The evening was billed as "Carla Olson & Friends", but since John York was one of the friends, it quickly turned into a celebration of The Byrds and especially the band's co-founder, Gene Clark.
The crowd loved it.
Of course, The Byrds were in many ways the ultimate L.A. band, certainly in the "Riot on Sunset Strip" era, and it was interesting to contemplate how many of the seniors in the crowd at McCabe's last night had seen the original Byrds feat. Gene Clark, Roger McGuinn, David Crosby, Chris Hillman, and Michael Clarke on The Strip back in the day.
Carla Olson and many of her Texas/L.A. country rock compatriots in the 1980s befriended Gene Clark, who lived many of his later years in L.A. and died here in 1991.
Carla recorded a classic album with Gene in 1987, So Rebellious A Lover, which some consider the first "Americana" album.
John York, besides playing in The Byrds, also worked extensively with Gene Clark. (He was the "Y" in CRY, feat. Gene Clark, the late Pat Robinson, and John York. A fellow named Nicky Hopkins contributed keyboards.)
Stephen McCarthy of The Long Ryders added excellent vocals, guitar, and pedal steel.
Carla, John, Rob Waller, and Johnny Indovina impressed us all with their voices and spirits.
Paul Marshall (bass, backing vocals) and Ben Lecourt (drums) added their magic as well to a magical night.
ThisSmallPlanet Video: Carla Olson, John York, Stephen McCarthy, Rob Waller, and Johnny Indovina live at McCabe's, Santa Monica, California, February 21, 2020.
1. She Don't Care About Time
2. Del Gato (Intro)
3. Del Gato
4. Gypsy Rider (feat. Rob Waller)
5. I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better
6. Mr. Tambourine Man
7. Eight Miles High
8. Turn! Turn! Turn!
The crowd loved it.
Of course, The Byrds were in many ways the ultimate L.A. band, certainly in the "Riot on Sunset Strip" era, and it was interesting to contemplate how many of the seniors in the crowd at McCabe's last night had seen the original Byrds feat. Gene Clark, Roger McGuinn, David Crosby, Chris Hillman, and Michael Clarke on The Strip back in the day.
Carla Olson and many of her Texas/L.A. country rock compatriots in the 1980s befriended Gene Clark, who lived many of his later years in L.A. and died here in 1991.
Carla recorded a classic album with Gene in 1987, So Rebellious A Lover, which some consider the first "Americana" album.
John York, besides playing in The Byrds, also worked extensively with Gene Clark. (He was the "Y" in CRY, feat. Gene Clark, the late Pat Robinson, and John York. A fellow named Nicky Hopkins contributed keyboards.)
Stephen McCarthy of The Long Ryders added excellent vocals, guitar, and pedal steel.
Carla, John, Rob Waller, and Johnny Indovina impressed us all with their voices and spirits.
Paul Marshall (bass, backing vocals) and Ben Lecourt (drums) added their magic as well to a magical night.
ThisSmallPlanet Video: Carla Olson, John York, Stephen McCarthy, Rob Waller, and Johnny Indovina live at McCabe's, Santa Monica, California, February 21, 2020.
1. She Don't Care About Time
2. Del Gato (Intro)
3. Del Gato
4. Gypsy Rider (feat. Rob Waller)
5. I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better
6. Mr. Tambourine Man
7. Eight Miles High
8. Turn! Turn! Turn!
It was so nice to hear The Byrds especially with these folks, especially now.
The sentiments expressed by the songs, as delivered by these talented artists, are sentiments that are sorely missed today.
There has been so much fear, hate, and despair.
Perhaps these songs can resonate and make people remember what it was like to trust, love, and hope.
May it be so...
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