GALLERY OPENING: Two Takes On Neil Young by Joel Bernstein & Henry Diltz

Blender Gallery is presenting the exhibition and sale of Neil Young photographs, fresh from New York City.

Music photographers Henry Diltz and Joel Bernstein will exhibit and sell limited edition prints of legendary musician Neil Young: Two Takes On Neil Young by Joel Bernstein & Henry Diltz from November 3rd and run until the 3rd of December 2011 at BLENDER GALLERY, 16 Elizabeth Street, Paddington Sydney Australia.

Having been friends with Neil Young for many years, both Henry Diltz and Joel Bernstein have captured Neil Young in his most intimate moments as an artist and performer. Both photographers are also musicians, which has given them special access and sensitivity to Neil's visual persona.

Although both rarely used flash and chose instead to work with available light, having photographed Neil Young and other subjects in an era when a naturalistic look was possible and popular, Joel’s photographs take on a more contemplative mood, and attempt to reveal something of the interior life of the subject, Henry is more interested in discovering and displaying the outward personality of each subject, often leading the viewer to be caught up in a more expressive moment.

Joel Bernstein’s many album covers are commonly listed among the most influential in rock's visual history. His first, at age 18, was Neil’s After the Gold Rush, often cited in Best Album Covers Of All Time lists. As a close friend of Neil’s since then, he has captured some of his most beautiful and intimate moments.

Henry Diltz met Neil when he was in Buffalo Springfield. Henry has visually chronicled Neil’s career over the past 40+ years.

Uncropped photo used for cover of After The Goldrush with Graham Nash in foreground
Photo by Joel Bernstein

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7TH ANNUAL TRIBUTE TO NEIL YOUNG: Toronto, November 13th

From Toronto Live Music | Examiner.com:

On Sunday November 13, one day following Young's birthday, six of Toronto's finest independent artists will pay tribute to Neil Young at the Piston as part of the 6th Annual Neil Young Tribute. With no shortage of material to choose from, these young musicians will serenade fans with classics and rarities from Young's extensive song catalogue, each rising to the challenge to not only do justice to this legend’s work, but to put their own spin on the songs they grew up loving.

Featured artists include:

Andrea Ramolo
Sarah Burton
Tiger Lil (Susan Hutcheson)
Myke & the Mod Villains
Alysse Rich & the Family Band
Mark Martyre

Sunday November 13 DOORS @7PM $7 the Piston, 937 Bloor Street West

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REVIEW: The Bridge School Concerts - 25th Anniversary Edition Set

Pegi Young
Bridge Parents Present Roses for Pegi's 25 Years of Support
@ Bridge School Benefit Concert 2011
Photo Gallery by By Jay Blakesberg Photography

From Jambands.com - Need We Say More? > Reviews > CDs > Various Artists: The Bridge School Concerts - 25th Anniversary Edition by Brian Robbins:

Of all the charities worth your consideration, The Bridge School is as worthy as any – and more worthy than many.

A non-profit organization that educates children with severe speech and physical impairments, The Bridge School has made a difference in many, many young lives over its 25-year history. Neil and Pegi Young have been there since the school’s beginnings – it was the need to find appropriate education for their son Ben and children faced with similar challenges that fueled the Youngs’ quest to help establish a school dedicated to that task. Pegi Young still sits on The Bridge School’s board of directors; and she and Neil have been the organizers behind the annual Bridge School Benefit concerts since 1986.

My point is, donating $15 to The Bridge School would not be a bad thing to do. The fact that you can do it and get a 2-CD collection of wonderful music from the last 25 years’ worth of concerts is a no-brainer, my friend. (A few bucks more will land you a 3-DVD collection, as well.)

...

The real gold nuggets here are the re-arrangements of tunes that your rock ‘n’ roll heart knows so well – and will be delighted to find new power in an acoustic setting. Mr. Springsteen leads the way out of the gate with a minor-flavored take on “Born In The U.S.A.” that could have come right off the grooves of Nebraska. Pearl Jam’s “Better Man” has always wanted to have the living shit strummed out of it over a driving bass line and aggressive drums. Nils Lofgren will flatten you with his version of the Beau Brummels’ “Cry Just A Little”. And the Who’s 9-minute-plus tear through “Won’t Get Fooled Again” never lacks for fierce Pete Townshend guitar flailings.

Thanks Brian!

(To Support the Bridge School, order DVD - Amazon.com - Bridge School Concert 25th Anniversary & CD - Amazon.com - Bridge School Concert 25th Anniversary & VINYL - Amazon.com - Bridge School Concert 25th Anniversary Thanks! You'll be supporting both the Bridge School and Thrasher's Wheat! *International* orders, please use country links in middle column.)

More on videos, reviews at Bridge School Benefit Concert 2011 - Reports.

Also, see:
Official 2011 Bridge School Concert Highlights on YouTube
- "Oh! Susanna" - Dave Matthews & Neil Young - Bridge 2011 Concerts - October 23, 2011 - YouTube
- Carlos Santana and Neil Young Backstage @ 2011 Bridge School Benefit
- Highlights of Bridge School Benefit 2011: Foo Fighters Dedicate "My Hero" To Neil Young
- Comment of the Moment: 2011 Bridge School Concert Highlights

Neil Young & Bridge Kids
@ Bridge School Benefit Concert 2011
Photo Gallery by By Jay Blakesberg Photography

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"Oh! Susannah": The Story Behind The Song | Americana | Neil Young w/ Crazy Horse

"Oh Susannah" - Neil Young w/ Crazy Horse 

Frame via Official Music Video 

"Oh Susannah" is the first video from Neil Young & Crazy Horse's album "Americana", released June 5th, 2011. 

 

Below is the video for The Big 3's "The Banjo Song (Oh Suzanna!)" from 1963.

 

 

One of the bigger surprises from Bridge 2011 weekend was the pairing of Dave Matthews & Neil Young on "Oh! Susanna". For many, this was a concert highlight. For others, somewhat oddly, it was a concert "lowlight" (Mercury News critic Jim Harrington). The song "Oh Susanna" has a fascinating backstory. From a comment by SONY:

"Oh! Susanna" is a minstrel song by Stephen Foster (1826-1864). It was published by W. C. Peters & Co. in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1848.[1] The song was introduced by a local quintette at a concert in Andrews' Eagle Ice Cream Saloon in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on September 11, 1847. (wikipedia)

And now here's where it gets a bit bizarre. There have been a few comments about how Shocking Blue's cult 1970 hit "Venus" seems to have a similar beat and groove as "Oh Susanna". You be the judge. 

 

 

Oh those groovy '70's. sigh. They just don't make'm like they used to... Thanks SONY, Jill, Stringman, & Powderfinger!

 

On September 11th, 1847,  Stephen Foster's "Oh! Susannah" was performed in public for the first time; it was sung by a local quintet at the Eagle Ice Cream saloon in Pittsburgh, PA And 108 years later in 1955 the Singing Dogs entered Billboard's Top 100 chart on Dec. 10th with their covered version, eventually it peaked at #22 & spent 7 weeks on the Top 100. It has also been covered in albums by James Taylor, Byrds, & Neil Young with Crazy Horse. Mr. Foster died at 37.

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Photo of the Moment: Eddie Vedder and Neil Young @ Bridge 2011

Neil Young and Eddie Vedder
Bridge School Benefit Concert 2011
Photo by Tim Mosenfelder | Rolling Stone

Eddie Vedder and Neil Young share a moment at Bridge School Benefit Concert 2011.

Eddie and Uncle Neil performed "Don't Cry No Tears" together. This was Vedder's 10th appearance at the Bridge concerts.

More on videos, reviews at Bridge School Benefit Concert 2011 - Reports.

Also, see:
Official 2011 Bridge School Concert Highlights on YouTube
- "Oh! Susanna" - Dave Matthews & Neil Young - Bridge 2011 Concerts - October 23, 2011 - YouTube
- Carlos Santana and Neil Young Backstage @ 2011 Bridge School Benefit
- Highlights of Bridge School Benefit 2011: Foo Fighters Dedicate "My Hero" To Neil Young
- Comment of the Moment: 2011 Bridge School Concert Highlights

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Happy Neil-O-Ween!!!

Bridge School Benefit Concert 25th Anniversary Pumpkin
Photo by Thrashette

Happy Halloween! Or should we say Happy Neil-O-Ween?!?!?!



Boo!

Which reminds us of the monster concert Neil did in Hamilton, Ontario, Oct 31, 1996 with a 24 song set that went for nearly 3 hours. Here's a report from HyperRust: Neil Days In Canada by Mark Klus a.k.a. "Powderfinger".



A very cool pumpkin carving for Halloween. Here's one from Neil fans Kurt & Lisa. Thanks!


The Great Pumpkin @
23rd Annual Bridge School Benefit Concert

NYAS Pumpkin
Photo by Harry O.



24th Annual Bridge School Pumpkin
Photo by Thrashette

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Comment of the Moment: 2011 Bridge School Concert Highlights

Pegi & Neil Young w/ Wisdom Dancers
"Get Together"
Bridge School Benefit Concert - 10/22/2011
Photo by Nan Philpot

The memories of Bridge School weekend are still fresh one week later.

Here's the Comment of the Moment on the 2011 Bridge School Concert Highlights on YouTube by mike d:

This was my 19th Bridge School concert.

They just keep getting better. Kudos to the Shoreline for an outstanding sound system, much improved over the years! I thought it would be hard to match last years concert but they managed to meet that standard.

Here are some of my take aways from the Saturday show:

• Little Willies were a good show starter. Not great but very good.
• Beck was outstanding and his version of Pocohontas was spot on. It didn't hurt that Neil joined in.
• Santana, et.al were great! They started slow with jazzy numbers and ended with a flourish! Very well received by the audience.
• Mumford and sons were the only thing that could match the energy of Santana. They were fresh and appeared to be thrilled to be on the same stage as all these great entertainers. They may very well have been the best of show!
• Dave Mathews was subdued and concerned about following Munford. His set was stripped down with Tim Reynolds. A very good performance. The Oh! Susanna version with Neil gets better every time I hear it. I was caught off guard by the song at the concert. Neil and Dave have a special bond in duets.
• Eddie Vedder was the surprise of the show for me. This was his 10th time there but I never was as impressed in past performances (except last year with PJ) as this one. His musicianship is very much improved.
• Arcade Fire was spiritual for me. They were symphonic! Notes and voice coming from everywhere. I have their last album and like them, but in concert they soar! Loved the set!
• Neil likes to take backstage these days. He is content to show new talent and display old as well. His set is always good, but doesn't try to outshine his friends. Instead he joins them in a celebration for the kids. I LOVE NEIL YOUNG!

Finally, look at the faces of the kids. It's really their night. We just get to watch with them. I'm humbled by the effort to allow them to escape the bonds of their bodies. I am embarrassed by my selfishness in contrast. God bless them and thanks to those that are making a difference.

Great show!

mike d

Thanks Mike! Nice comment of the memories of Bridge! See you next year hopefully!


"Get Together" - Pegi & Neil Young

More on videos, reviews at Bridge School Benefit Concert 2011 - Reports.

Also, see:
Official 2011 Bridge School Concert Highlights on YouTube
- "Oh! Susanna" - Dave Matthews & Neil Young - Bridge 2011 Concerts - October 23, 2011 - YouTube
- Carlos Santana and Neil Young Backstage @ 2011 Bridge School Benefit
- Highlights of Bridge School Benefit 2011: Foo Fighters Dedicate "My Hero" To Neil Young

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