‘Le
Nouvel Hippodrome, Paris 1977′
Rare
Concert Recording
Now Available!
Press Release Courtesy of
London, UK – Much to the excitement of Captain
Beefheart fans worldwide, Gonzo
Multimedia just released on DBL CD a rare live recording of the Captain in
concert at the Le Nouvel Hippodrome
in Paris on November 19, 1977!
Don Van Vliet (born Don Glen Vliet; January 15, 1941 – December 17, 2010) was an
American musician, singer-songwriter, artist and poet known by the stage name Captain Beefheart. His musical work was
conducted with a rotating ensemble of musicians called the Magic Band (1965–1982), with whom he recorded 13 studio albums.
Noted for his powerful singing voice with its wide range, Van Vliet also played the harmonica, saxophone and numerous other
wind instruments. His music blended rock, blues and psychedelia with
avant-garde and contemporary experimental composition. Beefheart was also known for exercising an almost dictatorial
control over his supporting musicians, and for often constructing myths about
his life.
During
his teen years in Lancaster, California, Van
Vliet developed an eclectic musical taste and formed friendship with Frank Zappa, with whom he sporadically
collaborated. He began performing with his Captain
Beefheart persona in 1964 and joined the original Magic Band line-up, initiated by Alexis Snouffer, in 1965. The group drew attention with their cover
of Bo Diddley's “Diddy Wah Diddy”, which became a regional hit. It was followed by
their acclaimed debut album 'Safe As
Milk', released in 1967 on Buddah
Records. After being dropped by two consecutive record labels, they signed
to Zappa's Straight Records. As
producer, Zappa granted Beefheart unrestrained artistic freedom
in making 1969's 'Trout Mask Replica', which ranked 58th in Rolling Stone
magazine's 2003 list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. In 1974,
frustrated by lack of commercial success, he released two albums of more
conventional rock music that were critically panned; this move, combined with
not having been paid for a European tour, and years of enduring Beefheart's strict discipline, led the
entire band to quit.
Beefheart
eventually formed a new Magic Band with a group of younger musicians and
regained contemporary approval through three final albums: 'Shiny Beast (Bat Chain Puller)' (1978), 'Doc At The Radar Station'
(1980) and 'Ice Cream For Crow' (1982).
Van Vliet has
been described as “One of modern music's
true innovators” with “A singular
body of work virtually unrivaled in its daring and fluid creativity.”
Although he achieved little commercial or mainstream critical success, he
sustained a cult following as a 'highly significant' and 'incalculable'
influence on an array of New Wave, punk, post-punk, experimental and
alternative rock musicians.
Known
for his enigmatic personality and relationship with the public, Van Vliet made few public appearances
after his retirement from music (and from his Beefheart persona) in 1982. He pursued a career in art, an interest
that originated in his childhood talent for sculpture, and a venture that
proved to be his most financially secure.
His
expressionist paintings and drawings command high prices, and have been
exhibited in art galleries and museums across the world. Van Vliet died in 2010, having suffered from multiple sclerosis for
many years.
This
extraordinary record catches the Captain
at his best; live on stage in 1977. A few days after the show he said:
“This band is so good - the best I have ever had! They
play with a smile. They really breathe up there when they are playing. After
all this time I have finally found the band I'm looking for. It's amazing!
Playing with this group is like going for a walk: they are so happy when they
play. People I meet from the audience have been coming up and telling me how
pleased they are that I have finally found a band that I am content with - and
they are right”.
“The gig we played in Paris was monstrous. It was
three days ago, but I haven't slept since - it was so good! And my voice, well,
I can still feel that show in my voice. It hit me so hard I am down to three octaves....
I couldn't get over the way the audience was singing along with it, singing the
words back at me in English - and I don't speak a word of French”.
“This group, I tell you, I couldn't believe that there
were such nice people still around on this earth. True, they are playing what I
have written, but they really are playing. This band is moving so fast that
very soon I won't have to tell them anything. I really must say this band is
the best”.
To purchase
Captain Beefheart 'Le Nouvel Hippodrome, Paris 1977' DBL CD:
Press
inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR,
PH: 828-350-8158 (USA)
