Revisiting 'The Last Waltz'

Years ago I bought The Band's 'The Last Waltz' and was immediately enthralled with its essence. It's tough to revisit something you didn't witness live (I was four years old in 1976) but art is all relative. Tomatoe, tomah-toe. In one sitting, I was introduced to rock music in its most pristine comforts. What blew me away was the endless stream of legendary and extraordinary musicians and performers of our time that took part in that concert: Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Ronnie Hawkins, Van Morrison, Ron Wood, Dr.John, Emylou Harris, Paul Butterfield and The Staples among others. Together they produced some of the greatest songs in the pantheon of 20th century music.

A few years after that I caught Martin Scorsese's documentary film on television of that landmark concert in San Francisco. Watching those musicians in the flesh and live some 25 years later was one of those 'wow' moments. In a time where the live concert is less a celebration and movement and more a corporate bottom line exercise, soaking in the gala was a welcomed breath of crystal pure Northern air. Listening to Neil Young gently kick into 'Helpless' still sends shivers down my spine. "There's a place in North Ontario..." It's so rare we hear of musicians chronicling Canadian themes it seems. Come to think of it, who is Canada's answer to Bruce Springsteen? Does Gordon Lightfoot make the cut?

The Band and their success is especially remarkable because they were a Canadian band that emerged during a time when Canadian acts were still in their infancy stage and struggling to gain exposure in America. The Band are a pop culture icon on the rock scene - and they were Canadian. It is only fitting since Canada has contributed much to the North American experience. Many symbols of American pop culture had their origins in Canada. Superman and basketball immediately spring to mind. Still, Canada's list is impressive in the 60s and 70s. What they lacked in numbers they made up in quality - Gordon Lightfoot, Anne Murray, Paul Anka and The Diamonds did their part on the easy listening side of things. Andy Kim, Joni Mitchell, The Guess Who, Steppenwolf, Leonard Cohen, B.T.O, Rush and of course the giant of rock'n roll Neil Young.

Time went by and the movie played again almost 15 years after I saw it for the first time tonight. I still got the shivers. Not just because I'm fighting a flu. Many of us are not terribly impressed with Canada these days, but tonight reminded me of what this country has achieved and accomplished in many fields against great odds. Two of those biggest obstacles being harsh climate and living next to the most powerful, friendly single entity the world has ever known.

Picking a favourite track on the album has proven to be difficult if not elusive. I liked Morrison's distracted but enthusiastic and upbeat version of 'Caravan' if only because it's one of my all-time favorite songs from one of my personal preferred albums 'Moondance'. 'Up on Cripple Creek' for its hint of bluegrass country spirit and Levon Helms pulsating drums and singing. Even 'The Night They Drove Old Dixe Down' and 'I Shall be Released' performed with Dylan manage to hit a nerve. The latter being of no coincidence for being played since this was during Dylan's born again Christian period. The Weight' no doubt remains the quintessential hit. Particularly, the gospel inspired version in the film performed with The Staples is one of the finest interpretation of any song I've heard. For me, however, the song that defined the album was 'It Makes No Difference'. Don't ask me why it just did.

Sometimes what a piece of music does to someone is beyond definition and description. Try and ask someone how to find the proper emotions to explain what Verdi or Beethoven does to them. The mark of great music is how it changes hands from generation to generation and how it transcends gibberish critical scrutiny. Forget Britney Spears, Madonna and Jessica Simpson and the Souless Brothers and Sister of modern pop. Remember the good old time stuff. It's worth it.