The filming of ‘Hey America’ was done in the Covid 19 environment.
One shot where we’re all standing together, singing without masks was done in three separate shoots with the same background and assembled in post-production to look like three people singing together. Stay safe.
“I didn’t set out to become a songwriter and singer at 78 years of age,” Bob says. “It was and is an organic event. I was watching Donald Trump on TV a couple years ago and wrote down a few lines. When I got home, I found I could play those lines on guitar. Gradually, it became what it is now. It took a while to be able to play and sing the song from start to finish. When I could finally accomplish that, it was a victory.” Bob decided to record “Hey America” after receiving encouragement from close friends and family including Neil, Daryl Hannah, Carrie Alice Williams, the song’s co-author Diane Marshall, and Blue Rodeo’s Greg Keelor.
“The recording process all happened at once,” Bob continues. “I had never done that either. It was a band performance that had spontaneity. In another session, some vocal harmony was added, and Neil played harmonica. My perspective is simultaneously that of a participant and spectator. I am watching myself do this. All you aging baby boomers out there, give it a shot. As Yogi Berra put it, ‘It ain’t over ’til it’s over, and even then it ain’t over.’ I agree. I have more songs, all from the same creative spark.”
“Hey America” directed by CK Vollick with Bernard Shakey & dhlovelife
Young Bob & The Peterboroughs are Bob Young (lead vocal and acoustic guitar); Mike Belitsky (drums) and Travis Good (banjo, vocal harmony) from The Sadies; Ryan Weber from The Weber Brothers (bass), Melissa Payne (fiddle, vocal harmony); and Neil Young (harmonica, vocal harmony).
NEIL YOUNG: MY BROTHER THE FOLK SINGER
by BOB YOUNG
Maclean's - May 1 1971
It was recently brought to our attention that a 1971 article by Neil Young's brother Bob Young, is available online at "NEIL YOUNG: MY BROTHER THE FOLK SINGER | Maclean's ". (thanks Sharry!)
Maclean's is a Canadian weekly newsmagazine and the article's primary interest to Neil Young fans are his brother's thoughts on seeing him perform at Carnegie Hall on Dec. 4, 1970. Bob Young's review also appeared in Broken Arrow | NYAS #017, November, 1984, page 12.
Of further interest is that also in attendance that night at Carnegie Hall was Neil's father, Scott Young, the Toronto sportswriter, who also wrote a review as well, in his column, opposite reports of the Muhammad Ali/Oscar Bonavena boxing match.
More on Bob Young: A Brother Behind The Scenes and Neil Young's father on Scott Young: 1918 - 2005, Remembering Neil Young's Dad.
We met Bob @ FA18 as seen in photo above w/ Babs. Also, we think that's Bob's wife to his side.
We were all discussing Neil's upcoming set w/ POTR. we can't emphasize enough Bob's love & respect of his brother Neil. Bob is a very behind the scenes player in keeping the Neil flame burning across the Great North.
we don't think we've ever encountered greater brotherly love.
Scott Young and Rassy Young, with son Neil Young
via A Deeply Personal Message from Neil Young | NYA
I genuinely admire the intention here, but I’m afraid that Neil got all the musical attributes in the family.
ReplyDeletePeace 🙏
@Dan Swan, can't argue there. Still I'm pleased to see Young Bob is doing well and in robust spirits, doing his best to spread the good word.
ReplyDeleteThe funny part is how much the brothers Young look alike yet sound opposite: Neil's famous, otherworldly high (he's virtually singing countertenor at times) vocals and Bob with his almost "Frog Man"-like bass.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAnother present from Uncle Neil....
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hE5w-2sz-w
... After the Goldrush 50th anniversary edition December 11. Neil giveth.
At first, I assumed it was just another take from NYAII. Make sure you watch 'till the end. No idea what the 50th anniversary edition will include--and I hope the roll-out is free of the shenanigans that accompanied NYAII box set--but either way, certainly worth noting.
On a less shattering note, I love the bouncy vibes on this version of "Wonderin'"--a nice, slightly left field musical idea Neil has incorporated a few times over the years. I had thought this instrument was used mostly in his later music, but I guess he was experimenting with it much earlier than I realized. Also, excellent guitars throughout. If it's an AFTGR outtake, I suppose the band is Nils Lofgren and CH, but would be happy to have more definite info.
~Om-Shanti.
Ole Bob needs Simon Cowell to soften the edges !
ReplyDeleteBob sounds like their father Scott.
ReplyDelete