In the early sixties, singing drummer Levon Helm was the centerpiece of the band Levon & The Hawks, later better known by the effective name The Band. Their fame came from a famous tour with Bob Dylan, who then started playing electric for the first time. After this experience, Helm called it quits and when he returned a few years later, bassist Rick Danko and keyboardist Richad Manuel rightly
… demanded a bigger role in The Band. Since his solo album Dirt Farmer (2007), Helm has once again been in the center of attention. The DVD Ramble At The Ryman underscores this in an unparalleled way. Despite the fact that the American has long since reached retirement age, he makes a strong impression. Even the simplest rhythm seems like a brilliant groove when Helm plays it. It is not for nothing that guest singer Sheryl Crow calls him 'one of the most soulful drummers ever!'. She and John Hiatt, among others, are allowed to sing a few songs, but they are nothing compared to the man on the side of the stage: Levon Helm, a hero restored to honor. (JE)more
