the Rock Report

He was, arguably, the greatest blues legend to come out of England during the Invasion era — yet most Americans still aren’t familiar with his music.

I remember the first time I’d heard of Alexis Korner. It was during the ninth grade, when a classmate (who was very much into the blues scene) told me about “Alex’s Corner”. Knowing that teen shows were all the rage (American Bandstand, Lloyd Thaxton Show, Kilgo’s Canteen), I thought he was talking about a new one.
Dave laughed and invited me over to hear an album by Korner and his band, Blues Incorporated. After a couple of tracks, I was hooked …

By the time of the British Invasion, Alexis (who was actually born in Paris) was already 37 years old. In fact, it’s said he was bitten by the blues bug after listening to a Jimmy Yancey record during a German air raid. According to Korner, “From then on all I wanted to do was play the blues.”

After the war, he joined forces with Chris Barber’s Jazz Band (later,Barber had an international hit with Petite Fleur), where he met Cyril Davies (now, if the name sounds familiar, I mentioned him earlier as a catalyst in Long John Baldry’s career).
They formed a blues duo at first, then, in 1961, expanded it into a band called Blues Incorporated. Starting out as a loose, “jam”-style outfit (where guests could come onstage and play along with them), the band included future legends like Charlie Watts, Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, Long John Baldry and Graham Bond.

Sometimes, eager young fans would be allowed onstage to play with the band. These fans included Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Rod Stewart, John Mayall (whose bio is coming up next in The Rock Report) and Jimmy Page.

One story is that The Rolling Stones went to stay at Korner’s house after a performance late one night in the early 1960s. They entered through the kit in through the kitchen window, to find Muddy Waters’ band sleeping on the kitchen floor.

Stay tuned for Pt. II, due tomorrow (Monday) afternoon!

Since I’m momentarily tied up with a couple of accounts and also have three articles on tap for tonight’s deadline and am collating info for the new posts, let me just share a few vids here (got popcorn? Comfy seating? goooood …) on the town where this steam-powered buzzard hangs his hat-if-he-had-a-hat:

ASHLAND, KENTUCKY

As some of you know, Ashland’s the home of Wynonna Judd, Billy Ray Cyrus, Chuck Woolery, and Rob McNurlin … but didja know it was also childhood home of George Reeves … 1950 TV’s Superman?

Anyway … this weekend, the Alexis Korner story. So, hope ya enjoyed the flicks … more later when we get the town camera fixed …

See ya on the flip side!

This is Part II of our post on Long John Baldry.

We left off with the blues giant’s  Steampacket and, when it folded, Bluesology and Elton John.
In 1968, when that band called it quits, Baldry continued his solo career and Elton John formed a songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin.

In 1969, Elton tried to commit suicide after relationship problems with a woman. But, thankfully, Taupin (who’s straight) and Baldry (who’s openly gay) found him. Long John talked him out of marrying the woman and helped make Elton comfortable with his sexuality. In fact, his later hit, “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” (from Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy) was about the experience.

Baldry was openly gay during the early 1960s when homosexuality was still considered a serious moral crime. He supported Elton in coming to terms with his own sexuality and, in 1978, his album, Baldry’s Out, made his sexual orientation official as such. In fact, he addressed the issue on one of the album’s cuts, “A Thrill’s a Thrill”.

Now, we’ll be heading into Part III and the latter part of Baldry’s career in tomorrow’s post. Until then, grab the popcorn, sit back and dig the music, because this vid’s got Baldry’s Hoochie-Coochie Men (along with 19-year-old Rod Stewart singing counterpoint and much lead) doing Up Above My Head. (No, I don’t know why they keep re-playing the motorcycle clip. Been better with one of the band, right? Still, the music’s great)

See ya on the flip side.

He was one of the truest legends from the British blues scene of the Sixties — yet very few Americans have actually heard of him.
Long John Baldry (6′ 7″ — hence, the “Long” in his name), a strong-voiced blues singer from Northamptonshire, England. was born in 1941 and, by the early Sixties, had already established a name for himself by playing blues gigs in clubs like the Station Hotel in Richmond — one of the earliest venues of The Rolling Stones.

Then came a shot with Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated (I’ll have a post on Korner next week).
In fact, with them, he  recorded the first British blues album in 1962, R&B at the Marquee.  As part of the band, he found himself occasionally amongst future superstars Charlie Watts and Mick Jagger (Stones) and Jack Bruce (Cream).  At times, Keith Richards and Brian Jones would appear with Blues, Inc. as well … and, as the fame of the Stones spread, so did John’s:  He appeared with them in support at their first concert at the Marquee Club, and was the announcer on their only live album, 1966’s Got Live If You Want It! He also became friends with Paul McCartney after a show at the Cavern, and was invited to play on one of The Beatles’ 1964 TV specials.

Baldry also had his hand in the careers of other superstars by way of the bands he either joined or created:  First, there was the Cyril Davies R&B All-Stars, which boasted a young Jimmy Page on guitar.

Then, at Cyril’s death, he took over and renamed the band Long John Baldry and the Hoochie-Coochie Men.  Jimmy left the band (Geoff Bradford took his place) and John found a new singer in a busker named Rod Stewart (Rod already had a taste of success with Jimmy Powell and the Five Dimensions, and occasionally busks, even today*.)
(*=for our stateside readers: busking was simply “street corner music”, usually with just a guitar, harmonica and a hat or box in front for donations. See the beginning of The Fore’s video, Love For Sale, as an example …)

By 1965, there was another name change for John’s band — it became Steampacket and included himself, Rod, Brian Auger (later of Trinity) and Julie Driscoll.  A year later, though, the band broke up and John formed a new ensemble called Bluesology. This included Elton Dean on vocals, John Baldry on vocals and guitar, and a young keyboardist named Reg Dwight … who, eventually, changed his name to reflect both Dean and Baldry and became … Elton John!

(Pt. II will be posted on Monday, so stay tuned …)  For more on Long John Baldry, just click the following link:

Okay … now that we know Steven Tyler has left his post as front man for Aerosmith, what’s gonna happen to rest of the band?

As I reported on another post, Tyler’s gotten quite a rep for letting this “success” stuff go to his head — and, now, after the fall in Sturgis and his “less-than-100%” work on their last shows, he’s trying to put something together on his own.
But, according to lead guitarist and legend Joe Perry, they’re not gonna split just because he’s gone.

“As far as replacing Steve, it’s not just about that, it’s also four guys that play extremely well together, and I’m not going to see that go to waste. I really don’t know what path it’s going to take at this point, but we’ll probably find somebody else that will sing in those spots where we need a singer and then we’ll be able to move the Aerosmith up a notch, move the vibe up a notch.”

Apparently, they’ve just found someone, but they’re keeping it all under wraps for the time being.

HOWEVER …

It’s a different story for Brian May and the kings of Queen. They’ve allegedly found who they want to replace the late Freddie Mercury in the band (they’d already tried with Bad Company’s Paul Rodgers, but it apparently didn’t work out).

The new singer’s said to be the flamboyant runner-up on last season’s American Idol — the eccentrically gay Adam Lambert. Now, I’m not knockin’ his preference (though I don’t dig “that” scene), but, if the three surviving members of Queen hire him on, then the first sound you hear won’t be Brian’s guitar but the band shooting itself in the foot.

Y’see, this kid’s got an ego that’s sky high — and has hardly worked is way up from the trenches as Freddie did. That means he could end up playing rock “diva” whilst turning in less-than-perfect shows. Obviously, that could turn the three seasoned pros against him, and break up the reunion attempt.

And, though we all suspected Mercury of being “closet-free”, he still kept his private life just that: private! But Lambert, being a veritable rookie who hasn’t put in nearly as much time and effort into his career, is flamboyant about his preferences. That can hurt an established band like Queen.

In other words, there are some artists who just can’t be adequately replaced. And Steven Tyler and Freddie Mercury are two of them, IMHO.

Well, that’s it for now … but stay tuned, ’cause there’ll be more coming up sometime Tuesday evening! ‘Til then …

I’ll see ya on the flip side.

Ummm … am I missing something here??

As I recall, when superpopper Michael Jackson died, his father, Joke … er, Joe, decided it was time to announce his big “record label” venture (funny … didn’t seem to mention small things like “grief” or anything that we-who-were-born-with-hearts do). He made us think he was a real entrepreneur … and was headin’ for the big time again!

Then why did he have to go to court this past Friday, asking that Michael’s estate pay him over $20G a month-plus in living expenses? (Now, remember: Michael’s will specifically left out his father.) A judge refused to let him have an immediate hearing, so it’s a pretty safe bet he’s not going to get a dime from the estate (and who says the court system doesn’t work?? IMHO, let “Mr. MoneyBags” work for a living, like millions of others do).

Even though Michael’s father didn’t get his way (fortunately), it’s not keeping his brothers from cashing in on the Pop King’s death.
Y’see, four of the remaining Jackson brothers (Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Tito. Randy had enough sense to stay out of it, I guess …) will star in a new reality series on the A&E channel called “The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty.” So far, only six episodes have been ordered. The show supposedly follows the brothers getting ready for their tour then dealing with Michael’s death. It’s due to premiere on 13 December (I’m guessing it’ll be good for at least a couple of episodes before the fans catch on …).

Have ya ever wanted (or tried) to trace your family roots?

Almost two years ago — after learning the Big Secret that’d been held from me for decades — I hired a genealogist to shake the family tree as hard as possible and see where this Hinson madness really came from.
I mean, I was told we were Norwegian by decent descent, and that we wouldn’t leif Eriksen alone until he put us on his ship to America. (His shiplist? Word sounds similar to the list I’ve been on many times …)

Welll, the genealologicolical dude said, ” … it’s partly true. Your ancestors lived in Norway until the 13th Century. Then they moved to England, where they lived until the late 1800’s.”
Impossible. We lived there that long … without being kicked out??? WOW … are these folks patient!

He went on. “Your particular family came from a John Hinson (prob. w. name variation) near the town of Hereford (near Worcester). From there, they moved to London, then proceeded to America, prob. by way of Liverpool.

You, therefore, have more British blood in you than Norse and, considering the date of John Hinson’s arrival in America, possibly more British than American.”

I’m glad he prob.ed that for me, actually. But that last line was a kicker. Yeah, I really love the UK — it’s truly a mix of old-world charm, ingenuity of the modern world — and wonderful people. Not only that, but it has some of the most beautiful scenery in the Northern Hemisphere.
But, yardbirds, this writer’s an American … and, whilst I admire the British with every ounce of my being, quite proud of it!

Still, it’s quite an honour to know that this leg of Hinsonia got its footing there …

Well, that’s all I’ve got for this round, but stay tuned … there’ll be more on-board in less than 24!  So, until then, remember to keep yer eyes on the skies, yer feet on the ground, yer heart with the music …

and I’ll see ya on the flip side …

Ahhhh, November!  Along with the leaves, pumpkins and cooler weather, this week brings some of the most interesting memories in rock history:

5 November 1954 — Elvis Presley actually did a radio commercial — the only one he ever made, in fact. The product?? What else?: It was for Southern-Made Doughnuts, and was broadcast on the Louisiana Hayride radio program.

On 1 November, one year later, a local R&B group called The Famous Flames, led by an energetic and very soulful young singer named James Brown, cut their first demo called “Please, Please, Please”.  Recorded at a radio station in Macon, Georgia, it got the attention of King Records, which jumped at the chance to sign ‘em!

On that same date in 1957, Buddy Holly and The Crickets hit #1 on the UK singles chart — and stayed there for three weeks — with their biggest hit “That’ll Be The Day”.

Two days later brought the release of “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis. It turned out to be his biggest hit (now, who doesn’t know that??), and hit the musical trifecta, coming in at number two on the Billboard Pop chart, number three on the R&B and number one on the Country and Western chart.

Now, the fifth of November, 1960, added an eerie slant to this rundown as the C&W legend (back then, it was still called “country and western music”, btw) Johnny Horton (he did Battle of New Orleans, North to Alaska and a double-E fave, a cover of Ray Charles’ Busted) died (his Cadillac was hit by a drunken trucker in Milano, Texas).
What was so weird about that? Well, Johnny had just played his last show at the Skyline in Austin, where Hank Williams had played his last show (remember: Hank was found dead in his Caddy seven years earlier).
Oh … I almost forgot to add that Johnny Horton’s widow, Billy Jo, was also Hank Williams’ widow!

The folk/protest movement began blowin’ in the wind when the inimitable Bob Dylan played his first gig on November 4, 1961. It was at the Carnegie Chapter Hall in New York City, and only drew an audience of about 50 (most of them were Dylan’s friends).

Of course, there’s more — but, since I’ve gotta get to work in about an hour, lemme close off this post with the Fillmore West. Rock impresario Bill Graham opened the legendary venue in San Francisco to complement the original Fillmore East in New York. Now, it was this gig that launched the careers of the “hippie/yippie” bands (well, that’s what they were called by mainstreamers and Republicans! lol) like The Jefferson Airplane, The Grateful Dead, Big Brother and The Holding Company and others.
Y’know, while that “mainstream” America thumbed their noses at the Haight-Asbury phenoms, it might do ‘em well to realise that many of these acts helped maintain the rock continuity between The Beatles and today’s music.

Okay … ’nuff said; my quarter’s about run out. Now … if I don’t get to work, I ain’t gonna have one for the next show later tonight. So …
I’ll see ya on the flip side …

Well, yeah … according to the Q Awards, Marianne Faithfull is considered a living icon (they named her that after saying she has an “enduring influence upon the music world”).Oooooookayyyy … if you say so ….IMHO, the lady is one helluva survivor … no, make that winner in life’s field.  I mean, without question, has had more than her share of bad bumps in the road whilst traveling this musical highway:  drugs, booze, Jagger, breast cancer, hepatitis C, and more.   And, granted, her voice needs just a bit of dusting off — after all, ya can’t go through all that she has and come out without at least a little wear-and-tear.  

But … icon??  Just because she’s gone through hell and back, continued to make albums and fill some great gigs and come back on the charts with Easy Come, Easy Go, and …

Come to think of it … she is!!   But as far as being an “enduring influence”?  When ya look at the likes of Carrie Underwood, Joss Stone, Imogen Heap, Taylor Swift,  Adele … and … hear … how … they …

Okay … I stand corrected …

WINEHOUSE MISSES THE MARK

At the same show, our fave rehab occupant, Amy “I-Live-My-Last-Name” Winehouse, was supposed to present an award to The Specials (Q Inspiration Award) but … in true AW fashion … missed her cue twice.

Not to worry, though … she eventually turned up on stage … after the band had accepted their award!

Now, like Marianne in her hey-day, this woman does have a decent, sorta-sultry voice.  But unlike Ms. Faithfull, this Wine House refuses to leave behind all the crap that’s screwing her up! 
It’s already cost her a marriage, jail and rehab time, and thousands of fans who are pretty much saying “When you’ve come to yer senses, look us up.  We’re over in the (Heap, Underwood, etc.) camp now …”

One more thing I noticed:  Spandau Ballet won the award for “Q Idols”  – even though they’ve just recently reunited after a 20-year hiatus!  From what I’ve been hearing, though, their stage presence hasn’t rusted a bit … and their songs are still as fresh as they were in 1989!

Okay … my quarter’s just about up (and so is my lunch break), so I’ll see ya in about 24!  Yeah, it’s on the …
FLIP SIDE!

So ya dig classic rock, huh??
Well, ya oughtta meet the creatures that inhabit this info superhighways’ fave rock oasis, a Sixties-and-beyond-and-before rock forum called, appropriately, Rock-Talk!

Now, you’ll not only get to talk oldies and more, but you’ll be able to listen to them through their “jukebox” page.  And dig this:  It’s the first actual community (not just names on a screen; these folks actually become your friends if you approach them gently and feed them right. lol) I’ve ever been involved with (and this bird has been around the pike a few times)!

Oh … and, after ya join, be sure to check out the tracks from the man who wrote some of the Dave Clark Five’s greatest hits and introduced Jimi Hendrix’s drummer to rock, Ron Ryan!  In fact, in the main forum, you’ll be able to talk a bit with him!

The membership is free, btw, and it doesn’t matter if yer a guy, a gal or a Martian: just come on over and check it out!

THE FORE TO (sorta) DOUBLE??

Well, not exactly (that is, as far as the band itself), but there are a few “additions” that require some serious and happy congrats and props:

First, to superstar guitarist Matt Hardy (center, on the Rickenbacker) , as he and his lovely wife are expecting their second child soon!  (Y’know, it proves the flexibility of math:  When two people get together, it shows that “1+1=2″.  But, when the lady luv gets in “the family way”, it shows that “1+1=1″!  [Think about it])  Anyway, Matt and Victoria, your children are just as blessed to have you as parents as you are to have them as your own!

And the band’s fearless leader (and amazing bassist and songwriter), Spencer Hannabuss, has just announced his engagement to the lovely Natalie (sorry, ladies!  But she is a treasure, and they complement each other so much …).  Hope they have a zillion years together in happiness and love …

BEHIND THE SCENES …

There are a lotta things happening over here in RockCentral, and even more great things going on in The Fore camp!  It’s a pleasure working with these lads (who’ve just come back from their respective holidays), and their star just continues to rise in the worldwide skies of rock …
Speakin’ of holidays:  I want to send out a special and heartfelt wish for the good health and recovery of the lady Annette.  She’s wife of Fore manager Neil, and, whilst he was away, she suffered a nasty fall.  With her hubby at side now, though, she’s recuperating well.  Still, keep her in yer thoughts and prayers, okay?

Me?  Gotta get off here for awhile.  My quarter’s about to run out …
See ya on the flip side …

Look, I know they’re legends by now, but, though the BonoBand U2 is selling out their shows whilst on this new 360 tour, they haven’t even broken even yet, despite strong ticket prices.

The reason?? Naaah … it’s got nothin’ to do with the economy. Y’see, their manager (Paul McGuinness) says the band’s expenses are running about … $750,000 a day! Yup: every single everlovin’ day they’re on the road with this gig! That evens out to about $31,000 every hour!

But the guys aren’t headin’ for the McDonald’s value menus yet! McGuinness says they’ll be break even before the end of the U.S. side of their tour, and believes they’ll be makin’ a gross rev of about $300 million before the last notes are played.

And what’s up with the sudden cancellation of the rest of Def Leppard’s North American tour? I know the band says it’s due to “unforeseen personal matters”.
According to a statement from the band, “[W]e don’t take cancelling shows lightly, but unfortunately life’s commitments need to be the priority.”

Y’know, if that’s for real, I can understand. Let’s face it –the band’s been around since 1977 (formed from a band called Atomic Mass). They’re all nearly 40 years old now (lead singer Joe Elliot hit it in August), have families and matters of their own, and, considering their schedules, just may need the break to tie it all in together and do some TCB with TLC.

Orrrrr …

It could be just obstinence … or band problems. After all, the third leg of their tour was supposed to begin yesterday, and I’ve been told ticket holders for the 22 Oct date can get refunds. But that means the cancelled dates won’t be rescheduled, and that means possible internal trouble with the band in some way.
We’ll just have to wait and see …

FOLLOWUP: As reported earlier, Peter Criss, former drummer with the legendary KISS, was treated for breast cancer that was discovered a year ago. Fortunately, he beat it (meaning he’s in remission, obviously) … but is ready to spread the word that this cancer isn’t just a woman’s issue! He told a CNN reporter that just maybe a wife or partner will hear his story, nudge their spouse or mate and say, “Honey, maybe you oughtta go and get that check-up!” Pete went further and said it didn’t matter if only five or six men in America had it … he was speaking up to help them.
Totally friggin’ fantastic, mate! Wish other guys had your moxie …

Oh … he’s already got a name for the book he’d write about his experience. Criss says he’d call it … “Rock Knockers” (what else??).

Now … gotta head out on this rainy Friday mornin’ to get some more supplies, but stay tuned: I’ll be back in less than 24 with more. So, until then, remember:
keep yer eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music …
and I’ll see ya on the flip side!