Last night I was spinning the debut release by Kris Kristofferson and reminding myself of what an amazing record it is. In celebration of that moment here are a few of the great debut records by singer/songwriters.
Gordon Lightfoot - Lightfoot - 1966
Canadians have made some pretty great debut discs. "For Loving Me", "Early Morning Rain", "Steel Rail Blues", "Ribbon of Darkness" True classic
Leonard Cohen - Songs of Leonard Cohen - Columbia - 1968
Amazing debut by the poet from Montreal. "Suzanne", "Sisters of Mercy", "Hey That's No way to Say Goodbye"
Randy Newman - Randy Newman - 1968
before he did kids movie soundtracks he was an outstanding singer/songwriter who could write cutting comedy and deeply introspective moments and talk just to you. "Love Story", "Livin' Without You", "I Think It's Going to Rain Today"
Kris Kristofferson - Kristofferson - Monument - 1970
One of the best debuts by a singer/songwriter ever. "Me And Bobby McGee", "Help Me Make It Through the Night", "Sunday Morning Coming Down". All time classic.
John Prine - John Prine - Atlantic - 1971
"Illegal Smile", "Hello In There", "Sam Stone", "Paradise", "Angel From Montgomery" and more. This is greatest hits good. And it was the singing postman's first LP. Which Kris Kristofferson and Paul Anka helped him with getting his record deal
Tom Waits - Closing Time - 1973
Superb debut. Original, definitive. "Ol 55", "I Hope That I Don't Fall In Love With You", "Closing Time".
Kate and Anna McGarrigle - Kate & Anna McGarrigle - 1975
the sisters made their best right out of the gate. "Kiss & Say Goodbye", "Heart Like A Wheel", "Talk To Me of Mendocino" wonderful record
Warren Zevon - Warren Zevon - 1976
amazing debut by this West Coast singer/songwriter. "Poor Poor Pitiful Me", "Mohamed's Radio, "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead
Showing posts with label campus radio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label campus radio. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Friday, November 25, 2011
Cover Songs
On Monday Nov 28th Dave Sarazin and I will be hosting a cover show from 11am-12:30pm. We plan to take as many requests as possible and just may do a part 2 if we get enough or who knows, even a part 3.
We will talk about why a cover song matters and what it says about the song and the artist who covers it.
Does a song need to be defined by time and place? Can a song be done in a different style and still work? Can an artist take something and make it their own?
Hendrix ripping into All Along the Watchtower, changed the way Dylan himself performed the song ever since. Many others are just footnotes. What are the great covers? What makes them great?
Here are a few of my faves. What works for you?
We will talk about why a cover song matters and what it says about the song and the artist who covers it.
Does a song need to be defined by time and place? Can a song be done in a different style and still work? Can an artist take something and make it their own?
Hendrix ripping into All Along the Watchtower, changed the way Dylan himself performed the song ever since. Many others are just footnotes. What are the great covers? What makes them great?
Here are a few of my faves. What works for you?
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Why is CKCU important?
Paying back what’s owed: my debt to Radio Carleton
Why is CKCU-FM so important to so many people? Why do we continue to contribute to the fundraising campaign year after year, decades after leaving Carleton U? I know it is because we formed lifelong personal and professional friendships working at the station, and we had a lot of fun in those early days. But for me, it was a genuine turning point in my life: I owe any success I have had to my experience at Radio Carleton.
When I first came to Carleton in the fall of 1974, I was returning to university after more than a year working as a waiter. I already had a number of strikes against me: I had eked through CEGEP in Montreal and then dropped out of first year Ottawa U; I was a new father; I was studying for a BA, against my personnel manager father's best advice, as he saw it as a degree with no practical application; and although I aspired to be a journalist, I neither typed nor took shorthand, skills required for journalism school.
But Carleton had one thing few other universities offered: a radio station that welcomed volunteers. Although only carrier current at the time, its leadership also had a dream: to become a legitimate FM broadcaster.
So I walked shyly into Radio Carleton and was welcomed by the then-public affairs director, Chris Henry, asked about my interests (politics and sports) and quickly assigned to a weekly magazine program, Parliament in Review. It was a revelation: I was able to go to Parliament Hill every day and listen to Question Period and join with other professional journalists outside the House of Commons in the daily “scrums.” I had access to Members of Parliament whenever I needed a quote for a documentary or story. And I could apply what I was learning in the classroom to the issues of the day. I undertook documentaries on women in politics and capital punishment, among others.
I became confident in my own knowledge and learned more from the “pros” I rubbed shoulders with each day on the Hill. And working alongside brilliant students of radio like Randy Williams, Rob Braide, Craig Mackie, Andrea Thiel, Jeff Greene, Penny Macrae, Eric Dormer, and so many others, I honed my skills. From time to time, one of the journalism students at CKCU would slip me into a class and I would glean some knowledge from professors like Joe Scanlon and George Frajkor.
In November of 1975, we did get the desired FM license and we were broadcasting to the entire National Capital Region; my learning experience grew, as did my access. I covered the Progressive Conservative convention in February 1976, interviewing all of the candidates as well as former leader John Diefenbaker at his home with colleague Paul Park. I had special access to candidate Brian Mulroney, and was on the floor when Joe Clark was declared the winner. I branched out into sports, attending Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Alouettes and Expos games and doing interviews for the sports program of the time. I even attended the Stanley Cup parties with the “Habs” and Montreal media. That spring, I received the award for best reporter/researcher, and “Parliament in Review” won for best public affairs program. And in the process, I became a much more engaged student.
The next year, I went to Washington DC and reported on Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau’s meeting with President Jimmy Carter at the White House and his address to a joint session of Congress. I also produced a documentary on the impact of the 1976 Parti Québécois election for “Special Blend.”
When I money for tuition ran short, I decided to take my experience as a reporter and see the country, working in radio and television in Montreal, Quebec City, Calgary, St. John’s, and Corner Brook. This led to opportunities to work on the Quebec referendum campaign, and as assistant to the opposition leaders in Quebec and Newfoundland and finally as a press secretary on Parliament Hill. Then seven years later, I returned to Carleton to complete my degree.
Since then, I have branched out to write articles and op-eds for the Globe and Mail, Montreal Gazette, Calgary Herald and others. I worked for CBC Radio in Montreal and ran for office, becoming a municipal councilor in the Montreal area. When I went to Geneva in 1995 as the spouse of a diplomat, reading the morning news as a volunteer at the local radio English language station provided me with a profile that led to job opportunities in the UN system, working in Africa, Macedonia and Bangladesh.
In 2000, I returned to Ottawa to study at Carleton and received a Master’s in Journalism with a thesis about the impact of the news media on the United Nations called “Like Moths to a Flame.” And now, thanks to that degree, I have been at Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada since 2002.
I often think, “there but for fortune go I,” and know that I might still be waiting on tables if not for the support and encouragement of my colleagues at Radio Carleton. That small community was an island of sanity for me, and I always tell Carleton students looking for a challenge to go to the fifth floor of the University Centre and see if that is where they belong.
My story is one of many: there are uncountable numbers of CKCU-FM “graduates” who have gone on to positions of prestige and responsibility in broadcasting and elsewhere, and that is why we are so loyal to Radio Carleton. As for me, I will never really be ever to repay what it gave me, but my annual contribution is one small way of giving back.
Andrew Caddell, BA ‘86, MJ ‘02, is the global practice lead, forestry at Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.
Why is CKCU-FM so important to so many people? Why do we continue to contribute to the fundraising campaign year after year, decades after leaving Carleton U? I know it is because we formed lifelong personal and professional friendships working at the station, and we had a lot of fun in those early days. But for me, it was a genuine turning point in my life: I owe any success I have had to my experience at Radio Carleton.
When I first came to Carleton in the fall of 1974, I was returning to university after more than a year working as a waiter. I already had a number of strikes against me: I had eked through CEGEP in Montreal and then dropped out of first year Ottawa U; I was a new father; I was studying for a BA, against my personnel manager father's best advice, as he saw it as a degree with no practical application; and although I aspired to be a journalist, I neither typed nor took shorthand, skills required for journalism school.
But Carleton had one thing few other universities offered: a radio station that welcomed volunteers. Although only carrier current at the time, its leadership also had a dream: to become a legitimate FM broadcaster.
So I walked shyly into Radio Carleton and was welcomed by the then-public affairs director, Chris Henry, asked about my interests (politics and sports) and quickly assigned to a weekly magazine program, Parliament in Review. It was a revelation: I was able to go to Parliament Hill every day and listen to Question Period and join with other professional journalists outside the House of Commons in the daily “scrums.” I had access to Members of Parliament whenever I needed a quote for a documentary or story. And I could apply what I was learning in the classroom to the issues of the day. I undertook documentaries on women in politics and capital punishment, among others.
I became confident in my own knowledge and learned more from the “pros” I rubbed shoulders with each day on the Hill. And working alongside brilliant students of radio like Randy Williams, Rob Braide, Craig Mackie, Andrea Thiel, Jeff Greene, Penny Macrae, Eric Dormer, and so many others, I honed my skills. From time to time, one of the journalism students at CKCU would slip me into a class and I would glean some knowledge from professors like Joe Scanlon and George Frajkor.
In November of 1975, we did get the desired FM license and we were broadcasting to the entire National Capital Region; my learning experience grew, as did my access. I covered the Progressive Conservative convention in February 1976, interviewing all of the candidates as well as former leader John Diefenbaker at his home with colleague Paul Park. I had special access to candidate Brian Mulroney, and was on the floor when Joe Clark was declared the winner. I branched out into sports, attending Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Alouettes and Expos games and doing interviews for the sports program of the time. I even attended the Stanley Cup parties with the “Habs” and Montreal media. That spring, I received the award for best reporter/researcher, and “Parliament in Review” won for best public affairs program. And in the process, I became a much more engaged student.
The next year, I went to Washington DC and reported on Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau’s meeting with President Jimmy Carter at the White House and his address to a joint session of Congress. I also produced a documentary on the impact of the 1976 Parti Québécois election for “Special Blend.”
When I money for tuition ran short, I decided to take my experience as a reporter and see the country, working in radio and television in Montreal, Quebec City, Calgary, St. John’s, and Corner Brook. This led to opportunities to work on the Quebec referendum campaign, and as assistant to the opposition leaders in Quebec and Newfoundland and finally as a press secretary on Parliament Hill. Then seven years later, I returned to Carleton to complete my degree.
Since then, I have branched out to write articles and op-eds for the Globe and Mail, Montreal Gazette, Calgary Herald and others. I worked for CBC Radio in Montreal and ran for office, becoming a municipal councilor in the Montreal area. When I went to Geneva in 1995 as the spouse of a diplomat, reading the morning news as a volunteer at the local radio English language station provided me with a profile that led to job opportunities in the UN system, working in Africa, Macedonia and Bangladesh.
In 2000, I returned to Ottawa to study at Carleton and received a Master’s in Journalism with a thesis about the impact of the news media on the United Nations called “Like Moths to a Flame.” And now, thanks to that degree, I have been at Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada since 2002.
I often think, “there but for fortune go I,” and know that I might still be waiting on tables if not for the support and encouragement of my colleagues at Radio Carleton. That small community was an island of sanity for me, and I always tell Carleton students looking for a challenge to go to the fifth floor of the University Centre and see if that is where they belong.
My story is one of many: there are uncountable numbers of CKCU-FM “graduates” who have gone on to positions of prestige and responsibility in broadcasting and elsewhere, and that is why we are so loyal to Radio Carleton. As for me, I will never really be ever to repay what it gave me, but my annual contribution is one small way of giving back.
Andrew Caddell, BA ‘86, MJ ‘02, is the global practice lead, forestry at Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
CKCU draw for donors
We are introducing some more incentives into the drive. On Saturday December 3rd at 11am we will be conducting a series of draws for different prizes. Everyone who has or does contribute before the drive ends is eligible. person will be entered into every draw they are eligible for. So if a person pledges $50 or more they will be entered into all the draws.
Everyone who makes a donation is eligible to win prizes except for CKCU staff (Dylan, Chris,Ron, Dave, Matthew). The number and value of prizes available increases with higher donation levels.
$10 or more a package of 5 CD's to be selected by the winner
$25 or more - an IPOD Touch
$35 or more - a Travel Cuts travel voucher valued at $250
( The voucher can be used for any travel services provided by Travel Cuts, including flights, train trips, tours, travel insce and vacation packages. The voucher can be redeemed at any Travel Cuts location in Canada. The voucher is courtesy of Travel Cuts located at Carleton University in Room 302 of the University Centre building)
$50 or more - an IPAD 2
Everyone who makes a donation is eligible to win prizes except for CKCU staff (Dylan, Chris,Ron, Dave, Matthew). The number and value of prizes available increases with higher donation levels.
$10 or more a package of 5 CD's to be selected by the winner
$25 or more - an IPOD Touch
$35 or more - a Travel Cuts travel voucher valued at $250
( The voucher can be used for any travel services provided by Travel Cuts, including flights, train trips, tours, travel insce and vacation packages. The voucher can be redeemed at any Travel Cuts location in Canada. The voucher is courtesy of Travel Cuts located at Carleton University in Room 302 of the University Centre building)
$50 or more - an IPAD 2
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
CKCU needs your help to archive all our shows!!!!
Want to listen to all CKCU shows on the web at any time?
We are planning to archive all our shows on our web site so that you can listen to them at any time. In order to do this we have to reach our $111,000 goal for the funding drive. Please dial and donate at (613)520-3920 or(1)877-520-3920 or ckcufm.com !!!!!!!!!!! just imagine "Friday Morning Cartunes", "This Island Earth", "Canadian Spaces" at any time. Please help us make it happen!
We are planning to archive all our shows on our web site so that you can listen to them at any time. In order to do this we have to reach our $111,000 goal for the funding drive. Please dial and donate at (613)520-3920 or(1)877-520-3920 or ckcufm.com !!!!!!!!!!! just imagine "Friday Morning Cartunes", "This Island Earth", "Canadian Spaces" at any time. Please help us make it happen!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
CKCU Funding Drive Incentives?
Our annual funding drive is on now. We offer great radio for your donation and a tax receipt. Community listings, interviews, live in studio music. What more would you like? Maybe some big prizes? A draw for an ipad or ipod? Trips? Let us know
Did you know you can donate $93.10 or more to be a host for an hour on CKCU?
what would interest you?
Did you know you can donate $93.10 or more to be a host for an hour on CKCU?
what would interest you?
Friday, October 21, 2011
CKCU Funding Drive Day #1
We are a celebrating our 36th Anniversary this year and we want to make it a special year by making our Funding Drive goal of $111,000 by Nov 6th.
Since 1975 we have been providing the best in: music, spoken word and multicultural programming 24/7/365. All of our hosts are volunteers but you would never know it by listening to the outstanding programs they produce. We cover everything from Indian Classical to Death Metal and from Bluegrass to Electronica. And we provide in-depth context about where the music came from and where it may be going. We also cover a wide variety of spoken word topics from politics to sports we offer a unique perspective. We also provide programming in more than 15 different languages. Our more than 200 hosts range in age from teenagers to seniors.
We are an independent media outlet like almost no other. And as a registered charity we can give you a tax receipt for your donation.
Please consider donating to keep our independent voice on the air.
You can donate on our web site or by calling the station during the funding drive
There is no CKCU without you.
To donate call (613)520-3920 or 1-877-520-3920 or ckcufm.com
Thank you!!!!
Since 1975 we have been providing the best in: music, spoken word and multicultural programming 24/7/365. All of our hosts are volunteers but you would never know it by listening to the outstanding programs they produce. We cover everything from Indian Classical to Death Metal and from Bluegrass to Electronica. And we provide in-depth context about where the music came from and where it may be going. We also cover a wide variety of spoken word topics from politics to sports we offer a unique perspective. We also provide programming in more than 15 different languages. Our more than 200 hosts range in age from teenagers to seniors.
We are an independent media outlet like almost no other. And as a registered charity we can give you a tax receipt for your donation.
Please consider donating to keep our independent voice on the air.
You can donate on our web site or by calling the station during the funding drive
There is no CKCU without you.
To donate call (613)520-3920 or 1-877-520-3920 or ckcufm.com
Thank you!!!!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Barnstorm !!!!!!
Bus to Barnstorm this Saturday!!!!
We still have room on the bus for this amazing event. Send me an email to manager@ckcufm.com and you can ride the bus from Carleton to Finch, watch all the great bands in a terrific setting and ride the bus back to Carleton at the end of the show.
The cost? If you send me an email. The cost is free!!! Yes Free !!!!!
Don't delay, write today
http://barnstorm.ca/
We still have room on the bus for this amazing event. Send me an email to manager@ckcufm.com and you can ride the bus from Carleton to Finch, watch all the great bands in a terrific setting and ride the bus back to Carleton at the end of the show.
The cost? If you send me an email. The cost is free!!! Yes Free !!!!!
Don't delay, write today
http://barnstorm.ca/
Friday, July 29, 2011
Live Albums Part Four
It's the Friday before the long week-end. Hope you all have a great and safe time doing what you do. Not sure if I will be able to catch any live music but I will certainly listen to some great live recordings.
Taj Mahal - The Real Thing - Columbia
2Lp set from the Fillmore East. Searing blues with horn players from the Charles Mingus band. This is a must listen
Ted Hawkins - The Final Tour - Evidence
Venice Beach busker finally gets signed and tours just before he passes away. He sings soul from the soul. And draws upon: pop, folk, country and blues to take you on a wonderful trip
Sam Cooke - Live at the Harlem Square Club
The greatest soul singer of them all captured live at his prime. Backed by the King Curtis Band. This disc just comes for life as soon as you put it on. You can feel the sweat from the band and appreciative audience.
Otis Redding - Live in London and Paris
He recorded several great live albums which were released after he died. So I think we can safely say he must have been one of the best live performers of all time. Backed by Booker T & the MG's and the Mar Keys horn section. This just burns from beginning to end!
Ray Charles - Ray Charles at Newport
Oh my, is it possible to be this good? You would not want to come on a stage after Ray Charles was finished.
B.B. King - Live At the Regal
Here is the "King of the Blues" earning his crown. If you only know his later work with the superstar guests you owe it to yourself to go back to when his performances mattered. And none is better than this one.
James Brown - Live at the Apollo
He would make many excellent live records during his long career. But this performance by Brown and the Flames is tops!
Harry Belafonte - Belafonte at Carnegie Hall
2Lp and my all time fave live record. It has it all. Music, performance, audience participation and FUN
Taj Mahal - The Real Thing - Columbia
2Lp set from the Fillmore East. Searing blues with horn players from the Charles Mingus band. This is a must listen
Ted Hawkins - The Final Tour - Evidence
Venice Beach busker finally gets signed and tours just before he passes away. He sings soul from the soul. And draws upon: pop, folk, country and blues to take you on a wonderful trip
Sam Cooke - Live at the Harlem Square Club
The greatest soul singer of them all captured live at his prime. Backed by the King Curtis Band. This disc just comes for life as soon as you put it on. You can feel the sweat from the band and appreciative audience.
Otis Redding - Live in London and Paris
He recorded several great live albums which were released after he died. So I think we can safely say he must have been one of the best live performers of all time. Backed by Booker T & the MG's and the Mar Keys horn section. This just burns from beginning to end!
Ray Charles - Ray Charles at Newport
Oh my, is it possible to be this good? You would not want to come on a stage after Ray Charles was finished.
B.B. King - Live At the Regal
Here is the "King of the Blues" earning his crown. If you only know his later work with the superstar guests you owe it to yourself to go back to when his performances mattered. And none is better than this one.
James Brown - Live at the Apollo
He would make many excellent live records during his long career. But this performance by Brown and the Flames is tops!
Harry Belafonte - Belafonte at Carnegie Hall
2Lp and my all time fave live record. It has it all. Music, performance, audience participation and FUN
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Great Live Recordings Part Three
Hope you are enjoying checking out these amazing live discs. Feel free to give your faves a shout out as well.
Johnny Cash - At Folsom Prison
The Man in Black brings his show behind the bars and rips into a set for an appreciative group of convicts. Sounds like a movie script? It happened and it was better than anyone could have imagined.
Buck Owens and His Buckaroos - The Carnegie Hall Concert
A great concert hall with one of the best country bands of all time. It worked and it is superb!
Merle Haggard & the Strangers - Okie From Muskogee
he goes back to his roots and performs in front of a wild crowd a set of wild fast and out of control songs. Backed by the best band in the business.
Commander Cody & the Lost Planet Airmen - Live From Deep in the Heart of Texas
Keeping the spirit of country alive with a rock and roll heart. They rip through covers and originals at a break neck pace.
Emmylou Harris - At the Ryman
Backed by the Nash Ramblers this is an outstanding live set. Mixing originals, old tyme music and modern covers they take the listener through a survey of Americana. All performed by a top notch band and one of the best singers in the history of country music.
Alison Krauss & Union Station - Live!
Outstanding performance by this talented singer and fiddle player. Here band is not too shabby also. They mix the modern with the traditional. From ballads to foot stompers it has a little of everything.
Johnny Cash - At Folsom Prison
The Man in Black brings his show behind the bars and rips into a set for an appreciative group of convicts. Sounds like a movie script? It happened and it was better than anyone could have imagined.
Buck Owens and His Buckaroos - The Carnegie Hall Concert
A great concert hall with one of the best country bands of all time. It worked and it is superb!
Merle Haggard & the Strangers - Okie From Muskogee
he goes back to his roots and performs in front of a wild crowd a set of wild fast and out of control songs. Backed by the best band in the business.
Commander Cody & the Lost Planet Airmen - Live From Deep in the Heart of Texas
Keeping the spirit of country alive with a rock and roll heart. They rip through covers and originals at a break neck pace.
Emmylou Harris - At the Ryman
Backed by the Nash Ramblers this is an outstanding live set. Mixing originals, old tyme music and modern covers they take the listener through a survey of Americana. All performed by a top notch band and one of the best singers in the history of country music.
Alison Krauss & Union Station - Live!
Outstanding performance by this talented singer and fiddle player. Here band is not too shabby also. They mix the modern with the traditional. From ballads to foot stompers it has a little of everything.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Great Live Recordings Part Two
Ahh the sound of live music captured and put in the bottle. To be opened by your turntable, CD player or computer. The sounds of 1946 or 2011 just waiting to be unleased. We have had some great ones listed on the new CKCU forum http://www.ckcufm.com/forum including
Hawkwind - Space Ritual
recorded live in December 1972. It is a wild space rock opera. Excellent from beginning to end
and here are some more to check out!!!
Spirit - Live Spirit
not the original version of the band. maybe not all live? who knows why this is as good as it is but it is great!
Ginger Baker - Ginger Baker's Air Force
recorded live at Royal Albert Hall in 1970. Jazz rock with Afro percussion. Denny Laine is on fire here. This was their 2nd show ever.
Delaney and Bonnie - On Tour
recorded at Croydon in 1969. Features some of the finest live performances by Eric Clapton and George Harrison. Much of the band goes on to form Derek and the Dominoes as well as back Harrison for All things Must Pass and Concert for Bangladesh
George Harrison - The Concert for Bangladesh
the first rock superstar live fundraiser concert and probably the best. features Indian classical with Ravi Shankar, and amazing live performances by Leon Russell, Billy Preston and Bob Dylan
Hawkwind - Space Ritual
recorded live in December 1972. It is a wild space rock opera. Excellent from beginning to end
and here are some more to check out!!!
Spirit - Live Spirit
not the original version of the band. maybe not all live? who knows why this is as good as it is but it is great!
Ginger Baker - Ginger Baker's Air Force
recorded live at Royal Albert Hall in 1970. Jazz rock with Afro percussion. Denny Laine is on fire here. This was their 2nd show ever.
Delaney and Bonnie - On Tour
recorded at Croydon in 1969. Features some of the finest live performances by Eric Clapton and George Harrison. Much of the band goes on to form Derek and the Dominoes as well as back Harrison for All things Must Pass and Concert for Bangladesh
George Harrison - The Concert for Bangladesh
the first rock superstar live fundraiser concert and probably the best. features Indian classical with Ravi Shankar, and amazing live performances by Leon Russell, Billy Preston and Bob Dylan
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Great Live Recordings! (Guitar Rock from the 60's & 70's)
One of the great thrills of music is when the musicians and audience are in the moment. Where nothing else matters other than the next note. Where time stands still as you are covered in the warmth of live music. Usually that feeling is very fleeting but through the magic of recordings sometimes those great evenings are recorded for posterity and go on to define a musicians career. I know there are many horrible rock, pop, metal, etc live records. But what are the really good ones? Which ones put you in front of the stage while the band takes you to another place?
Here are a few you should check out or revisit.
Jimi Hendrix - Band of Gypsys
The band features: Billy Cox on bass and Buddy Miles on drums. The music is on fire here. Every note cuts to the core. The guitar effects are spectacular. The performance of "Machine Gun" is definitive, a radio play, novel and rock opera all in one. One of the greatest live cuts of all time. And unfortunately the message is just as relevant today as it was then.
Allman Brothers Band - At Fillmore East
A 2 LP set recorded with the original line up. This is as much jazz as it is rock, blues and soul. Duane Allman's guitar sounds like a cry from the wilderness, like the wind through the trees, like water crashing onto the beach. His brother Gregg on keyboards and vocals provides tremendous backing. 10,15 and 20 minute tracks fly by as if they just got started. What a show this must have been to see live.
Santana - Lotus
A 3LP that has no excess. The band is starting to change but Carlos Santana is still on top of his game. Latin rock at its finest.
Grateful Dead - Live/Dead
A 2 Lp set. Features terrific performances of "Dark Star" and "St. Stephen". There was lots of life in the Dead at this point.
Osibia - Black Magic Night Live at the Royal Festival Hall
More percussion than guitar driven but fits in nicely with these other albums. Afro-latin, jazz fusion. This is great!
What live albums do it for you?
Here are a few you should check out or revisit.
Jimi Hendrix - Band of Gypsys
The band features: Billy Cox on bass and Buddy Miles on drums. The music is on fire here. Every note cuts to the core. The guitar effects are spectacular. The performance of "Machine Gun" is definitive, a radio play, novel and rock opera all in one. One of the greatest live cuts of all time. And unfortunately the message is just as relevant today as it was then.
Allman Brothers Band - At Fillmore East
A 2 LP set recorded with the original line up. This is as much jazz as it is rock, blues and soul. Duane Allman's guitar sounds like a cry from the wilderness, like the wind through the trees, like water crashing onto the beach. His brother Gregg on keyboards and vocals provides tremendous backing. 10,15 and 20 minute tracks fly by as if they just got started. What a show this must have been to see live.
Santana - Lotus
A 3LP that has no excess. The band is starting to change but Carlos Santana is still on top of his game. Latin rock at its finest.
Grateful Dead - Live/Dead
A 2 Lp set. Features terrific performances of "Dark Star" and "St. Stephen". There was lots of life in the Dead at this point.
Osibia - Black Magic Night Live at the Royal Festival Hall
More percussion than guitar driven but fits in nicely with these other albums. Afro-latin, jazz fusion. This is great!
What live albums do it for you?
Monday, July 25, 2011
Afro Beat!
The endless beat from Nigeria combining Yoruba, jazz, funk and highlife. Music that even allows dancing challenged individuals a chance to move and groove. It can be heard on CKCU every Sunday on This Island Earth and on occasion on other CKCU programs. Turn it up and leave it on!
It begins and ends with the wonderful Fela Kuti. Combining politics, showmanship and musician ship. There are few who could stand taller, play longer or groove better.
Tony Allen learned the trade drumming for Fela and has continued to push the boundaries.
Sonny Okosun would have some success in North America. His songs were on the soundtracks for: "Sun City" and "Something Wild".
Keeping the beat going in Nigeria is Funsho Ogundipe
Finally one of the leading Afrobeat bands of today is Antibalas. I have been lucky enough to see them live several times. It is a show that is not to be missed!
It begins and ends with the wonderful Fela Kuti. Combining politics, showmanship and musician ship. There are few who could stand taller, play longer or groove better.
Tony Allen learned the trade drumming for Fela and has continued to push the boundaries.
Sonny Okosun would have some success in North America. His songs were on the soundtracks for: "Sun City" and "Something Wild".
Keeping the beat going in Nigeria is Funsho Ogundipe
Finally one of the leading Afrobeat bands of today is Antibalas. I have been lucky enough to see them live several times. It is a show that is not to be missed!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Frank Zappa Long Songs
I hope you have had a chance to catch Bobby Marquis' ongoing series on Frank Zappa. This week he just aired part 8 of a group of interviews he has done with Frank Zappa alumni. It is a wonderful series: well researched and presented. You can hear it every Wednesday from 3:30pm-4:30pm or you can check out the audio archive here http://cod.ckcufm.com/programs/88/info.html.
So to end this week of long songs here is a master of the 8 minute + musical excursion. Frank Vincent Zappa!
Frank Zappa - Absolutely Free - Brown Shoes Don't Make It
Frank Zappa - Lumpy Gravy - Lumpy Gravy Part One
backed by the 50-piece Abnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra
Frank Zappa - Uncle Meat - King Kong. Zappa does Jazz Rock
Frank Zappa - Hot Rats - Willie the Pimp. Captain Beefheart on vocals.
Frank Zappa - Burnt Weeny Sandwich - Little House I Used to Live In. Features Don Preston on piano
So to end this week of long songs here is a master of the 8 minute + musical excursion. Frank Vincent Zappa!
Frank Zappa - Absolutely Free - Brown Shoes Don't Make It
Frank Zappa - Lumpy Gravy - Lumpy Gravy Part One
backed by the 50-piece Abnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra
Frank Zappa - Uncle Meat - King Kong. Zappa does Jazz Rock
Frank Zappa - Hot Rats - Willie the Pimp. Captain Beefheart on vocals.
Frank Zappa - Burnt Weeny Sandwich - Little House I Used to Live In. Features Don Preston on piano
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Long Songs Part Three!
Third and final sample of great long songs for long players. Which ones do you love to hear?
The Marshall Tucker Band - Southern Woman
jazzy and bluesy, southern rock. good music for a hot day!
Paul Butterfield Blues Band - East-West
rock, jazz, blues and indian raga. With Mike Bloomfield!
Sandy Bull - Inventions for Guitar & Banjo - Memphis Tennessee
radical take on this Chuck Berry classic backed by Billy Higgins!
Aretha Franklin - Live At Fillmore West - Spirit in the Dark
One of the best live recordings ever made. Features King Curtis and his band. Billy Preston on organ, Cornell Dupree on guitar, Bernard Purdie on drums. At one point she invites Ray Charles up on the stage to join her for what would become a career defining moment! This video is not the same show but gives you a sense of what it was like
The Chambers Brothers - The Time Has Come - Time Has Come Today
one of the best psych rock songs ever
The Marshall Tucker Band - Southern Woman
jazzy and bluesy, southern rock. good music for a hot day!
Paul Butterfield Blues Band - East-West
rock, jazz, blues and indian raga. With Mike Bloomfield!
Sandy Bull - Inventions for Guitar & Banjo - Memphis Tennessee
radical take on this Chuck Berry classic backed by Billy Higgins!
Aretha Franklin - Live At Fillmore West - Spirit in the Dark
One of the best live recordings ever made. Features King Curtis and his band. Billy Preston on organ, Cornell Dupree on guitar, Bernard Purdie on drums. At one point she invites Ray Charles up on the stage to join her for what would become a career defining moment! This video is not the same show but gives you a sense of what it was like
The Chambers Brothers - The Time Has Come - Time Has Come Today
one of the best psych rock songs ever
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Long Songs Part 2
Well there are enough of them to go on forever so I think it will be ok if we do day two. What are those classic tracks you are hoping the DJ will drop? Here are a few people have enjoyed when I played them
Dr John - Remedies - Angola Anthem
this is one of the wildest tracks you have ever heard. the groove goes on forever and the chanting and singing is way out there. outstanding track!
Terry Callier - What Color Is Love - Dancing Girl
Why is he not better known? Combines funk, rock, folk, jazz and more. Has an amazing voice and writes and performs at a very high level. This is superb!
Lou Bond - Lou Bond - To The Establishment - Stax
Is this really his only record? Don't know a lot about him but this album and this
song in particular are wonderful
Isaac Hayes - Hot Buttered Soul - Walk On By
The Bar Kays with one of the coolest people to ever walk the earth. Jaw dropping good.
Curtis Mayfield - Curtis - (Don't Worry) If There's a Hell Below, We're All Going to Go
Tough, cool, smart, amazing percussion, wild production and a performance that sizzles!
Sly and the Family Stone - There's A Riot Goin' On - Africa Talks To You "The Ashphalt Jungle"
such a talent who burned out way too soon. What style of music is this? Funk, soul, jazz? Doesn't matter it is great!
Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - Right On
He can make the best 3 minute single you have ever heard and it turns out stretching it out was no problem.
Dr John - Remedies - Angola Anthem
this is one of the wildest tracks you have ever heard. the groove goes on forever and the chanting and singing is way out there. outstanding track!
Terry Callier - What Color Is Love - Dancing Girl
Why is he not better known? Combines funk, rock, folk, jazz and more. Has an amazing voice and writes and performs at a very high level. This is superb!
Lou Bond - Lou Bond - To The Establishment - Stax
Is this really his only record? Don't know a lot about him but this album and this
song in particular are wonderful
Isaac Hayes - Hot Buttered Soul - Walk On By
The Bar Kays with one of the coolest people to ever walk the earth. Jaw dropping good.
Curtis Mayfield - Curtis - (Don't Worry) If There's a Hell Below, We're All Going to Go
Tough, cool, smart, amazing percussion, wild production and a performance that sizzles!
Sly and the Family Stone - There's A Riot Goin' On - Africa Talks To You "The Ashphalt Jungle"
such a talent who burned out way too soon. What style of music is this? Funk, soul, jazz? Doesn't matter it is great!
Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - Right On
He can make the best 3 minute single you have ever heard and it turns out stretching it out was no problem.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Long Songs on Long Players (LP's)
Looking for your suggestions for great long songs. There are genres that feature many of course: classical, jazz, world and electronica come to mind. But for today I am thinking of the great long cuts that can take up half a side or an entire side of wax. Just about everyone in campus radio has a need for a long song from time to time and often the audience will love them as well. The freedom to play a 10minute + cut is one of the things that makes campus/community radio wonderful. Here are a few I have gone to from time to time.
The Sons of Champlin - Loosen Up Naturally - Freedom
all of side 4 on this classic double Lp. One of the many great bands in the late 60's and early 70's. Horn sections, organ and guitar. Great stuff
Barclay James Harvest - Barclay James Harvest - Dark Now My Sky
Takes a little time to get going but at more than 12minutes it has time and it ends up being a great closer to a superb debut LP by this Prog band from Oldham.
Strawbs - Just A Collection of Antiques and Curios - Where is this Dream of Your Youth
Staying on the other side of the pond for a moment this LP was recorded live at the Queen Elizabeth Hall. The percussion is outstanding the band must have had a great time playing this.
Charlie Daniels Band - Fire on the Mountain - No Place To Go
Bluesy country rock in the Allman Brothers style with cowboy hats.
Boz Scaggs - Boz Scaggs - Loan Me A Dime
Made some pretty horrible stuff later on but this is sensational. In large part due to the great playing by Duane Allman. An all time classic!
What long songs do you enjoy?
The Sons of Champlin - Loosen Up Naturally - Freedom
all of side 4 on this classic double Lp. One of the many great bands in the late 60's and early 70's. Horn sections, organ and guitar. Great stuff
Barclay James Harvest - Barclay James Harvest - Dark Now My Sky
Takes a little time to get going but at more than 12minutes it has time and it ends up being a great closer to a superb debut LP by this Prog band from Oldham.
Strawbs - Just A Collection of Antiques and Curios - Where is this Dream of Your Youth
Staying on the other side of the pond for a moment this LP was recorded live at the Queen Elizabeth Hall. The percussion is outstanding the band must have had a great time playing this.
Charlie Daniels Band - Fire on the Mountain - No Place To Go
Bluesy country rock in the Allman Brothers style with cowboy hats.
Boz Scaggs - Boz Scaggs - Loan Me A Dime
Made some pretty horrible stuff later on but this is sensational. In large part due to the great playing by Duane Allman. An all time classic!
What long songs do you enjoy?
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
CKCU 93.1 Radio Tribute to René Joly
CKCU 93.1 Radio Tribute to René Joly with “tic” and guests There will a tribute and celebration of René Joly’s life on Wednesday’s Hump Day version of Special Blend on July 13, 2011 from 7:00 to 9:30 AM. The show will have on hand some close friends of René, plus “tic” will be featuring a lot of world, Celtic, and didgeridoo music from his collection. Special Guest Dick Alta Vista from “Both Kinds of Music” will play music from artists like: Katy Moffat, Bob Dylan, Guy Clark, Todd Snider, Chip Taylor & Carrie Rodriguez, Tim O'Brien, Townes Van Zandt, Jerry Jeff Walker, Tom T. Hall Kinky Friedman, John Prine, Ronee Blakely, Giant Sand, and Steve Forbert. He will continue the tribute on his show from 1:30-3:30. For those that knew him, René was an avid music lover attending Irene’s Pub, and many local and long distance music festivals. René passed away suddenly on March 29, 2011 at the age of 63. René’s family made a very generous donation of René’s CD collection to the CKCU Music Library – a superb collection collected over a lifetime by a true music lover. Our hosts and audiences will be all the richer as a result, and we will cherish this donation for a very long time.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Who To See At Bluesfest in Week Two
Tuesday July 12:
Baloji - National Bank Stage - 9:15pm - hip hop by this Congolese Belgian. A mix of politics, bravado and passion.
John Fogerty - MBNA Stage - 9:30pm - a dino who is really worth seeing still. The music is played in Dentist offices, elevators and grocery stores non-stop. But the heartbeat of rock and roll resides with Fogerty. And he can still do it like almost nobody else his age
Wednesday July 13:
The Dirtbombs - Hard Rock Stage - 7:45pm - Gritty Rock and Roll from Detroit with Mick Collins from the Gories. Need I say more? A must see show every time they are near here.
My Morning Jacket - MBNA Stage - 9:15pm - Wilco meets Neil Young. Probably not as good as either act but they have a lot to offer
Thursday July 14:
La-33 - National Bank Stage - 9:30pm - 12-piece salsa from Bogota. Named after Calle 33, their home street in the Colombian capital. This will be outstanding.
Friday July 15:
Big Sam's Funky Nation - 8pm - Subway Stage - Formed by Big Sam of dirty dozen fame. Funk from New Orleans led by slide trombone! People will be dancing at this stage!
Saturday July 16:
Braids - 6:30pm Subway Stage - Canadian shoegaze with a bit of rock, this may be on of those quiet little gems away from the Madding Crowd.
Sunday July 17:
Karl Denson's Tiny Universe - 7:15pm - Hard Rock Cafe Stage - The acid jazz legend who came to fame with the Greyboy All Stars. Has become a little more rootsy but has not lost the funk and fun he has shown throughout a sparkling career. Should be great show!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Who would you most want to see at a house concert?
In the fall we are planning to present a series of house concerts that listeners can win by joining the "friends of ckcu" mailing list. To join the list you can email info@ckfcufm.com and put "subscribe" in the subject. These concerts would allow you to invite 10 friends to your place and we would bring in some food from one of our wonderful sponsors as well as present a great local artist in the intimacy of your own home. If you could pick anyone local that you would want to have play at your place who would it be?
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