The Jazz Bus: Meets “The Legends”
A few weeks ago, my bride and I attended an event called” LEGENDS”. This troupe of musical entertainers is a national touring company with shows each night in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Myrtle Beach, and aboard various cruise lines. While the “acts” change every few weeks at each venue, our show the night we attended featured none other than Mr. Sammy Davis Jr., country crooner Conway Twitty, The Blues Brothers (Jake and Elwood), Bette Midler, and of course the King himself, Elvis, who appeared twice, first as a 60's Elvis and then as the Las Vegas showman called Elvis. The same guy, wow, how do they do it? This was a midweek show so the tickets were reasonably priced as two for one. Pulling into the parking lot was a chore as it was had many large coach buses filled with physically handicapped 90 year olds from all the local parishes. Seating these groups was like watching bumper cars at the amusement park, some slamming on the brakes of their electric wheel chairs , with others excitingly rushing to their reserved seats. When most were finally comfortable in their chairs their health aides removed all the electric wheel chairs from the aisle. With these vehicles properly stored and placed on recharging stations in the back and side of the room, the house lights dimmed, the stage brighten and a pretty nice show occurred for those of us who fought off sleep.
So I was thinking… How about a LEGENDS SHOW for “My” generation Not the typical "Three Dead Jays" ( Jimi, Janis, Jim) but more in line with Sid Vicious or Johnny Rotten. Sly and The Family Stone, you say? My brother offered IGGY. What do you say? Any suggestions? Jazzbus@gmail.com
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Thee Rolling Stones
The Jazz Bus: THEE Rolling Stones
It’s 1972,the voice of “Woodstock” Chip Monck ,matter of factly echoes throughout the arena, “Ladies and Gentlemen, The Rolling Stones”, and so begins the movie of the same name. Recently screened across the country as an “exclusive one night only event”, this reissue of a film shot from the edges of a Fort Worth stage during their EXILE ON MAIN STREET Tour coincides with the re-release of their album of the same name. Originally a business venture with John Lennon’s BUTTERFLY FILMS this flick has not been officially screened since its first run in major cities in 1974. Captured on celluiod during 3 separate performances, edited as spliced together as one show, this film gives us a look at the World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band in what has been determined by critics to be its pinnacle. A young Keith, Mick, Charlie, Bill, and Mick Taylor grace the stage.
1975 saw the voluntary departure of Mick Taylor, with the band adding Ron Wood to the guitar spot. Numerous tours, records, videos followed over the years and now The Stones are in talks with Live Nation for a massive farewell stadium tour over the next two years to celebrate their 50th anniversary as a band. Charlie Watts, the band’s drummer will be 70 next year, Jagger and Keith 67.
Their last jaunt on the road, The BIGGER BANG Tour grossed $558million.jazzbus@gmail.com
It’s 1972,the voice of “Woodstock” Chip Monck ,matter of factly echoes throughout the arena, “Ladies and Gentlemen, The Rolling Stones”, and so begins the movie of the same name. Recently screened across the country as an “exclusive one night only event”, this reissue of a film shot from the edges of a Fort Worth stage during their EXILE ON MAIN STREET Tour coincides with the re-release of their album of the same name. Originally a business venture with John Lennon’s BUTTERFLY FILMS this flick has not been officially screened since its first run in major cities in 1974. Captured on celluiod during 3 separate performances, edited as spliced together as one show, this film gives us a look at the World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band in what has been determined by critics to be its pinnacle. A young Keith, Mick, Charlie, Bill, and Mick Taylor grace the stage.
1975 saw the voluntary departure of Mick Taylor, with the band adding Ron Wood to the guitar spot. Numerous tours, records, videos followed over the years and now The Stones are in talks with Live Nation for a massive farewell stadium tour over the next two years to celebrate their 50th anniversary as a band. Charlie Watts, the band’s drummer will be 70 next year, Jagger and Keith 67.
Their last jaunt on the road, The BIGGER BANG Tour grossed $558million.jazzbus@gmail.com
Thursday, October 21, 2010
News Corp V. My Sanity
The Jazz Bus: News Corp v. My Sanity
It’s Sunday, a little after the noon hour, and I am still hoping against hope that Cablevision and Fox will come to their senses and release the hostages, we, the New York Football Giants fans. I check on line only to find they are still too far apart in their negotiations. So, like Eli Manning I need to scramble and find an open spot. I was invited to a Dish Network House but opted for what I thought to be the next best thing. On the road I go to a local spot that just might have the game. Arriving early I noticed the parking lot is practically empty. Reluctantly I asked, “Do you have today’s Giant’s game?” The reply was music to my ears so I bellied up finding a great seat in front of a huge plasma flat screen. After ordering my “first of the day” adult beverage, I relaxed.
The pregame show ended, the sound was up as was the lively crowd. The Giants were introduced, my beverage was freshened, and boom…the screen went blank, the silence deafening. A message across the screen indicated that this game was “blacked out due to league restrictions”. What??!!
The next few minutes are a blur with people running to and fro getting remotes, barking instructions while one poor soul attempted to adjust the screen and sound, but to no avail. Cell phones appeared with people calling friends or other establishments to see if they were the chosen few who might have the game. An exodus of the Giants Fateful in their full regalia, blue and whites, home and aways, left for their cars. The place could not have cleared faster if someone shouted “fire”. I sat feeling dejected. Ah, but wait someone shouted, “Grab the feed from Detroit, channel 588”. Amazingly, the picture returned as did the sound and we were only a few minutes into the game. The crowd reappeared in time to see Dodge drop another punt attempt.
So what’s the deal with this feud over charges anyway? A few months ago antennae TV was killed off, now you need a box AND provider, all at a “nominal” fee. Most homes have more than one set so additional charges add up. Premium packages, sports channels, weather channels, numerous so called news channels, etc, etc. We the consumer pay for all of these, whether you want them or not. The cable provider charges us. They in turn purchase (with our money) programming. The programmers get some of our money from our providers and also from the advertisers. Huh, our money makes more money but not for us, all making a tidy profit. We even pay to watch what once was “free” television, the local channels. So who are the evil demons of all this doing? This time not necesrrarily the Dolans (Cablevision, Newsday, The Garden, The Beacon, Rangers, Knicks,etc ,fame) but Rupert Murdoch, the NEWS CORP mogul ( FOX, Fox News, Fox Business, NY Post fame),the man who became a naturalized American so he could legally own TV stations in our great nation . I suggest a compromise to both the Dolans and Murdoch. Let the consumer specifically pick the channels we wish, not a package deal. Why did he, they, pull just Channel 5 and 9? How about pulling all 12 channels of Murdock’s evil media empire and see if we can survive? After all he is the 38th richest “American” according to Forbes. “Fair and balanced” is a joke when you ask for 150 million, double, a raise of 70 million, from the last deal. I for one do not need your “Animal Channel” or others any longer. Let’s go Giants.jazzbus@gmail.com
It’s Sunday, a little after the noon hour, and I am still hoping against hope that Cablevision and Fox will come to their senses and release the hostages, we, the New York Football Giants fans. I check on line only to find they are still too far apart in their negotiations. So, like Eli Manning I need to scramble and find an open spot. I was invited to a Dish Network House but opted for what I thought to be the next best thing. On the road I go to a local spot that just might have the game. Arriving early I noticed the parking lot is practically empty. Reluctantly I asked, “Do you have today’s Giant’s game?” The reply was music to my ears so I bellied up finding a great seat in front of a huge plasma flat screen. After ordering my “first of the day” adult beverage, I relaxed.
The pregame show ended, the sound was up as was the lively crowd. The Giants were introduced, my beverage was freshened, and boom…the screen went blank, the silence deafening. A message across the screen indicated that this game was “blacked out due to league restrictions”. What??!!
The next few minutes are a blur with people running to and fro getting remotes, barking instructions while one poor soul attempted to adjust the screen and sound, but to no avail. Cell phones appeared with people calling friends or other establishments to see if they were the chosen few who might have the game. An exodus of the Giants Fateful in their full regalia, blue and whites, home and aways, left for their cars. The place could not have cleared faster if someone shouted “fire”. I sat feeling dejected. Ah, but wait someone shouted, “Grab the feed from Detroit, channel 588”. Amazingly, the picture returned as did the sound and we were only a few minutes into the game. The crowd reappeared in time to see Dodge drop another punt attempt.
So what’s the deal with this feud over charges anyway? A few months ago antennae TV was killed off, now you need a box AND provider, all at a “nominal” fee. Most homes have more than one set so additional charges add up. Premium packages, sports channels, weather channels, numerous so called news channels, etc, etc. We the consumer pay for all of these, whether you want them or not. The cable provider charges us. They in turn purchase (with our money) programming. The programmers get some of our money from our providers and also from the advertisers. Huh, our money makes more money but not for us, all making a tidy profit. We even pay to watch what once was “free” television, the local channels. So who are the evil demons of all this doing? This time not necesrrarily the Dolans (Cablevision, Newsday, The Garden, The Beacon, Rangers, Knicks,etc ,fame) but Rupert Murdoch, the NEWS CORP mogul ( FOX, Fox News, Fox Business, NY Post fame),the man who became a naturalized American so he could legally own TV stations in our great nation . I suggest a compromise to both the Dolans and Murdoch. Let the consumer specifically pick the channels we wish, not a package deal. Why did he, they, pull just Channel 5 and 9? How about pulling all 12 channels of Murdock’s evil media empire and see if we can survive? After all he is the 38th richest “American” according to Forbes. “Fair and balanced” is a joke when you ask for 150 million, double, a raise of 70 million, from the last deal. I for one do not need your “Animal Channel” or others any longer. Let’s go Giants.jazzbus@gmail.com
Drinkin' the Kool-Aid
The Jazz Bus: Drinks The Kool-Aid?
Once there was a time when we as a people stood up for things and not necessarily just lambasted against things. During that era, our media, our press, our newsmen, were actual “news” people who were reliable and trusted; not just a talking heads, a pretty face, or worse, entertainers posing as news folk. In that same age of accurate and fair reporting our politicians displayed a general sense of public decorum with a respect for the people they represented, even those who did not vote for them, as well as a respect for other politicians and of course for the positions to which they were elected. Acting in a civilized way, being Gentlemen (women) was the order of the day. One could be adamantly opposed to an ideal or principle and debates of such could get somewhat heated. But personal diatribes and insults, I do not remember being thrown about as readily as they are today. Politicians were never above the law, manmade or in a moral sense, and maybe, unfortunately, indiscretions were hidden from public view. Today, not so much; sneeze and its front page fodder.
Scanning the channels at 6pm, 10pm and 11pm I see that most of our news programs are “news” only in their network calling it such. Mostly the hour is reserved for faux news regarding Lindsay Lohan’s latest stint in rehab or some reality show hag from Jersey who punched someone out. This in not “news” and should not be reported as “news”. What it is should be considered is hype, pure and simple. The so-called news programs of today continue to push their own networks shows in search of higher ratings and almighty advertiser’s bucks .Truthfully, I don’t care who is on this seasons Dancing With The Stars, nor do I need an instant recap of tonight’s episode of American Idol. I cannot imagine Walter Cronkite reporting something like that. Ask most people about recent developments in the lives of David Hasseloff or Charlie Sheen and you will receive an hour‘s dissertation. Ask about North Korea and get that far away look.
Pundits like Beck, Obermann, Rush, Maddox, O’Reilly, Imus, just offer comments, insults, innuendo, and many times poor attempts at humor. As Jon Stewart appropriately said, “we are just op-ed”. For me, Dragnet said it best, “Just the facts, ma’am”. Give it to me raw, only the truth, report it and let me filter out what and how I am to believe.
Recently I became entangled in political discussion. What started as two people’s soft points of view rapidly deteriorated by my compatriot into a name calling angry vent, all against me. I was called an “idiot” (which I might be) and was “obviously someone who drank the kool-aid” (first time I heard that outside of a Grateful Dead concert). All because I suggested that Carl Paladino, a man attempting to capture the role of Governor of our state and others (including Andrew Cuomo, his opponent) should develop a strategy of displaying what they stand for, not just what they are against. I added he was “out of line” in his recent comments which had nothing to do with any merits of Paladino’s candidacy. I further suggested Paladino appeared to be a bully and his outrageousness is simply a ploy to “get him some press, nothing more”. My opponent in this discussion had no idea what Paladino stood for , and told me so, yet adamantly and boldly declared , if he “hates Obama then he’s good enough for me”. My discussion mate shouted she was a “tea partier”. Me, I am just a cocktail partier. Dad was right; never discuss religion or politics over a few “diet cokes”. So I ask "where do we go from here"? Jazzbus@gmail.com
Once there was a time when we as a people stood up for things and not necessarily just lambasted against things. During that era, our media, our press, our newsmen, were actual “news” people who were reliable and trusted; not just a talking heads, a pretty face, or worse, entertainers posing as news folk. In that same age of accurate and fair reporting our politicians displayed a general sense of public decorum with a respect for the people they represented, even those who did not vote for them, as well as a respect for other politicians and of course for the positions to which they were elected. Acting in a civilized way, being Gentlemen (women) was the order of the day. One could be adamantly opposed to an ideal or principle and debates of such could get somewhat heated. But personal diatribes and insults, I do not remember being thrown about as readily as they are today. Politicians were never above the law, manmade or in a moral sense, and maybe, unfortunately, indiscretions were hidden from public view. Today, not so much; sneeze and its front page fodder.
Scanning the channels at 6pm, 10pm and 11pm I see that most of our news programs are “news” only in their network calling it such. Mostly the hour is reserved for faux news regarding Lindsay Lohan’s latest stint in rehab or some reality show hag from Jersey who punched someone out. This in not “news” and should not be reported as “news”. What it is should be considered is hype, pure and simple. The so-called news programs of today continue to push their own networks shows in search of higher ratings and almighty advertiser’s bucks .Truthfully, I don’t care who is on this seasons Dancing With The Stars, nor do I need an instant recap of tonight’s episode of American Idol. I cannot imagine Walter Cronkite reporting something like that. Ask most people about recent developments in the lives of David Hasseloff or Charlie Sheen and you will receive an hour‘s dissertation. Ask about North Korea and get that far away look.
Pundits like Beck, Obermann, Rush, Maddox, O’Reilly, Imus, just offer comments, insults, innuendo, and many times poor attempts at humor. As Jon Stewart appropriately said, “we are just op-ed”. For me, Dragnet said it best, “Just the facts, ma’am”. Give it to me raw, only the truth, report it and let me filter out what and how I am to believe.
Recently I became entangled in political discussion. What started as two people’s soft points of view rapidly deteriorated by my compatriot into a name calling angry vent, all against me. I was called an “idiot” (which I might be) and was “obviously someone who drank the kool-aid” (first time I heard that outside of a Grateful Dead concert). All because I suggested that Carl Paladino, a man attempting to capture the role of Governor of our state and others (including Andrew Cuomo, his opponent) should develop a strategy of displaying what they stand for, not just what they are against. I added he was “out of line” in his recent comments which had nothing to do with any merits of Paladino’s candidacy. I further suggested Paladino appeared to be a bully and his outrageousness is simply a ploy to “get him some press, nothing more”. My opponent in this discussion had no idea what Paladino stood for , and told me so, yet adamantly and boldly declared , if he “hates Obama then he’s good enough for me”. My discussion mate shouted she was a “tea partier”. Me, I am just a cocktail partier. Dad was right; never discuss religion or politics over a few “diet cokes”. So I ask "where do we go from here"? Jazzbus@gmail.com
Saturday, October 2, 2010
John Lennon @ 70
The Jazz Bus: John Lennon @ 70
Yoko Ono recently granted permission for EMI Records to re-issue (October 5) eight solo recordings of her late husband John Lennon to coincide with what would have been his 70th birthday (October 9). This newer batch, as per her wishes, includes a stripped down version of DOUBLE FANTASY. Void of additional instrumentation and overdubs the listener can focus on the poetry and voice of John Lennon. A single disc GREATEST HITS collection, a four disc anthology GIMME SOME TRUTH, and an 11-disc JOHN LENNON SIGNATURE BOX will also be available. Yoko and son Sean are also planning a commemorative concert in Los Angeles (similar to the one held a few months ago at the Brooklyn Academy of Music) with THE PLASTIC ONO BAND. Thinking back I truly miss the genius that was John Lennon’s ... I cannot “imagine” what would have been if John had lived.
During the past few months’ I have read a few books written about the Fab Four. One book of particular note is Peter Doggett’s YOU NEVER GIVE YOU YOUR MONEY; an exhausting look into the empire known as “THE BEATLES”, from their breakup onward. The Beatles as a business was and still is in a sorry state of affairs. A corporation known as Apple Corps developed from The Beatles, Ltd. and quickly spiraled out of control. Tangled by the involvement of multiple egotists and thousands of lawyers deals were made collectively, individually, overtly, covertly, and sometimes on their behalf without their consent or knowledge, most which landed them in court to resolve their finances. At one point George Harrison was declaring bankruptcy due to poor cash flow. A major example of this wheeling and dealing was uncovered in the Apple, Ltd. (The Beatles) lawsuit against Apple Computers (the iTunes guys) for their use of the name “Apple” as it applies to a music business. Full settlement of this legal mess is what is halting The Beatles from allowing their catalogue to be released digitally on iTunes. During the course of this Apple lawsuit it was found that Paul McCartney, without the other’s knowledge, had been receiving a “preferential royalty” from Capitol Records for his re- signing as a solo artist. The other “3” had not. When this fact which was worth millions to Sir Paul was uncovered the representatives of “the other three” went nuts, of course with another lawsuit developed against Capitol and Sir Paul.
In 1987 Yoko Ono acting as a Director of Apple, a role she inherited from the estate of John Lennon, allowed Nike to use REVOLUTION #1 in a television commercial. This particular song was penned solely by Mr. Lennon but attributed to Lennon/McCartney. Yoko believed she did not need to notify the “others” of this deal because it was “John’s song”. The “other three” who had no idea about the contract considered this an assault on The Beatles legacy. The “3” lost the lawsuit against Yoko as “she was acting as a Director”, and well within her rights. Paul questioned the logic of Yoko as a surrogate for The Beatles and their image when she was never a part of the group. As the 2013 deadline for EMI’s copyright of their material begins to run out those close to the situation have said that “McCartney dreaded what would happen if Yoko outlived him” (p.341). The belief is Yoko rewrites Beatles history to include herself and her “interference” has become “the battle for the soul of The Beatles”.
While only John (Yoko) and Paul benefit from what is left of the Lennon/McCartney songwriting catalogue, all four Beatles (Yoko for John, Olivia Harrison for George) share equally in Apple Corps, the total mother ship if you will. Many times over The Beatles landed up suing themselves, individually or collectively, all very costly, financially and in their relationships.
John Lennon, taken away from us at age 40, a collaborator in The Beatles catalogue of over 200 of the greatest pop records of all time, an accomplished solo artist, would have been 70 on October 9.His musical legacy is immeasurable. “All I want is some truth”.
Nov 12 LENNON TRIBUTE @ Beacon Theater with Jackson Browne, Patti Smith, Cyndi Lauper, etc
PBS Special Nov 22 LENNONYC-John’s life in NYC 1971-1980 jazzbus@gmail.com (jazzbus.blogspot.com)
Yoko Ono recently granted permission for EMI Records to re-issue (October 5) eight solo recordings of her late husband John Lennon to coincide with what would have been his 70th birthday (October 9). This newer batch, as per her wishes, includes a stripped down version of DOUBLE FANTASY. Void of additional instrumentation and overdubs the listener can focus on the poetry and voice of John Lennon. A single disc GREATEST HITS collection, a four disc anthology GIMME SOME TRUTH, and an 11-disc JOHN LENNON SIGNATURE BOX will also be available. Yoko and son Sean are also planning a commemorative concert in Los Angeles (similar to the one held a few months ago at the Brooklyn Academy of Music) with THE PLASTIC ONO BAND. Thinking back I truly miss the genius that was John Lennon’s ... I cannot “imagine” what would have been if John had lived.
During the past few months’ I have read a few books written about the Fab Four. One book of particular note is Peter Doggett’s YOU NEVER GIVE YOU YOUR MONEY; an exhausting look into the empire known as “THE BEATLES”, from their breakup onward. The Beatles as a business was and still is in a sorry state of affairs. A corporation known as Apple Corps developed from The Beatles, Ltd. and quickly spiraled out of control. Tangled by the involvement of multiple egotists and thousands of lawyers deals were made collectively, individually, overtly, covertly, and sometimes on their behalf without their consent or knowledge, most which landed them in court to resolve their finances. At one point George Harrison was declaring bankruptcy due to poor cash flow. A major example of this wheeling and dealing was uncovered in the Apple, Ltd. (The Beatles) lawsuit against Apple Computers (the iTunes guys) for their use of the name “Apple” as it applies to a music business. Full settlement of this legal mess is what is halting The Beatles from allowing their catalogue to be released digitally on iTunes. During the course of this Apple lawsuit it was found that Paul McCartney, without the other’s knowledge, had been receiving a “preferential royalty” from Capitol Records for his re- signing as a solo artist. The other “3” had not. When this fact which was worth millions to Sir Paul was uncovered the representatives of “the other three” went nuts, of course with another lawsuit developed against Capitol and Sir Paul.
In 1987 Yoko Ono acting as a Director of Apple, a role she inherited from the estate of John Lennon, allowed Nike to use REVOLUTION #1 in a television commercial. This particular song was penned solely by Mr. Lennon but attributed to Lennon/McCartney. Yoko believed she did not need to notify the “others” of this deal because it was “John’s song”. The “other three” who had no idea about the contract considered this an assault on The Beatles legacy. The “3” lost the lawsuit against Yoko as “she was acting as a Director”, and well within her rights. Paul questioned the logic of Yoko as a surrogate for The Beatles and their image when she was never a part of the group. As the 2013 deadline for EMI’s copyright of their material begins to run out those close to the situation have said that “McCartney dreaded what would happen if Yoko outlived him” (p.341). The belief is Yoko rewrites Beatles history to include herself and her “interference” has become “the battle for the soul of The Beatles”.
While only John (Yoko) and Paul benefit from what is left of the Lennon/McCartney songwriting catalogue, all four Beatles (Yoko for John, Olivia Harrison for George) share equally in Apple Corps, the total mother ship if you will. Many times over The Beatles landed up suing themselves, individually or collectively, all very costly, financially and in their relationships.
John Lennon, taken away from us at age 40, a collaborator in The Beatles catalogue of over 200 of the greatest pop records of all time, an accomplished solo artist, would have been 70 on October 9.His musical legacy is immeasurable. “All I want is some truth”.
Nov 12 LENNON TRIBUTE @ Beacon Theater with Jackson Browne, Patti Smith, Cyndi Lauper, etc
PBS Special Nov 22 LENNONYC-John’s life in NYC 1971-1980 jazzbus@gmail.com (jazzbus.blogspot.com)
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