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
TORONTO: Currently, there are estimated to be over 200,000 IITians who are settled abroad.
And Germany-based Bal Krishan Kaplish could be the grand-dad of the IITian diaspora as he was probably the first IITian to move out of India in 1955 - the year in which the first batch from IIT Kharagpur passed out.
``I was the first of our batch who left India for further studies. I joined Sheffield University in October 1955,’’ he says in an interview from Duisburg in Germany where he lives with his German wife Monika as seen in the above picture.
Indeed, he could also be the first IITian to marry a foreigner when he tied the knot with Monika in 1961. ``At that time it was a sensation to marry’’ a foreigner, he laughs.
As the IIT Kharagpur - or the entire IIT system - celebrates its diamond jubilee this year, Kaplish goes nostalgic about the good old times at independent India’s first IIT.
``I had done my I.Sc. from Government College, Rohtak, in 1951, and was waiting for the results at Jamshedpur with my parents when an advertisement for admission to IIT Kharagpur appeared in newspapers. I applied for this high grade institute,’’ he recalls.
He says his interview was held in Calcutta. ``I was very lucky to be selected for mechanical engineering. At that time in 1951, we didn’t know that this Institute was going to become that great. But it had all the hallmarks of a great Institute as all the students admitted were the cream of India. There were many toppers from various universities,’’ he recollects.
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IITian Bal Krishan Kaplish in his garden at Duisburg (Germany) and skiing in Austria.[/caption]
Kaplish says their first session was delayed by about a month as the mess of Patel Hall was not fully ready.
``Further, there was no connecting road from Patel Hall to the ring road connecting the Hijli Jail Building. It was only mud and water. All the future students were informed by post. But about 20 students did not get the information on time, including me. Our rooms were ready but for food a mess was arranged in an old building near Patel Hall,’’ he says.
He is amused to remember the erratic water supply on the upper floors of Patel Hall. ``Very often, we had to run to the lower floors with our head and body full of shampoo and soap,’’ he laughs.
Asked about his memories of Nehru visiting the IIT, he says, ``Nehru came to lay down the foundation stone of the new building. It was Sunday morning when the prime minister expressed his desire to meet some students, before leaving for Kalaikunda Airport. Some 10-15 students, who were early risers, rushed to the Guest House where Nehru was staying. I was one of them to meet him. To our surprise, Sheikh Abdullah, the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, had also come with Nehru. The prime minister shook hands with all of us. It was a very short meeting as he immediately left for the airport. I found him very sympathetic.’’
He recalls R.S Gupta of electrical engineering as his best friend at the IIT. ``In our free time, we were always together. We still have very close contact with each other,’’ says Kaplish, adding that the good times passed quickly.
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1961 - when he became the first IITian to marry a foreigner who was his girlfriend from Germany. Monika came to Jamshedpur to get married as per Hindu rituals.[/caption]
And in 1955, after completing his course, when young Kaplish came back to Jamshedpur to consult his father - who was with the Indian Steel and Wire Products Limited (I.S.W.P. Ltd) in a senior position since its inception in 1928 - for his job prospects, two offers were already waiting for him.
``One offer was from TELCO (Tata Engineering & Locomotive Company) in Jamshedpur and the second from the Chittranjan Locomotive factory. The director of the company where my dad worked knew me also very well because I had done some training during summer vacation. So he asked my father to bring me next morning to his office. Without much conversation, I was put under the Chief Engineer,’’ he says of his first job.
Then he adds excitedly, ``But after two months, the director called me to his office and asked if I was interested in further studies. I said: `Yes, if somebody will support me’. He told me that he was sending me to Sheffield University to study metallurgy. I should get my passport made and further steps would be taken to get my admission for a post-graduate course in metallurgy!’’
The young engineer could not believe the turn his luck had taken.
``So, on October 2, 1955, I landed in London and proceeded to Sheffield. It was a great time in my life as I completed my M. Met. in 1957. My research work was published in Journal of the British Foundry Man,’’ he gushes.
With the M.Met. degree under his belt, young Kaplish joined some wire mills and wire rod mills to undergo a year of practical training.
``And next year in June 1958 I proceeded to Germany for training in foundry and roll foundry. I had to learn German from the very beginning. It was quite hard but I managed it well.’’
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Bal Krishan Kaplish and wife Monika seen with their friends in Palam Vihar, Gurgaon, in September 2012.[/caption]
He says his training in Germany lasted one year and nine months and was financed by the director of I.S.W.P. Ltd.
Then India beckoned. And on his return, he joined I.S.W.P. Ltd in April 1960.
``I was put directly under the head of the Wire Rod Mill department. A German was the head of the department and he had three more Germans as assistants. A new modern Wire Rod Mill of Schloemann of Germany was to be installed and I was given the charge of commissioning this new mill,’’ he remembers.
Then the busy young engineer took time off to marry a German girl named Monika whom he had met during his stay in Germany.
``At that time it was a sensation to marry a foreigner. I tied the knot with Monika as per Hindu rites. Our wedding was held in Jamshedpur,’’ Kaplish says.
Life was hunky-dory for the couple as two daughters were born to them. Kaplish was made head of the Wire Rod Mill department in 1963.
``At that time, I also used to deliver lectures to the graduate students of RIT, and the Staff training Institute of TISCO, Jamshedpur. I was also the examiner for Ranchi University.’’
In 1971, his life took yet another turn when Schloemann-Siemag in Dusseldorf offered him a slot and he left for his wife’s country.
``After working there for 25 years, I retired and settled in Duisburg in Germany. Both our daughters are also settled in Germany. There are not many IITians in Germany, but I am the oldest of the lot,’’ says Kaplish, adding that he visited India a few times officially for advising TISCO and I.S.W.P.Ltd.
But the big moment, he says, came in October 2001 when he was invited by his alma mater IIT Kharagpur to attend its golden jubilee celebrations.
``My wife and I both went there. The students had made some good programmes and organized gala dinners. I was sorry to see that nobody from my batch was present. It was told to me that a celebration was also held in summer 2001 in Calcutta. Cultural programmes were presented by different Halls of residence. I found that there was a lot of rivalry between the Halls and they were disturbing the programmes of the other Hall. I brought this to the notice of Prof. Bhattacharia, who was the organiser of the function. The students of IIT should be proud of their alma mater and have harmony with each other.’’
Kaplish says a few of his old IIT class-mates have visited and stayed with him in Germany. ``I would like to make particular mention of talented R.S. Bir, M.A .Parameswaran, Balbir Singh and B.C. Mondal,’’ he says, adding that he is proud of his IIT fraternity.
Bal Krishan Kaplish: Dear Ramesh,
Very pleased to know about you. We remember you when you were at Jamshedpur. We are glad to know that you are following the line of your father, who was also a very good teacher, for preparing students for the higher education. Please contact. Our best wishes and love to you and the family.
Ramesh Batlish: Greetings to you!!!
Your journey has always inspired us. Today I train students to join the IITs and mentor them. I hope you remember me. My father name is Sri Vidyasagar Batlish. He too worked at ISWP. Regards to you and your Family. Ramesh Batlish
Prof. (Dr.) P. G. Bhattacharya: Please read 'a' as an in first line of the comment.
Prof. (Dr.) P. G. Bhattacharya: Dear Mr. Kaplish I am also an old graduate from the then B.E. College,now BESUS but not as old as you are. You are senior to me by 7 years but I feel as it I am reading a very inspiring article who is still in twenties. However I am also an IITian in the sense I did my PhD in Civil Engineering from the IIT, Kharagpur, and Dr. B.B. Pandey was my supervisor. I am really very proud of your excellent write-up recalling your good old days at IIT. It will inspire the student community as a whole irrespective of the institute of study. I have my choices wishes for you and your family and hope I shall live to see you in the centenary.
Hari Jagtiani: This is an article to admire which conveys the extent of engineering & cultural exposure, you, Bal Krishan have "absorbed".
In my opinion you have followed the saying:
"DESTINY IS NOT A MATTER OF CHANCE, IT IS A MATTER OF CHOICE"
I am sure Monika with her involvement (and sacrifice) has decidedly contributed to the subsequent professional success & family-well-being.
Our very best wishes to you both.
Bal Krishan Kaplish: Your statement is a fact and hope many are of the same opinion. To be rich is a relative term.
Good luck.
Bal Krishan Kaplish: When I was just reading your remarks, my daughter Usha was incidentally with me. She immediately asked if I rememeber you. Of course I remember you though you were a very quiet person in IIT. Then I showed her your photo from "Udyoga, Souvenir Number 1955".
My best wishes to you.
Bal Krishan Kaplish: Many thanks. We had a good team and I am glad of our association. Best wishes.
Deepak Kaplish: Dear Uncle,
It really makes us proud going through your meritorious achievements and also the fact that a man could achieve so much in one lifespan. We are proud of our lineage and you are our role model and inspiration.
Best wishes.
Dalip Chandran: Wow 200,000 IITians live abroad. Many have become very famous and rich. If each of them gives a little to India, our country can change rapidly.
Gupta Rama Shankar, IIT Kharagpur 1951-56: It is indeed a very well presented article.It is very refreshing and brings back pleasant memories of our time at the IIT. This is particularly recollection of the proud moments shared and lived together by the first batch of the first IIT in India. IITs are the creation of the great leader of India, Jawahar Lal Nehru. He visited IIT, Kharagour during our first year itself and I had also the the privilege of meeting him face to face at that time. He had also addressed the first convocation of the IIT when we had the privilege of having lunch with him at the IIT. I vividly recollect Jawahar Lal Nehru having asked all of us graduating in 1955 to come forward and serve the country.
I did my M.Tech. also at the IIT,Kharagpur. Therafter proceeded to Germany (then West Germany) where I worked for four years. I returned to India in 1960. After retirement, I have now settled in Bangalore.
With best regards to Mr. Kaplish and other friends.
Somayajulu P. Yedavally (Y.P.Somayajulu): I was a classmate of Mr. B.K.Kaplish in the first batch of
Civil Engineering at I.I.T.
I returned to I.I.T. as faculty in Civil Engineering during 1959-69, during which I got my M.Tech. and Ph.D.
I have been in Michigan from 1971 onwards.
I hope Mr. Kaplish may be able to recognise me.
Kamala, Satya Pall: It is indeed a fascinating article.
Kamala, Satya Pall: It is indeed very fascinating to read all your wonderful days at IIT Kharagpur and also your achievements later as an engineer & metallurgist. You have been an inspiration to the younger students. You fulfilled the dream of your worthy parents & they were proud of your success. Your happy married life with Monika Ji is another great success. You have
lovely two daughters Nalini, Usha & grandchildern.
With our Best wishes & love
Kamala & Sat
Padmanabham Cherukuri: This excellent article took me back 52 years of my association and very pleasant memories with Mr & Mrs Kaplish. Mr. Kaplish is my role model, a perfect mentor and was very nice working for him as my first mechanical engineering position. The above pictures are still fresh in my memory as they were so nice to all of us, then as well today. May God bless this lovely couple. Thanks.
Bal Krishan Kaplish: Yes, we really had an exciting time. Thanks
Bal Krishan Kaplish: Dear Pronob Guha,
Many thanks for your appreciation. You may put the article in the Pan IIT 2012.
Pronob Guha: Excellent article! We are thinking of putting the article in the Pan IIT 2012 Conference Souvenir!!! 
