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Post by Kapitan on Oct 18, 2023 13:23:09 GMT
Carla Bley died yesterday at the age of 87. Not a household name--at least not in typical houses--I'll bet everyone on this board has listened to music by people she mentored or collaborated with. Perhaps you're familiar with Nick Mason of Pink Floyd? Don Preston of the Mothers of Invention? Jazz greats like Don Cherry, Charlie Haden, or her former partner Steve Swallow? Pop legend Linda Ronstadt? Cream bassist Jack Bruce? Soft Machine's Robert Wyatt? Lovella May Borg was born in 1936 in Oakland, California, to church choirmaster and pianist. She learned piano early but left home to try her fortunes in New York City as a 17-year-old girl. She met jazz pianist Paul Bley at Birdland and toured with him under the name Karen Borg. At 21, she changed her name to Carla Borg. And when the pair married, she became Carla Bley--whom she remained for the remaining 67 or so years of her life. Paul Bley convinced Carla to begin composing, and by the early 1960s, musicians such as saxophonist George Russell (of Miles Davis Quintet fame, among others) were recording her work. In 1964 she cofounded the Jazz Composers Guild. Later, she co-led the Jazz Composers' Orchestra. Carla Bley's taste in music was broad, and encompassed both "high" and "low" culture. Jazz musicians are a notoriously elitist bunch, and so her regular collaborations with Lew Soloff of Blood, Sweat & Tears drew criticism. But according to pianist Ethan Iverson, she not only stood by Soloff but called him her favorite trumpeter. It' during that conversation that she said: “Nothing means anything. Nothing proves anything. You can be totally overeducated or totally undereducated and still be useful in the world of music.” Brilliant. (And the converse is also true: you can be totally overeducated or totally undereducated and still be use less in the world of music.) In 1971, Bley released what is considered her masterpiece, the "jazz opera"--she didn't call it that; she called it a "chronotransduction," which I think would mean something like "derived through time"--titled Escalator Over the Hill. The recorded album includes some of those people mentioned above, and many others: Jack Bruce and Charlie Haden play bass; Linda Ronstadt sings; Don Preston plays Moog synth; Don Cherry plays trumpet; John McLaughlin plays guitar; and a few dozen others, famous and not, perform as well. A decade later, Nick Mason released Nick Mason's Fictitious Sports, all of the songs of which were written by Bley. Of the album, Mason said, "Originally, I had arranged to go to America and make an album using all sorts of material, but then Carla sent me a cassette with some of her ideas. It was very different from what she had done before and absolutely in line with what I like. So I thought it would be much better to do that than to struggle desperately to find things that work together." Bley was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018. She died from it at her home yesterday, October 17, 2023. Here she is performing her composition "Lawns" with Swallow on bass, in 2008.
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R.I.P.
Nov 2, 2023 10:50:15 GMT
Post by Sheriff John Stone on Nov 2, 2023 10:50:15 GMT
R.I.P. Joe Tarsia (September 23, 1934 0 November 1, 2023). Joe began as the chief recording engineer for Cameo Parkway Records which featured artists like Chubby Checker, Bobby Rydell, Dee Dee Sharp, and The Dovells. Later, he founded Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia which was the recording base for Gamble and Huff and Philadelphia International Records. Joe was influential in developing "The Sound Of Philadelphia" featuring artists like The O'Jays, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, The Stylistics, and Billy Paul. In 1976, Joe opened Sigma Sound Studios Of New York where he engineered recordings by Billy Joel, Steely Dan, and Paul Simon.
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Post by Kapitan on Nov 30, 2023 14:43:44 GMT
Shane MacGowan, singer and songwriter best known as the frontman for the Irish nationalist punk-folk band the Pogues, died early this morning. He was 65 years old. MacGowan had been diagnosed with encephalitis late last year, for which he was recently hospitalized, just released about a week ago. He died at home, and according to a statement released, peacefully, with his wife and sister by his side, with Catholic rites performed. MacGowan is probably as well known for his hard living as for his music, with very public struggles with alcohol and drugs. He had also been in a wheelchair since 2015 after a fall in which he fractured his pelvis. With the Pogues, MacGowan had five albums achieve silver or gold record status in the UK and five chart in the UK Top 20. MacGowan co-wrote the most-played UK Christmas single of the 21st century, 1987's "Fairytale of New York," a duet with Kristy MacColl. It topped the Irish charts and peaked at #2 in the UK. While never a big fan, I was interested in MacGowan and the Pogues after learning of their second album, the excellent, wonderfully titled, Elvis Costello-produced Rum, Sodomy, and the Lash. Rest in Peace, Mr. MacGowan.
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Post by Sheriff John Stone on Dec 5, 2023 20:38:05 GMT
R.I.P. Denny Laine (October 28, 1944 - December 5, 2023) who passed away 50 years to the day Band On The Run was released in the U.S.A.
This was posted by Denny's wife on their Instagram page:
"My darling husband passed away peacefully early this morning. I was at his bedside, holding his hand as I played his favorite Christmas songs for him. He’s been singing Christmas songs the past few weeks and I continued to play Christmas songs while he’s been in ICU on a ventilator this past week. He and I both believed he would overcome his health setbacks and return to the rehabilitation center and eventually home. Unfortunately, his lung disease, Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), is unpredictable and aggressive; each infection weakened and damaged his lungs. He fought everyday. He was so strong and brave, never complained. All he wanted was to be home with me and his pet kitty, Charley, playing his gypsy guitar. Denny was so very thankful to all of you who sent him so much love, support and the many kind words during these past few months of his health crisis-it brought him to tears. I thank you all for sending both of us love and support. It was my absolute honor and privilege to not only be his wife, but to care for him during his illness and vulnerability. Thank you to Dennys surgeons, doctors, specialists, physical therapists and nurses at Naples Hospital for working so hard to help him. Thank you for your compassion and support for me during these past several emotional months. My world will never be the same. Denny was an amazingly wonderful person, so loving and sweet to me. He made my days colorful, fun and full of life-just like him. Thank you sweetie for loving me, for all the laughter, friendship, fun and for asking me to be your wife. I will love you forever ❤️ Please give Denny’s friends and family the time and privacy needed as we grieve our loss. Much love, Elizabeth Hines @dennylaineofficialpage @paulmccartney #moodyblues #gingerbaker #paulmccartneyandwings @rockhall #SWFL #naplesflorida #LoveWins❤️"
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R.I.P.
Dec 5, 2023 22:18:48 GMT
Post by jk on Dec 5, 2023 22:18:48 GMT
Rest in peace, Denny.
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R.I.P.
Dec 6, 2023 2:32:50 GMT
Post by lonelysummer on Dec 6, 2023 2:32:50 GMT
I guess some of us saw this coming; he had been very ill for several months. Time to dig up that first Moody Blues album.
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R.I.P.
Dec 6, 2023 13:38:14 GMT
Post by Sheriff John Stone on Dec 6, 2023 13:38:14 GMT
From Paul McCartney's Instagram page: I am very saddened to hear that my ex-bandmate, Denny Laine, has died.
I have many fond memories of my time with Denny: from the early days when The Beatles toured with the Moody Blues. Our two bands had a lot of respect for each other and a lot of fun together. Denny joined Wings at the outset. He was an outstanding vocalist and guitar player. His most famous performance is probably ‘Go Now’ an old Bessie Banks song which he would sing brilliantly. He and I wrote some songs together the most successful being ‘Mull of Kintyre’ which was a big hit in the Seventies. We had drifted apart but in recent years managed to reestablish our friendship and share memories of our times together.
Denny was a great talent with a fine sense of humour and was always ready to help other people. He will be missed by all his fans and remembered with great fondness by his friends. I send my condolences and best wishes to his wife, Elizabeth and family.
Peace and love Denny. It was a pleasure to know you. We are all going to miss you.
Love,
Paul
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Post by Sheriff John Stone on Dec 19, 2023 13:28:52 GMT
I just wanted to mention that legendary L.A.-based DJ, Jim Ladd, passed away at age 75 from a heart attack. I can't say that I listened much to his show, but over the years he was a big fan and supporter of The Doors, and he did several interviews with Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger, and John Densmore. Jim was well-respected and influential in the rock world. In addition to The Doors, Jim interviewed members of The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Rush. R.I.P. Jim.
(Jim Ladd on the left, Bruce Botnick on the right)
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R.I.P.
Dec 19, 2023 14:11:23 GMT
Post by jk on Dec 19, 2023 14:11:23 GMT
I just wanted to mention that legendary L.A.-based DJ, Jim Ladd, passed away at age 75 from a heart attack. I can't say that I listened much to his show, but over the years he was a big fan and supporter of The Doors, and he did several interviews with Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger, and John Densmore. Jim was well-respected and influential in the rock world. In addition to The Doors, Jim interviewed members of The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Rush. R.I.P. Jim. Tom Petty at a KCSN Benefit Concert: "Jim Ladd was fired this week..." Rest in peace, JL.
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Post by kds on Dec 19, 2023 15:42:57 GMT
Jim was also the DJ used on Roger Waters's 1987 concept album Radio KAOS. Ladd actually went on tour with Roger that year to play the DJ in person onstage.
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R.I.P.
Jan 20, 2024 3:42:20 GMT
Post by Sheriff John Stone on Jan 20, 2024 3:42:20 GMT
Sad news. Mary Weiss, lead singer of The Shangri-Las, passed away at the age of 75. No cause of death has been given. Weiss was only 15 years-old when she recorded "Remember (Walking In The Sand)". The Shangri-Las were cool and tough - the way they dressed, the way they talked, the way they sang. Mary's voice and delivery gave her an attitude and the group an image. The Shangri-Las were on a roll for a few years with songs like "Remember (Walking In The Sand)", "Leader Of The Pack", "Give Him A Great Big Kiss", and "I Can Never Go Home Anymore". All of their hits were between 1964-1965 when there was quite a bit of competition on the charts. The Shangri-Las went on to influence such artists as Blondie, The Ramones, The New York Dolls, Lou Reed, Amy Winehouse, The Go-Go's, David Gilmour, and others. R.I.P. Mary Weiss.
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Post by jk on Jan 20, 2024 23:27:49 GMT
Mary Weiss's passing was on the Dutch nationwide TV news tonight. The Shangri-Las' music was a big part of the soundtrack of my youth. Sleep well, Mary.
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R.I.P.
Jan 21, 2024 10:45:25 GMT
Post by jk on Jan 21, 2024 10:45:25 GMT
Let's celebrate Mary's life (and those of the Ganser twins) with the joyous "Give Him A Great Big Kiss":
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R.I.P.
Jan 21, 2024 13:56:55 GMT
jk likes this
Post by Sheriff John Stone on Jan 21, 2024 13:56:55 GMT
Let's celebrate Mary's life (and those of the Ganser twins) with the joyous "Give Him A Great Big Kiss": I was very familiar with "Remember (Walking In The Sand)" and "Leader Of The Pack", having heard them on oldies stations for years, but not "Give Him A Great Big Kiss". For a long time, I didn't even know that "Give Him A Great Big Kiss" was a Shangri-Las' song. I thought it was a New York Dolls' song! The Dolls were huge Shangri-Las' fans, and they actually chose Shadow Morton to produce their second album, Too Much Too Soon. The Dolls recorded "Give Him A Great Big Kiss", changing the Him to Her. Unfortunately, the song didn't make the album, and it eventually appeared on several New York Dolls' bootlegs which is where I discovered it.
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R.I.P.
Jan 21, 2024 14:51:13 GMT
Post by Sheriff John Stone on Jan 21, 2024 14:51:13 GMT
This is a great story about "Remember (Walking In The Sand)" and Shadow Morton...from Wikipedia:
According to a Biography episode on various 1960s Brill Building pop songwriters, which included interviews with Greenwich, Barry and Morton among others, Barry said that at the time he was suspicious of Morton's overt attention to Greenwich. Skeptical that Morton was really the songwriter he claimed to be, Barry challenged Morton to prove his legitimacy and bring in samples of his recent work (expecting never to hear again from the unheard-of Morton). Morton stated in his interview that, with an empty song portfolio at the time, he felt sufficiently challenged by Barry, whereupon he left the Brill Building and drove to a Long Island beach. Full of inspiration and determination, Morton spent the evening writing most of his first song "Remember (Walking In The Sand)" while sitting in the dark in his parked car, and the rest of it in the shower back home before heading back to Barry. Morton then 'rolled the dice' and recorded a demo of his song at Long Island's Ultrasonic Recording Studios with an unknown local girl-group that he admired, The Shangri-Las (according to Morton, with the then-unknown Billy Joel on piano in the demo recording), and offered the demo recording to Jerry Leiber, who was then setting up Red Bird Records. "Remember (Walking In The Sand)" reached number 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1964. This accomplishment transformed Morton overnight from a credential-less industry 'wannabe' into a hit songwriter and producer. According to Steve Kurutz at Allmusic, "Morton's production work, which included brilliant sound effects and inventive percussion, carried the Shangri-Las to girl-group history."
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