Concert Reviews
Levon Helm - The Midnight RambleOctober, 2011
Review contributed by Rex McLeod.
Last October, I was visiting the USA , staying in NYC and travelled upstate NY to Woodstock. I was off to Levon Helm's home and studio where he held a Midnight Ramble with his 12 piece band every Saturday night (unless they were on the road). As you drive down Levon's long driveway, the first sign you notice is WATCH OUT FOR BEARS! Makes you realise you are in amongst the Woodstock forest.
At each Ramble Levon had a guest act and the night we went it was JD Souther. JD, who co-wrote many songs with Glenn Frey and Don Henley from The Eagles, was performing with a few members of Levon Helm's Band. He presented his music with some light humour, telling the story behind each song.
A quick one in relation to Heartache Tonight; JD, Glenn Frey & Don Henley had the verses written for some months but not one of them could come up with a chorus. One night Glenn Frey suggested he ring his old mate, Bob Seger to see if he could come up with any ideas. They sang what they had to him down the phone and when it came to the chorus part, Seger let loose with "It's gonna be a Heartache Tonight.......etc" and the rest is history. He told us about the recording sessions, even referring to how "cosmic" they were at certain times! He did a good hour's set, then there was a break and a shared supper. Everyone was encouraged to bring a plate along.
