Native American Influence in Rock: Robbie Robertson, Jimi Hendrix, Walela, Rita Cooledge

Original air date Feb 23 2019 | Time 59:00

   

We listen to some tracks from Robbie Robertson "Music for the Native American" whose heritage is Mohawk. Jimi Hendrix's mother was Cherokee! We hear "Little Wing". Brewer and Shipley sing an indian chant "Whi Chi Tai Tai". From the "Best of Walela" we hear Rita Coolidge, who Cherokee.

Levon Helm and Robbie Robertson

Original air date February 16, 2019 | Time 59:00

WJFF recently presented The Last Waltz at the Callicoon Theater, a documentary by Martin Scorsese about The Band's final concert in 1978. I had never seen the movie before and was astounded at the level of musicianship from the Band and the incredible lineup of performers, from the blues of Muddy Waters, the jazz of Van Morrison and the artistry of Joni Mitchell and Eric Clapton. In this episode of Now and Then we explore the life and most recent work of Levon Helm and Robbie Robertson, two of the founding members of the Band.

After recovering from throat cancer in the 90's, Levon Helm produced "Midnight Rambles" at his venue in Woodstock in the 2000's, harking back to an idea he first expressed to Martin Scorsese during the filming of The Last Waltz. Before passing away in 2012, he released two final studio recordings for which he received Grammy awards and we listen to songs from Electric Dirt from 2010.

Robbie Robertson continued to work with film producer Martin Scorsese and composed the soundtracks for his movies from 1980 - 1986 including Raging Bull, The Kind of Comedy and The Color of Money. Robbie was the composer of all the Bands songs including "The Weight", "Up on Cripple Creek" and others but he was not the lead singer on these songs. He signed with Geffen records in 1986 and has recorded seven solo albums, singing and playing lead guitar. Robbie's mother was a native American of the Mohawk tribe and in 1994 Robbie released Music for the Native Americans, using traditional Indian chants and original songs featuring his son Sebastian on drums. We also listen to tracks from his 2011 How to Become Clairvoyant.

Stevie Wonder and Prince

Original air date January 19, 2019 | Time 59:00

As we prepare to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr's birthday, lets explore the artistry of two of the great singer songwriters of our time. Both of these men showed musical talent from their earliest years, with Stevie signing his first recording contract when he was 11 yrs old. Prince was 17 yrs old when he released his first album. They are both virtuoso musicians and each of them often recorded and produced songs as a solo performance, being the only musician on all the instruments and vocals. They each offered unique points of view on life and love and have influenced our contemporary culture in lasting and valuable ways. Each of them have sold more than 100 Million records. Stevie Wonder started the campaign to make MLK's birthday a national holiday.

Boogie On Regae Woman, Fullingness First Finale 1974 - Stevie Wonder
If It's Magic" and As, Songs in the Key of Life 1976 - Stevie Wonder
When Doves Cry, Purple Rain 1984 - Prince
Shut This Down, 1000's of Xs and Os, June, Hitnrun Phase One 2015
So What the Fuss with Prince on guitar and A Time to Love with Paul McCartney on guitar, A Time to Love 2005 - Stevie Wonder

Road Trip (In Your Mind) - Knopfler, Mitchell, McCartney, Zappa, Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Sheeran, Michael Nesmith

Original air date January 12, 2019 | Time 59:00

It's great to be in a place that you love, home and warm in the winter. But! There's nothing like travel to lift the spirit and today we're taking a ROAD TRIP on the wings of song!

Joni Mitchell "Free Man in Paris" from Court and Spark 1973
Mark Knopfler "Lights of Taromina" from Tracker 2018
Paul McCartney "Back in Brazil" from Egypt Station 2018
The Beatles "Kansas City" from Live at the BBC 1965
Frank Zappa "Montana" from Overnite Sensation 1973
Richard & Mimi Farina "Reno Nevada" from Celebrations for a Grey Day 1965
Bob Dylan "Memphis Blues Again" from Blonde on Blonde 1966
Leonard Cohen "First We Take Manhattan" from Live in London 2009
Ed Sheeran "Barcelona" from Divide 2017
Michael Nesmith "Rio" from From a Radio Engine to a Photon Wing 1977