I want to thank the Editor and staff at Cleveland.com (The Plain
Dealer). My recent Rock Lines Blog featuring David Spero,
Dick Clark, Rock Hall of Fame and other topics was chosen as their
Featured
Blog of the Week out of 100's of other postings from various bloggers
daily.
I realize there are a few typos and it's not one of my best (in my opinion)
blogs, but; I am still thrilled. This is the second time I have
had this honor, but a first for The Rock Lines Blog. Previously, my
second business blog ever written on Cleveland.com was chosen as
Featured Blog of the Week.
Many of the side projects I jumped into in 2011 took away from my writing in
both time and creativity.
I wanted to get back to regularly writing blogs and a couple of books. It
seemed impossible.
I've suffered from writers block before but this was on a much larger scale.
Burnout, disappointment in poor business decisions and my closet friend passing
had me in a strange funk.
Prior to writing the Rock Lines Blog that received recognition
business topics were jumping through my head. I was able to spend most of last
weekend writing. Perseverance had overtaken doubt. Suddenly, I realized I was
back to my old form. Excitement, joy and happiness overshadowed me.
Questions remained. Had I lost my readers through meager and untimely
posts? Was anybody looking forward to my thoughts? Did anyone care?
Then on Monday, I noticed my Rock Lines Blog was chosen as
Featured Blog of the Week. Unbelievable timing! The response from my
readers was the largest to date during the history of writing over 200 various
blogs in various social media.
I can make a difference and so can you. Persevering is the key. It all starts
within each one of us. We never know where life leads us, but after recognizing
and enduring setbacks we do become stronger!
Oh, by the way- The best is yet to come!
Until We Meet Again, Jim Carver
Author: The Legacy of
David A. Wells-The Lexington High School "Band of Gold"
Something
Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Rock Lines: April 21st 2012- Rock Hall, David Spero, Dick Clark and more!
Congrats to David Spero of The Cleveland Rock n'Roll Hall of Fame. Finally having the induction ceremonies held at the Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio had to be a career highlight for Mr. Spero last week.
I had the honor of meeting Mr. Spero at the Autism Speaks Benefit Concert at the Rock Hall of Fame last October.
David started his career at age 13, holding the cue cards during the production of The Upbeat Show. Herman Spero (David's Father) was the producer. The Upbeat Show was aired on Saturdays featuring host, Don Webster on WEWS-TV with a bevy of international, national and local musical talent.
It was common for the local show to tape up to 10 acts per show. In return for appearing on The Upbeat Show acts would be booked to play surrounding local venues in the Cleveland area. Thus earning more financially and gaining exposure with the public.
David went on to becoming a Disc Jockey at WMMS until he became the longtime manager for The Michael Stanley Band. Later, Mr. Spero started his own management group and has managed many legendary touring acts including: The Eagles, Joe Walsh, Richie Furay,The Raspberries, Alice Cooper and Yusuf Islam (formerly known as Cat Stevens).
(Photo used courtesy of: raymaclean)
Dick Clark (82 years old) passed away earlier this week. Mr. Clark was an entire generations host with the weekly TV show- American Bandstand (1956-1989). Mr. Clark was the forever young looking teenager, who gave kid's something exciting to look forward to with new music, live bands and dancing. He helped set American music trends and record charting for artists. Dick was TV's first rock n' roll disc jockey.
Mr. Clark would go on to produce the ABC television shows: "American Bandstand", "Where the Action Is", "Action" and numerous Hollywood game shows as well as "Dick Clark's Rockin' New Years Eve."
In those days a band wasn't considered to have hit the big-time until they performed on American Bandstand. Several Ohio bands did including The Music Explosion, The Ohio Express, The Lemon Pipers, The Outsiders, The All Sports Band and The Michael Stanley Band.
(Photo used courtesy of: Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com)
(Michael Stanley Band with Dick Clark on American Bandstand November 1983
What was Northeast Ohio's connection with Dick Clark besides sharing some of the same artists that appeared on American Bandstand and The Upbeat Show?
Find out- here!
Levon Helm
performing with The Band.
It was sad to learn of the passing of 71-year old Levon Helm, the drummer/vocalist of The Band. I was aware Levon had been suffering from COPD for many years, however; it was news to me that he was suffering from throat cancer. Levon was a uniquely gifted vocalist who exemplified the term- "The Show Must Go On!"
Ted Nugent made the news earlier this week and earned a meeting with Secret Service Agents regarding political hate rants towards President Obama. The common man would have been arrested for one thing or another, but Ted seems to have escaped being charged somehow. I am not a Democrat, however; I feel his remarks aren't serving Mitt Romney's political campaign well or his own career.
Nugent's opening slot for his upcoming tour with Styx and REO Speedwagon is still in the works, but it is safe to say... stay tuned!
Until We Meet Again, Jim Carver
Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School "Band of Gold"
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com
Rock Lines- April 5th 2012
Opening day on April 6th, 2007 will always be a day I will never forget. The Cleveland Indians home opener was snowed out during the game. Besides a snowstorm complete with whiteouts on this day; I would meet former Journey drummer Steve Smith and hear his excellent jazz/fusion band- Vital Information perform at Nighttown in Cleveland Heights, Ohio .
Upon reaching the bridge on Interstate 71 near Progressive Field the Cleveland Indians game was stopped due to a whiteout condition from the snowstorm. Rush hour in downtown Cleveland and I couldn't view the stadium from the highway. Treacherous conditions indeed!
I exited off the interstate onto Carnegie Avenue and slowly drove down through the mammoth Cleveland Clinic corridor, attempting to follow the Cedar Glenn Parkway and maneuver onto Cedar Road to find my destination.
The quant New-York style supper club that Down Beat magazine named one of the worlds "100 Great Jazz Clubs."was easily found.
I arrived prior to the band that evening at 6 pm. The show began at 8pm. Steve Smith and company arrived through the front entrance and not realizing how approachable Steve was- I asked him to autograph a drum head. He was very generous considering this was the band's first appearance at the club and I am sure he had more important tasks at hand.
Vital Information began the show on time to a packed house. I stood against a wall in an attempt to give the waiters and waitresses room to deliver meals and drinks to the seated guests.
The members of Vital Information are: Tom Coster on keyboards and accordion (Santana/Gabor Szabo)), Vinnie Valentino on guitar (Bill Evans/Jimmy McGriff), Baron Brown (Jean-Luc Ponty /George Benson/Billy Cobham) on bass, with Steve Smith (Journey/Montrose/ Jean-Luc Ponty/Steps Ahead) on drums and percussion.
The band opened their first set with a rousing version of an up-tempo song from one of their previous records .Several of the songs arrangements feature individual solos allowing each band member to shine on their expertise and stretch their own boundaries. Both sets heavily featured tunes from the "Vitalization" CD.
It was easy to see why Steve has been voted the "world's best drummer in Modern Drummer magazine"numerous times. The agility, dexterity, intensity, and complexity of his drumming skills were incredible. Odd time signatures, blazing speed, only brought two words to my mind- Buddy Rich!
I stood perhaps 15 feet away from watching a precision professional drummer display numerous short and extended solos. Mr. Smith also treated us to his version of Max Roach's "Mr. Hi-Hat".
South Indian drumming and konnakol vocals were featured in two of the songs from the Vitalization release. Steve taught us how to clap the beat to tune entitled- "Seven and a Half" written in 15/8 time signature, but counted as 7 1/2. A drum solo in 13/4 time signature was incredible to witness during the performance of "J Ben Jazz". I was in drummer's heaven!
At the conclusion of the show all band members remained on-stage to meet and greet the fans. Steve Smith is one of the most gracious and pleasant personalities to meet. His knowledge of the history of jazz, drumming, and his attitude are truly enlightening.
This would be the first time I chatted with Steve Smith. I would go on to hear him at his drum clinic in Lancaster, Ohio and after the show decided to write my first book. The third time we met I asked Steve if he would consider reviewing my new book. Mr. Smith graciously obliged!
To my knowledge Steve has never endorsed any products other than his own. I am so grateful that he took the time to read my unedited book and gave me such a kind review. The Sonor Drums endorser is one of the classiest musicians in the universe!
Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness this upcoming event:
Vital information- 30th Anniversary Tour
Monday, June 18th and Tuesday, June 19th
Steve Smith and Vital Information featuring
Baron Browne, Tom Coster & Vinny Valentino
Nighttown
12387 Cedar Road (top of Cedar Hill)
Cleveland Heights, OH 44106
216.759.0550
www.nighttowncleveland.com
Drummers - you don't want to miss this event:
Drum Fantasy Camp
Friday, August 10 - Monday, August 13
Small classes and jams featuring: Keith Carlock, Peter Erskine, Will Kennedy, Steve Smith, and Dave Weckl. Also featuring Baron Browne, Chrissi Poland, and Vinny Valentino.
Hyatt Regency Hotel at the Arcade
420 Superior Avenue East
Cleveland, OH 44114
Various packages and prices. Classes sell out! Register now:
www.drumfantasycamp.com
Until We Meet Again, Jim Carver
Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells-The Lexington High School "Band of Gold"
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com
Rock Lines- March 9th, 2012
-Photo by: RobBixbyPhotography
I was saddened to learn of the passing of former Monkee- Davy Jones on February 29th. As a kid, I look forward to watching the weekly television show and hearing a brand new song every week. The various songwriters for the group wrote hit after hit.
Davy was my favorite member of The Monkees. His voice, accent, good looks and ability to win-over the girls displayed heavily in the series. The music accompanied to zany skits was MTV before it's time.
Reality sets in when you lose someone who seemed "forever young".
This week we have the passing of guitarist Ronnie Montrose. The former leader of the band- Montrose (with Sammy Hagar) was suffering from Prostrate Cancer. Ronnie's guitar licks and the rockin' songs of Montrose received lots of heavy promotion from Warner Brother's Records back in the mid-1970's. Unfortunately the band had a somewhat short –lived career. Ronnie Montrose ended up as a solo act and later assembled another band named Gamma. His guitar instrumental of "Town without Pity" is a wonderful rendition of a classic piece of music!
Ronnie was scheduled to perform in Cleveland, Ohio in May.
Former Deep Purple keyboard wizard- Jon Lord is undergoing Pancreatic Cancer treatment in Israel. The disease is believed to have been diagnosed in the early stages. The treatment Jon is receiving appears to have been successful and the cancer cells have gone into remission. Deep Purple is hoping for Jon's healthy return sometime later this year. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jon Lord!
Velvet
Voyage
Congrats to the Cleveland, Ohio based jazz/fusion band- Velvet Voyage for their recent appearance at the NAMM convention in Anaheim, California in January. Velvet Voyage appears every Monday evening, beginning at 8:00 p.m. at The Brothers Lounge in downtown Cleveland.
Don't miss this fantastic original jazz/fusion band- Velvet Voyage and order their debut CD "Velvet Voyage" here. Look for an in-depth article in the coming months covering the band Velvet Voyage!
Until We Meet Again, Jim Carver
Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells-The Lexington High School "Band of Gold"
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com
-Photo by: RobBixbyPhotography
I was saddened to learn of the passing of former Monkee- Davy Jones on February 29th. As a kid, I look forward to watching the weekly television show and hearing a brand new song every week. The various songwriters for the group wrote hit after hit.
Davy was my favorite member of The Monkees. His voice, accent, good looks and ability to win-over the girls displayed heavily in the series. The music accompanied to zany skits was MTV before it's time.
Reality sets in when you lose someone who seemed "forever young".
This week we have the passing of guitarist Ronnie Montrose. The former leader of the band- Montrose (with Sammy Hagar) was suffering from Prostrate Cancer. Ronnie's guitar licks and the rockin' songs of Montrose received lots of heavy promotion from Warner Brother's Records back in the mid-1970's. Unfortunately the band had a somewhat short –lived career. Ronnie Montrose ended up as a solo act and later assembled another band named Gamma. His guitar instrumental of "Town without Pity" is a wonderful rendition of a classic piece of music!
Ronnie was scheduled to perform in Cleveland, Ohio in May.
Former Deep Purple keyboard wizard- Jon Lord is undergoing Pancreatic Cancer treatment in Israel. The disease is believed to have been diagnosed in the early stages. The treatment Jon is receiving appears to have been successful and the cancer cells have gone into remission. Deep Purple is hoping for Jon's healthy return sometime later this year. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jon Lord!
Velvet
VoyageCongrats to the Cleveland, Ohio based jazz/fusion band- Velvet Voyage for their recent appearance at the NAMM convention in Anaheim, California in January. Velvet Voyage appears every Monday evening, beginning at 8:00 p.m. at The Brothers Lounge in downtown Cleveland.
Don't miss this fantastic original jazz/fusion band- Velvet Voyage and order their debut CD "Velvet Voyage" here. Look for an in-depth article in the coming months covering the band Velvet Voyage!
Until We Meet Again, Jim Carver
Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells-The Lexington High School "Band of Gold"
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com
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