The latest track to be streamed from the 'Hidden Masters' anthology is a Jim Capaldi/Steve Winwood composition that was recorded by Jess Roden in June 1974. The song is called 'Let Me Make Something in Your Life' and according to Jess himself, it was recorded at Muscle Shoals with the resident musicians providing the backing. Collectively they were known as 'The Swampers' but individually were Roger Hawkins - drums, Barry Beckett - piano, Jimmy Johnson - guitar, Spooner Oldham - Hammond organ, Pete Carr - guitar, Ronnie Eades - baritone sax, Charlie Rose - trombone, Harrison Callowa - trumpet, Harvey Thompson - sax and David Hood - bass.
Incidentally it is pure coincidence that a few posts back I should have been talking about Patterson Hood of the Drive-By Truckers, because his dad is David Hood from the above session.
While this song was recorded by Jim Capaldi and featured on the first solo album by Steve Winwood, this particular version by Jess never saw the light of day - until now of course, as it will feature in the forthcoming anthology.
For more on the Jess Roden 6 CD anthology see previous posts from 31 October, 12 November and 23 November.
More on this subject in due course.
Wednesday 28 November 2012
Monday 26 November 2012
Box Sets #4 - Family: Once Upon A Time
Described as the 'Ultimate Family Box Set', this package has been promised for some time now and is set to coincide with the reunion of Family, forty years after they last performed together in 1973. To say that I was excited about this, is probably something of an understatement. I wasted no time in obtaining my ticket for the live show at Shepherd's Bush Empire on 2nd February next year. Billed at the time as 'One Night Only', it appears that demand was so high that a second night was added. The only problem is that the second night actually precedes the first night, as it is to be held on 1st February. Consequently it seems that I will not see Family play for the first time in forty years! Oh well, what's one night when I've waited all this time.
And so to the box set itself. The details have just been released and the set is now available to pre-order. Here is the detailed description of what is included:
* 14 Disc set strictly limited to 2,000 numbered copies
* 72 page hardback book tracing the history of Family featuring many previously unseen photos & memorabilia reproductions
* 8 Original Albums in mini LP Japanese Style gate fold sleeves (6 re-mastered from recently discovered master tapes)
* 2 CDs of previously unreleased alternative versions and rarities
* 3 CD singles reproduced in original picture sleeves
* Live Disc capturing the band on the Fearless tour in 1971
* Numbered Certificate of Authenticity signed by Roger Chapman
* Recreation of a contemporary music weekly featuring historic articles spanning the band's career.
As I took in the details of what's available in the set, I felt my excitement ebbing away. Of the fourteen discs, eight of them are the official Family albums released between 1968 and 1973, which I already own. Granted some have an additional bonus track but then most of my CD copies have several bonus tracks, such as singles, B-sides and live versions. One of the CDs is a live concert dating from 1971 which was originally released in 2003 and which I already own. Three of the remainder are CD singles two of which date from the 'It's Only a Movie' era, my least favourite period. Then finally we come to the last two CDs which contain alternate versions and outtakes. These feature several versions of songs, many of which are instrumental or guide tracks. So for my hard earned £125 (plus postage & packing) I would get a load of stuff I already have plus two discs of unexciting outtakes, a 72 page hard back book and a certificate signed by Roger Chapman. Oh yes, of course I would also be the proud owner of a set limited to 2,000 numbered copies. I think not!
Several years ago I felt similar excitement when 'Old Songs, New Songs' was released as a box set (this will be a theme of a future post). At that time the actual album was not available on CD and it was promised that it would only be available as part of this box set. Not so! The CD version of the original album is now available separately.
Now don't get me wrong, I have no regrets about purchasing the box set as it features some great material unavailable elsewhere. If my memory serves me well I paid about £30 for a five CD set (I was one of the lucky ones who got a bonus 5th CD) and I considered it good value for money.
I also own the three CD's which were issued a few years ago and feature almost all of the Family live BBC sessions between 1968 and 1973. Here we have versions of songs many of which were recorded for the BBC before they were fully developed and released on albums. Hence we have a totally different version of 'Holding the Compass', stunning live versions of 'Drowned in Wine', 'A Song For Me' and 'Wheels', which are far superior to the versions on 'A Song For Me', a live version of the J B Lenoir song 'I Sing 'um The Way I Feel' and Poli Palmer's showpiece, 'Here Comes The Grin'.
None of these appear in this latest 'ultimate Family box set'!
I suspect that this latest set will sell out easily and I feel a little sad that as such a huge fan of Family, I will not get to own one. However, times are hard and I have to consider value for money. I am still looking forward immensely to seeing them live and before I head down to London, I will be dusting off my old CDs and rocking to one of the most exciting and adventurous bands I have ever seen or heard.
If you are a Family fan and happen to stumble into this blog, I'd love to hear your views.
If you want to pre-order the set, you can do so here: http://www.familyonceuponatime.com/
Keep on rocking.
Saturday 24 November 2012
Newcastle City Hall - Threatened Closure
Opened to the public in 1927, Newcastle City Hall is an iconic building which has hosted many great concerts by some of the finest recording artists in the world. To me personally it played a huge part in the development of my love of music. Graduating from listening to music on the radio, through taping episodes of Top of The Pops directly from the TV, to buying my very first vinyl records, the next logical step was to go to see live acts performing. Initially this was done at small 'dancehall' venues but eventually I began attending larger concerts and that all began at Newcastle City Hall.
It would be impossible for me to even begin to list all of the artists I have seen there over the years but suffice to say that the place holds a very special place in my heart. It should also be mentioned that there have been a number of live albums recorded in that venue, most notably, 'Pictures at an Exhibition' by Emerson, Lake & Palmer (March 1971), 'No Sleep 'til Hammersmith' by Motorhead and 'Slade on Stage' by Slade both in 1981. Of course it was also the scene of the regular Lindisfarne Christmas concerts and was a venue that they themselves played 132 times. In July this year, a plaque was unveiled on the wall of this historic building, commemorating the late Lindisfarne leader Alan Hull.
Now I hear that as part of the local council budget cuts, Newcastle City Council are considering closing the venue and selling the building off for redevelopment.
To close this venue would be a travesty and I have just signed an online petition to try to prevent this from happening. If you feel like I do, regardless of where you live, please get online and do likewise.
Here is a link to the petition:
http://www.change.org/petitions/newcastle-city-council-save-newcastle-city-hall
Thanks for taking the time to read this and please support this worthy cause.
It would be impossible for me to even begin to list all of the artists I have seen there over the years but suffice to say that the place holds a very special place in my heart. It should also be mentioned that there have been a number of live albums recorded in that venue, most notably, 'Pictures at an Exhibition' by Emerson, Lake & Palmer (March 1971), 'No Sleep 'til Hammersmith' by Motorhead and 'Slade on Stage' by Slade both in 1981. Of course it was also the scene of the regular Lindisfarne Christmas concerts and was a venue that they themselves played 132 times. In July this year, a plaque was unveiled on the wall of this historic building, commemorating the late Lindisfarne leader Alan Hull.
Now I hear that as part of the local council budget cuts, Newcastle City Council are considering closing the venue and selling the building off for redevelopment.
To close this venue would be a travesty and I have just signed an online petition to try to prevent this from happening. If you feel like I do, regardless of where you live, please get online and do likewise.
Here is a link to the petition:
http://www.change.org/petitions/newcastle-city-council-save-newcastle-city-hall
Thanks for taking the time to read this and please support this worthy cause.
Friday 23 November 2012
Jess Roden - Hidden Masters: First Taste
It would appear that sales of the Jess Roden 6CD Anthology are going quite well. As I write this, PledgeMusic have achieved over 75% of their target pledges in little over a week. It is clear from the comments being left on the website that the Jess Roden fans out there are eagerly awaiting the eventual release of this item.
To whet our appetites and as a thank you for our pledges, a few of the tracks from the collection have been made available for us to stream. The first of these was an unreleased demo of 'Love Me' by The Alan Bown Set recorded on 19th December 1966. Using an arrangement similar to the underground hit by Billy Stewart, it was the first recording to feature new guitarist Tony Catchpole.
The second track 'Can't Get Next to You' features The Jess Roden Band playing live on a stormy night at London's Marquee Club on 20th May 1976. The accompanying notes detail how this version has been put together using parts from three different tapes that exist. The detail of the work that went into producing this version whilst retaining the essential live atmosphere is absolutely fascinating and the end result is awesome! This nine minute rendition of a song from the album 'Play it Dirty - Play it Class' is perhaps one of the best live recordings I've heard by anyone. As someone else has commented on the website, it sounds like Jess and the band are in the room with you. To quote someone else, "Oh this is very fantastic."
Finally (for now) we have been treated to 'In a Circle' a previously unreleased recording from sessions produced by Steve Smith that were long thought to have been lost or destroyed. Recorded by The Jess Roden Band at Island Studios in St Peter's Square, Hammersmith on 9th August 1975, this particular track also features Steve Winwood on Hammond organ. The sessions were to be for the first Jess Roden Band album, but sadly this was never released. Fortunately the tracks have been recovered thanks to great detective work by Neil Storey, and they will now feature on this much anticipated anthology.
All of the music released so far has been accompanied by very interesting and informative notes including many comments from Jess who has worked closely with Neil throughout the project. Consequently I am looking forward to reading the hardback book that will accompany the package, almost as much as the music itself.
As the pledges keep coming in, I look forward to more tracks slowly becoming available for our listening pleasure. It sounds like this is going to be an awesome collection.
To whet our appetites and as a thank you for our pledges, a few of the tracks from the collection have been made available for us to stream. The first of these was an unreleased demo of 'Love Me' by The Alan Bown Set recorded on 19th December 1966. Using an arrangement similar to the underground hit by Billy Stewart, it was the first recording to feature new guitarist Tony Catchpole.
The second track 'Can't Get Next to You' features The Jess Roden Band playing live on a stormy night at London's Marquee Club on 20th May 1976. The accompanying notes detail how this version has been put together using parts from three different tapes that exist. The detail of the work that went into producing this version whilst retaining the essential live atmosphere is absolutely fascinating and the end result is awesome! This nine minute rendition of a song from the album 'Play it Dirty - Play it Class' is perhaps one of the best live recordings I've heard by anyone. As someone else has commented on the website, it sounds like Jess and the band are in the room with you. To quote someone else, "Oh this is very fantastic."
Finally (for now) we have been treated to 'In a Circle' a previously unreleased recording from sessions produced by Steve Smith that were long thought to have been lost or destroyed. Recorded by The Jess Roden Band at Island Studios in St Peter's Square, Hammersmith on 9th August 1975, this particular track also features Steve Winwood on Hammond organ. The sessions were to be for the first Jess Roden Band album, but sadly this was never released. Fortunately the tracks have been recovered thanks to great detective work by Neil Storey, and they will now feature on this much anticipated anthology.
All of the music released so far has been accompanied by very interesting and informative notes including many comments from Jess who has worked closely with Neil throughout the project. Consequently I am looking forward to reading the hardback book that will accompany the package, almost as much as the music itself.
As the pledges keep coming in, I look forward to more tracks slowly becoming available for our listening pleasure. It sounds like this is going to be an awesome collection.
Wednesday 21 November 2012
Patterson Hood - Heat Lightning Rumbles in the Distance
I first began following the Drive-By Truckers about ten years ago. My first experience of them was the 2003 album 'Decoration Day' and I then quickly bought 2001's 'Southern Rock Opera'. Being totally hooked I have since obtained each of their five studio albums since, as well as catching them live whenever I've had the opportunity. Their last two albums 'The Big To-Do' (2010) and 'Go-Go Boots' (2011) seemed to come hot on the heels of each other, but so far this year, they have been quiet as far as recordings go.
Thankfully however, the gap has been filled by the release of a third 'solo' album by front-man Patterson Hood. 'Heat Lightning Rumbles in the Distance' was released in September this year and for fans of The Truckers or Patterson Hood, I can guarantee that this will not disappoint.
Originally conceived as a semi-autobiographical novel, the songs on this album cover a low period in the life of their composer. In the early 1990's at the age of 27, his marriage ended, his band broke up and he left his home in Northern Alabama to travel to Memphis. As Hood himself says: "My car got stolen, our band's truck got stripped and I fell in love. I fell out with my family (who I was very, very close to) and had my heart broken. I seriously pondered killing myself several times but instead wrote literally over 500 songs in a three-year period."
It all sounds like listening to this album could be a very depressing experience but this is not so. Hood can now look back at that period from a perspective of being a happy family man with a relatively successful band and this is reflected in some of the songs. Although all of the Drive-By Truckers appear on the album, this is clearly the work of Hood himself and despite the distinctive vocals, the album could never be confused as being by the band. Musically the album may at times sound like Hood laying down song demos for the band but lyrically Hood proves yet again that he has a keen grasp of imagery and observation. Personally I like the stripped down feel of the record as it allows the words to stand out, provoking all kinds of feelings and emotions. I found myself making comparisons with the recent album by Neil Young ('Psychedelic Pill') in which on one track ('Driftin' Back') Young drones on about a range of fairly boring subjects over 27 minutes. Patterson Hood on the other hand tells a story with feeling in a fraction of the time. I know which I prefer.
I would not wish to single out any particular track but should mention the poignantly beautiful 'Come Back Little Star'. This is a tribute to the late Vic Chesnutt who himself was a tortured soul and suffered his own demons, something I am sure Hood can relate to.
Unlike 'Psychedelic Pill' this is an album I find myself listening to regularly and I have little doubt that it will be up there in my top ten records of 2012.
Thankfully however, the gap has been filled by the release of a third 'solo' album by front-man Patterson Hood. 'Heat Lightning Rumbles in the Distance' was released in September this year and for fans of The Truckers or Patterson Hood, I can guarantee that this will not disappoint.
Originally conceived as a semi-autobiographical novel, the songs on this album cover a low period in the life of their composer. In the early 1990's at the age of 27, his marriage ended, his band broke up and he left his home in Northern Alabama to travel to Memphis. As Hood himself says: "My car got stolen, our band's truck got stripped and I fell in love. I fell out with my family (who I was very, very close to) and had my heart broken. I seriously pondered killing myself several times but instead wrote literally over 500 songs in a three-year period."
It all sounds like listening to this album could be a very depressing experience but this is not so. Hood can now look back at that period from a perspective of being a happy family man with a relatively successful band and this is reflected in some of the songs. Although all of the Drive-By Truckers appear on the album, this is clearly the work of Hood himself and despite the distinctive vocals, the album could never be confused as being by the band. Musically the album may at times sound like Hood laying down song demos for the band but lyrically Hood proves yet again that he has a keen grasp of imagery and observation. Personally I like the stripped down feel of the record as it allows the words to stand out, provoking all kinds of feelings and emotions. I found myself making comparisons with the recent album by Neil Young ('Psychedelic Pill') in which on one track ('Driftin' Back') Young drones on about a range of fairly boring subjects over 27 minutes. Patterson Hood on the other hand tells a story with feeling in a fraction of the time. I know which I prefer.
I would not wish to single out any particular track but should mention the poignantly beautiful 'Come Back Little Star'. This is a tribute to the late Vic Chesnutt who himself was a tortured soul and suffered his own demons, something I am sure Hood can relate to.
Unlike 'Psychedelic Pill' this is an album I find myself listening to regularly and I have little doubt that it will be up there in my top ten records of 2012.
Monday 12 November 2012
Jess Roden - Hidden Masters: An update
Over the past week I have had little time for writing new posts or anything else for that matter. Among other things, some home decoration has kept me busy, and kept me covered in paint!
Anyway, to update all those Jess Roden fans out there regarding the exciting news I posted last week, I can now report that as of today orders are being taken for the long awaited CD anthology. And as if that wasn't enough, it has also been announced that the anthology has now been upgraded to a 6 CD set rather than the 5 originally planned. It would seem that there was so much material available that an extra CD is now included within the set.
For me. that's brilliant news and I placed my order earlier today. Although I may still have to wait a while, I can't wait for the postman to knock on my door. Patience was never my thing but this is worth waiting for.
This issue of the set is strictly limited so those interested in grabbing it while it lasts had better place their orders soon. Here are some further links for you.
http://www.hiddenmasters.net/jess-roden.html
http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/jessroden
Anyway, to update all those Jess Roden fans out there regarding the exciting news I posted last week, I can now report that as of today orders are being taken for the long awaited CD anthology. And as if that wasn't enough, it has also been announced that the anthology has now been upgraded to a 6 CD set rather than the 5 originally planned. It would seem that there was so much material available that an extra CD is now included within the set.
For me. that's brilliant news and I placed my order earlier today. Although I may still have to wait a while, I can't wait for the postman to knock on my door. Patience was never my thing but this is worth waiting for.
This issue of the set is strictly limited so those interested in grabbing it while it lasts had better place their orders soon. Here are some further links for you.
http://www.hiddenmasters.net/jess-roden.html
http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/jessroden
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