Album Information:

About The Band:

The Band was a rock group formed in Toronto, Canada in 1964. The group consisted of Rick Danko (bass guitar, vocals), Levon Helm (drums, vocals), Garth Hudson (keyboard), Richard Manuel (piano, vocals), and Robbie Robertson (guitar, vocals). Originally known as 'The Hawks,' they gained fame as the backing band for rockabilly singer Ronnie Hawkins before joining forces with Bob Dylan in his 1965 tour.

Their sound drew from a variety of influences, including rock, blues, country, folk, and R&B, and they became known for combining multiple genres to create their own distinct sound. The Band's early recordings largely consisted of cover songs, but they would later become known for their original material.

Their debut album, Music from Big Pink, was released in 1968 and is widely regarded as a classic of the rock genre. The album was recorded in a remote house in Woodstock, New York, and its rustic sound and focus on Americana themes helped to define the 'roots rock' genre.

The Band continued to release influential albums throughout the late 1960s and into the 1970s, including Stage Fright (1970), Cahoots (1971), and Northern Lights-Southern Cross (1975). Their final studio album, Islands, was released in 1977.

Tragically, Richard Manuel died by suicide in 1986, and Rick Danko died in 1999. Levon Helm passed away in 2012, leaving Garth Hudson and Robbie Robertson as the sole surviving members of the original lineup.

The Band's legacy is marked by their considerable influence on the rock genre, and the way they combined diverse musical traditions to create a sound that was both unique and timeless. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, and their music continues to be celebrated by fans of all ages.

About the album Moondog Matinee:

Moondog Matinee is the fifth studio album released by The Band in 1973. Unlike their previous albums which contained mostly original material, this album consists of covers of classic R&B and rock 'n' roll songs that influenced the band's music.

The album opens with a rendition of 'Ain't Got No Home' by Clarence 'Frogman' Henry. The Band's version features a distinctive uptempo rhythm section and Levon Helm's unmistakable Southern twang, giving the song a raw and soulful energy. They also cover the Jackie Wilson classic 'Lonely Teardrops', adding their own unique flavor to the tune with their intricate vocal harmonies and Robbie Robertson's bluesy guitar licks.

'Help Me (Rhonda)' by the Beach Boys gets a rollicking treatment, with Richard Manuel's organ and Garth Hudson's saxophone being particularly noteworthy. The Band's classic rock 'n' roll influences shine through on the boogie-woogie number 'The Promised Land' by Chuck Berry, featuring a blistering saxophone solo by Hudson.

The album takes a bit of a turn with the jazzy instrumental 'The Great Pretender', featuring Hudson's mastery of the lowrey organ accompanied by the band's evolving instrumental arrangements. 'I'm Ready' by Muddy Waters is given a standard blues arrangement, with slide guitar and harmonica working together in seamlessly conveying raw emotion.

'Saved' is a gospel tune most famously performed by Elvis Presley, but The Band injects a soulful swagger to it, with Manuel's soulful vocals leading the way. The album closes with 'Mystery Train' by Junior Parker, featuring the band's signature three-part harmonies on vocals and a loose yet tight instrumental arrangement.

Moondog Matinee is a testament to The Band's versatility as musicians, and although mostly comprised of covers, it showcases their ability to reimagine classic songs to make them their own. It serves as a tribute to the band's musical roots and influences, as well as an important step in their evolution as artists.

Members:

The Band was a Canadian-American rock group that formed in 1967. The original lineup included:

1. Robbie Robertson:
- Born July 5, 1943 in Toronto, Canada
- Lead guitarist and primary songwriter for The Band
- Began his music career playing in Ronnie Hawkins' backing band
- Co-wrote many of The Band's popular songs, including 'The Weight' and 'Up on Cripple Creek'
- Left The Band in 1976 to pursue a solo career in music and film

2. Levon Helm:
- Born May 26, 1940 in Elaine, Arkansas, United States
- Vocalist and drummer for The Band
- Began his music career playing in rockabilly bands in the 1950s
- Known for his unique singing style and powerful drumming
- Continued to play and record music after The Band disbanded in 1976
- Died in 2012 due to complications from throat cancer

3. Rick Danko:
- Born December 29, 1942 in Green's Corners, Ontario, Canada
- Bassist and vocalist for The Band
- Began playing music professionally in the early 1960s with Ronnie Hawkins' backing band
- Known for his soulful singing and melodic bass playing
- Died in 1999 due to heart failure

4. Richard Manuel:
- Born April 3, 1943 in Stratford, Ontario, Canada
- Keyboardist and vocalist for The Band
- Began playing music professionally in the early 1960s with Ronnie Hawkins' backing band
- Known for his bluesy piano playing and soulful singing
- Struggled with drug addiction and depression throughout his career
- Died in 1986 by suicide

5. Garth Hudson:
- Born August 2, 1937 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada
- Multi-instrumentalist for The Band, primarily playing organ and piano
- Began playing music professionally in the late 1950s and was a session musician for many well-known artists
- Known for his impressive ability to play a wide variety of instruments
- Continued to play and record music after The Band disbanded in 1976

Track List for Moondog Matinee:

Sure, here are the tracks in order with their play time and a brief description:

1. Ain't Got No Home (3:27) - A cover of Clarence “Frogman” Henry’s hit song, featuring a boogie-woogie piano and soulful vocals.

2. Holy Cow (3:14) - Originally recorded by Lee Dorsey, this track features upbeat, groovy instrumentation and harmonious vocals.

3. Share Your Love (2:53) - A cover of a Bobby “Blue” Bland song, showcasing The Band’s ability to deliver a heartfelt, emotional ballad.

4. Mystery Train (5:16) - An energetic cover of the classic song by Junior Parker, featuring rollicking guitar riffs and tight rhythm section.

5. Third Man Theme (2:20) - A playful instrumental rendition of the famous theme composed by Anton Karas for the movie 'The Third Man'.

6. The Promised Land (3:26) - A high-energy cover of the Chuck Berry classic, showcasing The Band’s rock and roll prowess.

7. The Great Pretender (3:09) - A cover of the Platters' hit, featuring a slower, more contemplative arrangement.

8. I’m Ready (3:23) - A bluesy cover of the classic Muddy Waters song, showcasing The Band’s ability to deliver an authentic and heartfelt performance.

9. Saved (3:55) - A soulful cover of a Bob Dylan-penned gospel song, featuring powerful vocals and uplifting instrumentation.

10. A Change Is Gonna Come (4:18) - A stirring cover of Sam Cooke’s timeless classic, showcasing The Band’s ability to deliver a heartfelt and emotionally poignant performance.

Overall, Moondog Matinee is a lively tribute to The Band’s musical influences, showcasing their ability to interpret and perform a wide range of styles with skill and passion.

Discography for The Band:

Here is the complete discography for The Band in chronological order:

Albums:
1. Music from Big Pink (1968)
2. The Band (1969)
3. Stage Fright (1970)
4. Cahoots (1971)
5. Rock of Ages (1972)
6. Moondog Matinee (1973)
7. Northern Lights – Southern Cross (1975)
8. Islands (1977)
9. Jericho (1993)
10. High on the Hog (1996)
11. Jubilation (1998)

Singles:
1. 'The Weight' / 'I Shall Be Released' (1968)
2. 'Up on Cripple Creek' / 'The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down' (1969)
3. 'Rag Mama Rag' / 'The Unfaithful Servant' (1970)
4. 'Time to Kill' / 'The Shape I'm In' (1970)
5. 'Life Is a Carnival' / 'The Moon Struck One' (1971)
6. 'Don't Do It' / 'Get Up Jake' (1972)

Other releases:
1. Before the Flood (with Bob Dylan) (1974)
2. The Basement Tapes (with Bob Dylan) (1975)
3. The Last Waltz (1978)

Note: The Band has other compilations, live recordings, and box sets, but only their studio albums, singles, and notable collaborations and live recordings are listed above.