I do not follow music person much, actually VERY little but when I read the last surviving member of a rock band from my youth died I had to have a look.
This gent was not just some dude who picked up an instrument and ploughed through learning how to play it.
His father was a farmer, former WWI fighter pilot, but also a classically trained musician so Garth was also fully classically trained.
He also taught wannabe rock band dudes how to play instruments.
List of his instruments.
Piano: A primary instrument for Hudson
Accordion: A primary instrument for Hudson
Organ: Hudson was a master of the Lowrey organ, which gave The Band's music its signature sound
Saxophone: Hudson played alto, tenor, soprano, baritone, and bass saxophones
Clavinet: Hudson played clavinet as a lead instrument
French horn: Hudson played French horn
Violin: Hudson played violin
Piccolo: Hudson played piccolo
Melodica: Hudson played melodica
Synthesizer: Hudson played synthesizer
Slide trumpet: Hudson played slide trumpet
The Band was a rock band but their style was far from Top 40, or hard rock. You would here their songs most often on what were once called Alternative Rock stations.
The one song they recorded that would be played on hard rock stations was the song
Chest Fever which is unique as Hudson on the organ is the main feature ( He used the Lowry Organ which has a different sound than rocks normal Hammond Organ) .
I have read before that the words to the song were more or less "created " while they were doing instrument tracks. Some say it was about a women but one of the band members years back laughed and said "
It has words?"
Here is the song and the lyrics:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_7q9_EJYvEChest Fever
Song by
The Band
I know she's a tracker, any scarlet would back her.
They say she's a chooser, but I just can't refuse her.
She was just there, but then she can't be here no more.
And as my mind unweaves, i feel the freeze down on my knees.
But just before she leaves, she recieves.
She's been down in the dunes and she's dealt with the goons.
Now she drinks from the bitter cup, I'm tryin' to give it up.
She was just here, I fearshe can't be here no more.
And as my mind unweaves, I feel the freeze down in my knees.
but just before she leaves, she recieves.
It's long, long when she's gone, I get weary holding on.
Now I'm coldly fading fast, I don't think I'm gonna last very much longer.
She's stoned said the Swede, and moon calf agreed.
I'm like a viper in shock with my eyes in the clock.
She was just there somewhere and here I am again.
And as my mind unweaves, I feel the freeze down in my knees.
But just before she leaves, she recieves.
