Captain Beefheart And The Magic Band

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Captain Beefheart and The Magic Band existed as a recording and touring unit from 1965 until 1982. In that time they released 12 albums of extraordinary music, taking in influences from blues, rock, free jazz, experimental, classical, psychedelic, to name just a few! The Magic Band made music that transcends these influences and with the deep blues voice of Captain Beefheart they created an astounding new sound. Don Van Vliet (Captain Beefheart) was the instigator, the artistic vision behind the music, and by all accounts a very demanding man to work with. He depended on the band to arrange the compositions that he would initially whistle, or play (roughly) on piano - this was particularly true from 'Trout Mask Replica' (1969) onwards. Without his vision, not to mention his incredible voice and lyrics, the music would not have made the impact that it did and still does today. However, the various Magic Band line ups, particularly the band from the mid 1968 - early 1974 era, were just not given credit for the work they put in on making his ideas come together. Two band members who worked the hardest in turning his rough musical sketches into music for the band to play were John French (Drumbo) and Bill Harkleroad (Zoot Horn Rollo), both never getting much if any financial reward for their efforts. In recent years various key ex-members of the band, including John French and Gary Lucas, have toured and recorded again under the moniker 'The Magic Band' The music forged in those tough conditions all those years ago still sounds stunning live - albeit without the great Captain's bellowing blues voice. John French has done vocal duties on the live tours, giving him a tough act to follow which he carries off very well. Since the mid 1980's Don Van Vliet has devoted his time to painting, leaving his musical life as Captain Beefheart far behind. His fans know that he hasn't been around much in the last 26 years, briefly popping up to promote an art book or exhibition but mostly living a very private life with Jan, his wife, overlooking the ocean in Northern California. He has been in declining health but hopefully he's still creating art and long may he do so. Sam.