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Levon Helm ~ Official 's Interests
General
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Inspiration from the Delta: Levon Goes Home for
Dirt Farmer
Levon
Helm's first solo, studio recording in 25 years, Dirt Farmer, will be released
to the public on October 30, through Dirt Farmer Music LLC in conjunction with
Vanguard Records. Levon sings and plays drums, guitar and mandolin on the CD,
accompanied by Larry Campbell on guitars and fiddle, and the voices of Amy Helm
and Teresa Williams. The record explores songs Levon learned as a boy in
Arkansas and others in that style.
"Growing up on a cotton farm in the Arkansas Delta, Dirt Farmer rings true to
home," Levon said. "Amy encouraged me to go all the way back and try to record
some of the family songs from home that we always loved best."
The record reveals the essential beauty of traditional songs like "Little
Birds" and the Stanley Brothers' "False Hearted Lover Blues," and takes a new
look at Paul Kennerley's "A Train Robbery," Buddy and Julie Miller's "Wide River
To Cross" and another sentimental favorite, Lauralyn Dossett's "Anna Lee."
Levon said: "'The Girl Left Behind' was one of the first songs my parents
taught me as a child, along with 'Little Birds' and 'Blind Child.' 'The Poor Old
Dirt Farmer' is a song that my wood-carver musician friend Michael Copus and I
learned together when we worked with Jane Fonda on The Dollmaker down in
Tennessee. 'Single Girl, Married Girl' is one of my favorite songs of the whole
session. It gave us the chance to address a traditional standard with the entire
rhythm section using non-electric instruments and a full set of drums. It also
gave us the chance to monkey up the rhythm of a traditional country beat."
The tracks are elevated by the musicianship of Brian Mitchell on piano and
accordion, Byron Isaacs on bass, Glenn Patscha on pump organ and George Receli's
percussion. Buddy and Julie Miller contribute backing vocals on Steve Earle's
"The Mountain."
Levon Helm, multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, producer, drummer and actor, has enjoyed a versatile career that spans almost five decades.
He currently hosts The Midnight Ramble Sessions, at Levon
Helm Studios in Woodstock, N.Y. Named for the traveling minstrel shows of his Arkansas youth, Helm conceived The Midnight Ramble Sessions in 2004. The “Rambles” are a series of live monthly performances, played to sold out audiences, in an unusually intimate setting. The shows highlight Helm’s legendary musical excellence combined with pure southern hospitality. Friends old and new have joined Helm on his stage with recent guest appearances by: Emmylou Harris, Dr. John, Elvis Costello, Allan Touissant, Larry Cambell, Jimmy Vivino, Hubert Sumlin, Little Sammy Davis, The Muddy Waters Band, John Sebastian, and Donald Fagen.
New releases produced by Levon Helm Studios are Volume I
and II of the Midnight Ramble Sessions, plus a live RCO All-Stars performance from New Year’s Eve, 1977, at New York’s Palladium, which came from Helm’s personal archives. He is currently working on a studio CD with daughter Amy Helm, Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams.
Helm’s film career has included numerous performances over
the years, with movie roles in The Coal Miner’s Daughter, The Dollmaker and The Right Stuff. In his latest effort, the 2007 Tommy Lee Jones’ vehicle, "In the Electric Mist". Helm gives a convincing portrayal of General John Bell Hood.
The Levon Helm Band has recently been involved with The Blues In Our Schools Program, educating youngsters on the significance of music.
Levon Helm is a master storyteller in any genre and is
considered one of the most talented musicians of his time. His magnetic, joyful and powerfully rhythmic performances continue to delight audiences of all ages. He resides in Woodstock with his wife Sandy and his best friend, Muddy.
Who I'd like to meet:
A short film inspired by and featuring music from Levon Helm's
GRAMMY Award winning album Dirt Farmer.
Features: "Calvary" (Byron Isaacs); (BMI)
"Poor Old Dirt Farmer" (Tracy Schwartz); Traditon Music Co., (ASCAP)
"False Hearted Lover Blues" (Trad, arrangement by Levon Helm, Larry Campbell);
Dirt Farmer Music, Talkhouse Music (BMI)
"Got Me a Woman" (Paul Kennerley); Irving Music (BMI)
Great set in Philadelphia last night. It awesome to finally see you perform in person. Your band is fantastic.Amy kicks some serious ass with her voice. It was also a kick to see Howard Johnson up there as well.
It was great seeing you at Bonnaroo-possibly the most fun I had all weekend! You guys played an excellent show. I hope to get away from Fargo again for long enough to go to a Ramble in Woodstock.
Levon- great performance at Mountain Jam! I was absolutely blown away! I had no idea you'd be playing soo many Band songs (plus a couple Ramble songs). Great to see Amy is back and singing- hope her baby's doing wonderfully!!
Hearing "I Shall Be Released" was beautiful and brought tears to my eyes... in a great way! :-) Thank you!! Hope to come to a Ramble in Sept. See you then!
Its been too long and I miss everyone ..... Military Life keeps ya busy as you can imagine ! Just once I wish they would cut me orders to go to Woodstock ... but Nooooo ! Thanks for everything Levon !
Miss you and can't wait to see you on Saturday......Thank you for being our shepard we've learded so much from you and am still learning from your generasity and love.
THANK YOU LEVON FOR THE ADD AND YOUR FRIENDSHIP. I LOVE YOUR MUSIC AND DRUMMING...JUST A PHENOMENAL PLAYER,AND SINGER HAVE A GREAT REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND AS WELL...TAKE CARE AND STAY IN TOUCH PLEASE!
HAVE A GREAT DAY! SLAMMIN'JIM! with CONCRETE HILLBILLY..
hey levon cant wait to see you up in ohio on the 12th of june it will be my first time seeing you i grew up lisin to the band you are in my mind the best there every was to come to music you guys made it where it is and where it should have been for a long time thanks again matt from ohio
hi levon. i met you through my brother jimmy eppard a long time back. glad your health has imporved and you are singing! Hi to your daughter too. peace, John the Baker
Hey Levon, Thanks for the add. Your work is great. Most recently saw you on Ringo's Best of All-Star DVD that my wife purchased. Hope you are having a great week, "Ridley." (one of our fave movies) Peace, Ron
