Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band - Shiny Beast Demos — DeepCutsArchive

DeepCutsArchive

Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band - Shiny Beast Demos — DeepCutsArchive

Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band 1978 SHINY BEAST DEMOS Van Nuys California 1.Suction Prints 0:00 2.When I See Mommy, I Feel Like a Mummy 4:22 3.The Witch Doctor Life 8:54 4.Candle Mambo 10:55 Don Van Vliet - vocals, harmonica, soprano sax, whistling Jeff Moris Tepper - slide guitar, guitar Bruce Lambourne Fowler - trombone, bass Eric Drew Feldman - synthesizer, Rhodes piano, grand piano, bass Richard Redus - bottleneck guitar, guitar, accordion, fretless bass Robert Arthur Williams - drums, percussion "I had heard of the "legendary" Captain Beefheart, but knew little about him outside that he was somehow associated with Frank Zappa. One day in 1977 I met this guy at the record store I worked in (Robert Williams) and he is bragging that he is the drummer for the magic band and that Don had just dropped him off at our little record store in the middle of the San Fernando Valley (Slipped Disc Records). I told this guy to have the Captain come in the next time, thinking that I was calling his bluff. The next day I look up and this man is walking into the store and he is radiating so much energy that you could tell that this had to be "the Captain Beefheart". Don was very friendly and spent the rest of the day telling us stories about his life and selling records to an unsuspecting public. He was really enjoying himself in an atmosphere were nobody knew him (can I have the new Madonna single?). He hung around until closing time when we all went down the street to El Indio, an all night taco stand with a bar in the back. We drank beer and ate tacos with Don while he continued telling us stories of Brian Jones and life on the road with the Rolling Stones. We heard the next day that Don came home so late that he had landed in the doghouse with his wife and couldn't go out to play with us anymore. After this I started going to the storage facility where the band was practicing their new material. Sometimes Don was there other times just the band. I did not fathom how lucky I was at the time. These are my memories of an encounter with a magical person. I have respected the wish that these tapes be private for over 30 years. This is the first time I have shared them. I also had a very nice copy of the 1974 version of Bat Chain Puller but I see that those sessions are now available at the Beefheart web site so pick it up as it is very interesting also." - Mike Martin 3/2010 Flying M Productions

About This Footage

This footage is a treasure trove of Captain Beefheart's creative process in 1978, a year that marked a significant shift in his career. The "Shiny Beast Demos" clip showcases four tracks from the album "Shiny Beast (Bat Chain Puller)" – an experimental and avant-garde work that would eventually be released in 1978. What makes this footage rare is its candid documentation of Beefheart's songwriting process, offering a glimpse into his unique approach to music.

At the time of filming, Captain Beefheart was already an established figure in the American underground music scene. His previous albums had garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated following, but he remained an enigma to many. The footage captures him in a relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by his band members – Jeff Moris Tepper, Bruce Lambourne Fowler, Eric Drew Feldman, Richard Redus, and Robert Arthur Williams – as they rehearse new material.

One of the most striking aspects of this clip is its informal setting. Beefheart and his band are not performing in a studio or on stage; instead, they're jamming in a storage facility, where they would often meet to work on their music. This relaxed environment allows for an unbridled display of creativity, with Beefheart experimenting with different instruments and ideas.

The musicianship showcased here is remarkable, particularly from Jeff Moris Tepper's slide guitar playing during "Candle Mambo". Eric Drew Feldman's synthesizer work adds a layer of complexity to the tracks, while Richard Redus' bottleneck guitar provides an eerie atmosphere. The band's dynamic is palpable, with each member contributing their unique voice to the music.

What makes this footage significant is its rarity and the insight it offers into Beefheart's creative process. Few recordings from this period exist, making "Shiny Beast Demos" a valuable resource for fans and scholars alike. This clip provides a window into Beefheart's songwriting approach, which blended elements of blues, free jazz, rock, and avant-garde composition.

The band members' camaraderie is also evident in the footage, with Beefheart engaging in banter and storytelling between takes. Robert Williams' recollection of meeting Captain Beefheart at his record store provides a fascinating context for this clip, highlighting the artist's down-to-earth personality and willingness to connect with fans.

In watching "Shiny Beast Demos", viewers will gain a deeper understanding of Beefheart's innovative approach to music and his commitment to pushing boundaries. This footage is not just a rare recording; it's a testament to the artistic vision of Captain Beefheart, who continued to challenge conventions until his passing in 2010.

The clip also raises questions about Beefheart's relationship with his band members and the creative decisions that went into shaping "Shiny Beast (Bat Chain Puller)". The footage suggests a collaborative atmosphere, but it's clear that Beefheart was the driving force behind this project. His influence on the band is evident in their willingness to experiment and take risks.

As the clip comes to a close, viewers are left with an appreciation for the innovative spirit of Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band. The "Shiny Beast Demos" footage is a precious artifact, offering a glimpse into the creative process of one of America's most visionary musicians.

Curated from public records and music databases.