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THE MAGIC BAND

RIO/Avant-Prog • United States


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The Magic Band picture
The Magic Band biography
After two decades, we were to witness the reformation of the Captain Beefheart's Magic Band; with the unfortunate absence from the Captain himself. The first news of the reunion was announced to the world during an interview with Bill Harkleroad on Patrick Neve's Radio show ("The Big Note", Campus Radio) in October 2001. Harkleroad, expressed he had meet up with Denny Walley, Mark Boston and John French, which entailed several days of rehearsing.

UCLA performing arts showed much interest in this proposition and helped fund the project, with the hope to put on a show with Beefheart paintings, video projects and a 40min set form the reformed band. Ultimately the plan was for two shows to be held. (London and Stockholm). When the attempts to contact Jeff Cotton bared no fruit Denny Walley was to take his place on the guitar, Mark Boston on Bass, John French on drums and Bill Harkleroad on guitar. Unfortunately before their first concert Bill Harkleroad was unable to attend and was to be replaced by Gary Lucas. This was to be the solid lineup for most show here on in for the band. Now as more proficient musicians, feeling more relaxed with each other musician capabilities, they turned their lives shows into something to witness. Dismissing any rumors this was just another chance to cash in. For fans of the band this gave a momentous chance to relive the electricity of "The Magic Bands" hay days.

For a period after these two shows, things were hashed in the camp of "The Magic Band"; but it was not for too long before news broke. "The Magic band" was to start recording in the winter of 2002 (releasing in 2003). Essentially the record was to be a live rehearsal recording, playing numbers from some of their most famous records; Trout Mask Replica, Safe As Milk and Lick My Decals Off Baby.


From 2002 - 2006 the band has undergone wealth's of touring around the world; going on the release another CD (2005) and live DVD (2004).

For Fans of Captain Beefheart and his magic band, this is a project not to be missed. Giving and all around insight into what the band is about, especially for the younger generations who never were able to witness their live feats.


: : : Band addition (biography and discography) made by Black Velvet (Adam) : : :


Discography:
Back to the Front, studio album (2003)
Live in concert & Crow's Milk, live (2004)
21st Century Mirror Men, studio album (2005)

THE MAGIC BAND Videos (YouTube and more)


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THE MAGIC BAND discography


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THE MAGIC BAND top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

4.00 | 1 ratings
Back To The Front
2003

THE MAGIC BAND Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.10 | 2 ratings
21st Century Mirror Men
2005

THE MAGIC BAND Videos (DVD, Blu-ray, VHS etc)

5.00 | 1 ratings
Live In Concert & Crow's Milk
2004

THE MAGIC BAND Boxset & Compilations (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

THE MAGIC BAND Official Singles, EPs, Fan Club & Promo (CD, EP/LP, MC, Digital Media Download)

THE MAGIC BAND Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 21st Century Mirror Men by MAGIC BAND, THE album cover Live, 2005
3.10 | 2 ratings

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21st Century Mirror Men
The Magic Band RIO/Avant-Prog

Review by Sean Trane
Special Collaborator Prog Folk

3 stars 3.5 stars really!!!

The backing band of Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band reprise their best moments without Don Van Vliet. In the absence of Beefheart, as you'd guess, The Magic Band covers their own material in an instrumental fashion, which is rather very interesting (since the emphasis is on the backing band's music rather than on Don's growling and sometimes overpowering presence. This two disc affair is composed of a live CD recorded in °3 and 04 throughout the US and mostly the UK and a DVD recorded one night on that same tour. While both are relatively equivalent in quality, clearly the DVD resituates the wild and crazy feeling of one of their concert. I always found that Don & His Boys' music was best understood live, and this second disc is yet another proof even without the master's presence. While not quite revolutionary or even wildly adventurous after over three decades of this type of music, the group manages to give the audience a fully applied musical hoof in your butt, something that they've done so well over the years.

While quite enjoyable, I can imagine that only Capt Beefheart unconditional fans would really be all that interested in such an album. Even if it is easy to see that this is also a perfect introduction to Beefheart's universe: although it might just be a bit of a shame to discover this rather special oeuvre with a record that is precisely without the master's presence, it actually is also evident that Don Van Vliet's absence makes the penetration of his works all that much easier, more accessible for the novice to start understanding it.

Thanks to Black Velvet for the artist addition.

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