The Band Pioneers of Americana Music Author:Craig Harris At a time when Acid Rock and Heavy Metal dominated popular music, The Band rebelled against the rebellion with a masterful mix of tight ensemble arrangements, a trio of great vocalists, highly literate lyricism, and a respect for the musical traditions of the American South. Comprised of four Canadians (Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, Richard Manu... more »el, and Garth Hudson), and Arkansas-born Levon Helm, The Band sparked a new appreciation for America?s musical roots, fusing R&B, jump blues, country, folk, boogie-woogie, swing, Cajun, New Orleans-style jazz, and rock, and setting the foundations for the Americana that would take hold 30 years later.
The Band: Pioneers of Americana Music explores the diverse influences on the quintet?s music, and the impact that their music had in turn on contemporary music and American society. Through previously unpublished interviews with Robbie Robertson, Eric Andersen, Pete Seeger, and the late Rick Danko, as well as numerous other sources, Craig Harris surveys The Band?s musical journey from sidemen for, among others, Ronnie Hawkins and Bob Dylan to rock legendry in their own right.
The Band: Pioneers of Americana Music touches on the evolution of rock and roll, the electrifying of folk music, restoration and integration of America's musical roots, changes in radio formatting, race relations, changing perceptions of the American south, and the commercializing of the counter-culture, as well as drug dependency, alcoholism, suicide, greed, and the struggle against cancer. Harris takes readers through their albums, from Music from Big Pink and The Band and their subsequent releases together and solo, as well as their historic appearances at the Woodstock Music and Art Festival, the Isle of Wight Festivals, the Festival Express, Summer Jam, the Last Waltz, and The Band?s reunion.
This biography is a must-have publication, not only for fans, but also for anyone interested in rock history. Craig Harris sets the record straight as he shares the story of this incredible rock act.« less