“Against all odds, a new oral history about the influential Detroit rock band is finally here“
You couldn’t tell this story without Big Chief John Sinclair, and he offers his perspectives not just as the manager of the MC5, but also as a major cultural arbiter of the place and the time. They also make sure that there’s enough space for other key voices, like Gibb, poster artist Gary Grimshaw, or the late Ron Asheton of the Stooges. — https://www.metrotimes.com/music/the-last-word-on-the-mc5-37549801
Episode 1036 is coming once again from Radio Free Amsterdam headquarters at 55 Peterboro Street in Detroit’s Cass Corridor, where I’m thinking about my dear friend, guitarist/singer/composer/bandleader Walter “Wolfman” Washington, who passed away in New Orleans last December following his 77th birthday on Christmas Eve, and his comrade, drummer and bandmate Russell Batiste Jr., who joined the Wolf in the afterlife just this fall at the age of 56. They played in a trio with organist Joe Krown in New Orleans for many years and made several recordings together, of which we’ll feature today the album called Soul Understanding from 2013. This all-star trio played together at the Maple leaf Bar every Sunday night for quite a period of time, worked at the d.b.a. club and Tipitina’s, and traveled extensively during its prime. One of my fondest memories is when Wolfman told me one day that he hadn’t slept much the night before because he was so excited about playing with these guys the next night. Now that’s the kind of music I like!
The John Sinclair Foundation Presents
SOUL UNDERSTANDING
JOHN SINCLAIR RADIO SHOW 1036
Cass Corridor, Detroit, November 9, 2023 [23749]
Yusef Lateef: Happyology
Walter “Wolfman” Washington-Joe Krown-Russell Batiste Jr.: Trio’s Anthem
Walter “Wolfman” Washington-Joe Krown-Russell Batiste Jr.: Lone Ranger
Walter “Wolfman” Washington-Joe Krown-Russell Batiste Jr.: Soul Understanding
Walter “Wolfman” Washington-Joe Krown-Russell Batiste Jr.: Never Ever Let You Go
Walter “Wolfman” Washington-Joe Krown-Russell Batiste Jr.: Jamir’s Jam
Walter “Wolfman” Washington-Joe Krown-Russell Batiste Jr.: Another Day in the Life
Walter “Wolfman” Washington-Joe Krown-Russell Batiste Jr.: Lovely Day
Walter “Wolfman” Washington-Joe Krown-Russell Batiste Jr.: Simply Milani
Walter “Wolfman” Washington-Joe Krown-Russell Batiste Jr.: Nothing Left to Be Desired
Walter “Wolfman” Washington-Joe Krown-Russell Batiste Jr.: Livin’ Large
Walter “Wolfman” Washington-Joe Krown-Russell Batiste Jr.: Amy
Episode 1030 is coming from the Ralston Center in Detroit’s North End with an hour of music celebrating my 82nd birthday on October 2, now being recorded at my birthday party on October 1 with cuts by Yusef Lateef, John Sinclair & His Motor City Blues Scholars, the John Coltrane Quartet, Bob Dylan, Robin Eichele, the Miles Davis Quintet, the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Ed Sanders, Samantha Fish and Jesse Drayton, Dr. John, Professor Longhair, Elmore James, and Magic Slim & the Teardrops. I’d like to offer a special salute to my friends who have passed away in the last year, including Pun Plamondon, Rodriguez, and just now gone from us, my friend Rick Thompson.
The John Sinclair Foundation Presents
MY SHINING HOUR
JOHN SINCLAIR RADIO SHOW 1030
Ralston Center, Detroit, October 1, 2023 [23659]
Yusef Lateef: Happyology
John Sinclair & His Motor City Blues Scholars: monk’s dream
John Coltrane Quartet: My Shining Hour
Bob Dylan: All Along the Watchtower
Robin Eichele: an observation > history
Robin Eichele: the theatre of life, for sure
Robin Eichele: The First Day of August
Miles Davis: Seven Steps to Heaven
The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Third Stone from the Sun
