The Band: A History

A new episode of "A Song With," where I chat with guests about their chosen tracks from The Band and the stories woven within them. There are no constraints; it could be a passionate case for why a song reigns supreme in The Band's repertoire, a personal narrative or bond, or simply revelling in the joy of listening. In this episode, Luke C. Bowden joins me. He is a music journalis

"Levon's solo albums are pure, egalitarian magic and joy." - Matty Wishnow After a dedicated grind in the late '70s, Helm ventured to Nashville, inspired by his role in the lauded film Coal Miner's Daughter. There, with the city's top session players, he created his seminal album, American Son, in 1980. Helm, almost forty, forged a path to new creative horizons, trying to position

Welcome to our series "A Song With," where I chat with guests about their chosen tracks from The Band and the stories woven within them. There are no constraints; it could be an impassioned case for why a song reigns supreme in The Band's repertoire, a personal narrative or bond, or simply revelling in the joy of listening. In this episode, I'm joined by Michael Koelher,, a dear fr

Welcome to another installment of Odds & Ends, a series of mini-episodes that invites you to explore the hidden treasures within The Band's extensive musical library. This episode reveals the depths of Richard Manuel and Robbie Robertson's artistic collaboration within the 1967 composition "Katie's Been Gone." From the exquisite composition to the speculated ties with Greenwich Vil

Welcome to the premiere of our new series, "A Song With," where I chat with guests about their chosen tracks from The Band and the stories woven within them. There are no constraints; it could be an impassioned case for why a song reigns supreme in The Band's repertoire, a personal narrative or bond, or simply reveling in the joy of listening. In our debut episode, I'm joined by th

Today, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Breanna McCann and Teagan Lisson to dive deep into The Last Waltz at 45. This legendary film resonates with audiences, even after four and a half decades. As we gather to celebrate its forty-fifth birthday, we have a relaxed yet engaging conversation that encompasses various facets of this cinematic masterpiece. We delve into the intr

Our inaugural episode delves into "Orange Juice Blues," a soul-stirring composition by Richard Manuel, crafted in 1967. This evocative song has a story over several decades, and in this episode, we shall examine its evolution and the profound resonance it holds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this unique episode, I intertwine history with engaging conversation. The Band made their inaugural appearance at Massey Hall in 1970, a highly anticipated hometown performance that critics hailed as nothing short of a "religious experience." Massey Hall holds a revered place in Toronto's cultural heritage, akin to the Ryman Auditorium, situated north of the border, and it has h

Amidst the initial turbulence of his inaugural solo release and subsequent tour, Levon Helm and his ensemble found themselves grappling with an unfortunate dearth of problems. Plagued by undisclosed health adversities and the intricate orchestration of conflicting timetables, Helm sought solace within the confines of the studio, setting in motion the creation of yet another album.

I try and put a few words together to honour Robbie Robertson, a legendary guitarist and songwriter. In lieu of gifts, Robbie's family has asked for donations to the Woodland Cultural Centre here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices