Rick Danko:

Rick Danko:(1977)

The only solo album from Rick Danko. This album came out after The Band broke up, although it features performances from all the members. It also has guest players like Eric Clapton, Blondie Chaplin, and Doug Sahm. This is a really delightful album. In fact if you've ever seen the Band's Last Waltz movie, you'll recall a scene were Rick is sitting in a recording studio saying he's just staying busy making music, and he plays a track, well that was from this album. And the song he plays in that movie is a song called Sip The Wine, which I believe to be a key track. Look it up now. 

The Band:

The Last Waltz: (1978)

It seems criminal that this is the only piece of vinyl I have by the Band. I have tons of CDs and Cassettes, and there really couldn't be a band that means more to me emotionally. They were the soundtrack to my childhood. Thanks God my folks weren't into Journey or Kenny Loggins. The Band were amazing, every member was so good individually that collectively they could soar like no other, and do it in any genre they wanted. Seriously, if you aren't familiar with the Band, pick up The Last Waltz, which was a recording of their last performances together. Either the album or the movie will suffice. I can't count how many copies of the movie I've given as gifts. Now, I know that they reunited, well some of them, as The Band in the late 80's, but it wasn't the full band and it paled for me, because with out all the ingredients you can make something that looks like a cake, but it don't taste the same. With The Last Waltz, it's interesting to listen to a band try to tell their musical story onstage with guests from different musical walks, all the while weaving in their own material, and succeed at it. I think the thing that impresses me most about the Band, and in particular this album, is how honest the music feels.