Who among my generation… (and those surrounding it) would not begin a spontaneous drool when asked if they would like to go to a Levon Helm concert?
For those who did not grow up in the 60’s and 70’s
or belong to parents who did…
(as for my babies… The Band provided much of the soundtrack to their younger years)
let’s take a short peek back in time…
It began (for me) with “The Band”
Somewhere around 1968 through 1975,
The Band was one of the most popular and influential rock groups in the world, their music was embraced as seriously as the music of “The Beatles and the “Rolling Stones”
The Band held a farewell concert at Winterland in San Francisco on Thanksgiving 1976.
It was a bittersweet time for many who thought the end of the Band was too soon.
(I wanted to weep!)
They called it “The Last Waltz” which included Ronnie Hawkins, Dr. John, Muddy Waters, Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton and an all star guest list of peers & friends.
The event sold as a triple album & was filmed ,
becoming a historical “rockumentary”
Levon Helm is a rock multi-instrumentalist and actor who achieved his fame as the drummer and frequently lead singer for The Band.
He is known for his deeply soulful, country-accented voice and creative drumming style
He has nurtured a tradition of professionalism with a deep respect for his craft and remains genuine . He is a master storyteller who weaves his tales with a magic thread that ties us all. He beckons us to come in, sit a spell and enjoy.
Levon’s nimble drumming leaves no doubt that he deserves the title,
“The greatest drummer”,
bestowed on him by Ringo Starr.
Last evening, I had the tremendous
pleasure of accompanying Michael to the Concert Hall at the BJCC
where we attended a rare touring concert by The Levon Helm Band.
It was a most wonderful event!
The music was out of this world and a
long time dream came true!
The first act was
“Secret Sister”,
two young ladies (actually sisters) from our own Muscle Shoals, Al.
Who could be luckier?
To actually be the front band for Levon on their first tour?
Second to take the stage was
Ray LaMontagne & the Pariah Dogs
Rays voice being like some kind of candy…
smooth, thick , maybe a little sticky..
but, with a little bite…
They were very enjoyable…
but, when they brought out the horn section borrowed from Levon’s band
they proved beyond the shadow of a doubt this band could really boogie!
After Ray left the stage…
the house lights came up and everyone stretched their legs…
while the stage was prepared for the main act.
Levon’s drum kit was brought out on it’s own little raised set…
When the lights dimmed…
then a long anticipated show began.
The fact that his singing is now limited,
(due to a fight with throat cancer),
gives the rare moments when he does sing an enormous sense of gravity.
Thank you Michael for
always treating me so special
and
we thank you Levon for such a wonderful show!
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