Peter's music has been heard on hundreds of radio stations and has been on SiriusXM rotation for over a decade. As a multi-award winning artist, Peter's music has also topped Billboard's Classical and Crossover charts.
For Captain Beefheart, a maverick-artist-musician, who was not just a complicated man but highly demanding and by most accounts very difficult to deal with. It was appropriate that Beefheart's Magic Band was to prominently feature a bassist as accomplished, bold and adventurous as Mark Boston, a.k.a Rockette Morton.
Born on July 14, 1949, Mark began life in the small town of Salem, Illinois before his family moved out to Lancaster, California when he was 13. With a bassist and steel player for a father, Mark gained a great appreciation for country and bluegrass along with the R&B and rock’n’roll that was on the rise. Within a year of the Boston clan moving out to Lancaster, Mark befriended a young guitarist by the name of Bill Harkleroad.
At a time when the bass guitar was seen as the dummy’s instrument, Mark left quite an impression on Bill with his talent and equipment, leading to the two joining forces to form BC And The Cavemen. With Mark’s mother sewing some outfits for them, the band developed a decent reputation, and the two would also play in a band with Jeff Cotton and John French known as Blues In A Bottle. And then a local hero came calling. Or perhaps screaming and howling!
In that same Lancaster scene, Captain Beefheart And His Magic Band were making a big splash as a top flight blues rock outfit, with 'Safe As Milk' having made a strong impression and 'Strictly Personal' being a strong record as well. But even with a sound that was speaking to people, one that perhaps would have been a more pragmatic one as far as a career goes, Don Van Vliet just wasn’t meant for conventional norms.
The Captain had all these ideas, ideas far too out for many, including early members. He needed new musicians, younger and more impressionable ones that wouldn’t object to his ideas. Already having John and Jeff in the band, now 'Drumbo' and Antennae Jimmy Semens, he then recruited Bill, dubbed Zoot Horn Rollo. And on bass, he found Mark Boston, who took the name Rockette Morton due to his love of outer space. And the classic Magic Band was born.
Trout Mask Replica (TMR) wasn’t an easy album to make. Yet even with all the bizarre ideas and the difficulty in preparing those ideas into music, Mark was a total champ through it all. The Beefheart sound is one of great dichotomy, and Mark can capture all of it. He’s so tight and precise, and yet there’s this raw grit and dirt. He’s highly intelligent and sophisticated in his playing, and yet there remains this childlike sense of wonder and curiosity.
He takes after all the great traditional American music, yet out into a whole other realm of time and space. The bass traditionally serves the role of grounding the harmony while locking in with the drums to provide a foundation, yet Mark’s playing often serves as another melody line in the music. In a lot of ways, he’s like a third guitarist that just happens to be playing bass.
The TMR on its own is a legacy few can compete with, and yet Mark contributed to more classic records like "Lick My Decals Off, Baby", "The Spotlight Kid", and "Clear Spot". There on Decals, you get the equivalent of Godfather II. With Mother Art Tripp on marimba and drums rather Jeff on guitar, you get an album that captures a great deal of TMR's brilliance while being brilliant in its own unique way.
Then you get to 'The Spotlight Kid', with bass godliness on cuts like “When It Blows Its Stack”, resulting in a bass solo that often opened shows, yet Mark proves himself just as talented on traditional in-the-pocket styles as demonstrated on cuts like “I’m Gonna Booglarize You Baby”. And that thing about bassists being failed guitarists? In the 'Clear Spot', with Mark taking guitar and the rhythm section now being a mini Mothers reunion of Art and Roy Estrada, yet nobody missed a beat. Throughout the record, Bill and Mark’s kinship really shines, their weaving right there with what Bill and Jeff had done, or what was done with Alex St Clair early on.
Of course, dealing with Don was quite a task of its own, so it’s inevitable that Mark and the others would all end up departing by 1974. He and Bill soon formed a group of their own called Mallard. For two albums, the first with Art and having some writing help from John French 'Drumbo', Mallard showed itself a pretty decent blues rock outfit. And giving that it was Mark who finally had a chance to create something that was truly his own rather than helping some achieve their vision, it’s understandably the work that he takes pride in. And over time, he’d end up making a solo record and create some cool artwork of his own, as well as performing with 'Drumbo' in the reformed Magic Band, allowing the music to live and breathe on stage again.
If you’re a Beefheart fan, how can you not love Rockette Morton? Not only a uniquely talented bass player but such a great stage presence full of joy, along with a lovably quirky personality and such a sweet guy. Easily one of my favorites from Magic Band members, you can’t help but smile when thinking about Mark. He’s been through some rough weather, including his health scares, and yet he’s still the same Mark we’ve known and loved all the years.
Happy birthday Mark! Thank you for all you have given us and look forward to more.
___________________
Patrick Moore is a freehand drawing artist and freelance music writer.
Agencies
MUMBAI: Priyanka Chopra is now officially Mrs Nick Jonas.
The Miss World 2000, who made it big in Bollywood and Hollywood, broke many hearts on her way to stardom.
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Priyanka Chopra's cosiness with Bollywood super star Shah Rukh Khan became the talk of tinsel town and angered Shah Rukh's wife Gauri.[/caption]
Here are the five men who were Priyanka Chopra's boyfriends and intimate with her before she married Nick Jonas:
1: Aseem Merchant: Aseem Merchant was Priyanka Chopra’s first boyfriend when she started modelling. She ditched him after becoming the Miss World in the year 2000. In revenge, he announced to make Priyanka’s bio-pic titled 67 Days.
67 Days was actually about Priyanka’s former secretary and business manager Prakash Jaju’s experiences with Priyanka and her late father. Juju spent 67 days in jail for allegedly threatening Priyanka.
Priyanka stopped the film by sending legal notices to Aseem.
[caption id="attachment_77174" align="alignnone" width="800"]
Priyanka Chopra with Aseem Merchant.[/caption]
2: Akshay Kumar: Akshay became Priyanka Chopra's boyfriend when the two did films such as "Andaaz", "Mujhse Shaadi Karogi", "Aitraaz" and "Waqt: Race against time" together.
[caption id="attachment_77175" align="alignnone" width="800"]
Priyanka Chopra with Akshay Kumar.[/caption]
But Akshay’s wife Twinkle got wind of it and reportedly warned him that enough is enough. Now Akshay and Priyanka avoid each other at public functions.
The chemistry between Priyanka and Akshay says it all as this song below in the 2003 film Andaaz shows:
3: Harman Baweja: Priyanka was Harman Baweja’s ladylove for five years. They started drifting apart when their film Love Story 2050 flopped. There were rumours that Shahid Kapoor was the cause of Priyanka’s split from Harman.
[caption id="attachment_77176" align="alignnone" width="800"]
Priyanka Chopra with Harman Baweja.[/caption]
4: Shahrukh Khan: Who won't fall for the King Khan? Priyanka’s alleged affair with Shahrukh Khan became the biggest topic in Bollywood. Shahrukh’s wife Gauri, who was once close to Priyanka, threw her out of her circle and reportedly warned Shahrukh against ever working with her.
[caption id="attachment_77177" align="alignnone" width="800"]
Priyanka with Shah Rukh Khan.[/caption]
5: Shahid Kapoor: When IT officials raided Priyanka’s place, Shahid Kapoor reportedly opened the door of her apartment. When he opened the door, Shahid was just wearing only boxers. He remained at Priyanka's apartment during the raid.
The talk of their alleged affair spread like a wildfire. But Shahid Kapoor, who split with Kareena after years of relationship, kept his alleged affair with Priyanka a secret. Priyanka also never admitted it until recently when she said on Koffee with Karan that she indeed was once Shahid’s girlfriend.
The two lovers used the rumours about their romance for the promotion of their 2012 film Teri Meri Kahaani.
[caption id="attachment_77178" align="alignnone" width="800"]
Priyanka Chopra with then boyfriend Shahid Kapoor.[/caption]
Nick Jonas was Priyanka Chopra's sixth boyfriend to whom she got married on December 1, 2018.
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yankee: yep with that hideous nose and her fake accent it is a surprise eligible anywhere!
Dick: She's OK let's not go too far.
Peter: And now she sleeps with boy 11 years younger. She gets around. There is a name for girl who sleeps with many. Used
June: So basically she a skanky whore
Natasha: Wrong pic used in first pice with Aseem Merchant. Please take care of such mistakes. Makes no sense
Monica: Exactly!!
victor: i like your movies priyanka chopra,plz call 0727538021 if you will not mind,from Nairobi,Kenya.
victor: i love your movies chopra call0727538021 if you will not mind,all the way from nairobi,kenya.
Rutvi: This is rubbish what the hell are u guys posting the news is fake and ur comments are ridiculous
Captain: You are dumb u idiot. Is ur eyesight f*c***g weak or what.how dare u call her like that.... Apologize u a*s*h*l*.
Saray: Nonsense
tomz: vanity
Lovepriyanka: What in the hell is your problem, you dick face. You must have lost yours you know what to an actual chicken or a pig. Coz your ugly fuck face can't get a decent lady or even a guy. Lol.
RAVI: ND UR AN ASSHOLE
racheal: it is good to look hot,sexy,romatic.i love ur style beautiful lady.i alway watch your movies so please keep it up okkk
racheal: u are hot babe dat is good i am from another country nigeria.but u re hot
Sharah Shah: don't be so proud, she looks like a pig
Sharah Shah: Till now I dont understand how she became miss world, she is not even eligible for miss India
Sharah Shah: Till now I dont understand how she became miss world, she is not even eligible for miss India
Sylhet: I love Priyanka Chopra my best actress
NVeswu: Your smile gives a pause to my heart.
Most adorable woman.
I wish you are goods so that I can buy it ,and keep it in my room before my eyes till the end of my life..ADDICTED TO YOUR LOVE.
...YOUR STYLE GONNA KILL ME ..... missing you a lot!!!!!
NVeswu: Hi! Priyanka ,a girl of my dreams..
I'm tired of waiting you, you promise not to visit Nagaland?
watching your movies does not satisfy me, show me your real pose.
I can bear a death but I cannot bear this love hurts .
Please enlist My name in your fans list too.. Let me be your love in dreams..
"YOU ARE MY ONLY PRINCESS "
Ambi: If I be the boyfriend of priyanka chopra i m the luckiest person in the world. I love so much chops.
Raaj: I don't know priyanka but I don't have a words for say about ur beauty u looking so beautiful if u have a time so plzz call me or msz for my mobile no. 9718025252 I m very greatful 2 u I want a talk 2 u that time I feel just like a dream come true thanks.....!
Raaj: When I think for priyanka I m never sleep for that night I said, I m truly crazy about her,but dreams come's never true it's a truth but finally I love u priyanka my darling.
Parul: Pc u r so good... amazing doing movie..u r not worst..i m ur big fan from lkw
bobby m: Do they mean you look like priyanka before or after surgery?
Dolly: Awesome u know everything
a: Even Mehul Choksi was dating her for a brief period
sabib hashim: Priyanka is one of my favourite girl and most beautiful, but she must stop creating a relation with husbands and find cute boys.
Jude Steven: Priyanka has three sexy holes - for passing... and making love.
Abhishek: Some celibrity don't know to manage their popularity but you are not one of them.You have made your way by your attitude and I wish your happy and prosperlife.
leem: i don care what people say...u r the bessttt n i really apricate your talent Love you muuaah
idy: I love u priyanka no matter what they say about u ur the best may Gid give u a good man
Range: Arae Bhai, use bhi to chaahiye? Isliyae short-term boyfriends hote hain. Nahin to kahaan jaayegi? Directors aur producers to kuch-Kuch bajaa dete hain. Lekin roz kya karegi? Paanch to pata hain. Jo pata nahin wo sikandar.
pratius: Priyanka Chopra ...wow...I love you....ua my inspiration...in the whole bollywood actress ua my first actress to whom I like the most and respect u....b the same...my wishes are alwz wid u..ua unique n beautiful...
Shubham patel: Calll me wait for your calll
Shu ham patel: 8720035308 please call me
Priyanka chopra i am big big big big big fan your and iam big fan from qaNtico serial
Please call me my no. Please please please
I am wait for your calll.,i am 31st by sucaide mera
qaa: sss
n samraj: assume she lost her you know what between just after 17, lucky swine
n samraj: Very ordinary looks in some photos, in fact she looks like a pig, suarni, that's why she's been named pig her nik name
parissa: I am 21 years old and people say I look like Priyanka. Of course it is a huge compliment and I'm proud of it. I really look up to her and she is sort of an idol. Good luck to her in every thing.
Rab: Lol yeah she is but her reputation is like a H so what good with her?sleep with all man who have wife and her rolls is not normal as a Indian Gurl...
barati mitra: 8794134039
Surjyo lal chakma: Ur filmy-career really appeals ur infinite talent as a whole which warms the viewer in following ur shadow to be bless. Surjyo,Indo-Bangla Border, Silsury,Mizoram
ashish kapoor: priyanka is very energetic n so confident thats why she is so successfull n smart. but i know one thing can priyanka gives financial support if his fan want.
payal: Love u mam. I wish that I could see u live but I can't go to the Mumbai . But I really tell u I m your big fan. I love your all movies and song sung by u. Specially Marry Kom fantastic movie . Just loved it. Muuuuuaaaaah.
payal: Please get married fast priyanka mam . We want to see u with your partner . But choose him wisely . BCz u r a diamond and your partner should be at least gold. Come on we are waiting mam . And again I LOVE U . Payal from a. Bad bihar
payal: Priyanka chopra the multi talented actress in whole Bollywood . No one can be like her. She is the best. I love u priyanka mam . U r the idol of my life . I m your big fan from aurangabad Bihar.
payal: Priyanka is a idol for entire girls of the world that they can do anything
shyam: I love u
babu vp: I love you priyanka chopra you're photo full my saving face is bahuth pyar Martha hai no heroyin priyanka chopra 
