Jan 122009
Today’s Mystery Date presents you with a unique take on a classic jam. Unlike the better-known versions of this song, this one clocks in at a reasonable 6+ minutes, so you won’t, like, jam your entire afternoon away when there are so many jams in the sea. Take a listen to the track. If you know who it is, please refrain from posting. If you don’t know who it is, tell us what feel about this particular jam and how it stacks up against the classic versions you grew up, like, jammin’ along to.
Mystery Date, JAMuary’s Dream?
The point is that “Dark Star” is supposed to be epic. This version seems completely counter-intuitive to me. It’s like seeing one of those “Shakespeare in five minutes” plays.
I know who this is, so I can’t say much, but when the album came out it made me wonder why the artist had taken so long to put out a solo record.
Sounds distinctly Eighties to me.
The instrumental part (pre 4.00)
– Al Jerreau
– George Benson
– Branford Marsalis
– Candy Dulfer
– Jeff Beck
Post 4.00
– Frank Zappa
– Captain Beefheart
– William S. Burroughs
How am I doing so far?
C.
Artslap, that’s a fantastic analysis! “Wrong,” but fantastic nevertheless. The recording is actually from 2001 or so.
Windows Media Player gave me a picture of Keith Richards with that song for some reason. He didn’t move or anything, but I liked him way better than that song.
Nope, it’s not Keef!
Is it Phil?
It’s not Phil, not a member of the Dead or one of their splinter groups (eg, Merle Saunders, Rob Wasserstein).
I know who it is, but I’m sure the revelation of our mystery dates identity will cause myriad emotional reactions given his pedigree.
The urge to jam is human.
Does this have a Zappa tie-in, or is it some George Duke-Stanley Clarke collaboration?
Fine guess, meanstom, but in correct. This is a classic jam tune, man, whether you know who it is yet or not, how does it stack up against classic versions of this jam? Do you all feel, like Dr. John, that the abbreviated jam does a disservice to the intent of the jam itself?
I liked the way it developed the dreamy elements by other means, like the Burroughs-speak and the brief appearances of instruments that fade in and fade out. Less successful is the general lack of dynamics, a big element of the original, the sax sounding thingie, and the unnatural sheen to the instrumental sounds. An interesting, if not essential, interpretation.
By the way, I really like covers of artists that I follow, tribute albums and the ilk, for the many alternative concepts, both thoughtful and ill-advised, that they dredge up. The Hal Wilner Mingus Tribute, Weird Nightmare, is one of my big favorites.
I would never have guessed this person was involved until the spiel kicked in.
It sounds like Steely Dan fired up the bong and let their hair down for once. If it ain’t some weird offshoot of the ‘Dan, I’m betting there are a bunch of Steely Dan studio cats jamming in there.
Anything correct in my blather?
Hrrundi, I believe nothing in your analysis is correct EXCEPT for the spirit of the thing, which is spot on!
No, hvb, I don’t think so. But I hope Mr. Mod doesn’t mind me giving a clue that will throw everybody off. I don’t have track by track credits at hand, but the main drummer on this album has played with Bob Dylan, Joe Jackson, Jesse Winchester, Marshall Crenshaw, and Graham Parker.
That’s an excellent clue, BigSteve, most unhelpful, I would bet!
The Mystery Date will be revealed later today. Meanwhile, keep guessing and let me know if you want to book a night on the town with this date, sight unseen!
Is it Ryan Adams?
It’s not Ryan Adams, Bryan Adams, or the singer from Counting Crows.
At this point I’ll field 12 Questions on the identity of our Mystery Date, one for each tone in our Western scale. Fire away!
What is the main instrument that the bandleader plays?
Organ.
When was their musical heyday?
Is this a noteworthy band leader surrounded by studio hacks, or more of an “all-star jam” kind of affair?
Their musical heyday was late-60s through mid-70s.
Hrrundi, it’s a noteworthy musician leading a band of studio pros. I don’t think it would be fair to call this an “all-star jam.” I sense the leader of the sessions was very much in control, in his own strange way.
Nine questions left.
A-HA! I’m betting dollars to doughnuts that the guitarists at least were vital presences on late-70s Steely Dan records. If not the horn players as well.
Oh, wait… is this a Randy California solo effort?
Did the leader have a well-known drummer who died an early death?
Sorry, sorry, I retract that dumb guess. But my point about the studio musicians stands. I need a geeky analysis on this point, once the dust settles! I recognize those tasty licks! Larry Carton? Steve Lukather?
I’m going to look the other way on your Steely Dan-related guess. As I said earlier, I’m pretty sure there’s no direct ties to Steely Dan on this album. The bassist has played with just about everyone BUT the Dan, though.
I can definitively say the horn playing has NO ties to the Brecker Brothers and whoever else blows on Steely Dan records.
The drummer this bandleader is most associated with is alive.
The tasty guitarists are no guitarists I’ve ever heard of, but that’s not saying much. I can tell you they’re not as recognizable names as the ones you’ve thrown out there, Hrrundi.
Six questions left!
I’m sorry, I should note that ONE of the guitarists on these tracks IS someone I’ve heard of (always thanks to head-scratching and jealousy-inducing associations) whose band’s own records have been graced by major contributions by our Mystery Date.
Was the aforementioned drummer, for whom BigSteve provided a laudry list of former employers, also a member of a band in which the mystery date attained his fame?
Brits or Americans? A sub part of the questions which in no way constitutes a second question: If U.S., are they from So Cal?
I was asking specifically about the rhythm section but you can answer for all if you’re inclined.
To answer your question, Geo, no.
Five questions left. The hard work you’re putting into this will surely be rewarded!
cdm, to answer your SPECIFIC question regarding the nationality of the rhythm section, the main bassists are American (more than one set of musicians back up this artist). The drummers are also American. I believe all rhythm guitarists are also American.
Guesses don’t count as questions, right?
Is it Kris Kristoferson
Guesses in the form of a question, even when you’ve forgotten to use a question mark, do count:P
Three questions left.
I’ll give you a helpful hint, because I’m a nice guy: One of the guitarists also backed up Christ.
An offlist guess of Ray Manzarek leaves you with two remaining questions/guesses. I think the Christ credit threw the offlist guesser off. I mean the guitarist literally backed up Christ, not a singer who fancied himself as some new messiah.
Funny, I just goggled Jesus Christ Superstar to see who was in the original band but lost interest before I found anything.
Right idea, wrong Jesus movie, cdm. Good thinking, though. You, Geo, db, and Hrrundi will be rewarded for your efforts later this afternoon with an industrial-strength jam! BigSteve, Sat, and others who know the artist’s identity, your discretion is admirable.
The answer will be posted very shortly. Thanks for playing along!