canada.gif

gb.gif

de.gif

us.gif
Neil Young's new release ""World Record" w/ Crazy Horse is now available for pre-order. Order here
(Please shop locally & independently. But if you can't, we appreciate your supporting Thrasher's Wheat by clicking this link or YOUR COUNTRY's FLAG. Thank you!!!)
ADVERTISEMENT
<-Older Posts Blog Home Newer Posts->

Sunday, August 21, 2016

REVIEW + CONTEST: The Music of Neil Young by Chris Wade


THE MUSIC OF NEIL YOUNG
by Chris Wade
(Click photo to enlarge)

There is a new book on Neil Young that has been published recently titled THE MUSIC OF NEIL YOUNG by Chris Wade. And thanks to the good folks at Wisdom Twins Publishing, we have a copy to giveaway in a contest. Details below.

Writer and musician Chris Wade (of acclaimed music project Dodson and Fogg) looks at the career of one of the greatest musical artists of all time, Neil Young. Charting his career from his early Squires days in Canada, through his stints with Buffalo Springfield and CSNY, to his remarkable and daring solo work, Wade looks at every phase of Young's recording and performance career. As well as delving deep into the albums, from Harvest and After the Gold Rush to Storytone and Earth, he also interviews key collaborators such as Anthony Crawford, Carole Mayedo, John Fumo, Robin Lane, Steve Potts, Astrid Young, Gail Davies and Niko Bolas, who share memories of working with Young.

We just finished up the 242 page book with lots of new interviews and photos and enjoyed quite a bit.

Here is a chapter excerpt below.

ANTHONY CRAWFORD INTERVIEW: "I AM A PART OF THE NEIL YOUNG LEGACY..."


Anthony Crawford & Neil Young

Anthony Crawford has worked with Neil on and off over the years, starting with the Everybody's Rockin' album in 1983. Here he discusses his memories.
Chris Wade: The first album of his you were on was Everybody's Rockin'. How did you come to be on it and what are your memories of recording it?

Anthony Crawford: I was 25 years old at the time and I got a call from Elliot Mazer asking me to show up at noon to the studio in Nashville called the House of David. I had always been a fan of Neil's music so naturally I was excited to meet him. Within an hour of being in the studio I was singing on the same microphone with him in a vocal booth on one of the songs that he wrote for his son called My Boy. The original recordings of Old Ways were before he started Everybody's Rockin' and the Shocking Pink's tour and album; however it was all around the same time frame. He was in the middle of a dispute with Geffen records about not sounding like Neil Young as I recall and I remember hearing some heated conversations to which I agree with Neil, yet strangely enough I understand why the record company wanted something that sounded like classic Neil Young. This would prove to be a bad move to ever tell Neil Young what he needs to sound like... just my opinion.

Did you enjoy the tours with him from 83 to 85. What were some of the best gigs?

I very much enjoyed the tours early on with Neil. Everybody was young and had a lot of energy. Every show was great, it's hard to pick just one. Neil let us all loose to be spontaneous and jam. All the musicians were incredible.  Some memorable venues were Austin City Limits, Nikon at Jones Beach Theater in New York, the CNE Grandstand in Canada, and Billy Bob’s in Texas. There was also a string of northern California bar gigs that we did where we performed a warm up tour. We played to only 200-300 people. That was rabid.

What was it like playing on the stage with Neil back then? Did you always know where it was gonna go?

It was like mainlining pure energy. Of course it was a lot of fun to be on stage with Neil Young. There were periods where we could all just really stretch out musically in the early days. The set list however had structure to it and it was always the same. Of course, we would change a song from time to time in the set but the songs were performed in the same way every night.

What are you memories of making Old Ways?

There are two different Old Ways recording sessions. One was with the band that was later to be known as the International Harvester's and then there was another session with Nashville musicians at The Castle in Franklin, Tennessee. The first Old Ways session I remember being very intimate. The sessions were at the House of David studio on Music Row. It felt more like a close family gathering. These were the musicians who actually went on the road. The other Old Ways session... Well, Neil seemed to have all the big name country artists of the time; Waylon Jennings, Marty Stuart, and many others. To me, it felt like it was more of an attempt to associate with these people in order to be taken in by the Nashville community to find validity which never happened. Let’s face it, he IS Neil Young, the Godfather of Grunge. So it never happened. Neil was too country for country. People wanted classic Neil. But it was great music and I loved it. I think it was some of the best music he has made and he sounded great doing it. The International Harversters were an all-star band of misfits.  

What's it like working with Neil? Is it possible to describe the way he works on a record?

His intensity drills to the core of your musical abilities. He has historically been able to pull the best from the best thus the reason he has so many memorable moments on records. All of it is recorded with the band members in the same room like being on a stage playing a live show with floor monitors. Very few overdubs. And magical performances because of the atmosphere that he created along with all the booze and smoke that gets people in the mood. It was not business for Neil, it was art.  He allowed people to get buzzed to the moment.

You didn't record or play with Neil for a few years, then he got back in touch. What was it like recording Prairie Wind?


Prairie Wind was the first time I had seen Neil in 15 years. I got a call from Elliot Roberts, Neil's manager (while sitting on a bus in the middle of a tour with country group Blackhawk), who asked me to be at rehearsals that week. I made a great effort to be there. When I first walked in  I was talking to a couple of musicians when Neil yelled across the room “Hey Crawford, don't think you can just come in here and wing it”. I’ll never forget that. His energy was very abrupt, at least towards me, which took me by surprise. I mean, come on, I haven't seen him in 15 years... what, no hello? No how are you? You can imagine my thoughts when the last time I had seen him, he had told me that he always wanted me in his band. 15 years later... this. Something about me or him was not grooving. However, probably because of my brotherhood with Ben Keith, I went on to be in the 2007 to 2010 Neil Young bands that toured the US and Europe.

You were featured on Fork in the Road. What are your memories of that recording?

Fork in the Road was written and rehearsed while on the road in Europe. He would write a song and show it to us at sound check and we would learn it and then play it that night or the next night. The whole album was composed on the road.

Heart of Gold movie is just a brilliant film. Was that a good experience? Did they feel like special gigs?

The Heart of Gold movie, yes, it is brilliant. Fun is not the adjective I would use to describe it. It was intense. We all got Manuel suits or dresses, it was a production and Jonathan Demme did a fantastic job capturing that time. Certainly we all knew it was a special time.

I love A Treasure too as an album. Did you have a good time during that somewhat lost era?

A Treasure is my favourite music released by Neil Young that I was a part of because it is live recordings from the tours in the 83 to 85 time. Talk about brilliant, that was brilliant. I think we all felt like rebels bucking the system. Neil had left Geffen and was doing the music he wanted to do. I think it was liberating to him and we were all just lucky to be a part of that time. Neil was really using my abilities back then... I played banjo, mandolin, guitar, background vocals.  I enjoyed those days.

What are your personal favourite Neil songs?

My favourite Neil Young songs are Expecting to Fly, After the Gold Rush and Broken Arrow. These songs are like movies to me. The string arrangements from the great Jack Nitzche would be the reason for this. Not to take away from Neil’s brilliant song writing, but again, the people he surrounds himself with is what all great leaders seem to do. He is a great leader.


What have you learned from working with him?

I have learned everything from Neil Young and the brilliant people he surrounds himself with. It is what shaped me to be the person I am today. On a music level, I respect the man as much as I have ever respected anybody. I am privileged to know what went on in those recording studios. I am able to take that knowledge and use it in my own career as a performer.

What are some of the stand out memories for you looking back, proud moments with him and things you treasure?


The most standout memory I have would be a funny moment after smoking a joint with Willie Nelson and playing the Willie picnic, nobody knew who Neil Young was. The blue hairs were in control, they all wanted Willie. The look on Neil's face was priceless.

Another great memory was performing at Hyde Park and playing Paul McCartney’s part on the piano for A Day in the Life. The band didn’t know Paul was coming out on stage during that song. It was surreal. I spoke with Sir Paul backstage and he has the kind of energy that is paralysing. I have always been an admirer of Paul’s writing and so the moment was big for me. He is a kind and gentle giant. What do I treasure? Well, just being a part of the legacy I guess. There aren’t a whole lot of people who can say they played with Neil Young, especially that are still here on this Earth. I have a lot of great memories in my vault as well as many photos and video footage through the years that I hope to release at some point in the future. I was lucky enough to take the album cover for Chrome Dreams II. Let’s face it, after 700 shows with him, I am a part of the legacy of Neil Young.


For more on THE MUSIC OF NEIL YOUNG by Chris Wade.

The Music of Neil Young by Chris Wade

A lucky Thrasher's Wheat supporters will be eligible to win a copy of The Music of Neil Young by Chris Wade. We truly appreciate being able to do what we do here at TW, and we love being able to give something back in return.

To enter the contest, follow these steps:

#1) Subscribe (or be already subscribed) to one of our blogfeed channels either via Facebook Page (LIKE us), Twitter (FOLLOW us), YouTube Channel (SUBSCRIBE), Google + (PLUS us) and/or subscribe to our email list.

2) Then just email us (thrasher@thrasherswheat.org) Also, include which blogfeed channel you signed up for (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or email list options noted above in Step #1). *Be sure to include your complete Facebook ID or Twitter handle or YouTube ID or email address.*

Include your name, postal mailing address, including *COUNTRY*.

Entries must be emailed to thrasher@thrasherswheat.org with SUBJECT line: CONTEST - The Music of Neil Young by Chris Wade

Deadline: Friday, Sept 9, 5PM EST

We'll then randomly select Thrasher's Wheat readers as winners.

Don't Be Denied!

Labels: , ,


0 Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home

<-Older Posts Blog Home Newer Posts->

Willie for a Nobel!
#Willie4Nobel

Willie Nelson for Nobel Peace Prize
for Farm Aid and his work on
alternative fuels, and world peace initiatives.

farm-aid-logo.gif
Farm Aid

Go Farmers Markets!


"In the >field< of opportunity
It's plowin' time again."

SUPPORTER
logo
Silverline Communications

(Home of the FarmAidians)
Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada
(519) 737-7979



This blog supports free speech!


Demand justice for Aaron:
Support "Aaron's Law" and inquiry into his prosecution

(... he didn't kill himself either...) #AaronDidntKillHimself

Induct Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame



Please Help Support Independent Media &
Non-Corporate Advertising
This Blog's For You!


The Hypocrisy of the Mainstream Media

It's Been Called The
"Missing Link" in the Ditch Trilogy

time-fades-away-banner2a

Sign the Release "Time Fades Away" Petition
Join The 10,000+ Who Have Already Signed


broken-arrow-mag-new-logo.gif

Neil Young Appreciation Society


sugar-mtn-logo.jpg
Sugar Mountain

Neil Young Setlists
rust-radio-new
Rust Radio


bumpersticker-neil-concert.jpg


i-l-ove-neil-young-sm.jpg
Bands Covering Neil Young songs


bumper-sticker-live-music-better-sm.jpg
LIVE MUSIC IS BETTER


ny-times-logo.jpg
Official Neil Young News Site

bridgeschool_logo
The Bridge School


The Bridge School Concerts
25th Anniversary Edition

**100% of Proceeds to Benefit Bridge School***

linda-eastman-neil-young-sugar-mtn-sm.jpg
The Essential Neil Young

neil-young-sleeveless.jpg
Fans Favorite Neil Albums

neil-young-heart-of-gold-film-still
Top 50 MP3
Neil Young Song Downloads


Top 10 Best Selling Neil Albums Today
amazon-neil-store.GIF
Support Thrasher's Wheat
via Purchases from:
United States - Amazon.com us.gif
Canada - Amazon.ca canada.gif
United Kingdom - Amazon.uk gb.gif
Germany - Amazon.de de.gif



Neil Young Songbook Project

In the fields of wheat

"Children of Destiny" will NOT be harvested
However, the chaff will be burned by unquenchable fire

Neil Young + Promise of the Real

Europe 2016 Tour Dates



2015 Rebel Content Tour


Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Alchemy Concert Tour Reviews

Fall 2012 N. America Tour
Spring 2013 Australia/New Zealand Tour
Summer 2013 Europe Tour

Europe Summer 2014 Concert Tour
Neil Young & Crazy Horse

Thrasher's Wheat Radio Supporters Go To Europe

jttp-film-poster-sm.jpg
Neil Young Films

musicares-neil-young-2010.jpg
2010 MusiCares Honors Neil Young

Features Elvis Costello, Crosby Stills & Nash, Sheryl Crow, Josh Groban, Ben Harper, Elton John, Norah Jones, Lady Antebellum, Dave Matthews, James Taylor, Keith Urban, and others.
Proceeds from sales go to MusiCares,
which helps musicians in need of
financial and medical assistance.

live-rust-promo-poster.jpg


"There's more to the picture
Than meets the eye"

#BigShift

trans-promo



Neil Young FAQ:
Everything Left to Know About the Iconic and Mercurial Rocker
"an indispensable reference"

paul-neil-bridge2004-sat-sfc-kkomenich-sm.jpg
Paul McCartney and Neil Young

woodstock-poster.jpg


"You can make a difference
If you really a try"

lennon_peace_liberty
John Lennon and Neil Young


"hailed by fans as a wonderful read"

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young:
csny-1974-poster.jpg
The Supergroup of the 20th Century



Director Jonathan Demme's Exquisite film "Heart of Gold"

eddie & neil
Eddie Vedder and Neil Young

buffalo-springfield-poster.jpg
Revisiting The Significance of
The Buffalo Springfield


"The revolution will not be televised"
... it will be blogged, streamed,
tweeted, shared and liked
The Embarrassment of Mainstream Media

Turn Off Your TV & Have A Life


"Everything Is Bullshit" +
"Turn Off The News"
Turn Off the News (Build a Garden)


Neil Young 2016 Year in Review:
The Year of The Wheat

Kurt Cobain
Kurt Cobain and Neil Young

Neil Young's Feedback:
An Acquired Taste?

Young Neil: The Sugar Mountain Years
by Rustie Sharry "Keepin' Jive Alive in T.O." Wilson

"the definitive source of Neil Young's formative childhood years in Canada"

neil & joni
Joni Mitchell & Neil Young

europe 1987.jpg


dylan-young-crop
Bob and Neil

weld
So Who Really Was "The Godfather of Grunge"?


Four Dead in Ohio
kent state
So What Really Happened at Kent State?


The Four Dead in Ohio



May The FOUR Be With You #MayThe4thBeWithYou

concert-pass-europe-2003-solo.jpg


dissent is not treason
Dissent is the highest form of patriotism

Rockin' In The Free World



Sing Truth to Power!
When Neil Young Speaks Truth To Power,
The World Listens

emmylou-harris-neil-young-0305-crop
Emmylou Harris and Neil Young

wilco-062305-wide-background.jpg
Wilco and Neil Young

bluenotes-pass-young88crewlam-sm.jpg

bruce-springsteen-neil-young-bridge-oct-1986.jpg
Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young

europe87concertpass


elton-john-neil-young-crop-sm.jpg
Elton John and Neil Young

ronnie-vanzant-neil.jpg
Lynyrd Skynyrd and Neil Young

+

The Meaning of "Sweet Home Alabama" Lyrics


Neil Young Nation -
"The definitive Neil Young fan book"

powderfinger
"Powderfinger"
What does the song mean?

Random Neil Young Link of the Moment
neil-sad.jpg

Bonnie Raitt and Neil Young

Wisconsin-solidarity.jpg
I'm Proud to Be A Union Man

UNITED WE STAND/DIVIDED WE FALL


When Neil Young is Playing,
You Shut the Fuck Up


Class War:
They Started It and We'll Finish It...
peacefully

A battle raged on the open page...
No Fear, No Surrender. Courage
WE WON'T BACK DOWN. NEVER STAND DOWN.

"What if Al Qaeda blew up the levees?"
Full Disclousre Now


"I've Got The Revolution Blues"

Willie Nelson & Neil Young
Willie Nelson for Nobel Peace Prize



John Mellencamp:
Why Willie Deserves a Nobel

willie_picnic_poster_070503


BOYCOTT HATE

Love and Only Love

"Thinking about what a friend had said,
I was hoping it was a lie"


We're All On
A Journey Through the Past

Neil Young's Moon Songs
Tell Us The F'n TRUTH
(we can handle it... try us)

Freedom:
freedom-video
Does Anything Else Really Matter?

"Nobody's free until everybody's free."
~~ Fannie Lou Hamer

Here Comes "The Big Shift"
#BigShift

Maybe everything you think you know is wrong? NOTHING IS AS IT SEEMS
"It's all illusion anyway."

Propaganda = Mind Control
NOTHING IS AS IT SEEMS
Guess what?
"Symbols Rule the World, not Words or Laws."
... and symbolism will be their downfall...

Brighter Planet's 350 Challenge
Be The Rain, Be The Change

csny2k-plate.jpg
the truth will set you free
This Machine Kills Fascists


"Children of Destiny" - THE Part of THE Solution

(Frame from Official Music Video)

war is not the answer
yet we are
Still Living With War

"greed is NOT good"
Hey Big Brother!
Stop Spying On Us!
Civic Duty Is Not Terrorism

The Achilles Heel
#NullifyNSA
Orwell (and Grandpa) Was Right
“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery.”
~~ Bob Marley

The Essence of "The Doubters"



Yes, There's Definitely A Hole in The Sky


Even Though The Music Died 50+ Years Ago
,
Open Up the "Tired Eyes" & Wake up!
"consciousness is near"
What's So Funny About
Peace, Love, & Understanding & Music?

churchsign

Show Me A Sign

"Who is John Galt?"
To ask the question is to know the answer

"Whosoever shall give up his liberty for a temporary security
deserves neither liberty nor safety."

~~ Benjamin Franklin

Words

(Between the lines of age)


And in the end, the love you take
Is equal to the love you make

~~ John & Paul

the zen of neil
the power of rust
the karma of the wheat

~Om-Shanti.

Namaste