A BLACK AND WHITE NIGHT!

The Venue: The Cocoanut Grove Nightclub inside The Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, California. The Event: An intimate concert with Roy Orbison where it's hard to decide what is more fun. Picking out the star-studded musicians Roy assembled for his backup band and singers, or the Los Angeles' luminaries in the audience! As the title suggests, this 1987 concert was filmed in Black and White. Cast: Roy Orbison, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Tom Waits, T. Bone Burnett, and Elvis Presley's road band: The TCB Band ("Takin' Care of Business") featuring these "Legends": James Burton: Lead Guitar, Glen D. Hardin: Piano, Jerry Scheff: Bass (played on the fated last album with Jim Morrison and The Doors: "L.A. Woman"), Ronnie Tutt: Drums, Alex Acuna: Percussion (ex-of "Weather Report") J. Steven Soles, J.D. Souther, Mike Utley: Keyboards (tours with Kris Kristofferson and others); The Singers: k.d. lang, Jennifer Warnes, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt.

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This is simply a film that falls into the "labor of love" category and for 64 minutes the spotlight is on the "Man of the Hour", Roy himself, surrounded by superstars who are "sidemen" (but having a rollicking good time as you will see). The TCB Band was originally assembled by Lead Guitarist James Burton after a phone call from Elvis in 1969. Rhythm Guitarist John Wilkinson suffered a stroke, but recovered and was able to join The TCB Band before choosing to retire. Needless to say, the band is very tight and the atmosphere in this 1940's era nightclub is magic. It gives everyone who wasn't born in the 1960's a chance to see "The Comeback" of this genuinely humble musician playing the hits that topped the charts. Roy is in fine form here shortly before his untimely passing. There are in numerous stories behind the songs. But I'll just share one that Roy mentioned to k.d. lang.

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Roy was walking through the downtown area of a city (Memphis or L.A.?) and upon turning a corner bumped into a woman who broke his heart, years earlier. A shy and humble man, Roy was so shocked that all he could say was "Hello" and a short chit-chat followed before she walked on. By the time he reached his apartment, Roy sat down and wrote "Crying". Imagine! In that emotional state of mind!! Roys life was filled with tragedy, including the loss of a wife and two children when their home burned to the ground while he was touring on the road. He remarried however, and rediscovered happiness again. "The sunglasses" are also worth a quick mention.

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In 1964, Roy was opening for The Beatles (Geez!, a thankless job, right?). His airplane flight was running late and the sun shone so brightly through the windows of the plane that Roy donned his sunglasses. A car was waiting at the airport to rush Roy to the concert venue, and quite frankly he never bothered to tale the glasses off. Remember, this was considered quite riske' in 1964. Many assumed Roy was blind. The sunglasses became a trademark. Oh, before I forget---this is SO funny: Look for the three women in the first couple of rows in the audience all wearing Ray Ban sunglasses (definitely groupies but hard not to laugh at)! Great for the soul!

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Everyone on stage with Roy can be seen having the time of their lives! This is again, a simple movie pick for "Friday Movie Suggestion Night" that I wanted to feature because it gives each of us a much needed "break" to decompress with a Margarita and just groove along with a true Legend. A friend of mine (who shall remain nameless) is close friends with Roy's widow Barbara. He bought Roy's Porsche and a number of personal items that he later used in his Wine Bar that he named after one of Roy's songs. A developing guitarist like me, my friend hired Roy's lead guitarist of many years to perform with him during a wine tasting event and I was very fortunate to be invited.

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I hope you won't mind that I'm posting this 9 hours early. It's good to be back after 25 days on the road. I am finally caught up, but I'm still winding down follow-ups through this Saturday. Hope you are all enjoying the summer! Remember your sunblock and of course your Roy Orbison Ray Ban sunglasses!

------Michael