NPR recently aired an excellent piece on a new book that chronicles the excesses of '70s bands, including famously indulgent tours by Led Zeppelin, The Who and Alice Cooper. In fact, Michael Walker posits that 1973 was the tipping point for both the music industry, which suddenly realized the enormous amount of money to be made, and the bands themselves, who figured they could put the make on everything else.
In one of the stranger internet episodes, JJ Cale was reported to have passed away a week or so ago, only to have multiple online sources claim it was a hoax, and that he was, in fact, “alive and well.” Sadly, the legendary guitarist, songwriter and architect of “the Tulsa sound” passed away from a heart attack on Friday July 26th.
There is no biography available of Mr. Cale (someone really ought to do something about that), but you can learn more about the influential musician on his website here.
Speaking of music documentaries, here’s another to add to the “must see” list. “Born in Chicago” tells the story of old masters schooling young white musicians in bars, clubs, kitchens and alleys. Directed by John Anderson and narrated by Marshall Chess, son of Chess Records founder Leonard Chess, the film features present day and archival interviews with Bob Dylan, Mike Bloomfield, Sam Lay, Buddy Guy, and Hubert Sumlin, among others.
What a drag...way too young. Faye Hunter, bassist for Let's Active, has apparently commited suicide. If you're not familiar with "Afoot" or "Cypress," do yourself a favor and buy them today. For Faye. And, more importantly, for you...
We have suspended the parameters of what's "new" in our "New Releases" so that you can see the depth and breadth of our website. We will keep it this way for the foreseeable future and hope you will take the opportunity to read and review some of the older titles, as well as what's just out! Check the blog for other site announcements!
Soulman Bobby "Blue" Bland, who helped redefine the blues died at age 83.
In this ruthlessly honest bestseller, the bass player for the greatest improvisational band in American history tells the full, true story of his life, Jerry Garcia, and the Grateful Dead.
The sharp, lyrical, and no-holds-barred autobiography of the iconoclastic writer and musician Richard Hell, charting the childhood, coming of age, and misadventures of an artist in an indelible era of rock and roll...
