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.
Hastinapur in Argentina has much more than Hastinapur of Mahabharata
By admin 10 Oct 2020
News East West
Every student of Indian history and culture knows the ancient city of Hastinapur mentioned in the Mahabharata. While the above picture shows the Lotus Temple in Hastinapur, not far from New Delhi, the story and pictures below tell the story of another
Hastinapur in Buenos Aires (Argentina) of all places. Read on…
Hastinapur (in Argentina capital Buenos Aires) has a total area of twelve acres. Its population consists of a dozen Indian gods and an equal number of Argentinians. Some of the Indian gods reside in authentic temples filled with the scent of Indian agarbatties while others stay outdoors enjoying the fragrance of the flowers from the garden. Some are sitting or standing on the pedestals and others hang on the sides of walls and pillars.
The gods who have their own temples include Ganesh, Krishna, Surya, Narayana and Shiva. Since it is Hastinapur there is a temple for Pandavas too. Hastinapur is clearly a place fit for the gods …who should be pleased with the cleanliness of the place, the serene surroundings and the green garden with Rosewood trees. The only noise comes from the hundreds of birds nesting in the trees. Then there is the soft music of the devotees who sing Bhajans. It is indeed a divine place which inspires sacred thoughts and holy spirit.
[caption id="attachment_85643" align="alignnone" width="450"] Ganesha is standing out in white against the greenery of the garden.[/caption]
A dozen Argentinians live there to look after the gods and the place. During weekend, the human population increases to over one hundred. The Argentinians do not go there seeking favours as many Indians do in Tirupathi. They go there for wisdom. This is why Hastinapur is called as the City of Wisdom (ciudad de la sabiduria). Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning, blesses the students through the sculptures all around the compound. The Argentines learn philosophy, read in the library, practise yoga and meditation and sing Bhajans.
On the other side of the fence, there are cows grazing and occasionally staring at the Indian gods. The cows are relaxed and free from fear because they know that they will not become food at the dining table in Hastinapur, which is a vegetarian place. The inmates cook vegetarian food and share it with the children from poor families in the neighbourhood.
Hastinapur does not have any godmen seeking fame and fortune and flaunting wealthy followers. It is an institution to pursue pure wisdom, peace and divinity. Neither in the city nor in the website names of those who run the place are given. The founders and directors of the Hastinapura Foundation do not seek publicity. They are humble but devoted people. They have their professions as company managers, engineers or professors. They volunteer their time and talents for the foundation.
Nor is Hastinapur the work of some overenthusiastic drum-beating Hare Krishna types or faith-lead Saibaba followers. Hastinapur respects all the religions and beliefs. Their ten temples include one for Buddha, one for the Virgin Mary, one for the Greek god Demeter and another one called as the the Temple of All Faiths.
Their library has books of all religions and schools of thought. Hastinapur seeks true wisdom, going beyond the boundaries of established religions. The City of Wisdom is not the ultimate destination. It does not prescribe wisdom doses. It simply helps people to seek, find and pursue their own path to wisdom. They give classes in yoga, meditation, philosophy, devotional singing and sacred drama. They organise workshops, seminars and retreats. They also provide community service. They celebrate festivals such as Ganesh Chathurthi and Vaishaki. Their next project is to broadcast through radio.
Hastinapur temples do not have priests or other middlemen between the gods and worshippers. There is no money collection, like in Tirupathi. Worshippers pray, recite mantras and sing devotional songs individually or in groups.
[caption id="attachment_85644" align="alignnone" width="450"] Meditation hall.[/caption]
Hastinapur has a post-graduate course in yoga which takes three years to complete. The classes are held in the weekends only. There are 2,500 students studying yoga and philosophy in the Hastinapur centres. The students are being taught by 100 teachers on philosophy and 120 teachers on yoga.
Many Argentinians go to Hastinapur as a retreat from the hectic city of Buenos Aires which is just fifty kilometres away. They practise meditation in the quiet natural environment. They do yoga, read books from the library, discuss philosophy and join the singing of bhajans. Hastinapur is an authentic Ashram.
The Hastinapur Foundation has published a number of books on Indian philosophy and translated the Bhagwat Gita, Bhakti Sutras, Upanishads, Srimad Bhagwatam and Yoga Sutras. Their latest publication is the Mahabharata in Spanish. They have so far published three volumes and plan to do a total of twelve volumes in the coming years. Each volume is over 500 pages. The founder Alda Albrecht and other members of the Foundation have also written a number of books.
[caption id="attachment_85645" align="alignnone" width="400"] The main entrance.[/caption]
The Hastinapura Foundation was established by Ada Albrecht in 1981. She introduced Indian philosophy and became a Guru for the Argentinians seeking wisdom. She wrote a number of books such as ¨The Saints and teachings of India¨ and ¨The teachings of the monks from Himalayas¨.
Gustavo Canzobre was one of her students, who is now the Director of the Hastinapur college of professors. He was seventeen years old when he became interested in Indian wisdom. During the Third Festival of India organized by the Indian embassy in Buenos Aires in November 2010, he gave a talk on the temple architecture of South India. He is a manager in a local company for living and dedicates rest of his time to the Hastinapura Foundation. He is knowledgeable about the Vedas and the Upanishads.
[caption id="attachment_85646" align="alignnone" width="400"] Gustavo Canzobre, who is well versed with the Vedas, seen in this picture.[/caption]
The architectural and scuplting work of the Hastinapur complex has been done entirely by Argentinians. The architects and sculptors have studied Indian temples and have done their work professionally and aesthetically. Even now they are constructing some more buildings with Indian sculptures and statues.
[caption id="attachment_85648" align="alignnone" width="400"] Ganesha temple.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_85650" align="alignnone" width="400"] The pond in front of the temple has fresh water and fish.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_85652" align="alignnone" width="400"] A small outdoor Ganesha temple in the garden.[/caption]
The Hastinapura Foundation has sixteen centres in Buenos Aires and three more in the rest of Argentina. They have also established centres in Uruguay, Bolivia and Colombia.
[caption id="attachment_85654" align="alignnone" width="400"] Lord Shiva is sitting majestically in the large garden guarded by Ganesha on the four sides.[/caption]
Latin Americans are, of course, known for fun and fiesta. At the same time, there are thousands of Latin Americans who take the Mahabharata and meditation more seriously than many Indians….
(This article appeared here first)
Comments
Satish K.Lal says:
I was in Buenos Aris on Sept. 13-16 2016. My family wanted to see the well known Hastinapure near BuenoAris .I had read from Times of India .we belong to the original Hastinapur (Delhi) and my wife belonged to Kurukshetra India ,site for Mahabharata war and Krishna Geeta.
I was disgusted to learn that in spite of several attempts by me and the travel agent we were not allowed to visit the place.
How do the Organisers at Hastinapur expect to propagate and inform the people from India regarding this place on the opposite side of iIndia.
I still could not get the reason for not allowing us who are strong Hindus to visit this place. .
Hopefully the governing bodies of Hastinapur Near BuenoAris get their acts together and aloof visitors to visit this place!!
Sincerely,
Dr. Satish K .Lal
Sameer Anand says:
How does it have much more than the Hastinapur of Mahabharat? Care to elaborate?
Ganesha is standing out in white against the greenery of the garden.[/caption]
A dozen Argentinians live there to look after the gods and the place. During weekend, the human population increases to over one hundred. The Argentinians do not go there seeking favours as many Indians do in Tirupathi. They go there for wisdom. This is why Hastinapur is called as the City of Wisdom (ciudad de la sabiduria). Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning, blesses the students through the sculptures all around the compound. The Argentines learn philosophy, read in the library, practise yoga and meditation and sing Bhajans.
On the other side of the fence, there are cows grazing and occasionally staring at the Indian gods. The cows are relaxed and free from fear because they know that they will not become food at the dining table in Hastinapur, which is a vegetarian place. The inmates cook vegetarian food and share it with the children from poor families in the neighbourhood.
Hastinapur does not have any godmen seeking fame and fortune and flaunting wealthy followers. It is an institution to pursue pure wisdom, peace and divinity. Neither in the city nor in the website names of those who run the place are given. The founders and directors of the Hastinapura Foundation do not seek publicity. They are humble but devoted people. They have their professions as company managers, engineers or professors. They volunteer their time and talents for the foundation.
Nor is Hastinapur the work of some overenthusiastic drum-beating Hare Krishna types or faith-lead Saibaba followers. Hastinapur respects all the religions and beliefs. Their ten temples include one for Buddha, one for the Virgin Mary, one for the Greek god Demeter and another one called as the the Temple of All Faiths.
Their library has books of all religions and schools of thought. Hastinapur seeks true wisdom, going beyond the boundaries of established religions. The City of Wisdom is not the ultimate destination. It does not prescribe wisdom doses. It simply helps people to seek, find and pursue their own path to wisdom. They give classes in yoga, meditation, philosophy, devotional singing and sacred drama. They organise workshops, seminars and retreats. They also provide community service. They celebrate festivals such as Ganesh Chathurthi and Vaishaki. Their next project is to broadcast through radio.
Hastinapur temples do not have priests or other middlemen between the gods and worshippers. There is no money collection, like in Tirupathi. Worshippers pray, recite mantras and sing devotional songs individually or in groups.
[caption id="attachment_85644" align="alignnone" width="450"]
Meditation hall.[/caption]
Hastinapur has a post-graduate course in yoga which takes three years to complete. The classes are held in the weekends only. There are 2,500 students studying yoga and philosophy in the Hastinapur centres. The students are being taught by 100 teachers on philosophy and 120 teachers on yoga.
Many Argentinians go to Hastinapur as a retreat from the hectic city of Buenos Aires which is just fifty kilometres away. They practise meditation in the quiet natural environment. They do yoga, read books from the library, discuss philosophy and join the singing of bhajans. Hastinapur is an authentic Ashram.
The Hastinapur Foundation has published a number of books on Indian philosophy and translated the Bhagwat Gita, Bhakti Sutras, Upanishads, Srimad Bhagwatam and Yoga Sutras. Their latest publication is the Mahabharata in Spanish. They have so far published three volumes and plan to do a total of twelve volumes in the coming years. Each volume is over 500 pages. The founder Alda Albrecht and other members of the Foundation have also written a number of books.
[caption id="attachment_85645" align="alignnone" width="400"]
The main entrance.[/caption]
The Hastinapura Foundation was established by Ada Albrecht in 1981. She introduced Indian philosophy and became a Guru for the Argentinians seeking wisdom. She wrote a number of books such as ¨The Saints and teachings of India¨ and ¨The teachings of the monks from Himalayas¨.
Gustavo Canzobre was one of her students, who is now the Director of the Hastinapur college of professors. He was seventeen years old when he became interested in Indian wisdom. During the Third Festival of India organized by the Indian embassy in Buenos Aires in November 2010, he gave a talk on the temple architecture of South India. He is a manager in a local company for living and dedicates rest of his time to the Hastinapura Foundation. He is knowledgeable about the Vedas and the Upanishads.
[caption id="attachment_85646" align="alignnone" width="400"]
Gustavo Canzobre, who is well versed with the Vedas, seen in this picture.[/caption]
The architectural and scuplting work of the Hastinapur complex has been done entirely by Argentinians. The architects and sculptors have studied Indian temples and have done their work professionally and aesthetically. Even now they are constructing some more buildings with Indian sculptures and statues.
[caption id="attachment_85648" align="alignnone" width="400"]
Ganesha temple.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_85650" align="alignnone" width="400"]
The pond in front of the temple has fresh water and fish.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_85652" align="alignnone" width="400"]
A small outdoor Ganesha temple in the garden.[/caption]
The Hastinapura Foundation has sixteen centres in Buenos Aires and three more in the rest of Argentina. They have also established centres in Uruguay, Bolivia and Colombia.
[caption id="attachment_85654" align="alignnone" width="400"]
Lord Shiva is sitting majestically in the large garden guarded by Ganesha on the four sides.[/caption]
Latin Americans are, of course, known for fun and fiesta. At the same time, there are thousands of Latin Americans who take the Mahabharata and meditation more seriously than many Indians….
(This article appeared here first)
Comments
I was in Buenos Aris on Sept. 13-16 2016. My family wanted to see the well known Hastinapure near BuenoAris .I had read from Times of India .we belong to the original Hastinapur (Delhi) and my wife belonged to Kurukshetra India ,site for Mahabharata war and Krishna Geeta.
Sameer Anand says:
How does it have much more than the Hastinapur of Mahabharat? Care to elaborate?