7.08.2015

THE MAKING OF THE MARTIAN BOOGIE: BROWNSVILLE STATION


So, there was this band from Ann Arbor - you know where that is, right? 
Just head west out of the D, on either I-94 or US23 about half an hour, you'll be there.

by Bruce "Beezer" Nazarian - former member of Brownsville Station

From May 1975 to May 1979 I was proud to be a part of this group of musical asylum escapees, called Brownsville Station, and especially proud and honored to have known and been befriended by one Michael "Cub" Koda, the talented lead singer guitarist with the wacky glasses and referee shirts.

Brownsville Station - on Private Stock records - audio masters lost for all time ;-( 
Along the way, we hit some extraordinary highs and lows, and ONE of those high points was the recording of the legendary "Red Album" (in official album review speak, the "eponymous" LP called Brownsville Station).

You can look this up on Discogs.com and it will say:    
"Recorded at the Cenacle-Mt. Kisco, NY by Record Plant Mobile Studio..."
What is DOESN'T say is how we TOOK OVER the Cenacle during our time there, and how this was nirvana for a bunch of delinquents from A-square - just give 'em a big mansion in New Yawk, the Record Plant Mobile recording truck parked outside in the driveway, and wires and snakes going into literally EVERY room within 200 feet of the truck - this was Recording Paradise!

Anyway, back to "The Martian Boogie" - the subject of our little story herein; this was actually a jam tune and sometime set-closer, the culmination of way too many road shows where we would artfully mix the entire history of American blues into a sexy cocktail of a strong 4/4 backbeat (thanks to H-Bomb). screamin' guitars, and whatever song we did for an encore that night!

Yours truly in the studio at Cenacle, 1977
As Cub said on BrownsvilleStation.com: 
"The Martian Boogie" was a seven-minutes-barn-burning set-closer recorded live in one take, spaceship noises and all. The tune started out as a pastiche of various John Lee Hooker-Junior Parker boogie riffs, then was promptly corrupted into a whole different ball of wax when the band was stuck in a hotel room in Canada watching a lousy sci-fi movie called Not Of This Earth. By the time we recorded the version, It was  road-tested classic that we were sure was going to be our next hit, even bigger than “Smokin”
Well, Cubmaster, that might have been JUST a little bit of an exaggeration, but all is forgiven. As I recall today, "Martian" was recorded with the entire band tracking - Michael on Bass, Cub & I on guitars, H-Bomb on Drums. I forget now what exact notion got into our heads about WHY we though this would be a perfectly amazing addition to an otherwise rockin set of originals and loving remakes -  oh yeah - I remember now - it was a SMASH live tune - and we wanted to record it for posterity. So we decided to do it, and the rest, as they say, is history. 

The Brownsville boys doing their famous line dance during "Martian"

A little inside info - the actual track we recorded (all in one live take, as I recall) starts when Henry hits the intro drum fill on the record (this is actually about 54 seconds into the full 7 minute track). The entire 54 seconds leading up to the explosion and drum fill was carefully crafted by little ole me, on my trusty ARP 2600 synthesizer... and, boy howdy - THAT took a lot of time! 

When you listen to the track,  the LEFT rhythm guitar is me, the RIGHT rhythm guitar is Cub. First solo is me on slide - LIVE, second solo is Cub - LIVE. 

After the solos, we did the track just like we would do it live - Cub was doing the spoken bit while I kept the guitar rhythm comp going.   Cub did the guitar solo after "Boogiein' Capital of the USA", Michael and I joined on vocals when we hit the harmony parts, and from 6:20 on the track becomes pure SONIC MAYHEM. 



One thing about this tune - it NEVER failed to kick ass live - just like it was supposed to ;-) 

I have many wonderful recollections from the years spent with BrownSta - but perhaps none is better than the time the Martians landed in Mt. Kisco, New York - at Cenacle - with Martian cigarettes - and we captured it LIVE (pretty much) in the studio - in all of its kickass glory ;-) 

By the way - big credit to our crew - Lurch, Philly Joe Lower, and Donn Nelson, for keeping us all out of jail, and special thanks to the "unexpected assistant engineer" Rod O'Brien, who I met again ten years later, and continues as a close friend to this day. Rod knows the story about Eddie Kramer and my switchblade, but we're not tellin' ;-)  Hats off to Eddie Kramer, who managed to get one of my best vocal performances EVER, when he recorded "Lady Put The Light On". You rock, KranMar.

and finally - here's to you Cub - 
a great musician, a great musicologist, and a great friend until his dying day. 

7.01.2015

THE SEATBELTS OPENING FOR CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVISTED

The Seatbelts Photo:Richard Blondy

Our favorite Detroit Dance Band THE SEATBELTS were selected by WCSX and Detroit voters to open for Creedence Clearwater Revisited for the 10TH Annual Rockin the Riverfront,,,The Seatbelts will have 1000's of Detroiters dancing the night away BABY BABY BABY!!


Rockin’ on the Riverfront, the annual FREE concert series (no tickets necessary) will return in its 10th season to the Detroit Riverfront this summer, welcoming crowds every Friday night for classic rock and roll revelry in Detroit. Brought to you by GM, Rockin’ on the Riverfront is set to amaze audiences of all ages with shows running from 8-10 p.m. every Friday night from July 10 through August 21.

2015 Rockin' Line-up!

July 10: The Doobie Brothers/Solid State
July 17: .38 Special/Dirty Basement Blues
July 24: Dennis DeYoung of Styx/Cosmic Groove
July 31: Burton Cummings of The Guess Who/Laughing Madmen
August 7: Creedence Clearwater Revisited/The Seatbelts
August 14: Kansas/Whiplash Classic Rock
August 21: Eddie Money/ Black Jake & The Carnies

6.30.2015

ART WEAR DETROIT: IF YOU LOVE DETROIT...WEAR IT!!


ArtWear DETROIT -Taking Detroit Art to the Streets! Creating high quality fun and functional-art handbags, clothing, accessories and housewares called ArtWear, using exceptional source art from Detroit’s most renowned artists!

Featured: Rock and Roll Poster Artist-Gary Grimshaw! Voted one of “Michigan’s 100 Greatest Artists and Entertainers of the Twentieth Century”by the Detroit Free Press. Gary became well known as the Grande Ballroom artist and his talent has kept him in demand and in the spotlight in a career covering the rock scenes in Michigan and the San Francisco area for over 40 years.


The book 'The Art of Rock: Posters From Presley to Punk' recognized Grimshaw as an originator of the art form.

ArtWear Grande Ballroom Poster Flat Leather Sling Bags & Messenger Bags - Grande Tee Shirt and Tank Dress -DETROIT Art Letters Bags Watches and Accessories

PURCHASE ONLINE ArtWearDETROIT.com


6.28.2015

DETROIT LEGEND:TERRY "THUNDER" HUGHLEY HAS DIED


We are so sorry to hear of Detroit's great Drummer Terry Thunder Hughley's passing from a terrible Asthma attack...Thnnder was a wonderful man and musician extraordinaire....RIP TTH.... our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Deborah Hughley, family, friends and legions of fans....Retro Kimmer

Terry "Thunder" Hughley had been a professional drummer since receiving a Drum set on his 16th birthday. He has had the pleasure of working with some of the best names in the music business.

Names like; David Ruffin, 5 Special, Enchantment,The Dramatics, The Platters, L. J. Reynolds of
The Dramatics (Key To The World Tour), New Birth,Little Carl Carlton, Don Was, Mitch Ryder, Black Merda, Bobby Franklin's Insanity, The Drifters, The Coasters,Kim Weston, Ali Ollie Woodson of the Temptations,and even Pro Boxer Larry Holmes just to name a few.

Currently played with The Sun Messengers, playing for The Detroit Pistons & backing such artists as Sir Mack Rice,The Original Falcons Reunion with Eddie Floyd at the Chicago Blues Festival, Earl King, James Thunderbird" Davis, Johnnie Adams, Martha Reeves and many more.

The Sun Messengers also had the pleasure of opening up for Jay Leno for 2 nights at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

For the past 4 years Terry had been the Host drummer for“The Don Was Super Sessions” at the Concert of Colors.

Terry is also was an aspiring Blues singer performing overseas at The Prestigious Lucerne Blues Festival in Switzerland, The Utrecht Blues Festival in The Netherlands &The Lionel Hampton Club in Paris, France.

Terry’s voice also can be heard on TV & Radio commercials for Toyota Trucks, James Martin Chevrolet-Buick, Mr. Allen's Shoes, & Betty Crocker Cakes.

How do you say goodbye to one your best friends?...You don't. You say 'I'll see you later buddy'. That is what I'm saying to my beloved Terry Thunder Hughley. I'm gonna miss our talks, your shoulder to cry on, the wonderful hugs we shared and of course your simply amazing talent on the drums. You are gone in the flesh my friend but alive in many hearts every day including mine so....I'll see you later buddy. I love you so much. Debra, I hold you close in my heart. Tosha Owens

So devastating to hear of the passing of Terry Thunder Hughley! No better man has ever played drums or sang from the heart in the City of Detroit, the place he loved most. Terry's passing coming right on the heels of Garfield and has to teach us to love these great musicians! I found this video of 'Having A Christmas Party' which features both Terry Thunder and Garfield, along with Thornetta, RJ, Johnny Evans, Paul Carey, and more. RIP Terry Thunder you will always be loved...Tino Gross





6.23.2015

ROYAL OAK RIB FEST: JULY 3-5 WITH THE HOWLING DIABLOS!


 Royal Oak Farmer’s Market

THE HOWLING DIABLOS 7:30 p.m. Friday
THE INFATUATIONS 9:00 p.m. Friday

THE BEGGARS 5:15 p.m. Saturday
THE MUGGS 7:00 p.m. Saturday
GOOBER & THE PEAS 9:00 p.m. Saturday

PATO MARGETIC 4:30 p.m. Sunday
THORNETTA DAVIS 6:30 p.m. Sunday

The Royal Oak Rib, Beer & Music Fest is Friday-Sunday, July 3-5th at the Royal Oak Farmer’s Market. As the name implies, there will be an unparalleled selection of ribs and barbeque complimented by craft beers and full bar service.

Admission to this family friendly event is free with multiple stages of music, dozens of restaurants, a rib cook off, kid’s zone, and more! Barbeque by Chicken Shack, Old Carolina BBQ, Stonewood Smokehouse, Smoke Ring BBQ, Taste N Tell BBQ, Rub Pub BBQ, Big Mo’s BBQ, Dobo’s Bayou Billy BBQ, Detroit BBQ, Walter's Kitchen BBQ and Jackson's Five Star Catering.

Royal Oak Farmers' Market
316 E. 11 Mile Rd. Downtown Royal Oak
phone (248) 246-3079

6.22.2015

GARY QUACKENBUSH SRC LEAD GUITARIST HAD DIED


Sad news to hear that amazingly gifted guitarist Gary Quackenbush passed away this past weekend . Gary was the original and most fabulous guitarist of the band Scot Richard Case aka SRC.

SRC's first hit record...



Scott Richard Case aka SRC was formed by Scott Richardson, the Chosen Few lead singer, with Gary's band, The Fugitives, which featured his brother Glenn Quackenbush & E.G. Clawson, and Robin Dale, Bass & Vocals, the only British member of the group. Jeep Holland, manager of The Rationals, became their manager.



We had the lovely opportunity to watch Quack in action and up close when we filmed him in 2010 in a small rehearsal studio in Ann Arbor. With Chris Taylor, Al King and Mark Sisto. This was a spontaneous session with no rehearsal..but what a joy for me to watch...



Gary's unique style influenced legions of young guitarists and his signature style lives on...
Our condolences go out to his family and many friends....RIP Quack

Gary Quackenbush is survived by brother, Glenn, of New Hudson; sister, Martha Leabu, of Brighton; and 10 nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be private. The family asks that donations be sent to the Hospice of Lenawee, 1903 Wolf Creek Highway, Adrian, Michigan.

6.09.2015

TY FEST 2015 WE'RE ALL GOING TO HELL MICHIGAN JUNE 26-28




10866 Cedar Lake Rd, Hell, Michigan, 48169  USA

MAP AND DIRECTIONS 

Here is the contact information to obtain wristbands for entrance to event. Media is welcome on the grounds with a 2-day wristband. Most important: 

No wristband sales at the gate weekend of event. Everything is in advance only.


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