CD Review - Paul James - 'La Vie en Bleu'
by Joe Curtis
forums_rock@hotmail.com
Paul James is one of the finest blues talents in Canada. His history in the music business dates back decades - from the age of 14, when he sat in with folk and blues 'greats' in the coffeehouse district of Yorkville, in Toronto, Canada. Paul's had the pleasure of backing Bo Diddley for almost two decades from the early '70s right up to the late '90s. He's performed on stage recently with Bob Dylan in a few venues in Canada and the U.S.A., including Toronto's ACC that seats over 20,000 music fans. 'Mr. Bojangles' Dylan has even attended Paul's gigs. Likewise, Paul's attended a rare nightclub concert of Dylan's recently, at Toronto's Koolhaus, (where the Rolling Stones performed in 1993 when the venue was known as R.P.M.)
Paul's most recent CD release - the first in over a decade - 'La Vie en Bleu', although not a live recording, has truly captured the energy and feel of a wildly live Paul James Band performance. In concert Paul wanders through the audience, guitar in hand, and sometimes behind his neck; serenading the ladies with his upbeat brand of blues and R&B.
'La Vie en Bleu' begins with a rousing version of Leiber & Stoller's "The Last Clean Shirt". This tune's got all the inviting energy that's needed to kick start your day ... or evening as the case may be! Richard Berry's '60s classic "Louie, Louie" is given new life in Paul's very able musical hands ... and is hard-drivin' all the way! So is Bob Dylan's rousing and deeply moving "Like a Rolling Stone", which has been a favorite of mine that Paul performs - ever since the first time I saw him play it with his band Lick 'n' Stick at Toronto's 'Yonge St. Station' back in '73 or '74.
Paul's version of Chuck Berry's "Carol" is guaranteed to get the dance floor movin' 'n' groovin' if nothing else will. More powerful than a triple of Jack Daniels!!!
These winners are followed by Paul's original "Red Hot Mama" .. a medium tempo catchy ditty that's got a beat that's 'born to please' as the song goes. Paul's slide playing on this one seems to sing like it's alive! "Take It Easy" follows, with lyrics like "Hurry and worry, kills the man" - a meditative bit of insight by "one who knows." Paul's 'wa-wa' is killer in this captivating James original!
One of Paul's strong points is his mouth-watering slide guitar playing. In concert he's made use of anything handy including beer bottles, mic stands etc. to get some of the most enchanting and mesmerizing slide that his National Steel acoustic and red hollow-body electric Guild can deliver. This writer would wager it's some of the best slide that could be heard anywhere - including along the banks of the mighty Mississippi - the real birth place of the blues - even though Chicago has claimed that 'name to fame' many times... and with some justification.
Nowhere is Paul's amazingly entertaining (and absolutely ingenious) talent on slide guitar more evident than in Willie Dixon's classic blues composition, "Little Red Rooster". Paul's invigorating version of this much-loved blues classic, could 'get zombies out to pick cotton, where there ain't no cotton to pick!'
Paul's acoustic virtuosity is heard and enjoyed to its utmost on a very roots-based James original, "Hey Now, Rosie". This tune is much in the style and delivery of Hambone Willie Newbern's "Rollin' and Tumblin'" - but performed in Paul's own unique way. ** (Newbern's "Rollin' …" riffs inspired two of Robert Johnson's immortal blues classics -- "If I had Possession Over Judgement Day", and "Travelling Riverside Blues". Both these songs make use of Hambone Willie's "Rollin' and Tumblin'" riff. Muddy Waters uses this same riff on his "Diving Duck Blues"; as does Howling Wolf on his "Meet Me In the Bottom"). I feel you may agree after hearing Paul's "Hey Now, Rosie" rendition, that what's good enough for blues legends like Waters and Wolf, is good enough for present day blues legend James.
Paul follows this early, energized blues offering with Fleecie Moore's upbeat "Caladonia", that's influenced by the version Louis Jordan made into a hit. There's some incredibly melodic lead guitar riffs in this tune, courtesy of Paul's able fingers, as well as some very appetizing rhythm guitar. Sarah McElcheran's trumpet and Jim Bish's sax playing shine through too, in this well-loved classic.
Things slow down a bit, with a relaxed, heartfelt version of 'Mr. Bojangles' Dylan's "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue". Gary Gray's inventive piano riffs, as well as Brian Kipping's melodic bass lines and Adrian Vecchiola's drums and percussion add beautiful harmony and depth to Paul's interpretive vocals and haunting harp playing. The pace picks up considerably with Paul's quintessential version of Van Morrison's "G.L.O.R.I.A."
Pauil's rendition of Dylan's "Highway 61" definitely ranks right up there with versions I've heard from blues guitar icons like Johnny Winter and Joe Walsh. Vecchiola's fetching talent on the skins, along with Kipping's thumpin' 'n' pumpin' bass lines and Gray's beautiful piano playing, really gets this one going full blast! So do Paul's incredible vocals and mesmerizing slide guitar talent. I know this isn't a live version, but the energy and clarity it possesses could definitely fool many into thinking it is!
Paul plays a captivating harp intro to the Rolling Stones' classic "Sweet Virginia". This country/blues/rock ditty features Gray's dancing fingers tinkling the ivories, along with Kipping's rousing bass lines and Vecchiola's engrossing drumming - all adding much to Paul's strong vocals and guitar playing. This song is aptly followed by Paul's original "Gotta Gimme Some Lovin'"; featuring more of Paul's superb slide guitar playing - in fact a beautiful slide-'fest' of Paul's outstanding talent on the six-string! It also features the fine talents of Alec Fraser on bass and background vocals. :(In addition to playing bass on this track, Fraser also engineered this CD masterpiece at his Juno/Maple Blues Award-winning Liquid Studio in Toronto).
The finale to this out-of-this-world entertaining Paul James CD, 'La Vie en Bleu' is the Stones' consistently satisfying, "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction". This writer has seen the Stones perform this tune on many occasions - the most recent being only 20 people from the stage at Sarstock in Toronto July 30, 2003, along with 490,000 other Stones/music fans Even with having all this live Stones exposure, I have to honestly admit that Paul's version of "Satisfaction" is without a doubt just as good in every way as the version the Stones perform themselves - only different! But, not that 'different' - just unique to the true 'star' quality James brings forth from his soul and heart into this and every tune on this 15-song/hour-long encapsulation of the essence of a true blues/R&B/rock 'n' roll entertainer that Paul James definitely is!
The Paul James Band has succeeded in every way in coming up with the best rock 'n' roll/R&B/blues to entertain us with in 'La Vie en Bleu'. This very fine and worthwhile CD is a true masterpiece of musical entertainment at its very best - and as such, is a worthy and necessary addition to any music lover's collection. I sincerely give it my highest recommendation!!! This is most definitely a 'five-star' CD if I've ever heard one! It's one of this writer's favorite CD's to listen to ... I hope you make it yours, too!
Artist: Paul James Band
CD: 'La Vie en Bleu'
Label: Lick 'n' Stick Records # PJ002
Email: Paul@pauljamesband.com
Website: http://www.pauljamesband.com/
Ronnie Hawkins -- 'Still Alive and Kickin''
-- CTV Special, Fri. Aug. 20, 2004
-- by Joe Curtis --
Ronnie Hawkins is a household name in Canada. This hillbilly cat from Arkansas brought rock 'n' roll to Canada in 1959, and has lived here ever since. Many musicians and producers in the music business, have been directly helped in one way or another by 'the Hawk', and his 'boot camp' school of rock 'n' roll. Some of the more well-known of these are The Band, with drummer Levon Helm and guitarist Robbie Robertson. They used to be Ronnie's original backup band The Hawks, until they flew the Hawkins 'coop' and went on to gain worldwide fame and fortune with Bob Dylan - then on their own as The Band -- performing at Woodstock in 1969, as well as in the concert film 'The Last Waltz' in the 1970s, (where Hawkins also appears).
Former Hawk alumnus and now world-respected, award-winning music producer David Foster, once played piano in Ronnie's band. He and other famed music icons, including close friends Paul Anka and former U.S. President Bill Clinton are featured in various live and very rare film footage segments in this very well put together documentary by film maker Anne Pick of Real To Reel Productions in Toronto. It traces the extremely colorful life of Ronnie Hawkins, from the early 1950s, right up to the present day. There's live concert footage shown, as well as an in-depth focus on Hawkins' recent bout with what's thought to be pancreatic cancer - claimed by some to be 'cured' by teenage 'energy healer' Adam, from Vancouver, B.C., who's also interviewed here.
There's even some super-rare Hawkins home movie footage in color from1969, taken at Ronnie's secluded Mississauga home, showing Beatle, John Lennon driving around the Hawkins estate in the snow in an all-terrain jeep/snowmobile, while having the time of his life. Lennon is wearing a camouflage green army uniform in these rare film clips. He's also heard in an equally rare audio interview, where he tells of his visit to the Hawkins home, and what a great time he and wife Yoko Ono had there. Lennon also mentions what a big fan he's been of Hawkins since his early rock 'n' roll days. Lennon also mentions how much he really dug Hawkins' then recent recording of "Down In The Alley", featuring Duane Allman on slide guitar. (This awesome song has recently been re-recorded, and is featured on Ronnie's recent CD, 'Still Cruisin'', available through his official web site at: www.ronniehawkins.com , email: thehawk@pipcom.com .
There's a touching scene where one of the film crew of this CTV documentary reminds Ronnie of the time when John Lennon visited the Hawk in 1969. He goes on to mention that back then as wide-eyed teenagers, he and a friend had visited the Hawkins home, and had seen Lennon and Yoko standing there. He also mentions being given a friendly greeting by Ronnie at the time, instead of a brush-off. Ronnie's seen listening intently to this story, with his smiling face lit up like a Christmas tree.
Another long-time fan of Ronnie's is interviewed in the lobby of the Hamilton Convention Centre in Hamilton, Ont. in Dec. 2002, during Ronnie's CD release party for 'Still Cruisin''. This Hawkins fan remembers the time as a teenager, when he was hitchhiking along a country road in rural Ontario in the winter, with no money in his pocket. The Hawk not only picked him up, but also gave him a ride all the way to his house. This fan now has grey hair, but the memory of Ronnie's kindness decades earlier, was still felt so much at the time of the filming, that he was in near tears as he told the story of Ronnie's good deed. He finishes his sentimental recollections by looking into the camera, mentioning to Ronnie, "You're a good man, my friend!"
There's footage in this documentary of the entertainment at Ronnie's Dec. 5, 2002 CD release party, featuring Ronnie on stage for the finale, singing "Bo Diddley" in a rousing duet with Elvis impersonator and local personality Max Brand. They're backed by Garth Hudson of The Band on accordion; Jerome Godboo on blues harp; guitarists Domenic Troiano and Buzz Thompson; keys guy Dave Murphy on B-3; George Olliver (of Mandala fam) singing soul/R&B, and doing the splits with Max; Patti Jannetta on background vocals and many others sharing the stage for this incredible finale to the evening's entertainment. This writer was there, and can say without a doubt this was the main highlight of the entire evening. The audience loved it, and gave the Hawk a much deserved standing ovation. It's great that this was included in the documentary.
Country singing star Billy Ray Cyrus is another famous face interviewed in this very meaningful CTV documentary. Cyrus is also featured singing an emotional duet with Ronnie in the Hawkins' hit, "Days Gone By" -- which is about old friends and how much they care about and miss each other. In the interview segment, Cyrus mentions, "I've seen some of my friends go recently -- Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins." He then goes on to say, "Ronnie's a 'living legend' just like them" -- concluding with, "But he's still with us ... Enjoy this man ... We almost lost him!" The next scene shows a close-up of Ronnie, smiling like a saint!
Long-time folk/rockabilly hero and Hawkins friend, Kris Kristofferson, is interviewed about Ronnie, and is seen giving a tearful dedication to the Hawk outdoors on the podium in front of Toronto's prestigious Royal Alexandra Theatre, Fri. Oct. 4, 2002, when Ronnie received his 'star' on the 'Walk of Fame' on the sidewalk in front of this world-renowned theatre. Seated behind Kristofferson were Hawkins' longtime friends, vocalist/ex-Hawk B.J. Cook and entertainment booker/publicist Gino Empry (who many times booked Ronnie into the Royal York Hotel's fashionable Imperial Room near the Royal Alex).
Later that same evening, Oct. 4th, Kristofferson, as well as Levon Helm, Doug Inglis (Hawks/Goddo), Garth and Maude Hudson, ex-Hawk Kelly Jay (of iconic 1960s Canadian rock band, Crowbar), Greg Godovitz (founder of iconic 1970s rockers, Goddo), B.J. Cook, Domenic Troiano, Buzz Thompson, Jerome Godboo (Hawks/Jimmy Bowskill Band), the Weber Brothers and many others performed a memorable tribute concert to the Hawk, at Toronto's Massey Hall that this writer attended. Bill Clinton and David Foster even made surprise guest appearances on pre-recorded messages to Ronnie and Wanda, televised from TV monitors suspended above Massey Hall's 1890s Art Nouveau stage.
Media person Jim Zeppa, (who was Ronnie Hawkins' business manager for this event), recently shared some happy memories from this Hawkins tribute concert. Some of these reminiscences include Bill Clinton talking to Ronnie, Wanda and the rest of the Massey Hall audience, (from the TV monitors), mentioning "I am a better man today, for knowing Ronnie Hawkins." Zeppa later comments, "Clinton's words made my big toe jump up in my boot!"
Such is the nature of the Hawk's magnetic personality -- which explains why he's just as popular today as he was 45 years ago, when he first appeared live on American Bandstand, and in live publicity footage from his then label, Roulette Records. This live footage from 1959, shows the rock 'n' roll scene in all its late 1950s pop culture glory. The Hawk (minus his beard) is featured in these segments, looking very dapper in an obviously expensive suit. He's shown doing his 'moon walk' and is seemingly 'walking on air' -- while the energy of his rockabilly band, The Hawks, plays on with atomic intensity.
Another segment with the debonair, beardless Hawk, features him in live color footage filmed on his wedding day in 1962 to Wanda, whom he's still married to. In these scenes, Ronnie hams it up for the camera, by pretending to rip up his brand new wedding license. Wanda is interviewed in recent footage from 2004, mentioning how she and Ronnie first met around 1960 at Toronto's Concord Tavern. There's also late 1960s footage of their children, Robin, Ronnie Jr. and Leah, who Ronnie lovingly refers to as "Curly, Larry and Moe ... the 'Three Stooges'." These late '60s Hawkins home movies show the two Hawkins boys in their first days as musicians, playing plastic toy guitars as kids, There's also footage of the boys as teenagers really playing well in Levon Helm's barn in Woodstock, NY; as well as recent footage of guitarist/music producer son Robin (who's been part of the Hawks for almost 25 years) along with his sister, vocalist Leah; with longtime Hawk guitarist Buzz Thompson (over 15 years) and Hawkins' blues harp player Jerome Godboo, performing in the Hawks with Ronnie, when he got inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in early 2004.
There's also live footage featuring Robin, as well as Leah and Buzz performing in the Hawks in Jan. 1995 at Ronnie's 'Let It Rock' 65th birthday bash concert at Massey Hall. It features special guests Carl Perkins; Jerry Lee Lewis; as well as Levon Helm, Garth Hudson and Rick Danko of The Band. 'Let It Rock' was filmed as a TV show at the time. It's now available on video, DVD and CD from Ronnie Hawkins' official web site: www.ronniehawkins.com .
The early film footage from the late '50s, (this writer's favorite part of the entire documentary), allows the audience a time-capsule view of a then-19-year-old blonde-haired drummer named Levon Helm, performing live in Ronnie's band in 1959 -- at the very beginning of their illustrious careers in show biz.
There's some fabulous early to mid-1960s live footage of Toronto's Yonge St. Strip too, where Ronnie's rockin' 'n' rollin' club The Hawk's Nest, was located on the second floor of the club, Le Coq D'Or. This footage includes dancing Go-Go girls in the Hawk's Nest, as well as the fabulous neon signs from this era at the corner of Dundas St. and Yonge St. Seen flashing in all their neon glory are top Toronto night spots like the Brown Derby (where Louis Armstrong and others played); Frank's (burgers and hotdogs) next to it, the Biltmore Theatre and Le Coq D'Or next to that again. (These days the former Le Coq D'Or at 333 Yonge St., is the main HMV music store in Toronto). Just down the street at 279 Yonge St. was the Friar's Tavern (at the corner of Dundas Sq.), where upstairs at the Nickleodeon, Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks ruled the roost as resident house band. Downstairs at the Friar's, former Hawks backup band Robbie Lane and the Disciples (replacing Levon, et al) were its house band. This is now the present location of the Hard Rock Cafe, and Club 279 upstairs, where the Nickleodeon once rocked. All this great music history is brought to life in 'Still Alive and Kickin'', thanks to film maker Anne Pick and her dedicated film crew.
One of the highlights of this documentary, is the rare live film footage from Sept. 2002, of a private dinner held in Ronnie's honor at Toronto's Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto's now posh (but former '60s hippy haven) Yorkville area. Some of the special guests that evening were Paul Anka; David Foster and his wife Linda Thompson, (former girlfriend of Elvis Presley); ex-Hawk singer B.J. Cook; former U.S. President Bill Clinton and guitarist Domenic Troiano. It was believed the Hawk only had a few short months to live, so most of his close friends were there that night to say 'goodbye' to their old friend Ronnie, and party with him one last time.
Some of the entertainment at this private 'who's who' dinner party, is featured in live footage in 'Still Alive and Kickin''. Paul Anka sings "My Way", with new lyrics he wrote just for Ronnie. Some of these lyrics recall the first time Anka met Ronnie in the '50s, when the Hawk asked Anka, "Are you the bellboy?" This very humorous look at each other in this Anka tune, features David Foster playing piano, with Anka singing praise to Foster's great success in music (and his gratitude for it). Also in this lyrically re-written version of "My Way", Anka refers to ex-U.S. President Bill Clinton as being "total class." In the closing verse of "My Way", Clinton gets in the last line, singing "I did it Hilary's way."
Another of these highlights includes footage of a time when some of Ronnie's friends paid a call on him from Toronto, by stretch limo. Scenes inside the limo show Greg Godovitz (of iconic rock band Goddo fame), playing rock 'n' roll acoustic guitar in the back seat, while the Toronto Sun's beautiful Money Editor, Linda Leatherdale screams out "Ronnie Hawkins lives ... Yes!" Shortly afterwards, Ronnie greets the vivacious Linda at the door, on his knees, in a rockabilly re-enactment of 'Prince Charming' and 'Cinderella'!
Little did anyone know then that Hawkins would miraculously survive his illness. This was an unexpected turn of events, which ended on a happy note with Ronnie recovering, and continuing to entertain his fans at live concerts all over the world.
There's some attention paid is in this documentary to Hawkins' recent bout with what is believed by some to be pancreatic cancer. There are several interviews with Ronnie's doctors, including his friend and doctor, Dr. Hughes. There's also a few scenes of Ronnie on his way to the hospital in Toronto for cancer treatment; as well as conversations between him and the specialists looking after him. There's also some very funny Hawkins'-style flirting with the nurses that look in on him in his hospital room. One important medical fact is mentioned in this documentary, relating to Hawkins' medical condition. This is the segment where the doctors mention something about localized pancreotitis, which looks like cancer, but it's not. This leads to speculation that possibly Ronnie didn't have cancer at all, and also could explain why the supposed 'cancer' didn't spread and cause the untimely demise of this rockabilly legend.
Whatever illness Ronnie had, (and the doctors still can't say what it was with 100% certainty), we're all very happy that this very vital and still touring rockabilly legend, Ronnie Hawkins, 'the Hawk', is 'still alive and kickin'', and rockin' and rollin' in live concerts and other public appearances. Fortunately because of the Hawk's 'miracle cure', (it could be), all of us can continue to enjoy his great music live, and his very funny sense of humor, that gets everyone laughing whenever he tells his uproariously funny jokes. As singer B.J. Cook commented in this documentary, "I haven't heard him change one word or line in these stories in the almost 40 years I've known him."
'Still Alive and Kickin'' is extremely entertaining and well put together. There's always something interesting to be found in it, no matter how many times it's viewed. That's why I sincerely recommend purchasing your own copy of 'Still Alive and Kickin''. It will soon be available for sale to the public on DVD and video in an extended 90 minute length, with additional footage not included in the 66 minute CTV broadcast.
Further info about Ronnie Hawkins can be found on his official web site: www.ronniehawkins.com including sound clips, rare photos, interviews and reviews from the 1950s to the present time. The Hawk can be reached in regards to bookings and Hawkins merchandise via email at: thehawk@pipcom.com .
Inquiries about 'Still Alive and Kickin' can me made to Anne Pick at Real To Reel Productions, Inc. She can be contacted through her email address: annepick@r2r.ca The web site for Real To Reel Productions is: www.r2r.ca and features more info on this absolutely superb Ronnie Hawkins pop culture documentary.
DVD Review - 'Toronto Rocks' - Sarstock,
with the Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Guess Who, etc.,
Thurs. July 30, 2004
-- by Joe Curtis --
On Thurs. July 30, 2003, an incredibly unbelievable concert extravaganza was held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, featuring such world-class entertainers as the Rolling Stones, AC/DC, the Guess Who, Jeff Healey, Rush and the Isley Brothers -- to name just a few! I attended this historic concert event, and will never forget the unique feeling I got from it.
For those who were there, and more importantly for those who unfortunately missed this once-in-a lifetime concert opportunity; it's now captured in living color on DVD and is for sale world-wide. This DVD's called 'Toronto Rocks', and is an astounding concert that covers several rock styles and crosses musical generations - there's something here for everyone! The concert itself was attended by all ages, from 15 to 60, and was absolutely breathtaking in every way!
The feel of being part of the audience, is captured vividly in the many crowd/audience scenes depicted. This concert was meticulously filmed from many perspectives - audience, performers and also backstage -- with many behind the scenes interviews and candid shots in the abundant bonus material contained in this fabulous DVD.
I say 'DVD', but in fact there are two versions of the 'Toronto Rocks' DVD concert. The 'Canadian Edition' is a 2-DVD set; with one of these two DVD's featuring Canadian artists only. The other DVD in this Canadian version is identical to the single DVD sold in the U.S.A. and world-wide.
The U.S. version features Canadian bands Rush and the Guess Who; but also showcases Oklahoma's totally amazing Flaming Lips; perennial soul/R&B icons, The Isley Brothers; Justin Timberlake; AC/DC's scorching music excellence and of course the always highly entertaining Rolling Stones - without whom this phenomenal and very historic event would never have taken place with the great success that it did.
The co-hosts of this very cool Sarstock event are Blues Brother Dan Ackroyd along with Canadian comedy/talk show host/funny guy Mike Bullard. Both Ackroyd and Bullard do a bang-up job keeping the audience's interest up throughout this entire event. Their personal intros of the various bands taking part, adds strength to these bands' stage presence - which in turn helps the artists' performances be that much enjoyable.
Ackroyd, along with fellow Blues Brother Jim Belushi, are in The Have Gun Will Travel Revue, and are among the featured entertainers at Sarstock. Their slapstick, comical renditions on this DVD, of R&B soul songs like Sam & Dave's "Hold On, I'm Comin'" and the very funny "Dig Myself A Hole", are the necessary comic relief that the audience needs to help them get through this very long day with ease and interest. By the time this concert took place, the SARS threat had just subsided, and Canadians as well as those world-wide were starting to get back to normal lifestyles without the fearful premonitions that they might fall prey to this very deadly and very new disease.
One of the most important things to remember about the Sarstock concert, is not the music nor the entertainment. It is, that 490,000 music fans can congregate together at one time in one place in Toronto, (the city hardest-hit by SARS), and not get sick from SARS. This true fact of good health, sends a positive message to the world that the SARS threat is now gone. It's also a poignant message to the world, that Toronto is now a safe place again to live in, work in and visit again.
For those living in Canada and also for others who might like to buy the Canadian version of Sarstock, the bonus Canada-only-DVD (so, a 2-DVD set), features such notables as country rockers Blue Rodeo with Jim Cuddy; the invigorating Sam Roberts Band; the musically captivating Tea Party with iconic frontman/vocalist/guitarist Jeff Martin. It also features the sexy Sass Jordan with special guest guitarist, the world-renowned and highly respected Dr. Jeff Healey (Jeff's recently been bestowed an honorary doctorate degree), sitting in with Sass on her rousing encore, "Make You A Believer".
Two special musical surprises await the viewers in this 'Toronto Rocks' DVD set. One of these is the awesome performance in the 2-DVD version, of country/folk artist Kathleen Edwards and her great band. Kathleen's performance is imaginative and energizing. She's totally at home with this massive audience, and talks to them as if it's a small audience in a cosy club - lending an atmosphere of relaxing comfort to the proceedings. Kathleen jokingly compares the Sarstock audience to the times she's played the Calgary Folk Festival.
The other delightful musical surprise brought to light at Sarstock, (and featured near the beginning of the U.S.A./World single-DVD version), is the fabulous (Ackroyd's words and so right) Flaming Lips, featuring singer/guitarist/frontman Wayne Coyne. Two of the Flaming Lips' mesmerizing original tunes, "Race For The Prize" and the very deep and emotional "Do You Realize?" practically stole the show for this writer! (Many in the audience are seen singing along with them). Their stage show is colorful, with several dancers and musicians on stage dressed up in 'fantasy' animals costumes -- including two happy-faced shining, dancing yellow 'suns'!
The depth of meaning in Coyne's lyrics, should be congratulated. The band's melodies are imaginative and intriguing, and their set is a major asset to the Sarstock entertainment this day. Without a doubt, the Flaming Lips definitely know how to put on a real good show - added to in a big way by their people-friendly lead vocalist Wayne Coyne. His rapport with the audience is like that of a close friend or brother!
The Isley Brothers' performance is one of the major highlights on this DVD. They sing their 1973 hit, "Who's That Lady?", featuring some enticing lady dancers on stage at the time. They also sing their first big hit, "Shout", from 1959. Lead vocalist Ronald Isley's mention of '59 is funny, because he looks younger than 50 himself, (keeping in mind 1959 was 45 years ago). Ronald sang up a storm with as much energy as it takes to get a crowd of half a million really going strong. Brother Ernie Isley (with his Hendrix-like cool demeanor), wailed away effortless, brilliant guitar leads on his Strat, throughout the Isley Bros. performance. (Hendrix taught Ernie to play guitar in the 1960s, and was once part of the Isley Bros. band himself!)
Justin Timberlake's featured here (following the Isleys), singing his hit, "Senorita". He's backed by a tight rhythm section, complete with horns -- who along with Timberlake's emotional vocals and keyboard playing, bring a much-appreciated romantic feel to this event!
The Guess Who's set blew the audience away! Their energy was awesome on GW hits like "American Woman" and "No Time". Guitarist Randy Bachman played some awesome scorching guitar leads and chords. At one point he's seen tapping his guitar strings with a drum stick - and gets some inspiring leads this way.
Rush had a major fan base there, who grooved on several of their amazing hits like "Free Will" and "Spirit of Radio". Alex Lifeson's guitar playing was incredible, as were Geddy Lee's screaming vocals and bass playing. Neil Peart's drumming really rocked, and helped energize this power trio's performance.
AC/DC's performance stole the show for many whom I spoke to soon after the real show took place. Angus Young's guitar playing on this DVD is mouthwateringly good. He and his brother Malcolm on rhythm guitar, joined the Stones on the B.B. King blues classic, "Rock Me Baby". Being a major blues fan, it's this writer's favorite part of the show. Every time I put on this DVD, I invariably go straight to "Rock Me Baby", before I continue on to other great tunes on this DVD. The Stones really shine on this blues tune, as do Angus and Malcolm. Mick's a real showman -- walking across this massive stage several times like a proud peacock - all the while bellowing out his heartwarmingly familiar vocals -- keeping the fans in the palm of his hand. Angus' guitar leads on this blues classic, are amazing! So are Ron Wood's slithery slide guitar riffs and Keith Richards' sweet leads and harmonious chords! Darryl Jones' pumpin' bass lines send this B.B. King classic to 'blues heaven' as does Charlie Watts' consistently in-the-pocket drumming.
Watts seems very much the invaluable, confident, musical 'back-bone' of every Stones performance I've seen, and this evening was no exception! Another indispensable and beautiful asset to the Stones throughout their set, is their long-time backup singer Lisa Fischer, whose charm on stage always adds something special to a Stones' performance. She also sings background vocals with Luther Vandross in concert, too; and is known to have jetted to both artists' gigs only hours apart from one another when necessary - that's dedication!
The Stones' fabulous, headlining set starts appropriately with "Start Me Up", and follows with the always enjoyable "Ruby Tuesday", and "Miss You". (Timberlake sits in on vocals with Jagger on this tune). The Stones also perform a rousing version of "Satisfaction", and rock it up with energetic dedication in their finale, "Jumpin' Jack Flash". The sky above Toronto then lights up with a huge fireworks/pyrotechnica display, which is a conclusion befitting this unbelievably special concert experience!
To be quite honest, 'you really had to be there' to get the best out of this truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, as 'Toronto Rocks' at Sarstock definitely was for this writer and also for countless others who attended this very historic and indescribably beautiful, musical event. However 'Toronto Rocks', the DVD, is an incredibly amazing, historical chronicle of this special concert experience, too! It's also a DVD that's guaranteed to be a favorite in any music lovers' collection.
Great Lakes Jam Music Festival, Meaford, Ontario, Canada,
Fri. Aug. 27th to Sun. Aug. 29th, 2004
-- by Joe Curtis --
The first ever Great Lakes Jam Music Festival, was held this past summer in the beautiful, picturesque town of Meaford, Ontario, Canada, for three exhilarating days and nights, from Fri. Aug. 27th to Sun. Aug. 29th, 2004. This music fest featured some of the finest and most popular bands in rock and blues around. If names like Johnny Winter; Joe Walsh; Eric Burdon; Spencer Davis Group; the B-52's; Cheap Trick, and Kim Mitchell get your adrenaline flowing, then you're at the right place! Fortunately, the residents of Meaford were all for it; as were the local politicians who were very helpful in getting this music event happening.
Enthusiastic music fans began arriving to this awesome music extravaganza days earlier, and most camped over for the entire three days and nights the Great Lakes Jam Music Fest took place.
Laid back campers wandered around these extensive campgrounds, hanging out with each other, just like they were attending a party at somebody's house. Throughout this event, there was no pushing or shoving - fans allowed each other to move closer to the stage whenever they desired, to take photos or just to take in a 'bird's eye view' of these highly musical proceedings.
The Friday Aug.27th afternoon opening of the Great Lakes Jam fest, featured such notables as guitarist Rick Derringer of the Johnny Winter Band. Derringer performed several of his original hits, including "Rock 'n' Roll Hootchie Koo" and "Frankenstein". Derringer and his whole band, really enjoyed the crowd, and were flying high with energy and enthusiasm on stage and off!
The rock ensemble 'Classic Rock Live', performed the entire Pink Floyd album, 'The Wall' -- totally hypnotizing the crowd. This band features well-known drummer Doug Inglis, who's a Hawk in rockabilly legend Ronnie Hawkins' band, as well as performing in classic Canadian rock bands Goddo; the Blushing Brides and the McBrides. Guitarist/vocalist Greg Wyard is an integral part of why these classic rock album concerts go over so well with audiences wherever they're showcased. They sound just like the albums they 'play tribute to' - whether they're doing Floyd; the Beatles 'White Album' or Zeppelin!
The Spencer Davis Group was also part of the Friday night music events, and did an amazing job of 'givin' us some lovin' on the song of the same name - along with several others. This event had a class 'A' talent roster, and a sound system to match! All the bands taking part in Great Lakes Jam, raved about how good this system was, and made them sound. There was lots of positive response from the fans too, about how good the sound was for them. Even close up it wasn't too loud, which is reassuring in a concert of this size.
On the following day, Sat. Aug. 28th, local group Tin Man and the Flying Monkeys opened the show. Although they played mostly covers from the Tragically Hip, etc., the crowd got off on their renditions like it was the original groups performing them.
Eric Burdon and the 'New' Animals were up next. Their time on stage was breathtaking in every way. Burdon was out front singing his heart out; while still looking youthful, and wowing the crowd of die-hard Animals fans with the same charisma and energy he had in the mid to late 1960s. When talent's as good as Eric's is, it sometimes never fades - it just keeps on rockin', as in Burdon's case!
Eric's performance was revitalizing. It was as if he'd gone back to his early 20s, with the same musical magic taking place now, as then! The 'New' Animals were tight, and backed Eric's vocals just like in the old days. The attentive crowd swayed to the vibes emanating from the huge stage, and were all ages - from those in their 20s, to their 50s. This same multi-age thing with fans of all ages showing up and grooving together, happened at Sarstock too, in Toronto July 30th, 2003, when the Stones, AC/DC and others performed for almost half a million people. Attendance at Great Lakes Jam could have been better - but for a first show of its kind, the crowd numbers were very impressive - and the fans loved the show, as did the artists. The only thing that dampened the festivities at all, was some occasional rain on the Fri. and Sat. of the fest - but it didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the artists -- nor fans who showed up in the tens of thousands!
The excitement in the air could be cut with a knife when Burdon and the 'New' Animals were on stage. They enthralled the crowd with rockin' favorites like "Boom Boom"; the rebellious "We Gotta Get Outta This Place"; the deep, "When I Was Young"; the stellar "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood"; the rousing "See See Rider" - and an extended version of the awesome "Sky Pilot", that had the crowd singing along!
Eric and his band left their fans extremely satisfied, but still wanting more when they were finished - and as great performers often do, Burdon and the rest came out and performed a fabulous encore with their unforgettable "House of the Rising Sun". Afterwards, sales were brisk in the merchandise tent for Burdon's recently recorded new CD, 'New Animals Live In Seattle'. Some fans mentioned they played this great CD on their way home from the fest, so they could take a little bit of Burdon's memorable performance away with them when they left.
Cheap Trick followed Burdon's outstanding show, and had the eager crowd in the palm of their hands. One of their mic stands was loaded top to bottom with 'Cheap Trick' monogrammed guitar picks, which were flung out to the fans in handfuls. Picks don't fly very far, no matter how hard they're flung; but the generous and thoughtful fans near the stage, passed the picks on, so the rest of the crowd could have some too! When Cheap Trick played their best known hit, "I Want You To Want Me", the crowd happily sang along.
Guitarist Kim Mitchell's musicianship on stage was outstanding. His guitar playing was so good and so well-respected by other guitarists performing at this event, that they and others like Eric Burdon stayed to watch Mitchell perform - when normally they'd head back to their hotels and call it a night. In fact, Burdon mentioned later to media spokesperson Jim Zeppa, that he "hung around and saw several acts, and felt just like a kid again, taking it all in - it was that great a show!"
Backstage in the tent where all the artists had their meals, they could be heard raving about all the other artists who were on the bill with them, and about the incredible sound system; and also how happy they were to get every little request granted quickly, no matter what it was - in addition to no complaints from the helpful event staff on hand to please them. In fact Smokey, (Joe Walsh's longtime tour manager), took the time to express his thanks in person and in follow-up emails to Zeppa about how he and Walsh were just astounded by the sound system, the fans, and how smooth and professional the whole event was run from start to finish. I've personally seen emails from Burdon and others to Zeppa, also echoing the same virtues about this first of hopefully many Great Lakes Jams to come.
Joe Walsh performed on stage after Mitchell's fantastic set, and Walsh's guitar playing hit new highs with every rockin' riff he came up with. His band was tight and energetic on every tune. "Rocky Mountain Way" was out-of-this-world good, and sounded as fresh and alive as it did when this writer first heard it at Toronto's Massey Hall in Oct. 1973. Walsh's mouthwatering slide guitar riffs still get me goin' real good on this tune! What's good, sometimes just gets better, as with this song, and Walsh's guitar talent!
Speaking of slide guitar riffs -- the 'slide-master' himself, Johnny Winter, stole the show this Saturday evening, with the skill and expertise of a truly gifted blues man, which he definitely still is! (Johnny's hit, "Still Alive and Well", seems to echo in my imagination right now, for some strange reason - and seems appropriate to Johnny now as the quintessential blues and rock 'n' roll performer he is; who still has what it takes to rock!) At Great Lakes Jam, Winter's drummer shared anecdotes with the fans about Johnny's first meeting with blues 'god' Muddy Waters, when Winter was only 13 years old. Also mentioned were Johnny's many live performances with Muddy over the years, and his recordings on Muddy's albums -- right up to the early 1980s.
This writer has been fortunate to see film footage of Johnny on Muddy's birthday in 1974, performing with Waters, as well as with blues guitar master Mike Bloomfield; harp great Buddy Guy; Hendrix drummer Buddy Miles, and the piano's own 'Night Tripper', Dr. John, and 'wang dang doodle girl' Koko Taylor.
When Johnny sat down to play guitar at Great Lakes Jam, he appeared frail and needed help to his chair. The crowd was silent in reverent respect while Johnny played. Some whispered to each other about whether they'd ever get a chance to see this blues guitar icon ever perform again. Everyone in attendance was awed by Winter's amazing slides and lead guitar blues solos, which he still plays with ease; even if he does have to sit down to play them these days. The fans' applause was genuine and enthusiastic -- clamoring for an encore which Winter happily delivered to them with charisma and style. Johnny was my main highlight of this fest, and my main reason for wanting to attend!
Brian Howe, former vocalist with Bad Company, opened the show Sunday, Aug. 29th. Of worthy note is the total professionalism that Howe demonstrated in making sure the show went on when the rain came down. He and his great band when asked if they'd play the beer tent instead of the main outdoor stage during a heavy rain, replied "No problem!" The promoters felt Howe's attitude was outstanding, as was the show he put on. The fans packed the beer tent at this point, and everybody rocked! There was a great sound system here too, which really showed off Howe and his fine band to best advantage in the many Bad Company hits and others they played. It's refreshing to see a positive attitude in an emergency like this from Howe, who assessed the situation and put the show before himself - which makes him and his band real pros in the way it really counts!
Alice Cooper, won the crowd over Sunday evening, with his original music, flamboyant costumes and imaginative stage props and skits he acted out. His daughter came out on stage at one point in "Only Women Bleed", to act out the part of the 'abused woman'. She was great in the role, and Cooper played it and the rest of his songs and stories up for all they're worth. The crowd went wild, when Alice's daughter placed him in a straight-jacket. The Coop certainly is 'Mr. Showbiz' in the rock world - whether in top hat and tails, leather, or whatever - because he consistently goes the extra mile to be a real crowd pleaser. (As did the promoters of this great event Wolfgang Siebert and Art Theberge, and their entire staff -- catering to artists and fans alike at this first Great Lakes Jam).
To many attending, Alice was their favorite performer all weekend long! In fact, Cooper's shows are sort of an updated 'rock' version of the flamboyantly imaginative Ziegfeld Follies and Busby Berkley musicals of the 1930s - which Alice as a major TV fan/movie buff, has probably seen hundreds of times. Cooper keeps himself in good physical shape; looking much like he did when I first saw him perform live in his "School's Out" and "Welcome To My Nightmare" concerts 30 years ago. Alice still acts out his rigorous stage antics effortlessly, like he did back then! (Sometimes time does stand still, as it does attending an Alice Cooper concert!)
Alice's snake definitely captivated the audience's attention! So did the three-person drum solo that wowed and awed the fans for 10 fantastic minutes. Cooper the master showman, made good use of this time to change costumes once again.
The only real disappointment at the end of Alice's show, was that it had to end. Many fans hung around after Alice's performance, hoping he'd play all night long - but unfortunately he didn't -- and this incredible and unbelievably beautiful weekend of rock and blues and rock 'n' roll sadly came to a close. Fortunately for the many thousands who attended this first of hopefully many Great Lakes Jams music fests, their memories of this very special music event will be rekindled in their imaginations and hearts for the rest of their lives.
Great Lakes Jam website: www.greatlakesjam.com
Media Relations: Jim Zeppa, email: zeppa@istar.ca