Robbie Robertson, musician from The Band, discusses The Last Waltz. They explore the unique elements of their hit song 'Up on Cripple Creek', analyze Rick Danko's emotional performance in 'It Makes No Difference', and delve into guest appearances by Van Morrison, Neil Young, and Joni Mitchell. They also discuss the band's versatility and their embrace of blues music. The speaker emphasizes the importance of acknowledging historical context when watching 'The Last Waltz'.
The Last Waltz is a celebration of The Band's music and the friendships formed in the music community.
The performance of 'Up on Cripple Creek' highlights The Band's sound and Levon Helm's vocal and drumming abilities.
'It Makes No Difference' showcases Rick Danko's emotional vocals and the impactful chord progression in the bridge.
'The Weight' collaboration with the Staples Singers demonstrates The Band's ability to embrace different musical styles.
The powerful finale featuring Bob Dylan performing 'I Shall Be Released' symbolizes the enduring power of music and unity among artists.
Deep dives
Overview of the Last Waltz concert film
The Last Waltz is a concert film that captures the final performance of Canadian-American rock band The Band in 1976. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest concert films of all time and features a star-studded lineup of guest artists including Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, and Muddy Waters. The film showcases the band's ability to shape-shift and adapt to different musical styles, from blues to folk to rock. The Last Waltz is not only a celebration of The Band's music, but also a celebration of the entire music community and the friendships formed on the road.
Highlights: Up on Cripple Creek
One of the highlights of the Last Waltz is The Band's performance of 'Up on Cripple Creek.' The song, written by Robbie Robertson and featuring drummer Levon Helm on lead vocals, embodies the essence of The Band's sound with its Southern Fried Americana vibes, blues harmonies, and catchy melody. The song stands out with its unique chord progression towards the end of the chorus, where keyboardist Garth Hudson adds a funky touch with a clavinet keyboard played through a wah-wah pedal. Levon Helm's vocal performance is also noteworthy, showcasing his ability to sing while playing drums.
Emotional Performance: It Makes No Difference
Rick Danko's performance of 'It Makes No Difference' is a standout emotional moment in the Last Waltz. The song, written by Robbie Robertson, displays Danko's tender yet powerful vocals. With its heartfelt lyrics and melancholic melody, the song showcases Danko's vocal range and expressiveness. The choice of B-flat major for the key complements Danko's voice, allowing him to hit both high and low notes with ease. The performance also features a dramatic chord progression in the bridge that adds to the emotional impact of the song.
Collaborative Spirit: The Weight
The Last Waltz demonstrates the power of collaboration with the Band's performance of 'The Weight,' joined by the Staples Singers. The song, which has become one of the band's signature tunes, blends Southern Fried Americana vibes with gospel harmonies. Mavis Staples brings her own soulful interpretation to the lyrics, adding a special touch to the harmonies during the chorus. The performance showcases the band's ability to adapt their sound and embrace different musical styles. 'The Weight' is a testament to the communal nature of music, where songs can be reinterpreted and performed by different artists while maintaining their core essence.
Powerful Finale: I Shall Be Released
The Last Waltz culminates with a powerful finale featuring Bob Dylan performing 'I Shall Be Released' with the entire ensemble of artists on stage. The song serves as a fitting ending to the concert, with its heartfelt lyrics and Dylan's signature voice. The performance captures a sense of unity and friendship among the artists, as they come together one last time to celebrate the end of an era. 'I Shall Be Released' symbolizes the enduring power of music and its ability to unite people from different backgrounds and genres.
For the Season Five finale, Kirk takes a look at The Band and Martin Scorsese's beloved 1978 concert film The Last Waltz - "The beginning of the beginning of the end of the beginning."
Featuring music by The Band: Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Richard Manuel, and Garth Hudson
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Brian Templet Cesar Corpus Frisky Ben Barron Catherine Warner Damon White Kaya Woodall Dan Austin Jay Swartz Miriam Joy SEAN D WINNIE Rush Daniel Hannon-Barry Christopher Miller Jamie White Christopher McConnell David Mascetti Joe Laska Ken Hirsh Jez Melanie Andrich Jenness Gardner Dave Sharpe Sami Samhuri Jeremy Dawson AccessViolation Andre Bremer Dave Florey
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