GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
There are no words to describe how hard was DME hit by the news of recent passing of the people for who he had utmost respect.
A month ago Gerry Bron bid farewell. A legendary manager, producer and mastermind behind Bronze Records, he played a vital role in the careers of, among others,
URIAH HEEP, Manfred Mann and MOTORHEAD. This scribe was lucky to get to know the great man a little bit and to have interviewed him. A honor, really.
Next to go up there was Lol Coxhill whose sax graced the records of the likes of Mike Oldfield and gave those an inimitable Canterbury flavor and who shined on his own and in collaborations with such wayward kindred spirits as Morgan Fisher. Not totally unexpected passing, the folks were alerted to Lol’s condition by Judy Dyble who, long ago, formed a band with Coxhill and Steve Miller the pianist, yet painful to the bone.
Then, the heavenly choir was expanded with the arrival of Bob Babbitt, a bass player on many Motown hits including Smokey Robinson’s “The Tears Of A Clown”, Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours”, Marvin Gaye’s “Mercy Mercy Me” and THE TEMPTATIONS’ “Just My Imagination”. Many paid tribute, including giants like Bootsy Collins.
On the same day, our hearts have been broken when Jon Lord died. The most influential rock organist, an academician in the DEEP PURPLE ranks, a noble man, he was loved and revered by everyone, his presence was felt wherever he went, as this scribe witnessed on a couple of occasions. Sadness still reigns the waves, with reminiscences flowing in from Jon’s fellow grinders Rick Wakeman who had been planning a joint album with Lord after their successful collaboration on a quasi-classical piece, Keith Emerson, Ritchie Blackmore and David Coverdale, as well as other musicians and mere mortals. He’ll be sorely missed.
A time to be grieving… Yet the show must go on.
ON THE REBOUND
Some musicians have been informing us recently of their fellow players achievements.
Thus, Ben Folds wrote how he loved having his own studio. Alan Parsons was there recently producing some new music by Jake Shimabukuro, a uke virtuoso, with no other than Kip Winger, of all people, serving as string arranger. Sounds like a joke but wait until the sounds, including Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and QUEEN’s “Bo Rap”, leave the studio.
Then, Bev Bevan who has his own version of THE MOVE, with Trevor Burton in the line-up, leaked the news that their other guitarist Tony Kelsey, an experience session player and touring foil to the stars, had been working with another Brummie band RED SHOES whose forthcoming album features such heavyweights as FAIRPORTS’ Dave Pegg and Dave Swarbrick and Ric Sanders, and Bevan and Burton too. There’s a chance to help it all happen via Pledge Music as the group is at 25% of the target sum at the moment. One the best moments there should be a new version of THE MOVE’s classic “Blackberry Way”. By the way, 10% of money raised post target, will go to a charity close to the band’s heart, Stroke Association. Sign up here.
VOLCANIC HOT
Wrong are those who think old cosmic pixies MAGMA have gone in search of the lost chord. The Christian Vander-led Kobaians are back with a new album, “Felicite Thosz”, consisting of two epics and partly delivered in earthly tongue. A thing to relate to.
| 1. Felicite Thosz • Ekmah • Elss • Dzoi • Nums • Teha • Waahrz • Duhl • Tsai ! • Ohst • Zahrr 2. Les hommes sont venus |
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