of #14. The album also featured several other notable songs, like a reworking of Leadbelly's "Midnight Special." "It Came Out Of the Sky" showed John's prescience as a songwriter, taking one of the first musical swipes at Ronald Regan. The band toured all over America, mostly playing weekends.

After ten years of struggle, the year and a half of astonishing success started to spawn dissension in the band. Fogerty took the reigns hard. When the band recorded "Down On the Corner," one band member complained, `This isn't rock and roll.' Looking for outside satisfaction, Doug produced a record for Mark Spoelestra. Cosmo's Factory came out in September of 70. The album has a chart peak at #1, both in America and in England, the band's only #1 album over there. "Traveling Band" had already had a chart peak at #2. "Who'll Stop The Rain," the single's B-side, hit #13. One of Fogerty's first public political statements (aside from the gentle jibe in "It Came Out of the Sky,") the song is an allegory about the situation in Vietnam.

When the Beatles announced their break up in the winter of 1970, CCR became the most successful band and the biggest singles act in the world, despite never landing a #1 single. Always very private, the group never became stars personally to befit their status on the pop charts. They sought to change that with the release of Pendulum. Before the album's release, they had a fan type book written. Called "Inside Creedence", the book took about six weeks from the time it was conceived until it was actually published, coincidental with the release of Pendulum. In fact, many copies of the book were sold packaged with the record. The band also made a television special and had a $30,000 press junket to ballyhoo the album. The record shipped a million copies.

There were signs of internal dissension at the junket party. Stu Cook beefed to Rolling Stone about lack of respect he felt the band received. "We're tired of that riff about John Fogerty's back-up band." Tom Fogerty, although one of the instigators of the party, became reticent during the event. He's the only band member not directly quoted in the coverage.

In 1971, Tom left the band. "I started out in this business in 1958 as a stand up singer," he said later. "I got really frustrated at not being able to be everything I wanted to be when I started out�I left because of a falling out between John and I about the music itself and how much I could contribute."

The band decided to continue as not only a trio, but a democracy. Unfortunately, the members all had different ideas about how to democratize the band. The result is Mardi Gras, referred to as the worst record ever made by a major band. After touring Europe as a trio, the band called it a day on October 16, 1972.

Album List

    Creedence Clearwater Revival
    Bayou Country
    Green River
    Willy And The Poorboys
    Cosmo's Factory
    Pendulum
    Mardi Gras
    Creedence Gold
    More Creedence Gold
    Live In Europe
    Chronicle
    The Concert
    Creedence Country
    At The Movies
    Chronicle 2
    Creedence Clearwater Revival [BOX SET]
    Best of Creedence Clearwater Revival
    CCR Medley
    Greatest Hits
    Hot Stuff
    Rollin' on the River
    Ultimate Collection

The Website
http://www.creedence-online.net/

Levon Helm and the RCO AllStars

Levon Helm and the RCO allstars

Levon Helm sang lead vocals, played the drums, mandolin and occasionally the harmonica for The Band from it's inception as Ronnie Hawkins' back-up band and through it's many manifestations. One would expect that just about anything the man touched would be gold.

The band includes Booker T. Jones (keyboards/percussion), Paul Butterfield (harmonica), Donald "Duck" Dunn (bass), and a large horn section that later played on John Bulushi and Dan Akroyd (as "Jake & Elwood" Blues Brothers - Briefcase Full of Blues : Lou Marini, Alan Rubin, and Tom "Bones" Malone), as well as Steve Cropper on guitar. And of course, Levon Helm (original member of Robbie Robertson's "The Band") at the helm with vocals and drums. They debuted on Saturday Night Live on March 19, 1977 as Levon Helm and the RCO All-Stars.

The music takes on an R&B tone right from the start with "Washer Woman" to the very last song, "That's My Home." Although Levon Helm is not known for his voice, the music fits him and he uses good expression. My favorite songs are: "You Got Me", "Blues So Bad," and Chuck Berry's "Havana Moon" with a calypso groove to it. The other songs are quite listenable too.

In short, this is a great CD with a fabulous band of musicians "creating an atmosphere that people can have a good time with and even dance to"as the liner notes read. It was fresh and unique and lends itself to listening over and over again!

Spencer Dryden

Spencer Dryden

Spencer got his root with the Jefferson Airplane, Then moved onward to New Riders of the Purple Sage. He died a poor man, with little money.

Spencer Dryden (7 April 1938 – 11 January 2005) was an American musician best known as the longest-serving drummer for Jefferson Airplane. He also played with New Riders of the Purple Sage, The Dinosaurs, and The Ashes (later known as The Peanut Butter Conspiracy.)

In mid-1966 Dryden was recruited to replace Skip Spence as the drummer in leading San Francisco psychedelic band Jefferson Airplane. The former jazzer, together with bassist Jack Casady, created an exceptional rhythm section. A feature of live Airplane sets at the time were free-form improvisational jams, with Dryden's licks complementing Casady's fluid style, examples of which can be heard on "Thing" and "Bear Melt" from Bless Its Pointed Little Head. During this time also, he had an affair with Grace Slick.

The song "Lather", appearing on the Airplane's Crown of Creation, is said to have been written by Grace Slick on the occasion of Dryden's 30th birthday. Its lyrics tell of a boy who stays as young as possible until one day when he is shattered by having to finally grow up. The instrumental sections are wild and purposefully discordant. On the news of his death, Slick and other bandmembers wrote tributes to Dryden that appeared on the group's website. Slick's ends with this: "Lather was 30 years old today, they took away all of his toys." - Grace Slick (January 13, 2005)"

In 1969, music critic Ralph J. Gleason published The Jefferson Airplane and the San Francisco Sound. The book included an engaging forty-four page interview with Dryden.

Dryden quit Jefferson Airplane in February 1970, motivated in part by the group's unpleasant experiences at the notorious Altamont Festival, during which lead singer Marty Balin was knocked unconscious by Hells Angels bikers and a festival patron, Meredith Hunter, was fatally stabbed. Dryden seemed to have some sense of foreboding about the concert, as he initially did not want to play, saying the "vibes" were wrong.

New Riders of the Purple Sage, The Dinosaurs

Dryden left the music business for a short period, and returned to drumming as a member of The New Riders of the Purple Sage. He performed and recorded with them from late 1970 until 1977, at which point he became the manager of the band. After leaving the New Riders, Dryden went on to play a lengthy stint with The Dinosaurs and Barry Melton's band before retiring from drumming in 1995.
Later life

Dryden did not participate in Jefferson Airplane's 1989 reunion. In 1996, Dryden was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with the rest of Jefferson Airplane, playing with the band for the first time since 1970. He joined the group onstage for the last time in 2003, with the Jefferson Starship Gallactic Reunion.
He needed hip replacement and heart surgeries in the few years before his death. In 2004, several musicians, led by Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead and Warren Haynes (Gov't Mule and the Allman Brothers Band), raised US$36,000 to help pay Dryden's medical bills. He had also lost his home due to a fire in 2003; later in 2004, he was diagnosed with cancer. The benefit re-kindled Spencer's friendship with Jefferson Airplane band member Jorma Kaukonen, who remembered him fondly for the way he said, "Aww, MAN!!" It was not until 2004 that Kaukonen became aware that Spencer was the nephew of Charlie Chaplin. Spencer's last public appearance was with Jefferson Airplane bandmembers in 2004, at a DVD party for the release of the group's Fly documentary.

Dryden died from colon cancer (intestinal cancer which spread to his liver) on January 11, 2005. He lived in relative obscurity, reportedly living in a small house with a few acres on rented property in Penngrove, California. Married three times, he was survived by his three sons Jeffrey, Jesse and Jackson Dryden, five grandchildren, and his mother Alice Chapple Judd, who died on December 25, 2005 at the age of 94.

Country Rock Personal and Bands

I have been posting important Country Rock Personal and I am nearing the 33% mark, targeting 60 people in various bands, I will now begin to post information on the bands themselves, which I have targeted the 38 country rock bands that I will post bio's on.

Enjoy the upcoming posts.

Lynyrd Skynyrd-Edge of forever

Edge of Forever

In this world where most modern Country Music sounds like nothing more than good old Southern Rock music that has had the distortion turned down and some fiddle and pedal steel guitar sprinkled into the mix (just so you'll know it's Country), Skynyrd's Edge of Forever CD is a reminder of what REAL Southern Rock is all about.

I haven't heard any new music that sounds like this since I got my copy of Ken McMahan's CD That's Your Reality. And that was a drop that ended a very long dry spell. Hardly anybody makes music like this anymore. BTW check out Ken's music if you get the chance!

Johnny VanZandt sounds just enough like Ronnie to remind you of the old Skynyrd, but still so unlike Ronnie that it gives a new identity to the band. This is NOT a recycled Skynyrd, but a new Skynyrd, and it's definitely a good enough Skynyrd to stand on it's own.

My favorite track is Preacher Man. I think there's more of a Blackfoot feel here than a Skynyrd feel, but that's okay by me, since I like Blackfoot so much (I even liked Vertical Smiles!). Close contenders for fav tracks are Workin', Mean Streets, and the Y2K tribute title cut.

Let the yuppies and the youngsters have this new country. Give me the model, Give me the real thing. Edge of Forever is the real thing.
This is the one we've been waiting for! With Twenty having been lackluster and all these greatest hits releases, this album has been much anticipated, and it does the job well. From the blue-collar rooted, "Workin' Man," through the powerful riffs of, "Preacher Man," right down to the good-natured rockin' of, "F.L.A.," this album gets it done the southern fried Skynyrd way! There is definite Outlaws and Blackfoot, (read Thomason and Medlocke,) inspiration here, but to the Skynrd purists, Steve Gaines changed the sound of the band as well. It's an evolution thing. Don't forget, Medlocke had a lot to do with Skynyrd in its early years, and appears on some early cuts. Some of the songs from this album are getting a lot of airplay, to show that even if not familiar with Skynyrd, (as you should be,) these songs play well to a wide audience.

Allen Collins

Allen Collins

Long considered one of rock's premier guitarists, Allen Collins served as heart to Ronnie VanZant's soul in Lynyrd Skynyrd. Allen's unique, firey guitar playing and powerful songwriting helped insure Lynyrd Skynyrd's place in rock and roll history.

He was 6282 BytesBorn at St. Lukes Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida on July 19, 1952, Allen (delivered by Doctor Owens) weighed in at 7 pounds, 14 ounces. Allen's mother, Eva remembers her son as full of energy and enthusiasm -- even before Allen could walk he moved constantly. From his earliest days Allen loved cars -- especially race cars -- and his favorite summer activity was going to Jacksonville Raceway every Saturday night to watch Leroy Yarborough race. The Collins family first started attending the races when Allen was eight years old and Allen, sitting as high in the stands as possible, would laugh and holler as he pretended to be racing his own car. This early fascination lasted throughout Allen's life -- he later collected an entire fleet of collectible and performance cars that was one of his proudest possessions.

In 1963, Allen lived in Jacksonville's Cedar Hills area when an older friend received a guitar for his birthday. Allen was hooked. Allen's parents had recently divorced and times were tough for Allen, his sister and mother. His mother, already working all day at the cigar factory, took a second job at Woolworths in the evenings. As soon as she had saved enough money, she surprised Allen by taking him down to Sears and ordered his first Silvertone guitar and amplifier. Despite no training aside from a few tips from his step-mother and friend, Allen picked up the guitar easily and quickly formed his first band -- The Mods.

Together with singer Ronnie VanZant and guitarist Gary Rossington, Allen Collins formed the nucleus of Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1964 by learning what they could from each other and listening to the radio. This early band, first called My Backyard, then the Noble Five also included drummer Bob Burns and bassist Larry Junstrum. Finding a place to practice proved difficult and the choices were limited to the carport at Bob's house, Ronnie's backyard, where they were sure to get a full meal or Allen's living room which usually included Eva's famous cakes and candies. After several years of practicing, performing and personnel changes, Skynyrd, like any decent group of fledgling rock stars, started gigging the notorious one-nighters.

During the early 1980s, Collins continued to perform on stage in The Rossington-Collins Band which enjoyed modest success, releasing two albums (Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere, and This Is the Way), and charting a few singles (notably "Don't Misunderstand Me"). In 1980, Collins' wife Kathy suddenly died of a hemorrhage. The Rossington-Collins Band disbanded in 1982. Allen continued to pursue music, starting Allen Collins Band, which released one album, Here, There & Back in 1983.

Eagles- Hotel California

Hotel California

The Eagles started to deviate from there country rock roots with this album.
Hotel California was the first Eagles album to feature Joe Walsh. By combining with Don Felder, they created a potent tandem and pushed the band to a harder sound. Like many other residents in the state, the band are not native Californians. Despite that fact, they have become synonymous with Southern California. On this album, they examine all the high and lows of the land of hopes and dreams. The word classic is thrown around a little too often, but the album's title track is one of only a handful of songs that are worthy of the title. From the opening guitar riff, to the cynical and vivid lyrics to the closing guitar coda, the song is a tour de force. Don Henley sings with a snarl in his voice and Mr. Walsh and Mr. Felder trade guitar licks in a can you top this fashion. The song is a masterpiece, became their third number single, won the 1977 Grammy for Record of the Year and one never tires of hearing it. "New Kid In Town" was the album's other number single and Glenn Frey sings with a smooth charm. The song perfectly captures that breezy Southern California sound the Eagles made famous. "Life In The Fast Lane" is the infamous rocker that details the hedonistic lifestyle of the late 70's that the band wholeheartedly embraced. "Wasted Time" is pretty ballad and the orchestral reprise of the song leads into a stinging rocker "Victim Of Love". Joe Walsh's Eagle lead vocal debut is the suprisingly sweet "Pretty Maids All In A Row". Randy Meisner's' swan song with the band is the soaring "Try & Love Again"(The best song on the album). The album's closer, "The Last Resort", almost matches the title cut in power and brilliance. It tells of the pilgrimage from the east coast out to California and that it has to offer. Hotel California was the band's peak and one of the best albums of the 70's.

Emmylou Harris- Roses in the Snow

Roses in the snow

In 1980 "country" music was going the way of "Lookin' for Love in All the Wrong Places" and "9 to 5". The old "country" sound of the 1960s and 1970s was giving way to a new "country" sound that would eventually produce Garth Brooks and ultimately make "country" the dominant music genre in the United States.

Emmylou Harris did not follow this trend, in fact she seems to have fled from it. In 1980 she and the band left the electric guitars at home and recorded an absolutely gorgeous acoustic country/bluegrass album. The road less travelled bore far more fruit than expected in this case. From the first ripping fiddle notes that open the title track the album takes you in with its sound, atmosphere and beauty. I first heard this album in headphones (I was at work and needed to filter out the usual nonsense going on around me), and was simply dumbstruck. Being relatively new to "country music" (I hate categorizing music) I wondered what I had been missing all these years. Now I know.

This album owes as much to folk and bluegrass as it does to country. Its sound is significantly different from Harris' previous album "Blue Kentucky Girl" which tends toward electrified country. The themes are sometimes heartbreakingly sorrowful ("Wayfaring Stranger", "You're Learning", "Miss the Mississippi and You"), sometimes religious ("Green Pastures", "Jordan"), sometimes hopeful ("The Darkest Hour is Just Before Dawn"). It is also easy to be skeptical about "country" covers of "rock" songs, so I was pleasantly surprised at the version of "The Boxer" which complements the other songs incredibly well. There are no duds on this album, only great and greater songs.

The CD booklet contains in-depth information on the making of the album, and it's place in the "country" genre of the time. We can all be happy that Emmylou Harris is not a follower.

Charlie Daniels Band-The Ultimate,,,,

The Ultimate CDB

Wilmington, North Carolina native and country/southern rock guitarist/singer/fiddler Charlie Daniels has been in the music business a long time. He's played on albums by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and many others. But Charlie is most famous for his extraordinary ability to play the fiddle (that's a violin to some of you). He's also written quite a few great classic southern rock songs, too, and most of those songs are right here on The Ultimate Charlie Daniels Band, a 2-disc set of his best songs. All the biggies are here, including his first hit, Uneasy Rider, the hilarious cross-country saga of a country-boy hippie, who has to out-smart several hostile rednecks to save his skin. Long Haired Country Boy, The South's Gonna Do It Again, and The Devil Went Down To Georgia are all rock classics that highlight the country/southern rock sounds of this very talented musician and his competent band. Saddle Tramp and High Lonesome show off the jazz side of the CDB with cool, sleek extended jams. There are some surprises here, too. They do a great version of Eric Clapton's Layla (no kidding). Also here is the rocking tale of a troubled Vietnam vet, Still In Saigon, that gets quite emotional. The CDB also comment on drug addiction with Funky Junky. This CD set should be mandatory for anyone who considers himself as true CDB aficionado. I came across this CD and bought it. I am glad that I did! I had forgotten just how much I loved Charlie Daniel's music. This set contains the great ones I use to listen to: "Uneasy Rider", "The South's Gonna Do It Again", "Trudy", Long Haired Country Boy", "High Lonesome" just to name a few, and several new ones (for me at least) that I love just as much if not even more: "Carolina (I Remember You)", "Still In Saigon", "American Farmer", "Midnight Train", "Talk To Me Fiddle"... just to name a few of these newer ones.
I was a real fan of CDB, Marshall Tucker Band, Pure Prairie League back in the day. Great music for the American soul!

Linda Ronstadt

Linda Ronstadt

Linda Marie Ronstadt (born July 15, 1946) is an American popular music recording artist. She has earned eleven Grammy Awards, two Academy of Country Music awards, an Emmy Award, an ALMA Award, numerous United States and internationally certified gold, platinum and multiplatinum albums, in addition to Tony Award and Golden Globe nominations.

A singer, songwriter, and record producer, she is recognized as a definitive interpreter of songs. Being one of music's most versatile and commercially successful female singers in U.S. history, she is recognized for her many public stages of self-reinvention and incarnations.

With a one-time standing as the Queen of Rock, where she was bestowed the title of "highest paid woman in rock", and known as the First Lady of Rock, she has more recently emerged as music matriarch, international arts advocate and human rights advocate.

Ronstadt has collaborated with artists from a diverse spectrum of genres including Billy Eckstine,Frank Zappa, Rosemary Clooney, Flaco Jiménez, Philip Glass, Carla Bley, The Chieftains, Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, and Nelson Riddle. She has lent her voice to over 120 albums. Christopher Loudon of Jazz Times noted in 2004, Ronstadt is "Blessed with arguably the most sterling set of pipes of her generation ... rarest of rarities—a chameleon who can blend into any background yet remain boldly distinctive ... It's an exceptional gift; one shared by few others."

In total, she has released over 30 solo albums and 15 compilations or greatest hits albums. Ronstadt charted thirty-eight Billboard Hot 100 singles with twenty-one reaching the top 40, ten to the top 10, three to No. 2, and "You're No Good" to No. 1. In the UK, her single "Blue Bayou" reached the UK Top 40[13] and the duet with Aaron Neville, "Don't Know Much", peaked at No. 2 in December 1989. In addition, she has charted thirty-six albums, ten Top 10 albums, and three No. 1 albums on the Billboard Pop Album Charts. Establishing her professional career in the mid-1960s at the forefront of California's emerging folk rock and country rock movements, genres which later defined post-60s rock music, Linda Ronstadt joined forces with Bobby Kimmel and Kenny Edwards and became the lead singer of a successful folk rock trio, The Stone Poneys. Later, as a solo artist, she released Hand Sown ... Home Grown in 1969, which has been described as the first alternative country record by a female recording artist. Although fame eluded her during these years, Ronstadt actively toured with The Doors, Neil Young, Jackson Browne and others, made numerous television show appearances, and began to contribute her voice to a variety of albums.

Un Official Site
http://ronstadt-linda.com/

Crazy Horse-At Crooked Lake

At Crooked Lake

 This album shows the different styles of Crazy Horse: hard-rocking, ballads, country-rock, and more experimental songs. They all sound excellent, particularly Rock and Roll Band, Outside Lookin In' and We Ride. The vocals have a spirited, soulful quality and the instrumentation is impressive and has a welcome sense of discovery and playfulness. The guitars and bongo drum on We Ride sounds particularly good, but there's lots of other examples too. Billy Talbot and Ralph Molina provide a solid rhythm section and the rest of band plays together with an energy or mellowness that sounds very natural and unforced. The Crazy Horse albums without Danny Whitten get a lot of criticism or are ignored altogether, but this is a shame, because there's a lot of great songs here.

Roger McGuinn

Roger McGuinn

James Roger McGuinn (born James Joseph McGuinn III on July 13, 1942) known professionally as Roger McGuinn and previously as Jim McGuinn, is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. He is best known for being the lead singer and lead guitarist on many of The Byrds' records. He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his work with The Byrds.
During his time with The Byrds, McGuinn developed two innovative and very influential styles of electric guitar playing. The first was "jingle-jangle" – generating ringing arpeggios based on banjo finger picking styles he learned while at the Old Town School – which was influential in the folk rock genre. The second style was a merging of saxophonist John Coltrane's free-jazz atonalities, which hinted at the droning of the sitar – a style of playing, first heard on The Byrds' 1966 single "Eight Miles High", which was influential in psychedelic rock.

Within a few months, McGuinn, Clark & Crosby were looking to expand their group. Conga player Michael Clarke was recruited because he looked like two of the Rolling Stones. Mandolin player Chris Hillman was asked to join the group and learn to play the bass guitar. During a Thanksgiving dinner the band settled on the name "Byrds," and success was just around the corner.

Columbia Records signed the Byrds in January 1965 and they recorded their first number one hit, "Mr. Tambourine Man."

In 1968 McGuinn and Hillman hired Gram Parsons and headed for Nashville where they recorded the now critically acclaimed "Sweetheart of the Rodeo."

Roger McGuinn disbanded the Byrds in 1973 to pursue his dream of a solo career. He made five solo albums on Columbia Records. .

McGuinn rejoined Gene Clark and Chris Hillman in 1978 on Capitol Records for three albums.

In 1981 Roger decided it was time to return to his folk roots and began touring solo acoustic.

Arista records released "Back From Rio" in 1991, a rock album that included his friends, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Elvis Costello, Chris Hillman, David Crosby, Michael Penn and John Jorgensen. After touring extensively to support the album he returned to his roots - folk music.

In November 1995, McGuinn began recording and uploading to the Internet a series of traditional folk songs to his web site. The recordings are available for free download at the "Folk Den - http://folkden.com," part of McGuinn's home page - http://mcguinn.com.

The autobiographical one man show, "Live from Mars," was released on Hollywood Records in November of 1996. The album includes two studio tracks, "May The Road Rise To Meet You," and "Fireworks," recorded in Minneapolis with members of the Jayhawks.

Roger's next CD was recorded on Appleseed Recordings, titled "Treasures From The Folk Den." A CD of favorite songs from the Folk Den with the added bonus of duets with Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Odetta, Jean Ritchie, Josh White Jr. and Frank and Mary Hamilton. It was nominated for a Grammy in 2002 in the category of "Best Traditional Folk Album."


Website
http://www.ibiblio.org/jimmy/mcguinn/index.html

Byrds-Live at Royal Albert Hall

Live at Royal Albert Hall

Well, this track listing looks like all the usual suspects are present: "Mr. Tambourine Man", "Eight Miles High" & "My Back Pages", but be prepared to be a little surprised with a fresh acoustic take on "Tambourine Man" and the longest and finest captured version of: "Eight Miles High", where it all sounds 'On' at long last! {sorry "Untitled" fans, this one has a better flow and soars above the Felt Forum version from 1970}.

Why is this considered the best live bunch of: "Byrdmen"? Well, Roger McGuinn and Clarence White get much {and they have earned it!}praise for the meshing of their guitar playing styles{Folk-Rock meets Bluegrass-Country}, but the real secret weapons of this CD are found in the bass playing of Skip Batton and the percussion of Gene Parsons. This is a tight rhythm section that holds this all together and always plays interesting passages that entertain but never bore. The jam on "Eight Miles High is focused and stands the test of mulitple plays because these guys know WHAT to play and they know WHAT NOT to play. Like the best jazz musicians these Byrds can Fly, and they Fly high on this night in London.

There is a lot of musical history covered here in these 19 Songs. From the traditional a cappella rendition of: "Amazing Grace", just like it would have sounded in a small church 150 Years ago, on to the space/country of: "Mr. Spaceman" that takes such an refreshing take on this 1966 hit that it's almost like a brand new tune. The album tracks: "I Trust" and "Truck Stop Girl" blow their studio cousins right outta the water and sound so good here. It has been a while since a live album has been this great from start to finish {with the exception of the live CD by Gene Clark: "Silverado 75", released in May of this year}.

Fly back to 1971 to the Royal Albert Hall in England to be amongst the flock at the Byrds concert. Listen to the 19 tunes on this Live CD and travel to the past as if it never left. Adding ringing electric guitars to Bob Dylan songs, the Byrds helped invent folk-rock, as well as becoming early proponents of psychedelia and popularizing country-rock with the help of alt-country saint Gram Parsons. Led by Roger McGuinn and his distinctive Rickenbacker guitar sound, the mid-1960s lineup--also featuring David Crosby, Gene Clark, and Chris Hillman--achieved fame with their unique take on Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man." Personnel changes resulted in a core band of only McGuinn and Hillman. Ultimately, McGuinn assumed full control of the Byrds legacy, and their harmonies and jangly guitars have influenced countless younger bands.

Charlie Daniels Band/Marshall Tucker Band Christmas Albums

Merry Christmas to all & Carolina Christmas

Charlie Daniels is sure-enuff the genuine article, an artist unfraid of taking a high-minded stance and doing things his way. That said, what you'd expect from CDB's Christmas CD is delivered. And that's just fine by me.

Charlie is down-home, but don't classify him too tightly. Remember, he played on The Beatles White Album and has a list of accomplishments stretching through the decades. Nobody can pull that off without tons o' talent.

Charlie and Co. blend holiday standards and newer stuff, all with his trademark sound.

This is one of my very favorite Christmas CDs from 2002. It'll be an annual joy to slide this in the CD changer and get into the holiday mood every year.

In the liner notes Doug states that MTB had started talking about doing a Christmas CD in the early 70s... I've wanted them to do one for years too. I'm sure Tuckerhads everywhere have! Now we all get our wish... and it was certainly worth the wait. I know Christmas will have an extra special glow this year.

Doug gets the festivities rolling with White Christmas, sung in a traditional style but after the last chorus the band kinks it into jammin' overdrive. Very cool! Christmas in Carolina is a joyful celebration - just what you'd expect from Chris. His music always seems to lift your spirit and this original is no different. David Muse plays sax and horns and takes it over the top.

Doug's daughter, Gabrielle, sings vocals on I'll Be Home for Christmas. We were first introduced to her on the Gospel CD when she duetted with her Pops on His Eye Is On the Sparrow. She sounded like a songbird then and I'm glad she was given the reins on a song all to herself. She is one angelic singer! Cousin Clay Cook plays a perfectly subtle acoustic guitar. Brushes offer a sultry edge to a song that would have sounded perfectly at home on the radio in the 40's. This young lady has a voice like the classic torch singers from that era. I'm not sure what she's been doing since Gospel but she needs to release a CD of her own. Her voice is pure ear candy!

The boys give their Tucker treatment to Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. I think Tommy would be proud. For some reason this song brought him to mind... Could be that Jerry plays the sax on this one... or it could be Stuart's lead guitar, which sounds a lot like Toy... or mybe it's Paul Hornsby's keyboards. Whatever the case, it sounds like vintage Tucker, circa Together Forever era...

Clay delivers a perky rendition of Let Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Our favorite sound engineer, Keith Glenn, plays bells and does a mighty fine job! A soulful version of Silent Night is delivered full force by Chris with an equally powerful sax solo from David Muse. Chris takes lead again on Snowfall in Georgia - and once again it sounds like classic Tucker, from Paul Hornsby's piano to the nimble guitar work of Stuart and Chris. This song goes down as easy as warm cider on a cold winter's day.

Glenn Frey

Glen Frey

Glenn Lewis Frey (pronounced Fry; born November 6, 1948) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and actor, best known as a founding member of the Eagles. Frey formed the Eagles after he met drummer Don Henley in 1970 and the two eventually joined Linda Ronstadt's backup band for her summer tour. The Eagles formed in 1971 and released their debut album in 1972. Glenn Frey played guitar with the Eagles as well as piano and keyboards, and shared lead vocals with Don Henley. The Eagles broke up in 1980 after becoming one of the most successful bands of all time. Frey sang lead vocals on many Eagles hits such as "Take It Easy", "Peaceful Easy Feeling", "Tequila Sunrise", "Already Gone", "Lyin' Eyes", "New Kid in Town", and "Heartache Tonight". After the breakup of the Eagles in 1980, Frey embarked on a successful solo career. He released his debut album in 1982 and went on to record Top 40 hits "The One You Love", "Smuggler's Blues", "Sexy Girl", "The Heat Is On", and "You Belong to the City". As a member of the Eagles, Frey has won six Grammys, and five American Music Awards. The Eagles have sold over 120 million albums worldwide and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. As a solo artist and with the Eagles combined, Frey has released 24 Top 40 singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
A girlfriend of Glenn's had preceded him to L.A., and when he showed up in the city of angels, he had a nice warm bed waiting for him. His girlfriend's sister happened to be dating John David Souther, and the two became fast friends. Soon they formed Longbranch Pennywhistle. They released a self-titled album together in 1969, which did not meet with much success (to put it mildly), but would be the beginning of a songwriting partnership that would be highly productive and successful in the coming years. Glenn also met Jackson Browne at this time, another man who would turn out to be a collaborator and friend. He and J.D. rented a house in Echo Park with Jackson (where Glenn would overhear the beginnings of Take It Easy). The guys started hanging out at the Troubadour, a club that was the favorite of a lot of up-and-coming rockers (and a lot of down-and-out wannabes, too). One of the more successful patrons, Linda Ronstadt, took a liking to Glenn and invited him to be a part of her touring band in 1971.

It was also at the Troubadour that Glenn hooked up with Don Henley. Glenn invited Don to be a part of Linda's touring band as well. Glenn wasn't just picking Don to back up Linda, though. He had another agenda - forming his own band - and he had Don pegged as the guy he wanted to start it up with. At this point, Longbranch Pennywhistle was history. David Geffen had signed J.D. and Glenn to his record company, but not as a duo. He had split them up, made J.D. a solo act, and told Glenn he needed a band to be marketable. Meanwhile, Don's group Shiloh was failing so badly that he was ready to give up and go back to Texas. It was at this low point when salvation arrived for Don in the form of Glenn Frey. Glenn approached him, befriended him, and let him in on his master plan, winning Don over completely. With the help of Ronstadt and her manager John Boylan, Glenn also was able to enlist Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner, two other well-established, respected, and talented members of her backup band. Glenn showed up at Geffen's door with his new group, soon to be dubbed the Eagles, and the rock'n'roll scene would never be the same.

www.glennfreyonline.comGlenn Lewis Frey (pronounced Fry; born November 6, 1948) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and actor, best known as a founding member of the Eagles. Frey formed the Eagles after he met drummer Don Henley in 1970 and the two eventually joined Linda Ronstadt's backup band for her summer tour. The Eagles formed in 1971 and released their debut album in 1972. Glenn Frey played guitar with the Eagles as well as piano and keyboards, and shared lead vocals with Don Henley. The Eagles broke up in 1980 after becoming one of the most successful bands of all time. Frey sang lead vocals on many Eagles hits such as "Take It Easy", "Peaceful Easy Feeling", "Tequila Sunrise", "Already Gone", "Lyin' Eyes", "New Kid in Town", and "Heartache Tonight". After the breakup of the Eagles in 1980, Frey embarked on a successful solo career. He released his debut album in 1982 and went on to record Top 40 hits "The One You Love", "Smuggler's Blues", "Sexy Girl", "The Heat Is On", and "You Belong to the City". As a member of the Eagles, Frey has won six Grammys, and five American Music Awards. The Eagles have sold over 120 million albums worldwide and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. As a solo artist and with the Eagles combined, Frey has released 24 Top 40 singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
A girlfriend of Glenn's had preceded him to L.A., and when he showed up in the city of angels, he had a nice warm bed waiting for him. His girlfriend's sister happened to be dating John David Souther, and the two became fast friends. Soon they formed Longbranch Pennywhistle. They released a self-titled album together in 1969, which did not meet with much success (to put it mildly), but would be the beginning of a songwriting partnership that would be highly productive and successful in the coming years. Glenn also met Jackson Browne at this time, another man who would turn out to be a collaborator and friend. He and J.D. rented a house in Echo Park with Jackson (where Glenn would overhear the beginnings of Take It Easy). The guys started hanging out at the Troubadour, a club that was the favorite of a lot of up-and-coming rockers (and a lot of down-and-out wannabes, too). One of the more successful patrons, Linda Ronstadt, took a liking to Glenn and invited him to be a part of her touring band in 1971.

It was also at the Troubadour that Glenn hooked up with Don Henley. Glenn invited Don to be a part of Linda's touring band as well. Glenn wasn't just picking Don to back up Linda, though. He had another agenda - forming his own band - and he had Don pegged as the guy he wanted to start it up with. At this point, Longbranch Pennywhistle was history. David Geffen had signed J.D. and Glenn to his record company, but not as a duo. He had split them up, made J.D. a solo act, and told Glenn he needed a band to be marketable. Meanwhile, Don's group Shiloh was failing so badly that he was ready to give up and go back to Texas. It was at this low point when salvation arrived for Don in the form of Glenn Frey. Glenn approached him, befriended him, and let him in on his master plan, winning Don over completely. With the help of Ronstadt and her manager John Boylan, Glenn also was able to enlist Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner, two other well-established, respected, and talented members of her backup band. Glenn showed up at Geffen's door with his new group, soon to be dubbed the Eagles, and the rock'n'roll scene would never be the same.

www.glennfreyonline.com