CMM Grammy Weekend Rundown - Beck, Tom Petty, Quincy Jones, Russell Simmons, Loretta Lynn and more

CMM was in Los Angeles for the 59th Annual Grammy Awards and the celebrations that carried on throughout Grammy Weekend. It was 3 days of non stop excitement, pageantry and of coarse music. Here's our in depth rundown on the weekends events.

TOM PETTY HONORED AS MUSICARES PERSON OF THE YEAR

Friday evening Tom Petty was honored by The Grammy Foundation as MusiCares Person Of The Year for his charitable work to help with the homeless population in Los Angeles. The evening featured performances from the likes of Stevie Nicks, Gary Clark Jr., Foo Fighters, Don Henley, Norah Jones, Kings Of Leon and more. “Tom burst into our musical consciousness and never let go,” said Neil Portnow, President and CEO of MusiCares, “His brand of rock and roll benefits from a celebratory rebelliousness, infectious rhythms, and unforgettable lyrics that are incised in our imaginations. His artistic talents coupled with his quiet philanthropy make him a great MusiCares Person of the Year honoree, and we are very fortunate to have the support of our Board, past honorees, and the musical community around this special event.”

Soon Petty took the stage to address the crowd made up of long time friends, fellow musicians and family members. “I am so very pleased to be honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year. I have so much respect for this organization, which really does care about the people in our industry,” said Petty. “I myself know many people who MusiCares has aided in desperate situations. Again, let me say this is a true honor.”

BECK PERFORMS AT THE HOLLYWOOD PALLADIUM AS PART OF THE NEW CITI SOUND VAULT CONCERT SERIES

Later Friday evening Beck performed as part of the Citi Sound Vault Concert Series that also included performances from Sting and Metallica. The show was incredible as the 2 plus hour set opened with "Devils Haircut" followed by glorious renditions of "Loser" and "Black Tambourine". The mood came down a bit during passionate renditions of "Go It Alone" and "Lost Cause" before ramping it up again for high energy takes on recent single "Wow" and other fan favorites "Girl" and "E-Pro". The crowd was going absolutely ballistic which brought the band back out for an encore that featured an infectious version of "Paper Tiger" follwed by an extended performance of "Where It's At" that also ventured into sections of "Billie Jean" "Takin' It To The Streets" and "China Girl". Hands down one of the best performances I've seen in years. Look for a brand new Beck album very very soon.

FAMILY, FRIENDS AND FELLOW MUSICIANS GATHERED AT THE TROUBADOUR FOR A PRE-GRAMMY TRIBUTE TO LORETTA LYNN

Saturday night The Americana Music Association put on their annual Pre-Grammy Salute at The Troubadour. This year Lori McKenna, Robbie Folks, Kesha, Leslie Stevens, John Carter Cash, Patsy Lynn Russell and many others celebrated the career of the legendary Loretta Lynn as the All Star ensemble delivered inspiring renditions of Loretta Lynn classics throughout a truly delightful evening.

Nashville native Kesha offered an incredible rendition of "Hello Darlin’,” which was written by Conway Twitty but according to Kesha "the first time I ever heard it Loretta was singing it. That’s the way I fell in love with this song.” she added “I’ve only practiced it about half a time, so if I fuck up whatever!”. My personal favorite performances where Leslie Stevens take on “Silver Threads and Golden Needles" and Brandy Clark's feisty version of “You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man)”. Later singer/producer Joe Henry did a captivating version of "Whispering Sea" which was as heartfelt as it was intense. He then introduced John Carter Cash, who co-produced Lynn’s latest album. as "a man I just met moments ago, but I spent my entire life imagining I was a member of his tribe.” Patsy Lynn Russell, Loretta's daughter then joined Cash on the classic “Everything It Takes”.

Patsy then reflected on her mother's songwriting process “One of the things my mom has always told me is ‘I’m a songwriter, then a singer", "She didn’t even have to hire a psychiatrist, because her story was told through her songs. It didn’t matter what my dad was doing, because that was her biggest inspiration. And the cool thing about my dad is he let my mom write songs like ‘You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man)’ and ‘Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind)’ and ‘Fist City.’ I think he kind of liked it!” She also read a letter from her Mother expressing her gratitude for everyone who came out to the night's celebration. Brandy Clark then returned to close out the evening with the Loretta Lynn staple "Coal Miners Daughter" followed by a group rendition of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” that featured all of the evenings artists.

QUINCY JONES AND RUSSELL SIMMONS HONORED AT THE 2ND ANNUAL CITY GALA

The 2nd Annual City Gala took place on Sunday night at The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall following the 59th Annual Grammy Awards. Entrepreneur Magazine with sponsors Daniely Design Group and Allure Events and Catering, presented awards to 27 time Grammy winner Quincy Jones and to hip hop music legend and co-founder of Def Jam Records, Russell Simmons.

John Paul DeJoria, founder of Paul Mitchell hair products and Patron Spirits, presented Quincy Jones with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his commitment to philanthropy. The Quincy Jones Listen Up Foundation has built more than 100 homes in South Africa and provided intensive support in technology, education, culture and music for South African youth. Reflecting on Jones award DeJoria said “I consider Quincy Jones to be a good friend to everyone, and am especially honored to present him with the 2017 Lifetime Achievement award. Even more than his record of 27 Grammy wins, his devotion to philanthropy through the Quincy Jones Foundation and in efforts to address cancer, malaria, and as an activist for children makes him the ideal recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award.”

Simmons’ was honored for his tireless work in support of the arts, animal rights, ethnic understanding and other core causes, including equality of marriage and gay rights. "Whether promoting the arts, education and entrepreneurship, or working to end discrimination and increase understanding, I try to use my platform to uplift and empower others,” Simmons said. “I am honored to be recognized by this group of individuals who are so deeply committed to celebrating our collective good deeds.”

"Approaching Noise" An interview with Caustic Roll Dave

Barcelona based musician Caustic Roll Dave has been releasing records for several years now. His latest album "Approaching Noise" blends traditional blues sounds with industrial beats matched with an experimental twist creating a sound all his own We sat down with Dave to discuss how he got into music and the artists that inspired him early on, the current music scene in Barcelona and the making of "Approaching Noise".

CMM-What are some of your first musical memories and what bands/artists made the biggest impact on your musical style?

Dave-My first musical memories are from my childhood. My father is a huge fan of Dylan and artists like The Stones, Creedance Clearwater Revival, Hendrix, blues and jazz, so he played this music on the Hi-Fi while I was playing at home. I was really lucky with that. I’ve been listening to music so many years, I’m quite old so lots of music has influenced me in some way. As I said before, music I listened to at home I think Dylan, Stones and blues like John Lee Hooker (when he plays alone), Lighting Hopkins, Robert Johnson… surely made an impact on me. People usually ask me about blues artists but although I like it I’m not a huge expert of any blues artist. I think I’m more into artist who have been influenced by blues…. Ok maybe It’s a stupid thing, who is not influenced by blues in some way? Artists focused in raw and primitive sounds for example like The Stooges, Cramps, JSBX, The Sonics, ... really made the hit on me. Hip Hop was a true influence as well. Public Enemy, NWA, Beastie Boys,Geto Boys, etc… I love those guys man. The sampling process is a key process in my music, and the Bomb Squad productions maybe are the top of all that. That links with James Brown and the primitive funk from the early 70’s. They bring the groove!!! The 90’s which I say they begun aprox in 1987, make a deep impact as I lived that musical period so intense. Ok I know the 70’s or 60’s or whatever have so much good music but they weren’t contemporary to my existence, so I guess that was definitely a point. Jane’s Addiction, Nine Inch Nails, PJ Harvey, Nick Cave, Soundgarden, Screaming Trees, Beck, Pixies, Kyuss, Man or astroman… there was a blend of everything those years. And of course Tom Waits, and other classics, say Neil Young or Led Zeppelin… The 50’s rockers like Eddie Cohran as well.

CMM-What was the song writing and recording process like when making your latest album "Approaching Noise"? Any particular inspiration for the songs?

Dave-The song writing process is “there is no process”. Some structures can begin just from a simple drum loop or a beatbox idea. Some from a chord or a guitar riff. My music is very primitive and simple; there are no complicated structures, changes and so on. Always music first and then lyrics. Recording process is quite slow. I would like to improve that! But the way of writing affects that. You try something, then you change that, then I leave it there for some time, I come back, etc… There’s no particular inspiration for the songs. I think the album works well as a whole unique identity but there isn’t a common message or thread.

CMM-How did the song "Low Cost Countdown Beat" come about? What inspired you to make that track?

Dave-I think this song or “Many Pigs” are representative of that mess of primitive old bluesy sound and industrial or electronic beats I look for. Say Industrial Blues? Maybe… In Low Cost Countdown Beat I think there’s some Alec Empire breakbeats inspiration that I blend with the old style blues harmonica sounds. I think It works perfectly in that song.

CMM-Any particular gear you all used in making the album?

Dave-Well, sure the rare or the non-usual one is the Resontaor Cavaquinho. Somekind of a ukulele with the resonator system of a Dobro. I bought it in Rio de Janeiro. The opening riff in “What We Undertand” for example is that instrument. The software I used is so old, it’s quite ridiculous in some way. It hasn't been updated in the last 10 years???

CMM-If you could do a film score for any film director who would it be?

Dave-Not really any preference. I think what kind of film I would have to attempt to score would be more important. Wim Wenders , Jim Jarmush, Cohen could be a choice…

CMM-What is the music scene like in Barcelona right now?

Dave-It is strange to answer this question because I realize that I’m out of the scene, It seems that Caustic Roll Dave is not welcomed hahahaha,… If we could agree that there’s one. There are a lot of people doing music in different directions. There are also people trying to get new things out or to promote gigs but times are hard except for a few that reach that level of popularity to be everywhere and generally repeating the formula that works for them and it seems people love. But I think it’s quite similar everywhere.

CMM-Any touring or shows planned for the coming months?

Dave-No. I would say that for the moment the touring is coming to an end. I will begin again to restart after summer. But I had a call from and electronic festival yesterday. That’s interesting and it seems that not everybody is a prisoner of music genres.

CMM-Were do you see the future of your music heading? Any different sounds or genres that you would like to explore more and incorporate into your music?

Dave-I usually change my mind every day. Sometimes I want to focus more in the groove and beats, heading to a more hip hop oriented sound. Sometimes I would move to the desert and bring more desert-stoner feelings. And maybe tomorrow I think I will do an electronic album. Or do an acoustic EP. So finally I decide I’m going to do some caustic-rolling music. Actually I’m a little confused. I’m listening to some demos I have recorded this year and I can’t say that there’s a particular direction. I've been thinking of making a band, too as I play alone. I think It could be very challenging to try that but at the same time it would take a lot of time and work.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Ballad Of Geraldine "What's The Deal" single/video (balladofgeraldine.bandcamp.com)

I've written about the greatness of this band recently as their self titled E.P. (which this track is from) was one of my favorites of 2015. However the band just released this awesome video clip for "What's The Deal" so I thought why not share it and spread the word again on this rugged indie rock unit based in Halle, Germany. Their dusky vocals, garage rock guitars and galloping drums are nothing short of stellar and it's certainly the kind of track made for kicking off a red hot summer. Looking forward to hearing new music from this crew soon.

Bearstronaut "Black Bells" Single (Bearstronaut.com)

A luscious track that takes us back to classic 80's electro pop bands like Erasure, Alphaville and Duran Duran. Throw this into an 80's Night DJ set and the crowd will assure you they used to "tape this song off the radio". It's catchy, hard hitting beat and liquid like synths flow passionately over a sparse layer of chorus fueled guitar textures. Hands down the closest thing I've heard to a dance floor anthem in years. A remarkable effort indeed.

Beck "Wow" Single (beck.com)

Some may call this a return to "Old School" Beck but honestly Beck is always just being Beck regardless of what particular "style" he might be evoking at the time. Still after watching "Southlander: Diary of a Desperate Musician" this week I am fondly reminded of Beck's "Bong Load" years when he was making music in a small isolated shack that served as his mad scientist lab. The banging beat that runs franticly through "Wow" is sure to make you want to jump around immediately . Not sure if he's using the infamous white keyboard here but it's certainly full of lively instrumentation that's colorful and bright and of course Beck's laid back lyrical flow is in full effect alongside a rousing chorus full of dreamy backing vocals. A fine addition to the Beck catalog that is sure to put a smile on your face.

Melvins "Bases Loaded" LP (melvinsofficial.bandcamp.com)

So it's finally summer and baseball season is in full swing. I find myself on the edge of my seat almost daily as I watch my Kansas City Royals defend their crown. So how happy was I to discover earlier this week that mlb.com was going out on a limb and hosting this latest Melvins effort for all the world to hear. The album features six different bass players including contributions from Steve McDonald from the legendary Los Angeles glam punk band Redd Kross and their old friend Krist Novoselic from Nirvana plus return appearances by former bassists Jeff Pinkus (Butthole Surfers), Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle/Fantomas), Jared Warren (Big Business) and Dale Crover. According to King Buzzo, “More is more! As hard as it might be to believe, all of these bass players contribute something of their own to Basses Loaded which gives the whole album a good kick right in it’s big fat ass.” Yes many of these songs have been released before on the highly limited "Beer Hippy" and "War Pussy" E.P.'s but pairing them up with the three new tracks and making them readily available to the masses was a great thing to do. Plus who can resist a cover of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame". A thunderous blast of rock n roll sure to melt your speakers and crush your skull.

The Orange Kyte "Inside Out n' Upside Down" Single (theorangekyte.bandcamp.com)

"Inside Out n' Upside Down", the latest installment of The Orange Kyte singles series is a brilliant upbeat psych tinged number that's full of 60's swagger and sway. It's bright and fun and full of life and sits well alongside the bands previous singles. I must say the pounding drumming and garage rock organ tones add a delicious layer of icing to the cake. Another stroke of excellence from this Vancouver based rock n roll project.

VoirVoir "I Wanna" single (fleetingyouthrecords.bandcamp.com)

Damn this is good. This Bethlehem Pennsylvania unit create a whirlwind of sound that is second to none. "I Wanna" is the first single from the bands album "There Are No Good Goodbyes" which is set for a cassette release in mid July on Fleeting Youth Records. Simply put this band pulls out all the stops when it comes to their brand of indie rock madness. Sure you can reference bands like The Pixies, Flaming Lips and Mercury Rev but VoirVoir definitely have their own personality and style. Highly recommended .

"Diamond Dogs" - We Miss You David Bowie

I am deeply saddened about the passing of David Bowie. He was one of the most innovative musicians and artists of all time and his influence and music will live on in our hearts and minds forever. It's hard to put into words how much his music means to me so I have put together a small collection of some of my favorite artists covering classic Bowie songs. I hope you enjoy them as much as i do. "Look up here, I’m in heaven. I’ve got scars that can’t be seen”.... Rest In Peace David Robert Jones.

Beck "Diamond Dogs"

Beck puts his one of a kind stamp on one of the most infectious and flamboyant tracks of Bowie's career. The pulsating beats, experimental electronics and underlying atmospherics are simply incredible and make it one of the best salutes to the "Thin White Duke" ever made.

Dinosaur JR "Quicksand"

From the "Whatever's Cool With Me" E.P. I always feel like J Mascis unique voice adds a haunting element to this classic tune from "Hunky Dory". The song is said to be heavily influenced by both Buddhism and occultism. It also references the magical society Golden Dawn. I revisit this version regularly and it never fails to charm me.

Nico "Heroes"

Backed with a swinging beat and more driving bass presence Nico's version of this song from Bowie's legendary "Berlin" period is incredibly comforting and fun. "Hero's" is said to be the most covered song of Bowie's catalog after "Rebel Rebel".

Candy Snatchers "Suffragette City"

Virginia punk rock n roll maniacs The Candy Snatchers blazed through one of Bowie's most raw and raunchy songs, led by the in your face attack of vocalist Larry May and the buzzsaw flair of guitarist Matthew Odietus. The B-Side to their "Survival Of The Fittest" 7" single released in 2000.

M Ward "Let's Dance"

A captivating rendition of the title track from Bowie's 1983 smash album. M Ward brings his gruff yet welcoming stoic stance to this timeless song in fine form.