Since the topic appeared on Facebook the other day, thought I would add my two cents.
Gene's Alien ticket
Yes, Frankie and the Aliens grew partly out of a crazed late night idea and the virtuosity of Dan’s guitar playing. Restless and in the mood for a venue to display his blues lead guitar style. Dan formed the band, had Irving book some regional dates, and went on a small tour and did something that he had always wanted to do- for fun. Rehearsals began at his ranch in Colorado. The band roared into Santa Fe to kick off the Alien’s tour at the now defunct Club West. Imagine my quiet life shattered by the entrance of rock and roll’s notorious bad boys, the likes of Joe Vitale and Rick Rosas. They descended on the “Chicken Shack” our rented 100 year old adobe on Canyon Road. Joe Vitale was freaked out by Santa Fe noting that there were too many artists. He proceeded to fill a sketch book with drawings after having more cups of coffee than Voltaire and made plans for a one man show.
Dan and Anastasia made a big spaghetti dinner before the show for the entire band. At the club, no one was quite sure who this was but they grooved on it. Anastasia was decked out in total blues regalia dancing in front of the stage. The show rocked and Dan’s knowledge of the Blues shined doing cover tunes from Eric Clapton to BB King. His rendition of Muddy’s Blow Wind Blow was later released.
A year earlier Dan and I had seen Albert Collins perform at Club West. Which meant we were about five feet away since not too many people knew who he was or showed up to see him. Dan was soaking up his modal minor tuning and guitar work. His ear for music was outstanding. He grabbed a guitar later and totally played Albert’s riffs.
During the tour, people demanded their money back and generally were horrified when instead of Ballads they got Blues.
Anyway I for one loved this adventure in Dan’s musical career and formed the Emergency Blues Band out of sheer inspiration. It was only last year that the Coachmen collectively realized during our second reunion that we were actually a blues band. Yeah baby…
October 20th, 2011 at 7:20 pm
Totally cool Jon. I was wondering what you may have known about the Aliens. Any luck finding that Nashville era Halloween party photo yet?
October 21st, 2011 at 1:29 am
I had the good fortune of seeing the Aliens stop at the now defunct Rainbow Music Hall in Denver. I absolutely loved it, and being able to interview Dan on several occasions while I was with the Rocky Mountain News, Dan and I discussed the whole thing. I told him he should release a whole CD of Frankie and the Aliens because the stuff was so amazing. His reply was priceless. “You know how you make a million dollars in a Blues Band” he asked. I answered no. Dan quipped “you start with two million”. A few years later he released the brilliant “Something Old, Borrowed, New and some Blues”
The bottom line was that it was evident how much fun Dan and the Aliens were having just making the music they loved. No pressure. No worries. Just music. Like the old days. And my guess would be, very much like the days making music with the Coachmen.
November 2nd, 2011 at 4:07 am
This is such a cool story – thanks for sharing. :0)
November 2nd, 2011 at 6:22 am
Very cool Jon- gives a whole new insight into Dan as a performer. Thanks so much!!!!!
Patricia
February 1st, 2012 at 11:57 pm
Thanks for all the stories Jon. It’s so good of you to share them with us!
Mary
February 2nd, 2012 at 3:22 am
I always admired Dan’s ideals to follow his heart, regardless of the monetary gain or loss. His decisions to do work that he felt from his heart (and greatly appreciated by his loyal fans) was a testimony to his integrity. It is ashame that he was pigeonholed as a soft rock balladeer when the vast majority of his work was so much more. I am still amazed at his masterful ease and versatility when I listen to all the different genre of music he so expertly created. A very talented man indeed and still sadly missed. Thanks so much for sharing all these stories–its wonderful to see insights into Dan’s life as he evolved. He will always be my fave.
February 17th, 2012 at 10:19 am
Jon, your story sharing is beyond words. A simple thank you could never suffice. Woodruff ’72