John Sebastian Live! July 21st 1970 "Younger Girl"

On July 21st 1970, Bill Graham presented John Sebastian, performing what turned out to be a primarily solo electric set, sandwiched between outstanding performances by New Orleans' legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Chicago at the creative peak of their original lineup.
Following the dissolution of The Lovin' Spoonful, Sebastian received an unexpected kick-start to his solo career, when he became an unscheduled performer on the first day of the legendary Woodstock festival the previous summer. Two of his songs, "I Had A Dream" and "Rainbows All Over Your Blues," seemed to capture the atmosphere of that moment perfectly and his appearance in the Woodstock movie and the soundtrack album releases catapulted Sebastian into one of the most recognized singer-songwriters of 1970. Earlier that year he could be found living in a tent on The Grateful Dead's ranch, writing new songs that would eventually comprise his first solo album. As is obvious from photos of that era, Sebastian took a
fancy to the Dead family's tie-dyed amplifier grilles and clothing, which he would embrace as his own colorful uniform. Following his memorable experience at Woodstock, Sebastian continued performing solo,often as an opening act for Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. He struck a solo deal with Reprise Records and began work on his first album, sessions for which featured the talents of Crosby, Stills, Nash and their drummer Dallas Taylor, as well as stellar musicians like Harvey Brooks, Buzzy Linhart and Buddy Emmons. This album, titled John B. Sebastian would contain much of his most memorable post-Lovin' Spoonful material and remains the most popular solo album of his career.
This Tanglewood set, recorded just shy of a year after Woodstock captures Sebastian at this time, performing spontaneously and without a planned setlist. Even on tape, Sebastian's enthusiasm is contagious and his conversational stage banter establishes a relaxed, intimate rapport with the Tanglewood audience.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• John Sebastian