FROM WRECKING CREW TO RHINESTONE COWBOY

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THE GLORIOUS CORNER

By: G.H. Harding

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Carlos Santana

A LOVE SUPREME – A few columns back we told you about a new Carlos Santana and John McLaughlin DVD, Live At Montreux/2011. We've watched it and thoroughly enjoyed it. Santana, and his band, are just exceptional; with a power and energy that was a most welcome surprise (they definitely came ready to play). McLaughlin, who I've enjoyed for years, is just terrific. Ironically, the performance that I enjoyed the most was John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme.” So joyous. 

Their 1973 album, Love, Devotion, Surrender, was an amazing work that endures today. The DVD even features a harmonica performance from one Claude Nobs, who has devoutly organized these Monteux festivals for years. He rocks out for sure. The group also performs "Stairway To Heaven" ... and, it is magnificent. A very, very superior work – loved it!

GLEN CAMPBELL --- From the Wrecking Crew to “Rhinestone Cowboy”; twenty-one Top 40 hits with two hitting No. 1; six Top 20 albums including chart-topper Wichita Lineman; twenty-seven country Top 10 singles -- spanning 22 years - and nine country No. 1 albums. Five Grammy Awards, three Grammy Hall of Fame honors and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award; seven Academy of Country Music awards and a 1998 Pioneer Award recognition; and, three American Music Awards. 

And, not to mention hosting of one of the era’s most-beloved variety shows, Glen Campbell’s musical and entertainment lifetime, covering over five decades is totally unmatched for its breadth, popular appeal – and flat-out musical accomplishment and achievement. Last year, after his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s he released perhaps the best album of his career, Ghost On The Canvas. This week, he releases his final album, See You There – produced by Dave Darling and Dave Kaplan - which consists of the artist re-interpreting several of his classic songs. The re-imagining strips down the original versions - making this album as much a Campbell Unplugged, as anything. As a die-hard fan of the original versions, I was somewhat take aback by the new versions; but, as I listened more and more, the songs took on an even greater power. His voice remains as strong as ever; yet, you know the back story, which gives the music and even greater edge.

I grew up watching him on his TV show, The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, and perhaps even more than the terrific songs, he became an icon for my generation (he even appeared in the movie True Grit, at the behest of John Wayne, no less). I especially liked the renewed energy of “Wichita Lineman” and “Gentle On My Mind.” There’s a version of the song, “There’s No Me, Without You,” which first appeared on the Ghost album; again, stripped almost bare, but as moving as ever. Two of my favorite Glen songs, “Where’s, The Playground Susie” and “Dreams Of The Everyday Housewife,” are not here; but, I wondered how they would have sounded in this new bare-bones style.

Several comparisons have been made to the last album from Johnny Cash; and, I do see the similarities. Contextually, it’s still Campbell delivering his usual high caliber performance, but the re-envisioned productions are stunning in their starkness.

Demonstrating once again that his characteristic warmth and sense of humor are intact, Campbell titled the album See You There, an expression that’s been a trademark of his for decades, but takes on an added poignancy at this stage of his life and career. If you’re a fan; this is a must-have.

Robert Vaughn

GRANT CRIES UNCLE --- Though it’s been called the least necessary TV remake; Brit-Hugh Grant has been cast in the Guy Ritchie-remake of TV’s The Man From Uncle. Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer are the leads. I loved this show, which ran from 1964-1968 and starred Robert Vaughn and David McCallum.

This long-in-the-works remake, has at times announced George Clooney and Tom Cruise as it stars; and, director Steven Soderbergh was initially picked to direct. Honestly, I hope it’s good … but, after this summer’s disaster of The Lone Ranger; I am a bit worried. I only hope that both Vaughn and McCallum are at least cameo-ed in the flick. Stay tuned!

ANGELA EXITS WPLJ --- Our dear friend Theresa Angela, who fronted the promotional activities for NYC’s WPLJ, departs this week. We've worked with her for years and have found her to be one of the nicest and most capable personalities out there. Her assistance at so many events (especially when Tom Cuddy was involved) was especially excellent. She is, one of the key gate-keepers out there and she'd be a valuable asset anywhere. She'll announce her plans shortly. Thanks Theresa. 

Katy Perry

GAGA & PERRY --- Strange occurrence this week; both new songs from Lady Gaga (“Applause”) and Katy Perry (“Roar”) were leaked first on the Internet. Planned, or not planned? Both artists came out with statements decrying the incident. Industry-soothsayers say the former is what actually happened. The item was a trending item on yesterday’s Today Show. Me, I say a well-planned campaign is the only answer. OK, girls … you're off and running.


Photos By: Walter McBride/RD/Kabik/Retna