Grooving Through History: Don Was & the Pan-Detroit Ensemble's Musical Journey
Don Was is a renowned music producer known for his work with a wide array of music legends, including the Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt, and Bob Dylan. He has also been the president of Blue Note Records since 2012, a label with a rich history in jazz music. Was, a talented bassist himself, gained fame with his band Was (Not Was) in the late '80s with hits like "Walk the Dinosaur."
Recently, Don Was & the Pan-Detroit Ensemble released their debut EP titled "Groove in the Face of Adversity," featuring a blend of jazzy and funky tunes. The band is now embarking on a tour, performing songs from their EP and paying tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Grateful Dead album "Blues For Allah" by playing it in its entirety. The tour includes stops in Alabama at Decatur's Princess Theatre and Birmingham's Alys Stephens Center.
The album cover of the Pan-Detroit Ensemble features a photo of Joe Von Battle's record store, a significant place in Detroit's music history. Joe's store was a hub for Black music in the 1950s, where artists like John Lee Hooker and Aretha Franklin recorded. The image symbolizes the essence of Detroit music, reflecting its raw honesty and deep groove that permeates various genres.
The title of the record, "Groove in the Face of Adversity," stems from a personal experience of Don Was as a teenager, where he found solace in jazz music during a challenging moment. The concept of grooving in the face of adversity resonates with him as a message for navigating chaotic times. Detroit music, in his view, embodies a good groove and raw honesty that mirrors the city's working-class roots.
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble are also performing the entire "Blues For Allah" album by the Grateful Dead on their tour. Was highlights the groove and funkiness of the Grateful Dead's music, particularly praising bassist Phil Lesh's fearless and imaginative playing style. The band's rendition of the Dead's songs aims to capture the essence of their music while adding their unique touch.
Was also reflects on his work with The B-52s on the album "Cosmic Thing," which propelled the band to mainstream success. The unexpected hit "Love Shack" became a sensation, showcasing the band's eclectic sound. Was recalls a poignant moment during the recording of the song, emphasizing the emotional depth that Cindy Wilson brought to the lyrics.
His collaborations with The Rolling Stones on albums like "Blue and Lonesome" and "Bridges to Babylon" hold special significance for Was. He cherishes the track "How Can I Stop" from "Bridges to Babylon" as one of his favorite recordings with the Stones, capturing a magical moment in the studio. Was praises Keith Richards' soulful and authentic approach to songwriting, which resonates with listeners on a personal level.
In his work with the late Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots, Was recalls a period of collaboration where he witnessed Weiland's dedication to sobriety and creative process. Despite the challenges he faced, Weiland's talent and commitment shone through during their time together in the studio.