"He was just 18 and strong and brave, but a Yankee put him in his grave..." - chokes me up every time.
"The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down".
I am very fortunate in having heard this amazing song performed live by The Band on their tour in support of the s/t "brown" album. The only other live music experience I’ve had that equals it was hearing Little Village perform John Hiatt’s "Lipstick Traces" on a soundstage in Burbank in ’92. The Little Village album was not so hot, but they sure were!
The Beatles? Saw them in ’65. Hendrix? Saw him in ’68 and ’69. Cream? Saw them in ’67 and ’68. The Who? Saw them in ’68 and ’69. Who else ya wanna name? Sorry, hearing The Band live spoiled me for just about EVERYONE else. Not Iris DeMent, whom I just saw this past Thursday. Stunningly great!
Here’s J.R. Robertson, Eric Levon Helm, and some other guy talking about the song and its’ creation:
https://youtu.be/nVYBW_zCvOg?t=1
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@larsman , I also have my doubts it was fast as lightning... |
@onhwy61: I don’t know if I’m the world’s biggest fan of The Band, but I’ll admit to being amongst those who are.
Speaking of which, in the latest Stereophile Newsletter (August---2nd Edition), there is a great story on and interview with mastering engineer Bob Ludwig. In the interview Bob talks about growing up listening to Classical ("I certainly love Classical music. That’s my heart.") and Jazz---though recounts buying Chuck Berry 45RPM singles, learning to play trumpet, getting into studio work, etc. At the end of the story he is asked for some of his favorite albums of which he mastered. The first one he names is The Band’s s/t "brown" album, which he describes as "an iconic recording." The second is Led Zeppelin II.
The story ends with this: "When pressed on his absolute favorite artists, he settles on The Band." Ludwig: "The Band have always been my ultimate favorite." I'm in good company 😊 .
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Let's do a thought experiment -- who from Led Zeppelin could play in The Band? Bonham, no way. Plant, it's a few decades early in his development. Page, as an acoustic player he could bring a little English folkie sound to the group. Although I'm not sure they need that. Finally, JPJ would slot right in with Danko moving to vocals. Who from The Band could play in LZ? Robbie R. could and so could Garth. I think that would be the most interesting 2 lead guitar group going. |
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