duggup

I was visiting a friend today and our conversation turned to “Whatcha been listening to?”, as it does. His offering was Richie Havens’ “Nobody Left To Crown”. I can’t find any usefullinks to this album, but I did find a wealth of material that was just as good.

So like a lot of people the first time I saw Richie Havens was in the Woodstock film, the enduring image I have in my head is him singing “Motherless Child/Freedom”, what’s really cool is that he didn’t stop. If you head over to www.myspace.com/richiehavens and click on “Tombstone Blues”. This is the kind of performance that I just love. Strong, passionate, “take no prisoners”. It works for me.

Here is some stuff from the website…

Richie Havens is a master of bringing together rich melodies, powerful lyrics, pre-punk acoustic guitar and a touch of jazziness for a liberating aural experience. Combining Bob Dylan’s lyrical skills with an earthy vocal prowess, Havens reaches near-orgasmic heights in each energetic composition. … The high point of Havens’ long career remains his electrifying performance at Woodstock, where he equaled the mighty roar of Hendrix’s screaming Fender Stratocaster with his deep, growling vocals and vigorous, finger shredding acoustic guitar strumming.

Richie Havens performs Dylan’s ‘Maggie’s Farm’ mixed with The Who’s ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’ at the 2008 Rhythm Festival, Bedford, UK.

Love the cello as a percussive instrument.

Richie Havens performs Dylan’s All Along The Watchtower (one of my favourite songs at any given time) again from The 2008 Rhythm Festival, Bedford, UK.

So by now you get the idea that Richie Havens is a one in a million performer. If you get a chance, do have a listen to “Nobody Left To Crown”, it is a brilliant album.

Highly Recommended

Websites at www.myspace.com/richiehavens snd www.richiehavens.com/

thatch is fascinated by guitars, music, guitars, production, silly noises, guitars and used to be a musician. Did I mention the thing about the guitars?
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