Genius drummer - he also transcribed almost all of Captain Beefheart’s musical ideas during the Trout Mask Replica era to the band, no easy task. John French is a genius in his own right. Love him. His drumming on Safe as Milk and Strictly Personal also blows my mind.
This guy is truly one of the most original drummers I've ever heard. His parts are so unusual. Being a Magic Band member that's not much of a surprise, but still...
This clip provided a breakthrough for me in my understanding (or lack thereof) of how this music came to be. Don had managed to assemble this bunch of teen-aged musicians who had what it took to make this music he thought might be possible possible. But it was a stretch - and the basic set-up might fall apart at any moment, if he couldn't keep it together through further manipulation. The irony, which John points out here, is that those musicians had come to him. They were there because they were already convinced that they wanted more than anything to be in on whatever was about to happen. There were on Don's team. The further irony, though, is that if they'd all somehow managed a hippie cum-by-ah group-hug moment - and all realized that they were on the same team - Trout Mask Replica would have been a casualty. In his book (I read it last night), Bill Harkleroad describes the Trout Mask sound (on two separate pages) as "anxious shrapnel" and "tortured metal." It was a struggle for all concerned. In retrospect, both Bill and John find it hard to believe that they didn't just tell Don to get bent so they could proceed with making music - engaging their considerable talents in an un-impinged-upon way. Both those guys were tasked with being the band leader and musical translator (John for Trout Mask, and Bill for Decals), and both later realized that when Don pulled them into the closet to whistle the base part for the new song, and then they had to scramble to get it down, they each had opportunities there for input - even if it was just to make obvious corrections. Neither did, though - because each recognized that even though they couldn't help hating the guy the whole time, they recognized that he actually deserved to be in the driver's seat.
John and the rest of the band had it rough, I know. And though talented musicians, without meeting Don would have mostly ended up in long forgotten west coast bands or the like. As it is, this music, and by association them, will still be talked about in 100 years. I'd say it was worth it.
With his painting, the music and his lyrics, he will be talked about and recognized as a genius for 500 years or more. Unfortunately it might take another 100 years to recognize him.
David sir it’s a short sample size but these questions are still interrelated.. the abusive situation needed to be addressed. See John French interview at Samuel Andreyev’s channel
He broke off a broomstick and started going come on come on guys don't let him get away and he convinced me that I was wrong that I was being selfish That I had Missed something
Just heard that John French is seeking unpaid royalities from Proper over his Beefheart book (as of early 2024). This is shocking news, especially given his history, his lack of recognition - and more importantly - royalties for work done with Beefheart. I sincerely hope that Proper Publishling will do, or has done, the proper and decent thing for this incredible artist. He ain't getting younger!
@@Justdon-s2s Tragic magic. If I were a bigtime multi-millionaire rock star I'd figure out a way to find all those loved and well-regarded musicians like Rockette, check out their financial status, and if in genuine need, then arrange an annual pension for them. Even like £30K - anything to ease their twilight years. People go on about black artists getting ripped off but the fact is *everybody* has been ripped in the music industry, unless you're lucky it seems. Hmm. Shout to Rockette from across the pond x may a rainbow lead him to a wee pot of gold, not a gold pot of wee :-) xx
Genius drummer - he also transcribed almost all of Captain Beefheart’s musical ideas during the Trout Mask Replica era to the band, no easy task. John French is a genius in his own right.
Love him.
His drumming on Safe as Milk and Strictly Personal also blows my mind.
This guy is truly one of the most original drummers I've ever heard. His parts are so unusual. Being a Magic Band member that's not much of a surprise, but still...
This clip provided a breakthrough for me in my understanding (or lack thereof) of how this music came to be. Don had managed to assemble this bunch of teen-aged musicians who had what it took to make this music he thought might be possible possible. But it was a stretch - and the basic set-up might fall apart at any moment, if he couldn't keep it together through further manipulation.
The irony, which John points out here, is that those musicians had come to him. They were there because they were already convinced that they wanted more than anything to be in on whatever was about to happen. There were on Don's team.
The further irony, though, is that if they'd all somehow managed a hippie cum-by-ah group-hug moment - and all realized that they were on the same team - Trout Mask Replica would have been a casualty. In his book (I read it last night), Bill Harkleroad describes the Trout Mask sound (on two separate pages) as "anxious shrapnel" and "tortured metal." It was a struggle for all concerned.
In retrospect, both Bill and John find it hard to believe that they didn't just tell Don to get bent so they could proceed with making music - engaging their considerable talents in an un-impinged-upon way. Both those guys were tasked with being the band leader and musical translator (John for Trout Mask, and Bill for Decals), and both later realized that when Don pulled them into the closet to whistle the base part for the new song, and then they had to scramble to get it down, they each had opportunities there for input - even if it was just to make obvious corrections. Neither did, though - because each recognized that even though they couldn't help hating the guy the whole time, they recognized that he actually deserved to be in the driver's seat.
But they are the Magic Band !! ....with pain comes gain !! Thank you for the gain !! 😁❤
John and the rest of the band had it rough, I know. And though talented musicians, without meeting Don would have mostly ended up in long forgotten west coast bands or the like. As it is, this music, and by association them, will still be talked about in 100 years. I'd say it was worth it.
if i was in that band i would have killed myself, great music though.
With his painting, the music and his lyrics, he will be talked about and recognized as a genius for 500 years or more. Unfortunately it might take another 100 years to recognize him.
Fame is great but Don didn’t pay these guys.
" Don't you know, they're going to be looking for you, and asking you about this one day? We are doing something nobody else has ever done."
Right - I'm off. To buy this book.
He separated us because he was afraid we would turn on him but the truth is exactly the opposite we were very supportive of him
love the EQ
A short series of disconnected questions
David sir it’s a short sample size but these questions are still interrelated.. the abusive situation needed to be addressed. See John French interview at Samuel Andreyev’s channel
He broke off a broomstick and started going come on come on guys don't let him get away and he convinced me that I was wrong that I was being selfish That I had Missed something
Just heard that John French is seeking unpaid royalities from Proper over his Beefheart book (as of early 2024). This is shocking news, especially given his history, his lack of recognition - and more importantly - royalties for work done with Beefheart. I sincerely hope that Proper Publishling will do, or has done, the proper and decent thing for this incredible artist. He ain't getting younger!
Rockette is a good friend of mine and he is poor as a church mouse. These guys got ripped off.
@@Justdon-s2s Tragic magic. If I were a bigtime multi-millionaire rock star I'd figure out a way to find all those loved and well-regarded musicians like Rockette, check out their financial status, and if in genuine need, then arrange an annual pension for them. Even like £30K - anything to ease their twilight years.
People go on about black artists getting ripped off but the fact is *everybody* has been ripped in the music industry, unless you're lucky it seems. Hmm. Shout to Rockette from across the pond x may a rainbow lead him to a wee pot of gold, not a gold pot of wee :-) xx
@@ccohara well I hope you become a multimillionaire. 🙃
Shouldn’t he be wearing underwear on his head?
That was Art Tripp
@@teresasilva6293 makes sense thx
that's It?!?!? MORE!!!!!!