While sifting through videos one evening, I stumbled upon a poignant rendition of "Book Faded Brown" by Rick Danko and Professor Louie for a New Jersey TV show. It struck me instantly. Danko's stripped-down performances always transport me to a tranquil realm; this rendition was no exception.
Danko's stripped-down performances always put me in a calmer and more serene space, and this version of "Book Faded Brown" is no different. The song was the first track on the last album recorded by The Band, entitled Jubilation and was released in 1998. Written by Paul Jost, it is one of the strongest tracks from the trio of albums The Band recorded after their 1983 reunion.
Jost, a jazzman, had carved out an excellent career as a songwriter, having had Carl Perkins and Dr. John record his songs. On the meaning behind the song, Jost mused, "The 'book' is a private trove of values, common sense, and a shared sense of morality that is kept intact by the family...The 'book' has been tattered, worn around the edges and faded brown over the years, but is no less vibrant or alive in their family."
When I read that, I couldn't help but make the analogy that the "book" represented The Band. After thirty years together, The Band had established a set of values, common sense and an unfortunate sense of morality... through the many ups and downs, they had become a family. While many said they had faded and were worn down, they kept their families and friends close, extending the warmth and vibrancy to their fans.
In many ways, "Booked Faded Brown" is the last real "moment" for The Band, the woody warmth of Danko's upright bass, Garth Hudson's accordion, Jim Weider's warm acoustic and Randy Ciarlante's restrained smatterings on the drums all create the bedrock for one of Danko's final and best vocals which brims with warn wisdom.
In many ways, "Booked Faded Brown" is the last real "moment" for The Band, the woody warmth of Danko's upright bass, Garth Hudson's accordion, Jim Weider's warm acoustic and Randy Ciarlante's restrained smatterings on the drums all create the bedrock for one of Danko's final and best vocals which brims with warn wisdom.
As Peter Viney aptly puts it, "Book Faded Brown" is "achingly beautiful," much like Rick Danko and The Band. A year later, Rick would depart, and The Band would fade away, but the opening track of Jubilation remains a powerful reminder of Danko and The Band's enduring, understated excellence.
