10 Years On.....

If it's the 40th anniversary today, then it's been 10 years since Colin Linden's gift of 2 magic nights at the Glenn Gould in Toronto.
Along with Blackie & the Rodeo Kings bandmates Tom Wilson, Stephen Fearing, John Dymond, Gary Craig, and a host of guest musicians, Colin produced an astonishing celebration of the spirit of "The Band", the music & that original event at the Winterland Ballroom.
It was a genius concept - bringing in up & coming talent, who've had this music woven into their lives & memories since birth. Switching out a few of the odder choices of the original guests for Canadian classics that unite the spirit of the crowd.
It's where I discovered Great Lake Swimmers, via Tony Dekker's take on "Case of You" - probably the best of the guest turns.
 And swapping genders on vocals to offer a fresh take, like Dione Taylor's vocals harkening to the presence of the Staples singers in the original film.  and Oh, Susanna! taking on Levon's lead in "Rag Mama, Rag".
So many amazing memories. Tom reminded us of Van Morrison's legendary jumpsuit before tearing through "Caravan".  Kathleen Edwards spent weeks reviving her school days violin training so "Evangeline" could get it's proper due.
Luke Doucet flew in from NYC & performed battling a horrible temperaturey flu.. That gorgeous white Gretsch Falcon did justice and more to "Ophelia".  Glad to have made friends from that experience and remain so to this day.
Rick Danko live on "It Makes No Difference" is my favorite piece of music in the world and Stephen Fearing is the only cover I have tolerance for (and in fact love quite a lot).
The iconic presence of Garth Hudson breathing a special kind of life into proceedings via the keys, and truly epic rendition of "Chest Fever".
Talking of the now bittersweet hope that Richard Bell would be with us for this anniversary.
I could go on and on.
Like Colin said that day - celebrating the spirit of the original event, not trying to recreate it.
It was recorded and aired a few times on CBC but rights prevent it from being released for purchase as originally planned. A great shame. For all it's complications & faults, "The Last Waltz" truly lives up to statements that get tossed around with too much ease - legend, classic, genius. It is these things because of the dents & scars make up its character. Far more than the sum of ingredients which make up its parts.
And that 30th anniversary event gave the music due respect and adoration.

It is a weekend I'll remember forever.
We had Indian food instead of traditional turkey & cranberry Bill Graham had provided back in '76. No chandeliers in sight. Our crowd 'celebrities' included Cathy Jones & Jay Linden. And there was something very right about winding up the evening with beers at pool at the legendary Horseshoe Tavern. Including a Strombo sighting, which involved a rasta hat that was so very wrong.
Met up with friends from Ottawa, Halifax, Orillia & basically had a slumber party at the Sheraton with brunch the next morning to hash things over.

The local theatre is showing "The Last Waltz" this evening and all weekend. Going to head to the matinee Saturday or Sunday. It might not be crowded but I know the B&RK boys will be with me in spirit. They serve beer & I reckon I can smuggle in leftover turkey or something appropriate.

My ridiculously talented friend, Trevor Weeks has provided a record of rehearsals and both performances for the ages.
 If you're ever at my place, ask to see those pictures. I promise it's worth it.


Photo courtesy of Trevor Weeks Photography©