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wali Offline




Beiträge: 1.384

06.05.2010 15:00
#46 RE: Elton John Band Antworten

Happy Birthday Kim Bullard!!

Er feiert heute auch!

Rocket Girls Offline




Beiträge: 1.935

06.05.2010 16:49
#47 RE: Elton John Band Antworten

Happy Birthday Davey!!!!!!!!!!

und

Happy Birthday Kim!!!!!!!!!!!!

Elton - Our One and Only

ejfan Offline




Beiträge: 4.242

10.06.2010 15:30
#48 RE: Elton John Band Antworten

Da scheint einer mächtig talentiert zu sein

Son of keyboard player pens musical tribute

Ben Babylon, 12, plays keyboard in a recent performance. Ben, a member of the Lindero Canyon Middle School jazz band, has written a tribute to his father, Guy, who was Elton John’s keyboard player and arranger for many years.When the 52-year-old Guy Babylon of Agoura died last September of a heart attack, Elton John proclaimed him “one of the most brilliant musicians I ever knew, a true genius.”

Babylon had been John's keyboardist and arranger for 21 years, performing on such albums as “Sleeping With the Past,” “The Lion King,” “Made in England, “Peachtree Road,” and “The Captain and the Kid,” as well as John's Broadway musicals “Billy Elliot,” “Vampire Lestat” and John and Tim Rice's “Aida,” for which Babylon won a Grammy Award for producing Best Musical Show Album of 2000.

Now, Babylon's 12-year-old son, Ben Babylon, is following in his father's footsteps under the tutelage of Elton John himself.

Already an accomplished pianist and a member of the A Jazz Band at Lindero Middle School, the younger Babylon composed a tribute song to his father titled “Goodbye Superman,” which he’s performed at various venues, including the Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks and the House of Blues in Hollywood for the Shredfest cancer fundraiser.

On July 8 Ben will perform his song again at Yoshi’s in Oakland with jazz artist Kathryn Keats and her band. He recently played “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at The Canyon club in Agoura Hills.

Inspired by the John’s classics “Funeral for a Friend” and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” Ben Babylon's “Superman” features a somber and stirring musical introduction that beautifully conveys the songwriter's sense of loss.

The chords are complex, and Babylon pounds them on his keyboard with an intensity learned from watching his father and Elton John perform together, beginning when he was 3 years old.

“There are two versions of the song, and each one has a different feeling,” says Ben. “The piano and vocal version means that I am sad that my dad has passed away. The orchestrated version is more powerful. It means I am mad that he is not here anymore. I really did think of my dad as a hero. I still do.”

Ben Babylon wrote “Goodbye Superman” within three days of his father's untimely death, performing it for the first time at the memorial service. His mother, Kathy Brown Babylon, initially thought that her son had composed an instrumental piece, and was surprised and deeply moved when the boy began singing.

“For one thing, I was amazed that he could perform at all, given the circumstance, and then when he started singing, I just could not believe the maturity of those lyrics,” Kathy Bayblon said. “He sang everything we were all feeling. When he finished, there wasn't a dry eye in the house.”

Ben Babylon recorded two versions of his song, each available on iTunes and other MP3 stores. One is a piano-only version and the other is fully orchestrated with all instruments played by Ben, who also does the vocals.

Assisting him in the recording were Jesse Johnstone and Grammy award-winning engineer and producer Greg Penny, who also worked with Guy Babylon when he recorded and produced Elton John's album, “Made in England.”

A friend to the Babylon family for many years, John has remained close to Kathy and her three children since Guy’s death.

He has given musical advice to Ben, going so far as to invite him to hang out at the recording studio while John was working on his latest album with Leon Russell, a rock icon who will appear next month at The Canyon.

According to Kathy Babylon, John told Leon Russell, “You better watch out for this kid. He can really play.”

Ben and his fellow players from the Agoura Hills music school Rock Nation will be performing “Goodbye Superman” June 18 at Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks.

More information about the music of Ben Babylon and Kathy Babylon is available at http://www.BabylonMusic.biz. Ben Babylon performances can also be seen on YouTube.

TammyEltonFan Offline




Beiträge: 2.261

10.06.2010 22:57
#49 RE: Elton John Band Antworten

Hier ist Goodbye Superman

Elton, My Elusive Drug

ejfan Offline




Beiträge: 4.242

27.08.2010 18:46
#50 RE: Elton John Band Antworten

Aha, John Mahon hasst Flughäfen;)

Interview: John Mahon - Sir Elton John's Percussionist
Author: Jason Spraggins — Published: Aug 27, 2010 at 6:30 am

Near the age of twelve, John Mahon picked up a pair of drum sticks with the aspiration of becoming a drummer. As an adult, John has not only realized his dream by becoming a professional musician, but he has built a stellar performance resume that is filled with A-List names in the music industry.

Mahon, a percussionist and vocalist, has worked with artists such as Brian Adams, Sting, Phil Collins, Mary J. Blige, Ray Charles, Cher, Tina Turner, Bonnie Rait, and many, many more. For the last several years, John has accompanied music icon Sir Elton John on his journey down the Yellow Brick of Road of Rock and Roll, serving as a percussionist and background vocalist for the Rocket Man's legendary stage and studio band.

John was kind enough to take some time while on vacation from his heavy tour schedule with the EJ Band to talk with me about his life as a musician, his experience with Elton John and his band, his side projects as a songwriter and session musician, and the hobbies he enjoys when off the road.

I understand that you chose to become a drummer at around age twelve when your father took you to Canton Ohio Police Boys Club and you signed up for the Drum and Bugle Corp. I also understand that, throughout your young years, you were extremely active in the performing ensembles offered by your schools. How did these experiences shape you as a music fan and as a performer?
Participation in the school music programs broadened my musical experiences. I was exposed to many different genres of music that I would never have heard or played if not for the school bands. Of course, we played marches but there were classical pieces and even some contemporary compositions. Another part is the choir which was a good way to learn pitch and ensemble singing.
These programs teach a musician to play with an ensemble, take constructive criticism, and be motivated by your fellow band members.

Do you come from a musical family? If so, please tell us about it.
My father was the musical side. He sang and played trumpet. My Uncle was a big band singer, and my grandfather played guitar. Everyone in my family played an instrument of some sort, and most of us sing. That said, my younger brother was unexpectedly asked to leave a McCartney concert recently - it's likely they heard him singing!

When and how did you make the transition from amateur to professional musician?
When I was still in high school, a friend asked me to play with his band and perform at parties. That was the start of getting paid to play. I always worked a day job and did gigs at night until I was about 23. Then it was full on music- -although I had to get a part time job for a while when I moved to LA to pay the bills- - driving a delivery truck! Back in the late 70s and 80s, bands were playing everywhere every night. It was easier to make a living as a musician then. Clubs and Hotels had dance bands 5-6 days a week. It was a great time - no DJs!!!

Who is your biggest influence as a drummer? A vocalist? A songwriter?
I love funk and jazz drumming, so there are so many. I'd have to say, Tony Williams, David Garibaldi, Billy Cobham, Steve Gadd, Clyde Stubblefield, Peter Erskine, Danny Seraphine, Lenny White - just to name a few.
Vocalists - Larry Williams of Tower of Power, Marvin Gaye, Steve Perry, Stevie Wonder, Sinatra, Bennet, Otis Redding.
Songwriters - Steely Dan, Elton John, The Beatles, Led Zep, Pat Metheny, Chick Corea. Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, James Taylor. But I love new bands as well-- U2, Radiohead. So many!!

How did you come to be part of the acclaimed Elton John Band?
I met Davey Johnstone after he heard a recording I was working on with Bob Birch whom I have known and played with for many years since moving to LA. I did some recording for Davey and Guy Babylon, and not long after that session, Davey asked me to audition for Elton's band.

I've read on your personal website that you spend some of your free time writing and recording your own original songs. Can you describe how you approach the mysterious task of songwriting and tell us a bit about your original music?
My music, I suppose, is pop based with a soul/jazz influence. I like to write lyrics first most of the time. Sometimes I will just come up with a musical motif or loop that I like writing around. I write all kinds of music - soundtrack, electronic, organic - even some kid’s music. I think all these influences have put me in the musical blender!! Of course I love drums and percussion based music - who doesn't?

Several years ago, your band mate and fellow singing drummer, Nigel Olsson, released a solo project that was quite good. When can we expect a solo project from John Mahon, and what sort of a project will it be?
I am always composing material-- whether it be for myself, TV, or even collaborating with someone else on a project. I am trying to finish a bunch of songs, but it is difficult for me on the road. I like to work at home in the studio-- not in a hotel room. All the songs are vocals and groovy. Almost jazzy in way - I'm terrible at pinning down styles!! But I hope to get it out soon, later this year.

Is it true that, even after all of your successes, you still study privately with music coaches and teachers? How important do you think such continuing practice and education is for every musician?
I feel there is so much to learn out there. I try to take the opportunity that travels bring me to study with people when time permits. Going to Europe is cool because there are some real masters there. It's the practicing time that is hard to achieve. No one wants to hear a djembe drum being played in the hotel room next door!

Speaking of Nigel Olsson, he has achieved legendary status as a vocalist and drummer among many musicians and fans. What has it been like sharing percussion and backing vocal duties with such a loved and respected veteran performer? Have you learned anything from the experience?
Yes, I've learned to appreciate great wines!! Not only is Nigel an amazing talent, but he knows wine very well, especially French. He's an expensive date. (No, I'm not gay). Playing music with Nigel has taught me mostly when not to play- - he is a master of creating space and tension on the drums, pulling the time a bit to make the song more dramatic. He also sings like a bird.

As a percussionist for the EJ band, you have the opportunity to do many different kinds of shows. You play with the regular band, with the Bill Joel (Face2Face) set-up, and at times, with a full orchestra. Of all of these kinds of concerts, which is your favorite? Which is the most challenging?
The orchestra is the most challenging because, like I said earlier, one must adapt when playing with a large ensemble. The conductor might ask me to play something different than my regular part to better fit with the orchestra. Small ensemble playing — like duo or trio — is tricky too. No mistakes here!!

When performing the EJ set, are you allowed a great deal of freedom from show to show as a percussionist, or are the arrangements pretty set in stone and done the exact same way each time?
My arrangements are based on what was played on Elton's records, mostly by Ray Cooper. I have changed some of them a bit to adapt better live and add my own ideas here and there. There is a pretty set way I play percussion at shows, but certain songs have sections that are ad lib - I can jam out a little more. Sometimes Elton will change the song a bit and that influences how I play as well.

On the last couple of albums he has released, Elton John has used his stage band on the recordings. I have noticed several stand out percussion parts that you have added to tracks on these albums, particularly on songs like "And the House Fell Down" (from The Captain and the Kid). How much freedom are you given when creating percussion parts in the studio with Elton?
I might be asked to come up with some ideas and then Elton, or whoever is producing the session, will pick what they like. Maybe they will change it a little or even suggest something completely different. I would not call it freedom because every note you play will be scrutinized and criticized so you better be ready to play anything and understand how to take direction. It can be really fun or it can be very challenging. Most of the time when you hit on something it will just work - that's the magic part.

Do you play any instruments aside from drums? If so what?
I play the keyboards some and strum the guitar. Drummer/Percussionists need to know another instrument so we can talk with the really smart musicians!!

Of all your many accomplishments as a musician, of what are you the most proud?
I come from a very humble upbringing in a small town. Playing and recording with an icon like Elton John is quite an accomplishment. Not many musicians, or people for that matter, get to experience what I have. The travel, the concerts, the amazing audiences.... I am very fortunate indeed.

Aside from music, what other interests and hobbies do you have that might surprise us?
I love mountain biking and cycling in general. I've also been playing a bit of tennis. I just like being outside. I don't mind some home improvement projects — which I'm not bad at, and I guess I like photography but that has just come out of my travels. I really love recording too. When there is no pressure it is like painting... adding colors and creating freely - It is very rewarding to me.

Do you have a favorite city or venue to play in?
New York City is amazing. Rio was great. Anywhere in Ireland has the best audiences. I have to say American audiences are the most fun overall — they love to rock out. Playing Hyde Park was great as well as Rome in front of the Coliseum — and lately the Mayan pyramids of Chichen Itza, Mexico.

What do you like most about your current touring job? The least?
I enjoy the camaraderie of the crew and band. We are a big family and it's fun to be around them all. I do enjoy going to some great cities and getting a little sightseeing in. Then, of course, there is the music part- - playing the shows is always the highlight of the day. I loath airports, airport security, airport food, and the smell of airports. Did I say I hate airports? Finding a consistent meal and cup of coffee are the most challenging thing to me on the road. Oh yes, I need good water pressure!!

Now a few questions for John, the fan...What is your favorite Elton John song? Album?
My favorite song might be “Levon” - mainly because I used to play it as a kid. I love Madman Across the Water, Captain Fantastic, and the Made In England album.

(Aside from those from your boss) What are your three favorite albums of all time?
That's not fair! Steely Dan Gauchos. Herbie Hancock, VSOP, Chicago II.

What future musical projects are on the calender for John Mahon?
Elton is touring almost constantly. I plan to continue writing lyrics and songs. I just played drums and percussion on some smooth jazz tracks for a new artist "Ja Nya Sol". I'm producing and playing some music with a friend in Ohio, David Marchione who is extremely talented. We are doing experimental soundtrack music right now. As always, listening, learning, and keeping the darn computer working!!

ejfan Offline




Beiträge: 4.242

11.09.2010 21:32
#51 RE: Elton John Band Antworten

Hier gibt's ein Interview mit John Mahon und Ben Babylon http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/9473572#u...&medium=9473572

Rocket Offline




Beiträge: 2.951

12.09.2010 09:36
#52 RE: Elton John Band Antworten

Ich bin gerade dabei das Interview in die News einzubauen.

Elton John - He´s been touching our hearts!

Rocket Girls Offline




Beiträge: 1.935

10.02.2011 12:45
#53 RE: Elton John Band Antworten

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NIGEL OLSSON!!

Heute ist Nigels Geburtstag. Er wird 62 Jahre alt!

Elton - Our One and Only

ejfan Offline




Beiträge: 4.242

11.04.2011 21:25
#54 RE: Elton John Band Antworten
hobo Offline



Beiträge: 228

11.04.2011 23:16
#55 RE: Elton John Band Antworten

danke, sehr interessant!

Rocket Girls Offline




Beiträge: 1.935

06.05.2011 09:21
#56 RE: Elton John Band Antworten

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVEY JOHNSTONE!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIM BULLARD!! (nachträglich )

Elton - Our One and Only

Rocket Girls Offline




Beiträge: 1.935

06.05.2011 09:25
#57 RE: Elton John Band Antworten

Davey feiert heute übrigens seinen 60. Geburtstag!

Elton - Our One and Only

ejfan Offline




Beiträge: 4.242

02.09.2011 21:32
#58 RE: Elton John Band Antworten

Interview mit John:

St. Thomas grad John Mahon plays drums with Elton John’s band

By Dan Kane
CantonRep.com staff writer
Posted Sep 02, 2011 @ 07:00 AM

CANTON —Spend 14 years as a musician in Elton John’s band and you get to visit every corner of the globe, meet the likes of Tina Turner, Robin Williams and Cher backstage, and perform for vast audiences of adoring fans night after night.
John Mahon, a 1973 graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, was hired as a percussionist and backing vocalist for Elton John’s touring band in 1997. To date, he’s played in the neighborhood of 800 concerts, everywhere from Russia to Rio, Dubai to Duluth.
On Thursday, Mahon will be on familiar turf when he appears in concert with Elton at Blossom Music Center, where he attended shows as a teen. He’d been bicycling in the Santa Monica Mountains near his Southern California home — which he shares with his wife, Canton native Pam Tortola — when he phoned one recent afternoon.

Q. When I saw Elton in Youngstown last spring, he was really giving it his all onstage. What motivates him to tour so much?

A. He definitely loves it, no question. He’s told us this over and over, “I want to get out there and play.” He loves to play solo, too, but that’s a little more work for him. The beauty of Elton is he’s not the kind of guy to sit back. He never looks back. He just moves forward with everything all the time. If he just sat back and watched the money come in the mailbox, he’d go crazy.

Q. From different things I’ve read over the years, I get the impression that Elton is a supportive fan of new artists, people like Scissor Sisters, Lady Gaga and Ryan Adams.

A. He runs out and buys all the new music that comes out every week. I remember when John Mayer came out, he said, “I just heard this incredible guitar player, and he had someone go out and buy 10 copies and he gave us each one. He’s done that many times. He tosses a CD at you and says, “You’ve gotta hear this.”

Q. Do you get to spend much time with Elton when you’re touring?

A. I pretty much see him every night. Before we go on, he’s gonna want to come in the dressing room and hang out and dish, of course. The ritual is we show up at the gig a couple of hours before showtime, we go out onstage and check our instruments and make sure everything works; we don’t do a full-on soundcheck because we’ve got it down, plus we’ve got great technicians. Then we’ll go grab dinner and right before the show he’ll come in or send someone to get us and we’ll talk about baseball or whatever the current news is. Sometimes it’s serious and sometimes we just act really stupid.

Q. Can you give me a preview of the show at Blossom? I’m guessing it’s mostly all the hits.

A. It is, but we change the tour a bit depending on where we play. In places like England and Germany and Italy, we’re going to play songs like “Sacrifice” and “Blessed,” which were much bigger in Europe than America. There’s a song called “Are You Ready For Love” that was a big hit in England so we always play it there and they go nuts. “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” is bigger over there, too, because another band remade it. In England, they like the sappier songs, you know. In America, we play all the rock tunes. But this time, we’re adding “Holiday Inn” and “Hercules” and “Honky Cat.” We’ve been doing “Madman Across the Water” with a jam session in the middle. It’s really good.

Q. There’s literally hundreds of Elton John songs to choose from.

A. That’s the beauty of the guy. His catalogue goes on and on and on. We’re doing 26 songs in the American set. That’s a lot of material. We play almost a three-hour show.

Q. I’m guessing you went to some shows at Blossom while growing up in Canton.

A. Absolutely. I probably saw Chicago three times there. I was a huge fan. James Taylor, definitely. I think I saw Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young there, too. But I haven’t been to Blossom in 30 years.

Q. Did you own Elton John records?

A. I was a fan of his mostly from the “Madman Across the Water” album. That was the one that really drew me in. You couldn’t help but be a fan of “Yellow Brick Road.” That was such a massive record.

Q. When I saw you with Elton in Youngstown, you looked non-stop busy onstage. Give me a rundown of all the instruments you play.

A. I have a Yamaha DTX system, which is an electronic drumset, essentially. You can play pretty much any sound on it you want, lots of drum samples. I play it on electronic pads, standing up, right in front of me. And then I have all the acoustic percussion — a high-hat and snare drum, cymbals, congas and bongos, a timbale, a mini-gong, an electronic marimba, shakers, cowbell, tinkly bells, windchimes...

Q. So many toys!

A. My job is really cool because I get to color the music. When you’re the drummer, you’re laying down the time and driving the train. When you’re playing percussion, you can float over the top of stuff. It makes me listen a little better, and gives me a chance to be musical. I’ve taken all the original parts from the records that Ray Cooper created — he was Elton’s original percussionist — and playing them the way he did but putting my little spin on them.

Q. I’m sure a lot of celebrities come backstage at Elton John shows. Tell me some names.

A. This question always catches me off-guard. That girl from the pirate movies ... Kiera Knightley. Neil Patrick Harris. Ben Stiller. Pamela Anderson. Gene Hackman, of all people. There’s so many. I never actually met Paul McCartney but when we did a show with him in Hyde Park, he came backstage and said hi to everybody. I just sort of stood there in a stupor.

Q. I was surprised that Elton played in Youngstown. He should come to the Canton Civic Center!

A. We are playing more and more of these smaller venues and he loves it. — La Crosse, Wis., and Duluth, Minn., these weird little places in Canada like St. George. They’re small towns that have really nice venues in them for college sports or B basketball leagues. When an act like Elton comes through there it creates electricity and people go nuts. It’s really good for the city.

In places like England and Germany and Italy, we’re going to play songs like “Sacrifice” and “Blessed,” - wann wurde Blessed das letzte Mal mit Band gespielt..2005??
Bin ja gespannt, ob dann Holiday Inn und Hercules ab morgen gespielt werden.

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