Tag Archives: Bob Dylan

Arts and Culture

Morrison Hotel Gallery Presents: D.A. Pennebaker – Bob Dylan Don’t Look Back

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Don't Look Back Poster
All Event Photos By Gail

In 1965, Filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker released his enduring documentary, Don’t Look Back, which follows a young Bob Dylan emerging into worldwide prominence as the singer/songwriter of his generation. Maybe you weren’t born yet, but I was. In celebration of the 50-year anniversary of this now-legendary film – one which brings together an already iconic artist and a filmmaker who was in the process of revolutionizing the documentary, Morrison Hotel Gallery is currently hosting Don’t Look Back, a collection of photos taken of Dylan by Pennebaker during filming.

Bob Dylan

The show is thoughtfully curated and produced by industry vet Joseph Baldassare – in conjunction with MHG – and has the distinction of being the first gallery exhibit of Pennebaker’s work.

Dylan with Lyric Cards

The show features original movie posters and 18 choice image stills from the film, printed from the enhanced negative. Pennebaker, now 90 years of age, was at the opening reception and he looked great. To this day, he remains a vital cultural force. He recently screened his newest documentary, Unlocking The Cage, at The Sundance Film Festival, which will air on HBO later this year

Dylan with Donovan
Bob Dylan with Singer/Songwriter Donovan

Dylan Limo

Pennebaker and Gang
Pennebaker (Far Left) with Gallery Owners Peter Blachley (to his Right) and Henry Diltz (Center) and Fans

Says Baldassare about the show, “This exhibition at Morrison Hotel Gallery is a celebration of the artistry of both D.A Pennebaker and Bob Dylan – two pioneers that have shaped the way we see, hear and think.”

D.A. Pennebaker’s Photos from Bob Dylan, Don’t Look Back, will be on Exhibit Through June 14th, 2016 at Morrison Hotel Gallery, Located at 116 Prince Street in SoHo, NYC.

Bob Dylan Exhibit Signage

Music, Pop Culture

Video Clip of the Week: The Allah-Las, “501-415”

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It wasn’t until I heard “501-415” by the cleverly-named Allah-Las that I realized how much Kurt Vile sounds like a modern day Bob Dylan. And I mean that in the most complimentary way possible. Because Kurt Vile is the Shizznit.

It makes sense that this band is from Los Angeles, especially since NPR‘s review offers that “The vintage sounds of Allah-Las combine the harmonies and hooks of the British Invasion with the atmosphere of a West Coast psychedelic band.” This 1 minute 45 seconds bit of sonic bliss just captures the dreamy aspect of a California lifestyle so perfectly. Their bio even mentions the members meeting while working at Amoeba Music in LA. So yeah, there are no accidents. The video looks like it was tons of fun to make as well, giving them the chance to use eclectic props like a dessicated cow skull and a Pinata. Fun!

Allah-Las‘ second album, Worship The Sun will be released on September 16th on the Innovative Leisure imprint. You should buy it. Like them on the FaceBook at This Link. Enjoy!

Allah Las Band
Photo Credit: Wesley Herron

Music, Pop Culture

Joseph Arthur Debuts The Ballad of Boogie Christ at NYC’s Bowery Ballroom

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Joseph Arthur Bowery Ballroom 5
All Live Photos Courtesy of According2G.com

Joseph Arthur’s tenth (tenth!) studio album dropped this past Tuesday (June 11th) and it is once again proof that the New York-based, wildly prolific musician and multi-media artist never runs dry of engaging ideas. Joe performed The Ballad of Boogie Christ front to back (with a few old favorites thrown in at the end) at the Bowery Ballroom last evening, and fans came out to pack the room despite a cold and windy rain working up a frenzy on the streets outside.

For a fan like me, who’s been following Joseph’s career since his 1997 debut, Boogie Christ is a bit more of straightforward “rock” album, bolstered by strong Bob Dylan influences, that still dips into the arena of Arthur’s gorgeous, subtly nuanced ballads.

Joseph Arthur Boogie Christ Cover
The Ballad of Boogie Christ Cover Art

Although it’s always a kick to experience Joe’s one-man-band performances, last night he was accompanied by a full band – including a saxophone! – which allowed him to rock out a bit more, being freed up from carrying the entire evening on his nevertheless very musically capable shoulders.

Joseph Arthur Bowery Ballroom 2

Joe will be touring nationally throughout the month of June and you can find tour dates in your area at This Link. He’ll also be performing on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Friday June 21st, so be sure to tune in or set your DVRs! The Ballad of Boogie Christ is available from Joseph Arthur Dot Com and wherever fine music is procured.

Music, Pop Culture

RIP Legendary Music Producer Phil Ramone

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Phil Ramone
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Fourteen time Grammy winning record producer Phil Ramone passed away in New York today, March 30th, 2013. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed. Ramone was 72 years old (though I have seen two sources cite his age as 79, not sure where that is coming from as his year of birth is given as 1941). A brief list of artists Ramone worked with includes Burt Bacharach, Bono, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Madonna, Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Frank Sinatra and Stevie Wonder. CNN has more information and celebrity remembrances in a nice obit at This Link. RIP, Phil!

Arts and Culture

The Art of Graham Nash at ACA Galleries

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Graham Nash Self Portrait Mirror Trio
Three Self Portraits By Graham Nash (All Photos By Gail)

You’d have to be dead from the neck up to not know who musician and songwriter Graham Nash is. Between his work in The Hollies and his decades-long collaboration in Crosby, Stills and Nash, he’s written some of the best-loved songs in the American rock catalog. Nash been an avid photographer since he was 10 years old, but you might be surprised to find out that his impressive art portfolio also includes an extensive collection of pastel drawings, abstract photography, and politically themed, large format photo assemblages. You can see a broad sampling of Graham Nash’s art now through October 27, 2012 at ACA Galleries in the Chelsea gallery district.

David Crosby and Phil Collins
David Crosby and Phil Collins

Bob Dylan Joni Mitchell Elvis Costello
Bob Dylan with Leon Russell, Joni Mitchell, Elvis Costello

I was fortunate to attend the opening night reception for this exhibit, and to also briefly meet Graham Nash, who is extremely friendly and down-to-earth. While Nash’s realist portraiture is among the most vivid and iconic photography in the rock realm, I was also wildly impressed with his more abstract works and his provocative digital collages.

Citizens United By Graham Nash
Citizens United

Nash is widely known as an activist in support of causes related to social justice, peace, environmental issues and progressive politics. He addresses these issues in several pieces included in this exhibit.

Hearts Desire By Graham Nash
Hearts Desire

This Could Be You
This Could Be You

Tape Abstract by Graham Nash
Tape Abstract

What’s most remarkable about Nash’s work is how consistently high quality his pieces are. He seems to be equally talented at just about everything he sets his hand to. His abstract photography is particularly sharp and clever. I recommend this exhibit especially to fans of Graham Nash’s music, because I think it will really blow your mind to see what else this guy can do. The exhibit is only up for a brief time so you just have one more week to check it out. Don’t miss it!

Graham and Liz D at Opening Reception
Graham Nash Poses with Friends at the Exhibit’s Opening Reception

The Art of Graham Nash will be on Exhibit only through October 27th, 2012 at ACA Galleries, Located at 529 West 20th Street, 5th Floor, NYC.

Graham Nash Self Portrait in the Flag
Self Portrait in the Flag

Neil Young is Young
Neil Young