Tom Waits

[scootron]

An amazing songwriter, musician and singer. I was already a big fan when I saw him in Memphis in 1977 (The Ritz), and that cemented the relationship.

For grins, take a look at the "20 Questions" interview Playboy did with him back in 1988. You can still find it online, by googling Waits, 20 Questions, and Playboy.

 

[pedro]

The Nighthawks at the Diner "studio live" album has always been a favorite of mine. Jim Hughart's huge-toned and tasteful string bass playing was incredible on this album.

Ditto. Jim is absolutely sensational. I consider 'Small Change' a must own album.

 

[Morning Beer]

An amazing songwriter, musician and singer. I was already a big fan when I saw him in Memphis in 1977 (The Ritz), and that cemented the relationship.

For grins, take a look at the "20 Questions" interview Playboy did with him back in 1988. You can still find it online, by googling Waits, 20 Questions, and Playboy.

I wrote a short story back when I was in high school about Tom from the point of view of his bartender. I ran across that interview while doing some research for it. I remember laughing out loud reading it.

Was it the one where he answered all the questions with questions?

 

[KPJ]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

6. PLAYBOY: What do you think of when you hear the name Barry Manilow?
WAITS: Expensive furniture and clothes that you don't feel good in.

 

[OmnitzGarima]

And let's not forget his wonderful performance as the devil in 'The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus'. Excellent casting.

 

[TN WOODMAN]

Check out Jim Jarmusch's film Coffee and Cigarettes. The entire film is great but hands down my favorite is the piece with Iggy Pop and Tom Waits. Looks mostly improv. Hilarious.

 

[scootron]

I always enjoy seeing him in films. He has had bit parts in so many...I think a lot of directors just like having him around.

Nighthawks and Small Change were my introduction, and those are the albums he drew from when I saw him. He's been a musical chameleon since then, but the quality remained fairly constant.

Apparently, he is massively popular in Europe, especially in the Scandinavian countries. I searched for years to find a recording of the 1977 show I had attended; I found a guy in Denmark who had one. He is one of the "Rhine Dogs", a fanatical group of fans who follow all things Waits.

If you really want to dig deeper into TW as an artist, try the Tom Waits Library online. It is astounding how much information they have on that site.

 

[knumbskull]

he is incredible; one of my favourite artists.

 

[knumbskull]

I always enjoy seeing him in films. He has had bit parts in so many...I think a lot of directors just like having him around.

Nighthawks and Small Change were my introduction, and those are the albums he drew from when I saw him. He's been a musical chameleon since then, but the quality remained fairly constant.

Apparently, he is massively popular in Europe, especially in the Scandinavian countries. I searched for years to find a recording of the 1977 show I had attended; I found a guy in Denmark who had one. He is one of the "Rhine Dogs", a fanatical group of fans who follow all things Waits.

If you really want to dig deeper into TW as an artist, try the Tom Waits Library online. It is astounding how much information they have on that site.

i have a live recording from Stockholm around then, it's great - was that the one??

 

[John Wentzien]

YouTube - Tom Waits & Iggy Pop - Coffee and Cigarettes

 

[Black Bart]

Swordfishtrombones was my introduction at age 13 when it came out - wow, have I been listening to Tom that long? Think I'll go put on "16 Shells from a Thirty-Ought Six."

 

[scootron]

i have a live recording from Stockholm around then, it's great - was that the one??

No, the show I was looking for was one from The Ritz in Memphis. That's why I thought it was so serendipitous that I ran into a guy in Denmark who had the show.

I think I have the Stockholm show you're talking about, though. If it's the one I'm thinking about, it's a good one.

 

[knumbskull]

I think I have the Stockholm show you're talking about, though. If it's the one I'm thinking about, it's a good one.

yeah, that's the same one

 

[knumbskull]

i just remembered, on one of my rare acoustic gigs on EUB we covered 'Time'.

...now THAT is a song. love the lyrics. i think you guys have inspired me for a late night Waits session....

 

[mcm]

an original and a dying breed (same thing really these days)

 

[knumbskull]

the piano has been drinking

 

[scootron]

yeah, that's the same one

Nope. Knew I had a Stockholm show, but the one I have is from 1999. I have a '77 show from Bremen, though.

 

[ShoeManiac]

It's amazing that almost 40 year on, Tom Waits is still writing some heartbreakingly beautiful songs. Just listen to "Never let go" from Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards and it becomes instantly clear that his talent truly is something special.

 

[Dr McBalders]

he is incredible; one of my favourite artists.

Yes. My sentiments exactly. Minus the "u".
B.

 

[Tom Howland]

Larry Taylor plays his ass off on many a Waits CD.
Go listen to Hollywood Fats first solo CD, Taylor gives a jump Blues lesson.
Great stuff.