Just a note to say THANK-YOU for the consistently great reads -- the entertainment and information gained reading Forgotten Hits is invaluable. Plus, when I hear the music legends and luminaries that pop up to comment, I realize the prominence and importance of your publication. I wish you would do mini-interviews with some of these individuals. Something like "5 Questions for ______." When I see names like Hal Blaine, Tony Hatch, Tommy James, Felix Cavaliere, Burton Cummings, Lou Christie, and a bevy of bands and broadcasters too numerous to mention, I would love to hear mini-interviews on "how it was, how it is, and how it is going to be" concerning the state of music and radio. Love Forgotten Hits!
Peace,
Tim Kiley
>>>We watched the Chicago Soundstage concert on Sunday … overall, I found it to be VERY disappointing. I get it that the program was supposed to be a tribute to the Chicago II album … but they didn’t even perform it in LP order (unless this was more inept PBS editing that messed things up.) For me, the highlights were few … catching Robert Lamm, who still looks and sounds great, the timeless “Ballet for a Girl From Buchannon,” probably the LP’s best known track … and the fact the Lee Loughnane stepped up to the mike to sing “Colour My World,” a completely unexpected surprise … meanwhile, everything else fell short of everything else I’ve ever seen Chicago do. And I wasn’t too keen on the filming technique either … it made the whole show look very dated … grainy and faded … just not at all what I was expecting in this type of showcase. Still, I’m sure it all came off much better live before editing … this is usually the case … as the audience seemed to be having a really good time. I guess I just expected more of a Chicago II / Greatest Hits presentation at this stage of the game. (kk)
Yes, the Soundstage / Chicago program that was broadcast was heavily edited. They took out all of the talking going on between the band members and the audience, which took out some of the intimacy of the show. The broadcast was less than half of the actual performance. The first half of the show they did the Chicago II album … then they took a break and played their many other hits for over an another hour. And YES, it did sound much better live than it did on the broadcast. It did mean more by watching and reliving the live experience, than if you were not there at all. I wonder if they will release a DVD or Blu-ray of the COMPLETE concert. Probably not. Will have this in my archives in case they don't.
Art Walicki
Art Walicki
Interesting …
The first headline I saw said that Lindsay Buckingham had quit Fleetwood Mac … again. Hours later Rolling Stone was reporting that he was fired. (Sounds like Buckingham had spelled out some "special terms" regarding him touring with the band again ... and the band opted to just do the tour their way without him.)
In either case, he’ll be replaced by Mike Campbell of Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers and Neil Finn of Crowded House … which should add an interesting dynamic to the band.
Rolling Stone Magazine also seems to be priming us for the announcement of this year’s Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Nominees.
In a recent post they list “deserving” artists who still haven’t made the cut … yet they’re all the same artists they keep nominating year after year. Incredibly, The Guess Who STILL don’t even make the list!
You can review the next batch of likely candidates here … but don’t expect any surprises … it’s the same batch they keep shoving down our throats who still can’t earn enough votes to actually get inducted! (Maybe your voting committee is trying to tell you something!)
Hi Kent,
The Michael Bolton concert was great. I saw him in the 80's when he opened for Belinda Carlise. He sang his known songs and covers. Overall, he still has the chops. Thanks again for the tickets!
Debe
The Michael Bolton concert was great. I saw him in the 80's when he opened for Belinda Carlise. He sang his known songs and covers. Overall, he still has the chops. Thanks again for the tickets!
Debe
I've been slammed and should have gotten a note off to you when I first saw the Al Jardine concert review. When I saw a couple of comments in today's 'Monday Morning Quickie," I decided I'd better get a reply off to you or risk my reputation.
I met Alan when I booked the first Beach Boys headlining concert -- May 24, 1963 -- and, as I tell the die-hard fans, it was the ONLY time I paid to see The Beach Boys: $750, which included six roundtrip airline tickets from LAX to SMF. The sponsors made $4,000, my take was $600, and each Beach Boy made about $50 after expenses. That would be the ONLY time I actually made more money than 'the boys,' but keep in mind, even $50 a night was a lot of money in 1963 ... enough to borrow your 'old man's' car, put a buck or two in the tank, take your girlfriend to dinner -- burgers, fries and a shake or Coke, then to a movie, popcorn and another Coke ... all for about $12 or so dollars :)
I picked up the band in my folk's 1954 Chevy wagon -- equipment and all -- drove to the auditorium, set up, did two 35 or so minute sets, mostly, or at least half 'cover' songs, had late dinner with them after the gig, and it was at the dinner at the Mansion Inn Motel, that I proposed to Murry, their original manger, that they should do their own shows, not let William Morris undersell them for $350 to $500 a night. I talked myself into a job (advance man, marketing guy and emcee) and a friendship, that has lasted 55 years (and counting).
That night, Al Jardine was filling in for Brian, who was back in Hawthorne. David Marks was on rhythm guitar, Carl, lead, Dennis drums, Al filled out on bass, and did Brian Wilson's falsetto parts. Mike, at the time, was the cheerleader, front man, so to speak. That would change over the years as the others did more lead vocals. It was a great show, even in those very early years. Today, Al Jardine is singing like he's still 21, and looks great to boot. I introduced them at the Ryman about a year and a half ago and saw them in Birmingham last spring. Brian's band is incredible and they all love Brian and have a true passion for his wonderful, timeless music.
I produced an amazing three shows in Sacto that year … May, September and December 21, the show we recorded for their "Beach Boys Concert" album. It was my idea to do the recording and had to talk Murry and Brian into it. I introduced them on the record, which became their first #1 Gold album. We also did the Nov 22 show, the night of the Assassination of JFK. By that time, Dave Marks had left the group and Al had returned to assume his rightful place as an original founding member of the group.
Oh, on the night of the December 21 concert … billed as a 'gala Christmas concert and recording session" … the boys introduced "Little Saint Nick." The Christmas album followed in 1964. If they do the entire Christmas album front to back, what a thrill that will be -- yes, even in the heat of summer!
Fred Vail, President / CEO
Treasure Isle Recorders, Inc.
Music City, USA, Nashville, TN
Long-time FH Reader Frank B sent us a couple of vintage Wrecking Crew tapes to share.
Al Jardine shared some nice memories of Glen Campbell during his solo concert at City Winery.
The Beach Boys, of course, knew Glen from all The Wrecking Crew sessions they did … and they really got along great. (In fact, in 1965, Brian Wilson even wrote a song for Campbell called “Guess I’m Dumb” which, unfortunately went nowhere and didn’t kick-start Glen’s solo career as they had hoped it would. However, listening to it now you’ll find it to be a VERY sophisticated record for its time … and a glimpse into the future of where The Beach Boys’ music was headed as they approached the Pet Sounds era.
Anyway, after Brian suffered his nervous breakdown and had to come off the road, the remaining Beach Boys approached Glen about coming out on tour with them for a while, filling in for Brian and, who knows, maybe even ultimately replacing him forever or, at the very least, becoming a sixth Beach Boy.
Glen jumped at the chance, never realizing that he was most comfortable (at that time, anyway) working in the studio, honing his craft. He wasn't used to all the travel involved, the screaming fans, the girls chasing you after a show, trying to rip your clothes off … and, even more so … the fact that, while he was a top-notch session guitarist, he was now being asked to play bass … not his most familiar instrument to begin with … plus hit all the high falsetto notes that Brian sang on the records … while playing this unfamiliar instrument. Needless to say, it was a challenge (to say the very least.)
After a few shows, he approached Al Jardine about the possibility of switching instruments … letting Al play bass, allowing Glen to move back to his more customary (and familiar) guitar.
Of course Al could have said no … but he didn’t … he and Glen switched instruments and remained life-long friends right up until the time of Glen’s death a couple of years ago. In fact, Glen even sang the duet with Al on the title track of his latest CD, “A Postcard From California” … and throughout his City Winery concert Al showed several photos of him and Glen together spanning the past 40 years.
So there you have it … and we’ve got TWO of those tracks to share with you today.
First up … Glen’s 1965 recording (written and produced by Brian Wilson) of “Guess I’m Dumb” … and then the Al and Glen duet from last year on “A Postcard From California.” Enjoy. (kk)
Vintage Vinyl News is reporting that Niles Rodgers and Sergio Mendes recently met for the very first time … and are now making plans to work together on a new project. (Now THAT should be interesting!!!) We saw Sergio earlier this year at The City Winery and he put on a GREAT show. That extra dash of funk from Niles on top of Sergio’s well-established Latin beat should make for a VERY interesting batch of Musical Stew! We can’t wait to hear it! (kk)
Kent,
I enjoyed looking over the British Chart of 60 years ago this week that you posted on FH. I thoroughly enjoyed looking up online the #4 song by Jackie Dennis, LA DEE DAH. This is one of my all time favorites by Billie and Lillie. Had never heard of Jackie Dennie before.
Larry Neal
Got this from DJ Stu Weiss the other day and had to share …
This appeared in a music magazine several years ago.
It's a little history about my dee jay career.
I may not be making money, but I have lots of fun and many new friends over the years.
Stu
As I looked over the latest 'quickie' and read with great interest, and a bit of amusement, the comments on Alan, and the other artists featured in the short issue, I couldn't help but think that, like me, there is probably not a 'baby boomer' reader on your list that does not recall -- with great respect and admiration -- the phenomenal Doris Day, who's music and films have blessed us spanning eight -- yes, 8! -- generations. Like most, Doris, along with Sinatra, Nat "King" Cole, Dean Martin, Frankie Laine, "the singing rage,' Miss Patti Page, Teresa Brewer, Perry Como, Rusty Draper, Eddie Fisher, Les Paul and Mary Ford, Judy Garland, Mahalia Jackson and Tony Bennett started their careers as 'big band' singers, and, of the list here, only Tony Bennett is still at it and sounds great. Another 'survivor,' although retired for many years, is the aforementioned Ms. Doris Day.
She, too, began as a big band lead vocalist for Les Brown and His Band of Renown. Her hits became 'classics' and Grammy Hall of Fame and Oscar winners, including "Secret Love," "Que Sera, Sera", "Teacher's Pet," "Sentimental Journey," "Till The End of Time," "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered," "A Bushel and A Peck" and "Everybody Loves A Lover." All Top 10 or #1 hits … and all etched in our minds forever. All helping to make up the 'soundtrack of our lives."
Kent, I think that you and your loyal readers might enjoy this video Dave Parrett and I put together to celebrate Doris Day's 96th birthday. I did this video in conjunction with a class I'm teaching at Lipscomb University (Pat Boone is their most famous alumnus and I visited with him two Friday's ago). Doris turned 96 this past Tuesday, and lives in Carmel-By-The-Sea. Her son, whom I knew during my long association with The Beach Boys, was Terry Melcher. As you've heard over the years, Mitch Miller, the head of A&R at Columbia was no fan of 'rock and roll,' and almost single handedly held the label back from signing rock acts. Terry, who was on the west coast, took a different view. He signed Paul Revere and The Raiders, along with The Byrds, produced their initial albums, and basically got Columbia into the rock and roll business. Unfortunately, Terry passed from cancer at age 62 in '04 -- devastating Doris -- but as I said in the video, Terry did her proud. He also got Brian and The Beach Boys into Columbia's west coast studio on Sunset Blvd, near Vine, and that is where Brian produced "Good Vibrations." I know. I was there.
And now you know the 'rest of the story.'
Have a great spring and summer. The link below will take you, and your readers, to the Doris Day "Happy 96th Birthday" video.
Fred
https://youtu.be/eHnexIp1Kcw
And now you know the 'rest of the story.'
Have a great spring and summer. The link below will take you, and your readers, to the Doris Day "Happy 96th Birthday" video.
Fred
https://youtu.be/eHnexIp1Kcw
Wow! Lou Christie! I wonder if he can still hit the high notes?
Debe
He sure can! I saw him a couple of years ago and he sounded great … been trying to get him back to Chicago for an Arcada show ever since!
This is going to be a fun concert … Lou Christie opens the show and then Felix Cavaliere (pinch-hitting for Bobby Rydell, who broke his hip last week) mops things up.
Good seats are still available … and it’s a 3 pm start this Sunday (the 15th) You should check it out! (kk)
And, speaking of Lou Christie, I just got this from him yesterday …
Kent,
Be sure to stop by and say hello this Sunday at the Arcada show. I will be opening the show and, since some of us will be heading directly to the airport after the performance, I'm sure we will be leaving at intermission. Stop back before the show to say hello.
Looking forward to the show! See you there!
By the way, I read your articles on The Lion Sleeps Tonight.
Here's my version – and, of course there's a story connected to it. Due to a Management and Record Exec dispute, my voice was taken off --- and Robert John's voice was put on the same record.
Lou Christie
Yikes! OK, you’ll HAVE to tell me THIS story on Sunday! See you then!
(Stay tuned, Forgotten Hits Readers!!!) kk
Hi Kent –
Interesting stuff here ...
Bottom Line: In our lifetime of loving music, we never really leave high school!
Clive Topol
Even more interesting for me since for the past twenty years I have been preaching that the music you heard at the age of 13 will most influence your life … it will stay with you and have the greatest impact … and will remain your favorite music till the end of time. (What do you think my whole 1967 Series was about?!?! Lol!!!)
Of course twenty years ago things like Spotify didn’t even exist so I had to rely on my own research of years of observing this trend amongst virtually every person I ever met! (I never got a New York Times article out of my “theory” either … but, much like the success of Me-TV-FM, it’s good to know that I have once again been proven right in the way of America’s taste in music!) Thanks for sharing. (kk)
Leaving you on a “feel good” note this morning, courtesy of Chuck Buell …
Hey, Kent!
Yes, the following would be my opinion!
First off, The Doobie Brothers “Listen to the Music” is one of the Best all-time “Feel Good” Songs in the last 45 years!
While they obviously sound great when singing their own song (it was a Top Ten Song and higher in 1972), listen to how it sounds when 30 musicians from countries around the world play and sing it in their natural environments all in ONE fabulous production.
If this doesn’t make you feel good or lift your spirits for a moment, you’re beyond any help I can share with you today! {:~}
End of “My Opinion.”
So now, turn your speakers up a bit and check out the video posted below ~~ CB ( which stands for "Calliope Boy!" )
