Fats Domino Remembered

On the latest episode of Music Worth Buying, TJR and Robert Kinsler celebrate the life and music of Fats Domino, who died at the age of 89 on Tuesday, October 24, 2017. In addition to discussing his greatest hits, they also champion a 2007 tribute to Fats Domino titled Goin' Home featuring a slew of music greats (John Lennon, Tom Petty, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Plant and more) as well as a terrific live album featuring a Fats Domino concert recorded in 1973 and released commercially in October of 2015 (the aptly-titled Thrillin' In Philly! Live 1973).




Here is a statement that appeared on the official Fats Domino Facebook page:

Statement from the children of Antoine “Fats” Domino, Jr.
Dated: October 25, 2017

We are all touched by the outpouring of love and tribute for our father. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by those he loved and those who loved him. His music reached across all boundaries and carried him to all corners of the world.

…Then I rock myself to sleep
Prayin’ that I am here to keep
Then I ride the rising sun
Gee ain’t I being a lucky one
“Rising Sun”(Domino) ©1960 EMI Unart Catalog, Inc.

We thank you for allowing us to grieve privately during this difficult time. Funeral arrangements are pending.

RECORDING ACADEMY™ Statement regarding Fats Domino issued October 25, 2017
 
Our Recording Academy™ family is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of rock and roll visionary Fats Domino. In a career spanning more than five decades, Domino charmed audiences with his smooth vocals, boogie-woogie piano style, and unwavering humility. He is widely recognized for influencing artists across all genres, having a number of his hits covered by music industry giants, including John Lennon, Cheap Trick, and Led Zeppelin. In 1987, Domino received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy, our formal salute to his remarkable contributions to rock history. He will be greatly missed, but remembered for paving the way for rock and roll. Our condolences go out to Domino’s family, friends, and collaborators during this difficult time.  
 
Neil Portnow
President/CEO
Recording Academy


"Rest in peace Fats Domino, the great rock ’n’ roll pianist and singer who thrilled us in our early days in Liverpool. His hit records like ‘Ain’t That A Shame’, ‘Blueberry Hill’, ‘I’m In Love Again’ and many others introduced us to the sounds of New Orleans rock ‘n’ roll. We were excited to meet Fats once in his home town of New Orleans. He was wearing a huge star spangled diamond encrusted watch which was our first encounter with bling! His voice, piano playing and musical style was a huge influence on us and his appearance in the film ‘The Girl Can’t Help It’ was truly magnificent. As one of my favourite rock ‘n’ roll singers, I will remember him fondly and always think of him with that twinkle in his eye. I read that he had eight children. He himself was named Antoine. His kids were named Antoine III, Anatole, Andre, Antonio, Antoinette, Andrea, Anola and Adonica. Now that is pure Fats!" - Paul 
Statement from Paul McCartney posted October 26, 2017

TWITTER REACTS

Fats Domino was one of the first 10 honorees named to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (and he was inducted into the Rock Hall in 1986) and his death at the age of 89 has been followed by countless tributes by music greats.

Photo © Curt Gunther

Fats Domino - an inspiration to the band and a music legend.
Rest In Peace.
@TheBeatles 

RIP Fats Domino legend and innovator of rock n' roll - His legacy remains forever in his music.
@TheJonathanCain

Before Elvis, Jerry Lee & Chuck (Berry) that was Fats. His sweet voice, rolling piano & charisma made him a star & first member of the Rock Hall.
@RockHall
(Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)



RIP Fats Domino
@BillyJoel

Words fail me in this moment of deep heartache and sadness. We have lost a legend. One of my heroes. New Orleans' Fats Domino is dead.
@WendellPierce

His groove will always be foremost in my body and soul. His was the "cool" of the New Orleans music that first lit my fire. Bon voyage Fats.
@MickeyHart

Godspeed, Fats Domino. RIP
@jackie_greene

So sad to hear the passing of Fats Domino. A true rock and roll legend. RIP
@YoungDubliners

RIP fats domino... you helped pave the way for New Orleans piano players... see you on top of that Blueberry Hill in the sky
@HarryConnickJr

RIP #FatsDomino, 1950s-60s singer/pianist/pop hitmaker. #BlueMonday #AintThatAShame #NewOrleans #BlueberryHill
@GeorgeAPaul

Dead & Company keep band's legacy alive at Forum show

John Mayer, left, and Bob Weir, performing at The Forum on
Wednesday night, Dec. 30, 2015. 

The Grateful Dead's unique musical odyssey was launched Palo Alto back in 1965 and seemingly came to an end with the death of singer-guitarist Jerry Garcia in August 1995. But don't tell that to the Deadheads who packed the Forum in Inglewood on Wednesday night (Dec. 30, 2015) to check out the aptly-dubbed troupe Dead & Company. The same ensemble wraps up its winter tour at The Forum tonight (New Year's Eve).

Here were founding members Bob Weir (guitar, vocals), Mickey Hart (drums) and Bill Kreutzmann (drums) joined by singer-guitarist John Mayer, bassist Oteil Burbridge and keyboardist Jeff Chimenti performing a concert stretching for more than 3-1/2 hours (including a 35-minute intermission) and seemingly thrilling every fan in the house (including basketball legend Bill Walton, moving and cheering on the band where he stood amidst the faithful in front of the stage).

Opening with "Minglewood Blues," a bluesy song showcasing Weir's raspy vocals, Mayer was featured on an early guitar solo with Weir performing an impressive one of his own later. That song, which checked in at eight minutes, likely proved to be an average length on a night where jam-centered sorties often extended beyond the 10-minute mark. Indeed, an 11-minute celebration of the Grateful Dead's "Here Comes Sunshine" featured Mayer's sterling lead vocals while the song featured segments where the dynamics would build and fall, with textured exchanges among the players – particularly when Mayer and Chimenti locked into a lovely passage toward the song's finale blending guitar and piano play.

The entire night seemed to encapsulate the spirit of the original Dead, with blues and bluegrass, country and reggae, funk, jazz and rock all playing a seminal part. 

Among the key highlights of the first set was a cover of the Dead classic "West L.A. Fadeaway" featuring Mayer on lead vocals (with Chimenti adding some rousing work on the organ), and the beautiful "Althea" with Mayer's fretwork particularly expressive. A version of Garcia's "Loser" found Weir and Mayer singing artfully together; the song's wide-ranging journey included an especially strong final chorus and a nuanced finale.

The even more expansive second set found the six musicians stretching on more lengthy jams, including a segment featuring drums and percussion. The highlight for this listener was the Chicago blues-styled "Viola Lee Blues," with Mayer's fiery guitar playing positioned around shining vocal harmonies he delivered with Weir and Chimenti.

Obvious crowd favorites included "Shakedown Street" (with the Allman Brothers-styled dual guitar lead section), the piano-anchored blues ballad "Wharf Rat," buoyant cover of Bobby "Blue" Bland's early '60s nugget "Turn on Your Love Light" and the night-ending acoustic take on the Dead's "Friend of the Devil." 

EDITORIAL NOTE: This review and the accompanying photo were originally posted on The Orange County Register Web site on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015.



Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: NAMM, Grateful Dead, Off Center Festival

Happy Friday everybody. With NAMM less than a week away, I'm already in overdrive preparing to cover the music industry event from every angle. Hope you'll be checking back here to see my posts and video reports with TJR as well...

Speaking of NAMM, Select A Head  will be giving away a logo drum display to one lucky winner during each day at the upcoming 2015 Winter NAMM Show. 

The winner can pick from the displays on-hand at their booth at NAMM (#2857) or via the website, www.selectahead.com. Participants must enter the drawing at the NAMM show, but do not have to be present to win.

Select-a-Head^® has developed logo drum displays for Beasto Blanco, Korn, Queensryche, Stryper, Within Reason, World Gone, Rockstar UPROAR, Gemini Syndrome, Iron Maiden plus radio stations including KISW Rock, University of Oregon Ducks, University of Washington and many more.  

Ray Luzier of Korn recently quoted Select a Head as "This is one of the ultimate souvenirs that you could own by your favorite band. It looks so bad ass hangin' in my studio, like a kick drum's literally busting out of the wall!! My friends all trip out when they come over & rant over it. Sticks, picks & photos are cool, but get yourself a Select A Head, truly a unique display & support of your fav band!!

Billboard exclusively reports that Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio will join the four living original members of The Grateful Dead for three 50th-anniversary shows July 3-5 at Soldier Field in Chicago. 

The Dead's last performance with Jerry Garcia, who died in August 1995, was at the same 55,000-seat capacity venue on July 9, 1995.

The sense of closure is no ­accident: These shows are likely to be the finale for the "core four," as the ­surviving members are now known: Bob Weir, 67; Phil Lesh, 74; Mickey Hart, 71; and Bill Kreutzmann, 68. 

"These will be the last shows with the four of us together," Weir tells Billboard.

Full article: http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6443522/grateful-dead-reunion-shows-trey-anastasio-chicago-anniversary

For more event information, visit: Dead50.net

Segerstom Center For The Arts Presents The 4^th Annual Off Center Festival

Incredible line up of musical performances, theater productions and events set to begin January 21
 

The Costa Mesa Conference and Visitor Bureau is proud to announce the return of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ Off Center Festival. The annual event, now in its fourth year, kicks off January 21 and will feature an array of musical and theatrical performances, as well as plenty of food, mixing and mingling.

This year, the festival will include two Parties-on-the-Plaza (POP) on Saturday, January 24 and Friday, January 30. Both are free and open to the public. Film crews and photographers are also invited to attend. The first POP will feature Orange County rocker Nick Waterhouse. The second POP will feature the funk fusion music of Jungle Fire and afro-disco sounds of Orgone. During the events, visitors will also have the opportunity to experience some of Costa Mesa’s premiere food truck companies such as Waff ‘N Roll, Mustache Mike’s, Adobo Express and The Burnt Truck.

Throughout the Off Center Festival, audiences will have the chance to experience a variety of performances. A selection of featured artists and companies include: Mehr Theater Group’s Timeloss, Agrupación Señor Serrano’s Brickman Brando Bubble Room, Marga Gomez performing Lovebirds and Amy O’Neal in her Opposing Forces. Following performances, audiences and actors will have the opportunity to socialize over cocktails and enjoy a number of casual dining offerings created just for the Off Center Festival.

Tickets for the Off Center Festival are $25, except for Scott Bradlee & Postmodern Jukebox in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, which are $25, $35 and $45. For more information on the Off Center Festival, a complete list of shows and locations please visit www.scfta.org/offcenter.

Follow and join in on the conversation of all the latest happenings at the Off Center Festival on social media with the hashtag #OffCenterFest.