Back in the studio after three weeks ‘on the road’ with the Eulenspiegel Puppet Theater. Today I’m presenting a set from my band as we were preparing to release our first recording project in 1978.
The Iowa music scene of that period was incredible in its vibrancy, diversity and kick-ass-ity. It was a time when musicians from all corners of the music universe came together in service to the muse.
Today we’re in the time/machine, landing in the year 1978 outside the bar at the corner of Forest Avenue and MLK. We pay the cover charge (don’t worry, we already took care of that for you) so you can take a seat near the stage at So’s Your Mothers, the storied live music bar established by a Drake University football player in 1968.
Settle in and join the full house as musicians Marcia Miget (woodwinds) John Grgurich (drums) the late, legendary Sam Salomone (Hammond Organ), Robert N. Parker (piano, synthesizer, vocals) the late Robert Aguiniga (percussion) and yours, truly (bass, leader) play a set for you.
Huge thanks to Peter Triolo, the original sound engineer who captured these performances on tape in realtime and to Tom McCurnin who lovingly preserved and further mastered them.
The element that I find most significant is the level of audience engagement readily apparent in the ambience. It was clear that we needed each other— the band and the audience— to make the experience something special.
In the weeks to come you’ll read and hear more of the local central Iowa music, musicians and milieu that produced artifacts like this performance. The influences which drive this music go back to the Jazz age, the Big Bang of country music (1927) and, of course the dawn of Rock’n Roll.
I’m particularly interested in the period that I call the “Post-Elvis - Pre-Beatles” era. The musicians of that short-but-intriguing period of youth music hold interesting stories. Stay tuned.
For now…..Enjoy your 4th with a 45-minute set from some great Iowa musicians playing America’s greatest cultural gift to the world….JAZZ music.
The Dartanyan Band recorded Live at: So's Your Mothers Des Moines, Iowa October 19, 1978
Recordist: Peter Triolo
Set List:
1. Jaimeo’s Joke (M.Miget, Brown)
2. Slow Roll (M.Miget, Brown)
3. Land of Sumar (M.Miget, S. Miget)
4. Weekend in LA (Benson)
T: 48:45
Why Music Matters