Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band: Live at Cawtown Ballroom, Kansas City April 22 1974 12"
There are very few truly iconoclastic figures in the history of popular music since the mid-20th century, but Don Van Vliet (1941-2010), aka Captain Beefheart, is certainly one of them. Although initially perceived as a purveyor of grizzly electric R'n'B, from the outset the Captain routinely distinguished his compositions with surreal lyrics and unusual time signatures. In 1969 the Captain presented the world with his third record, the outstandingly arcane masterpiece, Trout Mask Replica (1969). Amalgamating a breathtaking diversity of sounds incorporating blues, free jazz, and the avant-garde, this seminal work remains one of "pop" music's most aurally challenging listening experiences! Although never a huge commercial success, it was a massively inspirational work. By the time of this April 1974 broadcast, Captain Beefheart -- and the 29th incarnation in a long line of ever-mutating Magic Bands -- had reverted to more traditionally-structured compositions. The touring band included some highly revered players including reedsman Del Simmons, guitarists Dean Smith and Fuzzy Fuscaldo, bassist Paul Uhrig, and drummer Ty Grimes. Caught live in Kansas City, Beefheart was amidst an extensive US tour promoting his eighth album, Unconditionally Guaranteed (1974). A must for all Beefheart fans.
There are very few truly iconoclastic figures in the history of popular music since the mid-20th century, but Don Van Vliet (1941-2010), aka Captain Beefheart, is certainly one of them. Although initially perceived as a purveyor of grizzly electric R'n'B, from the outset the Captain routinely distinguished his compositions with surreal lyrics and unusual time signatures. In 1969 the Captain presented the world with his third record, the outstandingly arcane masterpiece, Trout Mask Replica (1969). Amalgamating a breathtaking diversity of sounds incorporating blues, free jazz, and the avant-garde, this seminal work remains one of "pop" music's most aurally challenging listening experiences! Although never a huge commercial success, it was a massively inspirational work. By the time of this April 1974 broadcast, Captain Beefheart -- and the 29th incarnation in a long line of ever-mutating Magic Bands -- had reverted to more traditionally-structured compositions. The touring band included some highly revered players including reedsman Del Simmons, guitarists Dean Smith and Fuzzy Fuscaldo, bassist Paul Uhrig, and drummer Ty Grimes. Caught live in Kansas City, Beefheart was amidst an extensive US tour promoting his eighth album, Unconditionally Guaranteed (1974). A must for all Beefheart fans.
Description
There are very few truly iconoclastic figures in the history of popular music since the mid-20th century, but Don Van Vliet (1941-2010), aka Captain Beefheart, is certainly one of them. Although initially perceived as a purveyor of grizzly electric R'n'B, from the outset the Captain routinely distinguished his compositions with surreal lyrics and unusual time signatures. In 1969 the Captain presented the world with his third record, the outstandingly arcane masterpiece, Trout Mask Replica (1969). Amalgamating a breathtaking diversity of sounds incorporating blues, free jazz, and the avant-garde, this seminal work remains one of "pop" music's most aurally challenging listening experiences! Although never a huge commercial success, it was a massively inspirational work. By the time of this April 1974 broadcast, Captain Beefheart -- and the 29th incarnation in a long line of ever-mutating Magic Bands -- had reverted to more traditionally-structured compositions. The touring band included some highly revered players including reedsman Del Simmons, guitarists Dean Smith and Fuzzy Fuscaldo, bassist Paul Uhrig, and drummer Ty Grimes. Caught live in Kansas City, Beefheart was amidst an extensive US tour promoting his eighth album, Unconditionally Guaranteed (1974). A must for all Beefheart fans.
