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[tofu]

[The Big Ben]

I only just discovered "The Last Waltz" which a film done by a young Martin Scorsese back in 1976 of the last concert by The Band in 1974 in SF. The music is fantastic as are the guest artists like Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Van Morisson, Ron Wood, Ringo Star, Neil Diamond, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan (for whom The Band was his backing band before going on their own) and others. Scorcese did a great job as the music predominates and the interviews are interesting, but never get in the way of the music.

A young Howard Johnson is easy to see on stage playing tuba. He had played on their Rock of Ages album and played with the Band's drummer Leon Helm's own band well into the 2000's.

This is one of my favorite films of, like, ever. The "real" name of The Band is "The Hawks" because they played with Ronnie Hawkins, "The Hawk". They spent a number of years playing as "The Hawks" after they left Ronnie Hawkins. They play with Hawkins in the film. They picked up the moniker "The Band" during their time with Dylan.

An interview I particularly liked was with Garth Hudson, one of the keyboard players who also played the mandolin and a variety of other instruments. His main keyboard instrument was the B-3. Hudson is a classically trained musician and his family had supported him during that training. He says that "his people didn't particularly approve of the fact i had joined a rock and roll band so I told them that the band had hired him to be their teacher and the family found that much more palatable".

I believe Garth Hudson and Robbie Robertson are the only members still alive. A "reunion" was tried a number of times and, like many, didn't last long and, like many, were not successful. Robbie Robertson kinda claimed that *he* was The Band and the others didn't particularly agree,

Worth the time to watch and listen.

Oh, yeah... "Levon".

Jeff "Goin' 'Up On Cripple Creek' " Benedict

[tofu]

[The Big Ben]

Hi:
I'll check out that new video. I spent too much time writing my post and the board timed out so I got hosed. That's what I get for being long winded.

The following website is vey good for The Band and it's people and history. Interesting to note that there are long biographies and personal recollections of artists for Rick, Levon, Garth and Richard and only a short, cursory treatment for Robbie. Hmmmm...

http://theband.hiof.no

Jeff "I sure wish I could yodel" Benedict

[tofu]

[The Big Ben]

Thanks! I think I have paid Hulu. I watch so little television, I'm not sure what I pay for and what I don't. (I have a Roku and nothing else.)