A Conversation with Levon Helm and Larry Campbell for Acoustic Guitar Magazine
By Happy Traum
Blog
Welcome to Happy Traum's Homespun Blog!
Happy Traum's skillful musicianship and avid interest in traditional and contemporary music has brought him worldwide recognition. He has performed extensively throughout the U.S. Canada, Europe, Australia and Japan, and has appeared on recordings as a featured artist and as a member of various ensembles. He has recorded and/or performed with many top artists, including Bob Dylan, Chris Smither, Maria Muldaur, Eric Andersen, Rory Block, Jerry Jeff Walker, Allen Ginsberg, Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel and numerous others.
12-String Guitar Revisited
I was recently inspired to start playing 12-string again, many years after the untimely demise of my Fyllde (the one I played on my 12-string instructional video), which kind of imploded on me. I have always loved the sound of the twelve, but it's a commitment to start up with it again. Just think - twice as many strings to go out of tune!
Jorma Kaukonen's 70th Birthday Concert
Last month I was honored to be included in the Hot Tuna concert at New York's famed Beacon Theater, celebrating Jorma's big Seven-Oh. It was a star-studded musical evening and great fun to step out onto that glittering stage with Jorma, Jack Casady and a rockin' band. The packed, sell-out crowd was cheering from the first notes of Jorma's guitar, and they gave me, and all the other guests, their enthusiastic approval.
Bob Dylan at West Point
Back in the late ‘80s, Artie and I were playing an in-store CD release promotion at a Barnes and Noble in Albany while Bob was doing a sold-out concert at the Palace Theater. We hightailed it over there after our gig just in time to hear the last song, “Like a Rolling Stone.” Bob was already out of there long before the applause died out, but Victor Maimudes, Bob’s long-time road manager, spotted us and invited us to come down to West Point, where Bob was playing the next night. He graciously gave us backstage passes along with great seats for us and our family, and suggested we come to sound check to say hello to Bob.
Dave Van Ronk - Liner Notes
FOUR STRONG WINDS: DAVE VAN RONK LIVE IN MONTERREY