A Song With... returns featuring my friend and one of Canada's best songwriters, Jerry Leger. Jerry selected "Tears of Rage" from The Band's first album, Music From Big Pink. We delve into the song's significance, the songwriting collaboration between Richard Manuel and Bob Dylan and the various track versions.

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In this episode of The Band: A History, we explore Robbie Robertson's journey into crafting his debut solo album, influenced by his vision of "The Shadowland." After focusing on film scoring, Robertson returned to music in the mid-1980s, collaborating with key figures like producer Daniel Lanois to create an atmospheric, cinematic sound. We dive into the making of the album, Robertson’s strategic decisions, and partnerships with renowned musicians and producers.

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We're thrilled to welcome author Stephen Lewis to The Band: A History as we dive into his upcoming book, Richard Manuel: His Life and Music, from the Hawks and Bob Dylan to The Band, which will be released in May 2025.

In this episode, Stephen shares his journey in writing the book, his deep connection to The Band, and some never-before-heard stories about Richard Manuel. This is an episode you won't want to miss! You can pre-order the book now through the publisher's website or major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

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By the end of the 1970s, Rick Danko found himself in an unexpected place. After the release of his first solo album on Arista Records didn’t sell well, and with management in flux, Arista dropped him.

Despite this, Danko continued to tour, collaborate, and perform in smaller, more intimate venues, showcasing his character and musicianship. Collaborations with former Beach Boy Blondie Chaplin, Richard Manuel, Paul Butterfield, and even actor Gary Busey highlighted his versatility. Woodstock ‘79, a smaller and less impactful event than the original, featured Danko performing with Butterfield.

This era also saw Danko contributing to Joe Cocker’s chaotic version of “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” and Larry Lee’s album “Marooned.” This period of triumph and tribulation is a testament to Danko’s enduring spirit and love for music.

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A Song With returns featuring my friend and Chest Fever bandleader, Daniel Cervantes. Dan selected "Just Another Whistle Stop" from The Band's third studio album, Stage Fright. We delve into the song's significance to him, Robbie Robertson's scorching lead guitar, Richard Manuel's captivating vocals, and the various interpretations of the lyrics and music.

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After navigating a tumultuous phase in his life marked by heavy drinking and the disbandment of The Band, Richard Manuel entered rehab, marking a pivotal step toward reclaiming his passion for music. In 1978, returned to the studio with old friend Happy Traum, contributing to Traum's debut solo album "Bright Morning Stars."

He also collaborated with musicians Terry Danko and Marty Grebb and reconnected with Gerry Goffin for songwriting. Manuel's musical revival included working with Bonnie Raitt on her critically acclaimed album "Greenlight" and joining Willie Nelson and Webb Pierce for a spirited session on "In The Jailhouse Now." This period marked a creative resurgence for Manuel, blending his soulful voice and piano mastery across diverse projects while reflecting on his enduring connection to The Band.

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A new episode of "A Song With," where I chat with guests about their chosen tracks from The Band and the stories woven within them. There are no constraints; it could be a passionate case for why a song reigns supreme in The Band's repertoire, a personal narrative or bond, or simply revelling in the joy of listening.

In this episode, Luke C. Bowden joins me. He is a music journalist, academic, and concert promoter. Luke's pick is "Ferdinand The Imposter," an outtake from the Music From Big Pink era. We delve into the various song versions, the musical and lyrical songwriting, and much more.

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"Levon's solo albums are pure, egalitarian magic and joy." - Matty Wishnow

After a dedicated grind in the late '70s, Helm ventured to Nashville, inspired by his role in the lauded film Coal Miner's Daughter. There, with the city's top session players, he created his seminal album, American Son, in 1980. Helm, almost forty, forged a path to new creative horizons, trying to position himself for a new musical renaissance.

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