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A Tribute to Jack Bruce

2014-10-31T12:35:51+00:00

Cream

Jack Bruce, the bassist from 1960s band ‘Cream’ has died aged 71. The group which included Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker are now considered one of the most important bands in rock history, selling 35 million albums in just over two years and given the first ever platinum disc for Wheels of Fire. Bruce wrote and sang most of the songs, including "I Feel Free" and "Sunshine Of Your Love". The band performed live at the Royal Albert Hall for the last time in their 1968 ‘Farewell Concert’. The concert was filmed and broadcast on the BBC, and here they are performing the legendary ‘Sunshine of Your Love’

Cream perform 'Sunshine of Your Love' from Tony Palmer's 'Cream Farewell' 1968

From Tony Palmer's Cream Farewell 1968

Arena’s series editor, Anthony Wall began his career as the Morning Star’s rock critic from 1974-78. We dug out an interview he did with Jack Bruce in 1975, where he talks candidly about his political and musical roots, and on the formation of 'Cream’.

Cream article

INTO THE GLOBAL VILLAGE PERIOD - Jack Bruce talks to Anthony Wall, Morning Star Rock Critic

Jack Bruce, bassist extraordinary and all-round accomplished musician, comes from a Communist Party family from Bishop Briggs, near Glasgow. In 1971 he showed he hadn’t rejected his roots, by giving a series of fund-raiding benefit concerts for the UCS work-in. He was a member of the Young Communist League and sang in its choir. The music had a strong influence on his later work. “The music I write – it’s Scottish. We’re moving into the global village period, so the music I write has influences from the ghettoes of America, from India, but most of all from Scottish folk music”.

Bruce first came to prominence in the rhythm and blues scene of the mid 60s. So did drummer Ginger Baker and guitarist Eric Clapton and together they formed Cream and achieved unprecedented success and acclaim. Since then Bruce has played with a number of bands including Lifetime, which featured John MacLaughlin and Tony Williams, who played with Miles Davis for about nine years. At the beginning of this year Bruce formed a new group. ‘I hope that the band I’m with now will last forever, because it has the potential to do everything I want to. And I think that the only way you’ll achieve what you want to musically is by playing with the same group of musicians for a long time”.

The group consists of brilliant Mick Taylor (guitar), late of The Rolling Stones, Carla Bley (keyboards), a leading avant garde jazz composer, Bruce Gary, an American session drummer, and Ronnie Leahy (piano) who has played with a number of British bands, ‘I didn’t ask any of them, with the exception of Ronnie Leahy, to join the band. They all asked me if they could join because they wanted to play my music. This is marvelous – obviously”. Bruce is clearly the band leader and during their recent tour they relied heavily on material from his latest album “Out of the Storm”, but he is insisting on the others writing and there should be no shortage of ideas in a group so full of talent. Carla Bley has already written some pieces for a planned first album. Bruce has a unique bass playing style. “I play melodic bass, if you like, but that doesn’t mean I play it like a lead guitar. The bass was liberated in the late ‘50s, early ‘60s by jazz musicians like Charlie Haden and I feel I’m a logical development of that, moving into the rock field. “But I don’t think it matters what instrument you play. An instrument is merely an extension of your personality”. Bruce feels the same way about his songs. Though the words have usually been supplied by Pete Brown their overall meaning relates as much to him

“We write the words together. Sometimes Pete’s given me a poem or a set of lyrics, and I’ve set it to music in the traditional way, but usually we sit down and hammer out each image until it’s something I can sing”. Bruce talked about his musical ideals and the state of music at present. “I believe that rock and roll or rock or pop or whatever, that is, is the only music that is the people’s music. But what’s wrong with it is that it was a very limited emotional scope. What I’m trying to do is increase that.”. But he emphasized that the music had to work for the people who want to hear it. His ideal seemed to be musical freedom with the kind of rapport that exists between musicians and non-musicians among, say, black people in America.

“I spent a lot of time with Tony Williams, and he’s treated with such respect by non musicians, by his brothers. That’s what I thought we were beginning to move towards in ’67. Here it’s second class music, and I’m sure it’s kept that way because that’s the way the system is”. He talked about the way the possibilities that seemed to exist in Cream’s heyday, were destroyed. “When I started in the early 60s, we were very dedicated to spreading the word of improvised music, it wasn’t making money at all. Then there was an accident called Cream which made money. “It was the underground thing that happened in San Francisco and spread from there that made the group successful. There was a real underground, and at the beginning Cream was a member of it. I thought at last things were coming together. And then the big businessmen realized they could sell more records using the underground as a gimmick than they could to the ‘straights’. It was still called the underground, but it was very well thought out in a business way”. Bruce also criticized the approach some musicians had taken since then.

“Musicians spent a long time gaining freedom within a commercial basis, by which I mean being able to do the net gig, make the next record, not become millionaires. I think a lot of musicians are killing it. They go too far and play what to me is undisciplined drivel”. But Bruce feels that appreciation of music is underdeveloped in Britain. He has interesting views on the subject, which relate strongly to the way he sees society as a whole. “People talk in music, in time. Africans talk in 12, Japanese talk in three the British talk in two or four and their music comes out that way too. Africa music is wonderful, it incorporates all time signatures – or Balinese music which is the same. That’s what I’m trying to do”.

“It may seem complex, but it’s not. It’s because we’re still basically living with Victorian scruples. Even rock and roll is Victorian if you like, it was to be four square to succeed”. For Bruce there’s no straightforward formula for music and his attitude to music is inseparable from his attitude to life. “It’s pushing yourself to the limits in every way, in your life style. It’s as important as science or anything like that. It’s not that it should be this or it should be that, what is should be is people, extensions of their personalities, striving, really struggling, that’s what music is about”.

Amy Winehouse statue unveiled

2014-09-16T08:42:42+00:00

Radio 4 reports on new Amy Winehouse statue in Camden

A life sized statue of Amy Winehouse has been unveiled in Camden, North London, three years after the singers death to mark what would have been her 31st birthday. Her father Mitch said she was 'in love with Camden' and it is the place most fans associate with her. Crowds paid tribute to the legendary musician as the statue, complete with high heels and her iconic 'beehive', was revealed to the public.

Arena recorded a rare interview with Amy Winehouse when she visited the town of Dingle on Ireland's West Coast back in 2011. In a tiny church in the remote town, Amy sand an intimate set as part of the 'Other Voices' festival held every winter. To a crowd of no more than 80 people, it was a memorable gig. Presenter John Kelly interviewed the singer after her performance where she talks frankly on her musical roots and inspiration, not long before her tragic death.

Amy Winehouse performs and talks about her inspiration from Gospel music

Arena: Amy Winehouse - The Day She Came To Dingle (2012). Directed by Maurice Linanne, Series Editor - Anthony Wall

ARENA NEWS WEEK: Tribute to Richard Attenborough, Match Of The Day at 50 and Why Lawyers?

2014-08-29T11:03:14+00:00

TRIBUTE TO RICHARD ATTENBOROUGH

The Today Programme reports on the death of Lord Richard Attenborough

British film director Richard Attenborough has died at the age of 90. His sixty year career, first as an actor, then as a director, has been one of the longest running in British cinema history. Over many years, he has also been the driving force behind numerous chartiable causes, institutions and campaigns, receiving a knighthood in 1967. He will be remembered as one of the great figures of his generation.

Perhaps his most famous film, winning eight Oscars, was the 1982 biopic 'Gandhi'. It took Attenborough many years to get this film made after being approached with the idea by an Indian civil servant working in London in 1962. From that moment, Attenborough became obsessed with Gandhi's story and continued to raise funds until the idea became a reality twenty years later. In 2003, to mark his 80th birthday, Arena was granted special access to film Attenborough's day to day life. During the course of this, he took us back to the East London lodgings where Gandhi stayed on a visit to London. Here, Attenborough reflects on the long lasting effect and inspiration that Gandhi had on his own life and work.

Attenborough on making oscar winning biopic 'Gandhi'

Arena: Tha Many Lives Of Richard Attenborough (2003). Directed by Adam Low. Series Editor - Anthony Wall

'MATCH OF THE DAY' HITS 50

Match Of The Day at 50

As the new football season kicks off, the television institution that is Match Of The Day celebrates 50 years since it was first aired. The iconic programme has long been an ingrained part of Saturday night television, bridging the gap between the fans and the action before the days of full live TV coverage. The show made a special anniversary edition where footballers, pundits and commentators sing their praise for the show that has inspired and entertained them since 1954.

Watch the full programme on iplayer here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b04fd91h/match-of-the-day-at-50

Back in 2013, MOTD2 and Arena had an unlikely run in. To coincide with the broadcast of Arena: The Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour, MOTD made a special feature of the weekends football highlights cut together with scenes from the Beatles' pioneering film from 1967. The fab four and the premier league's finest...we always knew it was a match made in heaven...

Special piece featuring Arena: The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour

From Arena: Magical Mystery Tour Revisited (2012). Directed by Francis Hanly, Series Editor - Anthony Wall

'LET'S KILL ALL THE LAWYERS'

Why do we all hate lawyers? The Today Programme investigates

"The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers!". This famous line from Shakespeare's Henry VI part two has been a much reused phrase and now the inspiration behind a new play from David Epstein. A retired lawyer himself, he became fascinated by the audiences reaction to this line, cheering at the idea of it. Lawyers are often thought of as the most hated profession, and in Epstein's new script 'Incitement', he examines the social acceptability of such sentiments.

In July 1987, Ken Russell was summoned to defend himself in New York Supreme Court. The accusation was breach of contract, the plaintiff, Bob Guccione, one of the richest men in the world and publisher of Penthouse magazine. Guccione had engaged Russell to script and direct an adaptation of Defoe's 18th century novel 'Moll Flanders'. However, an acrimonious breakdown of relations between the two of them resulted in the cancellation of the film. Guccione claimed losses of over one million dollars and began a case to sue Russell. Arena followed Russell to New York as he prepared for the trial, and he gives us an insight into the rather unorthodox deal he made with his lawyer to keep his legal costs down.

Arena follows the case of Ken Russell vs.Bob Guccione

From Arena: Your Honour, I Object (1987). Directed by Nigel Finch, Series Editor - Anthony Wall

ARENA NEWS WEEK: Christopher Lee's 'My Way', Anniversary of Tiananmen Square and death of Lady Mary Soames

2014-06-06T12:09:53+00:00

CHRISTOPHER LEE RECORDS HEAVY METAL COVER OF 'MY WAY'

Radio 6 music interview with Sir Christopher Lee on his heavy metal recording of 'My Way'

Actor Sir Christopher Lee is marking his 92nd birthday by releasing an album of heavy metal cover versions. The album includes a version of Frank Sinatra's 'My Way', originally written by Paul Anka. "My Way is a very remarkable song" said the star..."It is also difficult to sing because you've got to convince people what you're saying is the truth".

Christopher Lee is by no means the first person to cover Frank Sinatra's masterpiece. The Arena classic 'My Way' investigates the appeal and power of the popular song through it's multiple versions. From Elvis Presley, to Sid Vicious and David Bowie, it has become an anthem for the individual. The song has been recorded over 140 times but none so powerfully as Dame Shirley Bassey, here seen giving a belting performance.

Arena looks back at the influence of Frank Sinatra's anthem

Arena: My Way (1979), directed by Nigel Finch

To see more on the origins of 'My Way' and a piece from Arena series editor Anthony Wall, visit the Arena webpage http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006pn88/profiles/myway

25th ANNIVERSARY OF TIANANMEN SQUARE

BBC News reports on the 25th anniversary of the Tiananment Square protests in Beijing

This week marks the 25th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square pro-democracy demonstrations in Beijing. Crowds of protestors, including students and factory workers camped out in the square before the Chinese security services moved in on the 4th June 1989. The estimated death toll ranged from several hundred to several thousand and 1,600 protestors were arrested.

Two years after the events in Tiananmen Square, Arena travelled to China to investigate the growing phenomena of Chinese rock music, which emerged in the years surrounding the protests. Cui Jian was the country's first rock star and through his ability to rally the youth against a political movement, he has been cited as China's answer to Bob Dylan. One of his most famous songs became a protest song for the Tiananmen march and his band went on to symbolise a new musical revolution in China.

Arena follows China's first rock star Cui Jian

Arena: Rhythms of the World - China Rocks: The Long March of Cui Jian (1991)

Directed by H.O. Nazareth, Series Editor - Anthony Wall

DEATH OF LADY MARY SOAMES

Lady Mary Soames

Lady Mary Soames, Winston Churchill's last surviving child, has died at the age of 91. She was the youngest of the five children of the wartime Prime Minister and his wife, Clementine. Mary Soames served in the auxiliary territorial service during World War Two, manning anti-aircraft batteries in London, Belgium and Germany.

Mary Soames went on to become the chairman of The National Theatre from 1989 - 1995, appointed by Margaret Thatcher's government. Arena interviewed her last year for the documentary charting the history and influence of The National Theatre. She candidly talks about her role as chairman which was regarded with deep suspicion by the theatre. Whilst Thatcher's idea may have been to have her keep an eye on the National, it was not long before she fell into good company with many of the actors, remembered fondly here by Ian McKellen and Richard Eyre.

Interview with Lady Mary Soames, chairman of The National Theatre from 1989 -95

Arena: The National Theatre (2013)

Directed by Adam Low, Produced by Martin Rosenbaum and David Sabel, Series Editor - Anthony Wall

ARENA NEWS WEEK: Dawlish, Anna Gordy Gaye and 'Backwater Blues'

2014-02-15T18:05:59+00:00

DAWLISH TRAIN TRACK DESTROYED

Residents on the sea front in Dawlish, South Devon, were told to evacuate immediately when the sea wall and rail line in front of their houses collapsed in the stormy weather. Network Rail said the line, which is hanging mid-air, would take a minimum of six weeks to repair, costing millions to the economy of the South West of England. Arena caught a glimpse of the Dawlish railway line just weeks before it was destroyed whilst filming for the upcoming documentary 'Whatever Happened To Spitting Image'. The train journey of Peter Fluck, co-creator of Spitting Image, was filmed from his home in Truro to London Paddington, passing through Dawlish on route.

Arena rushes from upcoming film 'Whatever Happened To Spitting Image'

Rushes from upcoming Arena: Whatever Happened To Spitting Image, due for TX in March 2014

ANNA GORDY GAYE DIES

Radio 4 pays tribute to Anna Gordy Gaye, former wife of Marvin Gaye, who died aged 92

Anna Gordy Gaye, former wife of Motown legend Marvin Gaye passed away at the age of 92. She was the sister of Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, and married one of the labels biggest stars. Very much a family affair, Anna and her sister worked in a Detroit nightclub from where she was able to introduce artists and musicians to her brother Berry. It was through this that she met Marvin Gaye, who at the time was part of the doo-wop group 'The Moonglows'. The pair then married in 1961 before divorcing in 1975.

Marvin Gaye's second wife was Jan, the daughter of Slim Gaillard. Slim was a fabulously idiosyncratic jazz performer who had led an extraordinary life. Born in Cuba, left stranded in Crete at the age of 12, having stowed away on a merchant ship who's cook was his father, lived in the Middle East until he was 16, learnt Greek and Arabic, and sailed to American on the Saint Laurence Seaway to land in Detroit. There, because of his languages, he was taken in by an Armenian family, became a runner for the Purple Gang, worked in car factories and became an amateur heavy weight champion. He went on to become a key player in the great days of 52nd Street, the Mecca of Jazz in New York. He had many children, at least two of them called Michael, who until this scene had never met. He contributed backing vocals to 'sexual healing' as a favour to his son-in-law, Marvin Gaye. This scene from Arena: Slim Gaillard's Civilisation is a record of his encounter with his daughter Jan and some of his children.

Jazz performer Slim Gaillard sings with daughter Jan, the second wife of Marvin Gaye

Arena: Slim Gaillard's Civilisation (1989), Directed by Anthony Wall

'BACKWATER BLUES': UK flooding hits record levels

BBC news reports on severe flooding in the UK

The UK has been hit by the worst storms in years with tens of thousands of homes left without power after hurricane -force winds battered the country this week. Sixteen severe flood warning remain for counties in the South West which have already been hit by severe flooding.

Composed in 1927, Bessie Smith's 'Backwater Blues' has long been associated with the great flood of the Mississippi River that occured that year. The song was written in sympathy with flood victims she had encountered who allegedly asked her to bear witness to their pain. In 1994, Arena filmed the Everly Brothers as they traced their roots back to Kentucky. Whilst visiting old friends and family, retired coalminer Mose Rager sings his own version of 'Backwater Blues' to Don and Phil.

Retired coalminer Mose Rager sings his own version of Bessie Smith's 'Backwater Blues'

From Arena: The Everly Brothers - Songs of Innocence and Experience (1984), Produced by Alan Yentob, Directed by Anthony Wall

ARENA NEWS WEEK: Pete Seeger, Tube strike and "Pips"

2014-02-07T14:51:44+00:00

OBITUARY: PETE SEEGER

BBC News reports on the death of legendary musician Pete Seeger

The American singer, song-writer and political activist, Pete Seeger, died on the 27th January at the age of 94. He was a leading figure in the revival of folk music in the 1940s and 50s and became a huge influence on a new generation of folk musicians such as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Judy Collins and Peter Paul and Mary.

Arena interviewed Pete seeger back in 1988 as he paid tribute to one of his greatest icons, Woody Guthrie. The pair formed the New York City based folk music group "Tha Almanac Singers", active between 1940 and 1943, along with Millard Lampell and Lee Hays. The group specialised in protest songs and Seeger and Guthrie were both active communists, singing together for the CIO unions in the 1940s. Here, Seeger talks about Guthrie's legendary anthem for the masses "This Land Is Your Land"

Pete Seeger sings and talks about Woody Guthrie's legendary anthem of the masses.

From Arena: Woody Guthrie (1988) Directed by Paul Lee, Series Editor - Anthony Wall

LONDON TUBE STRIKES

BBC London news reports on the 48 hour tube strike

Millions of people faced delays during the 48 hour strike by London underground workers who were protesting against job cuts and ticket office closures.

Ever wondered what the underground looks like from the drivers seat? Look no further than Arena's 2007 documentary 'Underground', a celebration of the world's oldest underground system. This film begins 150 years ago in a Victorian London of slums and gaslight and takes us on a mysterious adventure through tube history, with contributions from some of the Underground's very own staff.

The 2007 Arena film 'Underground' celebrates the worlds oldest underground system

From Arena: Underground (2007), Directed by Zimena Percival, Produced by Martin Rosenbaum, Series Editor - Anthony Wall

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 'PIPS'

Radio 4's Today Programme celebrates the 90th birthday of the 'pips', BBC Time Signal

This week marked 90 years since the Greenwich Time Signal, popularly known as the pips, the hourly markers broadcast across the BBC. Their reliable monotony that precedes the news has come to be a familiar sound for all BBC listeners. The six beeps were designed by John Reith, former head of the BBC, and Frank Watson Dyson, the Astronomer Royal. They were originally controlled by two mechanical clocks at the Royal Greenwich Observatory.

Arena's 'Radio Night' broadcast back in 1993 included a short film dedicated to the Time Signal. Nicknamed 'Mr Recorder' for his skill and revival of the recorder in the 20th century, Dr Carl Dolmetsch caused quite a stir when he discovered that the BBC pips had dropped a semitone from B flat to B natural. Following a media storm over the issue, the engineers were tracked down to explain where it all went wrong.

Short film about the BBC Time Signal for Arena's 1994 'Radio Night'

From Arena: Radio Night (1993), Directed by Fisher Dilke, Series Editor - Anthony Wall

RONNIE BIGGS, MIKHAIL KALASHNIKOV AND PHIL EVERLY

2014-01-24T16:01:55+00:00

The famous train robber, the inventor of the AK-47 and one part of legendary pop duo 'The Everly Brothers'...an unlikely trio of characters, but what do they have in common? Over the last few weeks, Ronnie Biggs, Mikhail Kalashnikov and Phil Everly passed away and Arena has found rare glimpses of all three characters in its archives.

BBC News: December 2013 - January 2014

Ronnie Biggs: 8 August 1929 - 18th December 2013

British criminal Ronnie Biggs who took part in the 1963 Great Train Robbery, died aged 84. He was part of the gang which escaped with £2.6 million from the Glasgow to London mail train on 8 August 1963. After escaping from Wandsworth prison in 1965, he became famous for 'going on the run' around the world. Firstly to Europe, then Australia and finally to Brazil, where he sought refuge from 1970 to 2001 before returning to the UK. Where the police couldn't touch him, Arena caught Ronnie attending Rio's Mardi Gras in 1988 during a special live broadcast of the Mardi Gras celebrations. With his robbing days behind him, Ronnie talked about his new found skill, the Samba, and we see a live jam session with some of New Orleans finest Rhythm and Blues talent. The set features The Neville Brothers, Allen Toussaint, The Dirty Dozen, The Dixie Cups, The Golden Eagles and The Mardi Gras Mambo.

Famous criminal Ronnie Biggs interviewed during Mardi Gras celebrations in Rio

Arena: All On A Mardi Gras Day (1988). Directed by Mary Dickinson, Series Editor - Anthony Wall

Mikhail Kalashnikov: 10 November 1919 - 23rd December 2013

In 1947, Mikhail Kalashnikov developed the AK-47. His automatic rifle became one of the most familiar weapons on the planet, employed by the armies of dozens of countries and becoming the symbol of revolution around the world. More than 70 million Kalashnikovs have been made in over 15 different countries, yet Mikhail has never received a penny, once complaining he would have been financially better off designing a lawnmower. Arena filmed Mikhail in Russia for the 1994 film 'Kalashnikov'. Armed with one of his own creations, he stalks a Moose in the Russian wilderness and is confronted with the question "What do you say to the families of people killed by your gun?"

Creator of the AK-47, Mikhail Kalashnikov, stalks a Moose in the Russian wilderness

Arena: Kalashnikov (1994), Directed by Paul Gruebel-Lee, Series Editor - Anthony Wall

Phil Everly: January 19 1939 - January 3rd 2014

Legendary musician Phil Everly, one half of the Everly Brothers died aged 74 in California. Phil and his older brother Don were the children of Midwestern country music singers and performed on the family radio show while growing up. Between 1957 and 1962, the brothers had 19 top 40 hits, many have crowned them as one of the most important vocal duo's in rock music history. First broadcast in 1984 as part of their reunion after ten bitter years apart, Arena traced their fabulous career, their split and triumphant reunion. Most of all Don and Phil wanted to revisit their roots in the coal mining area of Kentucky where their father Ike, a miner, had been a local guitar star.

Phil and Don Everly revisit their roots in coaliminig area of Kentucky

Arena: The Everly Brothers - Songs of Innocence and Experience (1984). Produced by Alan Yentob, Directed by Anthony Wall.

Obituary: Carolyn Cassady (1923 - 2013)

2013-09-25T15:03:33+00:00

Writer and photographer Carolyn Cassady, born on the 28 April 1923, died last week on 20 September 2013. The American writer was associated with the Beat Generation through her marriage to Neal Cassady and relationship with Jack Kerouac. Kerouac’s most famous novel On The Road (1957) was based on the cross country journey he made from New York to California with Neal Cassady – depicted as Dean Moriarty in the novel. The character Camille, continually abandoned by Moriarty in San Francisco, was based on Carolyn, who at the time was looking after the first of her and Neal’s three children.

Carolyn Cassady Postcard Photo

Carolyn Cassady message

In 2007, Carolyn Cassady sent this postcard to Arena after receiving a copy of the film Arena: Jack Kerouac, directed by Lewis MacAdams and Richard Lerner. The photograph, taken by Carolyn in 1952 shows her ‘two husbands’ Cassady and Kerouac.

Arena: Jack Kerouac was made in 1988 and profiled the life and death of the Beat writer. The film was mainly shot and produced in the US at a time when Carolyn Cassady had relocated to the UK. As a consequence, Carolyn was overlooked in the initial version but Arena tracked her down as a key witness to this influential period.

She recalls the spring of 1952 when Jack Kerouac stayed with the Cassady’s while writing On The Road and Visions of Cody. It was during this time that her relationship with the two men became ever more complex. The photographs featured in this clip were taken by Carolyn throughout this period.

Carolyn Cassady discusses relationship with Jack Kerouac and husband Neal Cassady.

Arena: Jack Kerouac (1988). Directed by Lewis MacAdams and Richard Lerner. Series Editors - Anthony Wall and Nigel Finch.