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Facebook friend, and Legends series fan, listener John Woodward and I have been chatting occasionally over the last couple years, about how incredible Levon Helm is, and I encouraged John to see his ‘Midnight Ramble’ show, down in Woodstock New York.   Turns out John caught Levon recently at the legendary Massey Hall in Toronto, and kindly fulfilled my request to ‘review’ the show, which is something he had never before done.

I think he’s done an excellent job, for which I thank him, and now share with you.

(Review by John Woodward)

Levon Helm brought his Midnight Ramble Tour to a packed Massey Hall Tuesday June 29th.

Helm`s roadshow reflects much of what he offers in his annual Summer Concert series- a salute to the Midnight Rambles of his youth:

`The master of ceremonies would come out just before the finale and explain that, after the kids go home, they’d have the midnight ramble…The songs would get a little bit juicier and the jokes’d get a little funnier. And the prettiest dancer would really get down and shake it a few times`

Levon Helm, The Last Waltz, 1978

John Woodward’s Top Six High Points about Levon Helm’s Massey Hall Show:

1.              `Mardi Gras` was a strong and wonderful performance.  Helm borrowed heavily from keyboardist Brian Mitchell`s New Orleans influences and his earlier work with the likes of BB King and Allen Toussaint.  At one point, the entire horn section led a “Fat Tuesday”-inspired parade around the edge of the stage which was fun to watch.  All musical contributions were strong throughout the night but the horn section was especially predominant. Who would have expected a 10 piece band!

2.              John Hiatt`s contribution to the night was an overall highpoint. The Hiatt opening set was powerful with special mentions to `Ridin With The King` and `Have A Little Faith`.  I actually brought along a friend who knew virtually nothing about Hiatt or Helm and within 24 hours, he owned Hiatt`s Greatest Hits ala iTunes, which is  a true indication of Hiatt’s impression and overall contribution.

3.              Family Influences: Daughter Amy Helm was fantastic. No stranger to stage in her own right, Amy deepened the quality of the performance and offered a great chemistry with Mitchell, Wieder but especially with multi-instrumentalist Larry Campbell. When a band enjoys each other`s company and respects their contribution, its obvious and Amy certainly belonged on that stage with her dad.  Teresa Williams also put in a very high level performance and at points, vocally, reminded me of a young high-energy Emmylou Harris. The female contingent added huge value to the show—much more than `the occasional shake!

4.              It Does Make A Difference: Tuesday`s show offered a great mix of both old and new tracks. But I was pleased to hear Rick Danko`s trademark make the playlist.  Williams and Amy Helm did a solid job re-introducing ‘Difference’  to the Massey Hall crowd, but I have to admit that while I listened and enjoyed the moment, it made me miss Danko  (who passed away some 11 years ago of heart failure). To me, this is one of those hurting songs what will always belong to its chief architect. But the performance was great effort nonetheless.

5.              Waiting on the Weight: The Weight has always been considered one of Helm`s trademark songs, and he certainly did not disappoint. Hiatt`s return during this track was a welcomed addition to the already strong cast of singers.  No Ramble would be complete without a long run of this classic- and the fans certainly left with their money`s worth.

6.              The Encore: `I Shall Be Released` was a great encore selection.  While `It Makes No Difference` invoked the ghost of Danko, this particular performance of `Released` brought the loss of Richard Emanuel back in focus.  Another wonderful song delivered by a great band, but I was left me missing the original soul just a little more as a result.

Levon’s Show Was Worth The Wait

Levon is a legend. He is one of the best drummers of all time. There isn’t a summer that goes by that I don’t feel the urge to travel down to Woodstock and partake in true Ramble.  I also admire his personal strength and perseverance, (the same can be said for John Hiatt who has battled and won against his own personal demons).  It was a special treat to spend the evening with Levon and his musical family. 

All that being said, Tuesday`s show reminded me of the talent Rock has lost all too soon over the years. I would have loved to have been in attendance on that cloudy Thanksgiving Day in 1978 to participate in the Last Waltz-and lay witness to the end of an era. Sadly, that was a privilege few of us were afforded. 

But Helm`s 2010 Toronto Show was certainly an event I will carry with me for some time to come. And in the meantime, let`s make our own eras.

Let the Midnight Ramble Begin!

Set List

·                Same thing

·                Good news

·                Look out Cleveland

·                Boo Jway Blues

·                Long Black Veil

·                Ophelia

·                Deep Elum

·                All La Glory

·                Tennessee

·                Mardi Gras

·                Keep Your Lamps

·                Shape

·                Makes No Difference

·                Blind Willie

·                Chest

·                Weight

·                (Encore) I Shall Be Released

(en     (end of review by John Woodward)

             If you would like the pleasure of seeing Levon Helm live, perhaps down at his place in Woodstock, find out about the Midnight Ramble series by                   clicking HERE