Pervis Jackson, The Spinners’ “Mr. 12:45,” Dead

 Posted by
Aug 202008
 

Pervis Jackson, the baritone vocalist for The Spinners, best known for his “12:45…” line in “They Just Can’t Stop It (Games People Play)”, has died at 70. You can see Jackson lip-sync his legendary part at the 2:09 mark in the following clip. See if you can control yourself from trying to sing along with him.

After years as a second-rate act on Motown, The Spinners found their sound in Philadelphia in the early ’70s, when they fell under the production of Philadelphia International’s Thom Bell and the MSFB studio musicians. Their numerous hits on Atlantic Records are among my favorite sounds of my preteen and early teen years. Lovely, romantic stuff! For those of you with a taste for this sort of sophisticated ’70s soul, I heartily recommend A One of a Kind Love Affair: The Anthology. It collects the best of the band’s work from their stops in both the Motor City and the so-called City of Brotherly Love.

The band also knew how to have a good time. Have any of you ever heard The Rumour‘s cover of the following song?

Previously, in the News!

Share

Jerry Wexler Dead at 91

 Posted by
Aug 162008
 

Legendary Atlantic Records producer Jerry Wexler died yesterday at 91. How did I miss this news until now? How did it go unmentioned on Rock Town Hall until now?!?!

Wexler always seemed about as cool a cat as one cat could get. I loved the stories of him showing musicians how he wanted a rhythm played by coming out of the booth and doing some dance steps for the musicians to show them the groove he wanted. Recording sessions must have been beyond belief back then. Here’s a link to an excellent interview with him on Fresh Air in 2001. First Isaac, now Jerry. Well, at 91 you can’t say Wexler’s passing was unexpected. Dance on, man!

Previously, in the News!

Share

AP: Newly discovered Beatles tape up for sale

 Posted by
Jul 312008
 

Thu Jul 31, 7:24 AM ET

LONDON – A British auction house says it will sell a tape recording of The Beatles…

…Cameo Auctioneers says the reel-to-reel tape was recorded in 1964 and was recently found by a man clearing out his father’s attic.

Full story here.

Rock Town Hall has acquired one of the never-before-heard songs from this tape. Clip after the fold.

Continue reading »

Share

Ron, Don’t Go!

 Posted by
Jul 112008
 

It is, of course, possible for a ageing rocker to conquer his addictions, as Eric Clapton has proved. But one of Wood’s friends said yesterday: ‘I don’t know that Ronnie will ever straighten out.

‘For him, drinking goes hand in hand with having fun, and he’d rather be dead than be boring. I remember him saying to me when he went into rehab, “The thing is, I don’t want to end up being a boring b*****d like Clapton”.’

Here’s a pretty sad tale regarding the Stone whose fans need not apply to our hallowed Hall. I like Stones-related dirt as much as the next guy, but damn…they shoot horses, don’t they? Ron, don’t go!

E. Pluribus Gergely, this clip’s for you.

Previously, in the News!

Share

Better Late Than Never (Rock Town Hall’s Reporting of the News, That Is): Pianist Esbjorn Svensson Dies

 Posted by
Jun 272008
 

My apologies to The Great 48 and the Halls of Rock for not visiting the e-mail account where “G48” sent me the following report and tracks. Thanks, Great One.

The Great 48 wrote:

7N2d1HehGmc]
I realize this is not Jazz Town Hall, but allow me a moment. I discovered tonight [6/17] that my favorite contemporary jazz musician, the Swedish pianist Esbjorn Svensson, died over the weekend in a scuba diving accident outside Stockholm.

Svensson was the leader of the Esbjorn Svensson Trio (more commonly shortened to E.S.T.), whose albums I recommend unreservedly. A lyrical pianist in the style of Bill Evans, Vince Guaraldi, or Tommy Flanagan, Svensson was capable of spiky free improv or speedy bop-influenced showboating, but his natural style fell towards the melodic and stately. He didn’t really go towards pretty for pretty’s sake, but he understood that jazz doesn’t have to be “difficult” to be good. He will be missed.

MP3s are from E.S.T.’s 2004 album Seven Days of Falling.

E.S.T., “Ballad for the Unborn”

E.S.T., “Why She Couldn’t Come”

Previously, in the News!

Share

First Rock ‘n Roll Comedian Dead

 Posted by
Jun 232008
 

I’m sure you heard before I did that George Carlin died yesterday. I associate him with ’70s rock ‘n roll culture more than any other comedian. Was there a “rock ‘n roll comedian” before him?

Carlin was never a personal favorite, but I often found myself laughing at his bits, and I like this quote attributed to him:

“Scratch any cynic,” he said, “and you’ll find a disappointed idealist.”

Not safe for work (unless you’re, like, driving a big rig or working as a fishmonger).

Previously: Previously, in the News!

Share

Lou Reed…As Satellite Radio Was Meant to Sound!

 Posted by
May 172008
 

“For years, I’ve always been a fan of eclectic radio, such as FM radio in the past when you could hear stations play widely divergent music, ranging from rock to country to jazz to opera,” Reed said in a statement. “We will try to bring Sirius’ listeners audio from all parts of the world that covers the whole musical spectrum.”

Lou Reed is coming to Sirius Radio! Here’s a special message from Lou, courtesy of Townsman Oats, that will help you prepare for this historic occasion.

Previously, in the News!

Share
 Older Entries  Newer Entries

Lost Password?

 
twitter facebook youtube