Levon Helm Band MerleFest Ramble
2008/04/26 MerleFest, NC

~From Vibes (blog):

"Levon Helm is a survivor. Diagnosed with throat cancer in 1996, Helm was advised to have his larynx removed. The singer opted instead to undergo rigorous radiation treatments to save his voice. He was unable to sing for years, able to communicate verbally in a soft rasp. But in 2004, he started singing again, and as he showed Saturday night, he's back in top form.

Opening with "Ophelia," Helm and his band recreated a harder rocking version of the Band with more diversity. His flat Arkansas twang is more prevalent than ever, adding an earthy charm to Bob Dylan's "It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry."

But this group won't be snagged in folk or any other genre for long. This is a rockin' outfit that sounds like a bar band with a horn section like the Memphis horns. Chuck Berry's "Goin' Back To Memphis" rocks much harder than the 1977 version recorded live with the RCO Allstars in New York City.

To assist him on his genre-blending journey, Helm has put together another band of allstars including his daughter, Amy. Guitarist Larry Campbell is a former member of Dylan's band and a current touring member of Phil Lesh and friends. He also co-produced (with Amy) Helm's Grammy winning '07 release Dirt Farmer. Three female vocalists, including Campbell's wife, Teresa Williams, sound like Ray Charles' backing group the Raelettes, providing a glorious gospel backing to Helm's rocky twang on "I Wanna Know/Stand By Me." Trumpeter Jimmy Vivino, from late night TV host Conan O'Brien's backing band, the Max Weinberg 7, adds a high register punch to the horn section, which gives the band a sound like a R&B review from the '60s. He's even got a keyboard player, Brian Mitchell, who can sing like Rick Danko and play like Garth Hudson.

But it's not all rock and roll. Helm brings up Sam Bush for some country honk on "Got Me A Woman," from Dirt Farmer, switching to mandolin. Helm's vocals are strong, yet plain as an old shoe, country as all get-out. Duets with daughter Amy are Cajun-flavored, and his take on Springsteen's "Atlantic City" is spicy, Zydeco-flavored country. Helm pays homage to New Orleans with a second line groove on "Deep Elem Blues." But Helm really touches a nerve on Greensboro songwriter Laurelyn Dossett's (Polecat Creek) song "Anna Lee," from Dirt Farmer. Helm's stark vocals, accompanied by the three female singers and a fiddle, gives you chills.

"Rag Mama Rag" is a harder edged country version than The Band's. But just when you think you've got the genre nailed down, Helm throws a curve at you with a tuba jumping in, then a fiddle break, then back to rock for a glorious genre tangle.

Helm and company turn in a house rocking version of "The Shape I'm In," then chill things out with Amy's rendition of "Long Black Veil," done in a twang that would be right at home in the throat of June Carter Cash.

By the time the band slams into "The Weight," Helm looks like he's dropped 10 years. His face is radiant as his girls back him up, sounding as sweet and sexy as the Staples did on the Last Waltz.

Thirty years later, to not only have his voice back again, but at age 68 to have it as clear and sharp as it was when he was at 36, when the band performed its Last Waltz in 1976, is something for both artist and audience to celebrate. Come party with him every chance you get."

"5 stars - ...this is amazing. Say what you want, Levon is the best drummer there ever was in Americana rock, God bless him, and thank God he's back with a vengeance."

"4 stars - Great sound, great band (with horns), great set list with a few surprises. If you liked The Band's live discs, you'll like this one."

"5 stars - Great Recording - This "Ramble On The Road" recording is essential for anyone who has ever attended a Midnight Ramble, loved The Band, or just loved great American music. Accompanied by his usual ramble mates, Levon delivers a wonderful set that amounts to no less than a musical revue that covers the entire sweep of American popular music. Along with a sprinkling of chestnuts from The Band's catalog, highlights include the haunting "Anna Lee" from Levon's "Dirt Farmer", a marvelous "Long Black Veil" by Teresa Williams and Amy Helm, and the ramble showstopper "Deep Elem"...By all means, get this recording..."

"5 stars - Almost as good as the Midnight Ramble live! - We were fortunate enough to attend the August 28, 2010 Midnight Ramble at the Barn in Woodstock, and bought this CD. The jam session was pure music magic - a once in a lifetime event - and this CD captures that energy. We've played this over and over for four days straight, and just can't get enough of the outstanding Levon Helm Band. If you've been unable to attend the a legendary Midnight Ramble, do yourself a favor and get this - it's the next best thing. "

"5 stars - A band everyone should know about - Great tunes. Makes me want to open a beer and grill something!"