Pullin’ ‘Tubes: Levon Goes Electric

Over the last few years Levon Helm has become somewhat of a fixture on the live music scene that we’ve almost taken for granted his recent health troubles that came close to taking his distinctive voice away. The former drummer for The Band is in the midst of a career renaissance of sorts that has seen him earn a Grammy for his 2007 release Dirt Farmer, tour with the likes of Phil Lesh & Friends and continue to host his much lauded Midnight Rambles on almost a weekly basis at his studio in Woodstock, NY.

There really seems to be no slowing down the soon to be 69 year-old Helm as he will release his latest album Electric Dirt on June 30. The 11 track album produced by Larry Campbell features a mix of covers and originals including a take on the Grateful Dead’s Tennessee Jed. Let’s take a look at this great featurette documenting the making of his new release…

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Helm will play a handful of dates this the summer in addition to a number of Midnight Rambles including a special one on July 4th that comes complete with a BBQ – where attendees are encouraged to bring a side dish.

More Levon:

• Poor Dirt Farmer (Music Video)
• Ophelia – Live at moe.down 9