Melancholy Baby

YesterdayI saw one of those tweets asking readers to list ten concerts you’ve seen. Not the ten best, just ten that come to mind. I found myself stuck. Before my hearing crapped out, I’d been to a lot of shows and concerts. I’ve seen some greats, some past their primes (Judy Collins, I’m lookin’ at you) and more than a few never-made-it-to-the-big-times (but totally should have).

My tweet list?

1) Paul Simon (solo, Graceland and Rhythm of the Saints)
2) Bob Dylan
3) Badfinger (in 1971 when I was 13— first rock concert!)
4) Neil Young (TWICE!)
5) Stevie Wonder
6) Soundgarden (who opened for Mr. Young on one tour)
7) Dave Brubeck (incredible!)
8) Earth, Wind and Fire
9) Kodo Drummers of Japan (incredible x 2!)
10) Red Hot Chili Peppers (Foo Fighters opened for them)

Many of the never-made-it-to-the-big-time were insanely fab local bands whose names have slipped my mind.

Why?

• Because I’ve been deaf for 16 years now and, long ago, gave away most of my CDs?
• Because I only saw them once or twice?
• Because I’ve always had a shitty memory for names and dates?
  

BZZZZZZZT! Number three is the WINNAH here!

The unforgotten local names? Morphine (who were getting to the big time when Sandman died of a heart attack ON stage). Every band Rich Gilbert (guitar hero) played in—Human Sexual Response, The Zulus and Concussion Ensemble. Mission of Burma (of That's When I Reach for My Revolve fame), Birdsongs of the Mesozoic, etc., etc.

In the forgotten name column?

• two funk bands with absoBRILL horn sections. Astounding stuff!
• that two guitar, drum and bass group with the amazing deep swampy alto lead singer. They had a bluesy/rock feel.
• the tremendous guitarist whose playing was so killer, so intricate. I always thought there just HAD to be two of him up there playing.
• every last band I saw on stage at the Watchusett Mountain Music Fest on my 30th bday. Forgotten why? Stoned out of my everlovin’ mind. Hey, it was my birthday!
  

There’re the groups I saw while traveling. Some nameless jazz bands in Amsterdam and Edinburgh, Scottish and Irish trad groups in the Orkney Islands and on Inishmore plus the most awesome John Martyn in Edinburgh (again).

And what about the solo musicians?

• John Cale at the always flooded Rat no less (flooded by bad plumbing not rain—I know…EWWWWW!)
• Richard Thompson at Berklee College of Music’s auditorium. I still vividly remember his solo version of  1952 Vincent Black Lightning. Much better than the full band version.
• Joan Baez at some small theater in downtown Boston.
  

And duetting:

• Jorma Kaukonen and Jaco Pastorius playing at the tiny basement club, Jonathan Swift’s in Harvard Square during a nasty-ass snow storm.
• Bob Weir and Rob Wasserman (I think) at an amphitheater south of Boston.
  

Jesus 6-string Christ, I know I’m missing a whole raft of bands and solo players.

Oh, I saw Pink Floyd too. Worst show EVAH! Why? It was in some big-ass stadium. Our seats were so far up and back, we may as well have been in the next county. That was the one and only stadium show I’ve been to. Totally not worth it—inflatable flying pig notwithstanding.