Playing music by "The Band"

Shak

Is anyone interested in playing songs by "The Band"? They backed Bob Dylan in the 60's and 70's. I have some experience but would love to learn more with fellow enthuasiasts!

Keyzer

Where are you based?

neil_18_

They are a really good band! If you do start playing their songs put some videos on youtube!!!
I love the way the drummer sings in "The Weight"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfyjhtOTy1s

Shak

There was a "covers" act calling themselves The Last Waltz who played Whelans last year? Good for them, didn't hear them though.
I suppose I'm looking to see if anyone enjoys The Band like myself and see where it goes from there.
Still in awe of Levon Helm; that he can still turn out albums like DirtFarmer!
The reason I like them is that they did their apprenticeship on the road (not a Louis Walsh job). Also they were able to play a huge range of instruments with a 3 part harmony on top! Doesn't get much better for me as regards good music.
I'm in Dublin.

ball

I think that cover band is caled "The Group".

OP, you looking to start something?
What do you play?
What are you looking for?

Shak

Didn't know they were called The Group, thanks for that. Wouldn't have much gear at the present so I'm looking into songs like Long Black Veil and It Makes No Difference with the intention of making a backing track for them on a drum machine

Maccattack

Anyone who hasn't yet seen the film 'The Last Waltz' should get out and do so NOW!


aslo Robbie Robertsons solo albums are worth getting hold of. 'Red Boy' and, (I think it was his first one) with 'Show down at big sky' on it. Some great stuff there if you can ignore the UPoo tracks.

ball

Long Black Veil is a quality track.
Handy enough to play too.

I've never really wanted to be in a covers band, but if you need a hand, giz a shout

Shak

Ball, thanks for the offer of help. You never know it might come to that. There are some interesting videos on YouTube e.g. Richard Manuel singing Tears of Rage at Woodstock(cut from the final film version, I believe) and King Harvest in the studio (you really get a great impression of Levon Helm's drumming touch in this tune).
Levon Helm is still running his Midnight Ramble shows..google to see more..

ball

pearljamfan

the last waltz band are playing in kill on the 18th, shud be really good!! go see them.

Shak

Thanks for the info! The 18th looks free at the moment.

Bangiemac

You should check out Johnny Cash's version of The Long Black Veil. It's on Live from Folsom Prison. No harmonies and he gets a bit giddy in the middle but it's pretty damn good all the same.

My favourite bit in The Last Waltz is when Neil Young says that it's one of the greatest pleasures of his life being up there. *sigh*

Shak

Yeah it's a great version.

Favourite part of The Last Waltz? The last voice you hear singing is Richard Manuel's as he's playing the drums for Evangeline.

Don't know if Scorcesse planned that one?!

Shak

In one of the posts I was asked for more detail about what I was looking for. Primarily, I would be hoping for a keyboard player/singer.
I have a drum machine with songs such as "It makes no difference", "Evangeline", "Up on Cripple Creek", "The Weight" and "Orange Juice Blues" .
A saxophone player/singer would find plenty of opportunity with the above and other songs.
I would play guitar and sing but have experience on drums/keyboards. A 3 part harmony would be an important aim!
Of course, The Band played with many people so songs from Neil Young (Helpless), Bob Dylan (Like a Rolling Stone), CSNY (Teach Your Children) etc should suit.
If other directions (Country/folk) look inviting let's explore. However, that might need some discussion.
I do not have a powermixer but would have other "bits" for the start of a PA. There is a Dynacord powermixer on Thomann which looks suitable (around 1000). €400 euro per member chipped in to the kitty would be a good start.
Then we'd look for gigs....

The_g-man

It's a big deal chipping in for a quality PA right at the start, I'd recommend something like this:
http://www.thomann.de/ie/yamaha_mg_124_cx.htm
into these:
http://www.thomann.de/ie/mackiesrm_450_set.htm

There is a smaller model mixer as well, but to cover many instruments and harmony vocals this may fit the bill.

The effects built into the mixer [especially the vocal compressor] are a plus, and in my last band we had these model speakers facing back at us in a small rehearsal room with near zero feedback.

If you do get some gigs in the near future, let me know as I'd be happy to see this go well.;)

Shak

Hi G-man,
Thanks for the advice! I have no experience playing through active speakers but you seem to have been happy with them. The PA system would fit within a budget of €1200 for a 3 person band.

Appreciate it,

Shak

Shak

The Last Waltz tribute band are actually playing on Saturday 18th of July in the Dew Drop Inn in Kill Co. Kildare, not the Friday.

Shak

Hi there,
In case anyone is interested in playing these songs and hasn't seen the previous threads, I'm sending out the thread again.
As Borders in Blanchardstown is closing down I bought Million Dollar Bash which is an account of Dylan's "crash", Basement Tapes & The Band emerging from it's Hawks roots etc. Very good. More sympathy for Robertson than I've come across in a book for a while. He describes Levon Helm as a "white negro"! Not the nicest thing one could say about someone else.
Some great recent posts on YouTube in relation to Levon's Midnight Rambles...Life Is A Carnival...The Weight etc. The guy still has it.
I was at U2 last night. Very impressed by the energy/enthuasiasm they put into their new material. Hardly an Irish person there. Paul McGuinness has got really old looking! I also enjoyed the young bands The Script and BellX1. No need to be overawed by the chance to be on the same bill with U2 lads! As Bono said you're well able to play!

Shak

Hi all! If any of you are influenced by this group and want to see about playing some music together let me know.
At the moment I'm playing guitar and singing and programming a drum/bass machine with songs by The Band, The Smiths, Elvis Costelloe, Neil Young, Aerosmith...which is a lot of fun!