Off My Meds by Les Taha.

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Off My Meds By Les Taha.

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For fifteen years Bob Putignano has been pivotal at WFDU http://wfdu.fm with his Sounds of Blue radio show: http://www.SoundsofBlue.com ; Previously a senior contributing editor at Blues Revue, Blueswax, and Goldmine magazines, and Music Editor for the Yonkers Tribune, and Making A Scene.

I actually saw Cowboy opening for Spirit (wow!) and Bloodrock at the Fillmore East, Cowboy was a captivating laidback country-rock band that immediately captured my attention. Cowboy is frequently remembered for their associations with the The Allman Brothers Band and Eric Clapton rather than the music they conjured during the very early 70s. “5’ll Getcha Ten” was Cowboy’s second LP released by the Capricorn label in 1971.  Until now it’s never digitally released. It’s also (probably) Cowboy’s highpoint and indeed one of the most forgotten country-rock albums from that era..

Cowboy – “5’ll Getcha Ten”

Cowboy’s Talton and Boyer favor a distinctively relaxed sound and rarely rock-out, but they emit a subtle-beauty with consistent instrumental twists, turns and fascinating hooks. Side one opened with (the first of two) Tommy Talton tunes “She Carries a Child,” Scott Boyer’s “Hey There Babe” skips along with sweet guitar licks and Chuck Leavell’s bouncy keyboard fills. The third song (the title track) is the only other Talton original, afterwards his songwriting additions are nowhere to be found – odd. Boyer’s and Bill Pillmore’s “Shoestrings” grooves with Leavell’s keys and impromptu solos from one of the guitarists that mesh smartly. Side one concludes with Boyer’s haunting “Lookin’ For You” that fades with a sweet (but short) instrumental segment.

Side two of the LP started with Pillmore’s “Seven Four Tune” perhaps the albums most upbeat tune, it’s here you hear Duane Allman open up especially during the outro, but do not expect any epic jams. Boyer’s “Right On Friend” utilizes what sounds like an amplified sitar guitar that fits, Leavell again adds substance with his piano comps but when Duane Allman’s guitar enters this song starts sounding like Dickey Betts’ “Blue Sky.”  I seem to recall Boyer’s “All My Friends” receiving some late-night FM airplay, it’s a tender tune with lush (but not overdone) harmonies, with a little fiddle playing that adds depth, Leavell’s back doing his thing on piano too, it’s a very well-crafted song.  “Innocence Song” by Boyer and Pillmore is another harmonizing beauty that occasionally takes from the Beatles tender side, it’s very short and segues to “Please Be With Me” with Duane Allman’s seductive acoustic dobro. As

previously mentioned Clapton covered this song, but I’m wondering if Duane made the recommendation to Eric during the “Layla” sessions, or was it that other wizard Tom Dowd?  Cowboy’s closer is Pete Kawalke’s (his lone contribution, but it’s a good one) “What I Want Is You” Duane Allman is back in the mix sumptuously adding so much elegant guitar ooze to the finale that wound up being (this lineup) of Cowboy’s swansong.

Those of us who enjoyed the Pure Prairie League, The New Riders, Poco, and early albums by the Eagles will definitely appreciate Cowboy. But this band had their own vibe, especially with Johnny Sandlin’s production, Chuck Leavell’s heady keys, and perhaps the greatest guitarist of all-time; Duane Allman who doesn’t try to steal the show, instead offers his superlative sideman professionalisms. So much so you have to listen closely, but if you do – you’ll be pleasantly rewarded and understand what a massive talent Duane was.  Please just remember this is not the Allman Brothers Band “Live at the Fillmore East.”

I often wondered why “5’ll Getcha Ten” was never reissued, but Real Gone Music has now taken care of that request, plus they also (previously) reissued Cowboy’s debut album “Reach For the Sky.”  Hopefully Real Gone might consider the 1974 album simply titled “Boyer & Talton” for a future release? Last but not least checkout the very appreciated and extensive 2014 liner notes by Scott Schinder with numerous and reflective quotes from Tommy Talton, but missing are track by track instrument credits, plus there’s no individual track times offered…

Note:  Since the time of my review I was contacted by Cowboy’s guitarist Tommy Talton who tells me that Duane Allman only played on the song Clapton covered “Please Be With Me.”  I say maybe.  With all due respect to Talton; some of the guitar licks I heard on the other tunes sounded an awful like Duane Allman to me. Remember this album was recorded in 1971, some forty-three years ago.

For fifteen years Bob Putignano has been pivotal at WFDU http://wfdu.fm with his Sounds of Blue radio show (Mon. & Wed. 9am-1pm): http://www.SoundsofBlue.com; previously a senior contributing editor at Blues Revue, Blueswax, and Goldmine magazines, and Music Editor for the Yonkers Tribune, Making A Scene and What’s Happening – Bob’s Music Reviews.

http://www.wfdu.fm/WhatsHappening/Bob’s%20Music%20Reviews/bobs%20music%20reviews/

Bob was the 2003 recipient of the “Keeping the Blues Alive” award (given by the Blues Foundation in Memphis) for his achievements in radio broadcasting.  Direct email to Bob Putignano: bob8003@yahoo.com.

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Chanukah Village – Sunday, December 21st, 1-4 P.M.

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Off My Meds By Les Taha © 2014.

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St. Christopher‘s, Inc.’s photo taken at Glen Island Harbour 2012.

DOBBS FERRY, NY — December 12, 2014 — It would come as no surprise that the primary topic of conversation around Hollywood today would be the 2015 Golden Globe Award nominees who were announced yesterday. But the same wouldn’t be expected on the quiet campus of St. Christopher’s, an organization dedicated to helping teens with emotional, behavioral and learning disabilities, based in this Hudson River village in Westchester County.

Yet today St. Christopher’s was abuzz with talk of the awards and, specifically, “Birdman”, starring Michael Keaton which received seven nominations, tops among this year’s field – and with good reason. The Marching Cobras of New York, a band comprised of at-risk adolescents with a major contingent from St. Christopher’s, provide the back drop for the acclaimed film’s final scene.

Birdman, a comedic drama about a washed-up actor, played by Michael Keaton, trying to make a comeback, received nominations for Best Comedy, Best Screenplay and Best Director, Alejandro G. Inarritu. Keaton received a Best Dramatic Actor nomination, and actors Emma Stone and Edward Norton were recognized for their supporting work.

The band can be seen in the Birdman trailer at the 2:11 mark.  

The Marching Cobras are shown participating in the pre-Super Bowl parade last February.  Members of the film crew saw the band performing and took the opportunity to capture them in action at Times Square.

“It started when location scouts came to scout all three campuses one day and happened to catch our Marching Cobras practicing,” said St. Christopher’s CEO Dr. Robert Maher. “They were impressed by the talent, enthusiasm and dedication of the members and contacted me to see if it would be possible to include the band in a film they were working on called Birdman. We thought it was a unique opportunity to highlight the band members and readily agreed.”

“The pre-Super Bowl parade, which was a major honor for us to be invited to participate in, provided the perfect setting because the film is centered on Manhattan’s Theater District, so it all came together beautifully,” Dr. Maher said. “It was great to be part of the film but we certainly never imagined that our kids would be not just marching in a movie, but in what could well be the top film of the year.”

“We knew Birdman was in contention for some nominations, so we were all watching when the Golden Globe nominations were made,” he said. “I don’t think there was louder cheering for any nominee than was heard here in Dobbs Ferry for Birdman. It is truly special for our children to have even a small part in this tremendous film. We owe a debt of gratitude to the location scouts and everyone associated with the making of this movie. Now we can’t wait for Awards Night!”

St. Christopher’s, Inc. is an innovative adolescent development organization dedicated to helping children with special needs and their families by delivering a seamless continuum of care. We provide quality education; therapeutic intervention and life planning skills in a safe and nurturing environment with the goal of helping each child reach his/her full potential. For more information visit www.sc1881.com.

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For fifteen years Bob Putignano has been pivotal at WFDU http://wfdu.fm with his Sounds of Blue radio show: http://www.SoundsofBlue.com ; Previously a senior contributing editor at Blues Revue, Blueswax, and Goldmine magazines, and Music Editor for the Yonkers Tribune, and Making A Scene.

Ian McLagan

About ten days ago I received a list of promo CD’s from the good folks at the Culture Factory label, on that list were four Rod Stewart albums each with Ian McLagan on keyboards.  At the time of my request I didn’t know of McLagan’s stroke, nor did I know he would pass on December 3, 2014 at just sixty-nine years of age. Eerie

Beginnings: Born in the UK, McLagan started playing piano in his teens, late in ’65 he teamed with guitarist/vocalist Steve Marriott, bassist Ronnie Lane, and drummer Kenny Jones forming the Small Faces band who had a couple of UK hits, but it was the trippy “Itchycoo Park” that vaulted them onto the USA charts. Their “Ogden’s Nut Gone Flake” hit number one in England.  Early in ’69 Marriott departed and founded Humble Pie, three months thereafter McLagan, Lane and Jones enlisted Rod Stewart and guitarist Ron Wood to form The Faces.  Considerable commercial success followed:  “A Nod Is as Good as a Wink…to a Blind Horse,” “Ooh La La” (which hit number one), and “Coast to Coast: Overture and Beginners.” But in 1975, Stewart quit, Wood joined the Rolling Stones, and the Faces broke up.

For this Ian McLagan tribute, (and because I just received) “The Rod Stewart Album,” “Gasoline Alley,” “Every Picture Tells a Story,” and “Never a Dull Moment” (all credited to Rod Stewart, and not The Faces) I will focus on these four landmark recordings. They also were bluesy, roots-based and steeped with American R&B Soul.

1969:  “The Rod Stewart Album.”  With their departure from the Jeff Beck Group; Rod Stewart and Ron Wood went into the studio to record. Wood played powerful bottleneck guitar, Stewart’s talents were demonstrated on self-penned material, and of course his unique vocals. The only exceptions were a pumping “Street Fighting Man,” a gorgeous reading of Mike D’Abo’s  “Handbags And Gladrags” and Ewan MacColl’s “Dirty Old Town.” Stewart’s own material exhibited Rod’s storytelling lyrics on his “Blind Prayer,” and with progressive-rock flirtations “I Wouldn’t Ever Change A Thing” featuring Keith Emerson’s frantic organ playing.

1970:  With “Gasoline Alley” members of The Faces and Rod Stewart made their breakout hit album. The marriage of bottleneck guitar and mandolin, barrelhouse piano, and Rod’s raspy voice initiated an immediately recognizable expression that remained with him throughout the seventies. This time Stewart included tunes by Dylan (“Only A Hobo”), Bobby Womack (“It’s All Over Now”), and Elton John (“Country Comforts”) for his follow-up. “You’re My Girl (I Don’t Want To Discuss It)” is a piece of rock & roll that could easily be a Faces number as Ron Wood, Ronnie Lane, and Kenny Jones back him up here. “Gasoline Alley” decorates an important picture that positively persisted onto at least two more groundbreaking Rod Stewart solo recordings.

1971:  “Every Picture Tells a Story,” is a mix of resilient original songs and cover tunes that exemplifies Stewart’s growth as a prominent force.  Stewart utilizes his regular band (The Faces) to deliver natural backing as (almost) every track shines with power and a definitive sheen. Stewart’s reading of the Temptations’ “(I Know I’m) Losing You” added new boundaries to the Motown classic. “Maggie May” is a standout – even though AM radio beat it to repetitive and relentless death.  “Mandolin Wind” and Tim Hardin’s stunning “Reason To Believe” also enhanced this definitive recording. Through it all Stewart’s soulful singing defines a new voice for decades to follow in the lengthy career of Rod Stewart. Though I would argue this era was easily his apex that unfortunately was never eclipsed again.

1972:  “Never a Dull Moment.”  Mixes boisterous rock & roll shaken with triple shots of soul, especially when covering Sam Cooke’s “Twistin’ the Night Away,” and Etta James’ “I’d Rather Go Blind.”  Other standouts include a ballsy “Angel” that was originally authored by Hendrix’, and Dylan’s “Mama You Been On My Mind.”  “True Blue” moves along at a pleasant clip but explodes with a rush. In the end “Never a Dull Moment” doesn’t compare with the mightier “Every Picture Tells a Story” nor with the downhome fundamentals of “Gasoline Alley” which is my personal favorite of these four.  That being said “Never a Dull Moment” was Stewart’s final classic album of the seventies, and some might say his last true to his roots recording.

Towards the late seventies McLagan appeared on the Stones “Some Girls” and also performed live with Mick, Keith, Charlie and company. McLagan delivered his first solo “Troublemaker” in ’79 followed by his “Bump In the Night” in 1980, neither caught the ears of many and didn’t sell well even though the critics offered encouraging reviews. McLagan went on to work as a sideman for many of the best in the business; Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, Joe Cocker, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, Melissa Etheridge and more. McLagan relocated to Austin, TX in 2000 and released additional solo efforts including this years “United States” for the Yep Roc label, presumably his farewell.

Over the last fifteen years I was fortunate to interview McLagan several times. Ian was always a very upbeat and happy soul who always brought his A-game knowledge and good humor to our conversations.  He was proud to talk about how the futuristic “Itchycoo Park” – the first recording that utilized far-out phase shift sounds that were later incorporated by countless acid-rock bands. In fact he was the consummate optimist about his past as well as his present projects. The last time we spoke he was looking forward to a Faces reunion, along with a new album and full blown tour. Ian truly wanted The Faces to regroup. But amidst his smiles and upbeat demeanor, the rock world can be a tough road as McLagan’s dream (as he said) “to have another run with The Faces” never materialized, and that’s a shame. But undoubtedly; McLagan was one of the most active classic rock keyboard players of our time, and left his indelible mark recording and touring with the crème de la crème of rock and roll hierarchy. McLagan also resides as a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In summary, McLagan’s career was very impressive; his legacy was/is substantial.

For fifteen years Bob Putignano has been pivotal at WFDU http://wfdu.fm with his Sounds of Blue radio show (Mon. & Wed. 9am-1pm): http://www.SoundsofBlue.com; previously a senior contributing editor at Blues Revue, Blueswax, and Goldmine magazines, and Music Editor for the Yonkers Tribune, Making A Scene and What’s Happening – Bob’s Music Reviews. http://www.wfdu.fm/Whats-Happening/Bob’s%20Music%20Reviews/bobs%20music%20reviews/

For fifteen years Bob Putignano has been pivotal at WFDU http://wfdu.fm with his Sounds of Blue radio show: http://www.SoundsofBlue.com ; Previously a senior contributing editor at Blues Revue, Blueswax, and Goldmine magazines, and Music Editor for the Yonkers Tribune, and Making A Scene.

Bob was the 2003 recipient of the “Keeping the Blues Alive” award (given by the Blues Foundation in Memphis) for his achievements in radio broadcasting.  Direct email to Bob Putignano: bob8003@yahoo.com.

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“The WinterScape Holiday Concert has grown each and every year and we expect 2014 to be our best ever”, says Daniel Lipka, Executive Director of the Yonkers Downtown BID. “This is our fifth year and we have more performers and more local partners than ever before. We are so grateful to all our local businesses for helping to make this possible.”

WinterScape is held in historic Manor House Square, in Downtown Yonkers. Manor House Square is part of local treasure Philipse Manor Hall, built in 1682. Philipse Manor Hall recently hosted their St. Nicholas Craft Event, which included a Gingerbread House making contest. The winners will be on display all month.

WinterScape performances start at 4:00pm. Our live music variety show will include our very own amazing Christmas Carolers, Holiday Jazz, singers from the Manor House Academy of Music, and many others performing holiday classics. There is non-stop entertainment for the whole family.

The Yonkers Downtown BID produces WinterScape with support from Fly Me to the Moon Florist, The Wedge Sandwich Shop, and Atlantic Bank, part of the NYCB Family of Banks.

Event Details 

Address: 1 Manor House Square, Yonkers, NY (between North Broadway and Warburton)

Date: December 13^rd, 2014

Time: 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Phone: 914-966-9669

www.YonkersDowntown.com

The Yonkers Downtown BID is a non-profit organization created to build working partnerships, encourage investment, and support initiatives for a healthier community in Downtown Yonkers. They work to promote and implement economic revitalization initiatives and increase the quality of life for all those in Downtown Yonkers. Daniel Lipka is the Executive Director of the Yonkers Downtown Business Improvement District.

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YONKERS, NY — December 10, 2014 — The Grinton I. Will branch of the Yonkers Public Library will be closed on December 16^th, January 8^th, and January 9^th to accommodate a film production in the building. The Will branch is located at 1500 Central Park Avenue near Tuckahoe Road.

HBO, the premium cable television channel, is filming a mini-series based on Lisa Belkin’s book, “Show Me a Hero“. The book tells the story of Yonkers in the late 1980s and early 1990s, focusing on Mayor Nicholas Wasicsko and the drama that unfolded in the wake of a federal judge’s housing desegregation order. The Grinton I. Will branch was the setting for some important public meetings, and the trustees of the library have agreed to permit HBO to film there over the course of three days.

The other two branches of the Yonkers Public Library will follow their regular schedules on those days. The Riverfront Library is located at One Larkin Center in downtown Yonkers, and the Crestwood Branch is located at 16 Thompson Street. For more information about the Yonkers Public Library, please visit the web site at www.ypl.org.

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