I’ve been anticipating seeing this for quite some time now and today was the day. The DVD packaging is superb and of course features a “who’s who” of the NOLA music scene. Two of my favorite clips include the 1973 Don Kirshner Rock Concert with Mac, the Harry Connick Sr. (and 12 y.o. Jr.) segments, and the Scott Billington segment featuring…
Fats is 88! American Masters is presenting the broadcast premiere of the recent Fats Domino documentary on February 26, his 88th birthday. Fats’ comeback album is really worth a listen, short but very sweet. boogie woogieFats Dominomusicnew orleans
In popular culture, and especially in music, the days of the week of particular significance are Mondays and Fridays. The former has downbeat, dread-like connotations, as in “Blue Monday” (Dave Bartholomew, performed by Fats Domino) and “I Don’t Like Mondays” (Bob Geldof, performed by The Boomtown Rats). In contrast, Friday has an air of promise and…
It is often claimed that the Bartholomew/Domino song “The Fat Man” was the first or one of the first rock ‘n roll records. Whatever, it was recorded on this date 66 years ago at the legendary J&M Studio. What I didn’t know is that it’s a variation on “Junker’s Blues” which in turn apparently morphed into “Junco Partner”.…
Smokey Johnson, longtime Fats Domino drummer, has died. Jon Cleary, superb N.O. pianist writes: “Smokey playing a simple 12/8 New Orleans groove, check the way he hits the back beat. I’ve played that groove with so many great New Orleans drummers but none of them could make it as mean and tough as Smokey.” Dave BartholomewdrummerFats…
This is really the first biography of Plant. On balance it’s decent enough but still a pedestrian effort that doesn’t really add much more to what we already know. To Paul Rees’ credit he keeps the speculative temptation that Zep always courted to a minimum. I think that a bio by the very excellent rock…
This just published in OffBeat He’s the original King of Rock ’n’ Roll. What else can you say? boogie woogieCosimo MatassaDave BartholomewDavis RoganEllis MarsalisFats DominoHenry Butlerjon clearynew orleansrick colemanrock and roll
Born on this day in 1928 boogie woogieFats Dominomusicnew orleanspianorock and roll
It’s been just over five years since Bobby Charles died. Here is his fascinating story on NPR. So many of his songs have resonance for me, a good-natured wistfullness despite the subject matter. “He was so unpretentious and laid-back. On further investigation, you’d find out he wrote all these incredible songs.” In his younger years, Mr.…
Not that one really needs any confirmation, but listening to this rerelease, the genius is palpable. Maestro producer Scott Billington‘s liner notes are fascinating. Here’s hoping that more releases are in the offing — there is precious little available even at the Louisiana Music Factory. Also, check out this Guardian piece plugging the recent documentary. Bayou Maharajah: The…
manwithoutqualities 