The Concert For Bangla Desh
This is not a B-Movie by any means, but I just recently listened to this all the way through for the first time in years. So I thought I would share my opinion of this album.
George Harrison organized this benefit concert in August of 1971. It was the first of it's kind. His band included Eric Clapton and Badfinger. This was the first major charity event held. This concert was for the relief of the famine ravaged people of India. Fresh off of the release of "All Things Must Pass" Harrison, my favorite Beatle, is in great form. I have this on a 3 record set, and while it isn't of the best sound quality it is a great concert. An entire side of the record is Ravi Shankar playing "Bangla Dhun." If you've ever wondered what sitair music was this probably the best way to hear it. Shankar played similar music at the Monterey Pop Festival, but I still think it was passing fad of the 60's. The music is great, but this is the best representation for it's kind without buying a Shankar record.
Billy Preston guests with his "That's The Way God Planned It." A gospel tinged tune with plenty of back up singers. Ringo Starr sings his hit "It Don't Come Easy", and mumbles his way through most of it. I would think this was during his party days with Keith Moon from The Who. From what I have read those two were the leaders of sex, drugs, and rock n' roll during the early 70's. Harrison returns to the stage to play "Beware of Darkness" a great song, and George of course is so very pleasant on the vocals.
The introduction of the band is next. Eric Clapton highlights next with "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." A song which we all know he played the lead guitar on for the White album. I guess it's the least he could do after stealing George's wife with "Layla." She must have been hot, because Donovan wrote one for her as well. Leon Russell, the man behind Joe Cocker's "Mad Dogs and Englishman" is in top form with a medley of "Youngblood" and "Jumpin' Jack Flash." This guy is full of soul. He can walk it and talk it. It's a shame "Tightrope" wasn't released at this time. He may have stole the show. Harrison returns to play "Here Comes The Sun." At the beginning it sounds like the mics are working against him, but as always he comes through with a great song.
The great Bob Dylan is up next. The crowd reaction is awesome. I think sometimes Bob could walk on stage and walk off and get a standing ovation. Dylan hadn't realeased and album for a while before this performance. Actually, his last album "New Morning" was released in 1970. It would be four years before "Blood On The Tracks" came out. He ws in a still period in his career. His performance at this concert is the best part of the whole soundtrack. He plays "Hard Rain", "It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It's Takes A Train To Cry", "Blowin' In The Wind", " Mr. Tamborine Man", and "Just Like A Woman." Bob Dylan is a hit and miss singer when he is live. I've seen him three times, and it's like seeing three different singers. I will say the crowd at this Madison Square Garden show got some of the best he has to offer. If you listen closely he bumps the microphone a couple of times wit his harmonica.
Harrison returns to the mic with "Something" from his Beatles days. This is the most covered song ever. Elvis always included this in his Vegas shows. We all know Harrison does it best though. The concert ends with Harrison's song "Bangla Desh." Harrison proved he was a great humanitarian, and this was truly a great concert.
George Harrison organized this benefit concert in August of 1971. It was the first of it's kind. His band included Eric Clapton and Badfinger. This was the first major charity event held. This concert was for the relief of the famine ravaged people of India. Fresh off of the release of "All Things Must Pass" Harrison, my favorite Beatle, is in great form. I have this on a 3 record set, and while it isn't of the best sound quality it is a great concert. An entire side of the record is Ravi Shankar playing "Bangla Dhun." If you've ever wondered what sitair music was this probably the best way to hear it. Shankar played similar music at the Monterey Pop Festival, but I still think it was passing fad of the 60's. The music is great, but this is the best representation for it's kind without buying a Shankar record.
Billy Preston guests with his "That's The Way God Planned It." A gospel tinged tune with plenty of back up singers. Ringo Starr sings his hit "It Don't Come Easy", and mumbles his way through most of it. I would think this was during his party days with Keith Moon from The Who. From what I have read those two were the leaders of sex, drugs, and rock n' roll during the early 70's. Harrison returns to the stage to play "Beware of Darkness" a great song, and George of course is so very pleasant on the vocals.
The introduction of the band is next. Eric Clapton highlights next with "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." A song which we all know he played the lead guitar on for the White album. I guess it's the least he could do after stealing George's wife with "Layla." She must have been hot, because Donovan wrote one for her as well. Leon Russell, the man behind Joe Cocker's "Mad Dogs and Englishman" is in top form with a medley of "Youngblood" and "Jumpin' Jack Flash." This guy is full of soul. He can walk it and talk it. It's a shame "Tightrope" wasn't released at this time. He may have stole the show. Harrison returns to play "Here Comes The Sun." At the beginning it sounds like the mics are working against him, but as always he comes through with a great song.
The great Bob Dylan is up next. The crowd reaction is awesome. I think sometimes Bob could walk on stage and walk off and get a standing ovation. Dylan hadn't realeased and album for a while before this performance. Actually, his last album "New Morning" was released in 1970. It would be four years before "Blood On The Tracks" came out. He ws in a still period in his career. His performance at this concert is the best part of the whole soundtrack. He plays "Hard Rain", "It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It's Takes A Train To Cry", "Blowin' In The Wind", " Mr. Tamborine Man", and "Just Like A Woman." Bob Dylan is a hit and miss singer when he is live. I've seen him three times, and it's like seeing three different singers. I will say the crowd at this Madison Square Garden show got some of the best he has to offer. If you listen closely he bumps the microphone a couple of times wit his harmonica.
Harrison returns to the mic with "Something" from his Beatles days. This is the most covered song ever. Elvis always included this in his Vegas shows. We all know Harrison does it best though. The concert ends with Harrison's song "Bangla Desh." Harrison proved he was a great humanitarian, and this was truly a great concert.
posted by Sam at 7:34 AM
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