Album Information:
Album ID: 9745
About Stephen Stills:
Stephen Stills is a highly influential singer, songwriter, and guitarist who has made a major contribution to the development of rock and folk music since the 1960s. He was born on January 3, 1945, in Dallas, Texas, and raised in a military family, which took him to different parts of the world such as Europe and Central America.
Stills started playing music at a young age, learning the piano and then moving on to the guitar. In the early 1960s, he formed his first band, the Au Go-Go Singers, which performed in various coffeehouses in New York City's Greenwich Village. In 1966, Stills became part of the folk group Buffalo Springfield, which featured Neil Young on guitar and vocals.
Stills quickly established himself as one of the band's principal songwriters and became known for his distinctive guitar style, which incorporated folk, rock, and blues elements. Buffalo Springfield created a sensation with their hit song 'For What It's Worth,' which became an anthem for the anti-war movement. However, tensions within the band led to their breakup in 1968.
After the breakup of Buffalo Springfield, Stills formed the supergroup Crosby, Stills & Nash with David Crosby and Graham Nash. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1969, became a huge commercial and critical success, with its beautiful vocal harmonies, intricate guitar work, and socially conscious lyrics. The album featured the classics 'Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,' 'Marrakesh Express,' and 'Wooden Ships.'
The trio's second album, 'Déjà Vu,' released in 1970, added Neil Young to the lineup and became one of the most iconic albums of the era. The album featured hits such as 'Teach Your Children,' 'Our House,' 'Carry On,' and 'Helpless.' The quartet toured extensively and gained a reputation for their dynamic and powerful live performances.
Stills also pursued a solo career, releasing his self-titled debut album in 1970, which featured the hit song 'Love the One You're With.' Stills has since released many solo albums, including 'Stephen Stills 2,' 'Manassas,' and 'Stills Alone.' Throughout his career, he has collaborated with many other artists, including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Miles, and many others.
Stephen Stills' influence on the development of rock and folk music cannot be overstated. His music has captured the spirit of a generation and inspired countless musicians to follow in his footsteps. His exceptional talent as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist is matched by his passion for social justice and political activism. Today, he is considered a living legend and continues to tour and record new music, making a lasting impact on generations of music lovers around the world.
About the album Just Roll Tape - April 26th 1968:
Just Roll Tape - April 26th, 1968 by Stephen Stills is an informal album that captures a raw and intimate snapshot of the singer-songwriter's creativity during a solo recording session in a Los Angeles studio.
The album features ten tracks that showcase Stills' diverse range of influences, from folk to blues to rock. The songs are mainly acoustic, with Stills playing guitar and occasionally harmonica, and his vocals are soulful, emotional, and often powerful. The tracks also feature the occasional mistake and studio chatter, adding to the charm and authenticity of the recording.
The opening track, 'All I Know Is What You Tell Me,' sets the tone for the album with its gentle fingerpicking and introspective lyrics. Stills then launches into a cover of 'So Begins the Task' by Manassas, a group he formed a few years later. The song's bluesy groove and Stills' lush vocal harmonies are a highlight of the album.
Other standout tracks include 'Judy,' a heartfelt ode to a lost love, and 'Do For The Others,' a gentle, uplifting tune with a catchy chorus and beautiful guitar work. 'Word Game' is a bluesy, riff-driven track with clever wordplay, while 'Know You Got To Run' is a haunting ballad with a melancholy melody.
The album closes with 'Black Queen,' a haunting, bluesy track that showcases Stills' powerful, soulful vocals and incendiary guitar playing. The song builds to a stunning crescendo, with Stills' voice and guitar soaring to new heights.
Overall, Just Roll Tape - April 26th, 1968 is a unique and highly personal album that captures Stephen Stills' creative process at a pivotal moment in his career. It's a must-listen for fans of Stills and those who appreciate raw, authentic recordings that capture the moment.
Members:
The key members of the artist Stephen Stills throughout his career have varied depending on the band or project he was working on. However, some of the most notable members are:
1. David Crosby - David Crosby is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. He is best known for his work with the Byrds and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. He met Stephen Stills in 1968 and the two immediately clicked, forming a powerful musical partnership. Their collaboration led to some of the most iconic tracks of the 1960s and 70s.
2. Graham Nash - Graham Nash is an English singer-songwriter known for his work with the Hollies and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. In 1969, he joined the group after Crosby invited him to sing on some demos. Nash's distinctive voice and harmonies contributed to the group's sound, and he was a key member during their most successful period.
3. Neil Young - Neil Young is a Canadian singer-songwriter who is widely considered to be one of the most influential musicians of his generation. He has worked with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young on numerous occasions, adding his guitar skills and unique vocals to some of their most famous tracks.
4. Jim Messina - Jim Messina is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and record producer. He was a member of Buffalo Springfield and Poco before teaming up with Stills for a short-lived project called Stills & Messina. The duo released two successful albums before going their separate ways.
5. Richie Furay - Richie Furay is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and pastor. He was a founding member of Buffalo Springfield and later went on to form the band Poco. In 2010, he teamed up with Stills and David Crosby for a joint tour, marking the first time the three had played together since 1970.
Track List for Just Roll Tape - April 26th 1968:
1. 'All I Know is What You Tell Me' - 2:26
A folksy and gentle opening track featuring Stills' acoustic guitar and vocals, with sparse and subtle percussion in the background.
2. 'So Begins the Task' - 3:40
A more upbeat and jaunty track, featuring Stills' guitar playing in a more intricate and complex style. The lyrics speak about the challenges and struggles of the creative process.
3. 'Change Partners' - 3:10
A classic Stills track, featuring his trademark guitar work and soulful vocals. The song tells the story of a romantic entanglement, and the difficulties of choosing the right partner.
4. 'Know You Got to Run' - 3:48
A haunting and melancholy track, featuring Stills' acoustic guitar and vocals with a subtle, mournful harmonica in the background. The lyrics speak about the inevitability of change and the need to keep moving forward.
5. 'The Doctor Will See You Now' - 2:34
An upbeat and almost comical track, featuring Stills' guitar and vocals with a bouncy piano accompaniment. The lyrics speak about the frustrations of having to see a doctor and the fear of getting bad news.
6. 'Black Queen' - 5:24
A dark and bluesy track, featuring Stills' guitar and vocals with a driving bass line in the background. The lyrics speak about a powerful and dangerous woman.
7. 'Judy' - 2:22
A tender and heartfelt track, featuring Stills' acoustic guitar and vocals with a simple and elegant piano accompaniment. The lyrics speak about a relationship that has ended, and the sadness and confusion that comes with it.
8. 'Dreaming of Snakes' - 2:18
An eerie and unsettling track, featuring Stills' guitar and vocals with a sparse, atmospheric background. The lyrics speak about the fear of change and uncertainty, and the way that anxiety can haunt our dreams.
9. 'Suite: Judy Blue Eyes' - 9:46
The epic finale of the album, featuring Stills' intricate and masterful guitar playing and incredible vocal harmonies. A classic song that has become one of Stills' most beloved and popular tracks, telling the story of his relationship with singer Judy Collins.
Discography for Stephen Stills:
Here is Stephen Stills' complete discography in chronological order:
Albums:
1. Stephen Stills (1970) - November 16, 1970
2. Stephen Stills 2 (1971) - June 30, 1971
3. Manassas (1972) - April 12, 1972 (with the band Manassas)
4. Down the Road (1973) - May 1973 (with the band Manassas)
5. Stills (1975) - June 1975
6. Illegal Stills (1976) - June 23, 1976
7. Thoroughfare Gap (1978) - September 1978
8. Right by You (1984) - July 1984
9. Stills Alone (1991) - February 1991
10. Live at Shepherd's Bush (2009) - October 26, 2009
Singles:
1. 'Love the One You're With' b/w 'To A Flame' (1970) - October 26, 1970
2. 'Sit Yourself Down' b/w 'We Are Not Helpless' (1971) - February 1971
3. 'Change Partners' b/w 'Know You Got To' (1971) - May 5, 1971
4. 'Marianne' b/w 'Relaxing Town' (1971) - September 1971
5. 'It Doesn't Matter' b/w 'Johnny's Garden' (1972) - March 1972 (with the band Manassas)
6. 'Rock and Roll Crazies... Cuban Bluegrass' b/w 'Jet Set' (1973) - April 1973 (with the band Manassas)
7. 'Isn't It So' b/w 'Guardian Angel' (1976) - May 1976
8. 'Turn Back The Pages' b/w 'My Favorite Changes' (1976) - September 1976
9. 'Stranger' b/w 'No Me Niegas' (1984)
10. 'Only Love Can Break Your Heart' b/w 'Can't Let Go' (1991)
Other Releases:
1. 'As I Come of Age' b/w 'Sit Down I Think I Love You' (1969) - with the band Buffalo Springfield (not on any album)
2. 'Rock and Roll Woman' b/w 'A Child's Claim to Fame' (1969) - with the band Buffalo Springfield (not on any album)
3. 'Bluebird Revisited' b/w 'Four Days Gone' (1969) - with the band Buffalo Springfield (not on any album)
4. 'Expecting to Fly' b/w 'Everydays' (1967) - with the band Buffalo Springfield (not on any album)
5. 'Questions' b/w 'Everybody's Wrong' (1967) - with the band Buffalo Springfield (not on any album)