The Band were a Canadian / American group of musicians who first rose to international fame as Bob Dylan's backing band on the world changing 1966 world tour.
Garth Hudson, Richard Manuel, Levon Helm, Robbie Robertson and Rick Danko.
"The Band in all its splendor was the crystallization of time and place, hard work and good fortune, shrewd planning and fortuitous circumstance, technical brilliance and honed musical sensibilities, heartfelt dedication and clear direction. Each and every member of The Band was an alchemist in the truest sense of the word. The enchantment they created so many years ago, the spell they cast upon us, can never be denied."
~Bob Wigo~
Original Members
* Rick Danko
* Levon Helm
* Garth Hudson
* Richard Manuel
* Robbie Robertson
Discography:
Music from Big Pink (1968)
The Band (1969)
Stage Fright (1970)
Cahoots (1971)
Rock of Ages (1972)
Moondog Matinee (1973)
Planet Waves (1974)
Northern Lights – Southern Cross (1975)
The Basement Tapes (1975)
Islands (1977)
The Last Waltz (1978)
Jericho (1993)
Live at Watkins Glen (1995)
High on the Hog (1996)
Jubilation (1998)
The Band's lead singer, pianist, Richard Manuel died in a motel room in Winter Park, Florida, while touring with the reunited Band. His emotional, soulful voice and his beautiful songwriting was essential to the success of the original group.
"Richard Manuel was a whole show unto himself. He was hot. He was about the best singer I'd ever heard; most people said he reminded them of Ray Charles. He'd do those ballads, and the ladies would swoon. To me that became the highlight of our show."
~Levon Helm~
Rick Danko
December 29, 1943 – December 10, 1999
Rick was a singer and Bass player for The Band!
On December 10, 1999, Rick Danko died as he had lived...simply, without fanfare, pomp or pretense. If the tears, prayers and tributes that followed are any indication, this country boy whose goal was to "help the neighborhood" certainly succeeded. The world is a much better place because of Rick Danko, and a much sadder one without him.
~Carol Caffin~
"I think Rick was one of the greatest and most soulful singers I've ever heard. Definitely, the most original bass player I've ever heard, and one of the kindest hearts to have ever graced this planet."
~Robbie Robertson~
Last edited by METALPRIEST; 04-17-2013 at 04:08 AM.
Reason: Thread updated
Maybe the most underrated group of all-time. Probably as much skill in terms of playing instruments concentrated in this group as in any group ever. And so many different instruments too, from organ to synthesizer. They're also notable in that they split the lead-singing duties between three different members. Their sound can range from rootsy to funk-infused, though (ironically as they were all Canadian but Levon Helm) they are typically credited with creating the "Americana" genre.
If you're just getting into them, their first two studio albums are indisputable classics (I think I'm in the minority liking self-titled better than Big Pink). All of their well-known singles come from these two albums. They also recorded some good stuff with Bob Dylan (most notably The Basement Tapes and selected tracks on several live records). Otherwise, they can be pretty hit or miss. Their Greatest Hits album does a pretty good job of focusing on their first two albums and including a few important tracks from later in their career, plus it's a lot of music on just one disc. That's how I got started on them. Or you could check out The Last Waltz soundtrack, though you'll hear just as much music from other artists being backed by The Band as you'll hear The Band's music (although you could argue that kind of defines their career). In any case, the version of The Weight embedded in the first post of this thread is from The Last Waltz, and is one of the best live performances I've ever heard, so check it out.
Last edited by Tommy Walker; 06-02-2011 at 06:44 AM.
Thanks to FireandWater and his post of this beautiful song:
Whispering Pines
I really want to explore this band. I listened to "The Weight" and I recognize it! Great song as well! I hope you guys post tons of tracks in here so I can have a new classic rock band to explore!
Brilliant .. I think these guys changed the way Eric Clapton thought about his musicianship and The Last Waltz is IMO one of the greatest Rock Films ever made.
Brilliant .. I think these guys changed the way Eric Clapton thought about his musicianship and The Last Waltz is IMO one of the greatest Rock Films ever made.
I read the same article Sox. I think George Harrison was the one who heard the Band's new album and rang up his friends, including Eric Clapton and told them he loved the whole feel of the record, "unpretentious rock and roll" I believe is how he described it. Of course it might have been the other way round, but one thing is certain The Band was a fantastic collection of talented musicians, songwriters and performers.
Brilliant .. I think these guys changed the way Eric Clapton thought about his musicianship and The Last Waltz is IMO one of the greatest Rock Films ever made.
I read the same article Sox. I think George Harrison was the one who heard the Band's new album and rang up his friends, including Eric Clapton and told them he loved the whole feel of the record, "unpretentious rock and roll" I believe is how he described it. Of course it might have been the other way round, but one thing is certain The Band was a fantastic collection of talented musicians, songwriters and performers.
I was recommended The Last Waltz by a friend on another forum,I bought the CD and I have to agree with you LG,it is very good.
The Band (Official Thread) 
Linear Mode
