The Blues Blogger

The following article was written in the summer of 2008. It was a little untimely then, as it was just 39 years since The Allman Brothers Band’s debut release, and still many months before the 40th Anniversary tour. So I’m re-posting for those who missed it. And to commemorate the LP’s release 40 years ago this week.

Many years have passed since I heard The Allman Brothers Band 1969 release. So this weekend I gave it a listen. Right from the very first cut “Don’t Want You No More” I was hooked once again. And for the next 35 minutes I took a reflective trip back through time.

Towards The End of 1969

My family hit some hard times and out of necessity sold the house where lots of my early childhood memories began. As a result, we ended up all squeezing into a small apartment. My brother and sister (who at the time were in their late teens) would have no part of apartment living. So it really wasn’t a surprise when they moved on and opened new chapters in their lives…

The Saturday afternoon rehearsals with my brother’s band were no more, and the vibrant household I once knew was now filled with a close stressful silence… For me, I would eventually discover new creative ways to occupy my time, and in the process drive my poor father crazy.

At nine years old, I truly knew one thing for sure; music was going to play a big part in my future. It always motivated me and also eased the pain when challenging times struck… When I look back I can think of several albums that have been embedded into my memory banks, and The Allman Brothers Band’s first LP in 1969 is one of them. I also recall pinching my brother’s copy of the album before he left town. It seemed to help fill the void I felt when he moved out of town… So I flooded my new bedroom with the sweetest sounds I could find.

I recall how my father thought it was just plain strange that a 9 year old could get so into listening to this stuff. But he never shared a room with a guitar player who practiced these blues and jazz riffs all day and night. It must have been an innate necessity for me. It also helped me focus my nervous energy on something. Besides, somebody had to play some tunes, because the silence was far too deafening.

It’s impossible to sum up the almost 40 years of The Allman Brothers Band illustrious history in a few paragraphs. One thing for sure, right from the start, the band had so many challenges… In the beginning years, they endured the deaths of band members Duane Allman and Berry Oakley. Drugs would take its toll on most of its members. On again off again separations and re-unions resulted…

Through All the Years

from their 20th Anniversary re-union in 1989, to 1995’s Rock n Roll Hall of Fame induction, 1996’s Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental performance for “Jessica,” the band has endured the test of time… In 1999, The Allman Brothers Band celebrated their 30th anniversary with an 18-night stand at New York’s Beacon Theater… The 21st Century also saw Dickie Betts part ways, but still the band continued to perform, playing their special blend of brilliance for their fans and curious newcomers.

It’s interesting to note that in 2003 out of Rolling Stone Magazine’s top 100 guitarists of all time; four are Allman Brothers alumni:

#2 Duane Allman
#23 Warren Haynes
#58 Dickey Betts
#81 Derek Trucks ( the youngest player on the list )

The Allman Brothers Band were the principal architects of Southern Rock. They combined many elements of music and helped advance the rock genre as a medium for improvisation along with bands such as Cream. The band remains a force to be reckoned with. I strongly suggest you see them if the opportunity arises. They’re an amazing band with a rich history and incredible musicians that will soulfully rock you through the past and into the future…

As a note of interest, in November of 1979 ten years after my first introduction to the music of The Allman Brothers Band, I made this crazy decision to move to New York. When I got there, I stayed with a friend who lived in Park Slope. Several months later my brother moved there too, and we ended up finding an apartment together. A new respect and alliance started to form. And the music continued once again.

The videos I chose in this post features two songs from The Allman Brothers Band November 1969 debut album; a then and now perspective of this amazing band. Notice original drummers Butch Trucks and Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson as they continue to shoulder the band after 40 years…

Now I think it’s best to turn the ball over to the readers of this article. Do you have a favorite Allman Brothers song, album or moment you’d like to share? Where we’re you in 1969 as The Allman Brothers Band were carving their niche on the music world?

The Blues Blogger

Tags: 1969, Blues News, Blues Reflections, Reflections, The Seventies, The Sixties by The Blues Blogger
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The following article was written exactly one year ago. Out of the many jazz posts I’ve done, this one is my favorite. Twenty two years after his tragic death, Jaco Pastorius’ extraordinary talent continues to generate a sentimental spot, and is a source of inspiration for musicians and fans the world over.… I hope you enjoy the variation in genre this time around. ~TBB

September 2008

Saturday morning I had breakfast with an old friend that I’ve known for most of my life. It’s been a few months since we last spoke, so we took the opportunity to get together for a few hours to catch-up on stuff. My friend is a bass player and doesn’t play live that much anymore, but he continues to record as often as possible. I won’t get into his music credits in order to maintain his privacy, but he’s a respected musician in many circles. It’s really cool, as we have been in contact for over 40 years now. I owe much of my music sensibility to this gentleman. So much so that I weaved him into a piece I wrote called Remembering Little Walter.

He was always a little different in his approach to his instrument than your average musician. To this day he reminds me of Jaco Pastorius. Not only in his tone, but also the way he’s able to make his bass sing so expressively. His playing is always a focal point on anything he touches; bringing his experience to the forefront on every note for all to enjoy.

During those few hours during breakfast we discussed that it was 21 years ago this Sunday that the great Jaco Pastorius passed away. I mentioned that I felt from an influential perspective, Jaco just may be to bass players what Hendrix was to guitarists. The impact Jaco created was truly inspirational and it’s difficult to ignore his influence not only on bass players, but all musicians that were fortunate enough to hear and experience his very special gift.

Jaco Pastorius

was on born on December 1, 1951 in Norristown, Pennsylvania. Shortly after his birth the Pastorius family moved to Fort Lauderdale Florida. Jaco went to elementary and middle school at St. Clement’s Catholic School in Wilton Manors, and he attended high school at Northeast High in Oakland Park. While growing up, Pastorius loved playing sports and watching basketball with his father.

Jaco started his music career by playing the drums; following in his fathers footsteps. A broken wrist while playing football prevented him from drumming. The injury eventually required surgery and Jaco decided that he would fill in the vacant bass player spot in a nine piece band he was in called Las Olas Brass. The band did covers of popular R&B artists such as Aretha Franklin, James Brown and Otis Redding.

As Pastorius’ interest in jazz developed, so did his desire to play the double bass; an instrument used not only in jazz settings, but other genres such as 1950s-style blues and rock and roll. After saving up money to buy the instrument, he discovered that it wouldn’t hold up to the Florida humidity. Instead he replaced his bass with a Fender that he pried the frets out of. Jaco then filled the fret holes with wood putty, and coated the fingerboard with marine varnish.

“I had an upright — it took me years and years to get enough bread to get it,” he once said. “I’m from Florida, so one morning I woke up, go in the corner and the bass is in a hundred pieces, cause the humidity is so bad, I mean, the upright just blew up. I said forget it, man, I can’t afford this any more. So I went out, got a knife and took all the frets out of my Fender. That was it.”

Throughout his youth Pastorius continued to develop his skills, honing his songwriting prowess in bands like Wayne Cochran and The C.C. Riders. In 1974, he started to play with his friend and later famous guitarist Pat Metheny. Together they recorded with artists such as Paul Bley. They also made an album together for ECM with drummer Bob Moses entitled Bright Size Life.

In the mid seventies, Pastorius met up with drummer Bobby Colomby, who played with Blood Sweat and Tears. Together with Colomby acting as producer, Jaco made his first album the infamous self entitled album entitled Jaco Pastorius in 1976. The album became the talk of the jazz scene and was widely praised by critics. His solo album was also noted for its incredible lineup of serious jazz musicians that included Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, David Sanborn, Lenny White, and Michael Brecker just to name a few. Even R&B singers Sam & Dave would reunite to appear on the track “Come On, Come Over”.

The Weather Report Years

It was during the time that Pastorius released his solo album that he ran into keyboardist Joe Zawinul in Miami where Weather Report was playing at the time. Not being shy about his talent, Jaco told Zawinul that he was “the greatest bass player in the world.” And he sarcastically told Zawinul that he thought his band was sort of alright… Sources say that Zawinul initially had a few F sharps for Pastorius, but eventually admired him for his brash demeanor. The two of them would stay in touch and it eventually led to Jaco joining the band during the recording of Weather Report’s Black Market album. Pastorius contribution to the band became a vital part of the group’s makeup. His presence brought Weather Report new fans and enhanced the band’s compositions and their live shows.

If people were unaware of Jaco’s talent, the Grammy nominated album Heavy Weather in 1977 would certainly change that. His bass playing on that album was outstanding, and he would also receive a co-producing credit along with Zawinul. Pastorius also returned to his original instrument the drums by playing on the cut Teen Town.

During his career, Pastorius played on many recording sessions for other musicians, both in and out of jazz circles. Some of these include, Ian Hunter, David Sanborn, Al Di Meola, Mike Stern and Biréli Lagrène.

Out of the many guest appearances by Pastorius, my personal favorites would have to be the some of the work with artist Joni Mitchell. The album Shadows and Light in 1980 had him and friend Pat Metheny joining forces again. The music on this album was beautifully driven with Pastorius’s melodic flair.

As the years passed Pastorius started to develop severe mental health issues. Drinking and drug use would only worsen the problem. Diagnosed with a bipolar disorder, he began a path of strange behavior that ultimately affected his life on and off the stage. Slowly he started to become an outcast in the music community as he would be banned from one club to another. Eventually it was this erratic behavior that would take his life as he was involved in a fight with a bouncer after sneaking on stage at a Santana concert. The confrontation would send him into a coma. On September 21st, 1987, he was taken off life support, and at the age of 35, we lost the great innovator.

Many artists over the years such as Miles Davis, Marcus Miller, John McLaughlin, Rod Argent, Bela Fleck and countless others have paid tribute on their albums to this legend of the music world. All of these artists work ensures us that his legacy will continue to be honored for a long time to come.

My Breakfast Meeting Came To an End

When I think about some of the people that inspired my love for music, I think about the great Jaco Pastorius. It was Jaco that led me to listen more intently to Weather Report and artists such as Joni Mitchell and Pat Metheny. When I worked at the record boutique in my teens; I turned as many people on to Jaco as I could. I would play his music to anyone who was willing to listen. His self entitled first solo album Jaco Pastorius along with Heavy Weather will always be one the most played vinyl jazz albums I still own and will forever cherish; major pieces of inspiration for TheBluesBlogger.

As my friend began to drive off, I started to think, it really was him that made me aware of Jaco. It was his playing over the years that opened my ears up to the jazz genre and provided the inspiration and motivation to move to NYC and search for work in a recording studio. Listening would not be enough! I had to be a part of it somehow. My friend allowed me to be a part of his music world, and it helped me to appreciate music generated right from the creative process. Thank you my friend!

During the writing of this article, I realize I have left many gaps in the life and career of Jaco Pastorius. There are just too many to fill in just one post. Perhaps that’s where you can help. Please make sure you add your comments below and help fill in some of the details that may be important to you. Did Jaco have any influence on you as a music lover? Or did he inspire you as a musician? Your comments are always appreciated.

Take Care,

The Blues Blogger

Tags: Jazz, Jazz Reflections, Reflections, The Seventies by The Blues Blogger
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“I didn’t record for six years from 1972 to ‘78. For about a year, I stopped playing completely. My landlord was a contractor, and I started doing work with him. My wife told me ‘this ain’t you, you’ve got to keep up with your music’ which I’m proud of her for telling me that.” ~Albert Collins

Late 1978

I remember the time very well… My parents owned a small convenience store and I lived in the two bedroom apartment above. I somehow convinced my mom to let me move up there when I was only 14. By 1978 I was already living there for close to 4 years. It wasn’t a free ride, I worked in the local record shop in addition to helping my parents out with the business. But on the evenings and weekends that pad above the grocery store became party central. I even devoted a whole room so my friends could jam. It wasn’t like the basement rehearsals we had in our house growing up in the sixties, but it did the trick…

It was at this point in time I had my largest collection of vinyl LP’s. Having my own apartment at such a young age was wild, and I remember for the first time really having the freedom to crank up the volume on some of those records in the evening. This is when I started digging the “cool sounds” of Albert Collins. And the album Ice Pickin’ was one of those records that got a lot of spins on the phonograph back then…

Albert Collins

was born on October 1, 1932, in Leona, Texas, but moved to Houston in 1941. A distant cousin of the legendary Lightnin’ Hopkins, Collins was influenced by the blues sounds of the Mississippi, Chicago, and especially Texas. In his early teens Collins gained inspiration listening to keyboardist Jimmy McGriff and began playing piano and organ… Switching to guitar at 18, he entered the blues scene with a unique sound and approach. Influenced by great blues artists such as T-Bone Walker, Gatemouth Brown and John Lee Hooker, Collins formed his own band in 1952 and packed the clubs around Houston.

In the early 1960s, Collins hit the airwaves big time with Frosty. This song was also known for having a young Johnny Winter and Janis Joplin in attendance in the studio while the song was being recorded. Other single releases like Sno Cone and Thaw Out were heavily played on R&B radio stations. In no time Collins was sharing stages with many of his idols.

In the mid 60’s Collins broke into the rock ‘n’ roll scene with three albums produced by members of Canned Heat, and shortly after played the San Francisco psychedelic circuit. Collins really got the recognition he deserved after he signed with Alligator Records and released Ice Pickin in 1978. It won the Best Blues Album of the Year Award from the Montreux Jazz Festival and was nominated for a Grammy.

Throughout the 80’s and early 90s Collins continued to tour worldwide. He gained further recognition and would go on to influence other artists such as Gary Moore, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jonny Lang, Susan Tedeschi and John Mayer.

Collins won the WC Handy Award for Best Blues Album of the Year in 1983 for his record Don’t Lose Your Cool and shared a Grammy with Robert Cray and Johnny Copeland for the album Showdown in 1985. He also performed at Live Aid alongside George Thorogood and the Destroyers at JFK stadium and was nominated for another Grammy in 1987 for Cold Snap. Also known as The Iceman and The Razor Blade, Collins feisty appearance in the 1987 movie Adventures in Babysitting, along with various television performances, brought his unique style and tone to an entirely new audience.

Albert Collins recorded his last album Live 92/93 after being diagnosed with cancer. Sadly another great blues master passed away later that fall in 1993. His legacy will forever live on in the music he leaves behind and the artists that he inspired both past, present and long into the future.

One of the greatest things I love about music is its ability to transport you back through time… Listening to Collins’ 1978 release Ice Pickin’ this past weekend after so many years was not only a cool reminder of the music legend’s magic, but a reflective look at some of my crazy teenage daze… Are you familiar with Albert Collins? Any favorite moments in Collins’ rich musical time line that you recall?

TheBluesBlogger

Tags: Blues Reflections, Reflections, The Seventies, The Sixties by The Blues Blogger
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