In Living Color: Chris Darrow Tribute
Filed under: In Living Color | Posted by: jody
Chris Darrow and Akron/Family
You may not recognize Chris Darrow by name, but his work with Kaleidoscope, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Linda Rondstadt and Michael Nesmith definitely speaks for itself. On Sunday evening, Everloving Records and Folk Yeah brought together a handful of musicians, including Akron/Family, Ben Harper, Howlin’ Rain, Jonathan Wilson, Charlie Wadhams and others to pay tribute to Darrow in honor of the re-release of his two solo records, Chris Darrow (1973) and Under My Own Disguise (1974), on March 10 via Everloving Records
Chris Darrow and Ben Harper
Darrow, who was in attendance at the McCabe’s show, took to the stage halfway through the evening and joked that most of the time when people do tributes, the subject of said tribute is dead. He expressed immense gratitude that he is, in fact, still alive and able to witness all of these young bands singing his praises. Darrow then proceeded to play a couple of tunes, including an insanely beautiful new love song called “Gospel Truth” which only served to remind us why we were there paying tribute to this brilliant musician and songwriter.
Howlin’ Rain
The other performances were top notch as well, with each band performing two or three of Darrow’s songs a piece. Highlights of the evening included Akron/Family’s set (which was like Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Albatross’ mixed with some crazy Appalachian-tinged three part harmonies), Ben Harper and Darrow jamming together and sharing stories about how Ben grew up just blocks from Darrow in their hometown of Claremont, California, and when Howlin’ Rain’s Ethan Miller and Joel Robinow whipped out some brightly colored kazoos and performed an inspired dueling kazoos breakdown. Supposedly, the event was recorded and I sincerely hope that they’ll consider releasing the footage soon. A special thank you goes out to Bobby Kittleman of Truer Sources Of Sound for sending me these pictures to share with you. More pics are after the jump.
Jonathan Wilson
Jonathan Wilson
Charlie Wadhams
Howlin’ Rain
Howlin’ Rain
Akron/Family and Chris Darrow
Akron/Family
Akron/Family
Ben Harper
Ben Harper and Chris Darrow
Ben Harper
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Thanks for posting these pix from the show. I am grateful to all who attended my night of tribute. It was an overwhelming experience and one I will never forget. Thanks to all who showed up.
Love,
Chris Darrow
I was there and what a great night of music! Chris’s son Steven and his band rocked McCabe’s with their metal versions of Darrow’s songs. Chris’s 2 song set was way to short but we did see him team up with Ben on “Whipping Boy” and again with the Akron Family. Kudos to McCabes’s, Everloving Records and “JP” for putting on such special evening of music. Chris Darrow is a treasure and I hope we get to hear and see more of him in the coming year.
Comment by Eric 03.03.09 @ 10:52 pmKool event; glad to have been there with so many fine musicians and folk. Congratulations to Chris.
Comment by Terry Gilkeson 03.03.09 @ 11:26 pmMy memory goes back to when a 12 year old kid told me that his guitar was going to be his life. Teachers remember these thing. How did we all get old. It is, though better than the alternative.
Comment by Redge Ranyard 03.03.09 @ 11:44 pmi just wish I could have been there to see the line up. i’m sure you got the right guy, the older dude; my Pal, you rock. jimmie fadden ngdb
Comment by jimmie fadden 03.04.09 @ 2:42 amThe night was a pleasant surprise on so many levels. I went to experience the magic that is Akron Family but left the show with a greater understanding of the foundation which folk music was built upon. Great meeting you Jody.
Comment by Capt AKAK 03.04.09 @ 1:14 pmI’m am extremely happy and proud for one of my best friends and songwriting partner! Love you chris!!!! connie
Comment by connie 03.05.09 @ 12:34 pmI really wish I could have been there to see this.. It looks like it was a great night.
Comment by Eric 03.13.09 @ 10:47 amLeave a comment