I hope to explore both the music that was formative to me, and the music that I discover as I go forward. Those that stumble this way, I would love to hear what you create, what you suggest, what you find essential in your own musical lives. The music will vary from classical to punk, from big band to pop, from formative country, blues and gospel to metal and just about everything in between. I am willing to give just about anything a try based on the interactions I may receive (except maybe Def Leppard - them I just do not get).
As with any beginning, it is essential to define a starting point. My problem is I have too many staring points. There is no real way to do this in an actual chronological patter, so often this may work by way of a thematic vein. Tonight, that theme is going to centre around female artists. As a boy, I had the privilege of having parents who had an excellent music collection; there was an excellent mix of folk, rock, jazz, and classical. It was, largely male dominated, which would be a part of the nature of the industry at the time but there was still an excellent selection of female musicians in the house collection. Joan Baez, Nana Mouskouri, Peter, Paul and Mary, and many others. I don't remember specific songs from those days but I certainly remember my mother and her love of these powerful female singers and songwriters.
The first real concrete recollection I have of discovering female driven musicianship was from a tape my cousin Bret made for me in - maybe 1979 or 1980 - Pat Benatar's In the Heat of the Night. In particular "My Clone Sleeps Alone." Truly a brilliant piece of music and one that I have revisited repeated over the past 30+ years. The slow haunting start that raised the hairs on my arms - that then turned into a a fairly rocking pop-song, combining science fiction with a strong female lead for the band was something I had not really encountered before. It fit in well with what I had already been taught - women can do anything they put their minds to. I just didn't have a lot of examples that I could point to in rock-n-roll.
This moment, along with the Ellen Foley portion of "Paradise by the Dashboard Lights" (though not a female fronted musical moment - it was a powerful female vocalist that helped in my own sexual awakening). I won't feature that moment too much though, because Ms Foley also put out an album called Night Out. The song, "We Belong to the Night" is the one that stands out for me.
There were then a lot of other women who were suddenly on my radar. Gladys Night and the Pips, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Donna Summer, and many others - but it was really Debbie Harry that brought on my next musical awakening.
Blondie happened for me just before I discovered punk rock. I remember junior high school dances where "Call Me" and "Heart of Glass," but it was really Rapture that really took me away - because it was something new, something ridiculous and something exciting. Here was this brazen, beautiful, strong woman who seemed to just ooze sexuality and the promise of a life I had not yet discovered. This would be yet another new beginning for me, one that would lead me on a voyage of discovery through such bands as X, The Plasmatics, The Rezillos, The B52s and eventually to Siouxie Sioux.
I don't really know how to describe what Siouxie and the Banshees meant to me. By this time I had found punk rock and was pretty deeply immersed in anger and politics and aggression. It was, without a doubt, a major part of who I was as an individual. But there was something missing - and I don't think I really realized what it was until I heard the haunting sounds of "Christine." Not only was there a strong female lead, but there was finally a voice for the darkness that I felt inside.
I would be remiss if I did not mention a local St. John's artist who has pipes of pure gold. I first saw Liz Pickard ( often known as Liz Solo or Lizzie Dyke, or many other AKAs) perform at an audition for "A Christmas Carol" - she stood on the stage, and sang unaccompanied. I don't remember the song but it was stunning, the room went from buzzing with energy and conversation to instant silence as everyone turned to pay attention. Goosebumps arose on every arm in the theatre that afternoon, everyone was drawn to this seemingly diminutive young women in here army coat, combat boots and close cut hair. This angelic voice poured out and won over every heart within seconds. I was maybe 15? maybe - I am not sure exactly. But I know I began sneaking into the Graduate House to see her perform with Ed Kavanaugh every chance I could. Liz went on to front many different bands, write some amazing theatrical productions, embrace a wonderful world of multi-media, but the one thing that stands out for me is her work with her band The Liz Band. In particular, the very first EP that the band released, simply called Six Songs. I could choose one song from that EP, but I don't actually think I can. I think you should check out all of them, and indeed all of her work, because it is simply spectacular. A sampling can be found on LastFM. Do yourself the favour, and check it out.
For now, I am going to call that a decent Overture. I will pick up where I left off and move through something more recent than the early 90's. If you enjoyed what you read, or what you listened to, please, leave a comment or three, leave a suggestion or three or just share the link so others can enjoy it too.
Til soon....
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