WHEN it comes to groundbreaking rock music, there are few artists more extraordinary and influential than Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band.
Their 1967 debut album Safe as Milk was surreal, garage blues par excellence. 1968's Strictly Personal introduced dark psychedelia into the mix, but it was 1969's legendary Trout Mask Replica album - produced by Beefheart's former schoolmate Frank Zappa - that cemented their reputation as true musical visionaries.
Complex, avant-garde and utterly without comparison, it melded blues, free jazz, folk and even sea shanties into a completely unique and compelling concoction.
Beefheart himself retired from making music in 1982, but - in 2003 - original Magic Band drummer John 'Drumbo' French reformed the band to play at the All Tomorrow's Parties festival being curated by Simpsons creator Mat Groening.
Now, the Magic Band are back, appearing at the Arc in Stockton tomorrow, with original members John 'Drumbo' French, Denny 'Feelers Rebo' Walley and Mark 'Rockette Morton' Boston joined by new recruits Eric Klerks and Andrew Niven for a touching and powerful exploration of Captain Beefheart's music and legacy.
The Magic Band Play the Music of Captain Beefheart at the Arc Stockton. Tickets from ﾣ20. The show starts at 8pm and is appropriate for those aged 14 and over. For more details visit the ARC, Dovecot Street, Stockton, TS18 1LL or call 01642-525199.
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