The Real Thing In Performance

In countless ways, a band or vocal group is like a family. Sometimes these artistic fraternities involve actual family members, and then the process of making music becomes really personal. Such relationships can underpin levels of intimacy and communication that elevate the songs. They can also lead to the kind of squabbles that tear bands apart. Either way, family bands provide a fascinating window into the ups and downs of musical collaboration.

Groundbreakers innovate and originate. They’re the artists by whom we measure music’s before-and-after evolution. There was reggae before Lee “Scratch” Perry and reggae music after Lee “Scratch” Perry, acid-rock before and after Pink Floyd, guitar playing before and after Jimi Hendrix. They’re among the groundbreakers who build new roads for all who come after to travel.