The Band - Music from Big Pink

None of the Band's previous work gave much of a clue about how they would sound when they released their first album in July 1968. As it was, Music from Big Pink came as a surprise. At first blush, the group seemed to affect the sound of a loose jam session, alternating emphasis on different instruments, while the lead and harmony vocals passed back and forth as if the singers were making up their blend on the spot. In retrospect, especially as the lyrics sank in, the arrangements seemed far more considered and crafted to support a group of songs that took family, faith, and rural life as their subjects and proceeded to imbue their values with uncertainty. Some songs took on the theme of declining institutions less clearly than others, but the points were made musically as much as lyrically. Tenor Richard Manuel's haunting, lonely voice gave the album much of its frightening aspect, while Rick Danko's and Levon Helm's rough-hewn styles reinforced the songs' rustic fervor. The dominant instrument was Garth Hudson's often icy and majestic organ, while Robbie Robertson's unusual guitar work further destabilized the sound. The result was an album that reflected the turmoil of the late '60s in a way that emphasized the tragedy inherent in the conflicts. Music from Big Pink came off as a shockingly divergent musical statement only a year after the ornate productions of Sgt. Pepper, and initially attracted attention because of the three songs Bob Dylan had either written or co-written. However, as soon as "The Weight" became a minor singles chart entry, the album and the group made their own impact, influencing a movement toward roots styles and country elements in rock. Over time, Music from Big Pink came to be regarded as a watershed work in the history of rock, one that introduced new tones and approaches to the constantly evolving genre. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide

Name Credits Albert B. Grossman Arranger Andrew Sandoval Producer, Mastering, Mixing, Compilation Bob Dylan Paintings, Artwork, Cover Painting Brendan Gormley Editorial Supervision Brian Kelly Producer Bryan Kelley Producer Caroline Ray Project Manager Cheryl Pawelski Producer, Compilation Dan Hersch Mastering Don Hahn Engineer Elliott Landy Photography Garth Hudson Saxophone, Group Member, Keyboards Jaime Robbie Robertson Group Member Jared Levine Project Coordinator Jimmy Edwards Project Manager John Simon Producer Kenny Nemes Project Manager Levon Helm Group Member, Drums, Vocals, Guitar Michelle Azzopardi Art Direction Milton Glaser Design Peter Grant Art Direction Rex Updegraft Engineer Richard Manuel Keyboards, Drums, Group Member, Vocals Rick Danko Violin, Vocals, Bass, Group Member Rob Bowman Liner Notes Robbie Robertson Producer, Vocals, Keyboards, Guitar Robert Vosgien Mastering Sam Gay Creative Director Shannon Ward Producer Shelly Yakus Engineer The Band Group Tony May Engineer