exploremusic

People ask me, beyond Classic Rock, what I like to listen to. 

More than anything – things that go twang and feature harmonies.

Here’s a favourite performance from the summer of 1970, as the Canadian concert tour known as Festival Express came rumbling down the tracks . Festival Express was unique among rock festivals – rather than being held in one location, it was staged in three Canadian cities – Toronto, Winnipeg and Calgary.  Montreal was initially to have been the fourth city, but this concert was canceled as the date would have coincided with St. Jean Baptiste Day, and the city felt it couldn’t provide adequate security. The idea was that rather than flying in to each city, the musicians would travel by chartered Canadian National Railways train,  with the hope of fostering an atmosphere of musical creativity and closeness between the performers. The train rides between cities ultimately became a combination of non-stop jam sessions and partying.  Among the most memorable scenes depicting these informal jam sessions is jam featuring The Band’s great bassist Rick Danko, Jerry Garica and Bob Weir from the Dead, and Janis Joplin.

As the festival was taking place, there was a movement among North American kids, centering on the notion that rock concerts should be free. As was the case at Woodstock, many showed up with no intention of paying the $14 admission. Despite the financial hardship this caused promoters Ken Walker and Thor Eaton, the train continued on, providing a rich environment in which the traveling bands could jam and interact.

The traveling show highlighted several points in the transitioning effects of music in the post-idealism of the late 60s, as large groups of protesters allegedly incited riots in order to get into the shows for free, and the promoters attempted to bring a traveling festival to a host of cities. Even the intervention of various Canadian police forces couldn’t reconcile the resulting chaos.

While the promoters took a major financial hit, the tour was still an artistic success, featuring now legendary performances, including one of the last by Janis who died a matter of weeks later.

I recommend you see the movie ‘Festival Express’, featuring this beauty from the great twang masters, relatives of The Byrds and Eagles, The Flying Burrito Brothers.   Words, followed by video. 

Enjoy,

Jeff.

 It’s a lazy day I’m down with nothing else to do
It’s a crazy day I got a thing that I want to try with you
Now baby don’t you go away please don’t spoil my lazy day
Isn’t it better didn’t you know
Just sitting down here by my radio
I’m gonna make you worry none about your income tax
No there’s no need to worry I’ll teach you how to relax
It’s a lazy day I’m down with nothing else to do
It’s a crazy day I got a thing that I want to try with you
Now baby don’t you go away please don’t spoil my lazy day

No you don’t have to think about nothing to do
When I get you down to my barbecue
I’m gonna make you feel funny
And sparkel like a brand new dime
No I don’t have any money
But I always got plenty of time
It’s a lazy day I’m down with nothing else to do
It’s a crazy day I got a thing that I want to try with you
Now baby don’t you go away please don’t spoil my lazy day