The Band

Let's face it, great people come from Canada. With the rain pouring out there and the nip in the air, it's time for some great music, folks - The Band.

Robbie Robertson came from Toronto, and spent a lot of time as a kid with his Mohawk relatives in the Six Nations Reservation. South of Six Nations is Rick Danko's hometown Simcoe. Richard Manuel came from Stratford, and Garth Hudson from London, Ontario (I spent many summers there as a child). Other locations of interest for Band fans are Hamilton, Port Dover, and Guelph.

"Initially renowned as Bob Dylan's backing group, the Band emerged from the singer's shadow to proclaim a distinctive talent. Drawing upon a musical canon embracing soul, country, folk, and rock 'n' roll, the quintet created a unique sound that was quintessentially American. Its rustic qualities were enhanced by principal songwriter Robbie Robertson, who created vistas suggestive of a pre-industrial age, and as such,captured the restlessness of the late '60s without the needfor explicit manifestos. Expressive singing, sublime melodies and telepathic musicianship instils THE BAND with quality, but its adult themes and perspectives ensure an absolute timelessness. An all-time critics' favourite."

Amozon.co.uk

I thank Martin Scorsese for having produced a masterpiece with The Last Waltz. Some great names here: Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylon, Eric Clapton, Paul Butterfield, Neil Diamond, Ronnie Hawkins, Dr. John, Van Morrison, Ringo Starr, Muddy Waters, Ronnie Wood and Neil Young.

It's curious because I actually dubbed my last fertility treatment "The Last Waltz". Kind of like my farewell perfomance to IVF. And what a show that was.

It's time to rock n' roll!