A CSNY Family Weekend Featuring The Our House Band and Calvin "Fuzzy" Samuel

Our House
Crosby Stills Nash Young Tribute
Des Plaines, IL - August 3, 2024
(Click photos to enlarge)

Here is a special report from the intrepid and oh so dependable John Kwit, our Thrasher's Wheat Intergalactic Music Correspondent via Chicago.

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A CSNY Family Weekend Featuring The Our House Band and Calvin "Fuzzy" Samuel

I want to thank Thrasher upfront for allowing me to spin my tales on his website. What an honor it is to share CSNY-related news with like-minded individuals. My goal here is to not only tell a story but give you a little bit of background so you can put my glorious weekend in perspective. I hope you enjoy it, but even more so, I challenge you to write in and share your own story with Thrasher so that we can all hear of your CSNY family adventures.

John Kwit
Aspiring Chicago Writer 

The Our House Band

It was beautiful and frankly spine chilling for me to hear the sounds of David Crosby’s Déjà vu and Delta wafting out through the closed stage door in the alley of the Des Plaines Theatre in Illinois as I awaited the doors to officially open to the public for a concert on Saturday August 3, 2024. After David Crosby passed away I didn’t think I’d hear those haunting notes again. For one night, the sounds came alive once more via the performance of songs by the mystical CSNY quartet, the trio (CSN), duos (Crosby-Nash), and solo material.

The band behind the stage door rehearsing was Our House, an eight piece unit led by former CPR (Crosby-Pevar-Raymond) band members James Raymond on keyboards (David’s son), guitarist Jeff Pevar & drummer Stevie DiStanislao. Adding sweetness to the mix, guitar/vocals were provided by Astrid Young (Neil’s sister – sorry I don’t believe in half-anything when describing family relations) who also showcased a few of her own tunes, and the bass was driven by Elijah Thomson (Father John Misty, & a member of the band Everest who opened for Neil on his Fall 2008 tour).

Pevar/Raymond

Stevie D

Astrid/Elijah

Michelle Willis

Additional keyboards and haunting vocals were provided by Michelle Willis (Crosby’s Lighthouse Band). If you caught the opening act of Neil Young’s relatively recent Coastal Tour you’d recognize the incredible harmonica/vocals of Chris Pierce. Lead guitar and vocals were astutely provided by Steve Postell (Crosby’s band & performer at Stephen Stills’ Light Up The Blues Autism Charity concert). An added bonus of attending the show in Des Plaines was the one-off and rare appearance of CSNY photographer Henry Diltz who came up on stage to tell behind the scenes stories at several points during the night. This man was part of the West Coast scene as a performer and photographer before the birth of the Buffalo Springfield. What a blessing to see and hear him. Have you heard the story of Neil cranking the sound of a large herd of cows while Henry sat petrified in Neil’s barn admiring a Lionel train set-up? Killer stuff.

Chris/Pevar

Steve P.

I want to individually thank the estimated 8.9 million people who live in the city of Chicago and the surrounding suburbs who failed to show up with me in the alley outside the stage door of the Des Plaines Theatre. God Bless all of you! Your selfless action allowed me to meet and chat with the entire band and Henry Diltz, without interruption. For me, the most special conversation I had was with Henry Diltz. I had never met him before but have wanted to for decades, and I came prepared with one of his photos just in case. The next thing I know, Henry and I were sitting next to each other on a concrete parking lot barrier chatting about his years covering CSNY. When I mentioned I was heading out the next day to see former CSNY bass player Calvin Fuzzy Samuel perform, his eyes got as big as saucers. “You tell Calvin I said Hi!”, he said as we parted ways.

John Kwit & Henry Diltz

Now I could sit here and rattle off the entire Our House concert set list but that’s not going to happen. I’ll tease you by sharing one song performed for each member: Long Time Gone (Crosby), Suite Judy Blue Eyes (Stills) and Teach Your Children (Nash). For Neil fans, I’ll mention the one song of his that was absolutely stunning: Southern Man. Chris Pierce’s vocals and harmonica playing were simply incredible on that tune, and his deep baritone reminded me of the great performer Paul Robeson. Some of you youngsters may need to Google that name.

The Our House band wrapped things up with a string of shows on the East Coast, closing with a gig in Bethel, New York on August 18. I hope you caught them live while their roughly 20 show tour occurred during July and August. I do have one wish and that is that the band will go into the studio and record original material and then go back on tour to share it with the world. This much talent should not be wasted. I have to give a special shout out to two of the performers. I’ve always been floored by James Raymond’s keyboard talents. His improvisational pieces are mind blowing. Like a fine wine, he’s only gotten better with age. Then there’s Michelle Willis. Picture a smoky 1940’s cabaret lounge inhabited by a character like Humphrey Bogart sipping whiskey on the rocks and you can imagine Michelle’s sultry yet angelic voice beaming over the pounding keys. Shameless plug: Check out her recent triple vinyl album (Just One Voice). All music, no filler and no etching on Side F.

As a follower of all things CSNY, I have seen more shows from all these individuals and their offshoots of the family tree than I can shake a stick at. My long-suffering wife can attest to that. As has been pointed out to me more than once, how many shows in a multi-night stand must one attend before you’ve seen enough? I’m still searching for the answer.

Frankly I don’t know how I’ve been so blessed in this life when it comes to CSNY. My adventure began with a love of their music in the late 1970’s/early 1980’s. When I learned how to drive and got a car, concert doors opened up. Snail mail correspondence and trading with fellow fans brought live concert tapes, photos, newsletters and assorted ephemera. When I got a job, my spending money provided books, magazines, posters, bootleg vinyl & CDs. Then came an obsession with collecting autographs. Decade upon decade of collecting autographs. I mean if I’m going to see the show I might as well wait by the stage door and see who pops out. Most of the time, members of the CSNY family were happy to oblige with their John Hancock on a single book or photo or record. Then the lightbulb came on for me. Since I had read virtually every scrap of information available in print and the family seemed comfortable talking to me, why not see if I could actually sit down and pepper them with interesting yet uncommon interview questions?

My love of writing led to my friendship with Dolf van Stijgeren of the Netherlands who ran the CSNY website 4WaySite.com. I was honored to do email, phone and in-person-sit-down-across-the-table-and-look-me-in-the-eye interviews with many members of the CSNY family: James Raymond, Shane Fontayne, Johny Barbata, Greg Reeves, Fuzzy Samuel & David Crosby. It’s mind boggling for me to think that I was actually engaged in the lively art of conversation with them. I have to pinch myself to remind me it wasn’t just a dream.

The most humbling of all of these adventures involves my friendship with Calvin Fuzzy Samuel. Yes, the fellow on the cover of the Four Way Street live album circa 1971, the compadre on Stephen Stills’ solo work and the ultimate folk/bluegrass/rock band Manassas. How can you not smile when you simply say the name “Fuzzy”? At some point back around 2009 I decided that I needed to meet Fuzzy. He was not easy to find but I somehow found out about a show he was putting on at a coffee house in Findlay, Ohio, a mere 6 or 7 hour drive from my home. I called the coffee house while I was driving to make sure he was still going to play. The owner answered the phone and said, “He’s standing right here I’ll put him on the phone with you.” Panic set in. I’m surprised I didn’t fly into the ditch. After speaking to Fuzzy and telling him I was planning to see the show and then immediately turn back around and drive home without any sleep I’m sure he thought I was more than a little nuts. Well the show was great, we chatted beforehand and after the show he says, “Do you mind driving me to my friends apartment? I’m going over to play some more music.” So not only did I get a chance to meet him but he sat in the front seat of my beat up car with his guitar case in the back.

Our friendship has only grown deeper through the years, not only with him but with his wife and children. I may be blessed to be the only person in the world to receive a call from Fuzzy looking for a ride from the airport and a bed to put his head down on. Before retiring for the night on that occasion we listened to Beatles bootleg recordings of the White Album and I woke up to the incredible site of Fuzzy making eggs in my cramped galley kitchen early the next morning. Perhaps this sort of thing has also happened to Stephen Stills but I’m guessing he didn’t have a demo of the White Album on in the background. If I’m wrong, Stephen, I encourage you to write in to Thrasher as well to set the story straight. Life is surreal.

Which leads me to the second part of my Family Weekend: Fuzzy Samuel and Jennifer Stills (Stephen’s daughter) performing at the Erie Pennsylvania Jazz Festival on Sunday August 4, 2024. Yes, another 6+ hour drive from my home but well worth the time and effort. And once again I avoided flying into the ditch.

Erle Blues & Jazz Fest flyer

 

It’s a very, very rare treat to see Calvin perform live and he did not disappoint. There were plenty of familiar treats, as not only was he on the bill with Jennifer and a backing band performing several CSNY-related numbers (Love the One You’re With, Helpless, Long Time Gone) but they threw in an absolutely scorching version of the Manassas song, Isn’t It About Time, from the album Down the Road. It’s been a while since I’ve had the hair stand up on the back of my arm when listening to music but their rendition of that song was the ultimate musical highlight of my weekend. Putting the song in the set was supposedly Jennifer’s idea. Her dad would be proud. She also treated the crowd to a solo number called Leave the Rest to Burn. Calvin was joined on stage by his wife (a performing artist in her own right - Rosalila) for several numbers and then two of his adorable young children joined in for an Antiguan-rhythm inspired set closer called Carnival which got the Erie festival crowd on their feet and dancing.

Calvin "Fuzzy" Samuel & Family

Calvin "Fuzzy" Samuel

Jennifer Stills

After the show Calvin and Jennifer discussed their current solo work in the recording studio laying down the tracks for eventual individual new releases. Calvin is reaching back to his Antiguan inspired album, Island Breeze. At the close of the night, Jennifer and Calvin agreed to do a special shout out to Henry Diltz. Right back at you, Henry!

 

Jennifer/Calvin with sign for Henry

 

Truly a weekend to remember!

Now put pen to paper and share your CSNY related memories with Thrasher.

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Thanks again JK! Keep on postin' Intergalactic Music reports from the free worlds!!!

Great to see you last year @ Farm Aid 2023! We'll miss you @ Farm Aid 2024.

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Graham Nash's Desert Island Discs | BBCRadio4

Graham William NashDesert Island Discs @BBCRadio4

From Graham Nash's Desert Island Discs | BBCRadio4:

Graham William Nash is a musician, singer, songwriter and photographer. 

He had his first musical success as a member of the UK band The Hollies before his move to America when he sang as part of Crosby, Stills and Nash. Graham was born in 1942 and grew up in Salford. He found his singing voice at the age of six when he realised that not only could he sing, but he had the ability to harmonise any melody. 

He is a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. Over the years, Graham has written many hit songs for The Hollies and Crosby, Stills and Nash including Our House and Marrakesh Express. Alongside his critically acclaimed musical career, Graham is also a successful photographer. His photos have been on show in galleries and museums around the world. 

Listen to Graham Nash's Desert Island Discs on BBCRadio4. (thanks Greying Ride!) 

More on  Graham Nash & Neil Young.

Graham Nash & Neil Young
2013 Bridge School Benefit Concert

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Graham Nash on Reconciliation with David Crosby | AARP

Graham Nash & David Crosby"In Concert" BBC, London  Don Smith/Radio Times via Getty Images  (Click photo to enlarge)

 

The recent passing of  David Crosby: 1941 - 2023 brought a wide range of tributes to "Croz"  from so many great musicians, writers, fans and others remembering  Crosby’s massive influence on the music from the 1960's and onward. 

Here is an excerpt of a recent in interview with  Graham Nash on reconciliation with David Crosby from "Graham Nash Remembers David Crosby: ‘He Was Remarkably Unique’ " | AARP  by Rob Tannenbaum:

Graham Nash: I think one of the only things that we can do, particularly me, is only try to remember the good times. Try to remember the great music that we made. I’m only going to be interested in the good times, because if I concentrate on the bad times, it gets too weird for me.

AARP: By weird do you mean painful?

Graham Nash:  Yes, painful.

The fact is that we were getting a little closer at the end. He had sent me a voicemail saying that he wanted to talk to apologize, and could we set up a time to talk. I emailed him back and said, “Okay, call me at eleven o’clock tomorrow your time, which is two o’clock on the East Coast.” He never called, and then he was gone.

Graham Nash:  David’s gift was the unbelievable uniqueness of him as a musician. Crosby was very jazz influenced in his early days. He played in tunings that were very strange, ribbons that were very strange.

...

His death is like an earthquake: You know that you’re in an earthquake, but subsequently, other smaller earthquakes happen afterwards. His death has been like that. It was only two or three days after he passed that I realized that he was actually gone.

Graham Nash:  [Crosby's contact] was very significant for me. It made David’s death a little easier for me, because I realized that we were going to get together later in his life. Crosby was my dear friend, my best friend for over 50 years. I can only concentrate on the good stuff, Rob. Our reaction to his comments about Neil’s wife and the other things that separated David from us — but if he was willing to call me and apologize for what he had done and how he had hurt me, it made his death a little easier for me to accept.

Full interview @ "Graham Nash Remembers David Crosby: ‘He Was Remarkably Unique’ " | AARP  by Rob Tannenbaum.

David Crosby, Neil Young & Graham Nash Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, Santa Cruz, California, 1977-08-12
Photo by Ed Perlstein(Click photo to enlarge)

 

More tributes to David Crosby:

• David Crosby: 1941 - 2023 - obituary, reaction + statements by Nash, Stills & Young
  
• A Tribute & Appreciation for David Crosby: 1941 - 2023
• INTERVIEW: David Crosby Speaks Out in 2022
• David Crosby Tributes of Note: Not A Long Time Gone 

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A Tribute & Appreciation for David Crosby: 1941 - 2023

APPRECIATION: The Contrasts of David CrosbyMember of revered Woodstock-era rock trio sang like a cherub, but his life wasn't all peace and love
 (Click photo to enlarge)  "David Crosby, pictured in 2019, sang delicate harmonies while living a reckless life, making him one of the Woodstock generation's most important and paradoxical figures."by Chris Richards, Washington Post - January 21, 2023

 

The tributes and appreciation for David Crosby, who passed on Thursday at age 81, continue to flow in from around the EARTH.

From the Washington Post's APPRECIATION: The Contrasts of David Crosby by Chris Richards:

As an irritable bon vivant who mainlined jazz and cocaine to sing lullabies like a cherub in a Tiepolo painting, David Crosby made no sense. He sang supremely delicate harmonies while living a reckless life, his hedonism, skepticism, tenderness and arrogance eventually coalescing into a shoulder shrug of self awareness. On the first page of his 1988 memoir, Crosby wrote, "I know I have an ego -- opinions differ as to its health, size, and value."

Crosby was of the Age of Aquarius but not starry-eyed

by Chris Richards, Washington Post - January 21, 2023

 

The Capitol Theatre @capitoltheatre

Earlier today, before getting ready for this weekend we took a moment to listen to some Croz. His Music will live forever. Rest In Peace, David Crosby. Thank you for the memories 

 

 

Brian Wilson

I don’t know what to say other than I’m heartbroken to hear about David Crosby. David was an unbelievable talent - such a great singer and songwriter. And a wonderful person. I just am at a loss for words. Love & Mercy to David’s family and friends. Love, Brian

 

A lovely voice and a lovely human being. Sincerest thanks to David Crosby for his kindness and for singing so beautifully to us all. -The Avett Brothers

 

#RingoStarr

God bless David Crosby and peace and love to all his family peace and love Ringo

Cameron Crowe

Robert Kennedy, Jr.

Tom Petty

Tom counted David Crosby as a friend and a hero. He visited often at his house in the valley. He was funny, provocative and electric with talent. His contribution to music will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and love to his family, bandmates and fans.

Neil Young on Crosby in Waging Heavy Peace 

 

 

James Taylor

"Missing you already, Croz. Love to Jan…" ~ James

Brian Jones and David Crosby, Monterey Pop Festival , 1967

 

Musician James Raymond pays tribute to birth father David Crosby

 

John Mayer shares how fans can “honor the memory” of rock legend David Crosby
 

 

The Carter Center @CarterCenter  @CarterLibrary

Sending our deepest condolences to the family of David Crosby. In this photo, President Carter meets with @thedavidcrosby @StillsStephen & Nash on 6/9/77. 

 

Photo by Henry Diltz 

Bob Dylan on David Crosby: "Crosby was a colorful and unpredictable character, wore a Mandrake the Magician cape, didn’t get along with too many people and had a beautiful voice — an architect of harmony. He could freak out a whole city block all by himself. I liked him a lot."  

Melissa Etheridge remembers David Crosby: "I am grieving the loss of my friend and Bailey’s biological father, David. He gave me the gift of family ... His music and legacy will inspire many generations to come. A true treasure."

rosanne cash@rosannecash

I can't begin to say how influential Crosby, Stills and Nash were for me. I'm grateful David Crosby lived, and so very sad he's gone.

Bruce Hornsby;

David Crosby was a friend for many years, always a warm and supportive fan with insightful comments about my work. So bright and so funny, he was always a joy to be around.

 

k.d. lang

On sept 12,2001 David Crosby offered me a ride on his tour bus from Denver to LA after the attacks on 911. Such a generous and kind soul. Swift auspicious rebirth to you brother. 

Stevie Van Zandt@StevieVanZandt

RIP David Crosby. As a member of The Byrds, 1 of the historically essential Artists that created the Artform of Rock. The Byrds, Bob Dylan, Beatles, Stones, Kinks, Who, Beach Boys & Yardbirds, showed future generations like us what was possible. We owe him, and them, everything.

 

Nils Lofgren @nilslofgren

Dear Croz, Rest in Peace and Song, old friend. Much Love and Healing to Jan and Django, from Nils and Amy

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Finally, here is a fan's heartfelt tribute to David Crosby. 

Thanks Davy.  We do understand and get it.  And so do lots of others.  We grieve together over the loss and celebrate the music...because music is love

More on David Crosby @

• David Crosby: 1941 - 2023 w/ statements by Nash, Stills & Young + Fan's reaction to the news 
• "The American Beatles": Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
• INTERVIEW: David Crosby - 'Serve The Song,' Not The Self
• "The American Beatles": Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
  
• PODCAST: David Crosby Talks Neil Young & More | ‘Freak Flag Flying’
• David Crosby: Uncut, Never-Before-Seen Interview | " Inventing David Geffen" | PBS | American Masters
• David Crosby Talks “Ohio”, CSNY and Creativity 
• Photo of the Moment: Jerry Garcia, David Crosby, Phil Lesh and Neil Young - 1970  
• Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young: Looking Back Through The Years 
  
• Crosby, Stills & Nash Perform at the National Christmas Tree Lighting
• FLASHBACK: The Actual Honest to God Reunion of Crosby Stills & Nash 
  
• David Crosby Talks Neil Young, Marijuana, And His Stunning New Album ‘Sky Trails’  
• PODCAST: 'Deja Vu' by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young - Thrasher's Wheat Radio 
  
• 2015 Interview with David Crosby | 4WaySite.com
• The Oral History of CSNY's Infamous 1974 'Doom Tour' | Rolling Stone  
• PHOTO: CSNY Backstage 1974 
  
• Photo of the Moment: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - Bridge School Benefit - 10.26.13
  
• CONCERT REVIEW: Crosby, Stills & Nash: Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA - August 13, 2005 
• VIDEO: "Cowboy Movie" (instrumental) w/ Neil Young and PERRO (1971)  
  
• David Crosby and The Damage Done (or Not...) + Crosby on JFK Assassination @ 1967 Monterey Pop Festival of The Byrds
• Neil Young & David Crosby and their tangled relationship. 

 

"They are one person

 They are two alone 

They are three together 

They are for/4 each other" 

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - 2006
(Click photo to enlarge) 

David Crosby Tribute - NBC Nightly News 

 Although we cut our hair, David ... We'll Remember His Name ... definitely

“However much time I got isn’t really the significant thing — it’s what I do with that time, right? And it looks to me that the only contribution I can make, the place where I can help, is to make more music.”  

 - David Crosby in 2021 

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RARE PHOTO: David Crosby, Neil Young & Graham Nash - 1977 + BREAKING NEWS ... Jeffrey Blackburn, Neil Young Bandmate in The Ducks Dead

David Crosby, Neil Young & Graham Nash Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, Santa Cruz, California, 1977-08-12
Photo by Ed Perlstein(Click photo to enlarge)

 

Here is a rare photo by Ed Perlstein of David Crosby, Neil Young and Graham Nash at Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium in Santa Cruz, California on 1977-08-12.

United Farm Workers Benefit 

Billed as David Crosby with David Grisman Quartet

image via Sugar Mountain

The concert was for the United Farm Workers Benefit billed as David Crosby with David Grisman Quartet and guests Neil Young and Graham Nash.

Santa Cruz Sentinel Review

image via Sugar Mountain 

 

Setlist via  Sugar Mountain :

The Lee Shore / Page 43 / Triad / Homeward Through The Haze / Naked Through In The Rain / Laughing // Southbound Train / Guinnevere / Cathedral / Carry Me / Lowdown Payment // Human Highway / New Mama / Déjà Vu / Only Love Can Break Your Heart / Our House / Wooden Ships / Teach Your Children / Sugar Mountain 

 

More on David Crosby and Neil Young.  Also, see  Graham Nash on Neil Young.   

The concert came amidst  Neil Young's 1977 Northern California Coastal Bar Tour with The Ducks.

 

Neil Young - August 1977
Catalyst Club, Santa Cruz, CA
PHOTO: RICHARD MCCAFFREY/BAM
(Click photo to enlarge)

 

BREAKING NEWS ... Jeffrey Blackburn, Neil Young Bandmate in The Ducks Dead 

  

Gone ...  but not forgotten.

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Graham Nash on Neil Young + Groupies, Feuds, Divorce and Ego | The Guardian

 Graham Nash 

Photo by Gareth Cattermole

A rather provocative and semi-controversial interview with  Graham Nash on groupies, feuds, divorce and ego from The Guardian | ‘There was an enormous amount of drugs being taken’ by Simon Hattenstone. (thanks Thos!)

But the real story isn't the published headline but what was the original draft headline which you can find by hovering over the URL.

We will not attempt to unpack Nash's semi-controversial comments here.  But  we'll just highlight this section on Neil Young for now:

Often Stills and Young competed over guitar solos, I say. 

Nash corrects me. “Actually, it wasn’t quite that way. I’ve stood in the middle of Stephen and Neil countless times, with these two stags talking to each other through guitar riffs.” If Stills and Young were stags, what were he and Crosby? “We were the grass that kept the two stags alive.”

He then pays Young the ultimate backhanded compliment.

“I’ve got utmost respect for him. You can put a European tour together with a crew of 25 people and then a week before he says: ‘Nah, I don’t feel like it’, so all those people are now out of a job. Things like that with Neil I don’t agree with, but I understand his strength and I applaud him for it.” (To be fair to Young, he cancelled tours in 1997 after he sliced the top off his finger while making a sandwich, and in 2013 after Crazy Horse guitarist Frank Sampedro broke his hand.) 

Does Young know he’s selfish? “Neil knows what is best for Neil.” As for Stills, he has nothing but warmth for him now. “I love Stephen. Stephen Stills has got a big heart in that chest of his.” He says he prefers CSN to CSNY and regards Stills as the greatest of the four writers.

Full interview at The Guardian | ‘There was an enormous amount of drugs being taken’ by Simon Hattenstone.

More on Graham Nash, Neil Young and CSNY.

Graham Nash & Neil Young
2013 Bridge School Benefit Concert

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