The Harvey Brooks Interview

There are and have been great musicians in every era of every century. They find a way to use the elements around them to be industrious. Maybe it's building your own instrument, have a shack or two to practice in and a drive and closure from spirituality.

I do not know what the music scene is like in Jerusalem. But the real question is what it must have been like when my guest was coming into his own with industrious self assured cats who were increasing music sonically and not letting barriers get in the way.

I don't think I've had a guest who best epitomizes the elasticity and camaraderie then the bassist I have today.

Going from Coast to Coast finding production and studio time with Teo Macero and Miles Davis John Simon and Seals and Crofts. Then heading to west Marin connecting with Michael Bloomfield who brought the Chicago Blues to the Bay Area waving electric flags while dropping bombs in front of mushroom addled youth and more.

My guest literally experienced the shift from acoustic to electric instrumentation. He was positively forthright paving the way for Bob Dylan to gain foothold in the new sonic world. Playing with Robbie Robertson and Levon Helm maybe the Hawk Ronnie Hawkins. Seeing and experiencing the consciousness shift in both society and a music industry that treated my guest to a Soft Parade of gigs from White Lightning' to Bitches Brew. Playing the electric bass over under and around Dave Hollands acoustic.

I have met my guest several times at the 17th street market here in Tucson, AZ.

He had a band here and lived here for nearly two decades. I have a feeling that the mountains have him peace of mind but he's always been relaxed on the bandstand.

Today he has returned to the motherland to bring music to the Jewish People. Bedouin music I like to call it.

Live from Jerusalem Harvey Brooks welcome to the JFS