He brought Indian classical music to the masses. He unwittingly made the sitar cool to scores of drug-addled dilettantes. He was responsible for some of the most remarkable, hypnotic recorded classical albums never heard by the above-mentioned masses. He was among the most respected musical artists of the past century, in any genre. Continue reading
Category Archives: Music
the Ives of merch
There has been a steady flow since the beginning of December, but this week the TV networks are increasing the concentration of holiday “classics” for us to enjoy. All the favourites will be there: Alistair Sim as Scrooge; A Charlie Brown Christmas; Frosty the Snowman; and, of course, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, narrated by that lovable snowman Burl Ives. Rudolph has already brought his reindeer games our way this season, but you’ll have at least 19 more opportunities to catch him between now and Dec. 25. That’s nearly two dozen visits with Mr. Ives, a man forever to be remembered as Sam the Snowman.
The actor and singer is less well-remembered, however, for his equally powerful role as a friendly witness during the McCarthy hearings. In March of 1952 Ives volunteered to sit down in front of the House un-American Activities Committee and fess-up to his socialist/liberal/pinko past, while ratting-out a handful of peers. Ives later admitted to giving unwelcome shout-outs to four colleagues — among them, fellow folk-music troubadour Pete Seeger. Other sources, including the influential leftist publication Sing Out!, placed the number of names named at well over 100. “I believe,” Ives told the committee as he concluded his career-killing laundry-list, “that in no Communist country would such a hearing be possible at all.” The man with the funny way of laughing soon saw his then-dormant career begin to flourish. Seeger, meanwhile, joined dozens of artists unable to find much in the way of work. Ives’ friend Richard Dyer Bennet, a key figure in the folk-music revival, saw his career effectively end in the wake of Sam the Snowman’s name-dropping. Continue reading
this is not a concert review
In rock and roll there are certain elephants one is not permitted to acknowledge. Any recounting of The Clash, for example, is not to include the execrable Cut the Crap album. Van Morrison, despite barely showing up for his last dozen or so albums, continues to craft masterpieces. And Neil Young, one of the most gifted and influential artists this nation has given to the world, should never be dismissed as a self-indulgent old curmudgeon. Continue reading
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the rapper
Burton Cummings, never noted for his shyness, has been everywhere lately, promoting yet another collection of new live recordings of old favourites. Haven’t heard enough versions of American Woman, Canadian radio listeners? Here’s another for you to enjoy.
This week, on the heels of much positive press, Cummings’ comeback hit a small snag in the form of founding Guess Who bassist Jim Kale’s acidic comments, published in the Winnipeg Free Press. Burton, it seems, has been critical of Kale’s steadfast refusal to relinquish possession of the Guess Who name. For 35 years, many a Cummings/Bachman-less tour and a few best-forgotten albums of new material, Kale and drummer Gary Peterson have, to all intents and purposes, been The Guess Who. As you read this, the pair (and whatever hired-hands are available) are likely preparing to take to the stage of a casino not near you. Continue reading
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Drake tunes are on their way
Nick Drake released but three albums ‑ the last, 1972’s sublime Pink Moon, a bittersweet charcoal sketch of beautiful things to come. Alas, at age 26, he left this world, forever to remain a treasure to be discovered by discerning listeners of each subsequent generation.
Nick Drake released but three albums ‑ the last, 1972’s sublime Pink Moon, a bittersweet charcoal sketch of beautiful things to come. Alas, at age 26, he left this world, forever to remain a treasure to be discovered by discerning listeners of each subsequent generation.Friday, at the First Baptist Church, you can discover anew the music of Nick Drake, as a dozen or so notable notables pay homage to the man and his music.
It’s music that has endured, deftly dodging trends to remain the essence of pure artistic expression. The passage of time has, if anything enhanced the beauty of Drake’s stark imagery and haunting melodies. That the troubled artist behind the songs of Bryter Later, Five Leaves Left and Pink Moon died tragically, and prematurely, inevitably adds to the appeal.
“I have a very strong memory of hearing his voice and immediately it spoke to me,” singer-songwriter Kurt Swinghammer recalls of his introduction to the unique vocal and guitar stylings of the late composer. “As time went on I was surprised to realize not that many people or musicians were aware of him.” Continue reading
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Wig Bubbles 