Adrian Belew (born December 23, 1949 as Robert Steven Belew in Covington, Kentucky) is an American guitarist and vocalist (and sometimes drummer, pianist and bass player), perhaps best known for his work as a member of the progressive rock group King Crimson, which he first joined in 1981. He has also released a number of solo albums for Island Records and Atlantic Records, and has worked with many other musicians. He was nominated for a Grammy in 2005, for his single, "Beat Box Guitar", which was nominated for Best Rock Instrumental Performance. In addition, Belew is well-regarded for his contributions, particularly on guitar, to various other artists' recordings. In 1977, he performed with Frank Zappa, appearing in Zappa's 1979 concert film Baby Snakes, as well as Zappa's controversial album Sheik Yerbouti, where Belew provides the memorable and scathing impersonation of Bob Dylan on the song Flakes. In addition to playing lead guitar on David Bowie's 1979 album, Lodger, he also supported him on his Stage world tour in 1978 and the Sound + Vision world tour in 1990 as musical director, playing guitar and singing backing vocals Belew's other session credits include the 1980 album Remain in Light by the Talking Heads, Lights Out by Peter Wolf, Earth Moving by Mike Oldfield and Paul Simon's landmark 1986 album Graceland. He worked with Laurie Anderson during the mid-1980s, appearing in her concert film Home of the Brave. He also worked with the Tom Tom Club on their first album in 1981. He also contributed to a Ryuichi Sakamoto album called Lefthanded dream in 1981 'together with Robin Scott ("M"). He even appeared in a series of Japanese advertisements promoting the mechanic company Daikin in which he emulated animal noises with his electric guitar and appeared as the conductor, conducting a symphony in which all the members were himself playing guitar. Belew's vocals are known for their distinct, sometimes manic feel - his singing voice is often compared to that of Talking Heads singer David Byrne. Perhaps unsurprisingly, he played on one Talking Heads album and toured with them in 1980 before being invited to join King Crimson. ~
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Recorded: live on March 16, 2003 at the Beta Lounge in San Francisco
In 1967, San Francisco’s Fifty Foot Hose were certainly one of the
innovators of a sound that took Psychedelia to new heights and was
captured on the band’s one record, Cauldron. They are a totally
unique hybrid—on one hand pulsating bay area acid rock, on the other,
fractured electronic freakery, becoming one whole cohesive being. The
sci-fi-ish video game-like artwork hinted at the sounds within, as did
the Limelight label’s pedigree for truly progressive sounds. Band
leader, Cork Marcheschi, used homemade electronic devices to create
crude and experimental soundscapes and instrumental compositions that
were sprinkled throughout the album.
Often starting shows with a swelling rumble that exploded into the
first song, they soon developed a rabid following on the SF scene,
though there was the occasional totally wrong gig, like when a
very-pregnant Nancy had to perform at a Catholic Girls’ school! Still,
the group wowed the crowds, performing with greats like Chuck Berry and
Fairport Convention.
On your 1995 CD The Guitar As Orchestra you mentioned another CD to follow entitled The Animal Kingdom... I've been waiting 15 years for its release - what ever happened to it ? ~Ken
Desde Argentina, soy Febe MAgdalena, me aosmbra tu música, me maravilla...." I remember how to forget"... que maravilla. Gracias, muchas gracias, ojalá puedas volver a mi país, ....
Don't miss out on the latest two songs: 'Rich and famous' and 'Riviera Radio'. Where you can either learn how 'not to treat a lady' or just dream yourself away to the english sound of the Cote D'azur. Don't be shy - we welcome any kind of feedback ;O) And finally 10 songs from Stougaard solo is to be heard on: http://www.myspace.com/stougaardjesper Thank you for your support and inspiration. Enjoy music - enjoy life
Dear Friends, Well, it's been six months since my abdominal surgery, and finally the music is starting to flow again. I've written two new songs "Bridge Of Shadows" and something a little different for me called "Looking Glass Man"...my first song using a Strat. I've never owned a Stratocaster before, was always a Les Paul guy (still am). But my wife promised me a new Strat if I just acted brave; and survived the surgery of course. I guessed the Fender would influence me in some "twangy way", but I never imagined it would be a Johhny Cash way, (not that I'm complaining, always kind of liked him). So if you get the chance, please stop by and give them a listen. All my very best to you, and thanks for being friends through some really tough times for me, Your friend, David