Pink Floyd - Learning to Fly
Monday, April 27, 2009
Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales
Week Ending 04/25/2009
1. LP - Leonid Kogan "Kogan Plays Beethoven" EMI - $5778.00 - Start: $9.99 - Bids: 25
2. LP - Lee Morgan "Presenting" Blue Note - $2,927.00 - Start: $750.00 - Bids: 14
3. 45 - Pat Lewis "No One To Love" / "(I Owe You) Something" Solid Hit - $2,309.99 - Start: $376.99 - Bids: 13
4. 78 - Frank Stokes "What's The Matter Blues" / "Take Me Back" Victor - $2,075.00 - Start: $500.00 - Start: 5
5. 45 - Ernest Ranglin "Skalvouv!a" / "Free Form" Kentone - $2,025.00 - Start: $99.99 - Bids: 5
5. LP - George Harrison "All Things Must Pass" EMI UK - $2025.00 - Start: $24.99 - Bids: 5
A classical LP makes the top of the list this week, and for once it is not a record of a performance of Bach. A Leonid Kogan performance of Beethoven bids way up past its previous high to sell for well over $5.7k. In the #2 spot a Lee Morgan LP on Blue Note sells for over $2.9k.
A northern soul 45 from Pat Lewis on Solid Hit bids to a little over $2.3k. The #4 spot goes to a blues 78 on Victor, this one from Frank Stokes, and it sells for well over $2k.
A 45 and an LP tie for the #5 spot. A reggae 45 from Ernest Ranglin on Kentone, and a sealed UK pressing of George Harrison's "All Things Must Pass" both bid to one quarter over $2k.
As always, thank you to Norm at http://ccdiscoveries.blogspot.com for this wonderful data!
1. LP - Leonid Kogan "Kogan Plays Beethoven" EMI - $5778.00 - Start: $9.99 - Bids: 25
2. LP - Lee Morgan "Presenting" Blue Note - $2,927.00 - Start: $750.00 - Bids: 14
3. 45 - Pat Lewis "No One To Love" / "(I Owe You) Something" Solid Hit - $2,309.99 - Start: $376.99 - Bids: 13
4. 78 - Frank Stokes "What's The Matter Blues" / "Take Me Back" Victor - $2,075.00 - Start: $500.00 - Start: 5
5. 45 - Ernest Ranglin "Skalvouv!a" / "Free Form" Kentone - $2,025.00 - Start: $99.99 - Bids: 5
5. LP - George Harrison "All Things Must Pass" EMI UK - $2025.00 - Start: $24.99 - Bids: 5
A classical LP makes the top of the list this week, and for once it is not a record of a performance of Bach. A Leonid Kogan performance of Beethoven bids way up past its previous high to sell for well over $5.7k. In the #2 spot a Lee Morgan LP on Blue Note sells for over $2.9k.
A northern soul 45 from Pat Lewis on Solid Hit bids to a little over $2.3k. The #4 spot goes to a blues 78 on Victor, this one from Frank Stokes, and it sells for well over $2k.
A 45 and an LP tie for the #5 spot. A reggae 45 from Ernest Ranglin on Kentone, and a sealed UK pressing of George Harrison's "All Things Must Pass" both bid to one quarter over $2k.
As always, thank you to Norm at http://ccdiscoveries.blogspot.com for this wonderful data!
100 Greatest Drum Beats
Britain's Rhythm magazine has chosen their list of the 100 Greatest Drum Beats of All Time. Enlisting the help of people like Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chickenfoot), Joey Jordinson (Slipknot), Thomas Lang and Peter Erskine, the editorial staff put together their list of 100 great rhythms that span from 30's jazz to current material.
Here is the top 25:
1. The Funky Drummer (Parts 1 & 2) - James Brown (Clyde Stubblefield)
2. When the Levee Breaks - Led Zeppelin (John Bonham)
3. Cissy Strut - Meters (Zigaboo Modeliste)
4. Take Five - Dave Brubeck (Joe Morello)
5. Back in Black - AC/DC (Phil Rudd)
6. Won't Get Fooled Again - Who (Keith Moon)
7. Sing, Sing, Sing - Benny Goodman Orchestra (Gene Krupa)
8. Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana (Dave Grohl)
9. Ballroom Blitz - Sweet (Mick Tucker)
10. Cold Sweat - James Brown (Clyde Stubblefield)
11. Raining Blood - Slayer (Dave Lombardo)
12. Rosanna - Toto (Jeff Porcaro)
13. Roxanne - Police (Stewart Copeland)
14. One - Metallica (Lars Ulrich)
15. Good Times, Bad Times - Led Zeppelin (John Bonham)
16. Blue Monday - New Order (Oberheim DMX drum machine)
17. We Will Rock You - Queen (Roger Taylor)
18. Lust For Life - Iggy Pop (Hunt Sales)
19. Quadrant 4 - Billy Cobham (Billy Cobham)
20. Sunday Bloody Sunday - U2 (Larry Mullen, Jr.)
21. Superstition - Stevie Wonder (Stevie Wonder)
22. Sunshine of Your Love - Cream (Ginger Baker)
23. Come Together - Beatles (Ringo Starr)
24. Midlife Crisis - Faith No More (Mike Bordin)
25. Sexy MF - Prince (Michael Bland)
I looked at the top 100 and I know that these types of lists are very subjective, but I see two glaring ommissions, Bruce Gary (The Knack) with "My Sharona" and John Lennon's "Instant Karma," (with the drums being played by Alan White). Both of these cuts feature fantastic drum 'riffs' and would certainly make my top 10. Additionally, Ringo Starr is such an under appreciated talent, you mean to say that only one Beatles cut made the list? And what about Mick Fleetwood? Any comments?
To see the rest of the list, visit:
100-greatest-drum-beats-of-all-time
Here is the top 25:
1. The Funky Drummer (Parts 1 & 2) - James Brown (Clyde Stubblefield)
2. When the Levee Breaks - Led Zeppelin (John Bonham)
3. Cissy Strut - Meters (Zigaboo Modeliste)
4. Take Five - Dave Brubeck (Joe Morello)
5. Back in Black - AC/DC (Phil Rudd)
6. Won't Get Fooled Again - Who (Keith Moon)
7. Sing, Sing, Sing - Benny Goodman Orchestra (Gene Krupa)
8. Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana (Dave Grohl)
9. Ballroom Blitz - Sweet (Mick Tucker)
10. Cold Sweat - James Brown (Clyde Stubblefield)
11. Raining Blood - Slayer (Dave Lombardo)
12. Rosanna - Toto (Jeff Porcaro)
13. Roxanne - Police (Stewart Copeland)
14. One - Metallica (Lars Ulrich)
15. Good Times, Bad Times - Led Zeppelin (John Bonham)
16. Blue Monday - New Order (Oberheim DMX drum machine)
17. We Will Rock You - Queen (Roger Taylor)
18. Lust For Life - Iggy Pop (Hunt Sales)
19. Quadrant 4 - Billy Cobham (Billy Cobham)
20. Sunday Bloody Sunday - U2 (Larry Mullen, Jr.)
21. Superstition - Stevie Wonder (Stevie Wonder)
22. Sunshine of Your Love - Cream (Ginger Baker)
23. Come Together - Beatles (Ringo Starr)
24. Midlife Crisis - Faith No More (Mike Bordin)
25. Sexy MF - Prince (Michael Bland)
I looked at the top 100 and I know that these types of lists are very subjective, but I see two glaring ommissions, Bruce Gary (The Knack) with "My Sharona" and John Lennon's "Instant Karma," (with the drums being played by Alan White). Both of these cuts feature fantastic drum 'riffs' and would certainly make my top 10. Additionally, Ringo Starr is such an under appreciated talent, you mean to say that only one Beatles cut made the list? And what about Mick Fleetwood? Any comments?
To see the rest of the list, visit:
100-greatest-drum-beats-of-all-time
Vinyl Art to Hang in Hard Rock Hotel
Congrats to my friend Daniel Edlen, whose amazing Vinyl Art is catching on!!
New artwork to be displayed in high-end suites.
Hollywood, FL, April 26, 2009 --(PR.com)-- A series of three pieces of Vinyl Art by Daniel Edlen, reproduced by ArtScans Studio, Inc. through Fresh Paint Art Advisors, Inc., is being installed in 23 suites at the newly remodeled Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
The original portraits on vinyl records of Carlos Santana, Mariah Carey, and John Lennon were scanned and printed at ArtScans Studio's highest resolution onto rag paper and framed individually in silver-leaf. They will be displayed above the headboard in the Beacon and Fillmore Suites once the rooms go through their stage of the remodel.
About Vinyl Art by Daniel Edlen:
Vinyl Art by Daniel Edlen is handpainted acrylic portraiture of musicians and entertainers on original vinyl pressings of the subject's recordings. Working largely on commission, Vinyl Art gives people back what they lost going digital with their music. People can once again gather and personally celebrate their music, their culture. Vinyl Art has been seen in several individual and group shows since Edlen began selling his unique portraits on vinyl late in 2006.
Boutiques in southern California and Austin, Texas sell works on consignment as well. Pieces have also been given as contest prizes by radio stations in Phoenix, Arizona and sold at auction by music-related charities.
For more information, call 480-239-1688, email vinylart@danieledlen.com or visit online at http://www.vinylart.info/.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Matador reissues delayed by lost album masters
By Sean Michaels
One of the largest US indie labels has postponed reissuing albums by Mogwai, Yo La Tengo and Cat Power after losing the master tapes when a pressing plant went bust
Vinyl masters of albums by Mogwai and Yo La Tengo were among those lost when an American pressing plant went bankrupt in 2006, Matador Records has admitted. Records, vinyl lacquers, sleeve films and the masters themselves were binned when 33 1/3 went out of business, making it much harder to reissue albums like Mogwai's Happy Songs for Happy People, Yo La Tengo's Painful and Cat Power's The Covers Record on vinyl.
"Nothing was recovered from 33 1/3," Matador's director of production, Jesper Eklow, told Comcast News this week. "We lost everything. The doors were locked due to the Chapter 11 bankruptcy."
"Everything" makes a substantial loss. Matador is one of the largest American indie labels, representing everyone from Belle and Sebastian to Interpol. The label lost "pretty much everything up to May 2006," Eklow confirmed, delaying planned reissues by Pavement, the New Pornographers and many more.
While worldwide CD sales tumble, vinyl has seen a resurgence, particularly among fans who buy reissues. Records may make up less than 1% of album sales worldwide, but US vinyl sales were up 89% in 2008, making them that rare and valuable thing: a slice of the music industry that is still seeing growth.
Labels like Matador have therefore rushed to reissue popular albums on high-quality vinyl, so the 33 1/3 bankruptcy is a major setback. "Some titles prove difficult to reissue unless we go back and basically remaster the albums from scratch," Eklow said. "It's a slow, expensive and quite an annoying process."
While Pavement, Belle and Sebastian and Interpol reissues are promised "soon", others – particularly early records by Yo La Tengo and Mogwai – are much further off.
"There shouldn't really be any titles that we couldn't ever bring back," Eglo said, "but the question of course would be if it's worth spending a lot of money on remastering and reprinting components we already should have on hand on certain titles. The money lost on the 33 1/3 adventure is quite substantial."
SOURCE: http://www.guardian.co.uk
One of the largest US indie labels has postponed reissuing albums by Mogwai, Yo La Tengo and Cat Power after losing the master tapes when a pressing plant went bust
Vinyl masters of albums by Mogwai and Yo La Tengo were among those lost when an American pressing plant went bankrupt in 2006, Matador Records has admitted. Records, vinyl lacquers, sleeve films and the masters themselves were binned when 33 1/3 went out of business, making it much harder to reissue albums like Mogwai's Happy Songs for Happy People, Yo La Tengo's Painful and Cat Power's The Covers Record on vinyl.
"Nothing was recovered from 33 1/3," Matador's director of production, Jesper Eklow, told Comcast News this week. "We lost everything. The doors were locked due to the Chapter 11 bankruptcy."
"Everything" makes a substantial loss. Matador is one of the largest American indie labels, representing everyone from Belle and Sebastian to Interpol. The label lost "pretty much everything up to May 2006," Eklow confirmed, delaying planned reissues by Pavement, the New Pornographers and many more.
While worldwide CD sales tumble, vinyl has seen a resurgence, particularly among fans who buy reissues. Records may make up less than 1% of album sales worldwide, but US vinyl sales were up 89% in 2008, making them that rare and valuable thing: a slice of the music industry that is still seeing growth.
Labels like Matador have therefore rushed to reissue popular albums on high-quality vinyl, so the 33 1/3 bankruptcy is a major setback. "Some titles prove difficult to reissue unless we go back and basically remaster the albums from scratch," Eklow said. "It's a slow, expensive and quite an annoying process."
While Pavement, Belle and Sebastian and Interpol reissues are promised "soon", others – particularly early records by Yo La Tengo and Mogwai – are much further off.
"There shouldn't really be any titles that we couldn't ever bring back," Eglo said, "but the question of course would be if it's worth spending a lot of money on remastering and reprinting components we already should have on hand on certain titles. The money lost on the 33 1/3 adventure is quite substantial."
SOURCE: http://www.guardian.co.uk
Audiophile Audition Review
I want to thank John over at http://www.audaud.com/index.php for the exclusive rights to reprint this great review!
AUDIOPHILE AUDITION focuses on recordings of interest to audiophiles and collectors, with an accent on surround sound for music, and on all hi-res disc formats. Over 100SACD, DVD Video/Audio and standard CD reviews are published during each month, and our archives go back to January 2001.
Budd Johnson - Mr. Bechet - Black & Blue/ Pure Pleasure Records PPAN006 1974 ****:
(Budd Johnson, tenor and soprano sax; Earl Hines, Piano, Jimmy Leary, bass; Panama Francis, drums)
For a legendary tenor saxophonist whose career spanned from the 1920s to the 1980s, Budd Johnson was woefully under-recorded as a session leader. He had approximately ten records under his name. He was influenced by Lester Young and had a long tenure-ten years-with the Earl Hines Orchestra from the early 30s to the 40s.
For this recording Johnson plays both tenor and also soprano sax, in tribute to the all time greatest soprano player, Sidney Bechet. Starting off with a soulful soprano solo on Blues for Sale, Johnson adds his vocal to the Hines composition and Earl himself has a stride blues chorus. Jimmy Leary gets a great bowed bass solo and Johnson switches to tenor to wring out more emotion in this classic blues composition. Gone with The Wind is pure swing driven by both Johnson’s rich tenor and the driven drums of the great Panama Francis, who has never got his due for his swing and rhythm and blues stick work.
The sound quality on this 180 gram pressing is superb and its warmth and presence is certainly high resolution. Many American expatriate jazz musicians recorded in France in the 1970s and Black and Blue, a French label was there to record their sessions. This certainly is the best sounding Black and Blue issued session I have ever heard as my collection of this series has been limited to CD issues. Pure Pleasure Records should be lauded for re-issuing this date in audiophile quality sound.
Other winning tracks include Hines and Johnson’s working of the ballad, If You Were Mine, the gutbucket Johnson composition, The Dirty Old Man, where Johnson pulls out all stops; and the title track, where Johnson’s super sensuous soprano just drips with emotion.
I enjoyed the Booker Little “Out Front” LP reissue from Pure Pleasure, but adored this label’s reissue of two masters, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Hines having a ball. Mr. Bechet is truly Pure Pleasure!
TrackList: Blues for Sale, Gone with the Wind, If You Were Mine, Am I Wasting My Time, The Dirty Old Man, Linger Awhile, Mr. Bechet
Duke Ellington – Ellington Uptown – Columbia/ Pure Pleasure Records ML 4639 – 180 gram vinyl LP Audiophile Edition (1951-1952) ****:
(Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, piano; Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney, Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Hilton Jefferson-Saxophones; William Anderson, Clark Terry, Willie Cook, Ray Nance, -Trumpets; Juan Tizol, Quentin Jackson, Britt Woodman-Trombones; Wendell Marshall, bass; Louis Bellson, drums; Betty Roche, vocal on Take the A Train)
Duke Ellington’s Ellington Uptown has been released many times on both Sony and Columbia and in at least three CD issues (including Japan) as well as on LP in the 1950s. It was recorded over a one year period from Dec. 1951 to Dec. 1952. Columbia originally released Uptown on its Masterworks series, which they usually reserved their highbrow classical music.
It is easy to see why since Uptown contained A Tone Parallel to Harlem that symphonies have tackled over the years when they do their “jazz night” tributes to Duke. Another reason that Uptown has kept its mystique is the fact that Louis Bellson’s double bass drum was put to good use on his self-penned Skin Deep. It was a challenge for audio systems of the day. I’d have to say that Bellson’s solo on Skin Deep may be a selling point for this audiophile LP that Pure Pleasure has issued on 180 gram vinyl. It certainly sounds fine in glorious mono. Also Wendell Marshall’s bass is woody and resonant and the trumpets snap particularly Clark Terry on Perdido. Clarinetists Jimmy Hamilton and Russell Procope give The Mooche an exotic flavor.
Betty Roche scats to good effect on “A” Train with the band members giving her encouragement. All in all the Pure Pleasure treatment given to Ellington Uptown makes its release special as it demonstrates how effective mono was in translating jazz classics of the day into highly listenable experiences for today’s audiophile.
TrackList: Skin Deep, The Mooche, Take the “A” Train, A Tone Parallel to Harlem, Perdido
Dexter Gordon – Manhattan Symphonie – Columbia/ Pure Pleasure PPAN JC 35608 – 180 gram audiophile Double LP (1978) *****:
(Dexter Gordon, tenor sax; George Cables, piano; Rufus Reid, bass; Eddie Gladden, drums)
When Dexter Gordon returned to the States in 1976 after a 14-year self-exile in Europe, he was greeted as a conquering hero, returning to regain his crown. He played a homecoming engagement at the Village Vanguard and the tiny club was packed every night. Dexter was back and better than ever. When Dexter recorded Manhattan Symphonie two years later as his third LP for Columbia, all was well as Dex’s crack rhythm section was rock solid. George Cables, his pianist, is such a superb accompanist, and he provides the same sparkling piano backing as he soon would be providing to Art Pepper before Art’s passing in the early 80s. Both Pepper and Gordon are master balladeers. Art would pour out his guts in pure emotion while Dexter’s mastery seemed more effortless.
Pure Pleasure Records from England has reissued this masterpiece in superb sound and unlike its reissues of other artists' original works (see Ellington Uptown review above where only the original album's five tracks are included); here they have included the bonus tracks that the CD issue provided. That means you are getting Ruby My Dear and Secret Love. That’s all the more reason to consider purchasing the double LP as it clearly has warmer true-to-life acoustics than the recent CD reissue.
As Time Goes By opens the first LP and it’s a toss up whether it is exceeded in ballad greatness by Body and Soul on Side 2. I’d give the nod to Body and Soul for its twelve minute plus rapture and a brilliant George Cables solo.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Dexter includes new material such as LTD (AKA, Long Tall Dexter), and George Cables’ I Told You So, taken as a samba. Dexter also revisits Donald Byrd’s Tanya, which he recorded back in the mid 60s for Blue Note. Coltrane’s Moment’s Notice also is given a whirl and Gordon caresses its familiar melody.
A nice bonus feature is a March 2005 reminiscence by George Cables to accompany the original liner notes by Pete Hamill.
TrackList:
Side 1: As Time Goes By, Moment’s Notice,
Side 2: Tanya, Body and Soul
Side 3: I Told You So, LTD
Side 4: Ruby My Dear, Secret Love
Look for more reviews on Tuesday!
AUDIOPHILE AUDITION focuses on recordings of interest to audiophiles and collectors, with an accent on surround sound for music, and on all hi-res disc formats. Over 100SACD, DVD Video/Audio and standard CD reviews are published during each month, and our archives go back to January 2001.
Budd Johnson - Mr. Bechet - Black & Blue/ Pure Pleasure Records PPAN006 1974 ****:
(Budd Johnson, tenor and soprano sax; Earl Hines, Piano, Jimmy Leary, bass; Panama Francis, drums)
For a legendary tenor saxophonist whose career spanned from the 1920s to the 1980s, Budd Johnson was woefully under-recorded as a session leader. He had approximately ten records under his name. He was influenced by Lester Young and had a long tenure-ten years-with the Earl Hines Orchestra from the early 30s to the 40s.
For this recording Johnson plays both tenor and also soprano sax, in tribute to the all time greatest soprano player, Sidney Bechet. Starting off with a soulful soprano solo on Blues for Sale, Johnson adds his vocal to the Hines composition and Earl himself has a stride blues chorus. Jimmy Leary gets a great bowed bass solo and Johnson switches to tenor to wring out more emotion in this classic blues composition. Gone with The Wind is pure swing driven by both Johnson’s rich tenor and the driven drums of the great Panama Francis, who has never got his due for his swing and rhythm and blues stick work.
The sound quality on this 180 gram pressing is superb and its warmth and presence is certainly high resolution. Many American expatriate jazz musicians recorded in France in the 1970s and Black and Blue, a French label was there to record their sessions. This certainly is the best sounding Black and Blue issued session I have ever heard as my collection of this series has been limited to CD issues. Pure Pleasure Records should be lauded for re-issuing this date in audiophile quality sound.
Other winning tracks include Hines and Johnson’s working of the ballad, If You Were Mine, the gutbucket Johnson composition, The Dirty Old Man, where Johnson pulls out all stops; and the title track, where Johnson’s super sensuous soprano just drips with emotion.
I enjoyed the Booker Little “Out Front” LP reissue from Pure Pleasure, but adored this label’s reissue of two masters, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Hines having a ball. Mr. Bechet is truly Pure Pleasure!
TrackList: Blues for Sale, Gone with the Wind, If You Were Mine, Am I Wasting My Time, The Dirty Old Man, Linger Awhile, Mr. Bechet
Duke Ellington – Ellington Uptown – Columbia/ Pure Pleasure Records ML 4639 – 180 gram vinyl LP Audiophile Edition (1951-1952) ****:
(Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, piano; Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney, Jimmy Hamilton, Russell Procope, Hilton Jefferson-Saxophones; William Anderson, Clark Terry, Willie Cook, Ray Nance, -Trumpets; Juan Tizol, Quentin Jackson, Britt Woodman-Trombones; Wendell Marshall, bass; Louis Bellson, drums; Betty Roche, vocal on Take the A Train)
Duke Ellington’s Ellington Uptown has been released many times on both Sony and Columbia and in at least three CD issues (including Japan) as well as on LP in the 1950s. It was recorded over a one year period from Dec. 1951 to Dec. 1952. Columbia originally released Uptown on its Masterworks series, which they usually reserved their highbrow classical music.
It is easy to see why since Uptown contained A Tone Parallel to Harlem that symphonies have tackled over the years when they do their “jazz night” tributes to Duke. Another reason that Uptown has kept its mystique is the fact that Louis Bellson’s double bass drum was put to good use on his self-penned Skin Deep. It was a challenge for audio systems of the day. I’d have to say that Bellson’s solo on Skin Deep may be a selling point for this audiophile LP that Pure Pleasure has issued on 180 gram vinyl. It certainly sounds fine in glorious mono. Also Wendell Marshall’s bass is woody and resonant and the trumpets snap particularly Clark Terry on Perdido. Clarinetists Jimmy Hamilton and Russell Procope give The Mooche an exotic flavor.
Betty Roche scats to good effect on “A” Train with the band members giving her encouragement. All in all the Pure Pleasure treatment given to Ellington Uptown makes its release special as it demonstrates how effective mono was in translating jazz classics of the day into highly listenable experiences for today’s audiophile.
TrackList: Skin Deep, The Mooche, Take the “A” Train, A Tone Parallel to Harlem, Perdido
Dexter Gordon – Manhattan Symphonie – Columbia/ Pure Pleasure PPAN JC 35608 – 180 gram audiophile Double LP (1978) *****:
(Dexter Gordon, tenor sax; George Cables, piano; Rufus Reid, bass; Eddie Gladden, drums)When Dexter Gordon returned to the States in 1976 after a 14-year self-exile in Europe, he was greeted as a conquering hero, returning to regain his crown. He played a homecoming engagement at the Village Vanguard and the tiny club was packed every night. Dexter was back and better than ever. When Dexter recorded Manhattan Symphonie two years later as his third LP for Columbia, all was well as Dex’s crack rhythm section was rock solid. George Cables, his pianist, is such a superb accompanist, and he provides the same sparkling piano backing as he soon would be providing to Art Pepper before Art’s passing in the early 80s. Both Pepper and Gordon are master balladeers. Art would pour out his guts in pure emotion while Dexter’s mastery seemed more effortless.
Pure Pleasure Records from England has reissued this masterpiece in superb sound and unlike its reissues of other artists' original works (see Ellington Uptown review above where only the original album's five tracks are included); here they have included the bonus tracks that the CD issue provided. That means you are getting Ruby My Dear and Secret Love. That’s all the more reason to consider purchasing the double LP as it clearly has warmer true-to-life acoustics than the recent CD reissue.
As Time Goes By opens the first LP and it’s a toss up whether it is exceeded in ballad greatness by Body and Soul on Side 2. I’d give the nod to Body and Soul for its twelve minute plus rapture and a brilliant George Cables solo.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Dexter includes new material such as LTD (AKA, Long Tall Dexter), and George Cables’ I Told You So, taken as a samba. Dexter also revisits Donald Byrd’s Tanya, which he recorded back in the mid 60s for Blue Note. Coltrane’s Moment’s Notice also is given a whirl and Gordon caresses its familiar melody.
A nice bonus feature is a March 2005 reminiscence by George Cables to accompany the original liner notes by Pete Hamill.
TrackList:
Side 1: As Time Goes By, Moment’s Notice,
Side 2: Tanya, Body and Soul
Side 3: I Told You So, LTD
Side 4: Ruby My Dear, Secret Love
Look for more reviews on Tuesday!
This Week In Music History- April 26-May 2
Sunday April 26
Birthdays:
Duane Eddy - 1938
Maurice Williams - Zodiacs (1938)
Bobby Rydell - 1942
Gary Wright - 1943
Roger Taylor - Duran Duran (1960)
Chris Mars - Replacements (1961)
Joey Jordison - Slipknot (1975)
Jose Antonio Pasillas – Incubus (1976)
Tony Murray - Troggs (1945)
Giorgio Moroder was born in Ortisei, Italy in 1940. The "dugadugadugadugaduga" sound he pioneered on hits by Blondie and Donna Summer remains the backbone of dance music.
John "Buck" Wilkins (Ronny of Ronny & the Daytonas- "GTO") turns 63.
History:
In 1967, Janis Ian, 16, performed "Society's Child" on Leonard Bernstein's CBS special Inside Pop: The Rock Revolution. Although its subject matter of an interracial love affair sees the song banned at some radio stations, Ian's song was in such demand that it jumped into the top 20 shortly afterward.
The original Cast of 'Hair' started a 13-week run at #1 on the US album chart in 1969.
"Get Back," credited to the Beatles with Billy Preston, went to #1 on the U.K. singles chart in 1969.
B.J. Thomas had the longest title of a number one song at the top of the "Billboard" popular music chart in 1975. The song was "(Hey Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song."
Studio 54 opened in New York in 1977.
Electronica godfathers Orbital - brothers Phil and Paul Hartnoll - announced they're splitting up in 2004. "Orbital has run its course," says Paul. "We're both pursuing different avenues with our music. And we've been sat, as brothers, in the same room for 15 years now - and studios are always confined spaces - I think it's time for a change."
Jazz bandleader Count Basie died in Hollywood, Florida in 1984 (age 79).
Joe Strummer disappeared for about a month in 1982, causing the Clash to cancel their U.K. tour. Strummer didn’t reappear until May 18, claiming he was suffering from exhaustion and suddenly doubted his punk purpose.
Bruce Springsteen released his 19th album, "Devils and Dust" in 2005. The acoustic flavored set featured songs Springsteen performed live including "The Hitter" and "Long Time Comin'."
TLC member Lisa Lopes was killed in a car accident in La Ceiba, Honduras in 2002 (age 30). Seven other people, including Lopes' brother and sister, who were in the Mitsubishi Montero sports utility vehicle when the crash happened, were taken to a hospital. Lopes who was driving the car when it crashed had spent the past month in Honduras working on various projects including a clothing line, a new solo project and a book.
Monday April 27
Birthdays:
Casey Kasem - Radio announcer, DJ, host ("American Top 40), character voice of Shaggy from Scooby Doo, actor ("Hawaii Five-O") (1932)
Cuba Gooding - 1944
Ann Peebles - 1947
Kate Pierson - B-52's (1948)
Herbie Murrell - The Stylistics (1949)
Paul Daniel "Ace" Frehley - KISS, Frehley's Comet (1951)
Sheena Easton - 1959
Marco Pirroni - Siouxsie & the Banshees, Adam & the Ants (1959)
Rob Squires - Big Head Todd & the Monsters (1965)
Travis Meeks - Days of the New (1979)
Born on this day in 1984, Patrick Stump, lead singer, rhythm guitarist, Fall Out Boy.
History:
The late Pete Ham (Badfinger) was born in 1947.
Al Hirt died of liver disease in 1999.
Lloyd Price's "Personality" was released in 1959.
In 1982, Frank Zappa released "Valley Girl." The cut featured the rantings of his daughter Moon Unit Zappa. The song would go on to become his biggest pop hit, reaching #32.
In 1988, Poison released the album "Open Up and Say...Ahh!"
In 1975, during Pink Floyd's five-night stand at the Los Angeles Arena, 511 audience members were busted for smoking marijuana. Is that all?
In 2005, President George W. Bush signs into a law a ruling that anyone pirating music or films on the Internet could face up to three years in jail. Yeah, that will work.
Queensryche released the album "Operation: Mindcrime" in 1988.
John Lennon's "In His Own Write," a collection of funny poems and drawings, was published in the U.S. in 1964.
Simon & Garfunkel's "Mrs. Robinson" was released in 1968.
Opryland opened in Nashville, TN in 1973.
Little Peggy March started a three week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1963 with “I Will Follow Him.”
In Fiji in 2006, Keith Richards was admitted to a hospital after he reportedly suffered a head injury when he fell out of a palm tree.
Tuesday April 28
Birthdays:
Ann-Margret - Singer, actress (1941)
Roland Gift - Fine Young Cannibals (1961)
John Walters - Dr. Hook (1945)
Kim Gordon - Sonic Youth (1953)
History:
The late 1938 Duane Eddy was born in Corning, NY in 1938.
B.W. Stevenson ("My Maria") died in 1988 following heart surgery.
Marshall Tucker Band bass player Tommy Caldwell died of injuries in a car accident in Spartanburg, SC in 1980.
Pre-eminent delta blues singer Charley Patton dies in Indianola, Mississippi in 1934. His appetites for women, liquor, and trouble helped create the persona of the 20th-century bluesman.
Former member of T Rex, Steve Currie was killed in a car crash in 1981, while returning to his home near Vale de Parra, Algarve, Portugal. He was 33 years old. Joined T. Rex (recently renamed from Tyrannosaurus Rex) as bass guitarist in late 1970, also worked as a session player, played on 'Motorbikin' by Chris Spedding
Don Everly's daughter married Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses in 1990 (it lasts nine months).
Pink Floyd's album 'Dark Side Of The Moon' went to #1 on the US chart in 1973. The iconic LP went on to enjoy a record breaking 741 weeks on the chart, selling over 25 million copies world-wide.
In 1940, Glenn Miller recorded "Pennsylvania 6-5000," one of his signature swing numbers.
In 1987, passengers on a plane that was returning to Boston, from Miami, were treated to three rounds of drinks by Ozzy Osbourne and he sang "Crazy Train" over the PA system.
In 2004, George Michael, solo star ("Faith") and half of '80s duo Wham!, was named the most-played artist on British radio over the last two decades by the British Radio Academy.
In 1987, for the first time, a compact disc of an album was released before its vinyl version. The album was "The Art of Excellence" by Tony Bennett.
Sinead O'Connor started a six-week run at #1 on the US album chart in 1990 with “I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got.”
The Verve announced that the band members had mutually agreed to break up the band in 1999.
In 1999 - Marilyn Manson walked off stage during a concert in Des Moines, Iowa, when he realized that someone had put a large yellow "smiley face" on a stage prop (23 arrests were made in the aftermath).
Wednesday April 29
Birthdays:
Duane Allen - The Oak Ridge Boys (1943)
Tommy James – Shondells (1947)
Francis Rossi - Status Quo (1949)
Mark Kendall -Great White (1958)
Mike Hogan – Cranberries (1973)
Carnie Wilson - Wilson Phillips (1968)
Michael Timmins - Cowboy Junkies (1969)
Carl Gardner - The Coasters (1928)
History:
Songwriter and poet Rod McKuen was born in Oakland, California in 1933. His more than 900 songs include Terry Jacks' 1974 #1 "Seasons in the Sun."
The late Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was born in 1899.
Donald Mills - Mills Brothers(1915)
Tammi Terrell - 1945
The late Lonnie Donegan was born in 1931.
Otis Rush - 1934
In 1993, Mick Ronson, genius guitarist and arranger for Bowie during his Ziggy Stardust phase, died of cancer in England. He also played on albums by Bob Dylan, Ian Hunter, Morrissey, and even John Mellencamp's "Jack and Diane."
In 1971, Promoter Bill Graham announced he's closing the Fillmores in San Francisco and New York.
Working on tracks for the forthcoming Beatles Abbey Road album in 1969, Ringo Starr added his vocal to 'Octopus's Garden.'
In 1960, Dick Clark told the U.S. House of Representatives that he had never taken payola for the records he featured on his show "American Bandstand."
Aretha Franklin's "Respect" was released in 1967.
The Bee Gees released the album "Main Course" in 1975. The album featured "Jive Talkin'" and "Nights on Broadway."
Van Halen's "Dance The Night Away" single was released in 1979.
In 1980, Black Sabbath began their first tour with Ronnie James Dio as singer.
Thursday April 30
Birthdays:
Willie Nelson 1933
Ben Ayres- Cornershop (1968)
Chris Henderson- 3 Doors Down (1971)
Johnny Farina - Santo & Johnny (1941)
Bobby Vee -1943
Clark Vogeler – Toadies (1969)
J.R. Richards – Dishwalla (1972)
Richard Schoff – Sandpipers (1944)
History:
The late John (Johnny) Horton was born in 1925.
Blues legend Muddy Waters (McKinley Morganfield) died in his sleep at his home in Westmont, Illinois in 1983 (age 68). The Rolling Stones named themselves after Waters' 1950 song 'Rollin' Stone.' Best known songs include 'I Just Want To Make Love To You', 'I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man', 'Got My Mojo Working.'
Zola Taylor of the Platters (and who claimed to be married at one time to Frankie Lymon) died from complications of pneumonia in 2007.
Darrell Sweet (Nazareth) died of a heart attack in 1999 as the band arrived for a show in New Albany, Indiana.
Fats Domino recorded "Walkin' To New Orleans" in 1960.
Charlie Parker made his first commercial recording in 1941 at the Decca studios.
Elvis recorded "Jailhouse Rock" in 1957.
In 1988, Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon drops out of the Billboard 200 chart for the first time in 725 weeks. It would be back.
In 1964, The Beatles received a $140,000 royalty check for the use of their name on Beatles Chewing Gum.
In 1976, the Who's drummer Keith Moon paid nine cab drivers to block-off both ends of a New York street so he could throw the contents of his hotel room out of the window.
Led Zeppelin played the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan in 1977. The audience of 77,229 sets a new record for attendance at a single-act concert.
The Beatles' "Help!", "Rubber Soul" and "Revolver" were released on compact disc in 1987.
Friday May 1
Birthdays:
Judy Collins - 1939
Chris Kelly - Kris Kross (1978)
Rita Coolidge - 1945
Johnny Colt - The Black Crowes (1966)
Tim McGraw - 1967
D'Arcy Wreztky - Smashing Pumpkins (1968)
Ray Parker Jr. - 1954
Nick Feldman - Wang Chung (1955)
Steve Farris - Mr. Mister (1957)
Phil Smith - Haircut 100 (1959)
History:
Born on this day in 1930, blues artist, Little Walter. First harmonica player to amplify his harmonica giving it a distorted echoing sound (died on February 15th 1968).
The late Harry Belefonte was born in 1927.
The late Sonny James was born in 1929.
Kate Smith, one of the most popular singers of the '20s and '30s was born today in Greenville, Alabama in 1907.
R&B singer/songwriter Titus Turner was born in Atlanta in 1933. His compositions, such as "Leave My Kitten Alone," have been covered by artists including the Beatles, Elvis Presley, and Elvis Costello.
Johnny Paris of Johnny & the Hurricanes ("Red River Rock") died in 2006.
The Kingston Trio formed in 1957.
In 1968, Paul McCartney and John Lennon watched Bill Haley play Royal Albert Hall in London.
Neil Young releases Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere in 1969.
In 1966, the Beatles played their last show for a paying audience in Britain at the NME Poll Winners' Party.
Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu were married in 1967. They were together until 1973.
Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin combined for the first time in 1970 on Elton’s first American album "Elton John".
Paul Simon released his self-titled solo debut album in 1972.
In 1973, Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) released its first LP (self-titled) with former Guess Who guitarist Randy Bachman.
In 1956, Elvis Presley released his album Heartbreak Hotel and single "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" on the same day.
In one of their best-ever publicity stunts, the Rolling Stones announced their Tour of the Americas by playing "Brown Sugar" on the back of a flatbed truck driving down Manhattan's Fifth Avenue in 1975.
Saturday May 2
Birthdays:
John Lee Gardner - Mothers of Invention (1933)
Engelbert Humperdinck ("Release Me") is 73.
Hilton Valentine – Animals (1943)
John Verity - Argent (1944)
Goldy McJohn – Steppenwolf (1945)
Lesley Gore ("Maybe I Know") is 63
"Rudy" Randy Cain - The Delfonics (1945)
Larry Gatlin - Gatlin Brothers (1948)
Lou Gramm – Foreigner (1950)
Joe Callis -Human League (1951)
Bruce Robert Howard - Blow Monkeys (1961)
History:
Session drummer Benny Benjamin died in 1969. One of 'The Funk Brothers' played on many Tamla Motown hits including, The Four Tops, Temptations, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes and Stevie Wonder. The film 'Standing In The Shadows Of Motown' released in 2003 features his work.
Les Harvey (Stone the Crows) was electrocuted on stage in Swansea, Wales in 1972. He died several hours later at the age of 25.
The legendary Bing Crosby was born in 1903.
In 1998, Japanese rock star Hideto Matsumoto was found hanged in the bathroom at his Tokyo apartment and died in hospital a short time later at the age of 33. His funeral, held on May 7th, was attended by over 70,000 people and required 100 police officers, 170 security guards, police boats and helicopters. 21 people were hospitalized for injuries caused by the massive crowd at his funeral.
The late Link Wray ("Rumble") was born in 1929
Barry White suffered a stroke in 2003 (he died two months later).
Ray Peterson recorded "Tell Laura I Love Her" in 1960.
In 1969, the Beatles recorded "Something" (written by George Harrison about Pattie Boyd).
In 1956 - For the first time in "Billboard" chart history - five singles were in both the pop and the R&B top 10. The singles were Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel," Carl Perkins' "Blue Suede Shoes," Little Richard's "Long Tall Sally," the Platters' "Magic Touch," and Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers' "Why Do Fools Fall in Love."
Production began on Elvis Presley's "G.I. Blues" in 1960. It was his first post-Army movie.
The Rolling Stones made their second appearance on the "Ed Sullivan Show" in 1965.
In 1979, the Who performed their first concert after the death of Keith Moon. Kenney Jones, formerly of the Faces, was the new drummer.
The Who's movie "Quadrophenia" premiered in London in 1979.
In 1991, Nirvana booked into Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California for 16 days. On a budget of $65,000 and with Butch Vig producing the band started recording what would become the ‘Nevermind’ album.
Police are summoned to a Zales jewelry store in Simi Valley, California in 1989 after an employee notices a suspicious person with a fake moustache and false teeth loitering around. It turned out to be a disguised Michael Jackson, who signed autographs for everybody.
Birthdays:
Duane Eddy - 1938
Maurice Williams - Zodiacs (1938)
Bobby Rydell - 1942
Gary Wright - 1943
Roger Taylor - Duran Duran (1960)
Chris Mars - Replacements (1961)
Joey Jordison - Slipknot (1975)
Jose Antonio Pasillas – Incubus (1976)
Tony Murray - Troggs (1945)
Giorgio Moroder was born in Ortisei, Italy in 1940. The "dugadugadugadugaduga" sound he pioneered on hits by Blondie and Donna Summer remains the backbone of dance music.
John "Buck" Wilkins (Ronny of Ronny & the Daytonas- "GTO") turns 63.
History:
In 1967, Janis Ian, 16, performed "Society's Child" on Leonard Bernstein's CBS special Inside Pop: The Rock Revolution. Although its subject matter of an interracial love affair sees the song banned at some radio stations, Ian's song was in such demand that it jumped into the top 20 shortly afterward.
The original Cast of 'Hair' started a 13-week run at #1 on the US album chart in 1969.
"Get Back," credited to the Beatles with Billy Preston, went to #1 on the U.K. singles chart in 1969.
B.J. Thomas had the longest title of a number one song at the top of the "Billboard" popular music chart in 1975. The song was "(Hey Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song."
Studio 54 opened in New York in 1977.
Electronica godfathers Orbital - brothers Phil and Paul Hartnoll - announced they're splitting up in 2004. "Orbital has run its course," says Paul. "We're both pursuing different avenues with our music. And we've been sat, as brothers, in the same room for 15 years now - and studios are always confined spaces - I think it's time for a change."
Jazz bandleader Count Basie died in Hollywood, Florida in 1984 (age 79).
Joe Strummer disappeared for about a month in 1982, causing the Clash to cancel their U.K. tour. Strummer didn’t reappear until May 18, claiming he was suffering from exhaustion and suddenly doubted his punk purpose.
Bruce Springsteen released his 19th album, "Devils and Dust" in 2005. The acoustic flavored set featured songs Springsteen performed live including "The Hitter" and "Long Time Comin'."
TLC member Lisa Lopes was killed in a car accident in La Ceiba, Honduras in 2002 (age 30). Seven other people, including Lopes' brother and sister, who were in the Mitsubishi Montero sports utility vehicle when the crash happened, were taken to a hospital. Lopes who was driving the car when it crashed had spent the past month in Honduras working on various projects including a clothing line, a new solo project and a book.
Monday April 27
Birthdays:
Casey Kasem - Radio announcer, DJ, host ("American Top 40), character voice of Shaggy from Scooby Doo, actor ("Hawaii Five-O") (1932)
Cuba Gooding - 1944
Ann Peebles - 1947
Kate Pierson - B-52's (1948)
Herbie Murrell - The Stylistics (1949)
Paul Daniel "Ace" Frehley - KISS, Frehley's Comet (1951)
Sheena Easton - 1959
Marco Pirroni - Siouxsie & the Banshees, Adam & the Ants (1959)
Rob Squires - Big Head Todd & the Monsters (1965)
Travis Meeks - Days of the New (1979)
Born on this day in 1984, Patrick Stump, lead singer, rhythm guitarist, Fall Out Boy.
History:
The late Pete Ham (Badfinger) was born in 1947.
Al Hirt died of liver disease in 1999.
Lloyd Price's "Personality" was released in 1959.
In 1982, Frank Zappa released "Valley Girl." The cut featured the rantings of his daughter Moon Unit Zappa. The song would go on to become his biggest pop hit, reaching #32.
In 1988, Poison released the album "Open Up and Say...Ahh!"
In 1975, during Pink Floyd's five-night stand at the Los Angeles Arena, 511 audience members were busted for smoking marijuana. Is that all?
In 2005, President George W. Bush signs into a law a ruling that anyone pirating music or films on the Internet could face up to three years in jail. Yeah, that will work.
Queensryche released the album "Operation: Mindcrime" in 1988.
John Lennon's "In His Own Write," a collection of funny poems and drawings, was published in the U.S. in 1964.
Simon & Garfunkel's "Mrs. Robinson" was released in 1968.
Opryland opened in Nashville, TN in 1973.
Little Peggy March started a three week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1963 with “I Will Follow Him.”
In Fiji in 2006, Keith Richards was admitted to a hospital after he reportedly suffered a head injury when he fell out of a palm tree.
Tuesday April 28
Birthdays:
Ann-Margret - Singer, actress (1941)
Roland Gift - Fine Young Cannibals (1961)
John Walters - Dr. Hook (1945)
Kim Gordon - Sonic Youth (1953)
History:
The late 1938 Duane Eddy was born in Corning, NY in 1938.
B.W. Stevenson ("My Maria") died in 1988 following heart surgery.
Marshall Tucker Band bass player Tommy Caldwell died of injuries in a car accident in Spartanburg, SC in 1980.
Pre-eminent delta blues singer Charley Patton dies in Indianola, Mississippi in 1934. His appetites for women, liquor, and trouble helped create the persona of the 20th-century bluesman.
Former member of T Rex, Steve Currie was killed in a car crash in 1981, while returning to his home near Vale de Parra, Algarve, Portugal. He was 33 years old. Joined T. Rex (recently renamed from Tyrannosaurus Rex) as bass guitarist in late 1970, also worked as a session player, played on 'Motorbikin' by Chris Spedding
Don Everly's daughter married Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses in 1990 (it lasts nine months).
Pink Floyd's album 'Dark Side Of The Moon' went to #1 on the US chart in 1973. The iconic LP went on to enjoy a record breaking 741 weeks on the chart, selling over 25 million copies world-wide.
In 1940, Glenn Miller recorded "Pennsylvania 6-5000," one of his signature swing numbers.
In 1987, passengers on a plane that was returning to Boston, from Miami, were treated to three rounds of drinks by Ozzy Osbourne and he sang "Crazy Train" over the PA system.
In 2004, George Michael, solo star ("Faith") and half of '80s duo Wham!, was named the most-played artist on British radio over the last two decades by the British Radio Academy.
In 1987, for the first time, a compact disc of an album was released before its vinyl version. The album was "The Art of Excellence" by Tony Bennett.
Sinead O'Connor started a six-week run at #1 on the US album chart in 1990 with “I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got.”
The Verve announced that the band members had mutually agreed to break up the band in 1999.
In 1999 - Marilyn Manson walked off stage during a concert in Des Moines, Iowa, when he realized that someone had put a large yellow "smiley face" on a stage prop (23 arrests were made in the aftermath).
Wednesday April 29
Birthdays:
Duane Allen - The Oak Ridge Boys (1943)
Tommy James – Shondells (1947)
Francis Rossi - Status Quo (1949)
Mark Kendall -Great White (1958)
Mike Hogan – Cranberries (1973)
Carnie Wilson - Wilson Phillips (1968)
Michael Timmins - Cowboy Junkies (1969)
Carl Gardner - The Coasters (1928)
History:
Songwriter and poet Rod McKuen was born in Oakland, California in 1933. His more than 900 songs include Terry Jacks' 1974 #1 "Seasons in the Sun."
The late Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was born in 1899.
Donald Mills - Mills Brothers(1915)
Tammi Terrell - 1945
The late Lonnie Donegan was born in 1931.
Otis Rush - 1934
In 1993, Mick Ronson, genius guitarist and arranger for Bowie during his Ziggy Stardust phase, died of cancer in England. He also played on albums by Bob Dylan, Ian Hunter, Morrissey, and even John Mellencamp's "Jack and Diane."
In 1971, Promoter Bill Graham announced he's closing the Fillmores in San Francisco and New York.
Working on tracks for the forthcoming Beatles Abbey Road album in 1969, Ringo Starr added his vocal to 'Octopus's Garden.'
In 1960, Dick Clark told the U.S. House of Representatives that he had never taken payola for the records he featured on his show "American Bandstand."
Aretha Franklin's "Respect" was released in 1967.
The Bee Gees released the album "Main Course" in 1975. The album featured "Jive Talkin'" and "Nights on Broadway."
Van Halen's "Dance The Night Away" single was released in 1979.
In 1980, Black Sabbath began their first tour with Ronnie James Dio as singer.
Thursday April 30
Birthdays:
Willie Nelson 1933
Ben Ayres- Cornershop (1968)
Chris Henderson- 3 Doors Down (1971)
Johnny Farina - Santo & Johnny (1941)
Bobby Vee -1943
Clark Vogeler – Toadies (1969)
J.R. Richards – Dishwalla (1972)
Richard Schoff – Sandpipers (1944)
History:
The late John (Johnny) Horton was born in 1925.
Blues legend Muddy Waters (McKinley Morganfield) died in his sleep at his home in Westmont, Illinois in 1983 (age 68). The Rolling Stones named themselves after Waters' 1950 song 'Rollin' Stone.' Best known songs include 'I Just Want To Make Love To You', 'I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man', 'Got My Mojo Working.'
Zola Taylor of the Platters (and who claimed to be married at one time to Frankie Lymon) died from complications of pneumonia in 2007.
Darrell Sweet (Nazareth) died of a heart attack in 1999 as the band arrived for a show in New Albany, Indiana.
Fats Domino recorded "Walkin' To New Orleans" in 1960.
Charlie Parker made his first commercial recording in 1941 at the Decca studios.
Elvis recorded "Jailhouse Rock" in 1957.
In 1988, Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon drops out of the Billboard 200 chart for the first time in 725 weeks. It would be back.
In 1964, The Beatles received a $140,000 royalty check for the use of their name on Beatles Chewing Gum.
In 1976, the Who's drummer Keith Moon paid nine cab drivers to block-off both ends of a New York street so he could throw the contents of his hotel room out of the window.
Led Zeppelin played the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan in 1977. The audience of 77,229 sets a new record for attendance at a single-act concert.
The Beatles' "Help!", "Rubber Soul" and "Revolver" were released on compact disc in 1987.
Friday May 1
Birthdays:
Judy Collins - 1939
Chris Kelly - Kris Kross (1978)
Rita Coolidge - 1945
Johnny Colt - The Black Crowes (1966)
Tim McGraw - 1967
D'Arcy Wreztky - Smashing Pumpkins (1968)
Ray Parker Jr. - 1954
Nick Feldman - Wang Chung (1955)
Steve Farris - Mr. Mister (1957)
Phil Smith - Haircut 100 (1959)
History:
Born on this day in 1930, blues artist, Little Walter. First harmonica player to amplify his harmonica giving it a distorted echoing sound (died on February 15th 1968).
The late Harry Belefonte was born in 1927.
The late Sonny James was born in 1929.
Kate Smith, one of the most popular singers of the '20s and '30s was born today in Greenville, Alabama in 1907.
R&B singer/songwriter Titus Turner was born in Atlanta in 1933. His compositions, such as "Leave My Kitten Alone," have been covered by artists including the Beatles, Elvis Presley, and Elvis Costello.
Johnny Paris of Johnny & the Hurricanes ("Red River Rock") died in 2006.
The Kingston Trio formed in 1957.
In 1968, Paul McCartney and John Lennon watched Bill Haley play Royal Albert Hall in London.
Neil Young releases Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere in 1969.
In 1966, the Beatles played their last show for a paying audience in Britain at the NME Poll Winners' Party.
Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu were married in 1967. They were together until 1973.
Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin combined for the first time in 1970 on Elton’s first American album "Elton John".
Paul Simon released his self-titled solo debut album in 1972.
In 1973, Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) released its first LP (self-titled) with former Guess Who guitarist Randy Bachman.
In 1956, Elvis Presley released his album Heartbreak Hotel and single "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" on the same day.
In one of their best-ever publicity stunts, the Rolling Stones announced their Tour of the Americas by playing "Brown Sugar" on the back of a flatbed truck driving down Manhattan's Fifth Avenue in 1975.
Saturday May 2
Birthdays:
John Lee Gardner - Mothers of Invention (1933)
Engelbert Humperdinck ("Release Me") is 73.
Hilton Valentine – Animals (1943)
John Verity - Argent (1944)
Goldy McJohn – Steppenwolf (1945)
Lesley Gore ("Maybe I Know") is 63
"Rudy" Randy Cain - The Delfonics (1945)
Larry Gatlin - Gatlin Brothers (1948)
Lou Gramm – Foreigner (1950)
Joe Callis -Human League (1951)
Bruce Robert Howard - Blow Monkeys (1961)
History:
Session drummer Benny Benjamin died in 1969. One of 'The Funk Brothers' played on many Tamla Motown hits including, The Four Tops, Temptations, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes and Stevie Wonder. The film 'Standing In The Shadows Of Motown' released in 2003 features his work.
Les Harvey (Stone the Crows) was electrocuted on stage in Swansea, Wales in 1972. He died several hours later at the age of 25.
The legendary Bing Crosby was born in 1903.
In 1998, Japanese rock star Hideto Matsumoto was found hanged in the bathroom at his Tokyo apartment and died in hospital a short time later at the age of 33. His funeral, held on May 7th, was attended by over 70,000 people and required 100 police officers, 170 security guards, police boats and helicopters. 21 people were hospitalized for injuries caused by the massive crowd at his funeral.
The late Link Wray ("Rumble") was born in 1929
Barry White suffered a stroke in 2003 (he died two months later).
Ray Peterson recorded "Tell Laura I Love Her" in 1960.
In 1969, the Beatles recorded "Something" (written by George Harrison about Pattie Boyd).
In 1956 - For the first time in "Billboard" chart history - five singles were in both the pop and the R&B top 10. The singles were Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel," Carl Perkins' "Blue Suede Shoes," Little Richard's "Long Tall Sally," the Platters' "Magic Touch," and Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers' "Why Do Fools Fall in Love."
Production began on Elvis Presley's "G.I. Blues" in 1960. It was his first post-Army movie.
The Rolling Stones made their second appearance on the "Ed Sullivan Show" in 1965.
In 1979, the Who performed their first concert after the death of Keith Moon. Kenney Jones, formerly of the Faces, was the new drummer.
The Who's movie "Quadrophenia" premiered in London in 1979.
In 1991, Nirvana booked into Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California for 16 days. On a budget of $65,000 and with Butch Vig producing the band started recording what would become the ‘Nevermind’ album.
Police are summoned to a Zales jewelry store in Simi Valley, California in 1989 after an employee notices a suspicious person with a fake moustache and false teeth loitering around. It turned out to be a disguised Michael Jackson, who signed autographs for everybody.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Record Cleaner?
There are many ways to clean vinyl records and certainly many different opinions as to the best way. I found this curious looking gadget on Amazon and wonder of anyone has ever tried this product and if so, what did you think of it? Maybe it's like that tape 'demagnitzing gizmo' I bought many years ago- where I couldn't tell if the product had even done anything or not. But at around $200 for the Zerostat, I will keep my money in my pocket- and you should too. By the way, I have an anti-static cloth I use on my vinyl and for $10 or so, it has worked fine for me for years :O) Any Comments?
Zerostat 3
Product Description
If you play records, you know how much of problem static can be. Static discharge from record to cartridge results in (often loud) pops and ticks heard through the speakers, records have to be 'peeled' off vinyl platters and a charged record becomes a dust magnet. The most effective weapon against static is the Milty Zerostat 3 gun and it has been a mandatory weapon in the vinyl junkie's tool box for years.
The Zerostat 3 piezo-electric pistol emits a powerful stream of negative and positive ions that couple with the positive and negative static charges on the LP surface, neutralizing static electricity. Simply hold the Zerostat 3 pistol 12 inches from the LP, slowly squeeze then slowly release the trigger and you're done. No more static! The Zerostat 3 is also effective on removing static charge from CDs and DVDs. Zerostat retains its effectiveness for up to 50,000 trigger operations. It requires no power supply, batteries, or refills. An ion test indicator is included allowing you to check that the Zerostat 3 is working.
Zerostat 3 has many functions outside the audio world; many of our sales are to the commercial industry and laboratories.
Photography- removes dust from slides, film, negatives
Laboratory - Keeps film, glass, plastic ware, and lenses dust and lint free. It also prevents charged particles from flying during weighting or transfer of particles.
SEM labs - eliminating dust from critical samples or other critical surfaces when the dust attraction was being caused by electrostatic charge. Others have reported that certain insulating specimens, when treated this way, can actually be viewed (admittedly briefly) by SEM without the need to apply further coating.
Zerostat 3
Product Description
If you play records, you know how much of problem static can be. Static discharge from record to cartridge results in (often loud) pops and ticks heard through the speakers, records have to be 'peeled' off vinyl platters and a charged record becomes a dust magnet. The most effective weapon against static is the Milty Zerostat 3 gun and it has been a mandatory weapon in the vinyl junkie's tool box for years.
The Zerostat 3 piezo-electric pistol emits a powerful stream of negative and positive ions that couple with the positive and negative static charges on the LP surface, neutralizing static electricity. Simply hold the Zerostat 3 pistol 12 inches from the LP, slowly squeeze then slowly release the trigger and you're done. No more static! The Zerostat 3 is also effective on removing static charge from CDs and DVDs. Zerostat retains its effectiveness for up to 50,000 trigger operations. It requires no power supply, batteries, or refills. An ion test indicator is included allowing you to check that the Zerostat 3 is working.
Zerostat 3 has many functions outside the audio world; many of our sales are to the commercial industry and laboratories.
Photography- removes dust from slides, film, negatives
Laboratory - Keeps film, glass, plastic ware, and lenses dust and lint free. It also prevents charged particles from flying during weighting or transfer of particles.
SEM labs - eliminating dust from critical samples or other critical surfaces when the dust attraction was being caused by electrostatic charge. Others have reported that certain insulating specimens, when treated this way, can actually be viewed (admittedly briefly) by SEM without the need to apply further coating.
Album Cover Stories
As always, I want to thank Michael Goldstein over at www.RockPoPGallery.com for the exclusive reprint rights to his marvelous album cover art stories:
Cover Story Interview - David Bowie's "Reality", with artwork by Rex Ray
Cover Story for May 16, 2008
Subject: Reality – released September 2003 on ISO/Columbia/Sony records, with cover artwork & design by Rex Ray
One of the most-interesting (and ironic) songs found on Mr. Bowie’s 2003 release titled Reality is a track called “Never Get Old”. As someone who’s been a long-time fan, it takes on a double-meaning as it may be taken that not only does David not want to admit to aging, but neither do we as fans. I personally take it to mean that, while I may be getting old, I don’t have to either live (and relive) the past but, instead, I can use the experiences learned over time to live smarter, do better work, and improve on things as time moves forward.
I remember at one point when Bowie announced that he’d never play any of his old tunes again in public. Ziggy S. had told us once before that he’d played the last concert he’d ever play, so while I wasn’t totally convinced that he’d keep to his word, he did have me worried a bit (“what, I’ll never hear ‘Heroes’ or ‘Space Oddity’ live ever again? How can this be?”). Instead, it became clear that he simply wanted to try out new things, gain some more experiences and influences, and then come back with something that fans would find new, exciting and yet, somewhat familiar.
After waiting out the "Tin Man/Electronica” years knowing that we’d ultimately be rewarded, 2002 delivered us the “Slow Burn” of a new Bowie record – Heathen – and having reunited with long-time producer Tony Visconti, the pair again worked their magic bringing fans a modernized version of their classic “Berlin sound” and song-writing skills to 2003’s Reality. The result was well-received by both fans and critics and served as the launching pad for what was to be a 10 month long, major world tour (visiting 24 countries!) beginning in late 2003 and continuing through 2004. Sadly, it may have been age (and, more probably, some of his somewhat over-indulgent personal habits) that contributed to a sudden need for an angioplasty after an episode on stage in June 2004, and so the tour ended officially in late July (after 113 shows) so he could take care of this inconvenience. Fans that had perhaps missed the show were awarded with a DVD featuring performances from early in the tour, and the set list was notably career-spanning.
Artist Rex Ray had impressed Mr. Bowie – himself an accomplished painter and patron of the arts – with his talents in the early 1990s while he worked producing posters for Bill Graham Presents. This soon led to the two to collaborate on a myriad of fine art projects, culminating in the somewhat controversial (“what, no photo!?!”) collage Rex created for the cover of Reality. I caught up with Rex in April, 2008 and asked him to help Cover Story readers get a better understanding of the pair’s working relationship over the years and the inspirations behind the fantastic anime-inspired collage he created – was it Bowie’s music, art, or some alien force that emanated from those famous eyes? Put on your aluminum foil cap, ground yourself, and read on…
In the words of the artist, Rex Ray (interviewed April, 2008) -
In the nineties, I freelanced for Bill Graham Presents designing posters for gigs – back when it still meant something – before the Bill Graham archives were sold and opened to the public as a strip mall. While the pay was crap and the contracts crappier, I did these posters with the intention of building a strong portfolio to send around to record companies for music packaging jobs. It worked and, after a few years, I was designing projects for major labels as well as art directing and developing branding for local independent labels.
In 1995 I did a mildly controversial poster for the David Bowie/Nine Inch Nails show. I’d been a huge Bowie fan in the ‘70s and it was while gazing at the cover for Aladdin Sane in 1974 that I dreamt about doing such things myself. The DB/NIN poster was a computer-based collage of various body parts, meat and bondage gear, which upset some people at BGP but was printed after much discussion. Then, in 1997, Bowie returned to San Francisco for three nights on the Earthling tour and again, I did the poster for those shows. After they were printed, I asked the people at BGP if they could have Mr. Bowie autograph a poster for me but was told that “it wasn’t a possibility”. So, I put on my stalker cap and set about getting a poster signed on my own.
Through some friends (spys!), I heard that Bowie was in a certain bookstore one morning, so I hopped on my bicycle and raced across town. I approached him as he was leaving and asked if he’d mind signing the posters for me. He was very gracious and accommodating and complimented me on my work. We spoke for a while about books, design, and I can’t recall what else, and he went on his way. I was beyond satisfied and thought that was the end of the matter.
Unbeknownst to me, at a sound check later that afternoon, the people at BGP asked Bowie to sign a poster for me. Bowie replied, ‘I’ve already signed posters for Rex but could you arrange to have him come backstage after tonight’s show to sign posters for me.’ I arrived backstage after the show and was escorted into Bowie’s dressing room where we talked at length about art, books, what he should do while he was in town, etc., and I signed posters for him. Once again, I was satisfied and thought that was the last I'd hear from him.
About a year later I received a few curious emails asking if I’d like to collaborate on some projects, but they were signed only ‘db’. It never even occurred to me that it might be David Bowie, so I ignored them. A few days later another email arrived where he actually identified himself and I was completely stunned. The first project we collaborated on was a limited-edition print to commemorate the upcoming 30th anniversary of Ziggy Stardust. Bowie sent me a curious photo of some chattering wind-up teeth with eyeballs and I incorporated hair, background and other subtle touches as my contribution. The next project was a poster to advertise the 1998 launch of Bowienet, Bowie’s official website and Internet service (http://www.davidbowie.com/).
Initially, I’d done several more minimalist compositions based on the two previous BGP posters and then came upon the idea for the post-modern collage of assorted Bowie personae through the years for the final version. Then, in 1999 I began working on designs for Bowie’s upcoming album, ‘hours…’. I’d received a cassette of three rough unmixed songs and a small sketch by Bowie as a guide for the album’s visual direction. Bowie also suggested that I have ten different people write out the lyrics to the ten songs. Tim Brett Day provided the photography and the process of sending samples and ideas back and forth while working out the cover proceeded very smoothly. Just as we were finishing the package design, it was decided that a limited-edition lenticular (a 3-D holographic process) cover would be done for the first printing, so I provided layered Photoshop files for the company in London that would produce the image.
I’d worked with many “divas” over the years and was braced for a difficult process. Part of being a designer is navigating the collaborative process through each individual’s personality while maintaining some measure of self in the process. Sometimes those personalities can be a handful. Some projects go quite smoothly some projects are a constant negotiation, if not a downright battle. The ‘hours…’ project, however, went very smoothly. Working with Bowie’s people and the art departments at Virgin Records, we put out the designs for the album package and the singles, as well as all of the promotional P.O.P. (point of purchase) materials.
I’m my own worst critic. Ten years on and I still think the ‘hours…’ package is a bit overwrought. The first and only songs I heard while working on the project were rockers, upbeat and the previous album, Earthling, was very upbeat, so that was the visual direction I took. The finished music on the album was more subdued and I would have used a lighter hand had I known the introspective and reflective nature of the whole album. This isn’t to say I’m not proud of the finished piece. I think it holds up quite well.
After the release of ‘hours…’ I worked on various posters and material to coincide with the small tour Bowie embarked on. Design elements from the ‘hours…’ package were elaborated on for the design of Bowienet. In 2000, I designed a bonus cd that was included in the collected BBC sessions release (Bowie at the Beeb), and the first ‘collage’ Bowienet poster was resurrected in 2002 for use on the Best of Bowie greatest hits CD and DVD packages.
In 2002, Bowie sent some images as directional material for his next album, Reality. Initially, Bowie asked if I knew any illustrators who worked in an anime style who could produce a Bowie character for use on the cover. I asked if I could take a shot at it and developed the character that eventually appeared on the final package. While keeping the anime style in mind, I also used the paintings of Margaret Keane (http://www.margaretkeane.com/) as a reference and worked endlessly developing a face and hairstyle for the figure. I can’t begin to describe the enormous responsibility of coming up with a hairstyle for David Bowie. The Reality package was a collaborative project between Bowie, renowned British designer Jonathan Barnbook, and myself (Editor’s note – Barnbrook had designed the spooky-eyed cover for the Heathen record). I developed the illustrations and imagery and Barnbrook created the amazing typographical work that appeared on the final package.
When Reality was released, the fans hated the cover. While visiting assorted websites, I was able to clock people’s reaction to the cover and, generally, it wasn’t favorable. Bowie has a long history of using a photo of himself on his covers and this marked the first time that no photo appeared. From my standpoint, I love the cover and think it’s among my best. I was challenged to work in a specific style I hadn’t worked in before and I’m quite proud of the results. There’s no better surprise than surprising oneself.
As I said earlier, I remember staring at those amazing covers of Bowie’s Aladdin Sane and Diamond Dogs albums and thinking, ‘I’d like to design covers like this some day’ and, some thirty years later, that wish had come true. It was as though I’d reached my goal and I couldn’t think of anything else I wanted to do in the field of graphic design. I could also see the writing on the wall – the same writing the music industry can’t quite seem to understand. Album covers - at least the way I appreciate them - are becoming things of the past. The demands of marketing departments and the disappearance of the actual physical object of an album or CD led me to the conclusion that it was time to move on. I could have easily pursued other work in the entertainment industry, but the prospect of designing DVD boxes for reality show anthologies and spending endless hours staring at a computer no longer held any appeal for me.
I still do graphic design work for a few longtime clients and old friends, but I’d rather be painting. After that great run with Bowie, I began phasing out the graphic design work I’d been doing for so many years, not taking on any new clients or large projects and began focusing on the finer, more personal artwork that sustains me today.
However, if by some chance the phone rang tomorrow and it was Mr. Bowie asking for my design services, I’d happily hop on that old horse again...
About the artist, Rex Ray –
Rex Ray is a San Francisco based fine artist whose collages, paintings and design work have been exhibited at galleries and museums, including the The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, University Art Museum in Berkeley, San Jose Museum of Modern Art, The Crocker Museum in Sacramento, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, Michael Martin Galleries, Gallery 16, New Langton Arts, and Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions.
A 1988 graduate of the San Francisco Art Institue, Rex is also a celebrated graphic designer. He has created works for Apple, Dreamworks, Sony Music, Warner Brothers, City Lights Publishers, Matador Records, Serpent's Tail, The New Museum of Contemporary Art, Rizzoli, Powerhouse, Mute Records and Crown Books. His package designs for David Bowie, as well as for Joe Satriani, Diamanda Galás, Matmos, and Deee-Lite, have earned him an international reputation for his innovation in type and with original photographs, drawings, and collage. He has designed over 100 historic Bill Graham Presents rock and roll tour posters, including ones for The Rolling Stones, Patti Smith, REM, Bjork, U2, and Radiohead.
Solo Exhibitions
2006 Conduit Gallery, Dallas, Texas
2006 Michael Martin Galleries, San Francisco, CA
2005 Gallery 16, San Francisco, Ca
2005 Gensler & Associates, San Francisco, Ca
2004 Rule Gallery, Denver, CO
2003 Michael Martin Galleries, San Francisco, CA
2003 Gallery 16, San Francisco
2002 ModernBook/Gallery494, Palo Alto, Ca
2001 Michael Martin Galleries, San Francisco, CA
2000 Peterson Hall Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ
2000 Gallery 16, San Francisco
1999 Architects & Heroes, San Francisco
1998 Gallery 16, San Francisco
1996 Gallery 16, San Francisco
1994 Monster Truck Rally, Southern Exposure, San Francisco
1992 One Man Show, Hassel Haeseler Gallery Denver, Co
Selected Group Exhibitions
2005 Recent California Abstraction, Monterey Museum of Modern Art, Ca
2005 Neo Mod, Crocker Museum, Sacramento, Ca
2005 Blobjects, San Jose Museum of Modern Art 2005 Belles Letters, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
2004 Conduit Gallery, Dallas Texas
2004 AD2004, The Lab, San Francisco
2003 Gallery 16, San Francisco
2002 Fascination: The Bowie Show, Gallery 16, San Francisco, Ca
2002 Skulls, Academy of Arts & Sciences, San Francisco, Ca
2002 Home, Rena Bransten Gallery, San Francisco, Ca
2001 I-5 Resurfacing: Four Decades of Ca. Art, San Diego Museum of Art
2001 Velocity, Seattle, WA
2001 West Coasting, Gotham, London
2000 Pierogi Traveling Exhibit, Yerba Buena Center For The Arts, San Francisco
2000 Michael Martin Gallery, London
2000 Abstraction: Raucous to Refined, Bedford Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, CA
2000 Alone, New Langton Arts, San Francisco
1999 Bay Area Now 2, Yerba Buena Center For The Arts, San Francisco
1999 Snowflakes, Drawings at Four walls, San Francisco
1998 SAP, San Francisco
1998 Limn Gallery, San Francisco
1997 Time Zero, ESP, San Francisco
1995 Wild Side, LACE, Los Angeles
1995 In a Different Light, University Art Museum, Berkeley
1995 Piece, Nine Artists Consider Yoko Ono, Kiki, San Francisco
1995 Flagging the 21st Century, Capp Street Project, San Francisco
1994 Science Fair, Southern Exposure, San Francisco
1994 For Your Pleasure, Intersection for the Arts, San Francisco
1994 Bong Hits, Kiki, San Francisco
In April, 2008, The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art launched a Rex Ray gift line of 30+ different products, including T-shirts, coffee mugs, scarves, puzzles, and many more items. These products are exclusive to the SFMOMA, but they can be ordered online at
http://sfmoma.stores.yahoo.net/sfmomaproducts.html
Later this year, a new children's book will be published titled 10,000 Dresses, featuring a story by Marcus Ewert and illustrations by Rex Ray. It's available for pre-order on amazon.com. Also available now is the Chronicle Book Rex Ray Art + Design. Find it at fine booksellers everywhere or at amazon.com.
To find out more about Rex Ray and see examples of his latest artwork, please visit his website at www.rexray.com
To see all of the David Bowie-related items in the RockPoP Gallery collection, please visit http://rockpopgallery.com/items/david-bowie/list.htm?1=1
All images featured in this Cover Story are Copyright 2003 and 2008, Rex Ray - All rights reserved. Except as noted, all other text Copyright 2008 - Mike Goldstein & RockPoP Gallery (www.rockpopgallery.com) - All rights reserved
Cover Story Interview - David Bowie's "Reality", with artwork by Rex Ray
Cover Story for May 16, 2008
Subject: Reality – released September 2003 on ISO/Columbia/Sony records, with cover artwork & design by Rex Ray
One of the most-interesting (and ironic) songs found on Mr. Bowie’s 2003 release titled Reality is a track called “Never Get Old”. As someone who’s been a long-time fan, it takes on a double-meaning as it may be taken that not only does David not want to admit to aging, but neither do we as fans. I personally take it to mean that, while I may be getting old, I don’t have to either live (and relive) the past but, instead, I can use the experiences learned over time to live smarter, do better work, and improve on things as time moves forward.
I remember at one point when Bowie announced that he’d never play any of his old tunes again in public. Ziggy S. had told us once before that he’d played the last concert he’d ever play, so while I wasn’t totally convinced that he’d keep to his word, he did have me worried a bit (“what, I’ll never hear ‘Heroes’ or ‘Space Oddity’ live ever again? How can this be?”). Instead, it became clear that he simply wanted to try out new things, gain some more experiences and influences, and then come back with something that fans would find new, exciting and yet, somewhat familiar.
After waiting out the "Tin Man/Electronica” years knowing that we’d ultimately be rewarded, 2002 delivered us the “Slow Burn” of a new Bowie record – Heathen – and having reunited with long-time producer Tony Visconti, the pair again worked their magic bringing fans a modernized version of their classic “Berlin sound” and song-writing skills to 2003’s Reality. The result was well-received by both fans and critics and served as the launching pad for what was to be a 10 month long, major world tour (visiting 24 countries!) beginning in late 2003 and continuing through 2004. Sadly, it may have been age (and, more probably, some of his somewhat over-indulgent personal habits) that contributed to a sudden need for an angioplasty after an episode on stage in June 2004, and so the tour ended officially in late July (after 113 shows) so he could take care of this inconvenience. Fans that had perhaps missed the show were awarded with a DVD featuring performances from early in the tour, and the set list was notably career-spanning.
Artist Rex Ray had impressed Mr. Bowie – himself an accomplished painter and patron of the arts – with his talents in the early 1990s while he worked producing posters for Bill Graham Presents. This soon led to the two to collaborate on a myriad of fine art projects, culminating in the somewhat controversial (“what, no photo!?!”) collage Rex created for the cover of Reality. I caught up with Rex in April, 2008 and asked him to help Cover Story readers get a better understanding of the pair’s working relationship over the years and the inspirations behind the fantastic anime-inspired collage he created – was it Bowie’s music, art, or some alien force that emanated from those famous eyes? Put on your aluminum foil cap, ground yourself, and read on…
In the words of the artist, Rex Ray (interviewed April, 2008) -
In the nineties, I freelanced for Bill Graham Presents designing posters for gigs – back when it still meant something – before the Bill Graham archives were sold and opened to the public as a strip mall. While the pay was crap and the contracts crappier, I did these posters with the intention of building a strong portfolio to send around to record companies for music packaging jobs. It worked and, after a few years, I was designing projects for major labels as well as art directing and developing branding for local independent labels.
In 1995 I did a mildly controversial poster for the David Bowie/Nine Inch Nails show. I’d been a huge Bowie fan in the ‘70s and it was while gazing at the cover for Aladdin Sane in 1974 that I dreamt about doing such things myself. The DB/NIN poster was a computer-based collage of various body parts, meat and bondage gear, which upset some people at BGP but was printed after much discussion. Then, in 1997, Bowie returned to San Francisco for three nights on the Earthling tour and again, I did the poster for those shows. After they were printed, I asked the people at BGP if they could have Mr. Bowie autograph a poster for me but was told that “it wasn’t a possibility”. So, I put on my stalker cap and set about getting a poster signed on my own.
Through some friends (spys!), I heard that Bowie was in a certain bookstore one morning, so I hopped on my bicycle and raced across town. I approached him as he was leaving and asked if he’d mind signing the posters for me. He was very gracious and accommodating and complimented me on my work. We spoke for a while about books, design, and I can’t recall what else, and he went on his way. I was beyond satisfied and thought that was the end of the matter.
Unbeknownst to me, at a sound check later that afternoon, the people at BGP asked Bowie to sign a poster for me. Bowie replied, ‘I’ve already signed posters for Rex but could you arrange to have him come backstage after tonight’s show to sign posters for me.’ I arrived backstage after the show and was escorted into Bowie’s dressing room where we talked at length about art, books, what he should do while he was in town, etc., and I signed posters for him. Once again, I was satisfied and thought that was the last I'd hear from him.
About a year later I received a few curious emails asking if I’d like to collaborate on some projects, but they were signed only ‘db’. It never even occurred to me that it might be David Bowie, so I ignored them. A few days later another email arrived where he actually identified himself and I was completely stunned. The first project we collaborated on was a limited-edition print to commemorate the upcoming 30th anniversary of Ziggy Stardust. Bowie sent me a curious photo of some chattering wind-up teeth with eyeballs and I incorporated hair, background and other subtle touches as my contribution. The next project was a poster to advertise the 1998 launch of Bowienet, Bowie’s official website and Internet service (http://www.davidbowie.com/).
Initially, I’d done several more minimalist compositions based on the two previous BGP posters and then came upon the idea for the post-modern collage of assorted Bowie personae through the years for the final version. Then, in 1999 I began working on designs for Bowie’s upcoming album, ‘hours…’. I’d received a cassette of three rough unmixed songs and a small sketch by Bowie as a guide for the album’s visual direction. Bowie also suggested that I have ten different people write out the lyrics to the ten songs. Tim Brett Day provided the photography and the process of sending samples and ideas back and forth while working out the cover proceeded very smoothly. Just as we were finishing the package design, it was decided that a limited-edition lenticular (a 3-D holographic process) cover would be done for the first printing, so I provided layered Photoshop files for the company in London that would produce the image.
I’d worked with many “divas” over the years and was braced for a difficult process. Part of being a designer is navigating the collaborative process through each individual’s personality while maintaining some measure of self in the process. Sometimes those personalities can be a handful. Some projects go quite smoothly some projects are a constant negotiation, if not a downright battle. The ‘hours…’ project, however, went very smoothly. Working with Bowie’s people and the art departments at Virgin Records, we put out the designs for the album package and the singles, as well as all of the promotional P.O.P. (point of purchase) materials.
I’m my own worst critic. Ten years on and I still think the ‘hours…’ package is a bit overwrought. The first and only songs I heard while working on the project were rockers, upbeat and the previous album, Earthling, was very upbeat, so that was the visual direction I took. The finished music on the album was more subdued and I would have used a lighter hand had I known the introspective and reflective nature of the whole album. This isn’t to say I’m not proud of the finished piece. I think it holds up quite well.
After the release of ‘hours…’ I worked on various posters and material to coincide with the small tour Bowie embarked on. Design elements from the ‘hours…’ package were elaborated on for the design of Bowienet. In 2000, I designed a bonus cd that was included in the collected BBC sessions release (Bowie at the Beeb), and the first ‘collage’ Bowienet poster was resurrected in 2002 for use on the Best of Bowie greatest hits CD and DVD packages.
In 2002, Bowie sent some images as directional material for his next album, Reality. Initially, Bowie asked if I knew any illustrators who worked in an anime style who could produce a Bowie character for use on the cover. I asked if I could take a shot at it and developed the character that eventually appeared on the final package. While keeping the anime style in mind, I also used the paintings of Margaret Keane (http://www.margaretkeane.com/) as a reference and worked endlessly developing a face and hairstyle for the figure. I can’t begin to describe the enormous responsibility of coming up with a hairstyle for David Bowie. The Reality package was a collaborative project between Bowie, renowned British designer Jonathan Barnbook, and myself (Editor’s note – Barnbrook had designed the spooky-eyed cover for the Heathen record). I developed the illustrations and imagery and Barnbrook created the amazing typographical work that appeared on the final package.
When Reality was released, the fans hated the cover. While visiting assorted websites, I was able to clock people’s reaction to the cover and, generally, it wasn’t favorable. Bowie has a long history of using a photo of himself on his covers and this marked the first time that no photo appeared. From my standpoint, I love the cover and think it’s among my best. I was challenged to work in a specific style I hadn’t worked in before and I’m quite proud of the results. There’s no better surprise than surprising oneself.
As I said earlier, I remember staring at those amazing covers of Bowie’s Aladdin Sane and Diamond Dogs albums and thinking, ‘I’d like to design covers like this some day’ and, some thirty years later, that wish had come true. It was as though I’d reached my goal and I couldn’t think of anything else I wanted to do in the field of graphic design. I could also see the writing on the wall – the same writing the music industry can’t quite seem to understand. Album covers - at least the way I appreciate them - are becoming things of the past. The demands of marketing departments and the disappearance of the actual physical object of an album or CD led me to the conclusion that it was time to move on. I could have easily pursued other work in the entertainment industry, but the prospect of designing DVD boxes for reality show anthologies and spending endless hours staring at a computer no longer held any appeal for me.
I still do graphic design work for a few longtime clients and old friends, but I’d rather be painting. After that great run with Bowie, I began phasing out the graphic design work I’d been doing for so many years, not taking on any new clients or large projects and began focusing on the finer, more personal artwork that sustains me today.
However, if by some chance the phone rang tomorrow and it was Mr. Bowie asking for my design services, I’d happily hop on that old horse again...
About the artist, Rex Ray –
Rex Ray is a San Francisco based fine artist whose collages, paintings and design work have been exhibited at galleries and museums, including the The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, University Art Museum in Berkeley, San Jose Museum of Modern Art, The Crocker Museum in Sacramento, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, Michael Martin Galleries, Gallery 16, New Langton Arts, and Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions.
A 1988 graduate of the San Francisco Art Institue, Rex is also a celebrated graphic designer. He has created works for Apple, Dreamworks, Sony Music, Warner Brothers, City Lights Publishers, Matador Records, Serpent's Tail, The New Museum of Contemporary Art, Rizzoli, Powerhouse, Mute Records and Crown Books. His package designs for David Bowie, as well as for Joe Satriani, Diamanda Galás, Matmos, and Deee-Lite, have earned him an international reputation for his innovation in type and with original photographs, drawings, and collage. He has designed over 100 historic Bill Graham Presents rock and roll tour posters, including ones for The Rolling Stones, Patti Smith, REM, Bjork, U2, and Radiohead.
Solo Exhibitions
2006 Conduit Gallery, Dallas, Texas
2006 Michael Martin Galleries, San Francisco, CA
2005 Gallery 16, San Francisco, Ca
2005 Gensler & Associates, San Francisco, Ca
2004 Rule Gallery, Denver, CO
2003 Michael Martin Galleries, San Francisco, CA
2003 Gallery 16, San Francisco
2002 ModernBook/Gallery494, Palo Alto, Ca
2001 Michael Martin Galleries, San Francisco, CA
2000 Peterson Hall Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ
2000 Gallery 16, San Francisco
1999 Architects & Heroes, San Francisco
1998 Gallery 16, San Francisco
1996 Gallery 16, San Francisco
1994 Monster Truck Rally, Southern Exposure, San Francisco
1992 One Man Show, Hassel Haeseler Gallery Denver, Co
Selected Group Exhibitions
2005 Recent California Abstraction, Monterey Museum of Modern Art, Ca
2005 Neo Mod, Crocker Museum, Sacramento, Ca
2005 Blobjects, San Jose Museum of Modern Art 2005 Belles Letters, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
2004 Conduit Gallery, Dallas Texas
2004 AD2004, The Lab, San Francisco
2003 Gallery 16, San Francisco
2002 Fascination: The Bowie Show, Gallery 16, San Francisco, Ca
2002 Skulls, Academy of Arts & Sciences, San Francisco, Ca
2002 Home, Rena Bransten Gallery, San Francisco, Ca
2001 I-5 Resurfacing: Four Decades of Ca. Art, San Diego Museum of Art
2001 Velocity, Seattle, WA
2001 West Coasting, Gotham, London
2000 Pierogi Traveling Exhibit, Yerba Buena Center For The Arts, San Francisco
2000 Michael Martin Gallery, London
2000 Abstraction: Raucous to Refined, Bedford Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, CA
2000 Alone, New Langton Arts, San Francisco
1999 Bay Area Now 2, Yerba Buena Center For The Arts, San Francisco
1999 Snowflakes, Drawings at Four walls, San Francisco
1998 SAP, San Francisco
1998 Limn Gallery, San Francisco
1997 Time Zero, ESP, San Francisco
1995 Wild Side, LACE, Los Angeles
1995 In a Different Light, University Art Museum, Berkeley
1995 Piece, Nine Artists Consider Yoko Ono, Kiki, San Francisco
1995 Flagging the 21st Century, Capp Street Project, San Francisco
1994 Science Fair, Southern Exposure, San Francisco
1994 For Your Pleasure, Intersection for the Arts, San Francisco
1994 Bong Hits, Kiki, San Francisco
In April, 2008, The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art launched a Rex Ray gift line of 30+ different products, including T-shirts, coffee mugs, scarves, puzzles, and many more items. These products are exclusive to the SFMOMA, but they can be ordered online at
http://sfmoma.stores.yahoo.net/sfmomaproducts.html
Later this year, a new children's book will be published titled 10,000 Dresses, featuring a story by Marcus Ewert and illustrations by Rex Ray. It's available for pre-order on amazon.com. Also available now is the Chronicle Book Rex Ray Art + Design. Find it at fine booksellers everywhere or at amazon.com.
To find out more about Rex Ray and see examples of his latest artwork, please visit his website at www.rexray.com
To see all of the David Bowie-related items in the RockPoP Gallery collection, please visit http://rockpopgallery.com/items/david-bowie/list.htm?1=1
All images featured in this Cover Story are Copyright 2003 and 2008, Rex Ray - All rights reserved. Except as noted, all other text Copyright 2008 - Mike Goldstein & RockPoP Gallery (www.rockpopgallery.com) - All rights reserved
Susan Boyle Bandwagon
Susan Boyle, the contestant from Britain's Got Talent that has wowed the world with her singing voice, has a fan in Donny Osmond.
"I would die to do a duet with her. I would have her come up onstage [at his and Marie's Las Vegas Review] and I would sing to her and I'd have her sing to me."
I am officially on the Susan Boyle bandwagon, I went over to YouTube to hear what all the fuss is about, and sure enough, her talent is beyond words. I got chills listening to her sing and I would bet that she will be a singing sensation for years to come. Maybe she doesn't sing my kind of music, but I would pay to hear her voice, on any format.
"I would die to do a duet with her. I would have her come up onstage [at his and Marie's Las Vegas Review] and I would sing to her and I'd have her sing to me."
I am officially on the Susan Boyle bandwagon, I went over to YouTube to hear what all the fuss is about, and sure enough, her talent is beyond words. I got chills listening to her sing and I would bet that she will be a singing sensation for years to come. Maybe she doesn't sing my kind of music, but I would pay to hear her voice, on any format.
Music News & Notes
Are record shops worth saving?
by Donald Bell
Last Saturday, independent music retailers organized a national Record Store Day, complete with in-store freebies and exclusive releases from dozens of bands who want to see these business survive. As someone who spent two of the best years of my youth working at an independent record store, I have a nostalgic attachment to these mom-and-pop shops.
I don't know if I was motivated more by sentimentality or pity, but I felt an obligation to honor the spirit of the day and visit my local music store. The shop was ripped right out of "High Fidelity," and contained all the requisite elements for an indy music store: aloof, yet knowledgeable staff; equal ratios of vinyl and CDs; postered walls; a selection of local music; and a lazy pet cat. But nostalgia aside, I couldn't shake the reality that stores like this can't last much longer.
It's a shame, because some aspects of shopping in a record store haven't (or can't) translate into the world of online music. I'm not delusional enough to think that everyone should go back to buying CDs or LPs, but at the same time, my gut tells me that music consumers (and our culture in general) may realize all too late that there's something worth preserving about today's endangered music shops.
Read the rest of the article here: Save Record Shops
=======================================
KORPIKLAANI: New Album
KORPIKLAANI will release a new single, "Vodka", in late May via Nuclear Blast Records. Personally, I would buy the release just for the album cover art, amazing stuff. It will be made available in the following formats:
* "Vodka" (Single) - Finland only (May 27)
CDS (Finland)
01. Vodka
02. Juodaan Viinaa
* "Vodka" (Single) (May 29)
Digital Single
01. Vodka
02. Juodaan Viinaa
"Vodka" (Single) (May 29)
* 7" Picture Vinyl
Side A:
01. Vodka
Side B
01. Juodaan Viinaa
KORPIKLAANI will soon headline the Paganfest in the U.S. alongside PRIMORDIAL, MOONSORROW, BLACKGUARD and SWASHBUCKLE. The group will also perform at the Barby Club in Tel Aviv, Israel on October 16.
KORPIKLAANI's last CD, "Korven Kuningas", came out on March 21, 2008. The CD entered the album chart in the band's home country at position No. 16.
"Korven Kuningas" was released as a limited first edition with bonus tracks and on white colored vinyl. There is also a strictly limited digipak version (limited and numbered to 500 copies) which includes a drinking horn on a wall holder.
SOURCE: blabbermouth.net
=======================================
Aerosmith Classics Go Live?
Joe Perry related to VH1 Classic Radio that Aerosmith is talking about performing one of their classic albums in its entirety when the go on tour in June.
“I think Toys In The Attic would be fun. We do a lot of songs off the first four records anyway. We’ve jammed on Uncle Salty on stage a few times. I don’t know. The later records with more songs on them, they would take up too much time in the set. We need to leave some room for some of the other standards."
=======================================
Dylan, Mellencamp and Nelson Tour
Rolling Stone has reported that there had been several clues that Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp and Willie Nelson may be hitting the road to play minor league baseball parks this summer. The official announcement of the tour, which will run from July 2 through August 14, was made today with dates scheduled in parks around the U.S.
According to Dylan's website, this is only the second time in the past 24 years that these three have shared the stage. Tickets will be general admission, priced at a reasonable $67.50, with children 14 and under getting in for free with each adult ticket holder.
Some of the dates:
07/02/09 - Sauget, IL - GCS Ballpark
07/04/09 - South Bend, IN - Stanley Coveleski Stadium
07/08/09 - Louisville, KY - Louisville Slugger Field
07/10/09 - Dayton, OH - Fifth Third Field
07/11/09 - Eastlake, OH - Classic Park
07/13/09 - Washington, PA - CONSOL Energy Park
07/14/09 - Allentown, PA - Coca-Cola Park
07/15/09 - New Britain, CT - New Britain Stadium
07/19/09 - Syracuse, NY - Alliance Bank Stadium
07/21/09 - Pawtucket, RI - McCoy Stadium
07/23/09 - Lakewood, NJ - FirstEnergy Park
07/24/09 - Aberdeen, MD - Ripken Stadium
07/25/09 - Norfolk, VA - Harbor Park
07/28/09 - Durham, NC - Durham Bulls Athletic Park
07/29/09 - Knoxville, TN - Smokies Park
08/04/09 - Round Rock, TX - Dell Diamond
08/05/09 - Corpus Christi, TX - Whataburger Field
08/07/09 - Grand Prairie, TX - Quiktrip Park
08/11/09 - Glendale, AZ - Camelback Ranch
08/12/09 - Las Vegas, NV - Cashman Field Amphitheatre
08/14/09 - Fresno, CA - Chukchansi Park
by Donald Bell
Last Saturday, independent music retailers organized a national Record Store Day, complete with in-store freebies and exclusive releases from dozens of bands who want to see these business survive. As someone who spent two of the best years of my youth working at an independent record store, I have a nostalgic attachment to these mom-and-pop shops.
I don't know if I was motivated more by sentimentality or pity, but I felt an obligation to honor the spirit of the day and visit my local music store. The shop was ripped right out of "High Fidelity," and contained all the requisite elements for an indy music store: aloof, yet knowledgeable staff; equal ratios of vinyl and CDs; postered walls; a selection of local music; and a lazy pet cat. But nostalgia aside, I couldn't shake the reality that stores like this can't last much longer.
It's a shame, because some aspects of shopping in a record store haven't (or can't) translate into the world of online music. I'm not delusional enough to think that everyone should go back to buying CDs or LPs, but at the same time, my gut tells me that music consumers (and our culture in general) may realize all too late that there's something worth preserving about today's endangered music shops.
Read the rest of the article here: Save Record Shops
=======================================
KORPIKLAANI: New Album
KORPIKLAANI will release a new single, "Vodka", in late May via Nuclear Blast Records. Personally, I would buy the release just for the album cover art, amazing stuff. It will be made available in the following formats:
* "Vodka" (Single) - Finland only (May 27)
CDS (Finland)
01. Vodka
02. Juodaan Viinaa
* "Vodka" (Single) (May 29)
Digital Single
01. Vodka
02. Juodaan Viinaa
"Vodka" (Single) (May 29)
* 7" Picture Vinyl
Side A:
01. Vodka
Side B
01. Juodaan Viinaa
KORPIKLAANI will soon headline the Paganfest in the U.S. alongside PRIMORDIAL, MOONSORROW, BLACKGUARD and SWASHBUCKLE. The group will also perform at the Barby Club in Tel Aviv, Israel on October 16.
KORPIKLAANI's last CD, "Korven Kuningas", came out on March 21, 2008. The CD entered the album chart in the band's home country at position No. 16.
"Korven Kuningas" was released as a limited first edition with bonus tracks and on white colored vinyl. There is also a strictly limited digipak version (limited and numbered to 500 copies) which includes a drinking horn on a wall holder.
SOURCE: blabbermouth.net
=======================================
Aerosmith Classics Go Live?
Joe Perry related to VH1 Classic Radio that Aerosmith is talking about performing one of their classic albums in its entirety when the go on tour in June.
“I think Toys In The Attic would be fun. We do a lot of songs off the first four records anyway. We’ve jammed on Uncle Salty on stage a few times. I don’t know. The later records with more songs on them, they would take up too much time in the set. We need to leave some room for some of the other standards."
=======================================
Dylan, Mellencamp and Nelson Tour
Rolling Stone has reported that there had been several clues that Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp and Willie Nelson may be hitting the road to play minor league baseball parks this summer. The official announcement of the tour, which will run from July 2 through August 14, was made today with dates scheduled in parks around the U.S.According to Dylan's website, this is only the second time in the past 24 years that these three have shared the stage. Tickets will be general admission, priced at a reasonable $67.50, with children 14 and under getting in for free with each adult ticket holder.
Some of the dates:
07/02/09 - Sauget, IL - GCS Ballpark
07/04/09 - South Bend, IN - Stanley Coveleski Stadium
07/08/09 - Louisville, KY - Louisville Slugger Field
07/10/09 - Dayton, OH - Fifth Third Field
07/11/09 - Eastlake, OH - Classic Park
07/13/09 - Washington, PA - CONSOL Energy Park
07/14/09 - Allentown, PA - Coca-Cola Park
07/15/09 - New Britain, CT - New Britain Stadium
07/19/09 - Syracuse, NY - Alliance Bank Stadium
07/21/09 - Pawtucket, RI - McCoy Stadium
07/23/09 - Lakewood, NJ - FirstEnergy Park
07/24/09 - Aberdeen, MD - Ripken Stadium
07/25/09 - Norfolk, VA - Harbor Park
07/28/09 - Durham, NC - Durham Bulls Athletic Park
07/29/09 - Knoxville, TN - Smokies Park
08/04/09 - Round Rock, TX - Dell Diamond
08/05/09 - Corpus Christi, TX - Whataburger Field
08/07/09 - Grand Prairie, TX - Quiktrip Park
08/11/09 - Glendale, AZ - Camelback Ranch
08/12/09 - Las Vegas, NV - Cashman Field Amphitheatre
08/14/09 - Fresno, CA - Chukchansi Park
Friday, April 24, 2009
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