The Band is probably the best Rock band the world had ever seen.  I know we all have preferences as to the type of music we like and the bands we enjoy, but these guys were just amazing.  Twenty – Five years on the road, they were phenomenal in their choice of songs and their musical arrangements. I do not know anyone who does not like this band.

The best thing that I can say about them, is that they were a Canadian Band. Four Canadians, one American. But he spent fifteen years in Canada.

Robbie Robertson, Richard Manuel, Rick Danko, Garth Snow and Levon Helm.

Everyone in this band played multiple instruments and when they retired I think everyone who was anyone in the music business either showed up to the concert or sent them notes expressing their admiration for the BAND.

Richard Manuel sings lead on the ”The Shape I’m In”, Richard  passed away from an overdose but his talent could never be denied.

Of the five members only two are still with us.

The video shown is taken from ‘The Last Waltz’ the Martin Scorsese concert film capturing the very last performance of The Band, it was too early for these guys to break up, but such is life. Here we’re treated to a terrific vocal by Richard Manuel, exceptional drumming by Levon Helm and excellent backing by Rick Danko on bass, Garth Hudson keyboards and Robbie Robertson on guitar.

I tweaked the mix somewhat.

Of the five members only Hudson and Robertson are still alive, Levon Helm having passed away this year (2016). He went on to an acting career ‘The Right Stuff’ but music was still the driving force. It’s said that Robertson and Scorsese had become friends and that’s why there is more of an emphasis on him in the film. Whether that’s true or not, I’m just thankful we have this and other tracks from the film as a reminder of how exceptional The Band had become.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sending some Band songs with a different member singing lead.

Enjoy