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Hi Steven, glad you've now had the Cohen Experience. He's something else isn't he? (rhetorical) I think my own meaning was that TVZ was 'too' heart-broken, or something like that (if there's a difference), but I know what you mean about those Boogie Street lyrics; some favourite lines there.

btw Ken, I saw you mention Henning's festival before, and will bear it in mind:-)

Kush, I've yet to play my Kinsmen cd, but I have taken it out of its packaging:-) (looks yummy enough to eat). I am enjoying the anticipation at the moment. I will come back about it after I have listened a few times and had a think about all this ornamentation stuff.

Tom Jones: I'm not too keen on the What's New Pussy Cat style of singing, but I almost got his recent album, 24 Hours, when I heard his excellent cover of Springsteen's The Hitter, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JG3bQrPz_s (didn't like it on first hearing, but it grew on me). But then I read the rest of the album wasn't so good.

Kush wrote:yeah we can get back to Bruce if he would actually come out with a decent record

Oh, he made one or two.

Hi Diane,

Yes, to the rhetorical question about L.C. being "something else." I think we're
both on the same wavelength about TVZ, despite the words. Had a chance to
watch some Youtube videos of him. He was outstanding as a songwriter/performer.
Got the sense that lots of his performances were on the level of a bloodletting for
him. Wouldn't want to watch them too often. -- Some are very sad. About the "Boogie
Street" lyrics, heard the emphasis on those lines for the very first time. "Chelsea
Hotel," seemed to emphasize, among other things, the "we," in "we have the music."
Probably others caught these things too at the concert. Don't think that anyone was
listening more attentively than me, though others were listening as atttentively, for
sure.

Interesting what you say about listening attentively to those words, Steven: I too found myself taking particular note of certain of LC's words for the first time, in concert. At the last concert I saw, I more or less heard only the words, "take this waltz, it's all that there is", and thought about these words from when he said them, til the concert ended; found them rather stunning. Ask those who were there with me - I went on about it enough afterwards:-) (It didn't last, mind you. I want some other waltz, now.)

Before I forget, on the subject of Chris De Burgh, I thought Kush that you and Steven might enjoy Spanish Train, a fine example of a story-in-song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iipL6K15wIg

Last year, Chris boldly tried to get permission to do a concert in Tehran (he has a following over there). Didn't manage it, but he did get together with Iranian pop group Arian Band to do this song, part English, part Persian (I fall more in love with that language, each time I hear it):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbqxkTBplnw (changed the link - translation included)

The Snows of New York: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOuwB_7XoGY

Re. Kinsmen by Rudresh Mahanthappa:

Kush wrote: the entire CD has the feel of a definite beginning, a middle and an end.

Very much so, within the tracks, and over the cd as a whole. Introspection has a kind of 'tolling bell', calling you into the album. I've yet to listen to Ganesha or Kalyani properly, cos they didn't grab me, but I'll get to them. Longing is excellent, with the long notes replete with longing, some effective 'confused bits', and a rain-beat background of bass and drums. There is an upbeat mood change towards the middle, with exquisite eastern riffs creeping in like they know where to take this longing. I really enjoy the way the violin works alongside the sax. Of the tracks named after the various musicians, where they do their individual things, my favourite is the violinist's - Kanya-Alap (right after Kadri's, which finishes on a very fine sustained note, and leads right into it). The violin is haunting. It creates a sense of dancing deep sadness, and of something being stretched to its furthest reaches. It's like longing that has been heightened by the hopeful expectation of fulfillment. Fitting then then that it comes before Convergence, about the final third of which in particular,

you wrote:it seems Rudresh and Kadri are following each other around on alto sax drawing from the same source material , but upon closer listening they are not really doing the same thing. Each is improvising slightly differently, each is providing different ornamentation to the same source while at the same time repeating the notes of the other. Similar but different.

It's like they are having an intense conversation, agreeing with each other, but retaining their distinctive own views. Lots of complexity in this track especially (and then at the end, there is a peaceful drifting away).

I am floored by this cd. No way would I have listened without you guiding me to it, Kush. Muchas gracias!

I have also just received Tell No Lies, the latest album from Justin Adams and Juldeh Camara - unbelievably good, even more intense and complex than Soul Science - it's like Soul Science was just practicing and they have found their zenith in this album. I recommend it, big time. So, at the moment I have these two supreme albums to listen to. I'm happy as Larry. Two Rivers will have to wait for a few weeks, I can't keep up:-)

No samples from this album on Justin's site, but scroll down for the press reviews: http://www.myspace.com/justinadamsproducer

Hi Diane,

I enjoyed the links with Chris De Burgh especially the one with Arian. I liked the lead singer's voice better than Mr. De Burgh's. I have Soul Science on my to download list along with a few others but I am afraid they will have to wait for awhile, maybe next year. I have too much music that I have hardly absorbed and I am wary acquiring more for the sake of acquisition. Sometimes I long for the days when my entire collection consisted of 8 or 10 albums and I had memorized each and every note. On balance however, the problem of plenty is a happy problem.

The lead singer's voice in Arian reminded me of Cheb Mami's music that I believe I have posted earlier. Here is Cheb Mami with Susheela Raman...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwqKEt_jxAQ

Sometimes I think he is Aaron Neville's algerian brother...


Glad you are enjoying Kinsmen. Recently I heard Two Rivers with complete focus on the music and recreated in my mind the live experience of a few weeks earlier. Usually I hear stuff while doing something else on hand but this was very rewarding.
It was very interesting for me to read your take on Kinsmen - just to read it from another perspective. It is one of those albums in which pure music without a single word spoken or sung can create many emotions and images that can express itself in the written word.

Lovely, lovely song there, K. This Arabic/Indian mixture is potent stuff.

Next year will be a perfect time to download Soul Science. However, my humble opinion is that you might not want to wait that long to get the new album (just out), Tell No Lies, from Justin Adams/Juldeh Camara - it's a masterpiece. It's at least as good as Habib Koité's Foly. So much energy; so much variety. It's killing me.

Going back to Justin's old days, when he played guitar for Robert Plant, here's Robert's superb cover of Tim Buckley's Song to the Siren. (These days, Robert Plant is guesting at Justin's shows!*) This used to be one of my top ten songs of all time:

http://www.last.fm/music/Robert+Plant/_ ... +the+Siren

Yes...wordless music...what it can express is...well, beyond words:-). I have only just started with Kinsmen, really. I'm very impressed with how well-crafted it is.

Recently I heard Two Rivers with complete focus on the music and recreated in my mind the live experience of a few weeks earlier. Usually I hear stuff while doing something else on hand but this was very rewarding.

I love it that you told me that. Only now - since hearing Kinsmen - can I realise how good Two Rivers live musta been. I wish I could see Rudresh playing his sax, live. I can only imagine...

* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR1ddhxbJmw Not sure how well Juldeh's riti (one stringed African fiddle) fits into this BD number, tho'.

Hi Diane,

The new CD will be released on June 16 in these United States. Will check it out then. Yeah 'tis a busy beginning to the summer - I will be scarce. deadlines and commitments, what to leave in what to leave out....I always feel like I am running against the wind.
That sounds very lyrical - I ought to be writing songs instead and then go on a world tour!

If thou speakest not I will fill my heart with thy silence and endure it. Might be as well if you are scarce for a while Kush, give me a chance to calm down a bit. I did some research, and now that I have twigged the Vedic origins of Indian classical music, my mind is completely blown . Next time you see RM ask him if he might Tour over here next year.

I saw JA and JC in Cardiff on Thurs .

Hi Diane,

Went on a CD spree and picked up Tell No Lies last weekend along with a few others. havent heard it yet but will do so soon.....
You sound like you enjoyed JA and JC (at first I thought you saw Jesus Christ, then Johnny Clegg before I got around to Juldeh Camara). Speaking of Johnny Clegg - like Leonard Cohen he was supposed to do a concert in Israel in the past month before it got postponed twice and now is rescheduled again for sometime in the future - dont know whats going on with the Israeli movers and shakers (i.e. the money people who make these things happen).....if I were an Israeli I'd be more concerned about JC making it there than LC but thats me (and I probably shouldnt say such blashemy on this site...forgive me my sins!)
If I remember right you probably saw Springsteen too.....well I see Max Weinberg on some nights now with Conan O' Brien doing his thing and acting silly!
Since Springsteen has forgotten how to make good records here's a little reminder ....

Sinaloa Cowboys!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok_6vvMbYn4

cheers ...be back with more about JA and JC.

No, I didn't see Jesus Christ. If he is going to come for me, I hope he will wait a while yet. But yep I did see Justin Adams and Juldeh Camara. They were in a cool newish venue in Cardiff; the Globe. I was at the front and there were only maybe 150 people there in total which amazed me as I am completely unused to going to such small gigs of such high quality. I should also mention that it cost only £12 to get in, cos I know how much you like the idea of saving money, Kush;-) 'Twas something else, to be right there as Justin's growly blues guitar melded perfectly with Juldeh's wailing riti and soft strong Fulani vocals. There was the definite sense of them playing off each other, and you could tell when they were improvising as one would look directly at the other and grin. I got the chance to talk to Justin at the end, which was a great pleasure. A really nice guy. He was already a hero to me, even before this collaboration with Juldeh because he has played with Robert Plant (The Strange Sensation) and co-wrote with Robert the excellent album Mighty Rearranger (which I have been giving an airing to this week, forgotten how good it is). He also produced two of Tinariwen's albums. I didn't get to talk to Juldeh unfortunately, as I had to dash for my train (which I missed anyway!). Next time.

Glad you got the album, yeah let me know what you think. In interviews, Justin talks a lot about the importance of keeping the raw bluesy edge in the music, about not wanting it to sound "nice". Nice. Here is a really nice video interview about Tell No Lies, half way down this page (there is also a free download of Kele Kele):

http://www.realworldrecords.com/free/

and here is another interesting piece:

http://dirtylinen.wordpress.com/2009/05 ... -schedule/

Funny you mentioned Johnny Clegg because I went off on a bit of an African trip after that concert, dug out my best of JC, and listened properly to one or two songs for the first time (incl. Yashimbawula, which you mentioned somewhere and I did not realise I had, plus Osiyeza).

From what I gather, LC is still playing Tel Aviv now, and has added Ramallah to diffuse the controversy (hopefully). What a hero. Even if he can't dance like Johnny Clegg.

I don't have the Springsteen song you linked to - Sinaloa Cowboys, and will listen when I get a chance. I haven't seen Bruce yet this summer but will do this Sunday at the Hard Rock Calling festival at Hyde Park London, and then two weeks after that in Dubin. I will "take" you and Steven along:-)

Finally my stacks of cds collapsed btw. Tell me how do I begin again, my city's in ruins. I pray Lord, with these hands I can rebuild it.

Sad news I just heard about Michael Jackson. I wasn't a fan but did appreciate some of his music. Another legend lost.

See you later.

A quick report on the Springsteen gig at Hyde park last night, the night after he rocked Glastonbury: He appeared earlier than expected, during the Gaslight Anthem's set, and by the time he came on with the E Street, the crowd were primed and ready to go and were as responsive an audience as I've ever seen. Opening with the Clash's London's Calling followed by Badlands, they didn't miss a beat for the next three hours. Bruce said we the crowd "looked good out there on the lawn". Thanks Bruce. Highlights for me were Racin in the Street, which brought tears to my eyes, and a wonderfully executed Jungleland (one of the excellent things about Bruce is that even within the full-on exuberance of his gigs, he switches easily into the gravity of the darker-tinged numbers), plus Rosalita and Trapped. The E Street were on top form, with the usual many embellishments such as when Danny's replacement Charlie Giordano played accordion with one hand using the other to strum Nils' guitar whilst Nils at the same time used his free hand to play keys on Charlie's accordion. Some notable playing from Nils, Clarence, and Soozie on violin (all with nice close-ups on the screens). No sound problems this time. They did a strong version of Hard Times (including some nice gospelly vocals from the two extra backing vocalists); it made me wish again for another Seeger Sessions typa project. Lots of humour, such as when, after one of many his stints running up and down stairs to collect request cards from the audience and get into physical contact, Bruce tripped and fell and then went and lay down sprawled on the stage for a minute or so, saying, "Get me a f*cking elevator, I'm 60 years old!". I took a friend along with me who wasn't particularly a fan, and she had a great time. We saw Tim from here for a while, too. I trust you enjoyed the gig, Tim. If I were into placard-waving, I would hold up a line from The Troggs' song Bruce covered at one of his earlier gigs on this Tour: Wild Thing, you make my heart sing. He just does.

Hi Diane,

Wish you would have taken me along to that Bruce concert. There's an upcoming Richie Havens concert I'm going to. Want to go? And Kush, how about you? Can certainly relate to the City of Ruins situation with your CDs. That Trogs song is a fun one; haven't heard Bruce's cover of it.

Hi Steven how you doing. *Bruce's cover wasn't anything special but that one line seemed to apply to him when I was writing my above post. Jimi Hendrix did the best Wild Thing. Have a great concert, thanks for the invite.

*ps well, actually, it wasn't half bad!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY9AiWv6wGw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50y3TecujmY It's kinda charming, to me, the way he says, wild thang. Oh, Max on those drums, brings it all back...

Hi Diane,

I'm doing okay. Hope you are doing better than okay. I remember the Hendrix cover
of "Wild Thing" fondly and will check out the Springsteen link later on. "Wild Thing"
is a campy, fun song in the same category, i.m.o., as "Louie Louie." The concert will
probably be very good, if not great.

Hi Diane,

I have heard Tell No Lies couple of times...think I still need to get into it more. I really enjoyed the prominent african fiddle (especially in Fulani Coochie Man, and thats a cool name for a song!). Its a mix of rock, blues and west african sounds and I am trying to disentangle them all. Its a little too busy. I am not familiar with Robert Plant's music but have heard the name. Will check out the links you have given.
Yeah you should have Max on tour with you on your side of the pond....Conan did a little piece showing Max leaving the show on what can best be described as a "drum-car" to join the band in Europe. I used to think Conan was too goofy but he's growing on me.

From what I gather, LC is still playing Tel Aviv now, and has added Ramallah to diffuse the controversy (hopefully).

Good for him. Our buddy Amir El Saffar played at the Jewish festival last year on Daniel Barenboim's invitation. As Bing Crosby once sang of Count Basie "with this kind of music, the world will find a way."

Steven...enjoy the Richie Havens concert (is he the bearded dude?). And have a Happy 4th.