THE SIGNAL from David Katznelson
“Memory is the most potent truth. Show me history untouched by memories and you show me lies.”― Carlos Eire
My friend Jon Bluafarb has watched the David Crosby documentary REMEMBER MY NAME a few times already and really thought I should sit down and give it a viewing. I had not thought about seeing it, thinking it was just going to be all about how everyone hates the Croz…a sad-sack kind of film. But last night I watched it and I have to say, it really is a masterful Cameron Crow work.
Crow had interviewed Crosby for the first time in the early 70s…and his surgical questions along with his obvious connection to the singer, led to some deep insights not just on Crosby’s life, but on the evolution of the incredible music scene that grew up out of the 60s. But what was really remarkable about the film was its portrayal of THE ARTIST as THE OUTSIDER. True artists walk a fine line on the public opinion stage of being either a genius or a complete outcast. That is the gift given to a person who sees life differently, who speaks in poetry…whose art comes before everything including at times friends, family and the self.
While not focusing on everything Crosby could be vilified for, and instead giving an almost stream of consciousness narrative about moments in his life and the lives of those around him (especially the other musical giants) Crosby puts together a musical history that he (with his huge ego intact) had such a deep part in…a musical history that still touches us every day. He wants to change the world, he always has…he just has flaws that were self destructive along the way.
Sorry for the name drops, but I first met Crosby while waiting with my wife, Graham Nash, and their families, to meet Barack Obama. I had connected the singers to a fundraising event for the President during his second term run. Barb is a huge CSNY fan, and was befuddled when Crosby turned to me and starting monologuing at me about how marriage is sacred and to not ever think about doing anything underhanded against my wife. This was in front of a lot of people and Barb was looking at me wondering what he knew that she did not. I was wondering what was going on myself, feeling like I was living some sort of alternative act in a Damon Lindelof production.
The documentary last night showed the incredible bond that he and his wife had over the years, how they went through hell together to rise up and continue to love each other. That she in many ways saved him and in many ways, is his only connection to another time: when he walked with other musical legends creating iconic American music and turning the world’s focus to the time’s biggest issues. In his own crazy way, he wanted to let me know the power of a good partner (and luckily, I very much know it).
When we met again, at the Fillmore a few months later, he went back into his rant about the sacredness of marriage, this time in front of even more people after a masterful set of music. Barb was right near me, getting her very pregnant bump blessed by Graham Nash. All we have are the people we love. And it is the artists who sing of love and loss whose job it is to remind us. REMEMBER MY NAME reminds this in a very touching, beautiful, and sometimes heartbreaking way. It is totally worth taking the time to watch it.
And besides, there is a nice section dedicated to the making of one of my favorite records ever, IF I COULD ONLY REMEMBER MY NAME.
Neil Young: Archives Vol II: 1972-1976 review – guitar duels, live jams and onstage banter
Neil Young, one of the many people who refuse to talk to Crosby these days (and for good reason).
David Hyman’s review of this new release: “Neil Young Archives Vol 2 is out. 12 out of 10. The apex, top of heap, cream-of-crop, pinnacle of music.”
RIP to an incredible, dark multi-media artist.
From the above article: Similar to Tony Conrad—who reflected in one of his final interviews, “You don’t know who I am, but somehow, indirectly, you’ve been affected by things I did”—Tambellini has yet to receive the recognition he deserves for prognosticating the future we now inhabit.
Celeste Holm Syndrome: On Character Actors from Hollywood’s Golden Age, by David Lazar
For anyone who loves old movies this book sounds perfect. We recently watched a Preston Sturges film and were reminded of the incredible character actors that were constant members of his troupe…actors that heighten any film they appear in. Where would we be without Edward Everett Horton, William Demarest, Margret Hamilton, Elisha Cook, Jr., Eugene Pallette, Gail Patrick and so many others!
Watch the New Ennio Morricone Mini-Documentary The Secrets Behind His Genius
Talk about another documentary that is so worth watching. What is YOUR favorite Ennio Morricone soundtrack? There are so many!
Gratitude To Old Teachers
By Robert Bly
When we stride or stroll across the frozen lake,
We place our feet where they have never been.
We walk upon the unwalked. But we are uneasy.
Who is down there but our old teachers?
Water that once could take no human weight-
We were students then- holds up our feet,
And goes on ahead of us for a mile.
Beneath us the teachers, and around us the stillness
