The Band - The Last Waltz
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Free Music Notes for The Last Waltz
Free Music Review: More than a concert--It's a celebration!
Hit: 5 Stars
"It's the Last Waltz, but that doesn't mean the party's over." This may have been the final concert for the original configuration of The Band, but thanks to this wonderful, expanded release, and the forthcoming dvd of the movie, you can enjoy the party over and over and over.And what a party it was! The Band played a set of their own music, and then followed that by hosting a who's who of rock legends: Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Muddy Waters, Paul Butterfield, Dr. John, Neil Diamond, Bobby Charles and the man who brought them together in the first place--Ronnie Hawkins. And Ringo Starr, Ron Wood, Stephen Stills sit in on a couple of jams after the concert proper was over. The Band are also joined by Emmylou Harris and The Staples for special studio efforts to contribute to this celebration, to this last waltz.
This four disc compilation gives you everything that was on the original 3 lp. or 2 disc sets, and throws in an additional 24 (count `em, 24!) tracks. There are more performances from the concert itself, including the previously mentioned jams, plus some concert rehearsals, and some studio ideas or demos. This certainly helped me to have a fuller, grander sense of this historical event. This new box set also includes new notes and background about both the concert and the movie (directed by Martin Scorsese), and lots of never seen before photos, too.
Highlights for me: another great version of Stagefright; Muddy Waters singing Mannish Boy (simmering blues); Van Morrison's Caravan really kicks (and so did Van--see the movie!); Bob Dylan leading The Band through a couple of numbers they did during the 65/66 tours--Baby Let Me Follow You Down and I Don't Believe You; Emmylou and Levon trading verses on Evangeline; and The Staples lending their oh-so-soulful voices to The Weight (Beautiful, says Mavis Staples at the very end of the number, and she's so right).
To me, The Band are simply the best. They never sought fame and fortune. It was all about the music. Hit singles? Forget it. Fancy light shows at their concerts? No way! They gave us their heart and souls through the music and left a rich, rich legacy for all of us to enjoy. Their impact could never be measured by chart success, but it was astounding on a whole other level. These guys took Dylan's music to new realms during those wild electric sets in 65/66. After hearing The Band's debut "Music From Big Pink" Eric Clapton shut down the ego machine called Cream. The Band were once on the cover of Time magazine. They played at Woodstock and Watkins Glen. Their first two records are 2 of the most incredible listening experiences in all of rock music. Their live set "Rock of Ages" is one of the best concert discs ever.
This box set may not be the place to start for some, but if you enjoyed the Last Waltz the first time, or you have a sincere interest in any of the guest artists who helped The Band bid farewell, you should certainly check out this expanded re-release.
Free Music Review: "HISTORY IN THE MAKING"
Hit: 5 Stars
If I were to rate the packaging, I would have to agree with the reviewer who complained about the way it was made, I've had the discs fall out several times myself.
But it's a beautifully packaged and recorded document(in its appearance and sound) that I listen to constantly.
One problem I have when I look at the roster of talent, is I'm reminded or our own mortality; so many of these people are now dead, and the era that followed can never replace what was here. That could be good, though, they all sound so alive here, enhanced by one of the best bands ever to grace a stage.
As an aside, I wonder why people call a death "passing away," or just "passing." They didn't "pass," they died; there's no shame in saying it. Richard Manuel, Rick Danko, Paul Butterfield, Muddy Waters, Carl Radle, and Pop Staples are all dead; go ahead, say it. I don't think they'll mind. Nobody flinches at the word "suicide" when talking about Richard Manuel, but let Rick Danko peacefully drift off in his sleep, and he "passes away." These things have always puzzled me.
Back to the music; it's all good, so much talent crossed that stage that night, the audience had a real treat. The Band's songs cover such a wide spectrum of topics, and I understand the guys resenting Robertson's appropriation of the writing credits, but these are men who have definitely walked the walk, and because of that, they are certainly able to talk the talk. You can hear the heartbreak in Rick Danko's delivery of "It Makes No Difference," and the effects of the hard life in Richard Manuel's voice in "The Shape I'm In," and even more so in "Acadian Driftwood." His voice here is hoarse and ragged and PERFECT. Levon Helm summed up Manuel's demons quite well in in The Band's "Authorized Biography," and in his book, "This Wheel's On Fire." He said "That's between him and his Higher Power, and I've always tried to keep from having too much of an opinion about it." He is still shaken over it this many years later, you can see it in the video, because here, he just clams up, takes a big drag on his cigarette, and looks off somewhere into the distance. I can see in him a sense of betrayal by one of his closest friends, and the knowledge that it will always hurt.
This is relevant to "The Last Waltz," because there was a sense of brotherhood with these guys, from the beginning, all the way through, until huge success started to splinter that element. They were so good, and to watch this, knowing that these five will never grace a stage or studio in this form again, has the feeling of ending, of winding down, and being forced to say goodbye when you don't want to say goodbye.
Even though the sequencing is out of order, and there were a few omissions from the show, it's still a magnificent document of one of the greatest live performances of the era, one of the best.
Free Music Review: Great music from a great era
Hit: 5 Stars
I'm only in my twenties right now, and most people I know have barely even heard of the Band, if they've heard of them at all. Sets like this are of the reason that I feel like I was born too late. The sixties and seventies were an amazing era musically, and I don't see how something like The Last Waltz could ever happen today. All the more reason to treasure an amazing thing that happened here: A bunch of people just got together and made some great music. Broken down to that, The Last Waltz sounds like Woodstock or Monterey Pop, and in some ways it is. But The Last Waltz carries more weight then either of those concerts, as this would be the last time that The Band would play together. At least, that was the plan...The Band played for five hours and people still wanted more. The hits are all here -- "Up On Cripple Creek", "The Weight", "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down", etc. -- and each one of them is played with passion by a band that is just making great music, but knows that it is coming to an end.
The guest cast is amazing. Bob Dylan and Ronnie Hawkins are great musicians, and they had to appear for the night to be complete -- if you know The Band's history, you'll understand why. Friends and heroes like Dr. John, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Neil Diamond, Van Morrison, The Staples, and more rounded out a set of music with a combination of variety and quality that you'll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. Even Ringo Starr makes an appearance on drums at the end of the third disk. Where else will you find a combination of songs like "Caravan", "Such a Night", "Mannish Boy", "Dry Your Eyes", and "Helpless"? The Band was more than willing to relegate themselves to backing band status once again, and it pays off big time. Perhaps the most amazing part of the whole event is how seamlessly they played with any other artist they shared the stage with. You would have thought that they had all played together for years. (Of course, a few of them had actually done so...)
This is all it is, whether you listen to the discs or view the concert DVD. No gimmicks. No dance routines. No women kissing each other for publicity's sake. Just great musicians and great songs. Incidentally, the liner notes are great too. They really put the whole event in a wider context that I might have missed out on otherwise.
If you are a fan of classic rock, your collection is not complete until you have this box set and the concert DVD. And if you are not a fan of classic rock, why did you read down this far? All the same, even non-rockers will probably appreciate the variety of soul, country, blues, and classical influences found throughout this album. Fork over the cash and get yourself of a copy of The Band's last stand. You won't regret it.
Free Music Review: "The Weight" is over, this is the version to buy!
Hit: 5 Stars
As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" and a former radio disc-jockey, I am often asked to write reviews and or speak about the music from the 60's and 70's.
"The Last Waltz" is more than a live record. It is a reminder of one of the finest (Although saddest) evenings in rock history. Robbie Robertson and the guys would no longer be found on the road. If they had to say goodbye lucky for us they would touch the earth when numerous friends helped to solidify the event as a tribute to great musicians and songwriters.
If you want to experience the mark "The Band" left in the musical universe look at the cast of characters that would share the stage during the epic event. They came from the blues world- Ronnie Hawkins and Muddy Waters, the blues-rock of Eric Clapton and Paul Butterfield were proud to be in the roll call, from the folk side long time friend Bob Dylan seemed so right playing with Robbie and the gang. There was Neil Diamond and many eyes wondered why, it is called mutual respect. Ask how "The Band" and Neil felt about each others ability. There was a guy named Ringo from Liverpool, he knew something about greatness and Neil Young perfect for the energy he brought and sincere appreciation for the sound of "The Band." Obviously I am leaving out a host of cohorts, only because of lack of room.
With the extraordinary bonus material this can't escape any fan of "The Band." If you heard it previously, it will be a new experience. If this is your first time hold on for the ride of your life.
"The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down", "Further On Up The Road", and "I Shall Be Released" are three of the many staples of this collection. You will be so engrossed with the playing and the song selection be prepared to miss a meal or two and not be on time to the next office meeting.
I was in Louisville, Kentucky not long ago for a lecture with Tom Constanten from the Grateful Dead, and the amazing rock photographer Don Aters. One of the fine local musicians Brigid Kaelin told me once a year an event is booked somewhere in Kentucky where the music of "The Last Waltz" is recreated. When we talk timeless and ceaseless it is not a cliché it is a rock and roll reality.
Let's go back in time and marvel at the sounds of the various men and women that made the rock nothing short of a diamond.
Enjoy the music and be well,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"
Free Music Review: Care package for Waltz lovers
Hit: 5 Stars
The dream of millions of The Band fans has at last come true. The Last Waltz box set gives the deserved honour to Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Richard Manuel and Robbie Robertson. Honour for the best rock and roll concert of all time.The addition of the missing songs, new mixing of the music and the improved layout are things that make this package something very special.
The box set includes no less than 15 songs, which were dropped out from the original publications. Plus, there are a few concert rehearsal versions. It was high time to hear the performances of such songs as `WS Walcott Medicine Show' and `Don't Do It' - the very last song The Band ever played together on stage. As far as guest performances are concerned, `Caldonia' (with Muddy Waters) and `Hazel' (with Bob Dylan) are nothing to be left as takeouts. For the sake of curiosity it's worth mentioning that Robbie's 12-bar Clapton-imitation guitar solo (which is there in The Last Waltz film as Eric fiddles with his guitar strap) on `Further on Up the Road' can be enjoyed now on CD as well.
Thanks to the new mixing, the overall sound of The Last Waltz is different. For example, `The Shape I'm In' is stronger than ever as a perfect The Band song: Richard growling the lyrics, Robbie filling in with delicate guitar licks, Rick bouncing about irresistibly with the bass and Levon hitting the drums like throwing big rocks on a tin roof. All this sweetened by Garth's capturing organ. The Last Waltz sounds brighter and fresher - basically it sounds much more authentic. Close your eyes and you are at Winterland...
The layout is improved by a thick booklet. It includes a lot of behind-the-scenes stories about The Band and The Last Waltz as well as a tidy collection of photos. Fine supporting material.
The Last Waltz box set is pleasingly short of letdowns. Joni Mitchell's `Coyote' is great, but her two previously unreleased songs, especially `Furry Sings the Blues', bring an unwanted plunge of quality to the set. Neil Diamond's less-than-magical `Dry Your Eyes' was familiar already from The Last Waltz LP.
Although The Last Waltz box set is a little pricy, it's worth every penny. Money becomes a secondary issue as one listens to Rick, Levon, Richard, Robbie and Garth play gloriously with and without the friends. The Last Waltz really happens. To quote Dr John a little: `Thanks to The Band and all the fellas.'