Mickey Hart Accelerates Next Stage in Music’s Evolution

Throughout a career spanning over 50 years, Mickey Hart has been an innovative and inspirational leader in musical research and performance.   Known as “The Rhythm Devils,” Mickey and Bill Kreutzman were the driving force behind The Grateful Dead – particularly during their extended jam experiences.  It is only fitting that Mickey’s latest venture – Mysterium Tremendum – is ground-breaking and entertaining at the same time.  Mickey and his band weave together a host of musical styles and influences, including world music, electronic wizardry, hippie rock, and psychedelic trance.

In this article I will personally review Mickey’s latest CD project.  I will include selected lyrics – written by Dead lyricist, Robert Hunter.  After that I will summarize some other CD reviews, as well as reviews of the band’s live performances.    I have abstracted  some recent interviews with Mickey and several band members – bassist Dave Schools and producer/keyboardist Ben Yonas.  After that you can read about some of Mickey’s innovative, interdisciplinary research projects, as well as some of the awards he has received.  He is truly an interdisciplinary musical scholar who has written some really fine books.

I find the fact that Mickey has been a lifelong musician, who has also explored cutting-edge science to be personally and professionally very inspirational and unique.  I just spent almost three decades in academia earning degrees in Biology, Journalism, and Sociology (Ph.D. Iowa State University in 1986.)   I worked as a Professor of Sociology and Food Science at North Carolina State University from 1987 – 2010.  For the last 15 years I have again been playing a lot of music (guitar, mandolin, and percussion) – something I had done a lot between 1965 and 1980.

Click Below to learn “all you need to know” about Mickey Hart’s life-long and continuing contributions to the evolution of music (and society.)

Jim Morrison Urged Us to Break on Through to the Other Side

During his short life, Jim Morrison of the Doors was a role model to men and sex symbol for women.  In this article you will learn about the man, music and messages associated with one of the best Rock bands and political provocateurs we have witnessed. His life was filled with creativity and chaos; along with conflicts and contradictions.   Here you will find a carefully selected set of articles, pix, quotes, lyrics and more.  I hope you will find lessons here and buy some of the MP3 files that are available from the live performances!!  I have had a long random play list going!!  It includes the awesome 2000 Tribute CD entitled “Stoned Immaculate.”

Like many others, he had a major influence on my young life – sparking seeds of rebellion and spirituality that have burned throughout my life.  He tied our generation to that of the beat poets.  He also tied us back to our natural roots and native American heritage.  I also went down the alcohol road between 17 and 24 (1968-1973).  Although I used to pride myself on looking, thinking, and acting like Jim;  I was blessed to not meet his same fate with booze. This marks the third and final volume in my trilogy of tributes (see also my writings on Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix.)  I was further blessed to have seen them each perform live in the late sixties around Chicago (their spirits are with me still.)  I hope that you will find encouragement, enchantment and enlightenment from their lives and legacies as I have over the past 40 years!!

Cats Are Creative, Cool and Compassionate

Spring is the best time to pay tribute to my true friends through thick and thin – my cats. Just as people feel passionately about their kids, dogs and other companions, many of us also love our cats. They are smarter and cleaner than dogs. They can be alone for extended periods – but cats do not like to be alone. Above all they model the peaceful, Zen lifestyle that I and many others are trying to achieve. Read this post to understand the many benefits of cat ownership. This features many of the best quotes ever on our furry friends. Also, learn why cats make the perfect therapy animals for the elderly, young people and anyone who would prefer minimal responsibility for maximum cat-love.

Janis Joplin Leads Women to the Truth

I want to pay tribute to an amazing singer; as well as a path-breaking woman. I am going to provide you with insights, information and inspiration from the life and creative legacy of Janis Joplin. In many respects, she will be remembered as a public pioneer in the women’s movement. Her story is a case study of the hippie counterculture.  I hope that you will enjoy this analysis ofand tribute to one of my main spirit guides (along with Jimi Hendrix , John Lennon, and Jim Morrison.)   Her spirit is more alive today then she was at the time of her death. BTW – although she died directly from an accidental overdose of extremely pure heroin; it really was alcohol that killed her (as it did Jim Morrison.)  Be sure and listen to her music and learn her lessons. 

Dr. King’s Legacy Requires Activism Not Pacifism

Today, April 4, 2008 is the 40th Anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It’s a day to reflect on King’s largely unfinished work for justice and equality. I want to speculate about what King would say and do about today’s issues had he not been assassinated in 1968. King would still be fighting against racism, poverty and war. In particular, he would be leading the criticism of the United States – not just for our involvement in Iraq but for the whole way in which corporations have taken over the global economy.

Wit and Wisdom of Jerry Garcia

One of my favorite BLOGs are the tributes that I pay to musicians and others who have had an enormous influence on my life. This BLOG was originally posted on May 17, 2007 at my MySpace Blog. Hope you enjoy the lessons and love!!

Dr Tom Picks “The Big Lebowski”

Want to share some expert and extensive film reviews for those of you who already love this movie. I also am going to convince you all to see it soon and often. Enjoy with good friends and good herb!! Subscribe now so we can learn and laugh LOTS!!

MSNBC Makes Most Sense of the World

Journalism has really come alive since CNN waded first into Katrina.   I watch about 6-8 hours of MSNBC per day using my wonderful DVR (no commercials). I really can recommend some of the talented people on this awesome network.  BTW – I really could add a lot as commentator.