R 50 

Rush has released a retrospective celebrating their 50th Anniversary. It goes without saying that 50 years in the music business is quite an accomplishment, and doing it with one band is even more amazing, especially when you consider that there has been exactly one personnel change during the band’s tenure (and that occurred after they released their first album). 

Rush has always been a “power trio” in the style of Cream, that is to say bass guitar, guitar and drums. The lead vocalist is also one of the instrumentalists. Originating in Toronto, Ontario, the original lineup consisted of Geddy Lee on bass and lead vocals, Alex Lifeson on guitar and John Rutsey on drums. This version of the band was the one that paid its dues; playing wherever they could. A big break for the band ironically came when the legal drinking age in Ontario was reduced from 21 to 18 in 1971. Suddenly, the band could know start working 6 nights a week in local clubs. The first record was released in March 1974. Shortly after the only personnel change that would occur during the band’s history took place when a decision was made to replace John Rutsey. Auditions were held and the successful applicant was Neil Peart. This lineup would be the one that would last until Neil’s untimely passing in 2020.  

Trying to come up with a selection of music that would adequately represent the exceptional catalogue Rush has created is a definite challenge. In preparing this release, a decision was made to ensure music from the beginning of the band’s history to the last time they performed together. This massive package of 50 individual tracks is their first ever complete career anthology and there is a track from every album the band has released. Befitting the 50th anniversary of the band, many of their most well known songs are included (although it would be a mistake to consider this just a “greatest hits” package). Fans will appreciate the number of live tracks as well as the inclusion of alternate studio versions of “Working Man” and “The Trees”, heretofore unreleased. The sound is magnificent throughout, the remastering done with painstaking attention to detail. There are several versions available, from the R50 Backstage Exclusive Super Deluxe Edition comprising of (wait for it) 4 compact discs and 7 180 gram vinyl records (the cds and records contain the same songs), 2 hardcover books, over 20 lithos, all in a golden box. If this seems a bit overwhelming, you can get by with just a boxset of the records or the compact discs. I chose the digital version on iTunes. 

The musical abilities of Rush has always been something that attracted me to the band, and just hearing how good everything they recorded sounds and how tight they were as a band is something that R50 really brings into focus. The progression of the band from their early heavy blues based British influences, to the later “proggier” compositions, to the inclusion of keyboards and synthesizers, to the New Wave influences and on into the 1990’s and 2000’s, where they concentrated more on concise compositions without losing the technical aspects of their music is exemplified beautifully throughout R50. 

Rush was never a critical darling, and never tried to be, something I always loved about them. I am an unabashed fan of the band’s members and their music. They were never about compromise and the fact that they had the last laugh on their detractors in the music journalism realm has something that I find very satisfying. This release is a labour of love for those that love the band, and is not to be missed if you are a fan. 

Days Gone By featuring Sonny Greenwich and Ed Bickert

 Days Gone By is a recording featuring Ed Bickert and Sonny Greenwich; two of Canada’s finest jazz guitarists. They are supported on the recording by the very capable rhythm section of Don Thompson (double bass) and Terry Clarke (drums). It can difficult to coordinate a guitarist and a pianist when performing, and two guitars is even more of a challenge. One must always be conscious of not stepping on toes when the other guy is playing. This recording is a master class in how it is done right. It is fascinating to hear how the two guitarists take turns soloing and “comping” behind each other. Clarke’s drumming is busy without being intrusive, and Thompson’s bass playing is propulsive and supportive. There are 8 songs on the recording, and the two main soloists have plenty of room to stretch out. According the liner notes, “One summer afternoon in 1979, Sonny and Ed met up with bassist Don Thompson and drummer Terry Clarke at the bassist’s Puget Sound Studio. The tape machine was turned on and the music flowed.” The session has a relaxed feeling, with the musicians really enjoying themselves playing the type of music they enjoy, while at the same time pushing each other to perform. To be fair, there are some instances of distortion and a few minor miscues, but these flaws take nothing away from the vitality and musicality of the performances. All the tracks are great, although some are real standouts. On “I’ll Take Romance”, the rhythm section lays out and we get to hear the two guitarists on their own. Everybody really digs in on “Oleo”, the hard bop standard written by Sonny Rollins. After the song is over, you get to hear the musicians spontaneously express their themselves on how much fun they had in playing it. Although the recording took place in 1979, it wasn’t released until 2000 for some reason. We can only thank fortune that the tapes were held onto and that eventually we were give the opportunity to listen to some extraordinary playing. The compact disc version was released on the Sackville label and a digital version is available on itunes.